I hadn't thought of a New Year's resolution, but as Pastor Paul encouraged us to plan and make resolutions, I decided I would. I think one of my greatest faults is my laziness...this coupled with my fear of failure keeps me from setting goals and advancing. It keeps me from reflecting and living thoughtfully, and it keeps me locked up in my complacency.
So my resolution is just one thing...maybe a project of a sort. I'm going to write in my blog everyday. By this time I think anybody that once followed my blog, does no longer. Therefore, I can begin without the burden of writing for readers. It won't be anything grand, perhaps mere documentation or just a photo upload on some days, but I think by challenging myself to do this one thing, it will largely help me to:
1. Reflect, which in turn will likely lead me to...
2. Think of the Lord and his ways/his Word. Which will challenge me to...
3. Live Intentionally (and therefore diligently, being a good steward of my resources, including time).
Who knows, maybe on the most tiring of days, I'll just post a word...but there are many things headed for me this year, and I feel an urgency and need to take the time to think and reflect, be diligent and spend time with the Lord. I also want to document the change and events that will take place, so this is my resolution! Yay! :)
Dec 31, 2011
Nov 25, 2011
Bring the Rain
I've been the busiest I can ever recall being this past year,
and I'd definitely not had much time for self-reflection.
Thanksgiving crept upon me much quicker than I had anticipated,
and even with all the planning being done for Thanksgiving festivities,
my heart desired time to simply stop everything and be still...
so that I could truly give thanks.
And I'll have to admit, Thanksgiving Day came and went,
and though my heart was full of gladness and thanksgiving,
I don't think it would've been possible without the Tuesday before.
We opened Kraze Burgers to the public on Tuesday, and therefore, despite the rain,
I had driven out to Bethesda by myself. The drive there? Not bad, 30 minutes.
The drive back? Let's just say it took me over three times that amount of time,
and it was stop and go all the way back with close to zero visibility due to the rain and fog.
At first, my initial reaction was yes...unhappy. I was not grateful for the situation.
Anyone that knows me well enough knows that I am not fond of driving.
I do not like driving in the rain, in unfamiliar territory, for an extended period of time...
the list goes on. And most of all, I have a phobia of car accidents.
So there I was, unhappy, fearful, worried and frustrated, and as I was listening to the radio
with the traffic report...telling of accident after accident, I realized...
I could've been any one of those accidents on the report...
and that I could be the next.
But instead of being filled with fear, I was filled with an intense thanksgiving as I was able
to realize and acknowledge God's grace and mercy through the situation.
I realized that it would make sense for me to get into an accident.
That essentially, it would be "fair" for me to be in an accident.
It was only by God's grace, his protection, his mercy, and his goodness that I was not.
That every day, I should die, but that every day, He continues to choose to save me.
And of course, just as I had this epiphany, the radio began playing MercyMe's Bring the Rain.
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain...
I had been so preoccupied with the rain, so worried, so discouraged, so fearful...
but by the end of this song, I can tell you I was empowered, grateful,
and immensely blessed by the rain that pointed me to the cross.
And though I still had an hour's drive in the rain, I spent it with a thankful heart.
God is good. Really, he is so good. So faithful-- even though I am not, and I fall so short...
and so how could I not be thankful?
And if it's a thousand drives in the rain that is needed to remind me to be thankful...
then, Jesus, bring the rain. :)
and I'd definitely not had much time for self-reflection.
Thanksgiving crept upon me much quicker than I had anticipated,
and even with all the planning being done for Thanksgiving festivities,
my heart desired time to simply stop everything and be still...
so that I could truly give thanks.
And I'll have to admit, Thanksgiving Day came and went,
and though my heart was full of gladness and thanksgiving,
I don't think it would've been possible without the Tuesday before.
We opened Kraze Burgers to the public on Tuesday, and therefore, despite the rain,
I had driven out to Bethesda by myself. The drive there? Not bad, 30 minutes.
The drive back? Let's just say it took me over three times that amount of time,
and it was stop and go all the way back with close to zero visibility due to the rain and fog.
At first, my initial reaction was yes...unhappy. I was not grateful for the situation.
Anyone that knows me well enough knows that I am not fond of driving.
I do not like driving in the rain, in unfamiliar territory, for an extended period of time...
the list goes on. And most of all, I have a phobia of car accidents.
So there I was, unhappy, fearful, worried and frustrated, and as I was listening to the radio
with the traffic report...telling of accident after accident, I realized...
I could've been any one of those accidents on the report...
and that I could be the next.
But instead of being filled with fear, I was filled with an intense thanksgiving as I was able
to realize and acknowledge God's grace and mercy through the situation.
I realized that it would make sense for me to get into an accident.
That essentially, it would be "fair" for me to be in an accident.
