04.28.11

Today didn't start off too well. I didn't get enough sleep because I had two midterms today that I was not prepared for even though I have been studying for a while. I didn't do well on my tests (pretty sure) and I think my lack of sleep did not help my overall mood. I decided to go to the Cliffs, and off I went. I always like walking through that narrow path because it's cool and sometimes there are pretty flowers there. Going to the Cliffs always beings me lots of peace just looking at the ocean and people and hang-gliders. Looking at the ocean always reminds me how BIG God is. The ocean is so huge, and our God is bigger. And this song came to mind today:

He Knows My Name

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

When I have bad days, it's so easy for me feel lonely and like no one understands me. I wish that there is someone that I can turn to. And this song was a reminder to me that He is the one that I can turn to. He is the one that understands me. He is the one that made me and knit me together in my mother's womb (Psalm 139)

Anyway, bad day is turning into a not-so-bad day. I'm babysitting the boys now and then I'm going to watch Water for Elephants with my community group girls tonight. Hopefully I don't fall asleep (I have a reputation for falling asleep during late movies) because I heard it's really good!

04.27.11

My computer is acting weird again and not letting me upload my photo, but it's a picture of Grace and me. I went to Large Group today for worship (a break from my studies for my two midterms tomorrow morning bleh) and I'm always so rejuvenated. The joy of praising is so evident and so refreshing when I'm there. I love how we can congregate and sing so freely together as one body. I love to stand and soak in the lyrics and other times I pray that I may be more like what the song is singing about. My dad taught me to do that. We were talking about worshipping one day and I told him that sometimes I don't sing songs because I don't know the lyrics so I just start watching the drummer or pianist. He challenged me to really read the lyrics and see what is being sung, and then pray about it. So that's what I do when I am exposed to new songs. I basically pray the lyrics to God. It's cool and it makes me take a step back from my busy, small world and step into the glory of being with Him. Happy Wednesday!

04.26.11

Today was such a long day. I had 3 classes back to back then volunteer then review session then study. But I made it through, hooray! I was able to study with Marie Pasiliao today! We just went to Cafe Vita on campus and studied for a bit. She shared her peanut butter chocolate easter egg haha which was yum.

God has been protecting me from falling. I'm standing firm in Him and I will not falter, but when I do I know He is there.

04.25.11

(photo credit to Joshua Lee)

Those were the flowers I bought for my mom from Farmer's Market in Torrance.
I'm sitting here studying for my two midterms on Thursday and thinking about how gracious God has been to me, in all the little and big ways. The people that He surrounded me with and the opportunities/circumstances that I've been placed in have all stretched me in ways that I did not imagine.

Today was such a beautiful day. I want to go to the Cliffs sometime soon, any takers?

04.24.11

Happy Easter! Woke up celebrating the resurrection of Jesus with my roommates :)
I'm enjoying some tea with honey & ingridmichelson/sarabareilles/colbiecallait pandora channel with my roommates while studying at Starbucks. Despite the gloomy weather, it is a good day!

04.23.11

I woke up early this morning to meet Amelia at Mimi's Cafe where we ate breakfast and went over our 1 John study. It's a blessing to have Amelia in my life who is always encouraging, uplifting and real with me. Her transparency makes her so raw and real and I love how she invites Jesus into the joyful and tough parts of her life. I've learned and grown so much while with her and I'm so thankful that we were placed together.
Headed over to biomed to do some studying then hung out with Esther Hao at downtown La Jolla. Today was such a beautiful day we went to Haagen Dazs and got ice cream. The picture above makes it seem like Esther was praying before eating her ice cream but she is actually just enjoying her ice cream because it was THAT good :) Walked over to the grassy area and looked over the cove to where people were taking quinceanera and wedding photos. We talked about life and the future and I enjoyed it very much. I can't wait to spend 24/7 with you next year! hahaha

04.22.11

Good Friday, literally!
I went to volunteer at Physiotherapy in the morning, which is always fun. I think it's a cool environment because patients are talking to each other and it's about anything and everything. Yesterday, the OT talked to a patient about Jesus and how He died for our sins and I thought it was so cool that she was able to bring her faith to the workplace. Had lunch with Kevin at the really good sandwich place that I forgot the name of (the name of my sandwich was Turkado yum!). Then off to study at Starbucks with Jeannette and Steph. Had dinner with Elsie at Daphnes and had a good conversation about life. Thanks for being open and honest and gracious :) I'm glad to see how far God has brought us from the beginning of the year to now and I hope that we be a blessing to one another!
Good Friday service at Kairos. Went to Chick-fil-a afterwards and then home for a game night! Hahahaha so funny we had a game of Nerts (?) and Monopoly Deal going. I went to bed early but they played Mafia later ( I heard all the yelling and defensive tone of voice).

04.21.11

Tonight we went on a Coco's and In n Out run hahahaha what a random night. I will miss these days :)

Did I ever mention how thankful I am for my friends? Friends that relate and understand me, and also remind me of God and how He sees me and those around me. Friends that remind me of the Truth and point me back to Jesus.

Only God can bring this kind of peace.

