"Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'" Revelations 14:6

New Interests

Things that I'm growing interest for these days:

-books
-human justice (mainly focusing on human trafficking at the moment)
-stationaries (well I have a few journals and pens that I want)
-dresses/tunics over leggings (SO COMFORTABLE)

Most of these things tend to rule my mind these days... well everything but dresses/tunics- I just constantly find myself wearing that style. I never had much interest in books or even stationaries; they were merely things that I stumbled upon once in awhile. I never took the initiative to search for books to read for mere pleasure. Books were more burdensome... but now I have this desire to read because.......... I WANT TO GET TO KNOW THIS WORLD. I definitely have more to learn about my own life, and will until the day I die, but I feel the urge to get to know this world, what's happening outside of my life, and how other people view the world. Any book (fiction, nonfiction, biography, philosophy, history, etc.) conveys a message about the world and it's just so darn interesting.
As for stationaries, I've been stopping by the journal sections in bookstores wishing I can buy one of those nice, warm, cozy looking(?) leather journals... and a nice pen to write with!!
After writing a persuasive speech on sex trafficking, I just can't get the issue off of my mind. I can't seem to escape from this topic, either. Everywhere I go, look, listen, etc. there's always something that triggers my mind about human trafficking, the many children who are unable to get educated, starvation, homelessness, and just human justice in general. And I just received a World Vision- Christmas Gift Catalogue in the mail the other day and it's pages and pages of donation gifts like goats, chickens, sheep, donkey, water, education, music and arts& crafts materials, intervention classes for victims of sex trafficking/abuse and some more. Why don't we give to those that really need Christmas gifts this year? www.worldvision.org

Some books that I've read in the past few months are:
-Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
-Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels (didn't finish)
-Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
-Have A Little Faith by Mitch Albom
& currently reading Say You're One of Them by Uwen Akpan (Oprah's Book Club- 2009 Selection)

Say You're One of Them is a collection of stories of children in Africa, who live through extremely harsh circumstances with wisdom and resilience. This definitely gives you an insight of lives in Africa.



Okay... this entry is so random.

What in the world.......?

I happen to find myself writing a persuasive speech on the topic of human trafficking, more specifically, sex trafficking. I never understood the underlying issue of it, let alone its existence and how international it is. The only thing I knew about sex trafficking was that young girls were taken away by... basically "pimps" from their homes and sold into prostitution without any will. I would've never known about this very real, gruesome, modern-day slavery if it wasn't for this speech assignment. I absolutely dreaded having to write this speech but now it's become something real and valuable that I feel the need to bring before God.



What is Human Trafficking?
"Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons defines Trafficking in Persons as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs." -UNODC

27 million people are victims of modern-day slavery across the world.
800,000 people trafficked across international borders every year.
1 million children are exploited by global commercial sex trade, every year.
50% of transnational victims are children.
80% of transnational victims are women and girls.
70% of female victims are trafficked into the commercial sex industry, which means 30% of female victims are victims of forced labor.
161 countries are identified as affected by human trafficking.
32 billion dollars- total yearly profits generated by the human trafficking industry.

What's scary? Not many people are aware of this.
What's scarier? For those of us in the U.S, this is not a foreign issue... it's happening right around our corner.
What's scariest? Many people will hear/watch about this, and sit at home feeling sorry for those that are affected... and they'll get back to their shows, meals, parties, work, etc.

Well the world teaches us that as long as "I" am good, there's no need to worry. But Jesus Christ teaches us something else that is not comprehendible to human nature. Christ didn't look at his own needs, but the needs of others. He made a sacrifice for all the people who breathe/will breathe in this freaking world just because he loved. I'm 5000% sure that God is hurt to see his people doing this to each other.

*wiill come back to this

Kingdom Leader

I LOVE THEEEEEEEE

So I thought I'd share this very special place of mine.

I absolutely love this little space;

I have so much fun with my "buddies";

Sometimes it brings out a random creative side of me;

And sometimes I get nothing, so I walk away from it...

but I always end up coming back here.

