Hello, Gorgeous

One year later...

Okay, okay, I know this isn't the deeper post you expected, but it will happen soon (promise!). But for now...

...ain't she a beautiful sight or what? =P

Moving Along...

My mind is being stretched in so many directions. The constant battle of choosing between needs and wants, and trying to strike a balance for both. I am always thinking of something to do or someone to see.

But no really, life is good. God is good. =) I just have so many projects I like to get on wheels. So many hopes and dreams to think and pray over. Some disappointments and determinations to make it right the next go-around.

Will be back soon with more to write. Scout's honor.

...and a Happy Valentine's Day to you. =)

A Glimpse of Heaven

Currently Listening God of This City By Passion see related

One of the cool things about going to conferences is seeing the great kingdom of God uniting together to meet God - and to be met by God. People from cities, states, and even countries gather to worship together and learn more of our great and loving Dad.

And the fun doesn't stop there.

As I made my way to the front row the first night of Passion '08 where Josh was waiting with our seats (he can get through crowds like no one), I turned and found in the seat next to him...Kyle Shimazaki! He was our church youth camp's speaker from two years ago who made quite an impact on the kids. I was so elated to see him after all this time, and spent a few minutes just catching up with one another.

When the night ended and we were exiting the Nokia Theater, I suddenly ran into Pastor Steve Lo, another youth camp speaker from last year! Needless to say, I was filled with even more joy when giving my next hug.

What's the point of these run-ins you might ask? I imagine that is what heaven would be like: coming home to a big family of believers, some we have seen often and others maybe only once. Extending that hand, high-five, or hug, and sharing everything about the life before. And lastly, being together with the One who was there the whole way.

Not yet, but I can't wait. =)

I'm proud to be a rat

Okay, kids. After twelve years of waiting patiently, our turn has finally arrived once more.


Calling all rats abound and especially those born in the year of George Orwell's novel (forgive my nods to literature)....


....IT"S OUR YEAR!!! Let's go and make it a great one. =)

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!
(Don't spend that cash too fast, now ;] )

Passion Regionals '08 - Los Angeles

A weekend of worship like none other I have ever experienced. The Passion Conferences came to the West Coast this year (and right in our backyard of LA), and I was privileged to go with 20+ college students from our church to the brand new Nokia Theater. It was a short program (Friday night to Saturday night), but I think it made a big impact on those who never went to Passion, which was about 95% of them. =)

A few highlights:

• Worshiping with 4000+ college/young adults from all across the West Coast. Leaders included Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, and David Crowder Band - all less than 10 feet away from me.
  
  
• Valuable lessons from inspirational speakers Louie Giglio and Francis Chan
  
• Our decisions ultimately draw attention to someone - would that be us or God?
• Not even God would waste time on those who refuse to follow Him (even though we do). That's why in speaking parables, Jesus is reaching the "good soil" - those people who really want to understand who God is. (Luke 8:4)
• The Holy Spirit is IN us (John 14) - such a promise helps us to naturally please God!
• Possibly the most glorifying moment for God is when we are suffering the most in our lives. When all things seem hopeless and the bottom falls out - yet we still go against everything sensible and say...."Praise God!" =)
  
  
• Joining with others to write the story of God by together raising:
• $54,000 to build 18 wells for African villages who don't have access to water
• Giving 2,260 towels and 10,500 pairs of socks to LA shelters, AND
• $42,707 to extend this God-filled weekend experience to Jakarta, Indonesia for 1.5 million university students.
• In Mr. Giglio's words, "all this from less than 4000 'poor' college students". Amazing what God can do, yes? =P
  
  

"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts." ~ Isaiah 26:8



Photo courtesy of Passion Conferences =)

Pick & Choose

Currently Watching No Country for Old Men By Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald see related

I want to say that this movie was really good. A well-rounded cast (Javier Bardem stole the show with his chilling performance) along with sharp direction and great production values put this on top of my list for 2007. Now I have to rent "Fargo", "O' Brother, Where Art Thou?" and some other Coen Brothers' films.

Lately, I've realized how far I've come in choosing what movies to watch in the theaters and which ones to save for home viewing. Whenever a TV spot came on that had my acting idol or some cool action scenes explode on the small screen, I used to jump on it and make plans to go see it with a friend or two. It was as simple as that.

Nowadays, I feel the need to research a bit before heading out to the silver screen (come on, matinee / student discounts point to $9.50??). If I hear really good things about the film (specifically about story and acting) or if it's something fun to watch with lots of friends (i.e. "300", "Transformers"), then you can bet on me saving a seat for you before the lights dim. Otherwise, it's a good chance that seat will be in my living room in front of an HDTV - with lots of free snacks.

Don't get me wrong - I still love the movie cinema and that will always be one of my favorite hobbies. Just a little change in location & venue can do wonders for enjoying the experience. =)

Everything in its right time and place.