It was only by God's grace, his protection, his mercy, and his goodness that I was not.
That every day, I should die, but that every day, He continues to choose to save me.
And of course, just as I had this epiphany, the radio began playing MercyMe's Bring the Rain.
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain...
I had been so preoccupied with the rain, so worried, so discouraged, so fearful...
but by the end of this song, I can tell you I was empowered, grateful,
and immensely blessed by the rain that pointed me to the cross.
And though I still had an hour's drive in the rain, I spent it with a thankful heart.
God is good. Really, he is so good. So faithful-- even though I am not, and I fall so short...
and so how could I not be thankful?
And if it's a thousand drives in the rain that is needed to remind me to be thankful...
then, Jesus, bring the rain. :)
Mar 9, 2011
2011 So Far..
Wow, time flies.
I can't believe it's already March...
and to cut to the chase, yes, I'm engaged!
I think I've told the story a million times,
and I've been waiting for the pictures to post the story on facebook and on my blog here...
but I think some people (Jenny) would want a post sooner than later.
The story of the proposal, however, you must wait 'til later.
For now, here's a picture I just took with Photobooth right now. LOL.
Please excuse my condition...It's 12:30am and I really should be sleeping...-_-;;
That's right ladies and gentlemen...not a single lady no more.
(O-o-O, o-o-O-o-o, o-o-o-o x2 if you liked it, then you shoulda put a ring on it...)
Lol...I have no idea where that came from, but it did, so I'm leaving it there in all its Beyonce glory.
Anyway, yes, of course, I love my ring, but more than the ring itself, I appreciate the time and effort Danny had to take to make this purchase, and even more than that, I appreciate him, our relationship, and all the sacrifices the both of us had to make in order to make this happen.
Thank you to everyone that has blessed us, encouraged us, and prayed for us along the way. We have much more ahead of us now, so please continue to do so!
As for wedding planning...it hasn't really begun yet. My parents are making their way over next weekend, and once the parents have gotten together and discussed things, I think then, the real planning shall begin. Eek. Honestly, I have not a clue as to where to begin (although Miriam did get me an awesome checklist book by The Knot).
Anyway, enough of all of that talk...
I've obviously failed on my wishes to post more frequently this year...but it's only 1/4 over, so I can still improve! I've also been having quite a hard time with remembering daily that I want to die to my self...but I'm trying. Honestly, it is so difficult, but one good thing is that each time I fail, it serves as motivation to press on. With each time that I realize I am living for myself and not for Christ, I am reminded that I need him that much more. As for losing weight...I lost some, and then gained it all back. Haha...BUT! Like I mentioned earlier...I still have 9 months, although I'd like to lose it in the next 3 months if possible.
Aside from resolutions, work is getting busier and busier. Deadlines are approaching fast, and I can sense the tension in the office rising. Lots of office drama going on, and while I definitely want to be a part of the office, I am desperately trying to see how God would want me to interact. I do not want to partake in the gossip, but neither do I want to seem arrogant, distant, or uninterested. I do not want to work 24/7, but neither do I want to appear like I am just putting in the hours without genuine interest and passion. It's difficult drawing lines and with a dozen decisions I need to make each day, as small as it may be, I wonder if I'm making the right ones. You can probably tell, but I feel so divided.
Wisdom (which is exactly what I need) begins with the fear of the Lord. God-fearing. I want to and need to be a God-fearing woman. Please pray for me that I fear the Lord and love the Lord with all my heart.
Well, now it's past 1 and I really must go to sleep.
Goodnight world!
I can't believe it's already March...
and to cut to the chase, yes, I'm engaged!
I think I've told the story a million times,
and I've been waiting for the pictures to post the story on facebook and on my blog here...
but I think some people (Jenny) would want a post sooner than later.
The story of the proposal, however, you must wait 'til later.
For now, here's a picture I just took with Photobooth right now. LOL.
Please excuse my condition...It's 12:30am and I really should be sleeping...-_-;;
That's right ladies and gentlemen...not a single lady no more.Lol...I have no idea where that came from, but it did, so I'm leaving it there in all its Beyonce glory.
Anyway, yes, of course, I love my ring, but more than the ring itself, I appreciate the time and effort Danny had to take to make this purchase, and even more than that, I appreciate him, our relationship, and all the sacrifices the both of us had to make in order to make this happen.
Thank you to everyone that has blessed us, encouraged us, and prayed for us along the way. We have much more ahead of us now, so please continue to do so!
As for wedding planning...it hasn't really begun yet. My parents are making their way over next weekend, and once the parents have gotten together and discussed things, I think then, the real planning shall begin. Eek. Honestly, I have not a clue as to where to begin (although Miriam did get me an awesome checklist book by The Knot).
