Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Christian writer and speaker Memory House Publishing

A blessed Chinese girl

by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in International

God does amazing work sometimes. Many wonderful Chinese have come to UCO this semester and we’ve had a chance to get to know some of them. Most are from one-child families, as are most Chinese college age students now. Their families put a lot of pressure on them due to being an only child. I think it’s changed their culture. They wonder how it will be when they are old and have no siblings. They ask many questions.

We often take them to church with us and then answer their questions on the way home. Several have mentioned how refreshing, good and uplifting it is to be in church. I believe they feel God’s presence. One girl said, “It makes me sad.” Surprised, I asked why? “We don’t have anything like this in China,” she said.

Two Chinese girls came for Saturday tea about a month ago and we had a long discussion, answering questions, opening the Bible and explaining things like there are good and bad people in every culture but no one is 100% good all the time.  A relationship with God is spiritual because He is spirit. You can grow spiritually just like a baby grows up. And of course, how do you become a Christian? You can choose to say yes to following His way. They left to visit a Chinese Christian’s home for a meal.

The next day S. wrote on her fb, “I said yes to God, but still a long way to go! Bless me!”

The Chinese girl who brought her to my house the day before wrote. “Thank you! yesterday was amazing. I witnessed the God’s wonderful work that S. heard a sight voice in her that let her say YES to God’s call of salvation. Praise the Lord!”

S. has brought joy to all those around her. Bless her, Lord. She has blessed me!

Why Mate for Life?

by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in My Thoughts

So, what’s the secret?  Here’s a picture of a mom and dad raising their babies by the pond in my back yard. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from them.

“Geese are  fastidious when it comes to loyalty. They’re well known for the long-term pair bonds they form. So what’s their secret? What makes these water birds so successful in their relationships, and why would geese mate for life?

As nice as it would be to attribute the birds’ success to their undying love for one another, it’s probably just pure and simple selfishness.

Just like human relationships, avian pairings involve a series of sacrifices and tradeoffs. Although the gander may be tempted to stray and arrange a few trysts on the side, doing so would leave his own partner vulnerable to other males. Such adulterous behavior could also incite his partner to either desert him or avenge herself by having a fling of her own — thus diluting his paternal contribution to the upcoming brood.

 In addition, time spent flirting with other geese takes away from the important task of helping to care for the young. Similarly, females tempted to stray risk alienating their mates and being forced to raise the brood alone. Unlike other animals such as reptiles, adult birds don’t just take off once the eggs are laid.”

(quote from howstuffworks.com)

Well, maybe that’s something to think about. God knew what he was talking about all along.

The Wonderland of Poets

by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in Poetry

The Phantom Island…be assured that such an island actually exists, and has from time to time been revealed to the gaze and trodden by the feet of favored mortals. Historians and philosophers may have their doubts, but its existence has been fully attested by that inspired race, the poets; who, being gifted with a kind of second sight, are enabled to discern those mysteries of nature hidden from the eyes of ordinary men. To this gifted race it has ever been a kind of wonderland.

     by Washington Irving in The Phantom Island

Who is a poet? I say– anyone who lives in a wonder land full of questions, imgination and creativity! Whether those who peek over walls at its beauty, those who dabble in life’s mysteries, or those who hesistate to return to reality. Perhaps anyone who dreams is a poet.  And don’t we all dream from time to time?

 

True love

by Kathryn Spurgeon, posted in My Thoughts

 If we truly love someone, we won’t steal from them, lie to them or talk bad about them, and of course, we won’t take away their wife or husband, etc. In other words, if we really care about others, we’ll keep the ten commandments, God’s laws. So, perhaps keeping the commandments means we are loving others? Following God’s way is showing true love?

You can self-righteously keep the law in every detail without loving, but you can’t truly love without keeping the law.

John Powell, Unconditional Love