04.20.11

Today was not that great of a day! Haha. The weather wasn't that great, I wasn't prepared for drizzle, and my car was vandalized. What a wonderful Wednesday. I was walking home after school (I took the Nobel shuttle) when I noticed that my car had writing on the windshields. The picture above doesn't show what it says but Adina and I went out at night to wipe it off.

boo.

but I am reminded not to complain. The good parts of the day was meeting with Kristie, Diane, and Kevin. I usually don't meet that many people in one day but today was a special occasion and it made me :)

(Credit to Joshua Lee)


04.19.11

"Jesus lived his life in view of the future. He looked to the joy that would come afterward (Hebrews 12:2). We are to live in this same way while we sojourn in a world of brokenness, suffering, pain, and death. Jesus doesn't say to us, 'It's not so bad; every cloud has a silver lining.' Rather, he tells us that our suffering and troubles are real, and in this world, they are here to stay. Hardship and adversity in this world are a heavy burden to bear. However, God has something in store for us that is, in effect, far heavier--a weight of glory that in comparison will make the burdens of this world seem light and momentary. What God has prepared for his people is far greater than we could imagine. A few seconds with Jesus will outweigh seventy-plus years of suffering" (Living in Light of the Gospel Story).

Grace Kim's birthday dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Happy 22nd, friend! <3

04.17.11

Off to church! Jeannette and Steph joined me at Torrance Good Shepherd Church and then we went to Old Torrance Coffee & Tea to study with my brother, Josh. I think we were pretty productive. We had dinner at home with Anna Lee! Mom made some really yummy food :) I really love being with my family and makes me want to be home for the next two years before going to grad school. But I really don't know where it is that I will be. I don't know which doors will be open and which doors will be closed but whatever it is, I want to commit my plans to You!

Drove back to SD with Steph & Jeannette and we had some good conversations about..everything. Jeannette, I'm glad that God brought us together these past 4 years. I'm especially happy that we were able to have an open conversation tonight! You are a super giving and loving person :)



04.16.11

What an amazingly relaxing and fun Saturday. Jeannette & Steph went to Torrance with me! We woke up to some yummy omelets by my mom and then we headed to Farmer's Market for some flowers, strawberries, and strawberry lemonade. The weather was perfect and the company was great. We went to Santa Monica and walked around the pier, people watched, ate funnel cake and ice cream, then did some shopping with the shopaholics on 3rd street. We split ways from there--I went to Upper West to meet with Donna, Kai, and Michelle to celebrate Michelle's 22nd birthday! 22 is seems a lot older than 21 for some reason haha. Maybe every number from here on out will seem a lot older.

I think I mention at least once a month (when I get together with these girls) how life giving it is to spend time and talk with them. We literally sat in the restaurant for about 3 hours and then another hour in front of Michelle's house talking. It's so so wonderful how God is really at the center of our lives. It's amazing how God has been moving in each of their lives as they're handing over their plans--their lives--to Him to be the ultimate guide. I'm so encouraged by their transparency and their hunger and desire to have an even more intimate relationship with God. You guys are such lights in my life and I'm glad that every conversation we have is life-giving. I say that often but really, you guys are beautiful woman of God and I am so so blessed that you are in my life. Happy 22nd M! <3

04.15.11

Marshall Bible Study 2008-2009 reunion! So glad that many people came and we were able to enjoy each other's company and food. I can't believe it's been three years already but I'm glad for the friendships that we were able to build during that time. Tonight we had a potluck and played games. I couldn't have asked a better way to have a reunion (except to have those of you who couldn't make it out)! I hope that God continues to reveal Himself to you in real ways and that wherever you are in your walk with God, that you know that you are His precious sons and daughters through Jesus :) <3

For some reason my photo is not uploading so I will be putting it up later.

My mind is blank right now but today was a good day.
Help me to transform from a self-centered life, to a God-centered and others-centered life.

04.13.11

"Trust in me", He keeps saying to me.

04.12.11

What a long day.
Had an 8am midterm, 2 more classes, & volunteer at Scripps. I finished at 4 and hung out with Jun and Jenn. Then it was just me & Jenn, always a good time talking to her :) Crystal and I went on a mini-date to Baskin Robbins (before Jun Kim intruded ahem). Crystal, if you are reading this I am so so grateful for our friendship. I am happy that He brought us this far from our Thanksgiving breakthrough conversation. He's growing you so much and it's evident in your life and in the conversations we have together. Thank you for being an honest and loving friend who is gentle and kind! I cherish our friendship and there is much to learn from you :) 143

(photo here)

04.11.11

All of yesterday up til this morning I was reflecting on how wretched I am. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught in that, but in doing so I'm not preaching the entirety of the Gospel to myself.

Thank you for having grace on me.



04.10.11

We came down from retreat, went to church, and studied. For dinner Steph, Adina, and I took Susan Yang out for her 21st birthday to Leucadia's! We had some yummy food to share :)

I feel like the workload at school is already piling up. God give me strength.




