1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
This truly was my theme this whole 2nd year around in college. There were most definitely many things to pray, rejoice and give thanks about.
I got all my classes that I needed regardless of my late registration date. 
I took Anatomy Lecture, Anatomy Lab (mind you, this class came with a cadaver... or 13), ASL 4, Intro to Jazz, and Educational Psychology in Children. I was also a T.A. for an ASL 1 class.

"So, uh, you know that anatomy final I was supposed to study for?"

My schedule consisted of study, study and study. I was most definitely busy. If not with school, it was with the acappella group and Bible Study.

The Acappella group went on tour during spring break in Northern California.That was most definitely fun. I don't know if I want to do that this next year, seeing how much work and time was put into this, but I'll do it again another time. Just not next year.

On tour in Northern California!

Bible Study was most definitely an adventure. I had the joy in being a part of a small group and in this small group, we went through "Praying Backwards" by Bryan Chapell. This book was such an encouragement to me. I really would recommend you read this. It's obvious that prayers are meant to be a reflection of the heart, but I often times find my prayers becoming repetitious. This book has reshaped my prayer life.
So as you can see, there was a lot to be praying, rejoicing and giving thanks about. I most definitely couldn't have done any of this with my own strength. The Lord was my source of strength. Through this all, the Lord was reminding me on a daily basis of his goodness, simply from waking me up in the morning to start my day. Why is it that we only thank God for the big things in life? Is it because it's more noticeable? Why not give thanks to the Lord for every single little thing, regardless of how significant or insignificant?

I can tell you that it is easier relying on the Lord when things get rough. The challenge I faced was to continuously praise the Lord when things were good. Kind of odd, seeing that it's the opposite for others. When things were good and easy, I started finding other things to occupy my time instead of filling it with being in the word or praying. I was instantly convicted of this. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 calls us to praise and give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances. When things are going well, I found it easy to turn attention away from God and to myself. I was content with where I was. I didn't see any needs to change it because things were going so well.

But it is because of the Lord that I live, breathe, and walk this earth. It is by him that I can be his child, his own. It's all by him that I can be called his own. It is by him that I understand and live in light of the gospel. My understanding that I am nothing apart from Christ.That I am shown grace on a daily basis. That God sent his perfect, holy son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins and raise again from the dead to prove that he was lord. That it is by the Lord that my desires are his desires, to turn away from my sins and live a life that is honoring and glorifying to him. And for this I praise him for everything.


Along with this year came new friendships that were most definitely made and treasured. I wouldn't change a single thing about any of them. I'm praying that I can continue to keep up with these relationships and that they grow into lifelong relationships.

Speaking of relationships...

Small Update :)

So it's a Leap Year and I thought, why not blog on a leap day? :) and plus you all are due for an update.


Although it has only been one month since my last blog post, I can say that a lot has happened. And to be quite honest, it sure doesn't feel like it has only been a month.

In January, I was fortunate enough to go snowboarding with one of my very good and old friend. No snow, unfortunately, so we had to settle for man made snow. It was a great way to just sit back and enjoy God's creation. Also a very nice break from everyday life. :)


Then when I got back to school, this new gym opened up. It has an indoor track, an amazing rock wall, basketball courts and multiple studio classes. Opening day was kind of crazy seeing how everyone wanted in. It's amazing and I utilize it almost every day! 


Until school really started up, then I had to exercise discipline. I had to purposefully restrain myself from going to the gym to study... anatomy... this class is challenging and yet due to the oh so very fair school grading system, I get 1 unit for this course. How nice! I get to work my tail off only to receive 1 unit... 


But to buffer this anxiety induced by anatomy, it's time for auditions for my acappella group :) We have seen so many talented individuals this semester and hope to grow as a group to be bigger and better than the groups before - to constantly be growing and striving to be better. I'm excited to see of what this new group is capable.

Amidst everyday life, I've managed to squeeze in a couple of new friends ;) I'm excited to see God working in both my and their lives! Soli Deo Gloria!


Acts 20:24
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

A Continuous Service

I know that despite my own condition, whatever present or future ailment, joy or tribulation, I will continuously serve the Lord. 


It's so easy to praise the Lord when things are going well and your way. However, it's not so easy to praise the Lord when things aren't so great and, well, not going your way.


For the past month or so, I struggled with this very thing.


I struggled a lot with "Head Knowledge" and "Application."
I knew that God is in control and that no matter what happens, he would still be glorified, but I struggled to live it out. 


