The Fault in Our Stars

I just finished reading "The Fault in Our Stars". It was a powerful book. I was hooked by chapter 2. I don't want to give anything away, I hate spoilers, but I do want to share how this book has impacted me. The book is about a teen girl diagnosed with cancer. I knew this would be a hard book to read as I am a very sappy, sentimental, sensitive and emotional person. I cry when things are happy, sweet, touching, challenging, difficult, and sad.

One thing I discovered while reading this book is how much I enjoy reading books that evoke deep, heart-felt emotions. I think that is why I have re-read "The Hunger Games" trilogy so many times. I love books that move me, make me think, challenge me to live better...This book touched on the subject of death and making the most out of life. God knows the number of our days. He has an amazing, unique and wonderful plan for each of us. How am I choosing to live my life? Am I so focused on myself that I do not notice or care for the needs of others? Do I truly, deeply, tangibly love others? Do I express my love and appreciation for my family and friends? Am I encouraging enough? Do I take the time to tell others exactly why I love them, appreciate them, cherish them?

While on a mission trip to Ukraine one summer, I was overwhelmed by love...God's deep ,overwhelming love for me, my love for the precious kids, and their amazing love for me! I spent one month living in an orphanage and sharing God's love with the kids. Daily the kids would hug me, hold my hand, tell me they loved me. When I got home, I found myself needing the daily filling of love and the need to share my love even more with my family. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow. I want to make the most of each and every moment God gives me. I want to be more intentional in expressing my thoughts of encouragement and love to those around me. For those of you who took the time to read this, I want you to know you are an encouragement and a blessing to me...I value our friendship!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Padre, you are loving, kind, thoughtful, generous, strong, brave, sensitive, encouraging, a prayer warrior, and a godly man of God.  I am so thankful and blessed that God chose you to be my dad!  I love you SO much!  I hope your day and your year are filled with joy, love and lots of blessings!

11 years of love and blessings!

It seems like just yesterday that my oldest nephew was born...tomorrow he turns 11!  R, you are a loving, fun, adventurous, caring, helpful, considerate, amazing young man.  I am so blessed to be your Auntie!  I love you with all my heart and I hope your day and your year are filled with lots of joy and love!  Happy Birthday R!

Blessed Beyond Belief!

God is so amazing and He loves me so deeply!  I want to boast and brag about God and His amazingly wonderful blessings that He showered on me yesterday.

I had known for awhile that Brandon Heath was going to be in concert on September 22, after a Padres game.  I didn't buy tickets ahead of time.  I asked friends to join me, but no one was free, so I decided the day of the game to just go by myself.  The website said the concert started at 7 pm ..the game started at 1:10 pm.  I didn't want to be out in the heat all day so I thought I would go halfway through the game...

I got in my car and my favorite Brandon Heath song, Love Does, was playing on the radio!  This song brings a huge smile to my face every time I hear it!  God's first blessing to me.  So I am nearing Petco Park and all the roads leading to close parking are blocked off.  I knew God would provide the parking so I prayed and asked Him to lead me to a safe, close lot.  I found one and as I was entering, a woman was driving out and handed me her parking pass! :)  Instead of paying the $17, God paid for me!  But wait, the blessings keep coming!

I walk up to the ticket window to purchase a ticket and the man tells me it is after the 6th inning and tickets are no longer being sold. :(  I wanted to cry, but instead I prayed and surrendered it to God.  I told the man that I really wanted to be able to see the Faith and Fellowship concert.  He told me he wished he could sell me a ticket, but was not able to.  He suggested I speak with the attendants at the gate.  As I walked to the gate I was praying and telling God that if He wanted me to get in, that I knew He would do it, and if not, I was okay with that.

I walk up to the gate and tell the attendant that I don't have a ticket, but would love to go to the Faith and Fellowship concert.  He tells me to wait as he goes to speak with his supervisor.  I overhear her telling him to check my bag...my heart was welling up with joy!  He checks my bag and then places a torn ticket and my bag and tells me not to loose it!  I thank them SO much for allowing me to get in!  God isn't done blessing me yet!

The concert was at the Park at the Park and I walked up to the stage area just as Brandon was beginning his sound check!  I was able to stand a few people away from the stage!!!  My heart is overflowing with joy and thankfulness!  As Brandon is singing, I notice he keeps looking in my direction, as if he is singing just to me! :)  I think he noticed I was wearing one of his shirts I got at the last concert.  

After the amazing concert Brandon bent down to shake our hands and give us a high five...when I reached out for his hand, his hand clasped over mine and he held on for a few seconds and told me, "I like your shirt!"  I replied, "thanks!"  I felt God leading me to stick around and not immediately leave.  Brandon and his band were packing up their equipment...a couple walk up to him and strike up a conversation.  He gets down off the stage and poses with them for a photo...then he took photos with everyone who was there!

As we were posing for our photo I mentioned how I had seen him in concert earlier this year in Sacramento and how I had got to meet him back stage.  He talked about how hot that day was and I told him it was totally worth it and thanked him for his music.

Thank you, God for blessing me with an amazing day!  Your love for me is amazing and intimate!  I went to bed with a huge smile on my face last night and when I woke up, it was still there!

