2008 |
I'll have to say, the better half of the year was actually the second half. God has taught me a lot in the past couple months. If you read 2 posts ago, I had said I was not the same person I was. And wow, just to think about the change I have undergone/going through right now is great.
Some of the things I was reminded of that I will carry onto the new year:
1. In order to live by faith, you must live a faithful life, that of living a Christ-centered life, a life of worship
2. Be still and know He is God
3. His strength is great in our weakness
I can say that I can tie up the end year with a nice, pretty bow.
'09 is not mine, it is God's.
Thank you Lord for making all things NEW!
Wrapping up last year
Sometimes...
Christmas Makes Me Cry | Mandisa & Matthew West
I think of loved ones who’ve passed away
And I pray their resting in a better place
I think of memories of years gone by
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
I think of soldiers across the sea
Sometimes I wonder its them instead of me
For my freedom they give their lives
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas cause I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
I think of families, I think of home
And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone
Cause love can reach out into a silent night
And that’s why Christmas makes me cry
Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas cause I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
I think of Mary and the virgin birth
And I’m amazed at how much God thinks we’re worth
That He would send His only Son to die
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas cause I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
____
One of my favorite Christmas songs.
Carrying on from the last post...
Let's see, I don't even know where to begin. I don't even know how to cover everything, but I'll just begin with...
God is good. All the time. And all the time, God is good...
My life has changed, for the better. Not too long ago, I was failing in my walk with Christ on so many levels. I was dissatisfied, I wasn't going anywhere. Although I knew I was saved by Christ, I wasn't living a life that showed that. I guess since college started, I began to do things for myself - for my satisfaction. In the long run, that affected me and my relationships with other people. I won't go into too much detail but I am sure I have disappointed a lot of people in the decisions I have made, things I have done. My priorities were whack. I was far away from God.
I remember one Sunday School where the girls had a "therapy session" and discussed about how we weren't being fed at church, and how some things felt like we were missing. Someone brought up how we had to fend for ourselves in situations. That stuck out to me for some reason "fend for ourselves". I took that to heart.
So over the summer I was able to attend a couple Monday Frontline services with my friend Amy. She facebooked me and invited me to come with her and some of her architect classmates. I have not seen her since high school, so it was great to catch up with her and go to church with her. It was cool going to church twice in a week on Sundays and Mondays! Amy is actually one of the influences of how I came to know Christ back when I was a 9th grader. I was encouraged to go after God again.
When the first week of school came around, end of August, I bumped into a friend I had met over the summer and he invited me to go to the Epic Movement Bible study on Wednesdays. To be honest, I was very hesitant in going. But I went anyways. And I was sure darn glad I did because I was blessed to be there, especially to hear the testimonies from people whose lives were changed because of this ministry.
The following week, we had our Church Revival. Wow, it was amazing. So many points were hit. I remember praying with my best friend and crying on the 2nd night of Revival. I remember Pastor James Santos preaching about how we should draw, near, fast, and consider how God has called us to live a faithful life and how we should serve our fellow brothers and sisters in honor and love.
After that, I decided to attend Epic Movement Bible Studies ever since. I realized the need for myself to be surrounded by fellow Christian brothers and sisters at school. I never intended to be involved with an organization on campus this year because I wanted to focus solely on my studies my super senior year, but God apparently did. It's weird, but I have only known these people at Epic for 3 months, but it feels like I've known them for a while. I have learned so much in 3 months, than all those 4 years in college. I have learned the importance of building relationships with people, and keeping my priorities in check...and just a whole lotta stuff.
The Word of God has been revealing more and more to me everyday. I feel the convictions of the Holy Spirit. I desire to grow more Christ-like. Faith will not be based on feelings, they will be through continually pursuing God. God is really changing me. I have a certain peace, a change of heart now. I have not been this way since I was first saved, or probably ever...
God's love is great...He always finds ways to bring us back to Him. I am thankful for the many chances He has given in life, although I do not deserve any of it.
Romans 8:39- "neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
My poor Edward...again.
Someone hit my car again while it was parked in the school garage sometime yesterday! I thought everything was going to be ok because that person left a note with a phone number on my windshield. I didn't want to call him/her last night because it was too late, so I decided to call this morning. Turns out, it was a fake number! How rude. I was quite upset so I filed a police report at school. Hopefully my family's insurance doesn't go up. This really stinks. 2 hit-and-runs in one year on my car...while it was parked.
*sigh*
OLD SCHOOL ENTRY
WOW. So I was looking for an old video to show for tomorrow at Holywin and I came across a lot of old stuff. My first blog, on xanga, emienem had everything in it. Too bad someone hacked into it. But good thing I saved this one entry. I checked the file info and it said it was created on Tuesday, November 16, 2004:
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RISK-TAKING FAITH!
