Liu M.

Today, Liu speaks to us about putting in the work when it comes to our relationship with God, patience and trust, why she relates to Esther, and the power of our attitudes and words.

Liu M.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:25 ESV)

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I am focusing on being patient and trusting God because God has pointed out that I am not patient or trusting, through people at church, reading devotions, and reading the Bible. I struggle with this so much because I want to be in control.

Profession: I am currently a college student right now. In the future, I want to research problems and find answers to help children.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I love Jesus, food and people.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I have grown up in a Christian home. I became a Christian when I was about 8, and I knew that I needed Jesus. It took me a while to understand what it meant to have a relationship with God. As I have gotten older, I make an effort to grow my relationship. There have been times recently, where I haven’t been faithful with my relationship, but I am working to make it my main focus again.

“It took me a while to understand what it meant to have a relationship with God.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Life circumstances has caused me to think about how I’m not being patient or trusting God. Also, people in church have reminded me that I need to spend time with God in order to have a deeper relationship.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I use YouVersion for my devotions/ Bible plans. I finished Growing patience devotion/ reading plan. I chose this plan because God has been showing me that I need more patience.  This plan has reminded me that patience is really important in our daily lives, but especially important in our spiritual life. God is in control and knows what is best for us.

“Patience is really important in our daily lives, but especially important in our spiritual life.”

Top three essentials: Church family, food, the YouVersion app. My church family helps me grow and has taught me that studying the Bible is so important. I do really enjoy eating some good food. I love YouVersion because there are so many Bible plans that are free. I like using apps for Bible plans because I don’t like using paper Bible plans.

How did God speak to you recently? At prayer meeting last Wednesday, we talked about being mature and there were some points to show if a person was maturing in the faith. There was one point that I have not grown in and the point was being careful with my words. There are a lot of times I speak and don’t think about the consequences. I realized that being positive can be a witness to people and give me the chance to tell people about Jesus.

“I realized that being positive can be a witness to people and give me the chance to tell people about Jesus.”

Hobby: I like doing hand lettering which is sometimes called modern calligraphy. It is writing a quote and using different font for the words in the quote. Sometimes, there are drawings to go with the quote. I also like eating and cooking Asian food.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Church family, reading the Bible every day (even if it is only a few verses), and listening to worship songs. My church family helps me grow in Christ by challenging me to think what the Bible says and not to just read it.

Taking time to read/study the Bible is so important. I don’t always read a whole bunch of verses. I tend to focus on 5-10 verses because I get less distracted when I have a small section, instead of a whole bunch of chapters. I also like to read various parts of the Bible from day to day instead of focusing on reading one book at a time. Also, fellowship with others is helpful. Reading the Bible is so important because it is how I get to know God. I am not perfect when it comes to Bible reading. There are some days I skip days but then try to get back to reading the Bible. Worship songs help me to focus on important messages about God. Many times, I find the Bible verse that goes with the song.

Favorite person in scripture? I really like Esther because I can relate to her. Esther was raised by her cousin Mordecai and I was adopted into a new family. God was able to use a orphaned Jewish girl to save the Jews.

“God was able to use a orphaned Jewish girl to save the Jews.”

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want people to see that you can have joy among physical and emotional pain. No I am not perfect by showing joy, but I realize what God is trying to teach me in a trial, and apply it to my life. Sometimes, it takes me a while to understand what God is trying to teach me, and sometimes, I don’t want to apply it to my life, even though I know I should.

Favorite season? I enjoy autumn because it is a break from the hot summer days. I love how I can wear a short sleeve dress and pair the dress with a light weight cardigan. I like the leaves changing color.

Favorite holiday? I love Christmas because I get to see most of my family and we have a big brunch with family and friends on Christmas Day. I have a big family and it’s hard for all of us to get together. Christmas is the one time we all can see each other for a little bit. The brunch is amazing because we always have delicious food.

A dream you have? To help families who are in the process to adoption/and or families who are in post-adoption. I also want to research various problems that children face and to find answers.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We always have Christmas brunch on Christmas Day. Almost everyone comes every year and we have friend that join.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? What was it like the day I was born? Many people who adopted internationally don’t know the details about the day they were born. There are some who have the opportunity to find out.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Kids in the orphanage and foster care. No, not everyone is called to adopt but there are other ways to help.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I take care of my dog and check social media. I am working on working in reading/studying my Bible before I get into social media. I realized that I’m getting addicted to social media.

What is on your nightstand? I actually don’t have a nightstand. If I had a nightstand, I would keep a clock, my Bible, paper, pen, and my glasses.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is trusting God, but it is also developing a deep relationship with God.

For more Liu:

Insta: @awordwithlm

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO