inspiration

I found this to be so inspirational. Part 1 and part 2 shown below. I encourage to watch both.





God uses us in amazing ways.

2 Corinthians 4

I had a good day with some long overdue time with a girl friend of mine. I've never laughed so hard over the silliest things.

My thoughts for tonight are quite simple: keep Christ visible for all to see.
Carry it everywhere you go and be sure to be the light where there is darkness. The smallest flame will still be visible from a long way.

2 Corinthians 3

It's pretty amusing how chapter 3 talks about credentials, especially when I had an interview today at Moxie Interactive (which went superbly well, might I add). I've been in contact with a Senior Art Director at Moxie for the past six months - attempting to get my foot in the door as well as building relationships with some of the employees. Dr. Scott Shamp of the New Media Institute drilled into my head the importance of networking with people and maintaining contact with them. I found that to be the most important and life changing lesson I've learned in my 4 years of college. Investing in the lives of others rather than saying a quick hello and never talking to the person again. I mean, this is how I landed one internship in NYC, a potential one at Moxie, and a job in Athens. I follow-up with people all throughout the year to keep close relationships.

Paul tells us that while having credentials is a good thing, we can't just flash it around and expect people to migrate to us. I see too many Christians today not getting personally involved in the lives of others, especially those new to the faith or wanting to grow in their faith. It's similar to when newcomers come to church. The welcoming team does their job of introducing themselves and asking a few questions, but after Sunday, is there a follow-up? Do the team members wait until next week to talk to the new person? Or let's say you have a gift in music; what good is it to keep it to yourself? My mentor engrained into my head the importance investing my times in others.

The Gospel needs to be written on our hearts - not kept inside of our head. When we interact with others, people should be able to see Christ written all over us. We are weak and our human references are nothing; however, the Spirit of God comes and gives us his divine credentials to helps us move in others.

2 Corinthians 2

As Christians, Christ calls us to forgive others as he forgave us - to love and counsel others in spite of the sins that they've committed. We see in this chapter the Corinthians punishing a certain individual for causing pain within the church. Now, Paul asks the church to deal with the situation, but we have the church seeking punishment in the form of vengeance. Paul urges the church to forgive and comfort the man so "he is not overwhelmed by excessive sorrow." Obviously, the punishment given had it's intended effect on the individual and he had repented.

I find that many Christians today act as the Corinthian church did. We seek to rebuke a particular person for their sin, and while we outwardly say "I forgive you," I find that most people hold grudges. When we forgive, it's ceasing to feel resentment against the offender. There should be no asterisks attached.

Christ forgives us 100% anytime we ask and repent sincerely. We all sin, but God is ready to shower us with his mercies. With that, we need to reflect God's unconditional love for us.

woo hoo!

I just got a letter from the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry saying that I have been awarded the HANA scholarship at the amount of $1500! Praise be to God!


The first day detoxing was pretty rough - I've been experiencing hunger pangs and gagged trying to down the salt water flush. I think I'll stick to the tea from now on. I've decided to stop my detox at day 5 for now. I think it's something I should gradually go into and increase the days the more my body becomes accustomed to withstanding a detox. Regardless, I'm still going to finish 2 Corinthians.

My interview with Moxie moved to Thursday 4PM. At least it gives me some time to prepare myself for my first REAL interview. I'm quite nervous.

2 Corinthians 1

Often times, I am caught up in the activities of the day that i forget to give thanks to God for giving me another day to do these things. We need to be like Paul. Before starting anything for the day, Paul always opens up with a prayer of thanksgiving and the glorification of God - seeking to gain strength and wisdom from God. Humbleness. I need to be reminded more that the successes of my life are not mine, rather a guidance and gift from my Heavenly Father.

Reflecting on the various trials and tribulations of the past year, I realized at the end of each of them, God's righteousness became so much more apparent. God shows his nature and reminds me, "You are my child and I love you" and that he is my healing counsel and comfort.

God puts us on these roller coaster rides to remind us that he is a powerful God; however, he would never gives us more than we could handle. It's almost like a reminder to awaken us from our apathy and remember God should be reigning in and throughout our lives. Our sufferings and encouragements are experienced in union with Christ.