ONE WAY JESUS, YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE THAT I COULD LIVE FOR.
I had an AWESOME weekend... :-) And this is the first time I actually felt "old old" if you get what I mean...;-)
Friday: Went to church around 6:30ish to meet up with everyone. I'm not sure what time we left, but we headed off to Waldorf to pick up Abigail. We haven't met her before, but we were super excited that she got come and she got overwhelmed...hehe. It was so awesome, because God truly provided. I was supposed to bring my van, but my dad was afraid it was gonna break down. Instead, we got to use Pastor Ray Remo's Van and we left my car at their house! Isn't that awesome :-) We got to Solomon's island around 11 pm? Something like that...and got our bungalows. We roomed with DELAWARE! And we had a a bunch of people over that night for food and...flagging. HAHAHAAHAHA!!! Yup so they definitely isolated the snorers, me and Lily into the corner room. We weren't sleepy yet..so when all the lights were turned out...we sneaked into the DE girl's room and scared them :-D
Saturday: Woke up around 7ish~me and ly started jumping on Abby and Ica's bed since they weren't awake yet...lol. We had breakfast at 8 and we all piled into the van. At 8, it wasbreakfast and our first session and after that we split up into our small groups. The group I was in the BLUE!!! BLUE BLUE BLUE BLUE!!! I was assisting Ate Joan with the middle school girls and it was pretty cool. One thing that was really funny was that we did the "Trust Line" and we blind folded all the girls and they were all connected together and Ate Jo lead them around...some of them got hurt, (running into a pole..and a car) but they were alright!!! We played group games too...the notorious game where you're tied together as a group and you have to walk together to reach the other side..and the infamous tire game! Ohh and there was this new game where we duct-taped the smallest team member to
the wall...which didn't work out, but was hilarious and showed teamwork..hehe. It was MADD COLD though..seriously...my I couldn't feel my fingers..so me and Abby went inside the conference center and had some hot chocolate. We saw the sunset...it was so beautiful. There was another game too...FEAR FACTOR!!! Last year, it was balut...this year it was worse...POOP STRAIGHT OUT FROM THE BABY'S DIAPER!!! It looked really gross...but it was just chocolate...hahaha. Then there was testimony time and I was really blessed...we did a special number "Give us Clean Hands" me on the guitar, ly on the drums and ica & abby sang :-) After that...party at Bungalow 220!!! Thank you Tita Carol for bringing us rice and crabs! There were madd people over I wasn't in the living room, but I heard more people come in and someone said that we weren't allowed to have so many people in one bungalow..anyways...we got crazy over spoons and the handclapping game...yo I lost so many times during spoons and ended up having marks on my face. But it's all good. I was super tired after that night...
Sunday: The last day...Kuya Godfrey preached about how True faith is CONSISTENT, COMMITTED and CONVINCED w/ the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den. I'd have to say that I was challenged by that and I learned that throughout this whole retreat that I must take a risk and not be afraid to step up to the plate about my faith. Although it's so difficult at times, I must stand strong as a Christian....Well..It was sad to say our Goodbyes...I realized that a lot of people aren't gonna be there next year because they're mostly seniors and it's their last year :( But I know it's definitely not the last time we're gonna see everyone again!!! :-)
We left Solomon's Island and went to Taco Bell for lunch and to drop Abby home, but we ended up staying and chilled for a lil bit and beatboxed (boom clack chik boom clack)...hahaha. Ohh we played a trick on Terrence too...lol..we pretended that we left him at the Remo's house and he actually believed it...everyone was just outside..
Ica-"Ohh my gosh Terrence! We're so sorry, we're at the gas station now...don't worry..just stay right there..we'll pick you up!!!" LOL...As Tyrone put it.."YOU GOT AGAPED!!!" Bwahahahaha. :-D
Good times...Good times...Thank You Lord for giving me this opportunity to fellowship and have fun with everyone.
Shoutouts:
Our bungalow roomates~Ashley, Krystle, Paola, & Lauren: I'm so happy we got to room with you guys! We had so much food and it was insane! It's always fun when we chill...mang Krystle..you and your burps gurl..no one can beat those for real...
Crosswalk-I'm really proud of you all...You've grown so much and I'm blessed by how God is really using you guys. :-)
Ty, Terr & Glenn-Thanks for making my car smell like guy..hahaha just kidding...
