"You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it." Psalm 65:9
When the Lord blesses us with responsibilities, it's easy to accept it and forget that we are not the one who makes all the calls. We take over and forget to submit to our master. Things then begin to turn sour and we start to feel hopeless.
This verse is a good reminder that God ordained and created it in the first place, so He had it under His control the whole time and the hard times we go through are him "watering it" because He is enriching it through trials which can make us stronger.
"But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Unity cannot be stressed enough. God created us to work together and to be different so that we compliment one another. When we are going through struggles, we need to share that with the other parts of the body so that we can support one another, bear each other's burdens. If you are honored, do not take it all in but share it with your brothers and sisters so that they can rejoice with you&so not all the praise goes to you.
The part i would stress the most is if you are suffering, you MUST share it with your brothers or sisters because it can affect them and they won't know why until you confess or things get worse.
That is the beauty of being a body of Christ. We don't have to go through life alone and God always guides us.
praise God for his love and direction. May His glory abound in our lives!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
intensity...it only builds up!
well then, things are always non-stop in my life. in a way it's good cause it gives me something to do, sometimes keeps me productive, don't have to deal with boredom, and i value time more.
the negative effects are not getting enough rest, falling behind in other things, neglecting people i don't mean to, and not taking care of myself [like not having time to eat right or exercise].
it is SO hard to balance everything. the Lord knows i need Him.
so there's been a lot of events going on in my life. not too many significant events but a lot of searching and pursuing that leads to significant events.
this past saturday morning, i went to a Bat Mitzvah. It was a very enjoyable service [although it was THREE HOURS long!!!]. This was my second time going to a Jewish service and first time going to a bat mitzvah. i really enjoy Temple Beth El's cantors because they have lovely voices, the congregates are very welcoming&personal, the temple is really pretty [especially the ark center stage], hearing hebrew is a blessing, and seeing their dedication and organization is really enjoyable.
Also, the temple i went to is a reform temple so they have a female rabbi and their dress code is not extremely strict.
at the Bat Mitzvah, i saw my professor and it was kind of a weird experience seeing him outside of school. He noticed right away that Beverly and Jasmine were not in his class [they came with me to observe a Jewish service because for their ethnic studies class they needed to write a report as well] which was kind of bad cause i told them to pose as his students. The reason for that is because Carolee, the Bat Mitzvah-ian, was the speaker who came to our class and invited our class to come to her Bat Mitzvah. i was the only one who went up to her afterwards to ask about details of her Bat Mitzvah and she was so welcoming and friendly and when i went up to her after her Bat Mitzvah service was over, i explained how i was from the class that she came to a month ago and she was SO HAPPY that someone from the class actually came! she couldn't believe someone would come and did not expect it. it was great to receive her hug and big thankful smile :O)
one could tell she was really loved because according to the rabbi, they haven't had such huge attendance since the high holidays ahaha. and so many people prepared for her many gifts and presentations and really expressed their care and love.
at the closing song, we did a little Jewish jig with them by putting our arms around each other, side to side, and then rocking back and forth and adding a little kicking to the sides by switching off. it was fun :O) the lady next to me explained how it was done. it was funny cause jasmine, beverly, and i were the only asian girls so people could tell right away we stuck out. one of the guys sitting in front turned around and said "don't worry, it's almost over!" hahah he was referring to the service because it had already been 2.5+ hours. not to mention i was freezing from wearing a dress [my professor said to wear a dress and to cover our shoulders].
there was this one part where Carolee carried the scrolls and marched around the room while dancing and sort of formed a conga line behind her. it was sooo funny to watch and totally fit the Jewish cliche. if i had known her and the people around me better, i so would've wanted to join in on the dancing :O) it was so lively and looked like so much fun!!
in the end, i was really glad i got to go and experience such an amazing service. it was realllly interesting and i enjoyed it a lot. i would recommend for everyone to attend a Jewish service if you get the opportunity. it's very intriguing.
-switching subjects, i finally found a church again! God has been very patient with me on my journey towards finding a perfect church that will grow, challenge, and encourage me at the same time. i've realized throughout my constant 4-year search for a church that i will never find the perfect church in Riverside. the thing is, i'm already set to commit to my home church but i can't do that until i move back home. therefore, i must find a temporary church in Riverside while i'm away at college. but it has been quite the difficult challenge in finding one. there is always a switch off where i might like worship but not the message, or the message is good but worship is too showy or too old styled. i've finally realized i need to compromise and the message is way more important than the worship. so i am going to stick with Cornerstone for now because it's messages are very Biblically grounded and that is something i need right now. It's a bonus to have a lot of my close friends attending as well so i get to fellowship&eat with them afterwards. i also can carpool :O) but i really enjoy the size of cornerstone and their focus is so intent on the Gospel, it's really encouraging and gives one passion and brings one back to the purpose of our worship.
