Great is Thy Faithfulness.. June 25, 2008

i just went to my itunes and brought up every song i have that has the word “faith” in it…13 songs.

 the ones that really stick out to me are :

“great is your faithfulness

great is your faithfulness

you never change, you never fail oh God

true are your promises

true are your promises

you never change, you never fail Oh God!

and..

“All I have needed..His hand will provide…He’s Always Been Faithful to me.” ~ Sara Groves

….

today i was just so reminded of how faithful our God is.  Just 2 months into living here in California and today was honestly the first time I felt the burden of stress:  intensive classes, finances & loans, youth ministry, …. on top of needing to take care of lee lee, going grocery shopping, working out.. fixing my printer, fixing the vaccuum, cleaning the kitchen floor……on and on and on… endless to do list.. always.

well.. i.. just kind of felt the stress all at one time, even though if you isolate each thing it really is going to be okay….but in my moment of weakness i really saw the beauty of depending on the Lord.

so…the most therapeutic thing for me was to just sing to God in the shower..and those two songs of faith ,that i mentioned really rejuvenated me.. and also i think there’s something therapeutic about a shower, maybe the cleansing?  lol, do yall know what i’m talking about?  anyway…so the words…

GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS.  He’S ALWAYS been faithful. 

Wow.  such truths.  Why should I worry at all?  Why be stressed?  God’s in control and He has never let me down.

I simply thought about how there is no need to worry when I recognize  the God i serve.  easier said than done?  if we live out of our flesh, yes.  but if we live out of our spirit we can really choose to think positively and proclaim the promises of God!  “our spirit is willing, but our flesh is so weak”

I felt like as i was laying my burdens down to God, that He reminded me simply of how insignificant the things i worry about are.   he showed me what it means to be a person of action!  instead of worrying..do something about it!  it was really freeing !  God’s given me SO much — the words i love the most are to BE effective and FRUITFUL for the Lord.  God wants to work through us when we take a STEP in faith.  so.. i’m going to probably get another job, i’m going to study so hard for school, i’m going to fix that printer and clean that kitchen floor and by golly i’m going to LOVE those youth..even if 2 people show up for that basketball night..i’m going to play with them…lol won’t they love that?

anyway, seriously, i just wanted to encourage yall.  i know in the end..we all struggle with this.  please feel free to keep me accountable..so i’m not just speaking..but acting   i love that verse in Jeremiah.. i want at the end of my life to be that person for God “a tree that is rooted deep in God’s streams..it’s leaves are always green in drought..it never ceases to bear fruit..” I LOVE THE WORD FRUITFULNESS!!!

anyway so there   my theme is that God is faithful.  If you are feeling any stress or worry — focus on the goodness of God!  He seeks to provide for us.  He delights in it.  He is a BIG God , nothing is too hard for Him.  Also, change your mindset.  You can do it.  You will get it.  GEverything will be ok  

So joyfulness still abounds!  I love looking at everything life brings me on the brighter side.    I love how worship lyrics really bring so much truth and power.  Wow how I love God so much.

He’s always been faithful.  He will always be faithful

 

first day of class.. June 24, 2008

I am a student again   am I excited?  Well, I have definitely welcomed hours and hours of study, but besides it being super time-consuming (thus lack of blogs lately), I really do enjoy learning about God in this way.  I am taking New Testament Gospels and found class enjoyable today — even if it was 4 hours! 

The professor is visiting from Lee University and is a really nice guy.  I liked him a lot.  It was a lecture-style class, and it was great today to bring my laptop to class–almost 90% of the class used laptops and I felt like such a graduate student! hehe..typing my notes up in class!  I somtimes prefer handwritten notes though just because I find myself spending most of my time trying to perfect my notes on the computer. 

Anyway, we are learning mostly about the World of the New Testament.  This was written in Greek and in the 1st Century, so we have to really take ourselves back to their time to truly understand in what social context and influenc they were writing in.  We are learning about Roman influence, Jewish influence.. the Bible is of course a historical document, so we really should know the context of what we’re reading.

