Fourth Week of June!

AH im thankful for a good week!!!
Giving Thanks:

-I finally was able to hang out with Sarah (Tori & Koda were there as well)!! I had neglected meeting with her for too long:( But I am thankful we can catch up and share life! This girl gives me the tricks of crafting were able to be open with one another.
-Super thankful for times with Tori at Starbucks!!! ALWAYS amazing talking, giving and receiving advice, seeing how we can draw nearer to Jesus. She has so much energy so we definitely are able to click! We both drank the delicious very berry hibiscus which jose thought tasted like "soy sauce?" issues with dat boy.

-Wednesday I was able to watch mosters inc 2!!!! OMG LOVE IT. pixar is still so good!!! brilliant. I was able to catch up with ashwin that night at sbux! yup, they call me melissa. ALWAYS.

-I am fortunate enough to have a pass to Disneyland :) My grandparents are too generous in that way! I was able to use it yesterday to go with Jose and spend time together!
-Work was great this week! I am getting soooo much more responsibility! And I am like PHEWW- im not pooping out, or being super stressed! My days go by quickly, am surrounded by good people, have great conversations during lunch, and am being provided for! What a wonderful answer to a long time prayer!
-I am thankful God sustains friendships and relationships because he desires us to know what it feels like to care about one another, to love like He does, to sacrifice and give, to pour into and to be blessed.
Prayer Requests. -
My grandpa's health :( Tis not so good right now. For healing, for health, for God to save him! -
My fam to respond to the gospel quickly!!!!! -
Prayer Prayer Prayer! I want to pray with urgency, watchfully, and with praise in reverence to God.

Classic NBA Commercial

I was asking my dad the other day if they had any cool NBA commercials this year because I had not noticed any myself! So it had me looking back at the ol' days! This was fantastic!

Sand

SUCH A COOL DANCE!!!! :)

Let the Nations Be Glad! (Intro, Chapters 1-2)

I have begun to read this book by John Piper and it is adding to my desire to GO to the people who have not HEARD the gospel yet. It is also preparing me for the short Las Vegas trip in August! Reading these few chapters give me a better frame of mind and soul on how to prepare for missions and how to share Jesus, in the way he is most definitely worthy of.

His introduction alone is all about what is called the prosperity gospel. I learned about this term about a year ago- although I kind of always had an icky feeling when I heard it. It is all about wealth, health, and happiness rather than repenting of ungodliness and being saved by grace and faith in Jesus. The faith in the prosperity gospel has robbed Christians of the fullness of joy they are able to receive in Christ, but rather settle for worldly, temporary, sinful goals instead. It has made me more attentive to how I share the redemptive work of Christ!
DO NOT PREACH A GOSPEL THAT
1. puts unnecessary obstacles in the way of people getting into Heaven
2. kindles suicidal desires in people
3. encourages vulnerability to moth and rust (shallow faith)
4. makes a good work a means of getting rich
5. pronounces less faith in God's promises and diminishes the glory of God's help
6. contributes to people being choked to death
7. takes the seasoning out of salt and puts the light of a lamp under covers
8. conceals the necessity of suffering
9. obscures the God ordained purposes of suffering
10. ignores the shift of come and see in the OT to the go and tell in the NT
11. minimizes the sin that makes godliness a means of gain
12. obscures the biblical truth that God himself is the greatest treasure

Worship
-Missions is a necessity because hallowing doesn't happen.
-Missions is temporary, whereas worship will abide forever!
-Passion for worship precedes the passion for preaching. We cannot commend what we do not cherish
-The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever
-Our thought of independence of what is helpful or harmful is folly and rebellious
-When we read God passionately exalting His name, we read it as a rightful exaltation of one who is infinitely exalted and universally worthy as he pursues our deepest satisfaction in Him
-Love is helping people towards God- the greatest beauty, the highest value, the deepest satisfaction, and most overwhelming worship
-Zeal for the glory of God motivates world missions.

Prayer
-It extends the kingdom into fruitless enemy territory.
-It is for the glory of the Father.
-We need to be vigilant, watchful, and urgent in our prayers.
-It is the open admission that without God we are nothing, and we turn away from ourselves in confidence that God is powerful and will provide all we need. Repent from seeking joy in other things!
-It is for peace where people will come to the surpassing knowledge of the truth
-It proves the supremacy of God.
-It is the power that wields the weapon of the sword.
-The world cannot bury, silence, or limit Jesus. All power belongs to Him- for all things were made through and for Him.

