2012

My hope is that this year will be a God-glorifying year. When I look back on 2011, I can see how God was next to me all along. I will not call that year a horrible year, but it was a year of growth in gaining self-awareness. Now engaged and going into a different chapter in my life, I realize how I need Him more and more. This is the year with no resolutions but trusting that it will be a steady transformation into my adulthood years.

Thanks to wonderful God-loving parents, warm hearted brother and sister in law, forever loving sweet sister, steady rock fiance, God loving church, open minded school friends and professors, and to every one else that God has placed in my life.

Sometimes I am too quick to make conclusions on how the puzzle pieces in my life will come together but I am humbled in His grace and timing.

Blessings to an "even" 2012!

A wonderful thing I wanted to remember

I do not have the cleanest car on the street.. nor do I go to the car wash once every couple of weeks. One Sunday morning (last Sunday), I woke up and my dad washed my car and said he did it "just because".

I am continuously surprised by my dad till this day.. not only is he a great dad but he has a spiritual heart... he continues to serve the Lord and his family with a servant heart. To him, this is nothing.. but to me, it's another reminder of how blessed I am. Thank you God!

Reflection for today

It's just one of those days.

I started off with watching The Office, then switched over to Modern Family.. in addition to watching these tv shows, I made some room to watch Friends bloopers on youtube and bothered my friends through bbm... and now I am here going to finish off with this thought.

I had a conversation with my dear friend today and we were talking about the lyrics of this song. It is a reminder for me about how He has control of everything and to live my life for Him.

You're the center of the universe
Everything was made in You Jesus
Breath of every living thing
Everyone was made for You

You hold everything together
You hold everything together

Christ be the center of our lives
Be the place we fix our eyes
Be the center of our lives

We lift our eyes to heaven
We wrap our lives around your life
We lift our eyes to heaven, to You

Something to think about

Direction

My plans? His plans?

I've been struggling.. especially trying to align my plans to match His plans for me. I am again reminded that He has all the control and power. Not only does He want the best for me, but He will provide when needed.

I have been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family who have been so supportive. Thanks for the reminder bff.

Some reminders:
Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

I felt like everything was falling apart but I was reminded that He always is faithful.

May the words of my mouth - Tim Hughes

May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart
Bless Your name, bless Your name, Jesus
And the deeds of the day and the truth in my ways
Speak of You, speak of You, Jesus

For this is what I'm glad to do
It's time to live a life of love that pleases You
And I will give my all to You
Surrender everything I have and follow You
I'll follow You

Lord, will You be my vision, Lord, will You be my guide
Be my hope, be my light and the way
And I'll look not for riches, nor praises on earth
Only You'll be the first of my heart

I will follow
I will follow
I will follow You

When I listened to the 2003 Passion CD, I fell in love with this song! Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do!

25 Here I Come!

Another great surprise party planned by D. Was I supposed to expect one back to back? Again I feel so blessed and lucky to be surrounded by amazing people.

Being 25. I do not think I have quite accepted it.. but I am willing to go with a bang! God would want me to celebrate the life He's given to me so I will try my best to continue to praise Him. Without Him.. I really am absolutely nothing.

Another blessing. My brother and sister J and G. At this time of our lives, we can support and love one another fully. They are both gifts from God and I am a different person today because of them.

On this day, I am again reminded about being a disciple for Christ. Not living life for anyone else, but for Him. It's hard to keep the bigger picture in mind.. but I hope to get better at focusing on Him this new year. :)

With tragic happenings in Japan... unsettling wars and riots in the Middle East.. hunger in North Korea.. there is too much to pray for.

May He have all the glory this year!

Ecclesiastes

Now this is what a call a great read!

Basic theme that continues to repeat itself is: Life not centered on God is purposeless and meaningless.

What is the reason you work? Why do you love money? What is your life's purpose?

This made me think again about my goals in life..I hope that the goals I have line up with what God wants. If not, I hope to be satisfied in what He has planned for me in my life. Since HIS PLAN is ALWAYS perfect.

Time away from what is considered "normal" has been the greatest blessing. I cherish and feel lucky to have a chance to retreat and rethink about what is means to be me.

Do I see myself in Christ? Do I see myself without Christ?

On repeat.

Thank you for the cross, Lord.
Thank you for the price you paid.
Bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came
And gave Amazing Grace.

Thank you for this love, Lord.
Thank you for the nail-pierced hands.
Wash me in Your cleansing flow, now all I know...
Your forgivness and embrace.

Worthy is the Lamb
seated on the throne.
We crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious!
High and lifted up
Jesus, Son of God.
The darling of Heaven, crucified...
Worthy is the Lamb.

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/darlene_zschech/#share

Personalized Bikes

These are some awesome bikes you can customize with your name on it! People are getting so smart with this. These can be found on Write a Bike.

I need some art in my life

I think this would look beautiful in a classic, vintage inspired bedroom or living room.

True friendships

are truly intimate. <3

You can't pick your family but you can pick your friends.

he makes me smile

After being with the same person for a decade, I can say that he still makes me smile before I go to bed.

It's already September

Time flies. As I reflect on this past summer with having wonderful opportunities to travel with my family and go on missions, I wonder what chapter it will be in my crazy life. I am realizing that God will continuously pour His blessings when we least expect it. Since HE knows me so well, HE finds the best ways to teach me about HIS love for me.

This song has been in my head for the past couple of days.

may the words of my mouth
and the voice of my heart
bless your name bless your name jesus

and the deeds of the day and the truth in my ways
speak of you speak of you jesus

for this is what i'm glad to do
its time to live a life of love that pleases you
and i will give my all to you
surrender everything i have and follow you
ill follow you

lord will you be my vision
lord will you be my guide
be my hope, be my light and the way
and ill look not for riches
nor praises on earth
only you'll be the first of my heart

i will follow
i will follow
i will follow you

081010

you make it easier when life gets hard.