Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Palestinian refugee's living in fear
This whole conflict is so complex and has been going on for decades. I do know one thing: God is Soverign. I do know another: we live in a corrupt world. And another: that we are called to love.
Pray for these people.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Be on Guard, keep awake
But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the FATHER. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake, therefore stay awake- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning- lest he comes suddenly and find you asleep. And when I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.
The good words of Jesus in Mark 13:32-37.
This past Sunday I went to cornerstone fellowship with my Mom, a great church that I love, and had the amazing opportunity to dig deeper in the word on this passage. This is a passage that I often skim over because of course, Jesus is coming back but no one knows when. People can write books predicting all sorts of events that are leading to the return of Christ, but no one knows when. All we know is that he is coming back and only the Father knows.
So this is true, yeah? What can I as a follower of Christ do about it?
I am reminded of the disciples in Gethsemane. Jesus prays because he sorrowful, even to the point of death and tells his disciples to sit and pray. He found peter sleeping and said, “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again Jesus went away and prayed and he found the disciples sleeping again. A third time he came and they were asleep… for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Wow, am I asleep?
I am reminded time and time again that my flesh is weak. I can say over and over again that I will do something, yet it will not get done. But in the midst of it I need to be awake, even though I know I will fall into the flesh and fall asleep many more times. It is through prayer, that the Holy Spirit gives us strength... and that is what I need to rely on!
“But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. There it says, ‘Awake, O Sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:13-17.
Christ wants us to be awake. He wants us to be “abiding in Him.” He is the vine and we are the branches. He wants us to abide in HIS love.
If the Father told us the day that Jesus was coming back, it would be one huge preparation but probably a big preparation right before he comes back. For some of the people who are Holy, they will be prepared way in advance making sure they are staying awake and being on guard. Others will do there thing the day before hand. The pastor on Sunday said it is kind of like when parents go away on a date. If they leave the kids at home and give them a list of things to do, they will most likely forget them until they hear the garage door open and run around the house doing the chores because they know they need to somehow get them done within the next minute.
I see it as good news that we don’t know when he is coming back. In the mean time, I am learning that I need to be awake and on guard. In order to be awake and on guard I need to be in communion with the Father, through Jesus Christ consistently.
The most exciting part about this sermon to me was that my Mom left the service saying, “I have been asleep, and now I am awake.” God has awakened her from her slumber, just like her has to me in my times of slumber… and has reminded Her that she is his beloved daughter.
The good words of Jesus in Mark 13:32-37.
This past Sunday I went to cornerstone fellowship with my Mom, a great church that I love, and had the amazing opportunity to dig deeper in the word on this passage. This is a passage that I often skim over because of course, Jesus is coming back but no one knows when. People can write books predicting all sorts of events that are leading to the return of Christ, but no one knows when. All we know is that he is coming back and only the Father knows.
So this is true, yeah? What can I as a follower of Christ do about it?
I am reminded of the disciples in Gethsemane. Jesus prays because he sorrowful, even to the point of death and tells his disciples to sit and pray. He found peter sleeping and said, “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again Jesus went away and prayed and he found the disciples sleeping again. A third time he came and they were asleep… for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Wow, am I asleep?
I am reminded time and time again that my flesh is weak. I can say over and over again that I will do something, yet it will not get done. But in the midst of it I need to be awake, even though I know I will fall into the flesh and fall asleep many more times. It is through prayer, that the Holy Spirit gives us strength... and that is what I need to rely on!
“But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. There it says, ‘Awake, O Sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:13-17.
Christ wants us to be awake. He wants us to be “abiding in Him.” He is the vine and we are the branches. He wants us to abide in HIS love.
If the Father told us the day that Jesus was coming back, it would be one huge preparation but probably a big preparation right before he comes back. For some of the people who are Holy, they will be prepared way in advance making sure they are staying awake and being on guard. Others will do there thing the day before hand. The pastor on Sunday said it is kind of like when parents go away on a date. If they leave the kids at home and give them a list of things to do, they will most likely forget them until they hear the garage door open and run around the house doing the chores because they know they need to somehow get them done within the next minute.
I see it as good news that we don’t know when he is coming back. In the mean time, I am learning that I need to be awake and on guard. In order to be awake and on guard I need to be in communion with the Father, through Jesus Christ consistently.
The most exciting part about this sermon to me was that my Mom left the service saying, “I have been asleep, and now I am awake.” God has awakened her from her slumber, just like her has to me in my times of slumber… and has reminded Her that she is his beloved daughter.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
heart burn. family love time. presents. and a weird family get together... yay for christmas!
First of all, I must say that I love Christmas! This Christmas was a lot of fun but there were a few things that were quite weird. Here is a quick list of things that made Christmas Christmas this year.
Good stuff:
1. Elf never gets old... so I watched it again this morning while making the mash potatoes.
2. Christmas eve was super fun with my grandma, dad, sister, and mom... YES we all spend Christmas eve together still, but not for long once my dad gets married haha.
3. My mom loved her present and cried over every present I bought. Christina and I made her a photo book on iphoto of all our adventures together. She cried for ten minutes straight... she LOVED it. Then she opened the world vision present I got her and cried even more because of her new dream to work in a different country and train women to do something with their life... with skills (I just learned this the other day!). She also cried over a frame I made her with pennies (that I painted hearts on). She was so grateful, It was awesome.
-> the funny part about my Mom crying over the gifts I got her was that my sister got her like clothes and things that were normal... so she thought I was trying to suck up to her, but it was great.
4. My Dad LOVEDDDD the gifts we got him... Man I just love it when we can return the favor to our parents. Its the best feeling in the world.
5. I had eggs with my sister and dad this morning and my favorite part about it is that we prayed and ate silently for a good two minutes without talking. I loved the silence, shows the peacefulness of resting in love and prayer.
6. To back track to last night... we went to the Church my Dad goes to (Crosswinds) and sat infront of Christina Burke's family during the service. I loved having a best friend there :) It was such a good service and all teh singers almost had my Dad and I in tears of how beautiful the song was and how the spirit was moving.
The not so good stuff:
1. We always go to my Aunt Rosies for dinner, along with her husbands side of the family. First off my Mom has nine brothers and sisters and like a TRILLION cousins... so that will give you a rough look at how huge my family is. And when there is a huge family that means there is bound to be not only one black sheep, but many.
Aunt Donna: Wonderful Woman who loves God. She bought me a goat for Christmas! I loved it.
Uncle Harry: Good guy too...
Mary (Cousin and daughter of Donna and Harry): Went to Brown University out of High School and graduated with a bachelors in Biology and is now working for a non-profit in Chicago and is married to the wonderful James. They swing dance, WHICH is amazingggg!
Frank: 31ish years old. Lost soul, is depressed, is not grateful for anything, and acts like a 7 year old. The first question he always asks me is "have you been a good girl?" in a creepy voice.
Aunt Rosie: My godmother who is catholic and is loaded.
Uncle Paul: Selfish and puts everyone down. KILLS the Christmas spirit and makes it hard to love, seriously. First thing he said when we walked in was "Did you gain the freshmen 15?" When he is way over weight.
Shannon (cousin): loves all designer clothes and doesn't know what its like to not live in luxury.