And a tad bit on election encouraged me! It makes missions hopeful because Christ most certainly has sheep among other nations!

San Diego Bound!

I enjoyed a family bonding weekend trip to San Diego with my family :) I was able to read, sleep, and have good times with my pops, ma, and seeeter! Here are some pictures :)

Radical - David Platt (Chapters 6-9)

I have finished reading Radical and will go on to conquer and be blessed by his next book: Follow me! But here are stand outs during my read.

Convictions:
-God has given me excess of everything! Therefore, give more, relieving the necessities of the brethren! Give generously, abundantly, sacrificially because our hearts have been captured by a Savior that produces an overflow of joy.
-GO to other nations, do not just send money. God did not send gold or silver, but His Son Jesus!

Encouragements:
-Do not be afraid of persecution, blame, betrayal, hatred because Christ offers safety in His sovereignty, satisfaction in His love, and security in His presence. The Word has the power to redeem, renew, refresh, and restore what He created us to be. Do not settle for bible-lite or devotionals. Saturate your soul the Bible to penetrate this culture!

Challenges:
-Sacrifice safety for the people who are presently hostile to the gospel who might one day surrender their hearts to Jesus
-Pray for the world, read the Word, sacrifice your money for a specific purpose, spend your time in another context, get involved in a multiplying community

Truths:
I LOVED that he dedicated a chapter to explaining these truths that are enhancing how I share the gospel and my heart for missions.
1. All people have knowledge of God
2. All people reject God
3. All people are guilty before a holy God
4. All people are condemned for rejecting God
5. God has made a way of salvation for the lost
6. People cannot come to God apart from faith in Christ
7. Christ commands the church to make the gospel known to all peoples

Live for the day where every nation, tribe, people, and language will bow down around the throne and sing the praises of the Savior who delights in obedience to the God who deserves eternal worship

Learning to Rest This Week

I have attempted to take a break this week from everything! My energy seems low, and want to be replenished! I have been able to read, relax, watch some NBA, spend time with zhe bf, and enjoy cooking. :) Here are some thoughts I read and needed to hear by Jen Wilkin:

We rest not as an attempt to earn His approval, but as an assent that his approval has already been earned in the sun-going-down, Sabbath-initiating work of Christ on the cross. Christ worked that we may rest. He, in a gathering dusk, exhaling the first note of a blood-bought chorus of infinite rest...He is thereby mercifully relieved of his idolatrous, exhaustion-breeding belief that the work of his hands upholds the universe in part or in whole...Love grows warm once again in the emptied spaces of rest. We remember our love for the One who sustains us, we recall our love for the ones who surround us. Worshipful rest renews our love for God and for others. It is the rest that restores our souls.

Celebrating Loved Ones

My weekend was filled with jubilee and festivities for friends birthdays, engagement and fathers day :)

Friday night I gathered with friends to go through book of Obadiah! I was convicted of my own pride by reading verses 12-14, but also was amazed at my conviction from verses 12-14 but rejoicing over the day of the Lord and what that is like!

I went to celebrate Jessica's birthday at Cantina in Fullerton. I enjoyed supporting her turning 23 :)

Saturday was a day for Jonathan and Sammie. Their birthdays. Their engagement. The Zeeman place was decorated to perfection. You could see all of the hard work and details put into the party. I had a blast!!! There were a few games played to engage the crowd :) Cheers to the happy couple!

Sunday was the Lord's day! Before my membership interview with PJ I was playing with his kids outside running around (I am OUT of SHAPE) and making flower crowns for them. Then we sat down and he asked me some questions and were saving my story for another time. He preached on Genesis 6-9, which is the story of Noah. I am thankful that Jesus is like our Noah so we do not have to suffer the divine wrath of God, like all of the people on the earth did by flood. I am thankful Jesus is our one righteous King who knew no sin to save wicked and corrupted people like me! I am thankful for God remembering His commitment to us through the symbol of the rainbow and he will not wipe the world out through a flood again. Let me remember this through this week and be obedient to my Holy Spirit! :)

Right after I headed over to Disneyland to hang out all day with my family! We rode rides in the hot sun, ate Earl's Sandwiches, and watched World of Color! :) It was so fun!

Hope yall had a good weekend :)

Second Week of June!

Whoooo this week went by fairly quickly I must say!

