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!