Luke (cousin): apparently he is not being a good boy.
and many others were involved in this Christmas day outings.
I love Christmas and I love Christmas Cheer. But I did discover today that it makes it quite hard when Uncle Paul is putting down EVERYONE, when the TV is on full blast, when people are gossiping about other family members, and when love is not all around. Despite all these things I still love my family. But I will admit it makes it very hard to love selfish people.
There were some good moments though.
I sat by the fire and talked about life with Mary and James. I ate delicious desert despite my horrible heart burn. I talked about interesting books with my Aunt Donna. And yup haha.
Favorite funny moment of Christmas dinner: We all stand around the table and hold hands to pray. First of all since its at my Aunt Rosie's house (who is apparently catholic), we say the the catholic prayer for blessing our food. My Aunt Rosie, who doesn't go to church often, starts off by saying, "Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallow be thy name... thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven..." Haha and than once the prayer was over they realized they recited the wrong prayer. I loved it, so funny.
This post wasn't to put a damper on my extended family, mainly just one part of them, but to show how weird a family can be. I still love Christmas and Christmas is still all about Jesus. Amen!
Good stuff:
1. Elf never gets old... so I watched it again this morning while making the mash potatoes.
2. Christmas eve was super fun with my grandma, dad, sister, and mom... YES we all spend Christmas eve together still, but not for long once my dad gets married haha.
3. My mom loved her present and cried over every present I bought. Christina and I made her a photo book on iphoto of all our adventures together. She cried for ten minutes straight... she LOVED it. Then she opened the world vision present I got her and cried even more because of her new dream to work in a different country and train women to do something with their life... with skills (I just learned this the other day!). She also cried over a frame I made her with pennies (that I painted hearts on). She was so grateful, It was awesome.
-> the funny part about my Mom crying over the gifts I got her was that my sister got her like clothes and things that were normal... so she thought I was trying to suck up to her, but it was great.
4. My Dad LOVEDDDD the gifts we got him... Man I just love it when we can return the favor to our parents. Its the best feeling in the world.
5. I had eggs with my sister and dad this morning and my favorite part about it is that we prayed and ate silently for a good two minutes without talking. I loved the silence, shows the peacefulness of resting in love and prayer.
6. To back track to last night... we went to the Church my Dad goes to (Crosswinds) and sat infront of Christina Burke's family during the service. I loved having a best friend there :) It was such a good service and all teh singers almost had my Dad and I in tears of how beautiful the song was and how the spirit was moving.
The not so good stuff:
1. We always go to my Aunt Rosies for dinner, along with her husbands side of the family. First off my Mom has nine brothers and sisters and like a TRILLION cousins... so that will give you a rough look at how huge my family is. And when there is a huge family that means there is bound to be not only one black sheep, but many.
Aunt Donna: Wonderful Woman who loves God. She bought me a goat for Christmas! I loved it.
Uncle Harry: Good guy too...
Mary (Cousin and daughter of Donna and Harry): Went to Brown University out of High School and graduated with a bachelors in Biology and is now working for a non-profit in Chicago and is married to the wonderful James. They swing dance, WHICH is amazingggg!
Frank: 31ish years old. Lost soul, is depressed, is not grateful for anything, and acts like a 7 year old. The first question he always asks me is "have you been a good girl?" in a creepy voice.
Aunt Rosie: My godmother who is catholic and is loaded.
Uncle Paul: Selfish and puts everyone down. KILLS the Christmas spirit and makes it hard to love, seriously. First thing he said when we walked in was "Did you gain the freshmen 15?" When he is way over weight.
Shannon (cousin): loves all designer clothes and doesn't know what its like to not live in luxury.
Luke (cousin): apparently he is not being a good boy.
and many others were involved in this Christmas day outings.
I love Christmas and I love Christmas Cheer. But I did discover today that it makes it quite hard when Uncle Paul is putting down EVERYONE, when the TV is on full blast, when people are gossiping about other family members, and when love is not all around. Despite all these things I still love my family. But I will admit it makes it very hard to love selfish people.
There were some good moments though.
I sat by the fire and talked about life with Mary and James. I ate delicious desert despite my horrible heart burn. I talked about interesting books with my Aunt Donna. And yup haha.
Favorite funny moment of Christmas dinner: We all stand around the table and hold hands to pray. First of all since its at my Aunt Rosie's house (who is apparently catholic), we say the the catholic prayer for blessing our food. My Aunt Rosie, who doesn't go to church often, starts off by saying, "Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallow be thy name... thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven..." Haha and than once the prayer was over they realized they recited the wrong prayer. I loved it, so funny.
This post wasn't to put a damper on my extended family, mainly just one part of them, but to show how weird a family can be. I still love Christmas and Christmas is still all about Jesus. Amen!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas: the Consumer Holiday... and Jesus!
Growing up as a youngster, I couldn't wait to get presents from Santa Claus or to see that Rudolph ate some of the carrots down stairs... but as I am growing older I am realizing how crazy Christmas has become! I still love the magic of Christmas with Santa Claus, but the essence of Christmas is slowly disappearing. This year for my family I bought them all World Vision Gifts from the catalog and I am stoked to see there reaction. Although I will admit I bought some other goodies as well... for some reason I still feel like there needs to be a little something under the tree, which is silly. But I think you should watch this video, its a good one.
There is good news in the midst of Christmas though. Jesus came as a baby (crazy thought, especially thinking of all the baby actions haha)to live as a Human, to die for us, and to raise from the dead. Luckily thats not the end, he will come back!
I see this as not something to just look at Jesus as a baby, but to see what he has done in our life and how God is so good to have him come!
Amennnn.
There is good news in the midst of Christmas though. Jesus came as a baby (crazy thought, especially thinking of all the baby actions haha)to live as a Human, to die for us, and to raise from the dead. Luckily thats not the end, he will come back!
I see this as not something to just look at Jesus as a baby, but to see what he has done in our life and how God is so good to have him come!
Amennnn.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
tea. tea. tea. and blessings all around.
Yesterday, Mel and I went to the English Rose. I absolutely love tea, but i love this place even more. God has really used it as a light in down town Pleasanton and has drawn a lot of people to himself through the love of the people who work at the tea room. Mrs. Binzoni blessed Mel and I with tea and lots of scrumptious goodies!
cold freezing day, but warm welcomes.
Being home has been so good! On Friday night I went to the Bowen's Christmas party with Meg, Kristi, x, and many others. It was a grand old time. No matter how long I spent away from X and Meg, our undying love for each other will always last... haha so lame, but SO true. That night I also realized how extremely obnoxious we all are... and how we probably always will be. That night I also realized how meghan's mouth can't stop moving during a movie, once we went to Zakk's house, where I saw Katie!!!!
Here is some of us at tacky sweater party... I am really good at knowing what is going on, if you couldn't tell.
X baby, Nathan, and I.
My long-term love that is being brought out more and more… writing cards! Ah, I just love it. There is nothing better than getting a card in the mail that was unexpected. So because of this love I went to Rite Aid yesterday and bought forty cards (two packs) to write some thank you cards for the people who are supporting me for Mexico, which I am so grateful for! Our theme verse, which has been speaking truth into my life is 1 john: 16-24.