Giving Thanks:

-It was wonderful to have even more company join Marika and me at Zumba on Monday :) All of SMAT was together being uncoordinated and enjoying booty shaking! After we went to Wang Chos with 2/4 of our leading men. YUMYUM!
-I went shopping for loved ones on Wednesday and enjoyed my time with zhe boyfriend who makes me :) He continually has made an effort this week to lead me better and care for me the best he is able to. He has been patient, and kind regardless of the reckless ball of energy I am sometimes. Sweet guyyyy!

-Thursday was quite nice but fattening I tell you. Marikas boyfriend had treated us to a dinner at The Melting Pot. WOOO. My first fancy dinner! It is not in my budget! We got our nails done beforehand and then was off to eat what felt like 20 pds of food. The portions were small but idk, the fondue was filling!!!! We ate cheddar cheese with bread, veggies and apples. Then we ate a salad of our choosing. We proceeded to eat various meats in a boiling broth. They would bring the meat to us raw and it would only cook for 2 minutes and be finished. There were various sauces to dip, so there was PLENTY of flavor. We were sooooo full after but obviously had room for dessert! All types of yummy things in a white and dark chocolate mix. Two of them are haters of the white, and somehow it got overpowered by their darkness. hahaha. We felt like crap after but we loved it at the same time :). Thankful for yummy food. Thankful Jonathan:) Thankful for lifelong girlfriends.
-I have been able to read a lot (Bible and Radical) during my breaks at my work and i downloaded a ton of podcasts and apps recommended by my friend Danny! I will probably write a blog later which ones I have listened to or read more often! I do hope it will help me grow wiser and nearer to God! I am thankful for resources such as these! I have been reading a lot on dating as well. I got a package of books shipped and I am suuuper excited to read those and share.

Prayer Requests
-For my passivity to share the gospel with my very own family who every day I live with and have ample opportunity to talk to about my Savior. For those who have ears- let them hear!
-For my Sabbath time. I have been on the go-go-go for two months now. It started when I began a full time job. I love it, it is good for me to labor, but I am not getting too much rest as I attempt to pour out to othres. I gotta rest. Please pray next week I am able to find rest in the Lord and in this busy life.
-Please keep praying for my intentional prayer time
-I went to my last missions meeting on Sunday. I would love you partnering up with me in this in prayer! I wrote this in my support letter: If you pray, please pray for the city and the hearts of people in the city of Las Vegas. Pray that God will act in their souls to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives because of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ’s redeeming and saving grace. Please pray that I will have a humble, giving and serving heart to trust in our faithful King. Pray that our all-knowing God will give me biblical wisdom to share the gospel. Please rebuke Satan who will do everything physically, emotionally, and spiritually to attack this team and harden hearts. Please lift up that above all, God will be glorified and His name lifted high in Las Vegas.

Thanks folks!

A Side Note:
I have not been enjoying the Spurs-Heat series as much as I'd like to. I am not liking these blow outs!!!! Although when Spurs (a team I have always respected even with the rivalry with Lakeshow) win I tend to be like YEAHHHH and enjoying the rubbing in.

Grace and peace to you this weekend!

Disney Piano Medley I - AJ Rafael

:D CHILDHOOD

Margaret Magdalen Jasper

Her Story
I was sooooooooo encouraged by the ending.

I bless my God, I can now say, Thy will be done! I can give up my dear husband and children, with every earthly connection, into his hands. He will take care of them.

My husband’s trial is great. I feel more for him than for myself. But Heaven will make amends for all! Oh, how I pant and thirst for the happy hour, when my Father will send his Angels to convey my spirit to rest!

There remains a rest for the people of God. I know that my Redeemer liveth. O Death, where is thy sting! Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of Righteousness! When I walk through the valley, I will fear no evil; thy rod, and thy staff comfort me. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord!

I bless God, I have not one fear concerning dying. That Almighty Lord, who has so wonderfully preserved me to the present moment, will not forsake me in my last extremity. No, when flesh and heart fail, He will be the strength of my heart, and my portion forever!

Busy Busy Bee!

I am paying for my busy weekend by being super tired today :( I was seriously going to fall asleep at work! :(

Friday I got to pick the restaurant we would buy our lunch for because I am the newbie! I chose Chipotle and everyone enjoyed! - I hope! I am thankful there are plenty of opportunities to get to know my co workers and their lives!

I went to see the lyrically and musically talented and God exalting Hillsong United with Jose. My dearest is a big big fan and I know he had a great time. It was so rejuvenating to me honoring Christ with my words and soul. We sang praises for 3 hours and it was my very first time at the Hollywood Bowl and it was huge!

