This Blog

It has been quite a while since I published any new posts, but I guess it was a reflection of what I was going through spiritually. This past year has been hard, maybe the hardest in my Christian walk. They say that it is easier to preach ten sermons than to live just one.  My blog posts for the last couple of years were meant for those facing hurt and pain and it was easy to give encouragement to others, but going through my own disappointments and hurts, I found it hard to encourage myself with the words I had penned. The awesome part is that I made it through the year, I still love Jesus, and am stronger than I ever was before. New lessons were learned and my faith was strengthened. God is ever faithful! I've decided to come back to my writing and simply share my ever progressing faith. Here is to 2016!

Remembering that God always finishes what He starts,
April

Unleashing Your Gift

"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.  A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." Proverbs 18:15-16

For the past week, my 8th grade class has been examining the reform movement that swept across the United States in the 1800s and early 1900s. We've been looking at the women's suffrage movement and the anti-slavery, abolitionist movement. It's been inspiring to read the stories of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Frederick Douglass,  William Lloyd Garrison, and Harriet Tubman, to name a few.  Each of them took up the fight for women's suffrage, to end slavery, or both by using the gifts God had given them. Some fought using their voice to give speeches, some fought with their pen, writing passionate articles or writing controversial books, some of which were banned.  Some protested in the streets while some went into politics to affect change in society.  Each did something different, but each DID something.  It is so empowering to see ordinary people fight for what they believed in using their God-given gifts.  They could have been selfish and chosen to remain comfortable and complacent, but they chose to give their entire life to the cause, even being persecuted for their courageous actions.

As I discussed this with my students, it occurred to me that I have some of the most amazing students who are already gifted with some of the most awesome talents. I have writers in my classroom, artists (they'll blow your socks off), passionate speakers, technology geniuses, actors/actresses, and so many others. I encouraged them to release their talents and to use them to bless others.  As I spoke to them, I felt my own gifts being released in me- the power to encourage, the power to write, the power to speak to people who are broken.

My encouragement to you today is to release those gifts with which God has empowered you.  Some of you might be telling yourself that you do not possess any talents, but you are wrong.  Your talent may not be fully revealed to you, but it's there, waiting to be unburied from your passionate soul.   It's there waiting to be noticed. What makes you happy?  What do you feel a strong desire to do?  Notice I didn't ask what you are good at.  Sometimes, our gifts and talents must be nurtured and practiced before they can be great.  In essence, your gifts and talents may need to be developed more. Although I know writing is my gift, I know I have a long ways to go before I'm a great writer.  However, I am willing to practice writing, take classes, learn from other great writers, and willing to make errors so that I can learn from them.  Lastly, although you can use your talent for any purpose, consider using it for a meaningful and lasting cause like the cause of Jesus Christ.  He gave you your gifts so use them to glorify him.  When you use your gifts for Him and unto Him, he will develop your talent in ways you could never imagine.  I leave you with this quote:

Your talent is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God.  ~Leo Buscaglio


Please watch this inspiring video of Maria Chiossi whose gift is to make music:

Habits and Attitudes...or Habitudes

This verse really spoke to me last night about some of the bad habits we form in our daily life (ie. eating habits, sleeping habits, habits in how we spend our leisure time etc.):

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.....I Corinthians 6:12

So the question is what things in our life are we allowing to control us, distract us, and to be a hindrance to us? Which habits are we allowing into our lives which are not helping us? We know that God gives us free will. We also know that many of the things that we do are not sinful, but many of them are not helpful either. The verse goes on to say that our bodies are for God only. The purpose for our bodies is to bring glory to God (v. 13) not for our own pleasure. If we look at many of our habits, they are responsible for bringing us down. Think of one habit you have and ask yourself- how does this make me better? If it doesn't, ditch it. I know it's easier said than done. However, think about it. Your future is already being built by your attitudes and your habits of today. Build wisely.

An Invitation from the Master Artist

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

I took this picture in Huntington Beach in February 2014.  

Have you ever stared into the sky at night and let the bright stars amaze you?  How about staring at the deep blue ocean's horizon and wondering how far it stretches? Ever imagine the places that lie beyond it?  Have you ever seen the first leaves of fall float to the ground in their beautiful bronze colors?  The intricate parts of the human body- have you ever thought about how every little part of our body works together so perfectly to keep us alive? It's all God.  How can it be anything else?  Big-bang theory?  I highly doubt it.  How could it produce such a sacred thing called life? Every single part is woven together so perfectly, it had to be the work of a great artist. You may not know Him, but he does exist.   If he made everything so beautiful so He must surely have a plan for your life.  Ever thought about giving Him a try?  It's as simple as speaking the words God I want to know you.  Those words will change your life because they will summon the God of all creation into your life.  Do it.  I promise, He will be everything you want Him to be and more.