16By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
19By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ andlove one another, just as he has commanded us. 24Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
Such a good verse. I have been meditating on this and printed out smell cards of it to put into the thank you cards as a guide for people to know team Mexico’s heart for our trip.
Yesterday night I went to Josh and Tim’s Christmas party and was VERY surprised by how much food they prepared haha. I seriously thought it was going to be a bowl with a bag of chips in it. But it was so fun. I laughed for a good three hours straight and now my stomach hurts so bad. Had a few awkward instances with Nathan and his fake flirting with me, but hey it was a good time. It is always so nice to return home to everyone. Ryan Weber was right on about something… he was telling me how it’s always so good to come home and no one can replicate what we have here. Especially because we all have gone on so many mission trips together, been together forever at church, and have had so many good times. It really is one big family.
I am so very thankful for the people in my life at home and at school. God is continuingly showing me that he has blessed me with a great cloud of witnesses and my best friends truly love me no matter what, which I am noticing more and more. So amen to that!
Here is some of us at tacky sweater party... I am really good at knowing what is going on, if you couldn't tell.
X baby, Nathan, and I.
My long-term love that is being brought out more and more… writing cards! Ah, I just love it. There is nothing better than getting a card in the mail that was unexpected. So because of this love I went to Rite Aid yesterday and bought forty cards (two packs) to write some thank you cards for the people who are supporting me for Mexico, which I am so grateful for! Our theme verse, which has been speaking truth into my life is 1 john: 16-24.
16By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
19By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ andlove one another, just as he has commanded us. 24Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
Such a good verse. I have been meditating on this and printed out smell cards of it to put into the thank you cards as a guide for people to know team Mexico’s heart for our trip.
Yesterday night I went to Josh and Tim’s Christmas party and was VERY surprised by how much food they prepared haha. I seriously thought it was going to be a bowl with a bag of chips in it. But it was so fun. I laughed for a good three hours straight and now my stomach hurts so bad. Had a few awkward instances with Nathan and his fake flirting with me, but hey it was a good time. It is always so nice to return home to everyone. Ryan Weber was right on about something… he was telling me how it’s always so good to come home and no one can replicate what we have here. Especially because we all have gone on so many mission trips together, been together forever at church, and have had so many good times. It really is one big family.
I am so very thankful for the people in my life at home and at school. God is continuingly showing me that he has blessed me with a great cloud of witnesses and my best friends truly love me no matter what, which I am noticing more and more. So amen to that!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
umm YES, i am in college
today was a realization that yes, i am in college. its the last day of finals- for me at least and my brain is about to fall about. i am finding myself laying in odd positions and being completely comfortable with it... which clearly means my brain is fallign out haha. today i only had one final- which was a presentation, yet i watched two episodes of the OC and cried like four times (which made me feel kinda lame, but hey its okay)! rachel and i have been obsessed with the OC this semester and now its over, kind of tragic. another instance that confirmed that i was in college was that we speed off to chic-fil-a... or whatever the heck its called, with our free chicken sandwich flier aka we are CHEAP. then we came back and i rushed to class to give a presentation. all of this has made me realize that my college experience is very college-y. now most people would think thats lame because college is suppose to be all about sports games and drinking.... nope not my case. this far this semester has been filled with...
1. the OC- thank you netflix!
2. lots and LOTS of laughing/crying/almost peeing my pants.
3. insanity from stress.
4. my ICS obsession increasing- yes i know my major.
5. applying to the Washington D.C. program
6. and lastly crazy transformation.
hmm... yes. that is what its all about haha.
and now the semester is over. but rach and i did not leave it on a boring note. we sabotaged the couch from the lobby in like 5 seconds... and now its sitting in our room in place of our ladder couch. don't worry we had the RA approval, but it was quite a funny process and now i am terrified to go into our lobby because i don't want to answer the question "hey, where did the old couch go?" i guess i am a wussy.
anyways, merry christmas!
i am back to the blog world!
1. the OC- thank you netflix!
2. lots and LOTS of laughing/crying/almost peeing my pants.
3. insanity from stress.
4. my ICS obsession increasing- yes i know my major.
5. applying to the Washington D.C. program
6. and lastly crazy transformation.
hmm... yes. that is what its all about haha.
and now the semester is over. but rach and i did not leave it on a boring note. we sabotaged the couch from the lobby in like 5 seconds... and now its sitting in our room in place of our ladder couch. don't worry we had the RA approval, but it was quite a funny process and now i am terrified to go into our lobby because i don't want to answer the question "hey, where did the old couch go?" i guess i am a wussy.
anyways, merry christmas!
i am back to the blog world!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
a new starting point.
This semester has been rocking my world already. It has been hard, challenging, and thought invoking. I am taking Intro to Islam and Islamic Theology, Intro to International Development, Theology 1, New Testament, and Art Appreciation. My two ICS classes have been a huge work load, but so worth it!
So far in my development class we have talked about what it means to live an abundant life, what defines development, different development theories (modernization, dependency, and marxist theory), capitalism and the effects on thirds world countries, what defines poverty, imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, nationalism, world powers, etc. It has been so interesting! A lot of the things that we have been talking about I have never really thought about in my life- in all honesty. The class is mostly seniors and graduate students, so I am kind of out of place... but its challenging in a good way. So often I do take my modern ideas, along with my "capitalistic" outlook and then look at countries and what they need. Its interesting learning about applied anthropology and how that plays into it and what it means to be a christian in development. Its also hard not to be cynical in this class while looking at things that are happening around the world. My teacher is an anthropologist who graduated from george town university with her undergrad in foreign service and got her Masters from American University in Anthropology. She has worked for numerous government organizations but has done most of her field work in South Africa working along side women. She has focused on how women do community banking. Ah- she is so interesting! She is going to Thailand to research and start up some development projects hopefully for fish farmers. I think one of the things that I love about her is her passion and love for people. She loves people because Christ loved her first. She really cares about people living an abundant life (John 10:10). What does an abundant life even mean? Maybe living without need, living fully, promoting independence- being able to survive independently, contentment, joy, enabling a life for a purpose, returning of things- a way of life that seeks God, etc. Maybe all this leads to living a life the way that God intended. I LOVE how we talk about transformational development. I just love the idea of people's needs being met physically, socially, and spiritually. Before we got into the depth of issues I thought this sounded all dandy and wonderful. As the class went on I realized how hard it has to be a development worker/anthropologist and how important anthropology plays into it. If you want to read a good book read, "Promises Never Kept" by Isbister. So good! The second chapter I believer or maybe third gives five accounts of people whose promises were broken usually due to independence or some form of capitalism. Anyways, that was a huge rant on development. I could go on for hours... it kind of consumes my mind these days. I love studying something that I will use!
This semester has been so great so far in regards to spiritual growth. God has been so so so good! I feel so blessed to get an education. I really do believe everyone should be educated or educate themselves in some way or another because furthering knowledge is such a powerful thing that can further your work in God's kingdom. My NT and theology class are teaching me so many things I have never thought about or questions I have never asked. I love it. My intro to islamic studies and theology has really challenged me to pray for other nations. My prof for that class is such a great example of a man who loves Jesus with all his heart, loves muslims people, and genuinely wants to give God all the glory. Before class starts everyday we pray for a different muslim nation.