Anyway, enough of all of that talk...
I've obviously failed on my wishes to post more frequently this year...but it's only 1/4 over, so I can still improve! I've also been having quite a hard time with remembering daily that I want to die to my self...but I'm trying. Honestly, it is so difficult, but one good thing is that each time I fail, it serves as motivation to press on. With each time that I realize I am living for myself and not for Christ, I am reminded that I need him that much more. As for losing weight...I lost some, and then gained it all back. Haha...BUT! Like I mentioned earlier...I still have 9 months, although I'd like to lose it in the next 3 months if possible.
Aside from resolutions, work is getting busier and busier. Deadlines are approaching fast, and I can sense the tension in the office rising. Lots of office drama going on, and while I definitely want to be a part of the office, I am desperately trying to see how God would want me to interact. I do not want to partake in the gossip, but neither do I want to seem arrogant, distant, or uninterested. I do not want to work 24/7, but neither do I want to appear like I am just putting in the hours without genuine interest and passion. It's difficult drawing lines and with a dozen decisions I need to make each day, as small as it may be, I wonder if I'm making the right ones. You can probably tell, but I feel so divided.
Wisdom (which is exactly what I need) begins with the fear of the Lord. God-fearing. I want to and need to be a God-fearing woman. Please pray for me that I fear the Lord and love the Lord with all my heart.
Well, now it's past 1 and I really must go to sleep.
Goodnight world!
Jan 8, 2011
Goodbye, 2010. Hello, 2011.
Looking back at 2010...
2010 in One Word
New.
Major Events
Graduating
Getting a job
Moving to VA
Best Decision Made
Spending 1 month in Mexico with my parents
Worst Decision Made
Not making an effort to stay in touch with my friends
People that Had the Greatest Impact
Parents
Brother
Danny
Jenny
Janice
Pastor Paul
Biggest Risk You Took
Moving to VA
Biggest Surprise
Walking out to the car to find it frosted over in the morning
Most Important Relationship Improved
Danny's Mom (not that it was ever bad)
Important Lessons God Taught
He took me back to the basics.
That I am a sinner and that despite that, he still chose to love me.
Stories and Incidents Worth Remembering
Teron's Birth
세은이 언니's Wedding
Danny's Mom's Wedding
Moving (multiple times)
Trips (SF, Mexico, LV, VA, etc...)
Skyline & the Bear
...looking back, many unexpected things happened in 2010.
And while I did gain lots of new things, I lost a lot of important things as well on the way.
I hope to recover some of those precious things I've lost the past year, this year if I still can.
I also am planning to write more frequently on my blog this year. I mean it! I promise!
So on my next post, I'll share some of my resolutions; and hopefully on the post after that, my testimony that I should be writing right now, which I will be sharing soon with my church members as I become an official member of the family at Cornerstone in Fairfax, VA. (:
Well, here's to what I think will be an amazingly crazy and beautiful 2011! (Please read that previous sentence imagining that we have champagne glasses raised.)Whoever you may be reading this, may your 2011 be filled with countless blessings--may you encounter God's love and grace where least expected, and may your days be filled with joy.
2010 in One Word
New.
Major Events
Graduating
Getting a job
Moving to VA
Best Decision Made
Spending 1 month in Mexico with my parents
Worst Decision Made
Not making an effort to stay in touch with my friends
People that Had the Greatest Impact
Parents
Brother
Danny
Jenny
Janice
Pastor Paul
Biggest Risk You Took
Moving to VA
Biggest Surprise
Walking out to the car to find it frosted over in the morning
Most Important Relationship Improved
Danny's Mom (not that it was ever bad)
Important Lessons God Taught
He took me back to the basics.
That I am a sinner and that despite that, he still chose to love me.
Stories and Incidents Worth Remembering
Teron's Birth
세은이 언니's Wedding
Danny's Mom's Wedding
Moving (multiple times)
Trips (SF, Mexico, LV, VA, etc...)
Skyline & the Bear
...looking back, many unexpected things happened in 2010.
And while I did gain lots of new things, I lost a lot of important things as well on the way.
I hope to recover some of those precious things I've lost the past year, this year if I still can.
I also am planning to write more frequently on my blog this year. I mean it! I promise!
So on my next post, I'll share some of my resolutions; and hopefully on the post after that, my testimony that I should be writing right now, which I will be sharing soon with my church members as I become an official member of the family at Cornerstone in Fairfax, VA. (:
Well, here's to what I think will be an amazingly crazy and beautiful 2011! (Please read that previous sentence imagining that we have champagne glasses raised.)Whoever you may be reading this, may your 2011 be filled with countless blessings--may you encounter God's love and grace where least expected, and may your days be filled with joy.
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