I'm Gonna Let it Shine

On Tumblr!

2011-06-26T21:18:00.001-07:00

Hey Friends.... check out my tumblr! Click Here.

It will consist of lots of funny cultural things.

Adios!

2011-06-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful friends,

I am now living in Memphis and LOVE it. I think this is the end of this blog. I know that I am going to have zero time to update it this year (because I am already beyond busy and my classes haven't even started). For those of you who want to know about how Memphis is... please please please feel free to contact me any time! I like that more than talking to cyber space!

P.s. I MIGHT get a tumblr and update it with pictures and random stuff about Memphis. I was thinking of doing funny cultural things (that way I don't have to update as much)!

Love,
Angela

2011-05-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

i do not know if i have any faithful followers or not... but if i do, i am sorry for not updating you.

right now this is where i am at:
-i am lounging around in a swim suite in my apartment because i am longing for the ocean. today i wish i was a mermaid.
-i feel completely overwhelemd.
-i am moving to memphis in 25 days.
-i am graduating in 23 days.
-i am excited to graduate, but sad to say good bye to people.
-i need strength to finish out the semester and a renewed love for school to do another year of school and get my masters.

i love you all.

Defined

2011-04-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Guiding principles of Mission: doxology as the highest goal of mission, redemption as the foundation, the kingdom of God as the center, eschatology as the hope, the nations as the scope, reconciliation as the fruit, and incarnation as the character of mission.
-Ott and Strauss in Encountering Theology of Mission

GOSPEL

2011-04-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy this and soak it up.

There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Sam. 2:2)

Life

2011-04-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Life has been too sweet to me recently. Last weekend I went to Visalia with the ICS Seniors to one of my professors friends homes. It was a time of reflection, giggles, and praising the Lord for who He has made us and for where He has brought us. One of my favorite things about the weekend is that we wrote purpose and vision statements.These statements did not come out of the blue but were thought out responses to who God has made us and by looking at our past. I really loved this weekend because I was with my five closest girlfriends and one of my favorite professors for all sessions. It was a time of praying for God's guidance and pure encouragement from my friends. It was so powerful to be with people who really do know you inside out.

Some people do not reflecting on the past, but the past really is the key to your future. The past can be seen as this:

Rowing teams row backwards, with the destination being forward. They have to look backwards in order to go forwards. The way that they do this is by knowing the landmarks that will lead them forward. They know these very well and use them as their guide.

That is exactly how life is for us. We need to look at the past in order to see what God has been doing. There are many chapters, hurts, praises, divine interventions, etc. All of these things have made us who we are... God has already written our story. It is so important to recognize these things.

I will be the first to say that I thought I was going to hate having a weekend devoted to Life Maps and to this kind of stuff... but it has helped me realize how God has made me and where He is taking me.

Here is my purpose statement (of being). This is who I am in Christ and how God has made me/desires for me to live. Please keep me to it:

My purpose is to abide in Christ and to love others in an intimate and real way that shine's Christ's light. I live a life of faithfulness to the calling of God, having kingdom eyes, and to show that true obedience brings ultimate freedom and joy.

Life update:
I want to push the pause button on life right now. I love Southern California and I am going to miss all my crazy friends like crazy. I devoted today to truly being a Sabbath. I do not allow myself to do that often. I went to church with my sister (awesome message by Mr. Nick Saltas), passed out on the couch, planted flowers, road my bike to the park with Emily, swung on the swings at the park, played with the little kids, played frisbee, layed in the grass, and had In and Out for dinner. You might not think that is Sabbathing... but it was for me. I needed the kid to come out in me. Prayer for a smooth and joyful transition would be greatly appreciated (definitely glad one of my strengths if adaptability)!

Cherish

2011-03-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Last night at Missions Conference a beautiful thing occurred: the Holy Spirit filled the gym in a way that I have not experienced at Biola before. Not only did the Holy Spirit work in the lives of many Biola students, but the Spirit is continuing to work in the lives of people this very second. The work that happen last night cannot and did not stay within the walls of the gym. Students were led to confession and repentance. Worship, prayer, and an open mic for confession lasted until 10pm. No one wanted it to end... being in the presence of the Lord with other believers who are needy for Jesus is powerful.

As I was worshiping and crying out to the Lord is desperation, a dear friend came out of no where... at the perfect time.

We embraced each other, cried, and prayed. For a long time.

God always puts people in our path when we need them. Shannon has been a friend that God has used in such mighty ways in my life. I am convinced she is my heart sister. I think I will forever cherish that moment. It was so special. I wish I could take the memory out of my head and heart and put it onto this page... so others can see how powerful friendship really is.

Embrace your friendships. God has placed people in your life for a reason. Go beyond the surface talk... get to their hearts.

2011-03-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

I do not think I will ever understand how Biola students or Christians for that matter do not understand Missions. The whole stinkin' bible is about Mission(s).

Is it that hard to see? Open your eyes Biola.

A Franciscan Prayer

2011-03-15T11:21:00.001-07:00

May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.

May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.

May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen.

May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.

It is almost Christmas- ICS Style!

2011-03-14T23:20:00.001-07:00

Missions conference is almost here and I am so beyond excited I can't see straight.

Bring it Holy Spirit. BRING IT. Make people fall more in love with Jesus. Show us our faults and make us rely more on you. Empty us... please.

P.s. Everyone donate for blood for missions... Even if you hate needles.

P.s.s. Donate for Japan relief. our money is not our own... God is slowly teaching me this. Here is a worthy organization... Samaritan's Purse.

God desires us to PRAY!

2011-03-12T23:40:00.000-08:00

Our world is broken... yet I have to remind myself that God allows somethings to happen, whether they are good or bad, for His glory. I do not understand this and I do not think I ever will fully. I have been sad girl and was crying pretty hard earlier in prayer this morning after I saw new pictures and videos.

I do not know why, but this earthquake in Japan has rocked me more than most. God has been breaking my heart for Japan and Asia in general a lot recently. I am thankful for this because I am more inclined and reminded to pray for Japan... for the long haul.

Our world is a mess. Good thing God desires our prayers and responds. He hears the prayers of the Saints. Pray for:

Libya- political rest, safety, peace.

Egypt- same as Libya... and for good leaders.

Haiti- to not be forgotten, more relief, and to turn their eyes on the Lord.

New Zealand- relief and to look towards Jesus.

Afghanistan and Iraq- Pray for our troops...

and for Urban America. Thanks friends. Let's be faithful in prayer.

Giddy about Church

2011-03-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

Today I told my friend Alain about moving to Memphis and he instantly said, "Well... sweet, you have to go to Bryan Loritts Church," which is Fellowship Memphis. It is so funny that he said that because I have been church web site hopping (there should be a term for that) and I have been so stoked about checking out Fellowship Memphis! Bryan Loritts is a Biola Talbot Alum as well. When I move I really want to get involved in a church and make it my family. During college I moved around so much (home, school, Washington D.C., Azusa, etc), that it was hard to plant myself somewhere. But now I finally can... which is one of the things I am most excited about for after college! Don't get me wrong... I have loved going to Southlands Church and now the Persian Church.

Anyways, this church seems awesome. The heart of the church seems to align a lot of thing things I value and see important. Check it out yo.

Adele

2011-02-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

There are certain artists that have spoken to me a lot throughout college and childhood as well. Music is so good for the soul. Sometimes I feel like I am going to be that old lady who goes to a certain artist just to bask in their music... and well ladies and gentlemen, one of them is Adele. Please listen to her amazing new album and buy it if you please.

She will not disappoint you.

Creation

2011-02-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

Psalm 104 is one of my favorite Psalms about creation. God loves His creation and did not give us creation to take over and destroy- He entrusted it to us to take care of and to SERVE. We are to cultivate the earth. After all, the earth takes care of us and we are to take care of it. We rely on each other. What will our children think of our generation if we are not people who reverse the cycle that it is in? I think that we as Christians we should be more concerned about taking care of the earth- myself included. I am trying to figure out what it looks like to live in a way that is honoring to the Lord- in light of creation care. This is going to be a journey.

Here is something amazing to look at (from National Geographic) in terms of industrialization, nature, and how far we have come (both good and bad). Click here.

And for kicks... take this Water Footprint Calculator. It is really interesting!

Insanity

2011-02-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

Do you ever think it is possible to get drunk off of your own energy or craziness? Today has proven that my own personality has made me feel like I am drunk, when in fact, I have gone crazy/slightly insane.

After an oddly productive social day at school and work, I came home, knowing that I had a lot of homework to tackle. I ended up pondering on the fact that I have completely lost it when I found myself groaning every five minutes while trying to do my Spanish homework. My brain activity is clogged and needs some serious drain-o because I am starting to think I cannot comprehend anymore information that I do not want to know.

My lovely neighbor Weston came over asking for a bowl to use for mixing and as I walked into the kitchen to get it I instantly I turned into "Ange-jello" and could barely walk. My mind, body, and soul are exhausted- due to what I think is senioritis.

I find myself on Urban Ecology websites for hours and looking at pictures of bunnies (because after all it is the year of the rabbit right?) I think I am going a little crazy. After Melissa told me she was going to buy a bunny today I was so excited for a few reasons.

Adults own pets for a reason. Yes, dogs are adorable, but they also help people stay sane. American's are crazy. We live in this hyper motivated society where we do way too many things in one day. We do not know how to rest, breathe, or enjoy life like a normal person. I think we could really use a lesson in rest from people in rural China or Nepal. Due to our craziness, we need a pet in order to keep us sane. An animal does not talk back to you... it simply enjoys your company. And that is why, my friends, The Nest (our apartment) is going to get a rabbit (once Melissa buys it). You may be thinking, "Oh man, they have really lost it," which we may have. But apparently Melissa has been thinking of getting a rabbit for nine months now, so it is about time our home has a little creature to take care of.

I am also finding that if I do not work out everyday I cannot focus because I have so much pent up energy that is stored in the wrong place. I wish it would all go to my brain and stay there. It is days like these that I do not know how I am going to start my Masters in June. Or how I am going to make friends with this weirdness level. Hopefully my mind will be okay and will be so excited to learn something different than the theology and methodologies of Missions. Don't get me wrong- I love missions, but I have been studying it for four years now. It is about time to move on to something else and to actually do something instead of talking about it.

All I have to say is... thank you for still being my friend despite my craziness.

girl arms

2011-02-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

realization of the day: it is unfair that guys are allowed to have strong arms and that it will take a life time for me to have strong arms (not buff and manly ones though).

my frail arms had a real rough time in my weight training class tonight with em. we are GOING to make sure that they get stronger by the end of the semester. just you wait.

p.s. is it weird that i think i might get married in memphis? who would of ever thought that i would ever think that... maybe it is because of this (click here).

2011-02-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

The lady in the apartment complex over from me (right across the alley) cries herself to sleep every night. Something is going on behind her closed doors. The blinds are shut all day. I wish I could help or know what is going on- but only God knows.

Pray for her. Pray for her heart to be calmed by the peace of God. Pray for whatever is happening- whether it be depression, abuse, or something else.

God, deliver her from what is happening. Please.

I can't...

2011-02-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

WAIT to start taking teaching classes and to just teach! I want to be worked and pushed to the limits. I want the next four years of my life to be dedicated to the cause of Urban Education in Memphis and making God known. Gosh, I'm so excited.

(Isn't he precious?)

My Friend Melanie

2011-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

My friend Melanie is serving in India with a few other people from the University of Oregon for an internship. Melanie is one of the first and last people I would expect in this coutnry. Melanie has never gone on a mission trip and now she is abroad in India- so no one believed it when they found out she was going. She is also one of the first people I would expect to go to India because she has a FREE SPIRIT and lives each day to the fullest (she really does). She calls me a Hippie all the time- but let's be honest- Melanie is slowly turning into one (and I love it). God is using her as a light among the children she is teaching and I know that she will be forever changed and rocked by this experience. You can read her blog here.