I just thought of something that I want to do sometime in the near future!

I'm going to write a song that consists of a piano, acoustic guitar, clarinet, violin, and drums(?). I have these instruments at home... (oh and 2 harmonicas from elementary years) so might as well try something new and fun........... or freaking hard.

I just named my guitar, Bonnie! So random but this is the first name that came to my mind as soon as I held her. Hahah. And I just found out that "Bonnie" means, "fine, attractive, pretty"!

I brought home a baby?!!

Hehe. I am now a mother to this beautiful Martin! God's plans are so mysterious yet utterly perfect. How excitinggggg~

This summer has been the most progressive summer ever. I feel I've matured spiritually... God has given me so many opportunities to grow in and I'm so glad I took part in them- from an intimate bible reading/prayer/worship time in my little room to NIKO, retreat, services, etcetera.

It's a great blessing to know that I have this unique purpose for God's Kingdom and it's only by His grace that I can accept/obey it unashamed.

Anyways!! I am filled with glee~

¹¹ "I overthrew some of you 
       as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 
       You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, 
       yet you have not returned to me," 
       declares the LORD.

 ¹² "Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel, 
       and because I will do this to you, 
       prepare to meet your God, O Israel."

 ¹³ He who forms the mountains, 
       creates the wind, 
       and reveals his thoughts to man, 
       he who turns dawn to darkness, 
       and treads the high places of the earth— 
       the LORD God Almighty is his name.

Daniel 5-6

Daniel 5

Daniel to Belshazzar: "And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have no glorified (23)."

Who do you worship?

Daniel 6

What stood out the most to me in this chapter is the power of one faithful soul. After king Belshazzar dies, Darius rules over the whole kingdom; however, he feels his power challenged when Daniel distinguishes himself above the governors and satraps, because he was led by the Holy Spirit. Darius tries to find fault in Daniel but fails because Daniel was faithful. Soon governors establishes a decree, which declares that whoever worships any god or man besides king Darius will be thrown into the den of lions. Daniel hears about the new law and prays before his God- "with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days (10)." When the governors find out about Daniel's dedication to his God rather than Darius, Daniel is commanded to the den of lions. So, yes, God saves Daniel from the lions and king Darius is amazed by the Almighty God that Daniel serves. Darius announces to the nation that all men must "tremble and fear before the God of Daniel"- because of 1 faithful servant, a king and his nation were saved... the power of one faith.

19 & Less is More(?)

July 30th, I finally turned 19... doesn't feel any different and 19 is such an awkward age! Anyways, one thing that really caught my attention was that on July 30, 2010 I will be TWENTY! Officially done with the "teen" years.. Yay? Nay? Still, I am looking forward to year 19 because I can already foresee many, many, many things coming my way- good & bad.

[Edit] 08/04/09 

Something that I've been thinking about lately is... we have to ask God to help us to love and to commit to Him. If I was God, I'd be sad but that's why I'm not God and He is... such a mystery. God's love is truly a mystery that I can not understand because I'm human. This mysterious love is what makes my King so amazing and what makes Him The Most High God.

I just read Daniel 1-4 and I'm reminded of our Summer Camp's (so soon!) theme: "Less is More". As I read Daniel, I was pretty impressed by God's dedication to saving ONE soul. Some might be impressed by Daniel's ability to interpret dreams and his friends' faithfulness but I noticed the power of God, just as King Nebuchadnezzar did. (These names are so hard to spell..) I feel God is teaching me about servant-leadership... When Daniel, whom the Holy Spirit lives in, interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, the king falls on his face and says, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret (Daniel 2:47)." Same thing happens when Daniel's 3 friends refuse to worship idols that the king has created. The 3 men are thrown into the burning fiery furnace, but are saved by their Most High God; King Nebuchadnezzar witnesses this miracle and speaks to the three, calling them "servants of the Most High God" and later says, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered... (Daniel 3:28)." Because of these happenings, another soul is saved and God is glorified.