Saturday I attempted to relax but it was crazy busy! I visited Jose, brought Sammie milk tea boba for her 23rd birthday, went to Kristas's high school graduation party and chatted it up with our mamas, and then dinner at a Pho place for Nicoles birthday! haha It was fun seeing everyone! I loved seeing everyone:) I enjoy celebrating good things and seeing people enjoy life and company!

Sunday I was off to San Diego for my last mission trip meeting before the actual trip in August! It was soo packed with activities and teachings in just 2 1/2 hours. Icebreakers that were hilarious, hearing testimonies, practicing sharing the gospel, a quick devotion to focus on how Jesus can do things that we never expected or assumed, and prayer. I was able to meet more people that quickly and joyfully reach out to me because I am clearly the odd duck. I am thankful God is revealing himself within these kids who have a heart to evangelize. Hopefully this will lead them and Lord willing- me to long term missions in the future to the unreached!

btw Sunday was the Tony Awards- and I must say I quite enjoyed it! The performances, the gags, the opening number, the support they have for one another- quite awesome to me! Talented group of people in NY!

Radical- David Platt (Chapters 1-5)

So far, I have read about half of Radical this past week! These are things that have convicted me currently, encouraged me for the future, and challenged my heart to seek God's wisdom in.

CONVICTING:
-We are giving into the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the old and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with- molding him into our image and worshiping ourselves. YIKES!!!
-Don't use smoke screens and say you have a heart for just your city or america. Throw away gospel-less reasoning that might prevent you from accomplishing that purpose. Don't reduce the command (go and make disciples of all nations) into a calling.

ENCOURAGING
-Give uncompromising and unconditional abandonment to a gracious, loving savior who invites us to take radical risk and promise us radical reward!!! WOW WOW
-There is a teaching role for all of us. Don't just be a receiver but instead, how can you listen to the word and be equipped to teach to someone else
-God made us in His image for a reason so that we would go out and multiply his image throughout the world. We enjoy his grace in a relationship with him but also must extend his glory to the ends of the earth.

CHALLENGING
-Making disciples is messy, trying, tedious, slow, even painful... Jesus intentionally, systematically, and patiently walked with His disciples.I must be willing to do the same. Knowing this, will test my patience, my heart, my joy in Jesus for His people.
-God confronts us with our utter inability to accomplish anything of value apart from him. - wow, may I remember this going forward.....
-Disciples are genuine, committed, self sacrificing. I desire to be more like this- only by the grace of Jesus.

A relationship with jesus requires total, superior and exclusive devotion

First Week of June!

This week has been busy! I was attempting to rest so I could be refreshed for the hectic schedule this month celebrating all the people I love. But of course, I can never find the time!

Giving Thanks:
-I went into my 5th week of work which is exciting. I completed my first purchase order with a vendor, contract with a customer, and am loving the kind people I am working with.
-for Pamela! this is 9th time we have met up within the last 3 or so months to read the book of Hebrews. what a blessing she is! we are able to carry one another's burdens, confess sin, build up one another in the Word! Hebrews has been soooo delightful for me to have a better theology on Jesus and how to revere Him with a fearful and gracious heart. Our memory verse is this: "So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" - Hebrews 9:28 .


-time with Tina! one of my best friends is back home for 3 weeks and I have been able to see her 3 times already! she has come out to meet me during my lunch break and we were able to zumba & eat chilis afterwards, and celebrate marikas birthday! happy we never neglect one another when shes home for a bit :)
-for a healthy body- although i often criticize in my mind the way i look- im grateful to have a functioning body that God alone has sustained. im thankful i work so i can pay for classes like zumba and pilates and take them with great girlfriends!
-helping to plan and give time to my best friend sammie's engagement party coming up! i was able to meet up with her mama (who is like my second mama!) and plan FUN games! I am a game lover and I am so excited to be able to contribute in this way. there WILL be pictures and videos i will share i am sure. sam will be surprised in a good way i hope! :p mrs zeeman and i were able to catch up as well and she has been such a great support my entire life!
-time with my dearest jose! his basketball game, eating, conversations, and resting. im so comfortable with him even with all of our weirdness that makes us interesting. haha. i adore you!


-for Marika, another best friend! her birthday was today, she turned 23! i can tell her absolutely anything! love this girl! we spent this night together in the Jacuzzi (a fav place for the 4 of us) sharing life, laughing, and snacking. we truly have a good bond and dynamic. some of us have known each other for 17 years now!! although time flies and things change- we are always supporting one another! amazing.