Nerd lert

2011-02-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

I am a senior in college and should be having major senioritis, yet I am finding that I want to take more and more classes. I am realizing that I might be a different breed of a senior.

When registration for classes was still going on I was so disappointed that the grammar English class had a time conflict with one of my classes (even though i didn't need the class at all). I just think grammar is really fun and wish I knew it inside out. I like world civilization and find it fascinating to learn about useless things- such as unknown pharaohs in world civilizations. I have also been finding myself day dreaming about learning Spanish fluently someday (which will probably take my a lifetime). Today I was talking to a communication disorders major and became instantly overjoyed with the thought of how fun the International Phonetic Alphabet is and how fascinating the human mouth, tongue, and airflow is. During work today I started to think about how fun it would be to take bible classes when i am done with Biola and my masters (maybe through IHOP).

All of these things are just so weird to me. I am so weird. I have always known this, but it is becoming more and more real to me.

I guess it is a good thing that I am going into the field of education and teaching. I find so much joy in learning really simple things. For example, I think that the water cycle is the coolest thing (mainly because it shows how creative God is with nature and order).

Well it's time for me to look up how to teach a fourth grader long division in a simple manner. I told Dulce at MIKA that I would help her out tomorrow.

Buenos noches.

Please Be Obsessed

2011-02-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

I am obsessed with this store. I hope you will be too, because I check the sale section religiously and would feel less crazy if you would see how wonderful it is.

http://www.paper-source.com/ will become your friend... and if you are really liking it head down to Santa Monica and read some cards with the ocean breeze.

They have the CUTEST cards and stationary known to man. I love receiving cards and giving cards. I dream of making them and even thought it would be one of the most fun jobs when I was a kid (if I was only more artistic). Maybe when I am 65 and retired (fingers crossed) I will work at Paper-Source and show off my awesome embossing skills or something crazy like that.

Filmography 2010

2011-02-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

It's funny how life is full of a bunch of common themes that always seem to blend together.

Holy Smokes

2011-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

I just learned that I grew up in an area where there were 28 sex offenders within my area code. I was terrified and always thought someone was going to get me when I was home alone (mainly due to the weird events that happened to me when I was home alone). Then I moved to La Mirada where there are 500 sex offenders within my area code. And now I am moving to Memphis, TN where there are 1300 sex offenders within my area code.

All I can say is "Holy Smokes." Good thing I am taking RADS. Memphis is going to be my mission field, the place where I invest my life for the next four plus years, where I love on children, and hopefully become the urban educator that God desires me to be. I am going to give it my all- relying solely on God's strength.

God knows I am paranoid and fearful. It has been a gradual process of really relying and trusting God to be my protector and learning how to deal my anxiety. Funny how He has called me to a place where there are 1300 sex offenders... ironic? Of course God hates this... greatly. But it is still not ironic.

This is where prayer comes in my friends.

Path of Loving

2011-01-30T22:36:00.000-08:00

"The path of loving trust means:

...an absolute, unconditional, and unwavering confidence in God our loving Father, even when everything seems to be a total failure.
...to look to Him alone as our help and protector.
...to stop doubting and being discouraged, casting all our worries and cares on the Lord, and to walk in total freedom.
...to be daring and absolutely fearless of any obstacle, knowing that nothing is impossible with God.
...total reliance on our Heavenly Father with the spontaneous abandonment of little children, totally convinced of our utter nothingness but trusting to the point of rashness with courageous confidence in His fatherly goodness.

Let us thank God for all His love for us, in so many ways and in so many places. let us return, as an act of gratitude and adoration, determine to be holy because He is holy."

Mother Teresa, No Greater Love, p.63

Her heart is expressed so passionately and raw through her eloquent words. The path of loving, as Mother Teresa has described, is right on. What would it look like it I lived in this truth? I wish I had total reliance on my heavenly Father. I would like to say that I do- but it is a constant battle. Little by little I am giving more and more of myself over to Him as I desire for Him to have full reign (as all of us who call ourselves Christians do). As I am reading her book I keep finding myself stopping and rereading paragraph after paragraph. Her words are deep, loving, true, and very convicting. I am trying to figure out what it means to be "holy." I have to admit I do not understand how I can be holy, when I think of God as being the only Holy being. I suppose this is a process.

Amazed

2011-01-26T23:28:00.000-08:00

This video made me really happy. Creation will never stop amazing me... which makes me more in awe with God all the time. On Monday I went to Sunset Cliffs San Diego and San Clemente Pier, on Tuesday I went to my favorite beach in Laguna (A Thousand Steps), and today I went to the Santa Monica Farmer's Market right along the PCH. Most of you know that the beach is dear to my heart and that my soul feels replenished when my feet are in the sand and I feel the ocean breeze. I feel at home and feel closer to God and more in awe of Him every time I near the ocean. I believe it is God's gift to us- all of creation... well I know it is.

I am amazed that even the waves obey His voice. I truly am.

Lamps & Mother Teresa

2011-01-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

"What we need is to love without getting tired. How does a lamp burn? Through the continuous input of small drops of oil. What are these drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things of daily life: faithfulness, small words of kindness, a thought for others, our way of being silent, of looking, of speaking, and of acting. Do not look for Jesus away from yourselves. He is not out there; He is in you. Keep your lamp burning, and you will recognize Him." -Mother Teresa

The other day I decided to go to Barnes and Nobles and see if they had any historal books on the city of Memphis (which they didn't) and ended up sitting on the ground of one of the book isles reading a book on natural healing methods instead. As I was leaving the store I saw the 75% off bargain books section, which totally caught my attention. I came across a book I have been wanting to read forever- "No Greater Love" by Mother Teresa! Let's just say that her words have inspired me, challenged me, and have made me want to grow more in love with Jesus my whole life- even before I was a Christian. I have a book I am suppose to be readin for work and I just can't get it finished... Yet I can't put this book down. There is something so powerful and almost endearing when you read a book by someone you respect so much- I almost feel like I know her (even though I know she is with the Lord). Her words and actions have been talked about by my family as long as I can remember. We all have the ability to love people and to be deeply in love with Jesus like she was- it is just a matter of self- sacrifice ad allowing our hearts to be fully open to the love of God.

I want to shine for Jesus.

Europe Adventure

2011-01-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I spent three wonderful weeks in Europe. I think I could write a book on the experiences I had there (including all of the crazy things that happen). Back in August I reserved my flight to Germany with the goal of spending Christmas and New Years with Meghan (best friend from home). This trip was not intended to be a tourist trip or a trip to fit in all of the things that I wanted to do. The one goal I had for this trip was to experience Meghan's life and to better understand how she is serving military kids in Germany. And let me tell you... I think I have a pretty good grasp on her life or so I think so. I had the wonderful privilege of meeting her friends, becoming friends with them, sharing life, and lots of laughs. I got to know her girls really well because I was one of the girl leaders in Austria on the Ski Trip. Austria was by far my favorite place and my favorite experience. Pouring into the girls lives was awesome- even though I only got to spend a week with them. God did some really sweet things with our group of girls :)
I finally can understand the military hardships Meghan goes through in Germany and her living situation (not to mention that she drives stick shift)! We had some of the funniest things happen to us while we were in Austria, Germany, and Spain (ask me about them- you might wet your pants). I feel so blessed to have a best friend like her. We get along so well it freaks me out- that is what you get when you have a best friend for your whole life though, Pray for Meghan as she returns to love military brats in Germany until the end of July.

Here are a few pictures. Enjoy :)

Christmas Eve in Meghan's small German Town- it was magical!

Christmas Eve Chapel on base got cancelled because the roads were so icy so we stumbled into this Catholic Church instead. They were "Oh Holy Night" in German and it was absolutely beautiful. It gave me the chills.

Lauren came back to Germany after Austria. She gives me the giggles.

Trier, Germany

A few days after we got back from Austria it rained and the snow melted! I woke up one morning and saw green and I thought it was Christmas!

Louis and Meghan on the "safe" Austrian sledding run.

We got to spend a week (including New Years Eve) in this wonderful hotel! Beautiful back drop! I woke up every morning in complete awe. Austria is the most beautiful place my eyes have ever seen.

Some of the gang on the sledding run.

I have a confession... I love McDonald's in Germany. I can't stop day dreaming about it! I hate it in America though. It is so much better there.

Cute man in Innsbruck, Austria.

This picture makes me look like I am a professional skier... which is far from true.

80's night with some of the girls in Austria- such a fun night!

Do you see how beautiful Austria is? The Alps are breathtaking!

Some of the girls :)

Crown? Haha. The Cathedral in Barcelona.

This market had more fruit in one place than I have ever seen in my life. Yum!

On the Mediterranean in Barcelona.

It was a GREAT three weeks! Thanks to all who supported me for the Austria Trip. God did some really sweet things in the girls lives- I can't wait to share with you all!

2011-01-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Who ever thought I would miss gas stations being open 24 hours, having access to a gym, using dollars, and having an endless selection of vegetables to choose from at Safeway?

I love traveling... but sometimes the convenience of America just gets me good.

Dang it, America.

Cheers to Spring 2011

2011-01-09T03:26:00.000-08:00

When asked where I am from I always emphasize the fact that I am from the Bay Area, not from Los Angeles... well because, lets face it... the Bay is just glorious (and I am bias).

I am sitting here in Germany, waiting for Meghan to wake up, and reflecting on how I have about four months left in Southern California. I have to admit I am getting kind of sad about it. I know that I cannot be sad about it for now and that I need to soak up every moment and live in the present. So because of that... here is my list of things to accomplish before I say adios to Los Angeles.

Go to Thousand Steps as much as possible. Make it a goal to swim out past the rocks and float for at least an hour with a friend. I did this with Amy and it was literally one of my favorite moments at the beach.
Go camping in Malibu Canyon for a weekend with my closest friends and bring lots of fun games.
Try to make it to Coachella- better start saving or find someone to hook me up with free tickets.
Spend quality time with friends- and try NEW adventures.
Make it to the Santa Monica Farmers Market for breakfast.
Buy as many flowers as I can afford at the LA Flower Market on a saturday morning. For one whole week my apartment will smell like heaven.
Take a stroll along the Venice Canals with a close friend that I love... then go long boarding along the ocean in Venice to Santa Monica. Reward ourselves with Tacos!
Go to Pedro's Tacos in San Clemente at least three times- Memphis will be missing this.
When I have three hours to kill.... drive straight to Newport and enjoy some vitamin D.
When the opportunity presents itself... pray with people and encourage!

Here is a quick list of activities I am going to be involved in:

Volunteering for MIKA- my favorite community development corporation in Costa Mesa.
Taking four classes and 2 PE's :) I killed myself last semester so I can take it easy my last.
Hanging out with my roommates constantly and laughing ALL the time. That is what goes down in Beachcomber 106.
And of course, studying.

Cheers to Spring 2011.

This Little Lady is Moving to Memphis!

2011-01-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

As of January 3rd...

I learned that I was accepted into the Memphis Teaching Residency!

Memphistr.org... check it out. The next four years of my life or more... I will be living in Memphis earning my Masters in Urban Education and teaching elementary school. I am pretty stoked!

A blog will come soon on this journey (when I return to the states from Germany).

P.s. So far I have been to Barcelona, Austria and all over Germany. I am in love with Austria... everyone should go their.

6th graders.

2010-12-13T16:39:00.000-08:00

Nick's Mom came up to me last week and told me this exact conversation she had with her son. It made me laugh.