We learned about the canon, how did the 27 books in the NT come about?  Who were the authors?  When did they write it?  Why did they only include those?  etc.  We are going to get into exegesis and truly interpreting Scripture.. it was funny today because I brought so much stuff with me to class.  I had my laptop, notebook, (binder and paper thanks to sweet Cortney), water, 10 snacks (hehe), all my books, my Bible, my purse…hehe i took up like 5 seats!  It was nice to know Roger in class today and it’s good we can be classmates together.  His son Micah is SO cute

Anyway, so besides class keeping me busy, things with the youth ministry are going well.  We all went to the beach this past weekend ( i promise i will have pics up soon ) and i had some great fellowship with the youth in that setting.  my pastor really told me he can see how i was answered prayer for the youth and i really see how it really is encouraging.  this saturday we have our basketball night!!  i hope lots of people come and its not too hot!  i will update more soon…but i have had some very interesting convos.

anyway exciting news is that i should be COMING HOME in september for sure !   i will email you guys my specific dates so we can plan to see each other   all i need now i someone in pasadena to watch lee lee for me…. i’m so scared i won’t find someone who will take as good care of her as i do…now i see the reluctance with parents trusting a babysitter hehe!

goodnight!  more reading for me !!  GOD IS SO GOOD   Besides class, He’s teaching me soo much.. I really feel like He is taking me through such a heart purifying process.. to really know what it means to LIVE FOR HIM…so much more I want to say, but i’ll have to wait for another time   XOXO!

into the mind of diana lee… June 20, 2008

yup..i’m doing it again..

…listening to Bethany Dillon’s song ”New” .. it’s so beautiful to me.  have you tried listening to it? here’s the link again on youtube:  (it’s live! ) http://youtube.com/watch?v=nj7NLh7kECE 

i absolutely love the time right before bed for me..where i unwind.. reflect..relax..  *smile*  don’t you?

..and before I begin.. i really wanted to take the time to thank you…

…thank you for reading my blog.. even if you don’t leave comments like my TRUE fans..haha j/k..no but I really appreciate you caring about me so   ..  so you are a p p r e c i a t e d.   

today was such a blessing to me.  God is seriously the reason why i write this blog.. i want to make His name known in my life.. i want you to see Him working in and through me..and be encouraged..sometimes be challenged.. i want to walk this journey of life… with you …

today when I was reading “Introduction to the New Testament” and “Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels” (the gospels minus John) I was SOO into the reading.  of course it was a lot of time and haha if yall know me i had this crazy set up for reading so that i was in the best posture ever, best lighting (stephanie knows!) .. lol.  i laugh at myself sometimes.  anyway, i kept thinking.. there is SO much i’ve never thought of.. how interesting!  wow.. I really see how “being a student” of God can really spur me on to love Him more…

these past 8 years or so that i’ve really been pursuing the Lord.. i have always studied “christian living,” but never “christian theology..”  it really changes things.  if you ever have any questions, please make them known to me.  as i read now..i’m making a new journal of questions i have along the way..it’s really great to have them all in one place and see how the Lord will answer them for me.

today was a blessing not only in the fact that i was able to be so excited about studying God in this new way..but to see how God is using me at this church.  tonight was the graduation party and it was so wonderful to see the parents of the graduates really feel touched to have their children so loved and cared for at the church.  it’s so wonderful how loving others because we love God..really affects so many more people than you realize.  i loved how thankful and appreciative they were of me because you really usually don’t get “thanked” a lot in ministry…most of my experience has been behind the scenes..but God is good–even though He deserves ALL praise..He gives us little moments of encouragement to keeep us going strong…serving Him with gladness.   

People are so interesting.  You know 80% of the time you talk to someone there is miscommunication?  Lately I have heard so many stories of people being hurt and offended by others… but isn’t it so important for us to first make sure we know there true intentions before we jump to conclusions?  i find the reason why people who are rude really bother me is because i take it so personally.  i feel like rude people are a personal attack to me.  but wow, people come from SO much more than we realize..

they have their OWN story..their own filters…their own insecurities..own sensitivities.. that’s why i see why God calls us to have an unoffendable heart..because if we could really see from the other person’s perspective why they said what they said or did..we’d see that we’re really all the same deep down inside.. we all seek love, acceptance..we’ve all been hurt and carry around unnecessary pain and baggage. man, that’s why i love ministering to others.. bringing them face to face with the reality of what a full life of freedom God calls us to have.

sometimes when i find that i’m offended by someone..my initial reaction is to close up and withdraw from that person… i actually feel my heart get hardened..and that is not good!  we gotta keep our heart soft… for the Lord to use it   so my challenge to myself and yall is to always do heart and mind checks.  is this truth we’re really dwelling on?  why am i so angry with this person?  use everything as a way for God to purify you and prepare you for MORE   He uses everything for good! 

what do yall think?  do you see the importance of making sure we are not just vessels for God to use..but clean, pure, empty vessels… after all..EVERYTHING good that i do is ALL GOD doing it through me.

“I am crucified with Christ and It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in ME.” galatians 2:20

He makes us new again.    Keep on Shining.

p.s.  you know what i thought about that itd be good to have?  the gift of osmosis.  haha to just go to barnes and nobles and soak up alll the WEALTH of knowledge!  you know how scary that would be?  hehe!  good thing it’s not real.

p.p.s.  i had a mango today and it was soo good.  the fruit here is amazing!  i miss taiwan!  i LOVE being chinese

He is in Control! June 18, 2008

am I the only person who had their braces taken off 10 years ago and still wears her retainers? lol..

anyway, no shame.  I like to think I keep good habits!  I think taking good care of myself is a way to glorify the Lord  

well so I’ve been reading in preparation for my New Testament Gospels course and it’s crazy how already I’m reading the Gospels in a new light and class hasn’t even started.  I emailed my professor already (hehe) and he told me to pay special attention the book of Mark.  Well.. it’s so fascinating the character of Jesus when you read the Gospels in a historical, literal and social aspect… there is an abundant amount more than what they teach at church!

well i felt the pain today.. a full tank of gas for my little corolla was $50!  it hit me, then..whoa, I don’t want to drive anywhere!  but it’s SO hot to walk around.  have yall seen those power scooter type things..where people are standing up holding a handle on these 2 wheels (like a podium on wheels type look) and it’s motorized?  man those things go fast! i want one!

anyway, as I was making dinner..i flipped on the news only to hear MORE about the crazy gas prices and the desire to look for oil on US soil.. about the floods in the midwest…about the war in iraq…about the economy…about our environment…about the presidency with obama vs. mccain… and man.. it’s a scary place to live!  but this is no surprise to Jesus.. in fact…  as some of you may know..God already predicts these things to happen as signs of the end of age..

Mark 13: 7-8 says “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. “

haven’t we seen earthquakes?  natural disasters?  but these are the BEGINNING of birth pains… no one will know when Jesus will return, but I just wanted to encourage yall that our God is still BIG and is still in Control.  This is a perfect opportunity to proclaim the good news–that we who are sick and need healing have a Healer!  we who live in bondage to the temptations of this world can live in freedom!  God is here to REDEEM us…earth is not our home nor our final destination…. let us continue to FIX our eyes on the Author and Perfector of Our Faith.

In the midst of the “craziness” in your life..don’t forget God’s overwhelming love.  He took OUR place..and said his/her debts are PAID in FULL.  He/She is Free to Go…

Live the Full life God has called you to   Don’t live for the things of this world that are temporal but for the Kingdom which is eternal!  We will all lose our good looks, our material possessions…but no one can ever take Jesus from us!

“He is no fool to give what he cannot keep…to gain what He cannot lose..” ~ Jim Elliot

p.s. cortney is having a GIRL!  her name will be Sarah Ann!  Soo HAPPY FOR THE BROADWELL FAMILY!

i registered for classes… June 17, 2008

I am taking three 2-week intensives:

New Testament – Gospels (June 23- July 3)

Christian Ethics (July 7 – July 18 )

World Relgions from a Christian Perspective (august 4 – august 15)

now..all i’m going to be doing is reading reading reading.. studying studying, writing writing!!

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random notes:

–jaci velasquez is coming to LA on June 27 at LA Convention Center! i’m totally going..

somebodylovesyou.com

–Cardio Kickbox was awesome today!  I sweated so much hehe!

–lee lee is being very good about eating all of her food

–i got my fuller student ID today

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“how gentle is the rain.. June 16, 2008

…that falls softly on the meadow?”

I love Oldies.  I love The Supremes! <–<for yall that don’t know..the song I just quoted is “a lover’s concerto” by the Supremes and that’s what I’m listening to now as I type this blog.>

 today was a refreshing day. I picked up the book..”the first two years in youth ministry” by Doug Fields (given to me by one of the many adult mentors God’s placed in my life) and it is so perfect for where I am right now.. Granted my heart is eventually to be over the discipleship ministry, especially adults at a church one day, but hey, God could change my heart to work with youths, nonetheless this where God has me now and I want to give it MY BEST.

Doug Fields seems like such a wonderful resource too (he is the youth ministor for Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church) one day..i’m going to visit that church –it’s only about an hour from me (las vegas is only a 4 hour drive and the beach and mountains are less than an hour drive each direction I go!)  and guess what?  He graduted with an M.Div at Fuller.  So did Rick Warren, (did I mention I SAW HIM at Fuller’s commencement..hehe), Rob Bell (Nooma video man), John Piper (author of leadership books) and Dr. Les Parrot I believe who write Christian relationship books.  cool to walk in the footsteps of those I admire… I love that we are all apart of  BIG team for God’s kingdom…no matter how we serve or where we are! 

This morning, Pastor Deng and I went to the high school near our church to pass our flyers for the basketball night we’re having at our church.  Pray that we had divine appointments and God will draw in the hearts of those who truly need to know Him   May people’s hearts be stirred and be attracted to Jesus!

I learned an important lesson today:  take things s l o w l y.  I think I tend to rush in this fast-paced world, but I need to let God teach me self-control, patience, the art of waiting, and making sure everything I do is out of the right intention and that it is God leading me.  I seek so much God’s wisdom and discernment for all I may do.  After all, if we seek oneness with the Spirit, we should just be His hands and His feet.

“be Still and know that I am God.”

you know when I think about it?  why do we rush?  if we just manage our time and priorities right..there is really e n o u g h time to get everything done.  If we really took the time to do what we did with our BEST effort, then we’ll find it didn’t take that much time at all.  I realize that a lot with working out.. I used to think i HAD to be at the gym for an hour plus to get a good workout and would rush through my exercises…but now..I just go ..concentrate on ONE muscle group… and after about 30 minutes I’m amazed at what an amazing workout I had.  Imagine if we applied that focus to our studies, our relationships, our pursuit of God… give everything our best at THAT moment.  whatever we’re doing to BE ALL there

Tomorrow I register for classes.  I read through the Gospels tonight to prepare myself for further study.  I was really blessed to also talk to my brother today for over an hour!  What a blessing he is to me.  I love to ask questions you know?  and my brother has ALWAYS been so patient with me, slowly explaining things to me until I understand.  I REALLY appreciate that quality.  I appreciate people who truly listen…who genuinely care, and that’s my brother all the way!  He’s always SO invested and so encouraging.  Thanks Brother oh, and sister if you’re reading this–you know you are the ultimate go-to person for me.  I wouldn’t do that if you weren’t the most selfless, caring, thoughtful sister ever!  YALL ARE THE BEST SIBLINGS EVER!  I AM SO BLESSED! 

Isn’t it cool that out of ALL the people in the world..God put me with THIS specific family?   

sooo..plans are that I should be able to go home in September between quarters and my family is planning on another cruise.  that’s exciting.  I talked to Cortney today and she finds out the sex of her baby on Wednesday!  She’s 20 weeks along!  halfway through and she told me today she can feel the baby move!  I talked to Carolyn and her baby brother is getting married in Hawaii this week AND Stephanie’s in Minnesota visiting old friends!  Sarah Chang is getting married!  Lisa and Kristin too!  Oh man   how can I keep up with all of yall? 

 anyway off to bed now!  i’m starting to go to bed early again! 

random notes:

- i’m growing my hair long again.

- i have yellow on right now eee

- i want to watch kung fu panda and haven’t been to a theater in CA yet!

- lee lee is soo cute.

whew :) June 15, 2008

Busy Weekend!  But as you’re faithful to reading my blog, I promise to be faithful to keep yall updated ok? 

For the Skimmers: (idea from Mary Lynn)

- busy time with upcoming youth events!  pray for the youth at SPUMC!

- school starts next week and I register tomorrow!  crazy! I’m going to be a seminary student!

- other:  i’m super sore, made good turkey burgers, I am so encouraged!

For those who LOVE detail:

so yes, God has been so good and things are up and coming at our church !  Friday, I went to watch the boys in my youth play basketball and I truly think it’s SO cute to see boys bond in sports.  I loved seeing them in a social setting–the court was full of asian high schoolers.  When I asked who was winning, I was told “the koreans” and found out it was chinese vs. koreans!  LOL!  I brought them some gatorade (don’t boys like the lemon-lime one?) and just showed my face so they know I care about them. 

I saw SO much potential as sports are such a great way for a church to outreach to the community so for SATURDAY june 28th we are planning a BASKETBALL time for everyone and anyone at our church ( we have a full court behind our church), so please pray for this outreach!  Pastor and I are going tomorrow after school lets out to pass out flyers!  pray that this event would be attractive to those who usually wouldn’t want to come to church events.

Also this Wednesday the boys are graduating high school so I’m throwing them a party at the church on Thursday night and then.. we are having a pool party at our church and guess what day it falls on?  MY BIRTHDAY!  Sunday July 6th!!  LOL, I never thought I’d spend 2:02 p.m. on my 24th birthday at a church pool party — do I have to wear a one piece to that?  haha.  Anyway, at least I have the evening to think of something FUN to do–hmm.. FIRST BIRTHDAY not in Georgia!  Any ideas?

God is seriously showing me the amazing things of working in ministry.  It is one of those things that you probably will never truly see the fruits of your labor in, but I am SO encouraged … as I seek to build relationships with these youth, it’ll be so gratifying to see them slowly trust me and let me in , you know?   I always think..in e v e r y t h i n g  i do, may it truly glorify the Lord, you know?  so this is not a job–this is me serving God 24/7!  In Everything, DO MY BEST for the Lord and give Him my excellence.  After all it is He working in me that even allows me to do anything good.  Lately, I have been so encouraged so I want to thank specifically Stephanie and Phoebe for yall’s encouragement to me and the things yall said to me  

So yes, school is starting soon and I am excited/nervous.  I don’t know what to expect!  Saturday, I ushered at Fuller’s 59th commencement and it was really cool to go ahead and to feel as if I’m apart of the school..and I met a few M.Div girls   This year at commencement there was 187 graduates of the M.Div–largest ever !  I am so excited for the day it will come for me to graduate and to think of all that I will have learned….what does God have in store for me after this place?  I’m so eager to see!  He always surprises me!

So I have three words:  BOOT CAMP CONDITIONING.

O M G.  I am not just sore, I am dying.  The whole backs of my legs are in PAIN.  Lol, Friday I went to this “book camp conditioning” class at LA Fitness and it totally was a huge workout for my lower body, we did some INTENSE things… I can’t sit, squat down, climb stairs….hahah..it’s something I don’ think I’ve experienced before!  i love working out in a hardcore and challenging way though–so I’m pumped for the next time! 

Yah!  I finished making all my turkey burgers and had gone to Pavillions to get the rest of the things for my burger.  (so in the west, they don’t have Publix or Kroger.. they have stores called Pavillions, VONS and Ralph’s.. I think I’m a fav of Pavillions..it offers so much organic stuff) so I love cooking so much

Saturday was totally appreciate art day.  After commencement , Travis took me to see this Chalk Art Festival in Pasadena and it was sooo cool.  I’ll have pictures posted up soon!  People are SO creative.  Have yall ever seen the 3D sidewalk art?  you should check it out on YouTube.  Oh and talk about crazy skills..youtube “LeBron James, etch a sketch” WHOA.  this guy on ETCHASKETCH totally does an amazing job drawing LeBron James..lol it’s crazy amazing.  then we met up with Christina and went to her church’s coffeehouse which is basically showing arts of all forms:  dancing, music, poetry, artwork:  painting, photography.  man, I love photography so much.  Phoebe totally encouraged me today when she said I had skills.  and it was cute b/c I think people notice I always try to take angled shots… I love blk & wht, angles, color accent, digital macro… *sigh* it was coool that we can think, if we got skills and talents. HOW CREATIVE IS OUR GOD?  He is the MASTER ARTIST!!!  just looking around I can appreciate the art of God.  I love seeing Him in all things.

Today at church was just busy planning things for the youth but I was able to talk with some new youth today and Pastor Deng, Jessica and I had a great planning and praying time together !  HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! I called my daddy first thing this morning.  Praise our Father   Happpy Father’s Day God!   hehe. 

so I’m going to leave on this note:  I am in love with a new song. 

Bethany Dillon’s “New”

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nj7NLh7kECE

my fav part:  “you take an ordinary day…turn it into flowers like the month of may..yes you do..you see all my pain..cry it over for hours til I’m NEW again..yes you do”

i heard it first on pandora.  i love bethany dillon so much and i think i’m going to buy all her music on itunes store   …  i had it in my head allllll day.  i love music that makes me fall more in love with CHRIST eee.

why is lee lee SO cute?  the other day someone stopped me on the street and told me how beautiful she was.  when i told him she was 14, he said, WOW you take such good care of her…and…wow..i felt so complimented.  it’s like when you compliment a mother’s child   She represents/reflects me !

Last thought is today in Sunday School I taught on the power of our thoughts ( I AM SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS TOPIC) and just wanted to encourage yall — you can choose thoughts that will lead to power, freedom and life.  We have the mind of christ (1 Cor 2:16) !!!!  let your thoughts glorify the Lord, let them be on Truth, not on Lies..and that will influence our words and actions…and we will reap a harvest for the Lord  

 joyfully yours,

D.

june 12th June 12, 2008

yay josie and hayley!  thanks for yall’s comments!  yall are the main reason why i decided to pursue full-time ministry in discipleship b/c God allowed me to have great experience with yall!  hehehe!  did you ever think about that?  used by God! 

this morning i decided to make turkey burgers and i went and bought my first george forman grill (recommended by my sister) and it turned out GREAT!  I cant believe I didnt think about getting it before–it’s so wonderful for meats and veggies!  it’s kind of cute too ! and easy to clean and prepare!  so I am highly recommending it for those who cook for themselves!

also…I’m trying to make my desk area more ergonomic .. (good for posture = monitor eye level, elbow at 90 degree angle, feet flat on the floor..etc) .. so I was going to spend like $$$ buying a laptop riser, foot rest, etc..but my brother totally gave me the cost-effective advice to make my OWN stuff…lol so I went to a hardware store with the intentions of buying wood planks to build my own ergonomic structures..so I will keep yall updated on how that goes and definitely post pictures..lol!  i feel great trying to be a man  

just to keep yall updated….gas prices here in LA are between $4.50 and $4.75 for unleaded.  sheesh!

oh and fun thing, so today I had the coolest gummi snack .  It was given to me by my long distant relative who had extra from his children..it’s this ONE long stretchty gummi worm and IT IS SO MUCH FUN!  It can stretch out to 5 feet.  i love gummi snacks and it was so much fun to eat…i could eat it a little at a time, or my favorite was tieing it in a bunch of knots and eating it that way..more fulfilling.. isn’t that fun?

OH AND AWESOME MOMENT:  so I went to help out my pastor with an outreach event he told me about.  basically in south pasadena they have a weekly farmer’s market where he hands out balloons to children and gets to talk to the parents about the church…well i went today and it was SOOO AWESOME.  this farmer’s market is AMAZING.  California is seriously KNOWN for their food.  they are all so health-conscious here–all fruits, veggies that are organic b/c they grow in such great weather here!  but..it was so crowded…and it had all these little stands..it totally reminded me of morning/night markets in Taiwan (OH MAN) and it made me the happppiest!  it was like a carnival with food and great produce …but more than that i saw SO much potential to reach out to the community through this event..the kids love the balloon and it’s a great and innocent way to start conversation.  i see this as such a great opportunity to invite more to church and talk more about God.  I just got so excited thinking about ideas…i think i even want to learn how to make balloon animals to attract more kids..hehe..i’m excited about reaching more people for GOD.

then afterwards i went to small group tonight and it’s such a great group of accountability.  we had dinner together and just shared life.  i think it’s SO important to have a group of your age, same sex people know what’s going on and pray for you, encourage you, speak truth into your life. 

anyway, i’m gonna go let lee lee out now  

p.s. today i learned how many excuses we make for God..like “i’ll do it later..or i’m not sure what God’s saying yet..or it’s not a good time..”… isn’t that such a convicting truth?  want to keep yall encouraged!

 

random thoughts :) June 12, 2008

note:  usually, since i already keep a journal, I thought the best method would be to journal in the morning <b/c that’s usually where I write out my prayers and thoughts > and then blog at night to talk about my day and recap everything, however, this morning I just had so many random thoughts that I felt an urge to share

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~ you know what I take as a BIG compliment?  It when yall tell me you’ve been reading my blog and make comments !!  it’s like wow, in this “busy/rush” society, people actually taking the t i m e and energy to be keenly interested in the things going on in your life ! i AM SO Blessed by yall’s friendship!  I really look back to how I came to know the Lord and build a foundation in high school..and it was r e a l l y because of God using deep friendships for such encouragement and accountability!! I love you family and friends

~ so I mentioned how I love listening to music and especially recently Pandora?  If yall don’t know about it you should check it out at pandora.com, it’s like your own personalized radio station based on artists/songs you like.  Anyway, Jon McLaughlin is one of my artists and right when I opened Pandora this morning, “So Close” came on and man, that song has the power to turn me completely s a p p y!  thanks for the enchanted movie Jaime

~ so I think that the funniest moments are those “what if” moments, you know what i’m talking about?  well yesterday i was walking back from the gym to my apartment (it’s less than 1 mile away) and it was during traffic time here in Pasadena so there’s SO many cars everywhere since I live near a main street.  And as I was walking with my ipod, listening to music…I just started smiling so big when I pictured how funny it would be if everyone just busted out in a big musical.  just people being super cheezy, lol it’s really funny if you picture it b/c if you take a look at this world.. people usualy walking the streets and in the cars are not cheesing big….so just picture me walking down the street smiling ear to ear…   all we need is to smile and pass it on   (stephanie, i thought about you for the musical, I’m still going to make your wedding into a big musical..lol)

~so talking about this world, I’ve been really good about reading the news now daily.  So important to know what’s going on in this world and I really started to do some actual research on the presidential candidates…who are yall leaning towards…Obama or McCain??  I want to know yall’s thoughts!

~ you know what i else i was thinking about?  last thought before I start my day…

I l o v e thinking about how God really is at work…working e v e r y t h i n g for good.  Maybe not “our” definition of what we thought “good” looked like…or what we think it should look like..but God is working for our individual best.  AND when He works, it’s not only shaping US to be more like Him, but it’s influencing all those around us (or should) and it’s really for the BEST of His kingdom purposes!  How neat is that?  last night..I just had one of those “OMG i am so small moments” when I thought ok.. here I am..living at this ONE specific address in this ONE bedroom of this ONE apartment on this ONE street in this ONE city in this ONE state, in this ONE place on this EARTH…i kept zooming out and zooming out (kind of like a google map) and thought.. besides earth there’s even many GALAXIES in this UNIVERSE….wow.  God is SO BIG.  yet…He makes himself so real to each one…Each one.  how many other people are out there?  Makes me really appreciate God’s constant pursuit of my heart.

Only God works in and through us, so in the end we praise Him for the “good” or the “bad.”  remember today…He is good and so much in control.  Let Him pursue after you.  He will fulfill every longing.  He will satisfy!  He is MORE than enough.  Let your deeper desire for intimacy be met by His love and acceptance !

p.s.  yall should check out my facebook profile picture…should make you smile see! i’m passing it on! hehe!  love yall.

celebrating 1 month :) June 10, 2008

oh!  i forgot   today marks the 1 month anniversary that I’ve been living in CA.  wow.  a lot happens in 30 days! 

p.s.  i got 4 gallons of water for $1 today refilling my bottles–good for the earth and good for saving!  i recommend it

 Audience of One

I come on my knees
To lay down before you
Bringing all that I am
Longing only to know you
Seeking your face
And not only your hand
I find you embracing me
Just as I am

And I lift these songs
To you and you alone
As I sing to you
In my praises make your home

Chorus:
To my audience of one
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord

So what could I bring
To honor your majesty
What song could I sing
That would move the heart of royalty
And all that I have
Is the life that you’ve given me
So Lord let me live for you
My song with humility

And Lord as the love song
Of my life is played
I have one desire
To bring glory to your name

CHORUS

And we lift these songs
To you and you alone
As we sing to you
In our praises make your home