A friend always reminds me to "fight my heart." It's fighting the desires of your heart when they are not the desires of God - or to even pray seeking to understand what God desires for you.

refining process

I decided to start my detox tomorrow. I came home from a great dinner that will be my last solid intake (hopefully) for the next 10 days. I found myself getting extremely ill the first time on it several years ago, but I'm attempting it again.

Along with the physical refinement, I'll also dive deeper into the Word and enhance my prayer life.

I realized as much as I put forth the effort to become a selfless individual, it sometimes turns against me. I forget to take care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. I really need to spend time reflecting in prayer on where God wants me to go from here. I've endured a crazy emotional ride, but what's next?


I'll be studying 2 Corinthians for the next 13 days. Though I lack the physical accountability, I'll be praying for diligence in my readings and wisdom for understanding. I'll be writing my thoughts here.

.. and here we go. :)

shallow girls

I'm still sitting at Maum, and I'm sitting in a booth next to these really shallow Korean girls. The conversation reminds me of some of the girls I used to hang out with.

So, apparently one of the girls has several potential guys in mind, and she is asking her friends for advice on who to date.

girl 1: ... but Guy A drives a Honda Civic hybrid.
girl 2: oh. uhhh....
1: but he also goes out a lot too.
2: wow, he doesn't seem poor
1: no... he's in the military so he has some money.

2: does Guy B exercise in the morning?
1: doesn't look like it, but I mean, he looks alright.

These aren't the best excerpts from their conversation, but all I do know is money, material possession, and looks were their only criteria. And people wonder why I lack girl friends. Quite frankly, I don't want to deal with girls like these, let alone have friends that are so narrow minded. I've dealt with them.

The FEW girl friends I have are still with me for a reason. For one, I don't have to justify my being in a relationship with a particular guy to them. They don't look at the car he drives, his wealth, his looks - nor do they judge him by any of these.

They simply ask, "Are you happy?"
"Yes, I am happy."
"Then I'm happy for you."


Can't wait until some of them come home for the summer.

deadlines

So, I'm here at Maum cafe trying to get my scholarship essay done. I already missed my personal deadline to finish (two weeks ago), and here I am nearing the real deadline to submit it. Summer is really taking it's toll on me.

The other thing is my interview at Moxie this Wednesday. I was practicing what I would say as I was laying in bed last night.

...

side note: money is a scary thing.

thought vomits

I need to get out and stop overanalyzing things that shouldn't even be analyzed.

Hopefully my backup for going to NYC will work out; if it does, I'll be living in Manhattan free of charge.

Junior always looks funky right after a groom. He needs about a month to look normal again.

Moxie interview in two weeks.

I need major help with what appears to be the simplest scholarship essay.

Words can not explain how much I am anticipating the Rockband party with cousins + HJ.

.. as well as Petapalooza at Suwanee Park tomorrow.

Watching the finale of Hell's Kitchen just made me want to become a chef.

Watching the amazing transformations on the Biggest Loser makes me want to lose weight.

I think I'm going to do the Master Cleanse detox for the third time after Rockband party.

It feels really great to have a warm body (Junior's) sleeping next to me again.

I made an 89 on my Art History final. I'm extremely happy to be over and done with it (and have passed).

I want to go on a road trip again. When you're stuck in a car for hours at a time, you're bound to bond with people.

It has been an amazing year, thus far. :)

relaxing break

My tolerance for alcohol has dropped tremendously. Before, I wouldn't get fazed until the third or fourth beer, but apparently I'm good after just one. Whew. But I must say that Yeungling on draft is pretty good. I signed up for Taco Mac's Passport thing today. Doubt I'd make it to the second level, but I did it for kicks. :)

My arm is pretty sore from Rockbanding for the past two days - specifically for 5 hours straight today. The veins in my left hand are prominent. I'm excited about Rockbanding with the cousins + HJ on Saturday. Nothing better than quality time with the folks I love.

Now, tonight, I must rest my head (after watching the Biggest Loser) and wake up early tomorrow for a long overdue oil change.

au revoir.

support

The one thing that makes me lose my drive to do something is the lack of support.

Sometimes I wonder why people have to think of the negative rather than the long run. Maybe, just maybe, I will turn out okay in the end; but I'll never know unless I try.

Some people need to learn to give a pat on the back or a word of praise.