Prayer Requests:
-for my pop's, mama's, and sister's hearts to be soft for the gospel of Jesus Christ! I desire for more opportunities to speak with them, but often I am a chicken/wimp and am afraid of the persecution. pray for my boldness and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. pray that they see the deep satisfaction and joy in my soul and that Jesus is absolutely shining through. Let fear not be a snare, but let me be a light of the truth.
-for my relationship with Jose. we are attempting to be God honoring, and often we fail. pray for us to be intentional, prayerful, and selfless. that we seek clarity for the pursuit of marriage more so than intimacy. that we are advancing the gospel to the world and not idolizing one another. that we are promoting Jesus Christ and the good news. that we say YES to godliness. that we are faithful and honest to our accountability partners and community. please pray that we have sound judgement in our decisions and are patient with one another. also he hyperextended his knee :( please pray he won't get discouraged in his inability to move swiftly but that God will grant him energy to live according to His will and grow in holiness!
-for my own prayer life. i desire to be more disciplined to pray at least 30 minutes consistently a morning or night. there are many things and souls to pray for to praise the Lord and matters to ask God for intercession on.
-for me to not be anxious for tomorrow- financially, to underestimate or questions God's sovereignty and being in complete control, for fitting into the church. so many things i tend to be overwhelmed that i need naught to worry. God takes care of the grass and ravens how much more does He care for me!

Thanks folks :) Grace and peace be with you this weekend!

Great Reads for the Soul

My good friend Shelley got me hooked on reading books aside from my reading the bible during Christmas of 2011. I want to give ya'll a list that I highly recommend! It has helped my growth in Jesus by challenging and encouraging me. These are in the order of which I read them and how I enjoyed it.

I Would Die for You - Brent & Deanna Higgins
This was written by two parents of their son who was called to go into the mission field to reach the ends of the earth and share the gospel. This put an even bigger flame for my passion to tell those who are willing to listen- the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this, the parents tell the story of their 15 year old son who would journal and blog of his experiences, but how through triumphs or trials, he would give all praise and glory to God.

Crazy Love - Francis Chan
I think Francis Chan does a great job in describing why its so joyful to encounter God and have a relationship with Him that will bring everlasting hope. The most striking chapter to me talked about a Lukewarm Christian- its crazy challenging and calls out a lot of my weaknesses.

Forgotten God - Francis Chan
I think this book was extra challenging for me personally because it is about engaging the Holy Spirit or being aware and embracing the Spirit's work in our lives. It teaches how to constantly be understanding the complete Triune God and especially our Helper! With this in mind, we are able to be a better servant of God and member of our church!

The Pursuit of God - A.Z Tozer
The title really says it all. one of my favorite reads to be honest. I need to read more of him. He explains the joy of faithfully following God because of who He is and what God did for us! It is challenging, encouraging, and satisfying. It demonstrates how to intentionally grow in the knowledge and presence of Jesus. Tozer has such great insight and his prayers are wonderful to bear to God. Please please read!

Worldliness - C.J Mahaney
This book changed my worldview with media. It challenged me in the way I dressed, the music I listened to, how I watch television and movies, and how to enjoy all of these pleasures of the world in a God honoring way! I seriously threw out half my clothes after reading, tend not to listen to the radio, and now I watch tv intentionally searching for the gospel and if its even fruitful to watch. But I do still struggle with that... GREAT book.

Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis
My first Lewis book, but certainly not my last! Coming from an Athiest background, Lewis is much like myself but he finds words to state simply and with humility a great case for Christianity! He explains faithfully a defense for Christ versus morality, other conceptions of God, why our sovereign and powerful God became man, virtues, and social relations. It is FANTASTIC.

Boy Meets Girl - Joshua Harris
Jose actually let me borrow this on our first "date"! It talks about how to pursue one another in dating and gives big tips to guys in leading and how to be intentional in the dating process! Its great, practical, and teaches how to give glory to Jesus in holiness and godliness.

Spiritual Disciplines - Adele Calhoun
So excited to read this and how to become more disciplined in my reading, prayer, fasting, unplugging! The author gives practical and ways to do this! You can journal and see your growth so clearly if you try on a daily to do these. So helpful for alone time that will help you focus more on God's will than your own. I still read this book constantly.

Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
The most difficult book for me to read for some reason! It was challenging to see Satan as the main character while I am so used to reading God as the protagonist. In here you see many deceiving ways he tries to attack a Christian and break their faith. A good way to be on guard from the enemy.