I didn't know what to expect from this upcoming summer retreat, however, now I'm definitely looking forward to what "Less is More" really means and what being a servant leader means. I can see my calling completely unveiling as I understand and accept servanthood.

That's it for tonight!

One more thing. I went to Guitar Center with Kat today and I'm in loveeeee with Martin 000C-16RGTE!! It's plays beautifullllyyy and perfect! Now the thing is... how the heck am I gonna make it mine!

We live in...

a world of hungry people. I just randomly said that phrase outloud right now and it's caught my attention. I don't even know why I thought of this phrase but I find it to be very true.

We do live in a world of hungry people. I'm not talking about food.... I'm actually not quite sure of what I'm wanting to say, but everyone's hungry for something special in their lives. I'm convinced that every individual on this planet hungers for happiness, but we're all fed and satisfied by different things. Unfortunately, a great number of people are fed by the worldly things rather than the heavenly things... inspiration.....

From Stones to Gems

Wooo! I niko'ed it again. I've picked up many stones throughout the trip and they're in the process of turning into precious gems. I feel like I need to lay out everything that's in my heart, so here it goes...

First day of Niko, I had an insecure feeling about the rest of the week only because I didn't know what was ahead of me. Then that night God welcomed the alumni team with a ridiculously, amazingly beautiful moon-rise and I was assured that God had special gems in store for me. Throughout the rest of Niko, I was challenged mindfully rather than physically... God continually asked me to be a servant-leader but I kept ignoring His voice because it wasn't what I wanted to hear at the moment.

Now aside from the servant-leader subject, I was definitely awed by His creation; just standing in the presence of my almighty King left me wonderstruck. There's one specific moment I remember encountering God's presence in the mountains. After a long hike, I found a nice big tree providing amazing shade, which I believe God placed it there for a purpose, and I sat underneath it for some rest. I looked up and was left speechless by the beauty of mountains, trees, and birds... then I heard and felt the wind blow around for a short time and I knew it was God's presence- the wind was so gentle yet majestic. I couldn't help but sing a song of praise to Him. It was this very short moment, in which I found intimacy and simplicity in the grandeur of God's presence.

Towards the end of Niko I spent some time writing a letter to myself about the experience I had the past couple of days and that's when all the pieces of puzzle began coming together to create a picture. God was still asking me to be a servant-leader and I decided to listen this time. Although it's not exactly what my flesh desires to be, it's something my heart longs to be. Those puzzle pieces are still gathering and it's so exciting to see them come together!

Something I've come to understand, recently, is the special relationship I have with my God. He calls me His daughter. King of the Heavens calls me His daughter and cherishes me with all that He has. He is my Creator. I'm learning to embrace the woman that God has created me to be and I find joy in this certainty. I have been praying for humility for years and I always thought I knew what it meant, but I've finally come to understand a bit of it. Humility is not denying myself or the gifts that God has given me, but giving my all with the gifts He has given me. Because of my new understanding of who I am in Christ, I am able to come before God with intimacy and simplicity. I think... true intimacy can only be found when we come with simplicity. Can't wait to see the final picture God puts together for me...

Generosity seems to be the talk of the moment, lately...

This question just crossed my mind- How would the world look with only selfless people?

Anyways, I had a nightmare about Michael Jackson last night. I couldn't stop thinking about Michael Jackson all day yesterday... and I don't know why? His memorial made quite an impact on me, but I can't lay out my feelings clearly. Oh and I watched Michael Jackson's "ghost" caught on one of CNN's live segments before I went to bed and I kept dreaming of that scene! And I just found out the mysterious figure moving in the background was a shadow of one of the workers- hehe.

Change is good~

Change is good.

This coming Sunday will be the leaders' last time serving in Youth Ministry. I'm feeling a mix of emotions; a little sad that I won't be able to be directly involved in empowering the students, especially my 7th &8th girls, yet so excited to finally be involved in New Life Community. I'm quite excited to see what God has in store for me as I move down to NLC; God has called me to change directions and to go to NLC, so there's gotta be something in store for me. Actually, I'm in the process of asking for confirmation.

My heart starts beating and feeling a rush of joy, excitement, and adrenaline every time I think about this calling of mine. Is this my calling?

Let's be productive!

I'm already 3 weeks into summer vacation and I've done some fun things here and there, but I'm not very satisfied. And I decided, this past weekend, to not take summer school this year... because I don't think I'll ever have a free summer after this, or so I heard. Starting yesterday, I began scheduling out my days; some days aren't very interesting, but that's okay. I'm just looking forward to pilates (btw my first class was yesterday & it was so fun!), kickboxing, hiking, running, and swimming. Then there's Senior Trip that I'm following, NIKO, Six Flags, beach, jet skiing, and hopefully a road trip! Now, all I need is an excellent summer weather!! Where are you, summer?!

Adventure

Last night I got home at around 12:30am, went on AIM for the first time in ages and got a "hi" from Alina... then somehow we ended up searching for hiking trails. I found East Canyon/Rice Canyon, which is about 15 minutes away and people had some good things to say about this trail so we decided to hike up this mountain the next morning.

So, today 8:45am, I arrived at Alina's house and we made sandwiches to eat at the top.. like a reward our bodies? Hahaha. I got directions from Mapquest- BAD MISTAKE- a 15 minute drive ended up as a 60 minute drive! Goodness, I followed The Old Road to its dead end. I never expected us to have an adventure even before the hike... God is good to us! Anyways, arrived at our destination and had another adventure trying to find the entrance to our trail. Really, is it just us or the place? I think..... it's us. ):

Hike was a-maaaaaaaa-zing. Trail was great.. though we got a little confused due to lack of signs! We met a snake along the way, freaked out, didn't know what to do(?), and got help from Alina's Boy Scout brother. We're too funny.

Then came along another great adventure or rather trouble? We were supposed to make a round trip if we wanted to finish at the same area as we started, but we didn't know that at all and we continued down the trail.... it spit us out onto a random street over a fwy and there was absolutely nothing there- not even space on the side to walk down the street. We almost hitch-hiked... woohoo.

I didn't plan on going on this hike to spend some time thinking things out, praying, seeking, and worshiping, as soon as I started the hike I was reminded of Niko and I took the opportunity to spend a valuable time throughout the hike. Read Psalm 147 and Exodus 3-4, sang a bunch of songs outloud to myself and Alina (she had no choice) like a maniac. Entire hike was about 3 1/2 hours long and the whole adventure on the deserted road was about 1 1/2 hours.

I can do this again any day... won't make the same mistakes I made today, though.

God was definitely behind all this!

Music

Here I am, in awe of some musicians and their genuine talents. There's chemistry happening inside my heart and I'm feeling a mix of emotions. There's a party going on inside of me and I can only express the experience through my music...

Thinking Eternal

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Passion?

I really found something that I absolutely love to do. I'd be the happiest person on Earth if I can do this for a life time, or maybe a living. How far am I willing to go to make this happen, though? I think when I am truly willing to do anything for this, I can call it my passion. Perhaps, the reason why I can't confidently say that this is my passion is because it seems so far away from me; it seems unreachable. But... that's how everything has been working in my life; I managed to reach certain places I never thought I would. So, there's hope. When will I start believing in myself?

Secret

I have a dream. It seems impossible to reach at the moment, but considering my journey to dreaming this dream, maybe it can come true.

I cannot fall asleep.. I wish I were asleep, though.

God's grace is really amazing- how gentle and how loving. I sit here, feeling like the luckiest person on earth, because I have a Heavenly Father who is almighty.

I just read 1 Corinthians chapters 1-4..... "[Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (1Cor 3:7-8).

God just gave me the greatest peace; this is definately something powerful that the world cannot offer. The past 2-3 weeks, I've been learning a lot about the Holy Spirit from John, Acts, and 1 Corinthians. I'm so encouraged by God's promise of the Holy Spirit; the Spirit lives in me! It's clearly written in Acts 1:8 that "[I] shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon [me]", and so I find confidence in knowing that the powerful Spirit lives inside of me. Ooh wow, how well taken care of, we are! Thank You and I praise You, God of love.