aside from church, ministry has been difficult. it is keeping me on my toes. i feel like i experience highs and lows in a very inconsistent way that i just can't seem to get out of. but i am trusting that everything that happens is for my&everyone else's own good and God has it all planned out.
i've been spending more time hanging out with Epic people and it's been very enjoyable. i love getting to know them better and spending time with them. we have many a good laughs and fun :O]
i truly miss my homies back in Irvine. i have not been able to visit them at all this year and it makes me so sad. i've just been really busy and am trying to prioritize which sadly irvine's epic is not up there. but those people will always have a special place in my heart.slo, uc davis, etc are awesome!!
i've really enjoyed that we started up small groups and i have been so blessed by not having to lead, getting to know the girls better, and diving into the Bible with other sisters!! i have MISSED Bible study so much. i really love asking questions, getting opinions, and discussing our different views of what we interpret. God is so amazing and we can never learn everything about Him. small groups also provides more accountability which i am always lacking so i truly appreciate it!
because Epic has been so busy with the servant team, small groups, events, and so many meetings to attend, i've been having less time for other ministries like the LGBT ministry with Marissa and Grace.
We still pray for the LGBT community but there has been no recent events that we attended or could attend. things have just felt like it's been placed on hold for now as we continue to seek direction from God. i so desperately want to make friends with a member of the LGBT community from campus!! i'm looking for opportunities and continuing to pray for them. may God hear us out.
it is such a blessing to be able to serve God, be loved by Him, and pass His love on to others :O]
ministry has grown me so much not only spiritually but as a person and my character. i've learned endurance, trust, genuine seeking&connecting with God, and so much more!! i would recommend serving to every christian college student because it really stretches and grows you. you experience God in a different way and are blessed beyond belief as long as you obey.
aside from ministry&friendships, there is school. ai yai yai. school has always been like a sword in me that will stay on my side. aha i know that made no sense. but i have always had so many difficulties academically. God has been gracious to me over and over again and never denies me mercy.
i am slowly working my way towards finding an internship. i really think it will be beneficial for experience, my resume, and to get a better grasp of where God wants me.
i'm so thankful for the resources UCR provides like talking to counselors and going to workshops. they have endless resources! i do not know exactly what kind of internship i want to go into but i just want to find one. once again, got to trust the Lord with that!
it is now late. i am tired. but tonight was a fun night [and day for that matter]. i enjoyed cornerstone, hanging out with certain people, and playing a game that just produced laughing so much and hard that my stomach hurt and felt like i went through an ab attack session!! fellowship is a great blessing God has given us. :O) yay for target, costco, winco, and mall shopping all in one day!! kristen is my homey that is just one of the most awesome shopping buddies :O]
may my posts glorify God, keep you guys updated on my life, and help me to process things as i write them out.
God is good!!! all the time!!! :OD
the negative effects are not getting enough rest, falling behind in other things, neglecting people i don't mean to, and not taking care of myself [like not having time to eat right or exercise].
it is SO hard to balance everything. the Lord knows i need Him.
so there's been a lot of events going on in my life. not too many significant events but a lot of searching and pursuing that leads to significant events.
this past saturday morning, i went to a Bat Mitzvah. It was a very enjoyable service [although it was THREE HOURS long!!!]. This was my second time going to a Jewish service and first time going to a bat mitzvah. i really enjoy Temple Beth El's cantors because they have lovely voices, the congregates are very welcoming&personal, the temple is really pretty [especially the ark center stage], hearing hebrew is a blessing, and seeing their dedication and organization is really enjoyable.
Also, the temple i went to is a reform temple so they have a female rabbi and their dress code is not extremely strict.
at the Bat Mitzvah, i saw my professor and it was kind of a weird experience seeing him outside of school. He noticed right away that Beverly and Jasmine were not in his class [they came with me to observe a Jewish service because for their ethnic studies class they needed to write a report as well] which was kind of bad cause i told them to pose as his students. The reason for that is because Carolee, the Bat Mitzvah-ian, was the speaker who came to our class and invited our class to come to her Bat Mitzvah. i was the only one who went up to her afterwards to ask about details of her Bat Mitzvah and she was so welcoming and friendly and when i went up to her after her Bat Mitzvah service was over, i explained how i was from the class that she came to a month ago and she was SO HAPPY that someone from the class actually came! she couldn't believe someone would come and did not expect it. it was great to receive her hug and big thankful smile :O)
one could tell she was really loved because according to the rabbi, they haven't had such huge attendance since the high holidays ahaha. and so many people prepared for her many gifts and presentations and really expressed their care and love.