Ica & Ly-(Snooooreeeee) Hahaha. Gulay...why are we a bunch of weirdos? :-) There's so much to say, but let me put it like dis: I lab you gurls o so bery much. :-)
Abby-I'm so blessed that you came to the retreat! I know we're one crazy bunch, and you think that we're a bunch of weirdos but I'm glad you got comfortable with us. I can't believe that it's only been 3 days you've been with us..but it feels like we've known you for while. You're a part of us now :-)
Ate Joan-THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF US!!! I now dub you "Mama Jo"..hehe. Thank you for taking charge..although at times we're annoying and sometimes we do what we're not supposed to do, but yet u manage to have the patience and all and making sure that we're ok. :-)
And to everyone who went...much love to you and God bless :-)
True faith is COMMITTED
True faith is CONVINCED
I MISS EVERYBODY!!! Feel free to IM me @ empinay :-)
now for the pictures:
here's the link if you wanna see all 236 (i did break my record! haha i'm such a loser) of 'em if you didn't get my e-mail...
and if you have any pictures up...e-mail them to empinay@aol.com please! thank you! :-)
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It's nice to find old stuff and read it again. I'm just amazed right now.
(btw...236 pictures..?! lol I take a lot more than that now)
Almost November!
How time flies! I can't believe in 2 days it'll be November, the last full month of classes. Next month, I will be taking Senior pictures, selecting classes for Spring 2009, (the last time I will pick classes as an undergrad), voting, and getting my wisdom teeth taken out the day before Thanksgiving.
So to wrap up October, I will be the PINK RANGER for HOLYWIN. Yeah, that's right, HOLYWIN, the Halloween alternative at church :)
Got Spirit?
I'm glad this week is over! I know it's only Thursday, but to me (and I'm sure several other young adults), the "week" means Monday - Thursday because of school and work. After studying for a midterm and staying up finishing an assignment, I realized that I cannot stay up as late as I used to. I used to be able to pull all-nighters, but not anymore. My max is 2am-3am. *Sigh* Signs of aging I suppose.
Despite the tiredness, my highlight of the week was going to Epic Bible Study on Wednesday. It is always refreshing to hear God's word and fellowship with great people. The topic was on the Holy Spirit:
"12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory."
Ephesians 1:12-14
Ephesians 1:12-14
I was reminded of who the Holy Spirit is and what He is in our lives for. One of the things that stuck out to me was:
"God often allows us to struggle in our self-effort, because we need to come to the conclusion before we are ready to begin walking in reliance upon his Spirit. Walking in the Spirit, being filled & empowered, is a lifestyle & learning is a lifelong process."
Ahh so true...so true... :) I think more than ever, in my life, I feel the Spirit move as I desire to know God more.
So with that said, I'll end this blog with this song...
So amazing what your eyes will see
If you're ready when the Spirit moves
If you're ready when the Spirit moves
Goooo Redskins!
Last night, Ica, Ate Joan, Ate Rachelle, Rio, Kuya Rudy, & I went to watch the Redskins and Cowboys game at Glory Days. We used to go there a lot when Ate Rachelle worked there, but every time we'd go during a Redskins' game, they would lose. Not this time! It was pretty sweet to watch them at Glory Days and beat the Cowboys away from home. Finally!
And what a great way to end a great week.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/09/28/ST2008092802209.html
For Ate Sha
So these are my attempts to draw cupcakes. I personally like the biggest one because I think the other ones look like bread or something. Maybe because they got re-sized. Anyways, I shall develop that big guy on Illustrator and see how he turns out! lol.
People
I think its amazing how God places people in your lives -you know they're there, you know their face, but you don't know them (yet)-and then they show up in your life a couple months later and it is unexpected how God is going to use that person in your life.
Hm if that made any sense...haha...
Devo for the Day
All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.
Ecclesiastes 6:7
Ecclesiastes 6:7
True satisfaction doesn’t come from seeking what you want
but it comes from seeking God.
SNL - Sarah Palin & Hillary Clinton
I thought this was hilarious! Check it out...
Tina Fey most definitely bears a striking resemblance to Sarah Palin.
Testimonies
In the past 2 weeks, I was blessed to hear 6 testimonies. The first 3, I heard from Epic, a weekly Bible study I am now attending at school and the last 3, I heard from our Revival services (I shall blog about this soon) we just had at church this past weekend.
It fills my heart with joy to hear what God is doing in people's lives and how He works in each person differently. God works in many, mysterious, and marvelous ways. Sometimes, He places us in and brings us out from various situations in life to draw us closer to Him, so that we can know who He is in our life, and so that we can follow the plan that He has for us. No matter what kind of circumstance you are in, God has some way to lead you out of it and let you learn from it. When I listened to these testimonies, I felt like God was speaking to me too...
God is good.
Yum yum for my tum tum.
I was reading the Washington Post food section this morning, and there was an article called Cupcake Wars. For 6 weeks, the Post will be taste-testing cupcakes from various places around the DC-Metro area and give them ratings. Check out the link. I will be following that for sure.
There is also another cupcake site, http://delleicious.blogspot.com/ which looks pretty darn awesome. They have info on cupcake spots in DC! I never realized there were so many cupcake places in the area. Cupcakes are taking over. As my cousin shirt says...