How has God shown His amazing and intimate love for you?

Sovereign

"Sovereign" ~ Chris Tomlin

Sovereign in the mountain air
Sovereign on the ocean floor
With me in the calm
With me in the storm

Sovereign in my greatest joy
Sovereign in my deepest cry
With me in the dark
With me at the dawn

In your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

Sovereign in the mountain air
Sovereign on the ocean floor
With me in the calm
With me in the storm

Sovereign in my greatest joy
Sovereign in my deepest cry
With me in the dark
With me at the dawn

In your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

All my hopes
All I need
Held in your hands

All my life
All of me
Held in your hands

All my fears
All my dreams
Held in your hands

All my hopes
All I need
Held in your hands

All my life
All of me
Held in your hands

All my fears
All my dreams
Held in your hands

In your everlasting arms
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

I had a lot on my heart tonight and I put this song on because I knew it would minister to me.  I sat on my bed with tears streaming down my face as I listened to the words, allowing God to touch me and comfort me.  My sister recently graduated from National University as an RN!  I am so proud of her!  She had an interview at a local hospital a week ago and found out today that she did not get the position.  This news hit me with sadness for her and at the same time I knew that God is in control and He has a plan and a purpose in this.  I know He will provide something even better for her.  Praying for His peace and comfort to surround my sister and fill her with love.

Today there was also a bombing at the Boston Marathon.  I have no idea what goes on in people's head, but I know that God has everyone involved in His loving arms.  My prayers are with everyone in Boston.

I am so thankful that when I don't have all the answers, God does.  He has it all under control.  Nothing is a surprise to Him.  I am held in His loving arms and I know He will fill me with peace and will turn my sadness into joy.

Reflections of 2012

Today is the last day of 2012.  As I look back over this year, I am amazed and filled with joy as I reflect on all God has done in my life and how He has continually blessed me!

In January one of my best friends, Jessica, and her family came to visit!  Spending time with her filled me with joy!  While I wish she lived closer our bond is as close as ever!  

In February Daniel Hofseth turned 18...I am overwhelmed with joy as I look back at all the miracles God has done and continues to do in his life...he was diagnosed with LEMS just before he turned 16.  His strength had greatly diminished and he couldn't do the things we take for granted, like putting on his clothes or walking, without help or great effort.  Now he is walking, has regained a lot of his strength, and all the glory goes to God!  In June, I attended his graduation from high school and he is now attending Azusa Pacific University!  God has answered our prayers!

In April, another one of my best friends and roomie, Diane, made me an auntie for the 4th time when precious Micah entered the world!  What a joy and a delight he is and I am so thankful for the Chin family!

In May I decided at the last minute to attend the women's retreat at my church.  I am so glad I did!  God really ministered to my heart and broke me free from isolation.  My niece, K, turned 12!  She is a beautiful young lady and I love her with all my heart!  She is loving, kind, loyal, dependable and a lot of fun to spend time with!  She is also an amazing volleyball player!  Then we celebrated my mom's birthday...I am so thankful that my mom is my mom!  She is loving, kind, generous, encouraging, a prayer warrior, always there for me, and all around wonderful!  I love her so much!  After Mother's Day is my brother-in-law's birthday...he is so much fun!  I am so thankful he married my sister!  He is an incredible husband, father and friend.

In June was my sister's birthday!  She is an amazing sister and friend...I love spending time with her.  She is one who I can laugh or cry with.  She always has a listening ear and a warm hug!

In September I began my 6th year teaching at Legacy Montessori, formerly called Cornerstone Christian Montessori.  God has blessed me with an incredible class of students and an amazing co-teacher!  I love going to work each day!  For my birthday, my roomie, Faith, treated me to seeing Steven Curtis Chapman in concert!  What a joyfilled night that was!

In October my nephew, R, turned 10!  He is an incredible young man...he loves to play basketball and football.  He has a tender heart and is always up for adventure!  He is loyal, loving, kind and a lot of fun!  I love spending time with him!

In November my nephew, D, turned 6!  He has lost his two front teeth and his smile is even cuter!  He is a bundle of energy and joy.  He is kind, thoughtful, loving, and entertaining!  I love every moment spent with him!  My dad's birthday is also in November.  I am so thankful that God chose my dad to be my dad.  He is a bold prayer warrior and a man after God's own heart.  He is an encourager, loving, trustworthy, helpful, wise and I love him very much!  Also in November, my roomie Faith and our friend Amy spent an incredible two days at Disneyland and California Adventure!

All throughout the year I was blessed with time spent with friends...going to the movies, out to eat, seeing Wicked, bridal showers, baby showers, going to the zoo, playing games, or just talking on the phone.

God is beyond good and I am beyond blessed!  I am expectantly looking forward to all the joy He has in store for me in 2013!

Happy 12th Birthday Kayla Bear

I can't believe you are 12 years old already!  It seems like just yesterday that your mom and dad announced they were going to have a baby...I loved you from that moment and will love you forever.  You are an amazing young lady...so full of joy and fun.  You are thoughtful, kind, loving, generous, creative, amazing, wonderful, a great friend, beautiful on the inside and out!  I love being your auntie and I am so glad God chose you to be my niece!