Mom: Nick, who is that girl?
Nick: MOM, she is not a GIRL, she is a LADY!!!
Mom: Oh my bad, I am sorry. She is definitely a lady. Well is she replacing Mrs. Lees this week?
Nick: No Mom... she is a teacher!
Mom: Well then, why is she observing Mrs. Lees?
Nick: She is getting training on how to be the best teacher!

I thought I was not a fan of middle schoolers... and I was proved wrong. I love them.

22 and Friends

2010-12-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I celebrated my 22nd birthday with my closest girlfriends. These girls have supported me, loved me, encouraged me, challenged me, and have enjoyed life with me. I felt so cheesy when I was looking around the table because all I wanted to do was give a little speech on why I loved each of them so much. God has been incredibly loving to me in bringing such amazing girls into my life- most of them Intercultural Studies majors, of course. Haha.

As I was looking around the table I was thinking, "Wow, these girls are going places. God has put such crazy passions in each of their hearts." So because of that I want to give a little blog shout out to them all and express the passions that the Lord has given them.

(Going clock wise.)

Teddi- This lovely lady is engaged to the man of her dreams and has a huge heart for the Lord. Both her and her fiancée serve in their college group. She is planning on getting her Masters in Social Work and using her love for art to help underprivileged.

Emily- Em has been one of my most beloved friends at Biola. We just click. She is destined to work with immigrant women in the United States by using TESOL. I ADORE HER.

Justine- This crazy girl has been my roommate and my adventure buddy. We have gone to DC together, walked through life together (good and bad) and totally love each other. She has a heart for inner city Chicago and wants to work in the city doing community health

Michelle- Michelle is completely real and has a big heart for Jesus. She is stubborn and knows that God is calling her to minister to the people of Hollywood. She wants to go far away from here, but knows that God is leading her on a completely crazy road.

Shannon- Shan is my soul sister. She knows my heart and knows well... knows everything. She said she would never go to the Middle East and that she was destine for Argentina... but God switched things up. She now lives in Artesia (Little India) with her husband and is planning on moving to the Middle East in the next few years for long-term Missions.

Kat- Kat is so GREAT. I cannot emphasize the word great enough. She is hilarious, sweet, fun, and so loving. This incredible ICS alum has a heart for human rights and is going to pursue her dream by going to law school and hopefully working for the State Dept or other human right groups by using her law background.

Rachel- Rach is my homegirl and lovely roommate. She is one of the silliest people I know and has a big heart for art. Even though I do not understand anything in the art realm, she has helped me appreciate it greatly. She is most likely going be doing commercial photography in the lovely food world.

Christina- My sister and my best friend. She loves Mexican children SO much. She is headed for inner city Los Angeles after graduation to teach elementary school children.

Melissa- This is Christina's best friend and one my dear friends as well. She is going to be an elementary school teacher as well. Melissa makes me laugh more than most people. We just "get" each other.

Sophie- Soph and I have only been friends since about March. It feels like we have known each other forever. God has called her to be a leader- I just know it. She is going to do something crazy in the government and in regards to International Relations/Development. She has a big heart for India and will probably return after graduation.

As you can see... God has blessed me with a lot of girlfriends who have big hearts and big passions. I am blessed.

Thank you girls for being you- for reals.

21.

2010-12-07T22:19:00.000-08:00

Well well this is the last day of my life as a 21 year old. When you say you are 21 to people younger you feel old. But when you say you are 21 to those older than you they just think you are drinking all the time. So I am kind of excited to switch up the number.

Although 22 is a somewhat boring number, I think it completely beats the number 19. So bring it 22.

Being 21 has been a year full of challenges, growth, and a shift in passions. I celebrated my 21st birthday in Washington D.C. at Matchbox (had the most delicious burger) with some of my closest girlfriends their.

21 has been a shift in passions. I thought I was destine for the middle east, but God has other plans... teaching in the inner city. Who knew?

God blessed me with an internship at World Vision this summer and been opening all sorts of doors in the teaching world recently. I am incredibly humbled by the work that He is doing around me.

I am just thankful to be alive. I am thankful to serve a God who loves me so much- even though I cannot fully comprehend it.

Tomorrow I am going to The Olive Tree (my favorite Arabic food restaurant) with some of my closest friends- I cannot wait!

2010-12-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Current train of thought: Must survive finals!

I AM GOING TO MEMPHIS IN 11 DAYS. AH (so excited).

Swim Team

2010-11-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

I do not know if I will end up in Memphis, but I was looking at swim teams their and came across this incredibly cute picture. I have had a dream since I was a child to coach a swim team. Teaching children to swim is one of my FAVORITE things to do. I love it so much. I was reading an article awhile back that swimming is one of the best sports for children who grow up in poverty. It is a sport that improves a child's self-esteem, independence, and perseverance. It is also a team sport- where you have to rely on each other but you note each others gifts. I just think it is the best sport, but maybe I am completely bias.

Enjoy this picture for what it is :)

Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T11:42:00.000-08:00

Home was marvelous. Lots of time with my family and as you can see, lots of time with my Dad. It was 30 degrees, I wore my North Face every single day, hiked, gained five pounds (most likely), and loved every second of it :)

(The first two pictures are not very clear because they are from my phone.)

2010-11-22T11:31:00.001-08:00

Doesn't this look extremely enjoyable?

I wish it was me.

Welcome to Reality

2010-11-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

Honor killings are real. They happen daily, especially in the Middle East. Read about it- be informed so you can pray.

"A Killing Set Honor Above Love" by John Leland and Namo Abdulla from the New York Times.

A Snapshot at History

2010-11-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish I was alive to hear Martin Luther King Jr. give his "I have a Dream Speech." I am just so inspired by this man. When I was studying in D.C. I would walk to the Lincoln Memorial from my apartment, bring a book to read, and sit on the steps of the memorial. One time I had to put my book down because I kept getting visuals of what it would be like to be there when he was giving his speech. I have also been writing my Gospel and Culture paper on Education Reform in Memphis. I have taken quite a close look at how the Civil Rights Movement and segregation have contributed to education in Memphis. Let's just say my love for studying history has been rekindled.

On Tuesday I have to perform some poetry and lyric pieces. Most people did a poetry program about people being lost and not knowing God. I thought I would switch it up and do it on poetry and song lyrics from the Civil Rights Movement. Totally normal, right? Probably not.

A tiny part of it is below from Mr. Bob Dylan himself. P.s. If you are super cool and think that spending time reading MLK's "I have a Dream Speech" is worthwhile (which it is) then read it here.

Death of Emmett Till (1963) by Bob Dylan
Twas down in Mississippi no so long ago,
When a young boy from Chicago town stepped through a Southern door.
This boy's dreadful tragedy I can still remember well,
The color of his skin was black and his name was Emmett Till.

Some men they dragged him to a barn and there they beat him up.
They said they had a reason, but I can't remember what.
They tortured him and did some evil things too evil to repeat.
There was screaming sounds inside the barn, there was laughing sounds out on the street.

Then they rolled his body down a gulf amidst a bloody red rain
And they threw him in the waters wide to cease his screaming pain.
The reason that they killed him there, and I'm sure it ain't no lie,
Was just for the fun of killin' him and to watch him slowly die.

And then to stop the United States of yelling for a trial,
Two brothers they confessed that they had killed poor Emmett Till.
But on the jury there were men who helped the brothers commit this awful crime,
And so this trial was a mockery, but nobody seemed to mind.

I saw the morning papers but I could not bear to see
The smiling brothers walkin' down the courthouse stairs.
For the jury found them innocent and the brothers they went free,
While Emmett's body floats the foam of a Jim Crow southern sea.

If you can't speak out against this kind of thing, a crime that's so unjust,
Your eyes are filled with dead men's dirt, your mind is filled with dust.
Your arms and legs they must be in shackles and chains, and your blood it must refuse to flow,
For you let this human race fall down so awfully low!

This song is just a reminder to remind your fellow man
That this kind of thing still lives today in that ghost-robed Ku Klux Klan.
But if all of us folks that thinks alike, if we gave all we could give,
We could make this great land of ours a greater place to live.

Lord help me

2010-11-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Let me just tell you how crazy this month is going to be... are you ready?

Next week I am giving my Gospel and Culture presentation.

In approximately 2 weeks I am going to my final Teach for America Interview.

In a little over 2 weeks I am going to find out if I passed my teaching exam.

By the end of the semester I will have written more papers in my life (just due to this semester alone) and will be done with my hardest semester.

Right after my last final I drive up to Northern California and catch a red eye to Memphis for my final interview.

I come home on a Sunday and leave for Germany that Tuesday at 6am.

Lord help me. It will be okay! It is just apart of the journey, right?

2010-11-16T17:30:00.001-08:00

{Word}

I wonder

2010-11-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

What if family looked like the way that God intended it?

I am researching Divorce pertaining to Poverty in Memphis.It is just one of the many sub-topics that are directly related to education in Memphis. I stumbled across this article. I think it is worth the read.

P.s. I really wish my paper would not make me cry every time I sit down to write it. It is just so sad.

Thankful

2010-11-14T15:25:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for the following reasons:

My TN middle school content knowledge test is over- now I just have to wait and pray that I passed :)
I saw my Mom, my Dad, my Grandma, my Stepmom, all of my Stepmom's family, and my church family from home this weekend.
I went to the beach for the first time since I started studying for my exam- and my soul feels refreshed.
Seeing my church family from home made me realize how thankful I am to have an extended family at home.
I just feel so loved and blessed. I have to write a fatty paper tomorrow (it will probably be around 40 pages), but I am not stressing, so praise the Lord.
God is good.

My Mom and I in Huntington Beach.

A Friendly Reminder

2010-11-12T21:16:00.000-08:00

Dr. Corey's e-mail/message, sent from Dr. Greene:

One thing I meant to mention at the end but neglected to do so was a word of encouragement to your students. If you could convey this to them, I would appreciate it.

My hope is that through the learning of this class that you as students interested in global service and making an impact for Christ, would take some risks and immerse yourself in one of those transformational environments. As I reflected with you last week, I remembered again how much I needed to break out experientially from my subculture and living in the world of the "other," only to discover that the "other" was not much different from me. We laughed and had families. We worked and loved. We needed to know grace. I challenge you as Biola students, mature and brave, to think and pray about how you might experience your "plunge" during these years of life in your twenties when you are about as free as you'll ever be to go for it with hardly anything to lose. As I write this, on my desk is a paperweight that reads, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" You have an exemplary professor in Dr. Greene who, among others, is giving you the tools you need and I wish I had. May something stir in your heart this semester calling you to a new challenge--beyond your comfort boundaries--that will change you for the good, for good. God has throughout history used willing college students like you to take some risks for the sake of Christ's love, risks that have few if any regrets.

{Amen}

It is a Friday night. I am home reviewing before the big test tomorrow and reminding myself that God has orchestrated all things for the purpose of His will. Pray for me, por favor.

America Remembers

2010-11-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Obama is in The Republic of Korea today. Here is a video from The Republic of Korea and United States of America remembering the vets.

Watch this video from the White House Blog.

Say thank you to someone serving today or someone who has served!

2010-11-10T22:38:00.000-08:00

I will not look like this on Thanksgiving, but I had to share this picture because Marilyn is looking pretty snazzy in this Pilgrim outfit. Last thanksgiving I was in Williamsburg, VA enjoying festivities with fake colonial people. I thought I was in a legit time machine and had to blink a few times to make sure it was real... which it was.

This thanksgiving I am going home (!!!) and will enjoy non-thanksgiving related food (hopefully). Last thanksgiving the only thing that I ate was chocolate fudge pie. It filled me up for the whole day because it was probably plus 2,000 calories. I do not know what it is, but I am not one for holiday food.

Obama in Indonesia

2010-11-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I am really impressed with Obama.

