Unfulfilled Plans

1 The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Proverbs 16 made itself known to me this past week.
I had planned many things, and most of those did not happen.
Looking back now, I realize this was God's way of taking care of me.
If things had worked out how I wanted, I can see now,
it would've taken a BIG toll on me.
Even when things don't happen how I plan,
I know the Lord has my good in mind.
I can only be thankful!

Beautiful Reminder

It only lasted but a brief moment.
As soon as I opened the front door I saw the bright sky glow yellow as it weirdly showered rain upon the ground. I ran into my car to head to a friend's house and turned up my windshield wipers to the max. It was pouring on a sunny day. As I took a left turn I saw the side of a giant glowing rainbow straight ahead. Cool! Of course, rain, sun, you get a rainbow. But when I took another turn and luckily was stopped by a red light, straight ahead of me was a full and glorious rainbow glowing in the sky. It was complete and literally so bright and colorful I started to laugh/cry in awe. Driving further on and still towards the awesome sight above me, I noticed another one on top of it: double rainbow! By this time I reached my destination and I saw a father and son out of their house staring up at the sky together and taking pictures. I parked and ran out, turned around and gazed upward. Clouds were slowly concealing the magnificent rainbow from the right edge upward. By the time my friend had come out to see it, most of it had been covered by the fluffy grey clouds.
It lasted but a brief moment. And it was glorious. This awesome and intense moment will always bring a smile and warmness in my heart. Our God is an awesome God.

Happy Spring

Nothing is a better reflection of the fleeting nature of life, than a bouquet of beautiful flowers that are here one day and gone the next.
Note to self: The word of the Lord stands forever.

"Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." John 6:27

flower quickly fading

All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.
1 Peter 1:24-25

Pruning Time.

I bet it took a really long time to grow this tree. Even though it's not a giant redwood or an enormous evergreen- even a simple, thin tree like this one probably waited years to stand straight and spread out its branches. I really like trees, but this picture wasn't particularly aimed for the tree - it was for the sun quickly setting in the background. I was chasing daylight, hoping to capture the marvelous rays I saw and felt on my face; but it was too quick for me. Before I could snap a picture or enjoy it for any longer the sun, like sinking sand or water captured in your hands, snooped down low enough to hide its light.
So instead I have this tree, with a glimpse of the sun fading in the background. And Time came to mind. If there is one thing money can't buy, or the best hunters or agents can't keep hostage, it's Time. Sure you can manage it well, and that's what we're called to do with the Time we're given. However, whether we like it or not, it's slipping by before our eyes.
On another note, the tree. Today I was feeling not so joyous, and for some reason I became fond of this [failed] picture I took the day before. Maybe it's the bare branches or the thin structure or the overall randomness of this tree in my picture, but I think I can find some comfort and hope from it. How? Even the strangest of trees take Time and Pruning. I learned about Pruning, where you have to cut off branches while it's growing to make sure it's growing correctly. Of course for the tree, it will be PAINFUL. There will be days, tough days where you don't want to keep trudging along, where you feel like you can't go on, when you feel SAD. But realize, and find reassurance in the fact that this is all part of the process called Pruning. In the moment you suffer yes, but you will see the *GASP* "WOW!" finished product in the end.
So take heart, Sad People. You are being Pruned to become a better tree-person.

Take a Walk.

Since Benji came into my life, I developed a habit of walking him daily. Ideally twice a day, morning and night. It's great because we develop a relationship, and we both get great exercise. Together we explore different routes around the neighborhood and to the local park and back. No matter where we go, the point is, we go. By now it's expected and a routine, so he waits for me and jumps for joy when I pick up the leash.
Last month, I was away for almost a week on retreat. Now, I wasn't there to see how he reacted, but I can only imagine when I didn't come to take him on our daily walk. Not just one or two, but THREE whole days. He probably felt I abandoned him.. poor pooch. When I came back, he was delighted, but disheveled. He gave me a look that said: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I'VE BEEN WAITING!!! I THOUGHT YOU LEFT ME!
It took a couple days and LOTS of love to restore and reassure him that I still loved him.
Recently, my friend went on a family trip for a weekend and asked me to stop by her home twice a day to feed and let out her dog to do her business in the backyard (it was an indoor dog). I guess they didn't tell him where they were going, because the first morning when I arrived at her house, her dog had this confused look on his face, kinda like: Do you know where my masters went? Do ya? It happened everytime I went back, but his stress grew progressively. By Friday night when I came to feed him, he looked at me with watery eyes and was wheezing, desperate: WHEN ARE THEY COMING BACK!? WHERE ARE THEY? etc. So I had to sit down, give him a reassuring pet, and say, Don't worry, they are coming back. They haven't left you. They're coming back. When my friend and her fam finally came home, she told me that as soon as the garage door opened they heard her dog screaming from inside the house ecstatically, hope restored, and reunited once again.
Originally, I wanted to write this post to encourage you to walk with the Lord daily. But it goes another way too. Jesus is coming back, he hasn't left us on our own forever. He is the master of the home, and has entrusted us to manage his property. Just because we don't see him Now doesn't mean he's not coming back soon. He Will return, and when he does, not only will it be wonderful, it will be terrifying, if we haven't lived worthy lives for Him. So let's live with the end in mind. I went to a funeral service today and the lady who passed had lived such a full life, loving the Lord and living for him. Her whole life was a testimony. How will we end? What will be said and recognized and remembered of us? Let's run this race, as if to receive a prize.