After exhausting myself from worrying so often about the little things that I had absolutely no control over, God gave me a reminder. When things are within or out of our reach, we should still give it up to God: Head Knowledge. But did I? Application.


The Lord had changed my heart. He gave me a sense of peace in knowing that no matter where I go and no matter what I do, I would still be serving Him. Serving him in the classroom, at work, at church, etc. Aside from my service to God being continuous, the Lord still remains faithful to those who love him.


Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end' they are new every morning' great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."


So, 5 class crashes later, and adding several unnecessary classes, I have ALL my classes that I need. Praise the Lord! And to my pleasant surprise, I'm enjoying every single one of them. I have a genuine interest, so it's awesome! :)

I'm currently taking ASL 4, Anatomy and Anatomy Lab, Educational Psychology, and Intro to Jazz. So excited and still as busy as ever! These classes are definitely going to be a challenge, but it's a challenge I don't mind. They're class I need and they're practical for life.

Thank you so much for all your prayers, love and support! It means the world to me.

December: God of God

Merry Christmas!

What is the first thought that pops into your head when that phrase is spoken? Could it be shopping, presents, Christmas trees, lights? Or could it be family, food, football, basketball? 

There's nothing wrong with any of theses, but what we often forget is why we, as christians, celebrate Christmas. 

This month, I chose Enfield's God of God. This song embodies not only our Savior's birth, but tells the story from the prophet Isaiah, leads to His death on the cross: the reason why Christ was born, and his resurrection. 

God of God by John Julian (Chorus by Enfield)

Deep in the prophets’ sacred page,
Grand in the poets’ winged word,
Slowly in type, from age to age,
Nations beheld their coming Lord;
Till through the deep Judean night
Rang out the song, Good will to men!
Hymned by the first born sons of light,
Re-echoed now, Good will! Amen.

Born to reign in us forever,
Born a child and yet a king
Born His people to deliver
Let us all in anthem sing,
"Hallelujah, the Messiah has come!"

That life of truth, those deeds of love,
That death of pain ’mid hate and scorn,
These all are past, and now above
He reigns our King, once crowned with thorn.
To Him who sits upon the throne,
The Lamb once slain for sinful men,
Be honor, might, all by Him won,
Glory and praise! Amen! Amen!

O God of God! O Light of Light!
Thou Prince of Peace, Thou King of kings,
To Thee, where angels know no night,
The song of praise forever rings!

Christ was born. Christ was born so that he could deliver a sinful race: to die for a filthy people and make them right with God. Since God is a holy God, He and sin are separate. They cannot be mixed. And since God is a just God, sin must also be punished. Apart from God, we are sinful men and we are condemned and His wrath is all we deserve, "but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved-" (Ephesians 2:5-6). 

This is why we celebrate Christmas :)

Chaos: Temporarily Closed

Praise the Lord that this semester is over!

This semester has been one of the craziest I've been through. 

I can't thank the Lord enough for sustaining me through this chaotic semester. He has really taught me to trust in Him to provide for my needs. My studies were taking a toll on me and I really wanted to just stop. Stress is no fun. My nose was literally in a book everywhere I went (or in my laptop writing research papers). The last three weeks were the most chaotic. An online class that I had neglected due to another online class has finally caught up to me. Professors in all classes were assigning last minute projects. So in total, I had three weeks to complete 10 exams, write 6 papers, 3 presentations and study for 5 finals. Praise the Lord for giving me the strength and endurance to finish strong. 

A trial that I went through in the last couple weeks and still am going through is getting my classes for the following semester. It's been crazy. Not only has tuition gone up nine percent, but we have been limited to 15 units maximum. Along side this cap, we also have fewer classes with fewer seats. I felt threatened. I had a really late registration date and I couldn't do anything about getting my much needed seat in my much needed classes. I sat back and watched my classes fill up. 

Prior to my registration date, I have sent all my possible future professors multiple emails, letting them know about my unfortunate position. There were so many hoops I had to jump through. Trusting the Lord was a difficult thing to do. It was all there: I knew I had to trust in the Lord to provide, but applying it was a whole other issue. I know that no matter where God puts me, He'll be glorified best. I realized that this was super similar to my housing situation last August. The Lord is good and He'll provide for his children. May I continue to praise Him despite my own circumstance.

James 1: 2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Throughout it all, the Lord has provided me with encouragement and much support from the lovely people in my lives. I thank you all so much for your prayers, love, and keeping me focused on Christ. It means the world to me. I can't thank you enough. 

Aside from this hot mess... a lot of fun happened too.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Amen.