An ongoing theme... to glorify Jesus in all things. He is so worthy of all praise! So loving and so good to us. Ah- I am complete awe of Him and his love for us. Its a beautiful thing.
So far in my development class we have talked about what it means to live an abundant life, what defines development, different development theories (modernization, dependency, and marxist theory), capitalism and the effects on thirds world countries, what defines poverty, imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, nationalism, world powers, etc. It has been so interesting! A lot of the things that we have been talking about I have never really thought about in my life- in all honesty. The class is mostly seniors and graduate students, so I am kind of out of place... but its challenging in a good way. So often I do take my modern ideas, along with my "capitalistic" outlook and then look at countries and what they need. Its interesting learning about applied anthropology and how that plays into it and what it means to be a christian in development. Its also hard not to be cynical in this class while looking at things that are happening around the world. My teacher is an anthropologist who graduated from george town university with her undergrad in foreign service and got her Masters from American University in Anthropology. She has worked for numerous government organizations but has done most of her field work in South Africa working along side women. She has focused on how women do community banking. Ah- she is so interesting! She is going to Thailand to research and start up some development projects hopefully for fish farmers. I think one of the things that I love about her is her passion and love for people. She loves people because Christ loved her first. She really cares about people living an abundant life (John 10:10). What does an abundant life even mean? Maybe living without need, living fully, promoting independence- being able to survive independently, contentment, joy, enabling a life for a purpose, returning of things- a way of life that seeks God, etc. Maybe all this leads to living a life the way that God intended. I LOVE how we talk about transformational development. I just love the idea of people's needs being met physically, socially, and spiritually. Before we got into the depth of issues I thought this sounded all dandy and wonderful. As the class went on I realized how hard it has to be a development worker/anthropologist and how important anthropology plays into it. If you want to read a good book read, "Promises Never Kept" by Isbister. So good! The second chapter I believer or maybe third gives five accounts of people whose promises were broken usually due to independence or some form of capitalism. Anyways, that was a huge rant on development. I could go on for hours... it kind of consumes my mind these days. I love studying something that I will use!
This semester has been so great so far in regards to spiritual growth. God has been so so so good! I feel so blessed to get an education. I really do believe everyone should be educated or educate themselves in some way or another because furthering knowledge is such a powerful thing that can further your work in God's kingdom. My NT and theology class are teaching me so many things I have never thought about or questions I have never asked. I love it. My intro to islamic studies and theology has really challenged me to pray for other nations. My prof for that class is such a great example of a man who loves Jesus with all his heart, loves muslims people, and genuinely wants to give God all the glory. Before class starts everyday we pray for a different muslim nation.
An ongoing theme... to glorify Jesus in all things. He is so worthy of all praise! So loving and so good to us. Ah- I am complete awe of Him and his love for us. Its a beautiful thing.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
hm...
i should not be blogging. but its been a few days, so i thought "eh why not!"
so this week has been just marvelous! on saturday i went to san clemente with tricia, emily, and emily lee! seriously, it was so beautiful. we were sitting there just looking at how beautiful it was and i just was thinking about how beautiful God's creation is. we were in awe. it was the best temp ever. haha... you know when its not to hot and not to cold, just perfect! ah, i have been catching myself talk about weather a lot recently. i should just become a meteorologist or something haha. that would be a disaster.
today was just splendid. well, the last three weeks have to be honest.
today was perfect. shorts and a comfy shirt, which said "i love SF"... haha i gotta represent the bay area in some way or another.
i woke up, went to swimming... WHICH is so wonderful. i am a fish, seriously. i love the water. and then psychology was SOOO interesting today. we are starting to talk about neurons and the brain.. the nerve system and all those cool things!
after that i had english. my professor is absolutely amazing. she is such a strong woman of God. in every which way. one of the things i love about her is that she is CONSTANTLY learning. when i am 50 i still want to be learning. i never want to stop. there are so many different people you come across throughout life, that knowing lots of things and always learning is a way you can be on the same level with certain people. that was one long sentence... that hopefully made sense.
she is also very encouraging. shes just an awesome lady.
she kind of caught me off guard today and had me to share with the class why the Lord has pressed on my heart and share my love for Jesus. It was pretty fun sharing. i like that we get to do in class here.
the other day i applied for another summer camp. yosemite summer camp to be exact. i had an interview and the whole shabang. during the interview the guy was asking such compelling questions. he really made me think, but at the same time it was so cool.... i really felt like God was present during the whole interview. crazy peace thing.
anyways.... i hope all is going well with who ever is reading this haha.
love and peace :)
so this week has been just marvelous! on saturday i went to san clemente with tricia, emily, and emily lee! seriously, it was so beautiful. we were sitting there just looking at how beautiful it was and i just was thinking about how beautiful God's creation is. we were in awe. it was the best temp ever. haha... you know when its not to hot and not to cold, just perfect! ah, i have been catching myself talk about weather a lot recently. i should just become a meteorologist or something haha. that would be a disaster.
today was just splendid. well, the last three weeks have to be honest.
today was perfect. shorts and a comfy shirt, which said "i love SF"... haha i gotta represent the bay area in some way or another.
i woke up, went to swimming... WHICH is so wonderful. i am a fish, seriously. i love the water. and then psychology was SOOO interesting today. we are starting to talk about neurons and the brain.. the nerve system and all those cool things!
after that i had english. my professor is absolutely amazing. she is such a strong woman of God. in every which way. one of the things i love about her is that she is CONSTANTLY learning. when i am 50 i still want to be learning. i never want to stop. there are so many different people you come across throughout life, that knowing lots of things and always learning is a way you can be on the same level with certain people. that was one long sentence... that hopefully made sense.
she is also very encouraging. shes just an awesome lady.
she kind of caught me off guard today and had me to share with the class why the Lord has pressed on my heart and share my love for Jesus. It was pretty fun sharing. i like that we get to do in class here.
the other day i applied for another summer camp. yosemite summer camp to be exact. i had an interview and the whole shabang. during the interview the guy was asking such compelling questions. he really made me think, but at the same time it was so cool.... i really felt like God was present during the whole interview. crazy peace thing.
anyways.... i hope all is going well with who ever is reading this haha.
love and peace :)
Friday, February 8, 2008
hahaa...
this is SOOO Funny. Sabel, emily, and i were DYING of laughter when we watched this. so typical.
today was just wonderful! beautiful :)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
i can't figure out a title because there are many things i want to talk about.
first of all about an hour ago i burnt my leg with boiling water. i was pouring tea out of the tea kettle dealio.... and then i accidently split boiling water on my leg. it hurt like a BIAAAA... you know what i mean and still does.
this semester is a little different than last semester, my life has been dedicated to reading haha. SOOO much of it. its okay though i am kind of in a calmer mood for school this semester. i love all my classes.
my OT and biblical and spiritual formation classes have been rad. the holy spirit is totally at work and forming my heart in different ways. i feel like my eyes are being opened because of the knowledge i am gaining from going through the OT... its pretty sweeeet.
i am meeting with murray- one of my profs from last sem- about going to new zealand in the fall tomorrow....
