joy is giving-Feb 17, 2011

Hello,

it's starting to feel like Spring..which only means it's starting to feel closer to Boards Step 1. Anyways, although I haven't been faithful in having devotion to God and writing in my prayer journal everyday, it has been definitely helping I believe in my relationship with God. I'm nowhere where I want to be and I don't think I will ever be where I want to be, but it's a journey. Perhaps someday I can take a look at this and see what I was thinking at the time. Anyways, life isn't too exciting and I don't have much to write about my personal life. It's not like I'm traveling the world or volunteering in some foreign country, but sometimes it's the little things in life that really count, like the other night having dinner with Brinja and just spending time with her is something I cherish. I"d say it's even better than traveling alone in Paris or Rome all by myself. Anyways,

this is a page in my prayer journal that i thought I might share. I also read from Matthew Chapter 14 about the miracle Jesus performed in feeding the 5,000+

Dear God,

true joy is giving. You commanded the disciples to "Give them someting to eat." The miracle of the bread and feeding the 5,000 teaches me to "give them something to eat" instead of sending people to someone else when they need to know about God's love. I'm always surrounded by people in need, and You promise you are right there with me. You promise to multiple what small talents I have God-just as you did with the loaves of bread. You declare in the Word, "Give and you will receive." Help me to realize joy is in giving. I can receive more only when I have shared what I have. The more I share with others, the more I can learn from God and the greater my joy can be. You gave Jesus the power to multiply the food. You passed it on to the disciples-they passed it on to the crowd- and now it is passed onto me. Help me to pass it on to my families, friends, loved ones, and even strangers and to those who hate me..so that one day we can share this miracle food together. Amen"

eden

the game

it's not about whether you win or lose, but it's all about how you played the game.

"Make each day your Masterpiece."-John Wooden

I heard the most famous, arguably the best basketball coach to ever live speak my sophomore year while playing on the basketball Varsity for San Gabriel Academy at the Pasadena Civic Center. He was the best coach not because of X's and O's but simpyl because he just carried on his philosophy of life onto the basketball court.

Basketball has been a passion of mine since I was a little boy playing basketball with my brother and his friends in the backyard. Memories playing with my friends on Saturday afternoons to winning championships in tournaments is something I reminsce about all the time, but what I cherish more is the life lessons it taught me about hard work, determination, teamwork, and never giving up. In a way, basketball and it's experiences has a big part in the person I am today.

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

taking time to pray

how often do I pray? I'd honestly say...once a weeek at most, which is sad to say. I've been even having these devotions everyday in the morning, and sometimes I skip prayer and decide to just study the Word. Just from reading the Bible, no one was ever busier, no one ever carried greater burdens than Jesus, but He often took time out to pray! Time after time you see that He got up very early, or went away into the mountains to pray. He was totally dependent on God, leaving his sorrows and fears with God.

I have at times experienced this kind of of prayer, yet I do not know why I do not experience it everyday! It's definitely possible, and God wants you to do it. The silence in my soul allows me to hear the voice of God, yet often I get clouded by the noise and blunders of the unimportant things. True rest and peace are found.

If you read this post Eden, take time to share your needs, trust me you won't be disappointed. Ask for wisdom to deal with the pressures of life, and He will give you rest. Do it...now!

brinja's bright future

Brinja's graduation was great and now she's moving on to the next stage in her life! she's definitely got the greatest family along with such loving friends! Her face just exudes kindness and love with a beautiful shine of optimism for the future! may God continue to bless her!

My greatest fear..

the picture is taken on the Oregon Coast, where I went with my family, my cousin Mike and my aunt, and Brinja. It was beautiful sunset and I just wanted you to appreciate God's beauty before you read my blog.




My greatest fear I've always said was the fear of failure. I can't imagine failing a test, or even medical school. However, the sermon I heard yesterday at the LLU church was about the best thing you can do for your life and the speaker was Randy Roberts. He quoted Francis Chen, and this quote struck home with me, and it might with you also. It is this "The greatest fear ought not to be failure, but the fear of success that does not matter."-Francis Chen.

Again, the greatest fear ought not to be failure, but the fear of success THAT DOES NOT MATTER!"

wow, too many times i'm afraid of failing to be successful at the things that does not matter. The best thing you can do for yourself is to know your purpose. This was the topic RAndy Roberts spoke about yesterday and I 100% agree with him. This is assuming of course that you have taken Jesus as your Saviour and have already decided to start a continual, growing relationship with Him. But back to knowing your purpose, when you know your purpose, remember it, and live it, all you have to be is what He made you to be.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:11-13

Isn't that an awesome promise? God has plans for you and I. Like me, if you constantly ask yourself the question, "What is my purpose in life?" I believe God has the answer, seek Him first, with all your heart, and He will surely reveal your plans of great hope and a future.

pure joy

sitting in a desk all day studying can get really tiresome, but whenever I think of this awesome girl it just brings me pure joy and inspiration. there's only so many people that bring this kind of joy! she's graduating tomorrow from dental hygiene, which definitely had its challenges and obstacles but she did super great in school! She's beautiful, intelligent, caring, the best listener, and one hilarious comedian (aalthough you might not know it), and just the everything I could ask for. I'm so proud of her.

We both started school around the same time and I always complained about my school work or how busy it was. She always listened and yet hardly ever complained about her ridiculous teachers or all the problems she had at school. I definitely leaned on her and without all of her support I would have been nowhere near I am today. She only makes me want to do the best! I love her!

Congratulations Brinja on graduating!

now make some money and feed me!

the wisdom of advice

1-27-2011

Proberbs 13:10: Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proberbs 11:14: without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers

My prayer for today

Dear God,

you are the Ultimate Adviser and you give me advice everyday in Your word, through nature, are also through the kind, loving acts. Help me to listen and take in that advice. Change my heart God, make it pure and true. Help me to trust in all you do and not to be afraid

Today I read the story today about the Storm on the Sea, and the disciples while in the storm became afraid because they forgot you were in the boat! Help me to realize that You'll always be on the boat no matter how bad the storm. Teh disciples forgot your miracles and ultimately lost faith and trust in you. Too many times I have done the same and I try to weather the storm by myself, by my own strengths only to be crushed and drowned by the roaring waves of live. In Mark 4:40, you asked the disciples "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" This showed by trusting you with our lives there are no reasons to be afraid and worried. Help me to take in your wisdom and to trust You in all of my ways. I love you.

Amen