He Loves Me....He Loves Me Not?

I'll keep it simple. No matter where you are in life, no matter what you have or don't have, no matter what you do or don't do, no matter who you are or who you're not- God loves you!  In a powerful message from our pastor yesterday, I was reminded once again that nothing can separate you or myself from the Love of God. I've always wondered why marriage is one of those institutions that God holds so dearly. I ponder how when God came robed in flesh, He basically loosed us from so many OT rituals by fulfilling the Law.  However, marriage is one institution  that he continued to uphold. He even took it a step further.  In the OT, he allowed for divorce because of the hardness of man's heart.  A man could divorce his wife or put her away for some pretty silly reasons.  However, in the NT, we see that the only way He allowed for divorce was for the reason of unfaithfulness or infidelity.  He definitely tightened the reins on that one. Why is marriage such a big deal?  I've thought about this long and hard and I can only come to one conclusion.  I think that marriage is held in such high regard by God because he uses it as a model of our relationship with Him (personally and the Church's relationship with Him).  Even though we fail him and mess up so many times and give him so many reasons for Him to leave us, He never does and He never will. He promised that no matter what, He would always stick by our side.  He sees the worst in us and still loves us with tons of compassion.  When we fall at His feet crying out to him in repentance, his forgiveness is quick to meet us. What a love!   So remember when you are tripping tomorrow or when you fall short (we always will)- He still LOVES you!

A Little Goes a Long Way

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat…" One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down…” So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. John 6:5-13

The lesson above both teaches us a valuable lesson about giving.  We learn that by giving all that we have to God, even if it is very little, He can bless it and multiply it to impact others. You may only have a few bucks to your name, but what you have, give it to God.  You may not have many talents, but what you can do, use it for God. Everyday is a gift from God and we should use it accordingly.  It's so easy to complain about what we don't have, but if we would start using what we do have, God may in turn give us all we need to be a blessing in His kingdom.   Start living every day intentionally and with purpose.  Ask yourself, how can I use this day to impact God's kingdom, even in the smallest way. What is one area of my life where I feel inadequate and like I have so little to give and how can I take what I do have in that area to give to God's kingdom?  Recently, I heard a person say that they, at times, feel like they can't do much for God because they lack a formal education.  First of all, God uses anyone who is willing regardless of having a formal education or not. We just need to use the talents we do have and let God bless the rest.  You will begin to find that God takes the little resources that we have and multiplies it for His kingdom and for His glory. 

The Deep Things of God

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.  But God has revealed them to us through His spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.  For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?  Even so, no one know the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. "  I Corinthians 2:9-12

Do you ever dream of knowing what God has for you on this earth and in the eternal realm?  Do you ever hunger to know Him in the deepest parts- to know His heart, His will, and His thoughts?  The scripture above tell us that no one has seen or heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who LOVE him.  I used to think that this verse applied to everyone and that no one was meant to know certain aspects of God, but then realized I was wrong.  The verse continues, "But God has revealed them to us through His spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God."  It continues by telling us the purpose, "that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."  I've come to realize that it is not God's will to keep us in the dark about himself and the "deep things" that pertain to Him- in the now and in the eternal realm. The only requirement to receive the deep things of God is to walk in the spiritual and not the carnal (v. 14).   This can be very difficult with the demands of life, but I believe there is also a hunger like never before to know God in his power and depth.   This year, like never before, I want to tap into the secrets of God, into his reservoir of spiritual wealth. He is pushing us like never before to seek, to knock, to ask.  The treasures of life and His amazing ways are at our fingertips, if we will demonstrate a willingness to find them.   Let this be a year of discovering greater dimensions of God like never before!

Love and blessings,

April

Why I'm Not Married

"Can two walk together except they be agreed?"  Amos 3:3

I've been asked about a hundred times or more why I'm not married.  I've had my share of opinions from people who think they know why I'm not married.  I've been told that I'm too picky or that my standards are too high or that I'm not forward enough.   Usually, when I face these types of comments, I simply smile and slowly back up until I'm out of the room and finally out of sight. Then I run.  Just kidding. With this said, I've decided to respond with one simple word.  Values.  The truth is that I don't have high standards, I have important values.