SOOOO EXCITED :)
i really hope it works out.
first of all about an hour ago i burnt my leg with boiling water. i was pouring tea out of the tea kettle dealio.... and then i accidently split boiling water on my leg. it hurt like a BIAAAA... you know what i mean and still does.
this semester is a little different than last semester, my life has been dedicated to reading haha. SOOO much of it. its okay though i am kind of in a calmer mood for school this semester. i love all my classes.
my OT and biblical and spiritual formation classes have been rad. the holy spirit is totally at work and forming my heart in different ways. i feel like my eyes are being opened because of the knowledge i am gaining from going through the OT... its pretty sweeeet.
i am meeting with murray- one of my profs from last sem- about going to new zealand in the fall tomorrow....
SOOOO EXCITED :)
i really hope it works out.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
so good
today has been so great.
heres a billion reasons why MINUS one huge thing.
1. i woke up super pleasantly.
2. went to chapel and worship WAS AMAZING. the speaker was also great. he talked about how the christian culture is no bueno. and how if we conform to it, then what will we do in another culture- such as partying and such.
3. went to my biblical interpretation and spiritual formation class and LOVEDDD discussing galatians 2:20 and hearing people's responses in my conference group.
4. went to disneyland with rachel :) and finally saw the aladdin SHOW!!!
5. bought coloring books and crayons haha... for lazy nights with rachel.
6. came back to my room and found that all of justines old furniture was gone!!! YAYYY! okay so heres the story: i had 3 roommates last semester. my roomie justine moved back to texas because money was tight and so now its just grace and i. grace is from turkey, just thought i'd like to point that out haha. so we spent ALLLL night reorganizing our room. it was a disaster!
7. talked to emily about egypt and about life.... it was wonderful. and she bought me a purse that i LOVE from egypt.
8. grace and i have been getting along super well!!! so i am so happy about that.
9. i feel like my room finally feels like home.
10. talked to laurennnn! and i LOVED it. ah so comforting. i love that we are friends (if you are reading this, i love you and i'm praying for you :)
okay BAD news.
around 9 tonight i found out that my friend ruthe is leaving to MOVE back to oregon. shes been thinking about it for a while apparently and she is going back home! sooo shocking!!!
okay ruthe and i:
have 3 classes together, go to almost every meal together, exercise together, laugh together, hang out ALL the time....
shes a pretty good friend here.
i am just so shocked. i don't get it.... but i guess there is no changing people. God does his thing, i need to trust in that.
anyways thats that. God is goood!!! in the next blog i have a cool thing to share that i learned, but i'll save it :)
heres a billion reasons why MINUS one huge thing.
1. i woke up super pleasantly.
2. went to chapel and worship WAS AMAZING. the speaker was also great. he talked about how the christian culture is no bueno. and how if we conform to it, then what will we do in another culture- such as partying and such.
3. went to my biblical interpretation and spiritual formation class and LOVEDDD discussing galatians 2:20 and hearing people's responses in my conference group.
4. went to disneyland with rachel :) and finally saw the aladdin SHOW!!!
5. bought coloring books and crayons haha... for lazy nights with rachel.
6. came back to my room and found that all of justines old furniture was gone!!! YAYYY! okay so heres the story: i had 3 roommates last semester. my roomie justine moved back to texas because money was tight and so now its just grace and i. grace is from turkey, just thought i'd like to point that out haha. so we spent ALLLL night reorganizing our room. it was a disaster!
7. talked to emily about egypt and about life.... it was wonderful. and she bought me a purse that i LOVE from egypt.
8. grace and i have been getting along super well!!! so i am so happy about that.
9. i feel like my room finally feels like home.
10. talked to laurennnn! and i LOVED it. ah so comforting. i love that we are friends (if you are reading this, i love you and i'm praying for you :)
okay BAD news.
around 9 tonight i found out that my friend ruthe is leaving to MOVE back to oregon. shes been thinking about it for a while apparently and she is going back home! sooo shocking!!!
okay ruthe and i:
have 3 classes together, go to almost every meal together, exercise together, laugh together, hang out ALL the time....
shes a pretty good friend here.
i am just so shocked. i don't get it.... but i guess there is no changing people. God does his thing, i need to trust in that.
anyways thats that. God is goood!!! in the next blog i have a cool thing to share that i learned, but i'll save it :)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
haha for some reason i thought this was SO cute and hilarious.
today was SO good. i woke up... went to swimming DRESSED, we didn't have to get in today. i went to US history after that. my us history teacher is hilarious. hes an old man but still has such a good sense of humor, so that should be interesting. i didn't know if i had any friends in that class but once i walked in every fun person i knew was there haha... so i'm stoked about that. i then went onto psychology a couple hours later. my teacher is seriously ross from friends. he looks exactly like him and has the same sense of humor. he had the whole class laughing. theres probably 200 people or more in that class. it was packed. and he still managed to have us interacting with each other rand with him. it was great. this semester is going to be VERY different than the last one. its going to be good though, a new start. something new... and refreshing. god is already doing rad things and preparing my heart for things.
on a side note: i am most likely going to north carolina this summer!! but one of the bad things is they hired way to many counselors from spain, france, and mexico that there weren't enough counselor spots open once i turned in my stuff. so my job is assistant cook! haha... and i DO NOT cook. i can cook, but i'm not good at it. i was never one of those people on mission trip working in the kitchen. i am excited though. i told my friend ryan that and he said "i saw a sign that said god doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called!" and hes right haha.
soo we'll see if i go or not.
okay, adios.
Monday, January 28, 2008
back at b-i-o-l-a ...
i am back at biola! i have realized it takes a little push to get me places. i get comfyyy soo fast. in every situation. if i'm at the pool swimming-i never want to go, if i'm on the couch sleeping- i never want to wake up, if i am at a restaurant talking and laughing wtih friends- i don't want to go, if i GO HOME FOR 6 WEEKS- i want to keep living there, if i am at biola for a semester- i don't think its long enough. so i guess it comes down to me wanting to "live in the moment" and "getting caught in the moment" way to much. it should be a syndrome of something. anyways, thats that.
today i had three classes, one of which i am going to drop.
i had OT with professor talley. i am SOOO excited for this class, although it will become my life. this professor is extremely hard and works us like crazy. he is super passionate about the old testament so we get to go through it and outline it, find the central theme of each chapter, condense it, yada yada. theres lots of stuff due for that class... i am pretty stoked though. i feel like i don't know enough about the OT, soo i am getting to see what God is going to do! i know hes going to be working in my heart in that way. thank goodness he's given me a desire for this class, or else it would be hard.
i also had biblical and spiritual formation with professor jung. I AM SOOO EXCITED FOR HER CLASS! she is the cutest lady ever. shes so soft spoken and is just a godly lady. i am excited to get to know her, maybe i'll ask her to go get coffee with me so we can chat about life and God. shes just amazing.
then i had health and wellness which i am DROPPINGGG. i thought it would good... and its only a one unit class, so maybe i'll find another class to fill it in with. it was just way to boring and i could take another PE.