He went to Indonesia on his trip to Asia, along with China and now Korea I believe. I think that this article is worth reading. Things to look for and give thought to: reconciliation, contextualization, effective communication, and religion.

Click below:

Obama in Indonesia

Bah- Sunday Sad Secrets.

2010-11-07T23:16:00.000-08:00

Why is this so sad? Why is Post Secrets Sunday blog sooo depressing?

Lots of people are hurting in this world. Lots of people are lonely too.

Jesus, rescue them.

I am going to start praying for these people.

Preach it DuBois

2010-11-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

"Of all of the civil rights for which the world has struggled and fought for 5,000 years, the right to learn is undoubtedly the most fundamental…The freedom to learn…has been bought by bitter sacrifice. And whatever we may think of the curtailment of other civil rights, we should fight to the last ditch to keep open the right to learn, the right to have examined in our schools not only what we believe but what we do not believe; not only what our leaders say, but what the leaders of other groups and nations, and the leaders of other centuries have said. We must insist upon this to give our children the fairness of a start which will equip them with such an array of facts and such an attitude toward truth that they can have a real chance to judge what the world is, and what its greater minds have thought it might be.”

-W.E.B. DuBois, "The Freedom to Learn," 1949

The Bay

2010-11-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to wrap my mind around a lingering thought recently: why do I think it is not okay to be comfortable or to go after something that I know will be comfortable?

This thought has been in my mind for quite some time now. I have a huge heart for the bay area and every time I think about it I am overcome with joy. But when I think about spending my life their I feel guilty and think that I do not deserve it, because my life would be too easy or that I would not be fulfilling what Jesus was all about- denying our selves. But was that really all that Jesus was about? I believe that we are supposed to deny ourselves daily, but we are also suppose to go after the things that we love. Jesus came to bring life, and life abundantly.

I had dinner with my friend Justine the other night and I was telling her about my concern with thinking that I do not deserve to live in the Bay because of living comfortably. She reassured me that having the passion I do for the bay area and for change is not something that is necessarily from myself, but from the Lord. I know this may sound silly… but I have NEVER have thought of it like that. I always thought I was being selfish because it is my favorite place in the world. The Lord puts desires on our hearts for a reason- and He will most likely use our desires to bring about some crazy plan that we never dreamed of.

Someday I will return to the Bay Area. I am sure of it. I will live in San Francisco and either teach, work for a non-profit, or something of that sort.

It is kind of fun to try to look at your life from a birds eye view. Kind of frightening as well. I still want to go Memphis- extremely bad. I believe that if the Lord places me their I will be challenged and stretched. I will grow like crazy and I will hopefully master the art of teaching. Hopefully I will be a light. God uses everything for His glory- I just have to remember that.

Although this may sound like I am stressing out, I am not. I am rather content and know that the Lord will place me where He desires. That is a rather comforting thought right there.

Costco and Halloween

2010-10-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

Today Beachcomber 106 had to go on a Costco run to get toilet paper and paper towels. For those who do not know me: I LOVE COSTCO. I love grocery shopping. I could spend hours in Costco. Not only are there slippery floors that you can slide on, but you get free samples! Every time I go there I get so happy. I went there in my Adidas shorts and a baggy t-shirt on, along with my Rainbows. When I was in Costco I became somewhat nostalgic for home. People in Southern California do not look like they are grocery shopping, they look like they are ready for the mall or a concert all the time. This does not happen in Northern California. It is socially acceptable for people to wear work out attire all day long. Time is much slower and the pace of life is so much more peaceful. People say hello to one another in the grocery store and on the street. I feel like I am in my own skin at home.

This year I have actually gotten to the place where I feel like I could fit into the life of Southern California. There are some things, such as casual fashion, that make me miss home. People are not home bodies or even bad dressers, it is just so much more peaceful and comfy. Ah home, how I long for you (only a few more weeks).

On another note: It is HALLOWWEEEEEEN! My roommates and I dressed up as the Spice Girls. I think that all of our costumes were quite appropriate. I was Sporty Spice, Christina was Baby, Rachel was Ginger, and Melissa was Posh. I am not a lesbian, but somehow I am the Sporty one of the group. Some say that I have fast forwarded into a soccer mom because I make sure that my clothes are always comfortable- I still look cute sometimes though, so it;s okay (at least I hope so)! Rachel is sassy and has the wit. Christina is just a baby- haha- and has blonde hair so it works perfectly. And Melissa always wears dresses, so she had to! I kept joking about Sporty Spice being a lesbian... and then I found out that she really is. Just my luck. Oh well- at least she is a good looking one! We went trick-or-treating as 21 year olds, played cut-throat mafia, and pictionary with our lovely neighbors and friends. It was grand.

I hope your Halloween was eventful and full of giggles :)

Teaching

2010-10-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Today when I walked into the classroom of second graders they all screamed. They were stoked- it has only been a week since I saw them last.

I was feeling the love big time. It was two kids birthday's and the teachers (who was having a hard time teaching because she was sick). Because of this I had the opportunity to read with the kids individually during their silent reading time. I almost started crying- one of the kids was having such a hard time reading that he was completely silent. He was tearing up and I just wanted to hug him and find out what is going on inside his brain. This made me want to learn more about learning disorders, how to address them, and how to work with them. It is not right for a student to be grade levels behind when the other students are not. Ah- it killed me.

I read a story to the kids for about 20 minutes. It was so great because we went over all the things they were learning about different vocabulary, non-fiction vs. fiction, and inferences. I was eating it UP- I felt so alive.
Not to mention that the Principal walked in while I was reading- which for some reason gave me great energy.

The students did a worksheet that was about nouns- which we went over and corrected afterwards. I REALLY LOVE explaining grammar to kids- nouns, verbs, and adjectives for these second graders. They just love learning so much and are easily molded that I am awe. Learning should never get old. I feel like I am on the same level as them sometimes because we both love learning and the process of it.

Today was my last day with them. I am pretty bummed- but feel really blessed too. I had the chance to observe a teacher who was a Christian in a really diverse public school. Most of these kids come from broken families.

I got lots of hugs as I left and a lot of little kids screaming, "You are such a great Teacher Ms. Angela." As I left the teacher I observe told me that I am a natural and that I will be a great teacher!

I am just basking in encouragement. I feel so blessed- and I praise the Lord above all else for this experience.

Worth it.

2010-10-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

"Tyler, Tyler, Tyler...!" After trying to get his attention, I had to start repeating his name. I was working with three kids who have learning disabilities and are often neglected. The teacher does not have time to spend with them in class because of all of the material that she needs to cover. When volunteers come in it is a huge help, because these students get some one-one-one time.

I was askied to work on grammar with them. Their poor little brains do not comprehend it well and it seemed completely foreign to them. After about ten minutes the sentence, "I walked to the store yesterday" instead of "I walk to the store yesterday" finally made sense.

I feel so bad for these kids because they feel so lost during instruction and need way more attention then someone can give them. They need testing and aids.

As I left the classroom I was thinking "Man, I hope I wasn't too hard on Tyler since I was trying to get him to focus." Side note: He is a pretty shy kid as it is and has a hard time opening up.

The kids were at recess when I was leaving. He saw that I was leaving, ran up to me, wrapped his arms around my legs tightly and said, "Thank you Miss Angela."

That hug expressed more than words could. That is why I am excited about this journey.

2010-10-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

This speaks for itself. Especially for toady.

Why is this so funny?!

2010-10-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

Thankful in the Midst

2010-10-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

I stress constantly. This is something that I have come to know more and more about myself throughout college. This is also something I do not like about myself at all. This year, as to be expected, is quite stressful. I have heard from previous classmates that Gospel and Culture should be called "Gospel and Torture," which I would agree with only in a slight sense- due to the large amount of reading. This year I have a different professor teaching the class then usual and the structure and expectations have changed a tad bit.

I went into class the other day expecting to get the approval to write about a community development initiative in Appalachia and the need for education to be improved and I left with the approval of writing about issues pertaining and affecting urban children in Memphis, TN. My professor asked me, "Well, is that what you really want to do?" And I went on to tell her about Memphis and she straight up said, "I want you to do what will benefit you in your future- something that you can use." Um... okay! Only at Biola- I tell you. I have been so encouraged by my professors. They are always here to back us up and have our best interest in mind. After class as I was leaving she went through her library and handed me a book that deals directly with the issues that I want my paper to discuss. Gospel and Culture is not so much torture after all... at least not yet.

I have been feeling really overwhelmed about a test that I am taking before I can go to Memphis, but God has been gracious with time. I have been studying up a storm- and I am relearning all United States history and math it feels ha. Which is somewhat sad... but hey I haven't done it in a while.

I am thankful for my roommates and for the close knit of friends who I have been able to hang out with only briefly recently. My social life has said "Adios" for a bit, but it will make a great return soon. I am sure of that.

And the last thing I am thankful for is the classroom that I have been working in. I am observing a 2nd grade classroom at a local La Mirada school and could not be more excited about it. It is my favorite time of the week. I walk out of the classroom every Thursday so happy, feeling like I am on cloud nine. I have been able to work with students who have learning disabilities and students who are wanting to learn more and more every time I come in. I find myself dreaming about lesson plans- It is kind of odd. I still find it kind of funny that God is showing me this love my last year of school. Sometimes things work out this way!

Anyways, I just wanted to give a quick update.

Best wedding ever... I miss it.

2010-10-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am nostalgic. I just had lunch with my beloved friend Shannon and once I mentioned Rocky Point I became instantly nostalgic. Not to mention when I walked back to her office with her there was a picture of her and Joel from Rocky Point to add to it.

As I have said before, I do not think any wedding can top that wedding. Friends, laughter, happy hour twice a day, wine, ocean, warm water, best tacos ever, Mexico, no rules, loved ones... I mean the list could go on forever, let's be honest.

Here are some pictures to fancy your eyes (from Rachel McCord Photography).

I have to raise 600 dollars....

2010-10-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

to invest in young girls lives from an Air Force base in Germany with Meghan and go on the "Winter Blitz" trip through Young Life to Austria. Oh and not to mention this...

6 nights @ European 4 star ski in/out ski hotel nestled at over 4500 feet in the Austrian Alps, 5 breakfasts, 5 dinner
1 day Innsbruck Trip, 1 day Indoor Water Park Trip, New Years Eve Celebration
Club, games, music, entertainment, laughter and fun every night with friends!
Sledding & Snow activities at the lodge

I am excited. I need to figure out who would want to donate to a good cause :)

Steward

2010-10-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am learning what it means to be a steward of time. That is right. I do not want my blog to become a whine fest- but I will say it once and for all: My schedule is out of CONTROL. On top of everything that is due and making money, I am studying for two teaching exams. The programs I am applying to/have applied to depend on them. So I am studying like a mad woman.

I am constantly reminding myself, "Angela, this is a season! Come December 19th you can party and be carefree." That is truth right there my friends. Come December 19th... I will be done with my final interview for MTR, my UCLA app will be in (if I pass the CSET that is), and on December 21st I will be headed to Germany. Party on.

So in the mean time my social life is going down the tubes... for about two more months.

I must say I lucked out with my major though because I just got back from Westwood and mapped out Persian Square and talked to a really sweet PhD student who is Persian. He just moved here from Vancouver to LA two weeks ago. I thank God for my ability to talk to strangers and strike up convo or else this project would be disastrous. I am trying to map out the Persian Population and Nod in LA, which is going to be quite a challenge. It is for the purpose of Church Planting and for churches to better understand the population. I am coming to love Persians... they are the most BEAUTIFUL people I believe God created. I mean, that are a lot of beautiful people in this world, but they are definitely up there. So I mean I cannot complain too much about time because I still get to go to LA all the time. For class I get to go to Little India and Watt's for tutoring on Monday's... I still have my fair share of fun :)

Pray for time to multiple, please.