What is a value?  A value is something on which you place worth.  It is something that determines where you will spend your money, your time, with whom, and  for what purpose.  I think it is crucial to understand your values and then only marry someone with as many of those shared values as possible.  In the Christian realm, we often think that just because someone we're attracted to loves God, that this person is automatically a great match for us.  What determines a good match has more to do with values than anything else.  Don't get me wrong.  A love for God is a value central to any romantic relationship, but other values are also important.   Someone once told me that just because someone is a man or woman of God does not mean they are the man or woman of God for you.  I know of marriages where both husband and wife love God, but are not walking together in harmony.  Instead, they are pulling in different directions because they do not value the same things. One values family and ministry while the other values a career so they each pursue their own thing which eventually begins to put a strain on the relationship.  Personally, I value education, work ethic, and ministry, so I ideally want to marry someone who values those same qualities. I also value family and children so I want to marry someone who puts family first and wants lots of children.  If you value your relationship with God and your mate doesn't, it might be hard for your mate to understand why you take time each day to be with God and to study His word.  If you value ministry, then you want someone that also values ministry and is willing to support you when you are ministering in the capacities in which you feel led, even if that means that you might be away from your family for long periods of time. If they really value ministry as you do, they might actually pull up their sleeves and work along side you.  If you value health and fitness, then ideally you want to find someone who values the same or is at least willing to support you in your fitness endeavors (going to the gym, paying for the gym, eating healthy, investing in fitness equipment etc.). Different values can lead to friction and sometimes lead to failed marriages. I know this being that I am a child from a broken marriage and having seen them, or the lack of them,  in the relationships around me.

So there you have it.  That's why I'm not married.  I haven't yet found someone who shares my values. When we choose to overlook differing values in a relationship for the sake of "having someone" or not being "alone," we are "settling" in the truest sense.  In the long run, we will end up feeling alone anyways.  The most important value that anyone can have is a relationship with Jesus Christ.   The most wonderful part is that even if you do enter a union with someone who has completely different values than you, He can still give you your happy ending.  It may take extra work, but what I find most comforting is that God is never finished with us- ever. If you are still looking to find that special someone, take the time to figure out your values. Write them down.  Pray over them.  If you've already found him or her and made your sacred vows, allow God guard your shared values and merge others that may need to be adjusted.    Just my two cents.


April

His Unfolding Plan

How many times have we asked God to reveal to us His plan for our lives only to be met with direction for the very next move. Don't get me wrong, it is God's will to share with you the greatness of His power in your life, but at times, God doesn't allow us to see the full staircase all at once.  He does give us just enough grace and direction for the very next step.  I read an excerpt from the book Finding Calcutta by Mary Poplin, who described her volunteer work with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity in India in 1996.  She writes the following:

"...An evangelical Protestant missionary...went to Mother for prayer.  He wanted to know God's plan for his life.  Mother immediately replied, 'I will pray for you, but not for that.  I will pray for faith, that is what you need- more faith." Mother Teresa said if God had told her his full plan for the Missionaries of Charity, she would have been too frightened to step out of the convent and pick up the first person on the street.  She was simply called into a relationship with Christ that unfolded one day at a time"  (Poplin 38). 

Sometimes we wonder what God has for us next to the point that it causes us to be anxious, however, God is simply calling us into a relationship with Him.  He asks us to cleave to Him and depend on Him.  If we do this, He will ensure that we carry out His will.  We can never miss out on His will as long as we give Him full reign in our life.  Whether it's making a difference in your home, your community, or on foreign land, such as in the case of Mother Teresa, you will get there as long as you hang on tight to Him and never let go.  As you draw closer to God, watch your relationship with Him unfold into a beautiful plan written specifically for you in this time and in this hour.


Poplin, Mary S. Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me about Meaningful Work and Service. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2008. Print.

Faithfulness

 "And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things  which were to be spoken  after..."  Hebrews 3:5

