A Very Late "Happy New Year"

2008 is in full swing, and I'm still coping with the shock that 2007 is long gone. The last year has been, without a doubt, the fastest year of my entire life! I suppose it's true what they say, the speed of time is directly proportional to your age - in that the older you become, the faster time seems to go by. Truth!

As I reflect on the last year, I can't help but be grateful for all of the blessings (both expected and unexpected) that came my way. It was a fast but fruitful year; filled with an abundance of spiritual growth and self improvement. I continued to develop my strong relationship with God; and continuing to put God first has given me the wisdom to learn and accept how other things in my life fall into place. It's changed my outlook, mentality, and coping mechanisms, ultimately allowing me to be both joyful with everything I have, and content with all that I lack. Coextensively, it's opened my eyes to the areas of my life that need improvement - all of which are a work in progress. Trust! 2007 was very eventful - in every sense of the word - and amongst the dozens of stories I've shared and haven't shared, my favorite events of the year include:

01. My trip to Canada and Seattle with Lisa.
02. Being maid of honor at my cousin Angel's wedding.
03. Skydiving with my friends.
04. Buying my dream car.
05. Getting the job I've been dreaming of all year.
06. Being a bridesmaid at my best friend's wedding.
07. Going to 2 different Laker games (1 & 2).
08. My 24th Birthdaypalooza.
09. Dressing up as Jelly Beans for Halloween.

While I accomplished a large portion of the goals I set for myself in 2007, there are some goals that are still in progress, and that I've carried over into the New Year. And the goals which were out of my own control were at least attempted, and are still things I wish to pursue. My goals for 2008 include:

Continue to grow really long and healthy hair.
Lower my cholesterol, and improve my overall health.
Master the processes of my new job.

I know I say this every year (and every year it's true), but 2008 is going to be a BIG year. I will hit the milestone of turning 25 - and for the first time in my entire life, I honestly feel matured. Some would say old, I say matured - and I welcome all that it entails. My hope for you is that you have an amazing 2008; filled with love, excitement, and new opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.

An E-mail From the Best Dad Ever

My dad is so great. In the midst of working, I received this...

Hey... how is your day today? I smiled & remembered you for a moment because WF is so nice so far this morning, actually extra great attitude. How are you Anak? I hope those unpleasant things around you lately have evaporated. Continue your pleasant demeanor, & the Lord Jesus will take care of you.

Here's something for today...

HE COVERS THE SKY WITH CLOUDS; HE SUPPLIES
THE EARTH WITH RAIN & MAKES GRASS GROW ON
THE HILLS. PSALM 147:8 NIV

Today, whatever the weather or circumstances, know that darkness will end, dawn will break, & the sun will rise once more... have a great & peaceful day.

Love you & Paul

DAD

The blessings of being loved by computer-literate parents. Isn't my pops just adorable? And Poetic?

Sunday School

I wasn't in the best of spirits when I went to bed at 2:30am last night - so naturally, I wasn't in the best of spirits when I woke up 5 hours later to get ready for church. But something changed when the first graders started pouring into our Sunday school class.

Something in me always changes when I'm around those kids.

They're so innocent & candid... in every sense of the word. And every little goofy-thang they do manages to enlighten the very center of me. Most of the time they teach me more about God's love than I'm teaching them - if not by the way they hold my hand and embrace me, then by the way they carry around Bibles that are half their weight - with no reservation as to how someone else might judge them. So precious.

If life is a tunnel, then the lights that illuminate my way have been generous. The opportunity to be surrounded by these children, amongst other things, have been the yellows and reds that turn my shades of blues into vibrant greens and exotic violets.

Lead Me Lord

If You lead me Lord I will follow.
Where You lead me Lord I will go.

Say No To Lazy

Refer to the previous entry in retrospect. Then read this.

Every time I go to church, I feel like the message always hits home with me; just as it did last night at Bible study. Romans 12 (New Living Translation) reads:

6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, [b] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Never be lazy in your work. Whether it be spiritual work or "work-work," never be lazy. I’m almost certain that my body language reflected my guilt - as I proceeded to slouch down when Pastor Greg repeated that phrase over and over.

Ok, not that I’m justifying calling in sick – but really, I’m not lazy. I just think that I’ve already proven myself. Does that make sense?

Anyway, it left me thinking. And you too should contemplate on this thought:

Does your behavior reflect what you truly believe in?

I printed out that question and the scripture above, and taped it onto my computer monitor at work – for a little inspiration on rough days. And I tell you, today was a dang good day.

Praise

Holy and Anointed One

Jesus, Jesus
Holy and anointed One
Jesus, Jesus
Risen and exalted One
Jesus

Your name is like honey on my lips
Your spirit like water to my soul
Your Word is a lamp unto my feet
Jesus I love you, I love You

Jesus, Jesus
Holy and anointed One
Jesus

Copyright © 1988 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing

Harvest

http://www.harvest.org/crusades/index.php/93.html

Your formal invitation.

Update: 9,313 people dedicated their lives to Christ that weekend. Wow.

Green Valley Lake

Our four day retreat at Green Valley Lake was amazing!


Photo: In front of our cabin.


Photo: In our cabin!


Photo: Beautiful retreat.


Photo: Chapel


Photo: Zip lining!


Photo: Leap of Faith


Photo: We shop at Target.


Photo: Ladies


Photo: Awesome


Photo: First to try something new!


Photo: Gangster...


Photo: GANGSTER!


Photo: Rock climbing.


Photo: Tight rope walkin.


Photo: Last supper!


Photo: Sayin our goodbyes.


Photo: Big bear!

Easter

Jesus Take The Wheel

I've been feeling incomplete the past couple of months. I often entertained this debt by thinking it could be fixed if I just "found someone to love" or "bought my Mercedes" or what have you. But I finally admitted that what I was longing for most, was to work on my relationship with Christ.

The Lord has been good because he's given me friends who serve as channels to get back onto the right path. I can't express how grateful I am for these people. Traco, Lamar, Mommy.

So mom and I went to a "new" church for the first time on Sunday, and I'm proud to say that I've found a new home. From the moment I stepped out of my car, I took in a breath of fresh air. Everything about the church felt so right: the seats were comfortable, the lighting was perfect, the center stage was eye catching, the congregation was beaming, everyone was clapping and grasping their individual copies of the Holy Bible. I felt as though the sermon spoke directly to me; addressing issues I've been struggling with in my own life. It felt so good to be attending a service that spoke of the very thing that I am strongly passionate about: Christ, with no fluff.

This isn't something that happened over the course of one night... it's not something someone pressured me into... not something I was influenced into doing... or forced to do by my parents. This has been on my mind for months now. Especially now that I am grown, I can decide for myself what church to attend, or what belief system I want to guide my life with. People are always surprised when they come to learn that I have a strong passion for Christ ~ especially since I haven't been the most pious of Catholics... but I've always believed in his sacrifice and his love - ALL of my life; and I do try hard to be a good person.

I've been longing for a strong support system in terms of my Christian faith, and I think I've finally found it. I want to get as involved as possible with this church... hopefully through one of its many ministries. It will allow me to grow as a person and improve on my relationship with God. And as much as I adore my friends, my job, and have great times with my coworkers, this will allow me to get away from all of that ~ it's something new, something different, something to provide an escape... on top of aiding in my role as a Christian.

Needless to say, I've found a new home. A new calling. As if I've been... born again.

Tree of Life

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)