In short, after looking at Delleicious and Ate Sharyl's blog, I am craving cupcakes. I wonder if we have any cupcakes on campus...
Teeeeeeeth!
I went to the dentist today to get some deep cleaning done + re-fillings and the whole process went well because I did not feel a single thing. However, the whole right side of my mouth was numb as numb could be and I didn't like that feeling so I took a nap when I got home and when I woke up, I felt the pain! I have to get the other side done next week on Friday afternoon so that's gonna be interesting since I have to be at church afterwards so hopefully the numbness will go away by night. After all the deep cleaning and fillings, I have to visit an oral surgeon because I need to get all four of my wisdom teeth taken out. I'm aiming for the week of Thanksgiving, because 1. School vacation starts on that Tuesday before Thanksgiving 2. I absolutely cannot afford to miss any day of school and 3. I'd rather get it done on Thanksgiving over Christmas. I guess I'll just have to eat a lot before Thanksgiving and after since I most likely will be having only soup. How sad...
Desert Song
Desert Song- Hillsong// This Is Our God
VERSE 1
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
VERSE 2
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
CHORUS
I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
VERSE 3
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I’ll stand
BRIDGE
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
VERSE 4
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I’m filled to be emptied again
The seed I’ve received I will sow.
The first time I heard this song, I thought it was good, 'cause you know how you just listen to a song and say, "yeah its nice" or whatever...but upon closer inspection on the lyrics...
Just wow. Amazing.
I shall learn how to play this on the piano...
And this is my first post in a LOOOONG TIME.
Ginger Ail
Hi Everyone! Please visit my cousin Aileen's blogspot, http://gingerail.blogspot.com/
She is currently working on a project, desigining magazine totes to fundraise for SmileTrain.org, a charity that does cleft surgery for children in the Philippines. Her goals are to raise $50 to cover medications for one surgery, and $250 to finance one surgery.
Check out her blogspot por favor for more info! Thanks! :)
Where the Sidewalk Ends
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
Shel Silverstein
Poetry is awesome.
Why I would like a music studio at home...
Looks like a lot of fun. I haven't made up my own songs or anything yet, but in my future home I would like to set up one and have fun with it - maybe produce a little something something...(*ahem*JOYFULPRAISE*cough*). I miss just plain out jamming on my guitar. I lost my calluses on my fingers because I haven't played as much as I used to. Since I haven't for a while, I'm taking it to school tomorrow for a jam session.
My poor Edward
Last night, probably during class, someone hit the side bumper of my car and scratched it up pretty badly. I assume it was the idiot parked next to me. I didn't notice it until I got home because I was in a hurry from class to get in my car and away from the cold. I was really, really upset though - 'cause its my car! Grrr. I'm still kinda mad about it, but at least I wasn't in the car and it could have been worse.
The funny thing was, earlier before going to class - my friend told me about her hit-and-run situation too. And a few hours later, I ended up having a hit-and-run situation.
And tonight, I almost got in a car accident. I was driving on Fairfax County Parkway since I wanted some Wendy's. Out of nowhere, I saw this car spin out, and good thing I had time to veer off to the right side of the road, as other cars did or else that would've been quite a mess. Thank you Lord for keeping me safe!
10 days later
As much as I did not want school to start, the first week wasn't so bad. I might actually like all my professors. Then again, I might be speaking too soon. We'll see how this semester progresses.
I haven't really updated so I'll just write a lil something. Last Friday, I went to Melting Pot for my friend's birthday. It was my first time eating there I definitely want to go back again. The one I went to was in Arlington, and it wasn't a huge restaurant like Cheesecake factory or anything - it was middle-sized, but had a cozy atmosphere. One of the reasons why I enjoyed the place was because it brings an unconventional way of dining - cooking your own meat in a pot! The cheese fondue appetizer and dessert chocolate fondue was delicious. I'm making myself crave for Melting Pot by just thinking and typing about it. Just check out their website and see for yourself.
2008
I thank God for another year.
I don't know why, but I was really excited for 2008 to come and 2007 to go. Not that I didn't like 2007 - it was a good year that went by rather quickly, but I felt ready for '08 to get here. One thing I am glad about 2008 is that I had a nice New Year's day to start off with, unlike last year. I'm good now 'cause it doesn't matter how you start, it's how you finish. The past is past. In general, it's such a great feeling to start off the year on a good foot though. 2007 was filled with a lot of things - more changes that indicated myself as a growing adult and although I may act like it sometimes, I'm really not a little kid anymore.
I'm not gonna write down all my resolutions and tasks, but there are a good number. Many of them will definitely be an ongoing process. This sounds cliche, but all I really want to be is a better person, not only for me - but for God, my family, and friends.
So here's to 2008 - Cheers!
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