There is much talent out there in the world and also in the church.  People have such amazing gifts of singing, teaching, writing, designing, preaching, organization, creativity, building, speaking, etc.  However, there is a character quality that overrides all of these talents and that quality is faithfulness. If you have an amazing talent, that's wonderful, but if not mixed with faithfulness, your talent doesn't mean much. Faithfulness means that even when you're not recognized for your talent you still carry on using your talent for God's glory.  Your gift is not for others, it was given to glorify God.  Faithfulness says that even when no one is watching or acknowledging you for your work, you continue to work with excellence giving 100% of yourself.  Faithfulness means "showing up"  when others won't or when its less popular.  It means sticking by your loved ones and friends when no one else will. It means sticking by your leaders even when others desert the cause, or if you are the leader, sticking to the cause when others have deserted you.  Faithfulness means you keep on going even when the going gets tough.  Jesus was faithful all the way to the cross.  Many mocked him, his friends deserted him, yet He still remained faithful to the cause and mission that he was sent for. Faithfulness is a difficult quality to find today, but I know there are still plenty of faithful people out there and God is also stirring this quality up in many others. If you have struggled to be faithful, ask God for a fresh start and for that special grace to keep pushing on.  If you have been faithful, but are getting weary, keep walking.  God honors faithfulness. God never forgets a faithful man or woman and in due season, you will reap if you don't back down now.

"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness:  but a faithful man who can find?  The just man walketh in his integrity:  his children are blessed after him."  Proverbs 20:6-7

April

A Turkey In Her Own Right

 Last night I started with pain in my lower back and by this afternoon, it turned into an excruciating pain that shot through my entire back and left side of my stomach.   Instead of driving out to meet my family, I ended up making a trip to urgent care.  Traffic was horrible so instead of making it to my destination in 15 minutes, it took me about 45 minutes.  When I finally arrived at the office around 6pm, I found that this medical office had closed down. I was redirected to another office in the next city.  As I drove through another maze of traffic, I began to yell at a couple of other drivers who couldn't seem to get their act together on the road (because I, of course, am the perfect driver).  Once I arrived at urgent care, I waited for what seemed like hours, collected a prescription, and left more grumpy than ever.   I continued to complain the whole time and began having a honking fest with a couple of other incompetent drivers.  Right when I was about to exit towards my apartment did I realize that I forgot to pick up the turkeys for Christmas day.  Now here's the scoop. Someone else in my family was supposed to make the turkey, but told me over the weekend that they decided to do a roast instead of a turkey for our holiday celebration.  Well, this upset me because who has ever heard of Christmas without a turkey?  Seriously.  Why can't people stick to family traditions?  When I voiced my concern, this person passed the baton over to me, so now I was stuck making the turkey.  So as I walked through the market, with that aching back pain, my sour expression, and even worse sour mood, it took every ounce within me not throw a fit right there in the middle of he aisle (I ended up doing that later when I returned to my car).  When I realized that they might arrest me for such a scene, I decided to act grown-up and go find that darn turkey.  I did, and of course it was double the price for a thawed out turkey- $50.00! I grabbed that turkey and thought about flinging it across the aisle, but fortunately, I forced myself be civilized, although I'm sure the turkey felt my disgust.  I marched to the counter, paid for it and walked out still heated, furious, and frustrated. I should be drinking hot chocolate with my family at the Mission Inn this evening, laughing and ready to celebrate the most beautiful day and the most beautiful being on earth, Jesus Christ.  Instead, I was mad at my family, mad at myself, and mad at that darn turkey.  I knew I needed grace, but I didn't have the guts to ask God for it because let's be honest,  I knew that I didn't deserve it.  I  was then gently reminded that grace wouldn't be grace if it was deserved.  Jesus wasn't born and crucified for our sins because we deserved it.  The Bible says that God demonstrated his love for us while we were STILL sinners (Romans 5:8).  He didn't wait for us to get cleaned up, but poured his grace on us despite our sin. What a powerful gift!  That's truly what Christmas is all about and it took a day like this to remind me of that. So I'm home now. All is now calm, all is well. Maybe today didn't turn out as expected, but tomorrow, God is giving me another chance to make it better.  Tomorrow is a new day filled with fresh grace and mercies- maybe not for that poor turkey (Yum!), but most certainly for me, a turkey in her own right. 

Giving God's Way

Starting today, I am making a promise to myself to write.  My hope is to either write on my blog or in my journal each day, even if it’s just a page.  Self-reflection is powerful and it helps you to see how God is transforming you over time.  Here are some of my random thoughts for this beautiful Sunday morning:

• Give to others of your resources and time.  Give to those who cannot return the favor.   Luke 6:30,34
• You may give to others who can return the favor, but won’t.   You may give to others who may return hate instead of gratefulness. Don’t be upset over this.  Keep giving.  If you think about it, you are really giving to God and He is the one that should matter. He is your reward.  Luke  6:31-36, Luke 6:38
• Give to yourself the gift of time spent in the presence of God.   You cannot give to others  unless you have been filled with Him.  Without him, you will find your own resources limited and your body and mind exhausted.  Going to God will ensure that you are filled with a supernatural reservoir of God that spills over into the lives of others.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”  Kahlil Gibran

Here’s to a year of Godly giving!