04.09.11

Woke up the next morning to see fresh, light, fluffy, white snow! It was so pretty :) The picture below is the small group that I was in. I had the privilege of getting to know Scott, David, Michelle, and Sonya. We got to go to the town and eat pies that day too. I tried the boysenberry apple pie which was super good. Yum.

On this day Pastor Harold spoke from Luke 10:25-37. He talked about God's mercy and how He is not careful in who He loves, there is no selection Process. What did God see in me for Him to stop and give me care?

Later that night our sermon came from Genesis 37. It was a convicting sermon that challenged my understanding of the Gospel. If the Gospel isn't good enough for you, no wonder it's not good enough to share with others. What gets in the way for me?



04.08.11

Off to Harbor Retreat! Headed to Julian where they're known for their apple pies. We have almost everyone from our community group, minus Diane Choi!

We got to the retreat site and had Pastor Harold as our guest speaker. His sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 was very powerful and convicting. He talked about adopting God's perspective, reminded me of the sin in my life, and accept that grace is enough.

(2nd picture) Today I had dinner with Eli Ahn! It's already been a year since we went to Guatemala and I miss a lot of things--the food, the people, the weather, San Miguel Escobar. I don't miss the tummy aches though. She made some yummy korean food and we played 4 rounds of my favorite game, Monopoly Deal.

(1st picture) Today is also a very special day. My best friend, Michelle Lee, turned 22 today! We've been friends since we were 4 years old and it's been 18 years now. OMG. I love you so much and I love our friendship. I love how God is at the center of it and I love hearing about how God moves in your life. I love your wildness, dancing, and laughs. You are hilarious and you are so beautiful. I LOVE YOU! <3

04.06.11

If you don't know what the picture is, let me tell you! It's the Craft Center at UCSD and it's the ceramics class that I'm taking this quarter. It was so fun today making a bowl, but boy it's really hard. I don't know if this is geeky of me but my teacher kept talking about how the clay is very sensitive to the hand of the potter and I kept thinking about how God molds us. Depending on how he shapes us, we take on different appearances and perform different functions. We may not always be even, and there may be some blemishes but..I don't know where I'm going with this. Basically I had fun and I thought of this song today.

"Change my heart, oh God. Make it ever true. Change my heart, of God. May I be like you. You are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me, this is what I say"

God is ever so faithful and good and His plans are perfect and I want Him to take control and mold/shape me to be the daughter that He has made me to be.

Happy Birthday!

04.05.11

Tuesdays are so long!
Class & volunteer. Pastor Woogie came down today and so we went to Phil's! Yum, and we headed over to Tuttie Fruttie for dessert then met up with the community group and went to Cotixhans. Today I was reading through blogs and came across this quote by Albert Einstein:

"To let go of someone doesn’t mean you have to stop loving, it only means that you allow that person to find their own happiness without expecting them to come back. Letting go is not just setting the other person free, but is also setting yourself free from all the bitterness, hatred, and anger that you keep in your heart. Do not let the bitterness take away your strength and weaken your faith, and never allow pain to dishearten you; but rather let yourself grow with wisdom in bearing it."

04.04.11

Mondays are my free days!
I woke up, qt, hw, bank. It's nice to have the morning open especially since it was a nice day. I had lunch with Sarah Yang! She made breakfast for lunch and it was fun to catch up with her. I went to Amelia's then went to Danielle and Monique's performance at Cafe Roma. Guess who came down today! ANNA LEE! Now we are all hanging out together, just like old times (2 weeks ago). So sad. Hahaha we love each other too much.

04.03.11

This morning I woke up to Steph saying that she made breakfast for me and Adina. It was really sweet and I was surprised, then we headed to church :) I love spending time with the preschool kids there; they say the cutest things. Even though they are only 4 years old they absorb so much from what their parents tell them about life and God and the Gospel.

Adina, Crystal, Elsie, Steph and I went to Mission Bay Park and fed the ducks/seagulls/other birds leftover hotdog buns from Anna's good-bye party. Hahaha we were literally there for 10 minutes. We were fighting the seagulls off because they were stealing bread from the ducks. Afterwards we had a mini-Marshall leaders reunion (I say mini because David, Michelle, and Phil were not there) at Cheesecake Factory! It was fun to talk about old times and enjoy each other's company over yummy dinner. And now, we're back home. What a joyful weekend!

04.02.11

Today we had the community group leaders meeting at Soo's house and it was a good time of sharing and bonding. Sometimes it's hard because I still don't know the people that well, but I loved that when we got together we could share our struggles and pray together. Thanks, Soo, for praying for me today :) Read my Bible, listened to music and journaled. God reminds me time and time again to trust in Him, His timing, and His plans.

Deuteronomy 29:11-14

For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Though I may not understand or see now what You are doing, I know You have the best in store for me. Have faith.

04.01.11

Today was a beautiful day. I got to hang out with Esther who made me a yummy lunch! Then we made an oreo cheesecake (shown above) which was yummy too. I shared it with my friends when we got home. Today at bible study we learned about atonement. One thing that really stuck out to me during discussion was the idea of "nailing it to the cross". It's easy to hold on to things but Jesus, in dying for our sins, took all of our sins to the cross. He bore it all and in that we can find freedom.