tomorrow i have psychology, swimming, us history, and english. i am excited for all of them.. it shall be a good day.
today i had three classes, one of which i am going to drop.
i had OT with professor talley. i am SOOO excited for this class, although it will become my life. this professor is extremely hard and works us like crazy. he is super passionate about the old testament so we get to go through it and outline it, find the central theme of each chapter, condense it, yada yada. theres lots of stuff due for that class... i am pretty stoked though. i feel like i don't know enough about the OT, soo i am getting to see what God is going to do! i know hes going to be working in my heart in that way. thank goodness he's given me a desire for this class, or else it would be hard.
i also had biblical and spiritual formation with professor jung. I AM SOOO EXCITED FOR HER CLASS! she is the cutest lady ever. shes so soft spoken and is just a godly lady. i am excited to get to know her, maybe i'll ask her to go get coffee with me so we can chat about life and God. shes just amazing.
then i had health and wellness which i am DROPPINGGG. i thought it would good... and its only a one unit class, so maybe i'll find another class to fill it in with. it was just way to boring and i could take another PE.
tomorrow i have psychology, swimming, us history, and english. i am excited for all of them.. it shall be a good day.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
i woke up this morning excited and sad. kind of an odd combination. so ia m going back to school tomorrow, instead of today- PRAISE GOD, and i am sooo happy about that. my friend from oregon is driving down and staying at my house tonight :) she is my best friend at biola SO it will be so so so so good to see her and drive down with her and giggle the whole way down. the past few days have been CRAZYYYY because i have been babysitting nonstop. i finally got a taste of what motherhood will be like. i thought i have gone through all babysitting situations, but i guess not. its sooo exhausting!!! man, power to mothers. whoever says being a mom isn't a full time job, is so wrong.
anyways... i am just so glad i get to stay here for one more day. i wasn't read mentally to leave... i know that sounds so lame, but seriously it was WAYYY to rushed because i would of been packing ALL night last night.
man this break was so good!
anyways... i am just so glad i get to stay here for one more day. i wasn't read mentally to leave... i know that sounds so lame, but seriously it was WAYYY to rushed because i would of been packing ALL night last night.
man this break was so good!
Monday, January 21, 2008
the last month and a half of my life.
most people know that i LOVE home. ever since i moved down to ugly L.A. i have fallen more and more in love with the bay area. the last month and a half of my life has been an extremely long break. at first i was like "AH this break is going to be so long, i will have SO much time!" but it has gone by kind of fast and kind of slow at the same time. i hope someone is catching my drift when i say that.
this break has consisted of:
1. A LOT of fun times.
2. heart break.
3. God revealing himself to me more evidently and getting back on track with him.
4. LOTS of random things... 2008 rolled in with randomness!
5. way to much thinking.
6. contentment.
7. realizing how BLESSED i am to have the family, friends, and CHURCH family i have.
so so so blessed.
some of my favorite things that happened:
1. tahoe trip! skiing= super fun.
2. cal poly trip! especially hiking on the rocks next to the ocean and swinging near the crashing waves :)
(haha i love trips by the way)
3. hiking pretty much every day :) enjoying God's creations obviously.
4. hanging out with friends NON-stop.
5. making new friendships and making others stronger :)
6. being super lazy
7. only waking up to an alarm clock on sunday mornings. what a life.
8. Marie Antoinette exhibit in san francisco, fun day.
people keep asking me if i am excited to go back to biola. yes, i am and i also am not haha.
i love school but i also love home. i have found that i can adapt pretty easily (adaptability was one of my #1 strengths on strength quest haha by the way, everyone should take that test), school is good though. i love the biola community. i just feel so blessed to be apart of both places. i have found that i have a lot of friends at school who don't have good friends or a good community at home, and that would SO NOT BE FUN. thank goodness, God has blessed us with that here.
people i am excited to see:
1. shannon- probably the only one who will read this haha. shan lives in ARIZONAAA. dryyyy arizona haha and she does not like hiking because well its hot and not fun there. shannon is my dear dear dear friend who surprisingly knows me pretty darn well for the amount of time we've known each-other. she knows that i change my mind all the time and secretly knows what i want and what i am thinking all the time. i don't get how she does, but its wonderful. she's amazing at keeping me accountable, having fun, good conversations, and just being silly. she hates linking arms and loves tickling my knee pits (worst feeling in the WHOLE WIDE world). we can share a good cup of tea together and be so content. she is very very passionate about prison ministry in argentina. which i love and think is AMAZING. this summer she's probably not going back to argentina though... and to guatemala to work in an orphanage. amazing.
2. rachel BAY BAY- my wing (wo)man! she lives in beautiful oregon and loves home just as much as i do. i feel like i giggle with her almost as much as i giggle with meghan haha... i know surprising! we start every text message with "haha" and i know she's not kidding when she says haha in things! see, i am not the only one! ahh i am so excited to see her and give her hugs! she has no idea what she wants her major to be, but i think she should do photo journalism or a PR thing. she loves to talk, gets along with everyone, has a joke about everything, and brightens a room! oh and her laugh is contagious. she works as an ambassador at school and gives people tours and promotes biola!
3. miss amy armstrong- who is such a catalina island girl. she just switched her major to photo journalism. shes pretty darn good at it too. she can make a story last way longer then anyone i know and is super super friendly and loving. she does't have a mean bone in her... or so i think haha jk. but seriously. shes probably going to guatemala with shan this summer, now that i think of it!! ah i'm excited to see her hippy self!
4. emily LEE- who is from the big state of texas! as we speak shes returning from egypt. shes been there for the last three weeks on a mission trip with biola. she got to evangelize and share/show the love of Jesus with an unreached people group! HOW COOL IS THAT! shes always giggling, gets along with everyone, and is oh so very nice.
5. DAVID J! haha i know you're totally reading this and wondering where you are. i am excited to se you tooo so we can work out, laugh, and talk about life and God! love it.
and LOTS of other people as well.
heres some quotes from my global studies class i took last SEM (and shannon's blog haha):
"finding God's will for your life will mean taking your life seriously, learning to be honest with yourself and your God. more important than what you will ever do for God is who you are before him. God is far more concerned with who you are than what you will end up doing; being proceeds doing."
"the goal is to live simply so others may simply live."
"i never wanted a career, i wanted a ministry. i prayed that God would give me a consuming passion for whatever i do."
well friends. today is quite the rainy day, but in the midst of it all, it's beautiful :) -sorry this could be the worlds longest BLOG!!!
this break has consisted of:
1. A LOT of fun times.
2. heart break.
3. God revealing himself to me more evidently and getting back on track with him.
4. LOTS of random things... 2008 rolled in with randomness!
5. way to much thinking.
6. contentment.
7. realizing how BLESSED i am to have the family, friends, and CHURCH family i have.
so so so blessed.
some of my favorite things that happened:
1. tahoe trip! skiing= super fun.
2. cal poly trip! especially hiking on the rocks next to the ocean and swinging near the crashing waves :)
(haha i love trips by the way)
3. hiking pretty much every day :) enjoying God's creations obviously.
4. hanging out with friends NON-stop.
5. making new friendships and making others stronger :)
6. being super lazy
7. only waking up to an alarm clock on sunday mornings. what a life.