April

Almost 30

In about two months, I will be leaving my 20′s behind and moving into my 30′s. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be 30.   Sounds kind of weird, huh?  When I was younger, my mom used to take in boarders to help make ends meet.  One particular woman was in her 30′s, educated, sophisticated, and classy.  She was also quirky, but confident.  I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.  So I guess that’s where I got the idea that I wanted to be 30.  In my teens, I thought the time would never go by fast enough, while in my 20′s, time just raced by me.  After reflecting, I’ve realized that God has blessed me tremendously in my 20′s.  He has truly given me the desires of my heart.   Here are some of the desires God has allowed to unfold in my life:

• I received my BA in History from the University of Redlands, a top private school.  I’m close to being done with my Masters degree after what seems forever.
• I was able to travel to six different countries (including two short-term missions trips).  Two of these trips I was able to travel alone which was always a dream of mine.
• I started my teaching career and I love it! I'm not a veteran yet, but here’s to year 6!
•  I’ve learned to live solo and love making my little home special.
• I’ve had a blog for almost three years.  For me, the importance of the blog was to remain consistent at something and be a blessing to others. 
• The most important thing: I've established a very dependent relationship with Jesus Christ.

All these experiences have been gifts from God and I look forward to making the next ten years just as exciting and growing even more in my relationship with Jesus Christ.   Let the 30′s begin!

April

A Case of Limited Perception

Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.  So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "My the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them."  Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.  When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness.  He came to a broom brush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die."I have had enough, Lord," he said.  "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."  I Kings 19:1-5(NIV)

Elijah felt alone. Jezebel was after him and vowed to have his life by the very next day.  Elijah escaped to the wilderness in despair.  He even asked God to take his life.   In his mind, he was alone and life seemed hopeless at that point.  His perception told him that he was the only faithful servant left as so many other Israelites had forsaken the ways of God.  Here is how Elijah explained to God his predicament,

"I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.  The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too”   (v. 10).

   God replied that there were still 7000 who had not bowed down to Baal.  Here Elijah is living in despair due to his circumstances when all along, God had things under control. At this point, Elijah must have realized that what he initially thought was reality was really just a case of limited perception.   He was not alone after all.

      Many times, we find ourselves in a similar situation. While we are focusing on our negative circumstances, we fail to see God working in our lives. While we are focusing on the negativity and what God is not doing, we fail to see what God IS doing.  When we think we are alone, we are not.  We allow our perception to dictate our faith.  If we would allow ourselves to move past our perception  and "feelings" and allow God to open our spiritual eyes, we would find that God's plan is being carried out whether we see it or not.   I'm not sure what you might be experiencing today, but somehow find the strength to call on the name of Jesus and ask him to open your eyes of faith to see that He is working in your life.  You'd be surprised that while you think God has been slumbering, instead, He has been working and the full picture will eventually be unveiled to reveal a life that was worked on 24-7 by a faithful God.

Take a Second Glance

I sometimes imagine what it would have been like to live during the time that Jesus Christ walked this earth.  I think, if I were there, I would never let go of Him and would just want to be around Him day and night worshiping at His feet. I wonder, how could His own people not know that He was the long awaited Messiah?  How did they not know that He was their God robed in flesh?  Then it hits me hard. How many times have I missed God in my daily life?  What about the times when God showed up in a way that I didn't expect and I failed to see Him.  What about the times when my answer came in the form of pain and I couldn't see God in it because I was looking for something different.  It is from these experiences that I wrote this poem.  Maybe you too can relate to it. 

If I had seen Him long ago

Would I have passed Him by

He had no form or comeliness

I might have ignorantly never winced an eye

Would I have taken the time

To see what was inside this simple man

To explore the depths of his heart and see the Great I am

Would I have given a second thought to this stranger

The carpenter from Galilee

A root out of dry ground

Come to rescue sinful me

Would I have seen His true beauty,

beauty not seen with the casual eye

Would I have looked into his eyes, but not seen the King of the Universe looking back into mine

Even today, do I fail to recognize Him

In the simplicity of His ways

In the waiting rooms of life, in the tests, even  in the people I encounter everyday

Superficial is what I have become, looking only at the outward for Jesus’ face

Never digging deeper to explore

Not a Jesus coming with trumpets and fanfare, but Jesus in my every day.