Living with purpose

Birthday verse:

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."

Acts 17:28 KJV

This is the verse that spoke out to me on my birthday. Truly blessed to be alive and to experience hope and love in this very broken but beautiful world.

*image found on Pinterest

Love

Hello!

Sorry about being gone for a while, but I have so many blessings to share since my last post. First off, I wanted to say THANK YOU for joining me in prayer about finding a church home. My husband and I have been planted at church less than 5 minutes away from where we live! The house of God was right up the street and we didn't even know! What a blessing!!! Also, we've already connected with much of the members and have joined a "life group" where people of the church connect and support each other in life and faith in small groups. Regardless of how tired we are from work, school or just life, it appears we all eagerly wait to connect with each other. It truly is a safe place to reflect and share our journeys together.

Ok, so I've really been sensitive to something lately and that is, there is so much pain/struggle/battles going on with the people that surround you, so do not give up on prayer and do not give up on humanity. People are going through so much but are too hurt to talk about it.

I suggest praying for the people in  your life, whether you know whats going on or not. People feel so alone sometimes but when you pray for others, God will show up in ways that they need the most. Growing up, I had no idea that a family was praying over me. I never asked them to and at the time I probably felt like I didn't need prayer. First of all, my relationship with Jesus was practically non-existent. I met this family during my middle school years and it wasn't until my first year of college, when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and announcing my baptism on Facebook. There, I received a comment from one of the family members saying, "this is a long awaited and answered prayer." I cannot express the gratitude and the surprise I felt because they prayed for me. This family watched me grow up so misguided, but I remember how loving and open they were to listening to me during hard times. They were ever loving, never forcing me to change or push Jesus on me. They were patient while walking with me through life. I feel their prayers were the most loving act someone has ever done for me. Although quiet and unannounced, their prayers were fueled by love and very effective towards my good.

Here is my prayer for you. It might not make sense, but when I read Ephesians 1 it reminded me that people need prayer. People need it to grow, to heal, to prosper in the goodness God plans for all of us. Pray for the people you encounter. It is a great tool in deepening your love for others (enemies and loved ones). Prayer is God's way of "letting you in" on his love for others and that's what living is meant for, loving God and loving others. I pray God shows up in your prayer life in ways you never imagined. May you grow in love. God bless.

Your sister,
C

*image found on pinterest ;)

Timing.

God's delay is not his denial.


Now Playing: "Please Be My Strength" --By Gungor

Ramble.

Greetings!

For the past two weeks I've been training at my new jobs. I wake up every morning with immense gratitude to God for answering my prayer for a good and fun work place for me in my life. Although I am technically working "two part time jobs" they are both related to each other because I work for one company. The work I do is very rewarding and I can only describe it by saying, God really knows the details about a person and He guides us by where we are needed the most. Also, this job is the most positive and moral place I've worked thus far, and I am thankful.

Besides working, my family and I have been spending a lot of lovely quality time together. Also, I even had the chance to bond with my sister-in-law. Her and my older brother recently went to Europe for a vacation. I grew up in England and to hear about their adventures made me really miss it. I hope one day my husband and I can enjoy Europe together too.

Oops! I almost forgot to mention about my San Francisco birthday week! Basically, went to SF in early May to celebrate several joyous occasions. One being my grandpa's sister's 70th birthday! It was a surprise party for her and she was so touched by it all. My great aunt felt so forgotten, but it all worked out and she felt so loved and of course, surprised! That weekend, my family also celebrated my nephew's baptism (who is truly and answered prayer). This trip was a nice mini reunion with family, some even visiting from the Philippines! So it was great and rejuvenating time before I started work.

Well, that's all for now. I pray Jesus rejuvenates your spirit to be filled with joy and love. Blessings and love from your sister in Christ! -C


                                                   Some of my birthday presents hehe!

                                         

                                        

So thankful.

Today was a huge out pour of blessings for me. I was hired on the spot for two part time jobs within the Las Vegas county and I start training next week. It's all happening so fast, I have a hard time believing this isn't a dream. I used to work at the Air Force Base but left that job in January of this year. During my unemployment, I had the chance to really take care of my home (donated lots and lots of things we rarely use) and had the pleasure to help family and friends in need. The past four months helped establish roots in what I believe is important in my life. I'm very thankful for the time of rest I had and I'm glad I was able to use that time to honor God and serve rather than wasting it by being lazy (I was that person two years ago and that season was full of depression because I simply didn't do anything).

In other news, I have been struggling in my faith because my husband and I haven't found a church home yet (please pray with us that the Holy Spirit leads us to one soon). We both actively read our bibles, pray and develop our relationship with Christ, but the only thing missing is a church to call home. Hebrews 10:25 (God's word translation ) says, "We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming." Basically, we really need to find a church home. I feel like I'm dehydrating without one.

FMMA class was again today and it was SO much fun. I'm getting more familiar with my weapon more and more. Today we practiced with Kendo equipment and it was really enjoyable. I haven't worn head armor yet and kind of scared to. Actually, I've noticed that I'm scared to do any of this, but of course the more I participate the less scary the art is. Also, I've got excellent and patient teachers. I gave everyone mentioned in the last post some homemade vegan and gluten free sugar cookies because they've all encouraged me so much. The cookies turned out really yummy for such a "healthy" snack and were surprisingly easy to make. I got the recipe here. I found it by googling "healthy sugar cookies." haha well, have a go if you can. They're really simple and delicious. Thanks for reading. I pray God's good plans for you come into bloom this month of May. Blessings to you.

Your sister in Christ,
C

P.S. Here's a pic of the goodie bags I shared! The cookies can be made chewy or crispy depending on your preference. I made both. To accomplish chewy, cookie cut on thicker dough. Crispy, just roll and cut on thinner dough. Enjoy! :)

Don't be afriad to be a beginner.

I grew up with a father active in several forms of martial arts. He would teach me and my brothers the basics and importance of knowing how to protect ourselves. When we were younger, my brothers and I were enrolled in Hapkido (but it's been so long, I basically remember nothing). Although I have always desired to actively study martial arts, I have always been afraid to start again. I have been reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and what struck me the most was that it said, "don't be afraid to be a beginner." That is so true because no matter what age or stage you are, you need to begin somewhere and better now than never.


So my husband and I have started taking FMMA (Filipino Mixed Martial Arts) classes. This would be our second week studying the Laban Sa Lahat System taught by a family friend, Guro Erick Cruz. It is an honor and a blessing for me to study this art. Last week, we learned from a 70 year old grand master, who was also a survivor of a heart attack. His master told him to keep going and not retire yet so his mind can keep sharp and indeed he is! He taught like he never experienced a heart attack at all. Praise God!



It is in the Filipino culture to address others in a family sense of respect. For example, calling a middle aged man "uncle" or if he is just slightly older than you, call him "kuya" meaning older brother. Same concept in a female sense, calling an older woman "auntie" or "ate" pronounced [ah-teh] meaning older sister. An uncle has given my husband and I eskrima sticks, an auntie graciously donated an embroidered Laban Sa Lahat gi top to me and guro Erick has blessed me with a couple of bokens to practice with. It's such a blessing to study with my FMMA family who welcomes and encourages us beginners and I look forward to offering the same supportive family spirit to future students. Well, my arms are literally shaking while I type (plus they're super sore haha). Good night all and God bless!

Emblem

                  

Bokens & eskrima sticks to practice with.

                          

How exciting!

Hello,

This blog was created to connect with others and basically document my journey in the faith. I used to have another blog but decided to start again (but my previous blog is still available for viewing). I look forward to sharing with you. I pray for all my readers and ask that God uses me in whatever way to bless and be blessed by others. We're in this together, family.

With love, your sister in Christ,
C