at the closing song, we did a little Jewish jig with them by putting our arms around each other, side to side, and then rocking back and forth and adding a little kicking to the sides by switching off. it was fun :O) the lady next to me explained how it was done. it was funny cause jasmine, beverly, and i were the only asian girls so people could tell right away we stuck out. one of the guys sitting in front turned around and said "don't worry, it's almost over!" hahah he was referring to the service because it had already been 2.5+ hours. not to mention i was freezing from wearing a dress [my professor said to wear a dress and to cover our shoulders].
there was this one part where Carolee carried the scrolls and marched around the room while dancing and sort of formed a conga line behind her. it was sooo funny to watch and totally fit the Jewish cliche. if i had known her and the people around me better, i so would've wanted to join in on the dancing :O) it was so lively and looked like so much fun!!
in the end, i was really glad i got to go and experience such an amazing service. it was realllly interesting and i enjoyed it a lot. i would recommend for everyone to attend a Jewish service if you get the opportunity. it's very intriguing.
-switching subjects, i finally found a church again! God has been very patient with me on my journey towards finding a perfect church that will grow, challenge, and encourage me at the same time. i've realized throughout my constant 4-year search for a church that i will never find the perfect church in Riverside. the thing is, i'm already set to commit to my home church but i can't do that until i move back home. therefore, i must find a temporary church in Riverside while i'm away at college. but it has been quite the difficult challenge in finding one. there is always a switch off where i might like worship but not the message, or the message is good but worship is too showy or too old styled. i've finally realized i need to compromise and the message is way more important than the worship. so i am going to stick with Cornerstone for now because it's messages are very Biblically grounded and that is something i need right now. It's a bonus to have a lot of my close friends attending as well so i get to fellowship&eat with them afterwards. i also can carpool :O) but i really enjoy the size of cornerstone and their focus is so intent on the Gospel, it's really encouraging and gives one passion and brings one back to the purpose of our worship.
aside from church, ministry has been difficult. it is keeping me on my toes. i feel like i experience highs and lows in a very inconsistent way that i just can't seem to get out of. but i am trusting that everything that happens is for my&everyone else's own good and God has it all planned out.
i've been spending more time hanging out with Epic people and it's been very enjoyable. i love getting to know them better and spending time with them. we have many a good laughs and fun :O]
i truly miss my homies back in Irvine. i have not been able to visit them at all this year and it makes me so sad. i've just been really busy and am trying to prioritize which sadly irvine's epic is not up there. but those people will always have a special place in my heart.
i've really enjoyed that we started up small groups and i have been so blessed by not having to lead, getting to know the girls better, and diving into the Bible with other sisters!! i have MISSED Bible study so much. i really love asking questions, getting opinions, and discussing our different views of what we interpret. God is so amazing and we can never learn everything about Him. small groups also provides more accountability which i am always lacking so i truly appreciate it!
because Epic has been so busy with the servant team, small groups, events, and so many meetings to attend, i've been having less time for other ministries like the LGBT ministry with Marissa and Grace.
We still pray for the LGBT community but there has been no recent events that we attended or could attend. things have just felt like it's been placed on hold for now as we continue to seek direction from God. i so desperately want to make friends with a member of the LGBT community from campus!! i'm looking for opportunities and continuing to pray for them. may God hear us out.
it is such a blessing to be able to serve God, be loved by Him, and pass His love on to others :O]
ministry has grown me so much not only spiritually but as a person and my character. i've learned endurance, trust, genuine seeking&connecting with God, and so much more!! i would recommend serving to every christian college student because it really stretches and grows you. you experience God in a different way and are blessed beyond belief as long as you obey.
aside from ministry&friendships, there is school. ai yai yai. school has always been like a sword in me that will stay on my side. aha i know that made no sense. but i have always had so many difficulties academically. God has been gracious to me over and over again and never denies me mercy.
i am slowly working my way towards finding an internship. i really think it will be beneficial for experience, my resume, and to get a better grasp of where God wants me.
i'm so thankful for the resources UCR provides like talking to counselors and going to workshops. they have endless resources! i do not know exactly what kind of internship i want to go into but i just want to find one. once again, got to trust the Lord with that!
it is now late. i am tired. but tonight was a fun night [and day for that matter]. i enjoyed cornerstone, hanging out with certain people, and playing a game that just produced laughing so much and hard that my stomach hurt and felt like i went through an ab attack session!! fellowship is a great blessing God has given us. :O) yay for target, costco, winco, and mall shopping all in one day!! kristen is my homey that is just one of the most awesome shopping buddies :O]
may my posts glorify God, keep you guys updated on my life, and help me to process things as i write them out.
