When Life gives You Tangerines

03/07/2025

Hi Friends!!

Wow another week has flown by. This week, I won’t be breaking everything up into my usual categories, simply because I can exercise my free will and... not! Also, to be honest, I didn’t write much throughout the week, so we’re just going with a little word vomit hehe. Anyways, yay for another week, because as a podcast I listened to from JP said, “We will never get to live this week again.”

Some of you might be wondering, “Hmm Faith, how did you come up with this week’s title?!” I wish I could say something cool and profound, but alas it’s just the name of a new K-drama I started watching on Netflix. Most of you know me as the avid iPad kid who’s always watching something while doing something else, but this show has me locked in. (Also, having to read subtitles kinda prohibits me from multitasking.) I’ve been watching it with my mom, and every episode has me in tears.

It follows the story of a girl and a boy as their love story unfolds over the years, jumping between the present and the past it’s done beautifully. There’s just something about a slow burn and seeing hard work from both sides that warms the heart. They go through so many trials together but always find a way through. It reminds me of one of my favorite shows, Love Life starring Anna Kendrick, but this one’s more romantic and focuses on just one guy which I love. Highly recommend everyone give it a try!

I’ve also been thinking a lot about how to be more missional in the workplace. One small thing I’ve started doing is asking people what their plans are after work, and then hoping they ask me back. That gives me a chance to share that I’m heading to church or spending time with church friends because let’s be real, unless it’s a Monday, I’m probably doing something church-related.

Something that threw me off this week was when I shared a bit about my faith with a coworker and he said, “You don’t seem like the religious type.” I was taken aback and wasn’t quite sure how to respond. I don’t want people to see me as a “stuffy Christian,” but I also want to reflect Christ through who I am and everything I do. Thankfully, I followed up and asked what he meant. He said it was because I don’t wear a cross necklace and that my tattoo isn’t Christ-related. So that begs the question, are those the things that are supposed to define us as Christians?

I’d like to believe that the way I carry myself reflects Christ, but maybe there’s more I could be doing. I’m learning to navigate the tension of being Christ-like in the workplace without coming off too strong or making coworkers uncomfortable. It’s definitely a balance I’m still figuring out, especially with this being my first “big girl” job post-grad! Maybe I’ll just get “Jesus Lover” tattooed across my forehead so it’s clear, though our janitor’s name is Jesus, so they might see it as a declaration of love for him HAHAHA. Drop your Christ-centered tattoo suggestions in the comments pls!!

Some hot words of wisdom dropped on me this week

• Do you pray prayers that appeal to the heart and Character of God?

• Pray and see God work

• Prayer is not passive

• There’s a difference between being strong willed and having confidence in Christ

• "it takes pride to worry," - Tim Keller stems from a misplaced sense of self-reliance and control, rather than a genuine trust in God

• Empathy feels Compassion acts

I was supposed to go snowboarding this week for my first spring ski ever! I was super excited, but as the trip got closer, I started having reservations and ended up deciding not to go. And boy, am I glad I didn’t. I got to spend the entire day with myself, and it was honestly such a gift. 99% of my days are spent around other people, I don’t even sleep in a room alone! I love being with others; it brings me so much joy. But being alone allowed me to sit in silence and just be.

I think I’m so used to seeking wise counsel and external input, but there’s also a need to reflect and process on my own. I got to sit with myself and Jesus and to reflect on being content with who I’ve become and excited for who I will be. I got a facial, did a little shopping, then sat at a park for an hour journaling and reading, my soul felt so refreshed. I even caught up on a few podcasts recommended by friends. So much goodness came from my time, and it was nice to be okay with being “alone”.

A fun new term I learned this week from one of the podcasts:
“Friendationship” (I’ve linked it.)
They kinda ramble a lot, but they made some good points. It’s essentially an emotional situationship and apparently, it happens a lot in the church. This made me giggle so hard so I thought I would share it with you guys. The podcast had some takes I’m not entirely sure I agree with, so if you give it a listen, let’s chat!

My cover photo this week is Chloe and me as fruits!

Hope you all have a blessed week.
#GoInPeace
See you next week!

With love,
Faith Lee