8. Marie Antoinette exhibit in san francisco, fun day.
people keep asking me if i am excited to go back to biola. yes, i am and i also am not haha.
i love school but i also love home. i have found that i can adapt pretty easily (adaptability was one of my #1 strengths on strength quest haha by the way, everyone should take that test), school is good though. i love the biola community. i just feel so blessed to be apart of both places. i have found that i have a lot of friends at school who don't have good friends or a good community at home, and that would SO NOT BE FUN. thank goodness, God has blessed us with that here.
people i am excited to see:
1. shannon- probably the only one who will read this haha. shan lives in ARIZONAAA. dryyyy arizona haha and she does not like hiking because well its hot and not fun there. shannon is my dear dear dear friend who surprisingly knows me pretty darn well for the amount of time we've known each-other. she knows that i change my mind all the time and secretly knows what i want and what i am thinking all the time. i don't get how she does, but its wonderful. she's amazing at keeping me accountable, having fun, good conversations, and just being silly. she hates linking arms and loves tickling my knee pits (worst feeling in the WHOLE WIDE world). we can share a good cup of tea together and be so content. she is very very passionate about prison ministry in argentina. which i love and think is AMAZING. this summer she's probably not going back to argentina though... and to guatemala to work in an orphanage. amazing.
2. rachel BAY BAY- my wing (wo)man! she lives in beautiful oregon and loves home just as much as i do. i feel like i giggle with her almost as much as i giggle with meghan haha... i know surprising! we start every text message with "haha" and i know she's not kidding when she says haha in things! see, i am not the only one! ahh i am so excited to see her and give her hugs! she has no idea what she wants her major to be, but i think she should do photo journalism or a PR thing. she loves to talk, gets along with everyone, has a joke about everything, and brightens a room! oh and her laugh is contagious. she works as an ambassador at school and gives people tours and promotes biola!
3. miss amy armstrong- who is such a catalina island girl. she just switched her major to photo journalism. shes pretty darn good at it too. she can make a story last way longer then anyone i know and is super super friendly and loving. she does't have a mean bone in her... or so i think haha jk. but seriously. shes probably going to guatemala with shan this summer, now that i think of it!! ah i'm excited to see her hippy self!
4. emily LEE- who is from the big state of texas! as we speak shes returning from egypt. shes been there for the last three weeks on a mission trip with biola. she got to evangelize and share/show the love of Jesus with an unreached people group! HOW COOL IS THAT! shes always giggling, gets along with everyone, and is oh so very nice.
5. DAVID J! haha i know you're totally reading this and wondering where you are. i am excited to se you tooo so we can work out, laugh, and talk about life and God! love it.
and LOTS of other people as well.
heres some quotes from my global studies class i took last SEM (and shannon's blog haha):
"finding God's will for your life will mean taking your life seriously, learning to be honest with yourself and your God. more important than what you will ever do for God is who you are before him. God is far more concerned with who you are than what you will end up doing; being proceeds doing."
"the goal is to live simply so others may simply live."
"i never wanted a career, i wanted a ministry. i prayed that God would give me a consuming passion for whatever i do."
well friends. today is quite the rainy day, but in the midst of it all, it's beautiful :) -sorry this could be the worlds longest BLOG!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
haha one of my favorite songs is "imagine" by john lennon. mainly because i love the lyrics to this song. i was searching around on youtube looking at john lennon stuff (theres nothing really good by the way) and saw hilary's face and was in shock. so i watched this and thought it was somewhat entertaining haha. enjoy.
Friday, January 18, 2008
refreshed <3
i have been feeling SOO refreshed recently. i know its all because of the Lord. i've been trying to get into the Word daily and praying like its breathing- although its not exactly that much haha. lots of wonderful things have been going on in the past week.
i just got back from a dinner at the wilburs with my sister and my dad. the wilburs are our old neighbors. their kids are drake and isabella... drake is almost 7 (WOW i can't believe hes almost that old!) and isabella (who i call SISSY is almost 5)! anyways i have been babysitting them since drake was 2 months old! i just love them. they bring such joy to my heart and their, parents, who are pretty much like mine, are so so so dear to my heart. stef and bret, the parents, will probably be in the first row at my wedding. as lame as that sounds haha. i love them THAT much! haha. anyways dinner was just so pleasant. we talked about traveling, college, blessings, etc. and isabella was hanging all over me like a monkey all night haha. i read them stories good night and almost wanted to cry they were that cute. i find it fairly odd because i am only in college but i can't freaking wait to be a mom. ODD yes. i guess its one of those instincts. i just love kids. i was reading drake a story called "peter and the wolf" (don't read it... its not good haha) and he started reading it to me. hes in 1st grade. i had NO idea that kids could read well in 1st grade haha... i don't remember it atleast. i guess i did.
anyways that was a good time. we talked about my possible trip to hungary over SPRING BREAKK!!!! ahhh! and they said they would help support me. VBC, as many of you probably know, is going to hungary over spring break. while we are there, LORD WILLING that is, we will be doing a sport ministry, teaching english, and hanging out and loving on gypsies. UMM hello, so wonderful.
recently i've had this huge fascination with eastern europe and minority people groups. the gypsies fascinate me. there history is just nuts. my ancestors were from what is now the czech republic, and they were gypsies. haha i know gypsies are most of the time a form of a criminal... but whatever. they need love too.
anyways... i'm praying about that for sure.
while i was at dinner i also just had this realization of it doesn't matter what my major is haha. i was thinking "What did God put on my heart? When do i feel the most used? What makes my heart burst of joy and love for christ?"
andddd shabang. its when i am serving, traveling, loving, and when my heart is in line with Christ.
(sorry i feel bad when i talk about myself like this.. but its getting thoughts out haha)
so why is it that i want to switch majors, MAKE MONEY, and be comfortable? it all comes down to the fact that i want a "trade." something i am good at and can travel with. not necessarly just going out into the world without something to offer.
so theres 2 options: as of now that is...
a. teach english
b. do something medical... maybe a dental hygentist- i know super random. but when we were in belize meghan and i helped dr. chew with dental stuff and LOVED IT. maybe after college i'll go to some kind of school to do that.
besides that today was just wonderful and beautiful. i just love how the Lord is revealing his beauty to me more and more. i just love nature... more than most people i feel like. i wish there were creation appreciation class or something at school so people would fall more and more in love with nature. it would make the world such a better place haha. on that note i went on a hike with my sister over to sycamore grove in livermore.. it was more of a walk, BUT IT WAS BEAUTIFUL TODAY!
tomorrow i am having a mother daughter date with my mom. we are going to play tennis :) so fun!
anyways have a good one! love yal.