God is good!!! all the time!!! :OD
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
sustained obedience
there has been so much going on in my life that the Lord is doing. i have been wanting to write a post for awhile but haven't found the time. time is so precious and i'm still learning to use it wisely. i never thought i'd ever be so busy and would be able to handle it. but it's true, with God anything is possible :O]
AACF winter retreat was this past weekend. God had me go for a reason. one of the messages that was on saturday night, spoke straight to my heart. everything i came to the retreat with and was struggling with was addressed in that message. i understand what it feels like when people say "i felt like the message was JUST for me." it sounds selfish but yet God really does intend for us to encounter things for a reason. even when i wanted to ask for prayer&hesitated, the worship leader said "and if anyone needs or wants prayer now, don't hesitate to ask someone. don't be afraid." and that just made me think "oh dang!! he's talking to me!!"
and so i got to pray with marissa and it was sweet and true fellowship. being able to share each other's burdens, weep together, laugh together, and to come before God together was beautiful.
the message offered encouragement and affirmation for me. the week before was SO intense and a little discouraging that i felt everything was falling apart and that all my energy and time invested was in vain. but God spoke to me through the speaker [Brian Chang] and told me to have sustained obedience and to work hard because it will be worth a lot more later than it is now. and something else that was really powerful was when he said "everything that happens in this world is for our own good." it was really interesting how the speaker used Haggai to speak to us and gave us his perspective on it. his interpretation was really helpful.
i also experienced a lot of true fellowship at retreat through-foosball games [even though it got competitive hehe], worship, moi time [one on ones], small groups, early morning prayer meetings, meals in the cafeteria, snowball fights, taking pictures, and the best part was at the end where Wil had everyone circle up and we sang "I Love You Lord" 4 times. the 1st time was everyone together, 2nd time was the girls while the guys prayed for their sisters, 3rd time was the guys while the girls prayed for their brothers, and 4th time was all together. it was SO beautiful!!
AACF has continually been a blessing in my life and even if i don't make it out all the time to large group meetings or events, AACF will always have a place in my heart and is already stamped in my past as a part that has grown me so much. I value the brothers and sisters in that fellowship so much. God has blessed me countlessly with their lives and interaction.
"but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:12-14
"in fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" 2 Timothy 3:12
"Instead, you ought to say,'if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" James 4:15
"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25
those are just a few verses that spoke to me. the Lord is faithful and he hears you. If you're going through a hard time where it seems impossible to press on, be encouraged in knowing he understands your anguish and frustration. He loves you and is there with you. that is the most important part, you are not alone.
praise God!!
AACF winter retreat was this past weekend. God had me go for a reason. one of the messages that was on saturday night, spoke straight to my heart. everything i came to the retreat with and was struggling with was addressed in that message. i understand what it feels like when people say "i felt like the message was JUST for me." it sounds selfish but yet God really does intend for us to encounter things for a reason. even when i wanted to ask for prayer&hesitated, the worship leader said "and if anyone needs or wants prayer now, don't hesitate to ask someone. don't be afraid." and that just made me think "oh dang!! he's talking to me!!"
and so i got to pray with marissa and it was sweet and true fellowship. being able to share each other's burdens, weep together, laugh together, and to come before God together was beautiful.
the message offered encouragement and affirmation for me. the week before was SO intense and a little discouraging that i felt everything was falling apart and that all my energy and time invested was in vain. but God spoke to me through the speaker [Brian Chang] and told me to have sustained obedience and to work hard because it will be worth a lot more later than it is now. and something else that was really powerful was when he said "everything that happens in this world is for our own good." it was really interesting how the speaker used Haggai to speak to us and gave us his perspective on it. his interpretation was really helpful.
i also experienced a lot of true fellowship at retreat through-foosball games [even though it got competitive hehe], worship, moi time [one on ones], small groups, early morning prayer meetings, meals in the cafeteria, snowball fights, taking pictures, and the best part was at the end where Wil had everyone circle up and we sang "I Love You Lord" 4 times. the 1st time was everyone together, 2nd time was the girls while the guys prayed for their sisters, 3rd time was the guys while the girls prayed for their brothers, and 4th time was all together. it was SO beautiful!!
AACF has continually been a blessing in my life and even if i don't make it out all the time to large group meetings or events, AACF will always have a place in my heart and is already stamped in my past as a part that has grown me so much. I value the brothers and sisters in that fellowship so much. God has blessed me countlessly with their lives and interaction.
"but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:12-14
"in fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" 2 Timothy 3:12
"Instead, you ought to say,'if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" James 4:15
"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25
those are just a few verses that spoke to me. the Lord is faithful and he hears you. If you're going through a hard time where it seems impossible to press on, be encouraged in knowing he understands your anguish and frustration. He loves you and is there with you. that is the most important part, you are not alone.
praise God!!
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