The Problem of Pain - C.S. Lewis
Lewis in his crazy brilliant mind has been able to explain the difficult subject of suffering in light of just, loving, sovereign, omnipotent God. I cannot say enough how this has shaped how I have been able to deal with pain and issues. God is good and works for our good even in the midst of struggles.

Don't Waste Your Life - John Piper
OH MY so good. The thing I like about John Piper is that he hits his points hard. He emphasizes until its ingrained into our minds and hearts- like the bible should be doing! He emphasizes how to live a full and joyful life in God that does not waste your life! Treasuring anything above Jesus is a tragedy. It made me want to make my life count for eternity and that may be a risk to share the gospel but it is surely worth it.

One to One - David Helm
Practical book! It gives instructions on how to initiate and actually follow through on bible reading with a Non Christian and a Christian. It gives good examples and questions to do a thorough read through that will be edifying and God glorifying! YAY! I use these methods often in my meetups!

Ministries of Mercy - Tim Keller
This book is perfect for those who have a bleeding heart and wishing to discipline it for biblical standards. Keller takes the parable of the Samaritan helping the Jew on Jericho road and expands it to help us see how we can meet the needs of our church, neighbors, family, and anyone on the street through words and actions. It is really encouraging knowing we do not deserve mercy and because of Jesus's blood and we can share that with everyone else joyfully.

Sound Doctrine - Bobby Jamieson
I did not even know what the word doctrine was. This quick short book has taught me the importance of having a good theology so that it flows out to our personal holiness, love, and joy, church's unity and witness! Very helpful to push me towards reading my bible more and having a better stance on the gospel so I can be a better image of Jesus in my life and in my church.

I Am a Church Member - Thom Rainer
You can see from my previous posts on how this book would be helpful for me during my church transition. It has helped shaped my churchview and how I can be a better servant to the church, body, and God.

Seeing and Savoring - John Piper
oh my. John Piper writes short but very powerful chapters. In this book it lays out the character of our Triune God in manifold ways and how we should revere Him! His prayers at the end is what gets me pumped!

My Utmost for His Highest - Oswald Chambers
This is the second daily devotional book I have read and it will be hard to top this one! Oswald has an amazing way to simplify God's word for our understanding and for our good. He demonstrates daily how to submit to Jesus and for Him to have His way! I send texts often to my girlfriends from this book. Although each page is short- it is filled with so much goodness and truth.

Kelli's 20th Birthday

This past weekend my family celebrated my sister Kelli's 20th birthday! We went to Disneyland (all of us all of us are fortunate to have passes this year) during the night. We ate at Kel's favorite Mexican restaurant, watched the Fantasmic show (which Kel and I have always wanted to be in with ribbons) and stayed after for the fireworks (which had a brilliant Mary Poppins segment!!!!) It was quite the jolly good time. Here are some pictures to recap.

I got my sister a Backstreet Boys poster and shirt :) I had my girlfriend Jchen make her cupcakes and I owe her some Mrs Fields cookies from Brea mall. What a lovely gal my sister is. There is truly never a dull moment with her.

Tim Keller on God's grace

As I am finishing reading Ministries of Mercy by Tim Keller, his explanation on God's grace was so refreshing and something I needed in this moment.

In its context Tim Keller talked about how to give with no strings attached. It was really encouraging.

He later says that "grace is undeserved. It comes to us without prerequisites, finding us as we are. Gods grace does not come to the "deserving"(there is no such person), and it does not discriminate. It comes to us freely. But once it enters our lives, God's grace demands changes; it holds us accountable. Why? God's grace demands our holiness and growth for our sake as well as for God's glory. Grace intercepts destructive behavior, protects us from the ravages of sin, sanctifies us so we can be "holy and happy.". It does not say "Shape up or I will stop loving you." It says "Your sin cannnot separate you from me. I won't let your sin destroy you. Grace comes to the unlovely person but refuses to let him remain ugly. Grace begins as justification, a free act of God alone, but it becomes sanctification a process by which the person cooperates with God in spiritual growth."

What a mind boggling truth that I constantly fight against because I am unworthy.

As a struggle with personal sin, I reflect and meditate on this and I can only pray that God will help me renounce ungodliness and worldly passions in order to live a godly life that will reflect Jesus better. I too often let my sin shame me instead of enjoying how compassionate and merciful God is. Let me cling to this grace that no longer puts me to shame but I am declared righteous by the One who knew no sin!