Tears of sadness
Tears of joy
Tears of knowing that God is in control and taking care of us
Tears of knowing that we are loved and taken care of
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
be humble...
"The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way."
- Psalms 25:9
Lord, I pray that You may shatter my pride so I can become humble in front of you for your guidance and teachings.
- Psalms 25:9
Lord, I pray that You may shatter my pride so I can become humble in front of you for your guidance and teachings.
Monday, May 17, 2010
The stuff I've missed out...
Coming home "early", as in right after my final exam, comes with a price... that I had to miss out a lot of wonderful things in Bloomington:
- I had to miss out Lei and Xin's wedding on Saturday the 15th and was not able to witness the sweet testimony of a couple united in Christ.
- I had to miss out the graduation and the party of the pastor's college from CGS (The Church of the Good Shepherd) on Sunday the 16th, where five godly men are graduated and "released" into the mission field.
However, I praise the Lord that Jason and I were able to spend a week at my place before he had to return home for San Francisco. Praise Him for the sweet time we had with my parents, and praise Him again and again for the love my parents have for us:)
- I had to miss out Lei and Xin's wedding on Saturday the 15th and was not able to witness the sweet testimony of a couple united in Christ.
- I had to miss out the graduation and the party of the pastor's college from CGS (The Church of the Good Shepherd) on Sunday the 16th, where five godly men are graduated and "released" into the mission field.
However, I praise the Lord that Jason and I were able to spend a week at my place before he had to return home for San Francisco. Praise Him for the sweet time we had with my parents, and praise Him again and again for the love my parents have for us:)
Home, sweet home!
I've been home for a little bit more than a week, and it is great being home.
Jason and I drove down from Bloomington, Indiana right after my last exam on Friday the 7th, and arrived the next day at 3am. We took only two breaks over the span of 11 hour-drive, both times for filling up the gas tank, which was truly with God's mercy that we were able to reach a station both times before we were fully out of gas. Actually, it was more like 3 breaks-- Jason was falling asleep at around 5pm (during our normal orchestra time... go figure!) and took my mom's advice to take a short nap with the car parked.I didn't count that one because I was deep asleep for the first 5 hours of the trip :)
God was so faithful and so gracious to me. He has proved himself to be in control of everything as Jason took the courage to ask my parents for my hand (I know I wasn't supposed to know about this... but... I guess Asians just do it a little bit differently? ;) This was the trial that I was talking about in my previous entries before coming home. God has truly amazed me just how much he knows; His plans are always perfect as long as I have faith in Him! Long story short, He has prepared my parents' hearts the way I would have never thought of, and before I knew it, He has prepared the way for Jason and me two weeks before we arrived home.
Praise the Lord!
My parents have semi-approved Jason's proposal, mainly because my dad wants Jason to have somewhat of a plan in mind (mostly two things: a simple plan on what to do next and what to do financially.) And most importantly, my dad wants to make sure Jason is faithful to having an intimate relationship with God through at least an hour a day of prayer and devotional time; he said that he would check on Jason after a couple of mouths. Praise the Lord for my loving father who has put his eyes unto the eternal treasure, and wants to make sure that I am under an authority that fears and loves God!
The four of us--my parents and the two of us-- really enjoyed each other's company:) We had lots of sweet time of fellowship, and God's love was truly with us throughout the week. I praise the Lord for His perfect plan-- I thought I had to come home and fight, but by just simply trusting in God and putting my faith in Him, He has done everything for me.
I praise the Lord for everything!
Love,
Anna
Jason and I drove down from Bloomington, Indiana right after my last exam on Friday the 7th, and arrived the next day at 3am. We took only two breaks over the span of 11 hour-drive, both times for filling up the gas tank, which was truly with God's mercy that we were able to reach a station both times before we were fully out of gas. Actually, it was more like 3 breaks-- Jason was falling asleep at around 5pm (during our normal orchestra time... go figure!) and took my mom's advice to take a short nap with the car parked.I didn't count that one because I was deep asleep for the first 5 hours of the trip :)
God was so faithful and so gracious to me. He has proved himself to be in control of everything as Jason took the courage to ask my parents for my hand (I know I wasn't supposed to know about this... but... I guess Asians just do it a little bit differently? ;) This was the trial that I was talking about in my previous entries before coming home. God has truly amazed me just how much he knows; His plans are always perfect as long as I have faith in Him! Long story short, He has prepared my parents' hearts the way I would have never thought of, and before I knew it, He has prepared the way for Jason and me two weeks before we arrived home.
Praise the Lord!
My parents have semi-approved Jason's proposal, mainly because my dad wants Jason to have somewhat of a plan in mind (mostly two things: a simple plan on what to do next and what to do financially.) And most importantly, my dad wants to make sure Jason is faithful to having an intimate relationship with God through at least an hour a day of prayer and devotional time; he said that he would check on Jason after a couple of mouths. Praise the Lord for my loving father who has put his eyes unto the eternal treasure, and wants to make sure that I am under an authority that fears and loves God!
The four of us--my parents and the two of us-- really enjoyed each other's company:) We had lots of sweet time of fellowship, and God's love was truly with us throughout the week. I praise the Lord for His perfect plan-- I thought I had to come home and fight, but by just simply trusting in God and putting my faith in Him, He has done everything for me.
I praise the Lord for everything!
Love,
Anna
Monday, May 3, 2010
Spit upon God's grace...