Big Girl Stuff

2010-09-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today I got asked to be a bridesmaid in my friend Teddi's wedding, which is NEXT January! Ha, so a long time from now. I am just so excited, even though I have no idea where I will be at that time. Wherever I will be, I will just be one plane flight away and $300 short. All worth it for a friend I love and support greatly :)

I am starting to think that I might, JUST MAYBE, be the person who will be in a lot of peoples wedding, maybe 27 before I get married. Who knows. I hope not.

On another note, I feel like a big girl because I am taking the admission counselors advice from USC. He keeps calling me and telling me about their teaching program. I keep insisting that I am not going to apply to USC and he has told me at least three times, "Angela, you need to expand your options." At first I was thinking, "Why is this guy that I don't even know telling me this!?" And now I am thinking, "Ha, he is probably so right!"

Even though I am set on MTR, that does not mean that I should not explore my options. I mean after all if I do not get it, that does not mean I should stop pursuing the teaching route. So ladies and gentlemen, I am going to complete my application for Teach for America and apply to UCLA's Master in Education Program. High hopes... I know.

Although the future is exciting and not set in stone... I need to pay a little bit more time on the present. So here we go.

straight up truth

2010-09-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

"Cruciform love is inclusive. Cruciform love, continuing the story of God's love in Christ for all the world, includes all: believer and nonbeliever. Gentile and Jew, woman and man, friend and enemy. It is a love characterized not by 'exclusion' but by 'embrace.'"

-Gorman in Cruciformity, p.391

Kingdom & Blessings

2010-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Mother Teresa once said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." When we stop and think about our God and His desire for the kingdom to be more bright in this world that could not be more true. We are living in the already but not yet stage of the kingdom. I have been thinking about the individualistic view of salvation and the gospel. God never desired the gospel to be a sin management gospel or a three step plan. The gospel is so full of life, it is whole, it is more than just salvation... it is a way of life. It is about caring for the poor, loving our enemies, surrendering our lives, endless grace, redemption, fighting for good, etc. It is a big picture that sometimes we miss. I think Biola does a fine job of making sure that the gospel really is full. As far as I know, most people do not see a hole in the gospel here on Biola's campus. We talk about social issues, have outreaches, feed the poor, and go serve among those who need love.

Mother Teresa was one smart lady. She understood God's love for His children, that is for sure. God uses every single one of us in some small way to bless others. Sometimes I say "It's just your life" in response to people freaking out about the future and how they are going to serve. God wants to use us. God wants to open our eyes. God wants us to love others the way He would love. God desires for people to have abundant lives. God desperately wants people to know that they are loved and valued- after all He was the one who created them in their Mothers womb, so don't they have a purpose on this earth as well? What about the homeless man who walks across the street barefoot- doesn't he have a purpose? I believe so.

So we are an instrument for God. We are the aroma of Christ... so let's be a pretty smell that attracts people to knowing that there are bits of the kingdom here on earth.

On Wednesday I had a phone interview with Memphis Teaching Residency and found out that I got selected for the Fall Selection weekend in December. When I found out I went from the nervousness of asking "When will I find out" to jumping for joy and shedding a few tears. This Memphis journey has gone from a city that God put on my heart to a city that I have fallen in love with, all through prayer. God has his way of blessing- even if it is just to make it to the next step. Now I don't know how I am going to pay to go out there- but I know that I will make it out there.

God loves to bless. Today Shannon asked me if I wanted to go out on a boat with her parents and Joel and let me tell you... It was SUCH a blessing. The water was beautiful, the weather was gorgeous, and I was with some of my favorite people. It was family time to me.

I say let's let God use us in His love letter... after all He already wrote it already.

Farmer's Markets

2010-09-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

I was just exploring LA Times this morning... getting my morning update. I lingered over to the Living section and then to Food... and found this GLORIOUS link. Click below.
Farmer's Markets in LA

Looks like someone is going to be hitting up a bunch of wonderful places.

Russia

2010-09-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

I am working in SMU Right now and one of the lovely secretarial duties is to check to the mail every day. Most of the time when I check the SMU mailbox it is a lot of newsletters from different Missions Organizations. As bad as it sounds, I do not have time to read them so I end up just throwing them away.

Today's newsletter, from a Missions Organization that I will not name, caught my eye. The newsletter said with a big heading "Pastor: Murdered in Russia." It is not unlikely that pastors are murdered in Muslim populated areas, but this really hit me. Russia? Really?!

This man who was murdered was spreading the gospel and loving on lots of people in the community. A lot of people were coming to know the Lord through this man. People were yearning for Jesus and the church was growing. He was killed because of it.

Please pray that these believers would not be scared, that they would continue seeking the Lord, and that the church would continue to grow!

Jesus, Memphis, and Skid Row

2010-09-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

I want to go teach in Memphis so stinkin' bad that I cannot see straight, literally! P.s. I am almost done with my application.

I also think that Jesus is the most beautiful person EVER. I am continuously in awe of his ways and how he loves people so deeply. He meets us where we are at and cares for the lowest of low. I saw his love so real and raw on Skid Row this weekend. People worshiping the Lord who had drug addictions ... but redeemed. People who wanted to kill themselves... but captured by his love. People who wanted to kill someone... but were calmed by the gentleness of the spirit. People who were demon possessed... but couldn't get away from the worship. Urine filled the streets... but God's love POURED over that street.

Jesus is the smartest man that ever walked this earth. I wish I could do everything he said. This is a life time journey for sure.

I also realized the perfect man for me when I was on Skid Row. Don't worry he didn't live there. The Lord gave me a picture of the perfect man- no joke. Here it goes... One who I can serve with, who is a prayer warrior, who loves unconditionally, who delights in serving the lowest of low, and who will be a protector/provider.

There you have it. Bring it Jesus.

lo siento

2010-09-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

Between taking 17 units, working 15 hours a week, applying to programs, trying to get involved in ministries, and being gone for three weekends this month... I have neglected my blog.

So I am sorry blog. I will return to you soon with some exciting stories.

September 1st is approaching

2010-08-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

On September 1st the application for MTR opens :) Lets just say that I am excited. God has put a few people in my life that are in this program and have been a great resource to me. Whenever I think about Memphis I visualize change. I have never even been there- but I have heard a lot of things about it. I have heard it is ghetto, all African Americans poor, hot, that I would stick out like a sore thumb and that I would scream "California." None of those things sound super appealing yet it is still a city that God has asked me to pray for. The other day I was telling someone that the thought of going to Memphis would be me completely outside of my comfort zone and someone I didn't even know was listening chimed in and said "Our life is not suppose to be about comfort!"It was simple, yet so true. Sometimes I find people saying "Well we will see what God wants... He will figure it out." I think we often forget that we can seek, pray, and ask for God's direction throughout the process and we do not have to wait until the end result. Things happen in steps. It is all about being obedient in the small things. That is what I am doing just with applying.

Here is the website to check out: http://www.memphistr.org/

(Here is a sneak peak from the website)

Nationally,

Fourth graders growing up in low-income communities are already three grade levels behind their peers in high-income communities.

Only 7% of low-income 8th grade students complete a bachelor's degree within 12 years.

About 50% of them won’t graduate from high school by the time they are 18 years old.

By twelfth grade, African Americans are typically four years behind their more affluent peers. These students are finishing High School with a Junior High education.

Those who do not graduate from high school will earn approximately $17,000 annually, and those who only graduate from high school but do not attend college will earn only $20,000 annually – both below the national poverty level.

The resulting social chaos from a lifetime of such low earnings potential is extreme.Only 1 in 10 will graduate from college.

In Memphis,

97% of African-American children attend public schools. 49% of white children attend public schools.

More than half of all children living in Memphis live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty (as defined by neighborhoods in which at least 20% of households live beneath the poverty level).

Half of children living in high poverty neighborhoods change schools at least once per year. Changing schools is associated with academic under-performance.

Approximately 5,000 young men and women turn 19 every year in Memphis without a High School diploma. Shelby County residents who work without a High School diploma earn, on average, $17,000 annually. College graduates earn $44,700 annually.

It doesn't have to be this way. These statistics can change.

My desire for this year

2010-08-26T14:18:00.001-07:00

My one and up-most desire for this year is to...

have a servants heart and to truly find joy in serving others. Jesus must increase and I must decrease.

I have been praying about this and today Rebecca in SMU told me that she had a dream about this. Funny how the Holy Spirit works.

Bring it Lord. Bring it.
And friends... keep me accountable to this. Thank you :)

Re-vamp

2010-08-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

Last year when I interned at Refugees International and now this summer at World Vision I walked into the internships thinking that they were going to change my life. I thought that they would be filled with wisdom, lots of interesting people, and jobs that were infused with passion. I was somewhat right. I met a lot of really interesting people at both of these organizations. So interesting in fact that today when I was going over my syllabus in Community Development that I realized we are reading a book from my boss and another book from one of the Advisory Councils. Crazy.

After my internship in D.C. I realized that working in the office was not for me. I remember taking Myers Briggs quite a few times and read bio's on what kind of jobs would work best for an ENFJ. It always came down to social worker, teacher, or event coordinator.

Before working at World Vision this summer I was stoked again. I forgot that I hate working in an office and accepted the reality that I will have to work in an office in order to make it to the field someday. Do not get me wrong, I really enjoyed my job this summer. I just do not think I am meant to work in an office (sounds naive since I am a college student). I think that God made people to live life to their full potential and if you saw me in an office you would see that I am drowning. Literally. Maybe it all comes down to the fact that I have not been in an office job where I am completely passionate, but that is besides the point.

Today in Community Development my passion for development was renewed. All summer long development became this thing that was editing papers for the common good of children (that I constantly had to remind myself). All summer I felt like development was putting too much attention on unnecessary detail and people forgot about what the work was actually for. There will always be a great disconnect between the office and the work that is actually on the ground.

Raw and real development isn't all about that- although that is necessary. Today in class my passion for this subject came alive again. I was super burnt out after this summer and after last fall. This tends to happen often when I am in an office setting doing something related with Relief or Development. When I worked at MIKA I knew I had to work directly with the people- that is where lives are changed and people are empowered.

I am just happy that God never lets me forget, no matter how stubborn I am, that He desires His people to live lives that are whole and restored (Isaiah 61). Take a read and notice how community development is desired by God.

¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
       because the LORD has anointed me
       to preach good news to the poor.
       He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
       to proclaim freedom for the captives
       and release from darkness for the prisoners,

² to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
       to bestow on them a crown of beauty
       instead of ashes,
       the oil of gladness
       instead of mourning,
       and a garment of praise
       instead of a spirit of despair.
       They will be called oaks of righteousness,
       a planting of the LORD
       for the display of his splendor.

⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins
       and restore the places long devastated;
       they will renew the ruined cities
       that have been devastated for generations.

Tomorrow is the first day of school!

2010-08-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

This may sound silly but tomorrow is my very last "First Day of School." I am a bit of a dork so I already have my outfit set out (mainly because I have to work), my backpack ready to go, and my mind fully aware of what I am going to make for breakfast tomorrow. In honor of tomorrow we are all going to take some epic first day of school pics. You will see them soon.

Tomorrow is a free for all chapel but all my roomies and I are going because we cannot miss the epic DBC chapel. We figured it would be a good talk and an even more wonderful transition from summer into the semester.

Cheers to a new year! Full of love, joy, and LOTS of dependence on our Father (inshallah).

Also I love this song. I just had my sister listen to this and she was like "Oh yeah- I was at that concert." Haha, she is so on top of it.

My heart is all over ze place

2010-08-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

We have all been there... having a bunch of ideas floating up in that glorious and complex brain of ours. Graduation in the near 9 months, my job starting up in a few days, trying to comprehend how the heck I am going to wake up at 8:30 everyday and end at 9 at night. I am a bit of shambles. It happens- it is all a part of life.