Be Still

Many people tell me I should really invest in a GPS or Navigation system in my car.
They're probably right. I hardly go anywhere without getting lost- literally!
But a strange serenity overcomes me whenever this happens.
I came to the realization that no matter how long it takes, or how lost I am, I'll always find a way in the end. Rather, God leads me home, safe and sound.
Although sometimes it's after incredible long journeys of scenic (and/or scary) detours, in the end, you will get home.
So 'be still' and enjoy the ride. :)

"Do not worry"

I just put these in the ground. My neighbor kindly gave me three bulbs of Lilies with the verse "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Matthew 6:25-34.

I also received a bag full of seed bulbs in the summer, and they've started to bloom as well. As I looked at them soaking up the sun, I suddenly realized...
God is reminding me not to worry!

Sure these times can be anything but peace and love and comfort, yet still.. amidst it all, do not worry. Trust.

Holiday cookies.

These days I've been having my fill of holiday cookies, some of which I [helped] bake. The swirly one in the picture above is a chocolate vanilla swirl sugar cookie with peppermint candy bits in the middle. This was super fun but HARD to make! One quote I retained from the lady who was directing us... "This is hard, you're being so exact"
"That's because even one little mistake could mess the whole recipe up."

If my life were me baking a cookie, I wonder how precise the end goal would be. Am I cutting corners? Am I doing enough to just get by? Am I striving for excellency? Will I end up with a delicious cookie?

Thoughts to munch on this holiday season~ :)

Grace Like Rain

I welcome random seemingly obvious epiphanies.

Since I started Gardening, i realize it takes so much discipline and perseverance to water these plants everyday. It's tough business! So even when I get tired, i have to water them, or they'll die/not grow.

HOWEVER! There are some God-given lovely providential days, when the weather forecasts rain & showers. These days... the sky naturally waters my plants for me!!!
As I rejoiced in this realization, it hit me that, this is like Grace.

God, our father above, pours down His grace towards us, though we are undeserving. He helps us, when we are most weak and unable to handle ourselves. It's so nice to know that we have a father who takes care of us and knows our every need.

And we should be so thankful!

that time of year again, GEAR UP!

brrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!

i feel imaginary icicles frollicking in my room. i feel my hands, very cold. i no longer feel my feet. Gotta wear them fuzzies indoors at all times. Cannot leave the house without a scarf and hefty jacket to layer. If you leave early in the morning, you should give your car a good few minutes to warm up from being frozen all night. IT'S HERE!!!!!!! WINTER~!

Just as much as we need to clothe ourselves extra warmly with multiple layers and fuzzy coverings, same goes for the internal and unseen. Though physical weather changes are more apparent and evident, our emotions and spiritual state can and will be affected by this present change in season as well. It can be swayed either way. Likewise, let's gird up ourselves, strengthen our hearts and will, in Christ Jesus- the one who's greater than the storm, stronger than the season. Put your faith in him, and you're clinging to a hope eternal. Let's do it!

Not just for champions.

Pumpkin Pancakes for breakfast anyone?
I firmly believe that what you eat greatly determines how you are.
Especially breakfast. Please eat breakfast before you start the day. Cars can't run without gas, and we'd be starting off with empty if we neglect our friend: Breakfast. It'll save you lots of funny noises from your unhappy stomach too (happens way too many times).
And once we nourish our physical needs, we need spiritual sustenance!
How bout pancakes, glass of orange juice and a chapter of John?
Put in good, put out good. Put in nothing, put out nothing. Put in bad, put out bad.
So let's take in the good, flush out the rubbish and eat whole and hearty breakfasts (Bible verses included). Don't skimp out, yeah you Self. (pointing at myself)

Peace, Anyhow.

This world is too crazy. Ecclesiastes 4 says it well, all too true. Many sad things, going on daily, beyond our control or power. Distressed with the chaos in my thoughts, I looked up and saw an olive tree. I'm thankful that I have a comforter through the trials - someone who enables me to have peace anyhow.

Open up the Skies

of mercy. Why, after it rains, does the sky become so marvelous? Yes, I was on the road to start my day when I snapped this shot from my phone. Instantaneous awe and inspiration flowed in for whoever designed this celestial masterpiece. Props to you, God of all creation.

Catch a Falling Star

..or leaf. Today I was walking Benji and I did a double-take after I saw the brightest yellow leaf on the ground. So I picked it up and brought it home. I wonder what makes us stand out among the other leaves.

Peaceful mornings

Today I finally addressed and reconciled some things that have been on my mind lately. I scribbled them out, point by point, on four blue post-its. Sealed them with a prayer, and took a deep nap. I woke to a sunny afternoon lunch with a peaceful heart.

Fastidious Feasting

There's a whole lot going on in this picture. Too much. This is what happens when God blesses a generous hospitable host who wants to feed us to the brim and over. Yes, that's my hand going for the side-dish. In the silver platter: Spicy Pork ribs. Still full, and it's been 24 hours since this meal.

Chasing Daylight

Ever wish there were more than 24 hours in a day?

Silver-Lining & all

Part heavy blue part dark grey skies pierced by a sudden burst of what i like to call 'egg-yolk' in the sky - the Sun, shades all things black in its luminous light. What on earth can withstand its light-saber-like force?

'Heart'felt Creation

Topped with crushed Grahahm Crackers, Honey, Chocolate Bits, Boysenberry Jam (the Heart), Greek-style Yogurt sprinkled with sugar on two layers of Vanilla & Chocolate bread. I call it bread, not cake, because it's hard :( I need to work on my cake-batter improvising skills (or actually follow a recipe).