This is why I am able to stay committed to God- He does not give up on me.

I just watched X-Men Origins: Wolverine and it was really fun! The story-line was really good... I'm impressed. I thought it was funny how Daniel Henney came out as Agent Zero and he died so soon.

I had one crazy day today. I left home for my English class at around 1:20PM because I didn't have my two earlier classes. I was in a hurry because my final portfolio was due at 2PM.. Guess what, I forgot that my car was out of gas from the night before, and I ended up having to drag my car to the gas station- literally 10-15 mph. That was scary; I was just begging God to not let my car stop in the middle of the road. Hahah wow what a trip. I made it to class 15 minutes late, but my professor was waiting for a few other students. Phew! What would I do without grace. 

School is over next week! I'm finally finished with classes; finals are next week though. I want to go on a road trip over the summer... San Diego or San Francisco sounds fun. Close enough but different from LA(?)

This is kind of embarrassing if anybody actually reads this........ just a thought.

I've been thinking, what is God's calling for my life? More and more, I'm convicted that God is calling me as a worship leader... hmmm... What am I supposed to be doing? I'm studying to become a teacher, but is this what God has planned for me? I'm really not sure at this point.

To be continued...

Okay so I haven't written on blogger for a long long time.

I should probably be sleeping right now; it's 1:32 am, but I feel like talking to myself on blogger.

There's been a lot on my mind, lately. I learning a lot and growing a lot, which is really good! I'm really enjoying reading the Bible these days. I never realized how fun and interesting God's word is! If you want to read a book that's packed with drama, thrill, romance, comedy, and what not, read the Bible!

And I'm really enjoying writing songs, too! I haven't written songs for a couple months and I started working on it again. Hm, now that I think about it, I think my walk with God works correspondingly with how much I write songs. I just started praying over one of the songs I wrote several months ago because it's exactly how I feel these days. The song is title-less but it's about me hungering for God. The pre-chorus and the chorus says:

My soul thirsts for You

My flesh longs for You

So I have searched for You

So I have called Your name

My soul desires to know You

For You to dwell in my heart

Maybe if God permits, I can start leading worship with my own songs; that would be such a blessing. Wow.

I'm getting sleepy now. I want to go to bed but my stomach is not feeling so good after eating 2 greasy $0.99 tacos. I had a great time with my fellow college friends tonight at Riverside. We spent time reading/discussing the word and praying for those that needed prayer. What a blessing that I can be involved in a community that's centered on Christ.

Bed time. Good night.

I think I'm crazy for talking to myself.

Hosanna in the highest!!

Again, I stand in the presence of God, in awe.

This month has been the toughest times of my life. Everything single thing I'm doing in my life is new- college, work, youth leader, small group leader, worship ministry leader, and new relationships. These past few weeks, all I've been doing is complaining how overwhelmed I am. I have not been seeking the Lord and I didn't desire to. My selfish prayers were that God would provide me with people to push me and to support me and that I would be more willing to serve Him. Even in my self driven prayers, God provides and He listens. He is truly, faithful. I serve a God who loves me, unconditionally. When I felt like I crashed and hit the ground, Jesus Christ gave me the strength, courage, boldness, love, care, and faith to keep moving. He believes in me like no one else does.  I was walking/running this morning and I felt the Spirit of God giving me the extra boost to keep on running. I will not look for and dwell up on the +/- words of the earth but I will live by the words of my King. Thank you, Lord.

First day of 2009

Obey the Lord.

Pastor Chris gave a sermon about obedience last night, in New Year's service.

My prayer was that 2009 will be a year of obedience. I'm already struggling...

I woke up this morning and wished that I was somewhat different, only because it was a new year; however, I realized that nothing will change me but myself. Of course God has his own ways, but I'm still never going to change if I'm not willing. So... I am willing and my prayer is that I may build perseverance.