I will give you a little snap shot of the last few days with the new Biola babies. First of all I need to say something: I do not think I am an intimating person by any means. Apparently some freshmen girls think I am because when I talk to them they look like I am scary and too cool. Maybe I am just too overwhelming for them! I like to give them some hope so I have shared how I met most of my good friends the first few weeks at Biola. that is when i see a smile on their faces.

Tonight we had the commissioning of the freshmen/transfers to the Biola community. It was a lovely experience and I met some really nice girls who are eager to be at Biola. It is nice to have a fresh group of people who are stoked about school. Singspo took place after the commissioning- which is always good.

I have been reflecting on the fact that I, like many others (since we are sinners), get incredibly distracted by my purpose on this little earth. I often forget that God put me here for a reason and that my whole entire purpose of being is to glorify Him. If that is my entire purpose of being, then why do I neglect God all the time and forget about spending time with Him? This needs to change. I am most joyful when I am spending time with Jesus, who should be the #1 always. Today I caught myself in the car having a pity party (in my head) over something and just stopped and was like "Seriously God, I cannot have pity parties, they are stupid and you are so much bigger- please do not allow me to have them." He stopped my pity party, of course.

This little heart is all over ze place. It is okay though- God is in the midst and is totally listening to some legit prayers. I hope I get some guidance soon- especially on if I should apply to Teach for America and/or Memphis Teaching Residency. Shoot up some prayers on those two please.

Back at a place i have grown to call "home"

2010-08-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

It takes a lot for me to start to call something home. Biola has become a place over the last three years, going on four, where it actually feels like home. Driving off the 5 onto the lovely Firestone, making a right onto Rosecrans, and then left onto Biola Avenue has become a drive that is not only comforting, but feels right. Most of you know, or should know by now, that the only other place that I consider home is my home in Pleasanton (lived there from 4 years old until now).

I started up work (which has been basically a lot of hanging out) on Thursday with SMU/AS. I have loved every single second of it and feel so blessed by the people I get to work with (which consist of a LOT of my friends- score). We will be spending lots of time together so it is so good to just be enjoying each others company before school gets a hold of us and life gets a little wild.

A lot of my close friends have returned from internships/mission trips from all over the place including Calcutta, Peru, New York City, Zambia and many more places. I have been blessed with a lot of people who have an international mindset, yet see the desperate need in America as well. It has been an encouragement to me.

Every summer I feel like very random things happen to me. Actually my whole life has been pretty random and totally unexpected.This summer was kind of nuts and a lot of unexpected things happened. God answered some crazy prayers and had me learn some hard lessons as well. I learned a lot about love this summer and what it really means. When I say I learned what it really means, I just learned what it takes to really love and how God wants us to love Him. I have not particularly mastered the action quite yet- working on it (which will be a life long lesson for sure). The book of James has been teaching me a thing or two with this.

I have been alone in my apartment the last few days, which has actually turned out to be great. I have been able to really reflect on summer and what I want out of this next year. I bought a journal today just for senior year- so I can see how God worked throughout the year. I need to be faithful to that sucker!

I want this year to be God's. I have no idea what I want to do with my life and where God will take me, all I know is that I want to follow Him. I want to pray more and I want to learn how to be a better servant (which worked out because my job at school aligns perfectly with that). God needs to become more and I need to become less.

Biola is my second home. It is so nice. I walked outside my apartment yesterday and I know almost everyone in my apartment complex- talk about getting the hook up. I am so excited for this year and really sad that it is my last at Biola. I guess this means I need to really embrace every day- and not waste it away!

2010-08-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

Every time I come home I find myself loving life and enjoying everything way more then I usually do. I always find myself thinking I am "sacrificing" something to be living in LA and then I feel bad and guilty for wanting to live in Northern California. Don't get me wrong- I love school and think it is great to live in Southern California for college.

I don't know why I feel guilty wanting to live in the bay. I wish I could figure this out.

Just a thought.

Germany is a go!

2010-08-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

Some people value night materialistic things. My family has always valued travel. Friday morning I received a call from my Maggi (my Stepmom) saying, "So I was just thinking... what days did you want to go to Germany?" I told her December 21- January 12. I thought she was just curious so I proceeded on with the conversation. About an hour later I checked my e-mail and got the most surprising message ever. She booked a flight for me to Germany and back- with her frequent flier miles that she didn't even know she had! I was in awe- she saved me about 1,000 dollars! I just feel so blessed. I am still at a loss of words.

Given that it is almost near to impossible to get a flight around Christmas with frequent flier miles, I will be leaving SFO on Dec. 21 to Boston, to Madrid, to Frankfurt. I have a fatty layover in Madrid (12 hours)! Which means... I am going to go exploring big time (if I can wake up from the Ambien I am going to take ha).

Looks like I will be sipping on hot chocolate spiked with rum, enjoying Christmas villages, skiing in the alps, buying a "Czech Me Out T-Shirt" in Prague (which is perfect because I am Czech), lots of best friend time, and much more for three weeks. I am a pretty happy girl.

Despite that lovely news, I am back at home in the bay getting lost in the stars, running into people left and right and eating delicious organic food. I have hung out with all my good friends, had a laughter filled bbq at Brads and heard some black bay area people scream "you go white girl" as I was going dumb to bay area rap last night at the club. Last night was reallyyy fun, but hearing that totally topped off my night.

I am in my element. This is where my heart is.

germany bound

2010-08-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am saving up my money to go to Germany over Christmas. that is right, over Christmas. I am saying adios to the family for this holiday- which is a bummer- but i can't let my best friend celebrate Christmas all alone, that would be cruel. I will be in Germany (hopefully) for three weeks. first week is before Christmas, while I enjoy all of the cute festivities in Germany. The second week I will be in Austria skiing in the alps. No big deal. The third week we will hopefully be traveling to Prague in the the Czech Republic to give a shout out to my dead gypsy ancestors (holler)!

It is going to be very cold while i am there. The whole time i am going to have to think "mind over matter!" I will happily take anyone's offer of warm clothing. I only own the bare minimum since I am not a fan of the cold. I need to save a butt load of money and by the time I buy the ticket i will be back at zero. But I mean, when else can my bank account be almost empty, I have three free weeks to travel, a free place to stay and a best friend who is living in germany? Close to almost never. This is the time to go friends!

Alps

Prague

I will take pictures of Germany... because I do not know all the exact places I'll be yet! This better happen.

Tijuana

2010-08-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

If anyone knows me they know that I love my broken Spanish. It doesn't bother me at all and I still try to get by with it. On Monday morning, almost before the sun came up, a group of us World Vision employees jumped in a van and headed off to Tijuana, Mexico. The intention of the trip wasn't to come and do a week long missions trip, but to see what World Vision is doing on the field level. After all, the whole reason that World Vision exists is to do transformational work through communities.

Let me just tell you, it was amazing to see what World Vision is doing on the ground level. There seems to be a huge disconnect between the field when you are working in the Governance Dept, which deals with the highest people in society.

The place that we visited was an Urban Development Project (UDP). Ladies in the community came together, the children came together, and their husbands came to serve on the day that we were there to serve them. I thought they were just going to give us a ton of work to do, but instead they worked right along with us.

The things I took away from this tiny two day get-away were the following:

The work that WV does is sustainable. 50% of the funding comes from WV and the other 50% is from the community.
The people who run the community center are dedicated and see it as a place that is transforming their communities.
I saw hands on how the sponsored children felt empowered and were able to do more for their community because of the support of donors.
Mexican's are hard workers! Especially the women- I was put to shame.
There is a disconnect between the office and the field. I am so glad I got to see what the top actually does for the bottom- what WV is truly their for. I am glad that they have a program set up called "Vision Trips" so WV Employees can experience the work of WV on the field level.

I am just so in awe of how sustainable everything was on the field. Our Northern mind-sets sometimes have a hard time embracing and putting sustainability into practice, but the community center and the other projects that the UDP was working on were 100% community owned. I loved it.

Even though it was a short two day trip- it was the highlight of my time at World Vision. Lots of hugs and kisses saying "Adios" to those ladies and children.

Disconnect

2010-08-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you least expect it your mind wanders off into a place where you feel you have captured the world's problems. Or sometimes you cannot simply put an issue into words because you are at a loss of them. Today at lunch I was enjoying a delectable salad from Trader Joe's and started talking about different cities in the United States with my friend Hallie. We started off talking about LA, then New York, then San Francisco, lastly Chicago. There is only so long you can talk about something that is exciting on a surface level. Shopping, food, attractions all wear away. All of these cities have a disconnect. I suppose you could say that there is a disconnect between the rich and the poor in every major city. Some people think there is just a disconnect in India, where there will be an endless Caste System, or perhaps South Africa where Cape Town is booming with money, but go to the Shanty Towns and you will discover that there is extreme poverty that is not always addressed or cared for by the rich.

Today on NPR I was listening to a story about The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They give millions of dollars in grants to organizations all over the world every single year. The lady on NPR this morning was explaining that giving money to these organizations is just not enough. The Gates are starting to address and bring awareness of giving to people who have money. It is one thing for the Gates to be these good people who give money, but after awhile I wonder if they think they are alone (although I know a lot of rich people give) in this process. They are trying to get more people to give who have been blessed to do so. I really respect them for this.

Sorry that was a tangent. But I was thinking about it earlier today as I was discussing these cities with Hallie. Washington D.C. is our Nation's capital. If we are a country that believes in social services (after all we do have a democrat as President) and make policies constantly to better serve our people, why are they not being put into place? That is another disconnect- follow up on passing of policies (that is another story though). When you walk down the streets of D.C. you see people dressed in their best suits, best shoes, and maybe a few more wrinkles then they should have for working too much. You see money and you feel the power. If you go about 15 minutes North East of the Capitol you will hit poverty. If you go 20 minutes NW of D.C. you will hit even more poverty. You will meet kids who have no drive to finish school. You will come across homeless people who will share the part of their story where they dropped out of high school. You will see people in business suits running pass the homeless man into the Senate building because he is late for a hearing.

Almost every big city struggles with the the rich and the poor. Suburbs are left to the average income people so you do not see as much of it. It makes sense why Jesus warned us about money and power. It makes sense why Jesus, a man of power, loved the poor. It makes sense why Jesus did not want to hang out with the Pharisees. I wonder what it would look like if the rich (this is a generalization of course) loved the poor and saw them more then a "poor person," but as someone with dignity, a mind, and a heart. Sometimes I get these visions in my head where I actually see this happening worldwide- a little idealistic I suppose!

Haha, I was looking for pictures in DC and came across this. I could not pass it up.

swimming truth

2010-08-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

The water is your friend. You don't have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move. ~Aleksandr Popov

There is one place in the world where I feel at complete ease: the water. Put me in a pool, an ocean, or a lake and I feel like I have experienced complete freedom. Moving underwater brings about a sense of silence, meditation, and body against self. It is liberating and comfortable. I always say that I would be a mermaid if God actually made them. Swimming brings about joy. Have you ever been swimming and people are not having fun? I do not think so. Despite being at complete peace while swimming, it is an excellent way to exercise. You work every single muscle. I agree with Mr. Popov. I have definitely experienced sharing the same spirit with the water. It is a swimming truth for those who love water.

jeremiah

2010-08-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

i have always had a hard time saying that i "remember" a day that someone passed (unless they didn't know the Lord). it is more of a day of celebration, although it is still very sad.

today is the one year mark of jeremiah going to be with the Lord after a scuba diving accident. i can't believe a year has passed. jeremiah was a man of character, integrity, chasima, hardship and lots of love. his life was short lived and was much more challenging then any of us suburban kids could of dreamed up. melanie, a beloved friend of mine, has fought the fight this year and has been a strong woman- some days easier than others. i honestly do not know how anyone could do this on their own strength, thank goodness for the Lord's. jeremiah's death brought many people to Christ. his story has been lived on and is an inspiration to many. i am praying today for his family, loved ones, and especially mel. keep them in your prayers!

blog post last year on this...