i just got back from a dinner at the wilburs with my sister and my dad. the wilburs are our old neighbors. their kids are drake and isabella... drake is almost 7 (WOW i can't believe hes almost that old!) and isabella (who i call SISSY is almost 5)! anyways i have been babysitting them since drake was 2 months old! i just love them. they bring such joy to my heart and their, parents, who are pretty much like mine, are so so so dear to my heart. stef and bret, the parents, will probably be in the first row at my wedding. as lame as that sounds haha. i love them THAT much! haha. anyways dinner was just so pleasant. we talked about traveling, college, blessings, etc. and isabella was hanging all over me like a monkey all night haha. i read them stories good night and almost wanted to cry they were that cute. i find it fairly odd because i am only in college but i can't freaking wait to be a mom. ODD yes. i guess its one of those instincts. i just love kids. i was reading drake a story called "peter and the wolf" (don't read it... its not good haha) and he started reading it to me. hes in 1st grade. i had NO idea that kids could read well in 1st grade haha... i don't remember it atleast. i guess i did.
anyways that was a good time. we talked about my possible trip to hungary over SPRING BREAKK!!!! ahhh! and they said they would help support me. VBC, as many of you probably know, is going to hungary over spring break. while we are there, LORD WILLING that is, we will be doing a sport ministry, teaching english, and hanging out and loving on gypsies. UMM hello, so wonderful.
recently i've had this huge fascination with eastern europe and minority people groups. the gypsies fascinate me. there history is just nuts. my ancestors were from what is now the czech republic, and they were gypsies. haha i know gypsies are most of the time a form of a criminal... but whatever. they need love too.
anyways... i'm praying about that for sure.
while i was at dinner i also just had this realization of it doesn't matter what my major is haha. i was thinking "What did God put on my heart? When do i feel the most used? What makes my heart burst of joy and love for christ?"
andddd shabang. its when i am serving, traveling, loving, and when my heart is in line with Christ.
(sorry i feel bad when i talk about myself like this.. but its getting thoughts out haha)
so why is it that i want to switch majors, MAKE MONEY, and be comfortable? it all comes down to the fact that i want a "trade." something i am good at and can travel with. not necessarly just going out into the world without something to offer.
so theres 2 options: as of now that is...
a. teach english
b. do something medical... maybe a dental hygentist- i know super random. but when we were in belize meghan and i helped dr. chew with dental stuff and LOVED IT. maybe after college i'll go to some kind of school to do that.
besides that today was just wonderful and beautiful. i just love how the Lord is revealing his beauty to me more and more. i just love nature... more than most people i feel like. i wish there were creation appreciation class or something at school so people would fall more and more in love with nature. it would make the world such a better place haha. on that note i went on a hike with my sister over to sycamore grove in livermore.. it was more of a walk, BUT IT WAS BEAUTIFUL TODAY!
tomorrow i am having a mother daughter date with my mom. we are going to play tennis :) so fun!
anyways have a good one! love yal.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
the bucket list slashhh 1 john
last night i had a wonderful mother-daughter date. my mother and i went to go see the bucket list. which actually was a really really reallyyyy good movie. if you put my mom and i in a movie theatre, its guaranteed we will cry no matter what kind of movie it is. and we did.
its worth seeing. it made me sad afterwards because my mom was like "Its so odd getting older, there are still so many places i want to go and things to do! But one of my life goals has been fulfilled... i got to take you and your sister to europe." thats when the "awwww's" came in. such a blessing to be able to travel with her.
so this is a little blog spot shout out to my mama. haha... whom i love dearly. some day she wants to travel to ireland and find where all her ancestors were from. and i want to go to the czech republic to do the same for my dad's side of the family.
hmm.. enough on that subject.
today i woke up and has the urge to read john 1. i read half of it last night, but i was so pumped when i woke up. i read through it and over and over again it repeated how we know we are in God, how to love, how the spirit leads us, how we need to walk as he did, etc.
although all of that stuck with me, there was one verse that popped out on me.
there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. the one who fears is not made in perfect love. 1 john 4:18
bottom line: i am fearful and need to over come that. haha... i could go on more but it would be so gibber gabby it wouldn't make much sense.
anywho its HIKE time. i'm going up the the ridge. its beautiful today :)
there it is.
its worth seeing. it made me sad afterwards because my mom was like "Its so odd getting older, there are still so many places i want to go and things to do! But one of my life goals has been fulfilled... i got to take you and your sister to europe." thats when the "awwww's" came in. such a blessing to be able to travel with her.
so this is a little blog spot shout out to my mama. haha... whom i love dearly. some day she wants to travel to ireland and find where all her ancestors were from. and i want to go to the czech republic to do the same for my dad's side of the family.
hmm.. enough on that subject.
today i woke up and has the urge to read john 1. i read half of it last night, but i was so pumped when i woke up. i read through it and over and over again it repeated how we know we are in God, how to love, how the spirit leads us, how we need to walk as he did, etc.
although all of that stuck with me, there was one verse that popped out on me.
there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. the one who fears is not made in perfect love. 1 john 4:18
bottom line: i am fearful and need to over come that. haha... i could go on more but it would be so gibber gabby it wouldn't make much sense.
anywho its HIKE time. i'm going up the the ridge. its beautiful today :)
there it is.
Monday, January 14, 2008
renewal of many things
2008 is here, yeah?
but what does that mean? for another year to go on as if its normal. partly. but this year is going to be different. i feel like this year is going to be a year of renewal, of growth, and of DEEP things. haha doesn't that sound somewhat cheesey coming from me?
but it so true. in the past month or so i have felt lazy- due the fact i am not working and i have a month and a half off. at the same time i've done many things, hung out with people, had good conversations, gotten in trouble-yes, seen God work in wonderful ways, felt him moving me closer to him, and then falling away at the same time.
there are many things i've been discovering about myself from situations i've been put into. this break has been a break of odd situations that God has placed me in. i've been broken and i am in the process of being put back together.
i feel as if i am a puzzle that is not finished and won't be for a while.
but its OKAYYY.... good news. Jesus wants to show me things.
so this is a time of confusion, but its okay. it builds trust right?
i've been bouncing around the ideas of transferring, different majors, etc.
but it all comes down to, what am I, Angela, passionate about?
one of my professors once told me "Guard your passions, the world will distroy them." and it is somewhat true. there are so many things the Lord has placed on my heart that i have let go away.
i am passionate about people, world issues, world affairs, traveling, making people see joy and light through love.
it comes down to that.
but what does that mean? for another year to go on as if its normal. partly. but this year is going to be different. i feel like this year is going to be a year of renewal, of growth, and of DEEP things. haha doesn't that sound somewhat cheesey coming from me?
but it so true. in the past month or so i have felt lazy- due the fact i am not working and i have a month and a half off. at the same time i've done many things, hung out with people, had good conversations, gotten in trouble-yes, seen God work in wonderful ways, felt him moving me closer to him, and then falling away at the same time.
there are many things i've been discovering about myself from situations i've been put into. this break has been a break of odd situations that God has placed me in. i've been broken and i am in the process of being put back together.
i feel as if i am a puzzle that is not finished and won't be for a while.
but its OKAYYY.... good news. Jesus wants to show me things.
so this is a time of confusion, but its okay. it builds trust right?
i've been bouncing around the ideas of transferring, different majors, etc.
but it all comes down to, what am I, Angela, passionate about?
one of my professors once told me "Guard your passions, the world will distroy them." and it is somewhat true. there are so many things the Lord has placed on my heart that i have let go away.
i am passionate about people, world issues, world affairs, traveling, making people see joy and light through love.
it comes down to that.
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