During Spring Break, my family went down to Orlando, Florida for our very first “legit” family vacation. By legit, I mean it was more than just a one day trip to Ocean City. My wife and I always wondered when would be a good time for our kids to go on a long trip and we felt like the kids were old enough and ready for one this year. Plus, to make things a little easier, my wife’s best friend recently moved down to Orlando so Kyunghwa was looking forward to reconnecting with her friend. And of course, the kids were super excited about riding the airplane for the first time and visiting Disney World. On the other hand, I was such a party pooper all along because I usually don’t enjoy going away to far places, especially to a super crowded place like Disney World. However, thanks to my wife’s “gentle nudge,” I eventually came to my senses and left with a happy heart.
On the second day of vacation, we visited Disney World. The kids were so hyped up for the very first hour but as soon as we started lining up to get into different rides, they weren’t so happy anymore. With the help of the Fastpass app, the kids were able to enjoy a couple rides without waiting in long lines but the majority of the time was spent walking around the park and waiting in lines. So our family’s first experience at Disney World was not so great after all. When people asked the kids about their favorite part of the trip, they don’t mention anything about Disney World. Both kids say that spending time at the beach was the best part of the trip. Oh well, at least my wife and I can cross it off on our list of things to do with the kids. If I were to pick the best or worthwhile moment at the Disney World, I would pick the parade that the kids got to sit up close and see all the Disney Characters in real life.
Other than the day spent at Disney World, we thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the time we spent together as a family. It was great not having to worry about giving rides, packing lunches and other work duties. On the last day of the trip, my wife’s friend took us to a local barbeque restaurant called “4 Rivers Smokehouse.” You might have been to this place if you traveled to Florida. It’s a family-owned company run by Christian owners. Their sign said “closed on Sundays” and their mission statement on their website is very powerful as well. “Our mission is simple – to use our God-given gifts to support the local community, schools, and charity organizations. At the foundation, the 4Rivers brand is exceptional products, community support and uncompromised honesty, integrity, and respect (4rsmokehouse.com). Not only was I impressed to find a well-established restaurant that advertises Christian values, I just fell in love with the food they served. If you ever visit Florida, you have to try eating out at one of the “4 Rivers Smokehouse” restaurants, this place was amazing! You know the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” is definitely true. I would love to go back to Orlando just to eat at that place again and show my support for a great company that brings honor to God through quality service to the local community. And on top of their great food, they even had a separate dessert stand within the restaurant with amazing s’more brownies and huge cupcakes.
It was such a great ending to a busy and stressful vacation. What’s amazing is that despite all the bad experiences that I wrote about our time in Orlando, the pictures say otherwise. As I scroll through the pictures I only see the times of laughter, doing many “first time” activities together as a family and enjoying each other’s company. I’m looking forward to many more family trips in the years to come!
From Pastor Brian’s Heart
April 19, 2015
According to the journal, Social Indicators Research, Americans appear to be more depressed now than they have been in years. Researchers examined data from 6.9 million teens and adults in the U.S., and found that contemporary Americans report more symptoms of depression that affect the body, such as trouble sleeping and concentrating, than people typically did in the 1980s. This study also shows an increase in symptoms most people don't even know are connected to depression, which suggests adolescents and adults really are suffering more.
Today's teenagers are 38 percent more likely to report problems with memory compared with their 1980s counterparts. They are also 74 percent more likely to have trouble sleeping and twice as likely to have seen a specialist for mental health issues. Contemporary college students in the study were 50 percent more likely to admit that they felt overwhelmed, while adults were more likely to say that they were restless sleepers, had a poor appetite and that, on top of that, everything else was an effort. All of these issues are often manifestations of depression.
"Despite all of these symptoms, people are not any more likely to say they are depressed when asked directly, again suggesting that the rise is not based on people being more willing to admit depression," a psychology professor said.
It sounds pretty depressing, doesn’t it? Is there a remedy other than the use of antidepressants which has doubled since the 1980s? The medications may have helped people with the most severe problems, but they have not stopped a rise in depression symptoms.
Well… According to the survey done by the Barna research Group, there is a remedy other than taking medication. Those who read the Bible say they feel peaceful (45 percent), encouraged (41 percent), and hopeful (35 percent), according to a phone survey of 1,012 Americans and an online survey of 1,024 Americans conducted by the Barna Research Group.
Are you living a discouraged and depressed Christian life or hope-filled and upbeat, exciting life? Are you depressed because you don’t know who you are? Ephesians 1:4-6 says that God chose you and adopted you as His child and made you equal to Jesus. And He loves you dearly. Are you depressed because you feel like you’re stuck? Paul said (v. 7) Jesus paid the price with his life to set you free, and He will show you the way out. Are you depressed because you don’t know the clear purpose of your life? Jesus gave you a new plan for your life according to God’s will (v. 9), and God wants you to claim it and enjoy it. Are you depressed because you lack influence or power? Paul says Jesus gave you the Holy Spirit (v. 13) because you’ve been baptized with the Holy Spirit the moment you came to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and this power is guaranteed, and it neither can be revoked nor canceled! (v. 14) The lists can go on and on.
So why don’t people read the Bible more often? Does it seem like you’re doing your best, only to have one crisis after another come upon you? Do you feel like the world is crashing on you, and there’s not much you can do about it? Do you just want to give in? God’s Word has plenty to say about discouragement and depression and how to deal with them. Jesus said (John 15:11), “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Jesus is the only One who can bring you out from your discouragement or depression completely. The Bible says it so.
From Pastor Neil’s Heart
April 12, 2015