2010-08-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Thomas Merton once said "A daydream is an evasion." I do not know if I completely agree with that.

maps

2010-08-02T15:13:00.001-07:00

Today after lunch I ran over to AAA to get a NYC map for my roommate. She has painted three different canvases white with the a black sky line of a city… that all flow together. For some reason she needed a map to complete the paintings (still waiting to see how it turns out). So being the nice roommate I am (jk, but really), I picked her up some maps. I always get super carried away with maps! I cannot contain myself so I decided to get maps of Downtown LA, San Francisco, NYC, and Chicago. Some may call me a nerd, but I absolutely love them. I could stare at them hours and often do. If someone has a world map up at their house I am always drawn to it and end up sparking up some kind of traveling conversation with someone nearby. Today I opened up the NYC map in the parking lot at work and just stared at it. My mind drifted off into this place where I was reminded of lots of vivid memories of my trips to NYC. I think that there is a special part of my brain, or maybe many peoples, for maps. Living in Washington D.C.for four months and riding the Metro absolutely everywhere made for a permanent map in my brain. I sometimes dream about it.

I think that maps have somewhat lost their value. People have become lazy and have resorted to a GPS because they are convenient and much more efficient. But what happened to trying to figure out the puzzle? Trying to figure out your destination? What happened to people who actually have a sense of direction and can locate North, South, East, and West? Perhaps even by just knowing where the sun and moon are located? I know that those people are out there… but our world is becoming more and more reliant on a machine to tell us where to go instead of figuring it out with our own brain.

I do not have a GPS. I do not plan on having one unless I need one for work or something. My Mom, sister and I traveled throughout Europe (Spain, Italy, France... and even Morocco- in Africa) with a map... we survived.

Anyways, this is the DC metro map, which is very dear and close to my heart. You can learn a lot about a place through their public transportation system- but that is another story.

My Friend Shannon

2010-07-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today I visited one of my best friends in her new apartment with her newly wed husband. It took about 45 minutes to drive from Pasadena to Arcadia (Little India) to where they are living. Both of them are Biola grads, who know that they are called to missions, particularly among Muslims. Most people who graduate want to go live in some hip neighborhood with a whole bunch of people who are similar to them. Not Shannon and Joel. They are living in the heart of Little India among a lot of people who are well... not white. They definitely stick out, but that is not going to get to them. I am inspired by them. They have intentionally placed themselves in a place that might not be the most comfortable, but they are doing it to meet people other then themselves and to learn from them. I am praying that they will come to know people in their neighborhood and develop lasting loving friendships. Way to go Shannon- I am proud of you (even if you do watch Jersey Shore behind closed doors).

jesus, people & love.

2010-07-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere. Luke 9

I think that there are some hidden secrets in this passage. Jesus tells us over and over again throughout the gospels that there is power in His name. We will sing about it at church and talk about, but sometimes I forget that there truly is power in Jesus name. When I pray and truly feel like God is listening, despite my emotions of the moment, and say "in Jesus name," there is a power that comes over me. There is a lot of power in Jesus name.

I also struggle with the fact of saying "Oh yeah- let me just leave all my food, my money, and make absolutely no plans." That stresses me out, especially because I am a crisis-oriented person. For most kids in America we grew up hearing "be responsible" from our parents daily. Making plans is what we do for the future and if you are not already saving for your retirement by age thirty, then something is terribly wrong. You should just say "adios" now because you will be dying by the time you are sixty. Or at least that is what it feels like. The fact of the matter is that most of us aren't going to leave all of our things and go preach in villages, but God desperately wants us to be in a place where we are fully reliant on Him. It is in that place where joy comes. It is in that place where we realize that God truly does care and wants to care for our needs- emotional, physical, spiritual, social, etc. If we believe that God created this Universe, if God created us, if God knows all history (past, present, and future), than why on earth don't I rely on Him more for the little things- let alone the big things?

Since some of us are not going to be going to the rural bush of Africa, to the high desert mountains of Pakistan, or the jungles of Peru. We can make friends right here in Los Angeles. There are people everywhere. Did you know that there are over 100 recorded languages in LA and way more that are not even recorded- due to the influx of immigrants and foreigners? P.s. Got that figure from a Professor- not sure where he got it so do not quote me on it. I just love this, so much. I get so excited meeting people- probably due to my personality. If I could make it a goal, I would meet someone new every day. There is always a way to relate with someone- you just have to find the common ground.

Sorry I am going on a tangent. I just get really excited about these things. Last weekend I went to Echo Park with a friend and to my surprise we were the only white people in the midst of hundreds of Latin American families. I was in love. It was so comfortable- despite my lack of Spanish. The same thing goes when I go to Arabic Festivals. Maybe something is wrong with me. P.s. Recently I feel like my life is going to turn out like the lady in "Pray Eat Love."

So ending point: Jesus' name is strong. He wants us to rely on Him- which really is worth it. He wants us to be a light because after all we are imagine bearers.

tiny update

2010-07-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

I think I am due for some updates about summer and some realizations (random), as I haven't touched on it much. Here is a brief list:

1. Jesus needs to be first.

2. Prayer is essential.

3. I don't want to work in a Christian Organization- at least for a while.

4. I really do love Muslims.

5. I feel more comfortable around a bunch of people who are not my same ethnicity.

6. I love that Los Angeles is full of Spanish speaking people.

7. I need a people oriented job.

8. I can't sit for more than 30 minutes. Might have A.D.D.

9. I love communication- need it. I did not realize how strong of an “E” I am.

10. I have a strong friend force- so thankful for them.

11. I have no idea what I want to do with my life. All I know is that I love people, cultures, and development.
12. I have been having crazy dreams almost every night. I wake up pushing the snooze button multiple times because I don't want them to end.
13. I miss stars a lot.
14. I am convinced that dancing cures any sadness.
15. I am ready for school to start and live a "college" life again- that does not involve paying rent and working 8-6.
16. I think about Washington D.C. daily.

17. I am falling in love with Henry's Farmer's Market.

That is a tiny update.

love

2010-07-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

Monday morning I woke up with the realization that I had to do lead my department in devotions that morning. I had precisely two hours to come up with an idea, figure out what I would like to say, get ready, and drive to work. It was not the best timing on my part. Some of you may think "Oh, that's easy... it's a devotion, just open the bible and figure it out." My mind does not think like that. This goes for most things in life... I cannot just come up with a devotion if it has no meaning to me. I cannot just talk about freewill or grace if I have not been thinking or experiencing it recently. Same goes for a speech, I cannot just come up with a speech out of no where... it has to come from the heart. So I wanted this devotion to come from the heart. I sat on my bed for a few moments and pondered on where I was in life- which can be quite tricky at times.

Got it- I have been trying to figure out what love means. What does it really mean? Does love have strings attached? Can we give it freely? Are we able to give it freely? Do we treat it like money or some kind of commodity where we expect something in return? Do we even attempt to love- or do we sit in our own pride all the time? Do we only chose to love people when they will love us in return? Do we have an agenda with people- or do we let life happen and love along the way?

These are just a few of the questions I have been asking myself recently. The reason this has been brought to my attention is because I want to intentionally love others. I really do, but I struggle with how it looks. If anyone has read "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller, he spells it out pretty clearly.

I do not want to just say I love someone. I want my actions to be an outpouring of my love for them. I want my mind and heart to align my work. That is so much harder then it sounds. Try it for a work day- then tell me how it is.

Anyways, I talked to my group about love as a commodity in the Church. Love has become something that has strings attached to it- or at least it does sometimes. Do we just hang out with non-Christians so we can tell them about Jesus? What if they already know but aren't interested? Is it not possible to just love? Some people would probably say that loving people is sharing about Jesus and if you do not share about Jesus then you really are not loving. I agree with that to a certain extent. But what if someone already knows where I stand, I have shared, and my life (hopefully) reflects that... would you continue to hang out with them? Of course you should.

I am getting off track- but my point is that love is something that should be given freely- as much as humanly possible without being stupid or careless. It should have no bounds. I wish we could love regardless of opinions, political views, religious views, and economic backgrounds. Most of the time it just does not work out like that.

Just a few random thoughts. I have met a lot of people who love deeply, so do not get me wrong. I just think our world needs a lot more love- which I am sure everyone agrees on. I need to start loving more too, so do not worry we are in this together.

2010-07-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

if i had the money...

i'd open my own tea room and sell lots of tea from all over the world. i'd travel to all the different locations to get to know the farmer's and learn about them and the history of the tea in their country/region. very random- i know. but that thought excites me.

2010-07-09T15:26:00.001-07:00

John Muir once said: "Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Here grow the wallflower and the violet. The squirrel will come and sit upon your knee, the logcock will wake you in the morning. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill. Of all the upness accessible to mortals, there is no upness comparable to the mountains."

My sister is backpacking in the Sierra's right now. I wish I sent her this quote before she left. Can't wait to hear about her stories!

best friend meghan

2010-07-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

Meghan wrote this to me today in a messsage...

"p.s

i climed a cherry tree today. and picked some cherries. so pleasant."

That is how I know we are best friend soul mates. She is coming back to America from the country side of Germany in 5 days. I am kind of dying inside that I will not be at the airport to run and give her a hug hug. If anyone wants to go to the bay area next week let me know :)

kiddos

2010-07-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

i am babysitting right now. all three kids are asleep, or at least pretending to be. there is a 7 month old, a 2 year old, and a 4 year old. 2 boys and 1 girl.

that might be enough right there to convince you that babysitting is the best form of birth control, but probably not. i have thought this for quite some time now. i have been babysitting/nannying since i was in middle school. i have made the same amount of money, without a pay increase, since i was 12. lets just say i was rolling in the dough when i was a youngster and still get good pay today.

i say it is the best form of birth control because if any guy/girl spent time babysitting like i do... they would either a. not have sex or b. use condoms/birth control. it really is that simple. kids are a lot of work, which is why i will not have them until i am AT LEAST 30.

when you are 12, you love babies. when you are 21 its a whole different story. alright, i am just going to say it... i do not like babies.

some people would probably be shocked by this statement because i've been described as "super friendly" and a "kid magnet, " which i like to think are both true, but i really do not like babies. i know that sounds horrible, because of course they are precious gifts from God, but i just cannot get myself to love hanging out with babies.

i am convinced that the best age group is 1-3 grade. that sounds like an incredibly small time frame but its the truth. in 1st grade kids are starting to learn math and already know the abc's. in 2nd grade they love their teacher and start making best friends. in 3rd grade kids are eating up knowledge and loving science. once 4th grade hits, the kids get the advantages of the 5th grades and instantly get snottier. 5th graders think they own the school and middle schools are just awkward.

i think this all may be a result of not babysitting for 3 months. i also think loving kids is conditional. i love the kids i babysit at home. if someone came to me telling me i had to adopt them i would. i love my cousins- because there is something special about loving people who are related to you. watching random kids is a little different. thank goodness God's love for children is unconditional... he is the ultimate babysitter, that is for sure.

morning

2010-07-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

there is something so beautiful about morning when it is still pitch dark out. i can hear cars driving by and wonder who is up at this hour. people are probably sleepy, but it is def a time of reflection.

city lights are dimmed, people are in their slumber, and people are resting because a chaotic day set before them.

i think a lot of things are beautiful. almost anything involving creation and the routine of the universe. yesterday i had the joy of being in both laguna and venice in one day: two completely different beach cultures. as i looked out at the ocean i could not help but think about how vast, beautiful, strong, victorious, and mysterious it is. there is something about the ocean that makes one feel free and liberated, or maybe that's just me.

i could just stare out into the ocean, watch people surf, and look at the cliffs for hours. luckily, most of the people i care about in my life could do the same.

my dad, stepmom, and i hiked through laguna canyon yesterday. once i set foot on the dirt path and was hiking up the canyon through the brush with wildflowers beside me i could not embrace myself. it was so beautiful and needed. you cannot keep me in a concrete city for too long. never ever.

there is something beautiful about people who can appreciate nature with you. i have been on plenty of hikes with people who just see it as a hike. i have been on even more hikes with people who genuinely love being in God's creation. throughout scripture God tells us to love His creation, take care of it, and to see that its the work of His hands. i am pretty sure we should all take hold of that.

the sun is suppose to rise at 5:47am. gotta go find a place to see it.

i realize i used the word beautiful a bunch of times, but there really is no other word to use in this case.

p.s. this is cute (from post secret):

They will know us by our love

2010-06-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the blog entry...

Donald Miller has a blog that is worth following. His blog entry from yesterday was interesting and very true. People are so desperately searching for love, that a woman who speaks peace and gives hugs is attracting a huge following in the Hindu tradition. This is challenging. I think I can love quite a lot, but do I really? I haven't gone out of my way recently to show love to people whom I usually wouldn't. It is so easy to love your friends and family. But what about the person who frustrates you? The people who have completely different opinions then your own? That one person who has wronged you in the past?

Jesus was pretty darn good at loving. I think its about time I start trying a little harder.

mexico love time

2010-06-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

lets see, where to start.
oh thats right- mexico.

last saturday i witnessed my best friend, shannon, get married. for those of you who are reading it (who are probably my best friends), yes, i do have quite a few best friends.

i just think it is so crazy that my best friend got married. i have gone to my fair share of biola weddings and family weddings in my life and this topped them all. i am pretty sure my own wedding will probably not top this. walking through the adventure of shannon meeting joel, going on their first date, kiss, engagement, and then WEDDING... was nuts. i have never seen shannon, yes, you shannon, so happy in my life. it was just so beautiful. i had to stop myself from crying the whole ceremony.

all of the groaning of wanting to get hitched in a courthouse came to an end on june 19, 2010. i am pretty sure once she put on that wedding dress on she knew that it was real.and that this was her day. there was no stopping her.

the ceremony seemed like it took about 5 minutes, when in reality it was much longer. i also a fan of an unconventional wedding standing arrangment. i think that the bridesmaids and groomsmen should switch places so we can see our beloved friends, but then again it would defeat the purpose of standing behind them.

the wedding was amazing, the dancing was fantastic, and the night was young. stars were so bright you could actually see them, which is quite the treat when you live in LA.

the water was calming and the PERFECT temperature. i could of swam for days.

the friends and loved ones of shannon and joel that i became friends with were fantastic. def a good group of people.

i could continue and babble about every single momment, but i will just keep them as a memory in my head. i have lots and lots of snap shots of memories up in their that i will treasure for a while.

so proud of you shan, you did it AND now you are married forever. crazy.

wv and interests

2010-06-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

first of all, i am loving working at world vision. i think it is such a great opportunity to dive into an organization that cares so deeply about the heart of God and the oppressed. the things that they talk about are so beautifully displayed in the bible- that it makes my heart pound with passion. i love my position- summer student of the governance dept. i find everything that i am learning extremely interesting and applicable- so that's good! my co-workers are awesome and we have devotions daily as a team. i have become friends with all the other interns and i must say we have a good bunch :)

on another note, i was just thinking of how much i like melanne verver. if some of you don't know her check her out- here is her bio. i had the opportunity to hear her at one of the first hearings on the international violence against woman's act on the senate side with john kerry. the way she conducts herself and presses forward with the cause of women rights is commendable.

in other news... check on these websites. they are intriguing, interesting, and things that i want to get more involved with/more educated on.

Vital Voices
Council on Foreign Relations
Women's Foreign Policy Group

i wish i was at this hearing. guess i will have to listen to it on webcast.

this looks fun.

2010-06-07T21:38:00.001-07:00

home

2010-06-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

the smell of fresh grass, clear air, and families riding around on bikes during the day beats nothing in los angeles. beautiful clouds with the backdrop of rolling hills are priceless. pine trees please my senses as i drive down the road. falling asleep to stillness and waking up to humming birds... delightful. i live for this kind of stuff.

oh and did i mention that my neighbor saw that i was coming home on face book and came over to ask what kind of desert i wanted her to bake. amazing!

2010-06-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

i feel like a nomad sometimes, a secure one at that. i looked at my key chain earlier and i have a key to four different houses, all of which i would call home. thats a bit crazy to me. i have clothes and trinkets spread out at all of them. there is one place that will forever be called home: pleasanton. today i was driving on the 210 east to the 57 south to get to brea. as i was driving i was in between a valley and there were hills on both sides of me. my soul literally was crying out of joy. i was so excited, it felt like home. i am in a location where there are mountains right behind me, but it just doesn't cut the beautiful mountains without smog at home. i love norcal, with all of my heart.

i suppose god places us where he wants us.

life is heat

2010-05-31T22:48:00.000-07:00

i am all moved in! woah- and the apartment's ac is not working and its a trillion degrees. it kind of feels like home when i was little. my dad would turn off the ac at night and open every single window in the house. i would go to bed listening to the crickets and other creatures outside. i would wake up to the birds chirping and the light peaking through at six in the morning and then ride to swim practice. it kind of feels like that today.

i am in a new place with only a few friends. i am so glad to be living with my best friend. i am excited for this new little adventure and for making some new friends. in other news, we got gym memberships today and bought into the "promotion" that i am pretty sure they have every week.

yesterday i went to a scottish festival yesterday and had a delicious new castle since i am off contract. it was quite enjoyable as i listened to bad haggis and saw hundreds of men in kilts. lots of beer and a lot of happy people.

i am sorry these thoughts aren't flowing at all. my brain has died a bit since finals. it will come back soon.

beer buying and a C

2010-05-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

a word of wisdom: never take a distance LSU class.

i started taking geology last june and just finished it on may 14th (holler). it was a 9 month course that i intended on finishing last summer. due to working a bunch and having way to much fun, i didn't finish it. then i went to dc and decided not to bring my book. so because of that i worked on it all of winter break and spring break, thanks to my 3 month extension. since my dad is a geologist we would stay up late writing out my assignments/essays. when i got tired i would rest my head on his shoulder with my eyes closed and he would tell me the answer, as i typed. good dad, huh? i just love him.

anyways, i failed the midterm because i didn't study. science is so much different than studying something like intercultural studies, politics, sociology, etc. they are complex and you can talk your way through things. science is straight forward... which doesn't work out so well for me. concrete ideas and me don't work out so well.

i figured out that i couldn't pass the class unless i got a b- on the final. AH. so i studied hours upon hours.

and guess WHAT? i just found out i got a b- on the final... aka got a C in the class. who would of thought me, the perfectionist of grades, would be stoked to get a C? i freak out if i get a B. crazy i tell you.

i told my dad that i passed and he was STOKED. i told him to pat himself on the back, which he did, because without his help i would have not passed or would of had zero motivation. after all i took the class so i could understand his love for geology a little more.

in response to me telling him this he said, "well angela... since you are 21 you are going to treat me to a beer as a thank you. no better yet, buy me a 6 pack at bevmo of the 'world beers!'"

haha, okay dad. i will buy those for you and we will happily enjoy them together. you got it.

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in other news... i really like this music video. i think its funny that one of the band members of local natives is someone i use to play hide and go seek with when i was five. talented band for sure!

urban gardens

2010-05-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

i am mildly obsessed with sustainable urban community gardens. i found myself trying to study for linguistics today and my mind wandered off into a a beautiful place:

imagine a city that is active, fast, and not time stopping. the city is vibrant, alive, and full of culture. diversity is knocking at its door. oh but wait, despite all of this movement, these people care and love their city and the environment. people can't wait to wake up on a saturday morning for farmers market to support their local farmers and the local economy. people have urban gardens right outside their flats on the patio and some within the city to support their people. people desire to learn about alternative health and the benefits of organic food.

i feel like the bay area does this well, but it is only in certain pockets. i am sure seattle has almost mastered it. i hope i can live to see the day where buildings are run by solar energy, people drive hybrids all the time, and fostering community through gardens is important. check out this article: best cities for urban gardens.

from the daily green on seattle:
"Seattle's P-Patch Program provides 68 gardens for residents throughout the city, with plans for four additional gardens by the end of 2009. The program was created by the Department of Neighborhoods and the nonprofit P-Patch Trust in 1973. Their volunteer-run community gardens offer 1,900 plots and serves more than 3,800 urban gardeners on 23 acres of land. With a youth gardening program and a 12.3-ton produce donation last year, Seattle is a city built for horticulturists."

representing socal- long beach:
"Long Beach Organic started as the vacant lot task force, identifying vacant lots and turning them into community garden spaces. Over the past seven years LBO has maintained many gardens, including three community gardens and one demonstration garden at the local nursery. LBO community gardeners come from many ethnicities and grow anything from sugar cane and lemongrass to sunflowers and tomatoes."

i really think God wants us to take care of our earth and our bodies in a way that glorifies Him.

while i was drifting off into this thought... i started thinking about how fun it would be teaching my kids (if i become a teacher) about environmental sustainability and teaching them about compost. maybe even taking them on a field trip to clean up whatever city we are in! hm, these are the kinds of things that excite me.

here is a fun site to explore: Urban Gardens.

ponderings

2010-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

one of my strengths is "adaptability," which has proved to be both a blessing and a curse. i do really well with jumping into a situation, getting to know people, building friendships, and making them last. but when i have to leave i am so sad! i suppose it is just the cycle of life. once i leave, i get really nostalgic for about a week and then the cycle continues.

within the last year this cycle happened quite a few times.
leaving biola last year
going home and adjusting to home with the help of emily lee
leaving home to go to dc
dc to florida
florida to home
home to school (probably the hardest)
and now school to azusa (not necessarily a hard- besides the fact that i LOVE home more than anyone i know).

but there is much more to this cycle than just location; people make it all the harder and easier. i love making new friends. i love easily and get connected easily. i still get sad every time i think of my DC friends being so far away and my family being only 6 hours from me. i just love relationships and people.

the end of the semester is a time where people finally hang out because they realize how much they mean to each other. my weight training teacher had all of us girls over. it was such a blessing because it is very unusual for a PE class to become close. every single girl was there except for one. we bonded together as sisters in Christ. we encouraged each other as we struggled, prayer together, had devotional times together, and worked out booties off like no other. it was such a privilege.

a lot of my friends are graduating. my development loves are peacing out of here and are embarking on grand adventures for the cause of Christ, which i am so excited about. during our last class the other day (keep in mind we have gone through all the same classes), dr. greene started crying along with most of us tearing us. its special. being bonded together is so special! i think sometimes i forget that. friendships are so precious.

God places people in each of our lives to grow, serve, learn, love, and be molded by one another. we are friends with one another to edify and build up each other. it is so so so special. God in his kindness loves relationships. He LOVES them. we get to have a relationship with a real and genuine Him, it is so special. it is honest, real, loving, etc. our friendships here are just a glimpse of what our friendship and relationship with our Lord can be. it is so beautiful to me.

anyways, i am just reflecting on lots of lovely things. in other news my roommate just introduced me to Mumford and Sons. i am slowly falling in love with them, you will too.

a snap shot of this afternoon. christina was on all fours trying to be the dog but i almost fell over laughing and nearly peed my pants... so the picture didn't happen. too bad.