"When we repeat evil reports against one another or participate in bitter speech, we spit upon God's grace poured out on us."
- Wendy Horger Alsup
By now, I'm quite convinced that Wendy is a wise and godly woman whose book has been a gift from God to me. Praise the Lord for all that he has prepared!
- Wendy Horger Alsup
By now, I'm quite convinced that Wendy is a wise and godly woman whose book has been a gift from God to me. Praise the Lord for all that he has prepared!
The living book of James
Dear all,
I've been constantly experiencing the livelihood of the Scripture in my life as I continue to memorize the book of James bit by bit... and when I say bit, I really mean it (...sadly).
Not too long ago, perhaps last week, I was cast down with a particular trial in my life. But then, truly with the grace of God, I was being reminded in an instant that the trials I face in life are all meant by God for me to develop perseverance, which will then make me more mature and complete. The reminder was straight out of James 1:2-4-- the part of scripture I was memorizing last week.
With God's perfect timing, this particular trial has not left me...
Just a couple of minutes ago, I became doubtful of God, thinking whether he will really be in control and whether he will give me his wisdom. Then, instantly, James 1:5-8 popped into my head, reminding me that those who doubt are like waves of the sea that are driven and tossed by the wind, for they are not rooted in God's wisdom. Once again, I was calmed by the living, God-breathed scripture, knowing that he gives generously without finding fault and all I need to do is have faith and not doubt... And James 1:5-8 just so happened to be the scripture I'm memorizing now...!
Isn't He amazing for knowing exactly what and when I will need what?! He simply amazes me for being so mighty and all-so-knowing. Praise Him!
A warm suggestion: If you're not currently memorizing the scripture... do it!
:D
Love,
Anna
I've been constantly experiencing the livelihood of the Scripture in my life as I continue to memorize the book of James bit by bit... and when I say bit, I really mean it (...sadly).
Not too long ago, perhaps last week, I was cast down with a particular trial in my life. But then, truly with the grace of God, I was being reminded in an instant that the trials I face in life are all meant by God for me to develop perseverance, which will then make me more mature and complete. The reminder was straight out of James 1:2-4-- the part of scripture I was memorizing last week.
With God's perfect timing, this particular trial has not left me...
Just a couple of minutes ago, I became doubtful of God, thinking whether he will really be in control and whether he will give me his wisdom. Then, instantly, James 1:5-8 popped into my head, reminding me that those who doubt are like waves of the sea that are driven and tossed by the wind, for they are not rooted in God's wisdom. Once again, I was calmed by the living, God-breathed scripture, knowing that he gives generously without finding fault and all I need to do is have faith and not doubt... And James 1:5-8 just so happened to be the scripture I'm memorizing now...!
Isn't He amazing for knowing exactly what and when I will need what?! He simply amazes me for being so mighty and all-so-knowing. Praise Him!
A warm suggestion: If you're not currently memorizing the scripture... do it!
:D
Love,
Anna
God continues to build me up
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
- Ephesians 4:29
Praise God my Father, who continues to build and prepare me to face what I am about to face. His grace is infinite and overflowing.
- Ephesians 4:29
Praise God my Father, who continues to build and prepare me to face what I am about to face. His grace is infinite and overflowing.
The kitty is gone...
Today, Miumi (Andrew's cat) went back to stay with her mama, Shu-Ting, because she is (hopefully!) being send back to Hong Kong this coming Wednesday and has to go to Indy for some paper works. I can't deny the fact that I miss her very much:(
This makes me think whether I should get a cat in the future since I'm apparently more sentimental than I thought I am... After all, she did stay at my place for more than a month!
Praise the Lord for a wonderful Sunday. He has not forgotten me-- in fact, he has known my thoughts and answered it and made everything clearer in my mind with today's sermon!
I praise you, oh Lord, for all things are under your mighty hands, and nothing, no thoughts nor anything else, can escape from your righteous hands. Though the days are dark, you have known and continue to be in charge.
I praise you, oh Lord, the mighty, awesome one!
This makes me think whether I should get a cat in the future since I'm apparently more sentimental than I thought I am... After all, she did stay at my place for more than a month!
Praise the Lord for a wonderful Sunday. He has not forgotten me-- in fact, he has known my thoughts and answered it and made everything clearer in my mind with today's sermon!
I praise you, oh Lord, for all things are under your mighty hands, and nothing, no thoughts nor anything else, can escape from your righteous hands. Though the days are dark, you have known and continue to be in charge.
I praise you, oh Lord, the mighty, awesome one!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Not I, but You
"Not my will but yours. Not my reputation, but yours. Not my agenda, but yours. Not my rights, but yours."
-Wendy Horger Alsup
Thank you, Jesus, for making yourself nothing when you were on this earth for my sake. I praise you. Please, with God's mercy, make me become more and more like you.
-Wendy Horger Alsup
Thank you, Jesus, for making yourself nothing when you were on this earth for my sake. I praise you. Please, with God's mercy, make me become more and more like you.
Friday, April 30, 2010
God has been good
I'm amazed and stunned at how good God has been to me!
Not only is tithing a biblical command,it also gives me a chance to count and recount the many blessings God has given me. Praise Him!
Not only is tithing a biblical command,it also gives me a chance to count and recount the many blessings God has given me. Praise Him!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
When trials come...
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
-James 1:2-4
Thank you, Lord, for putting your wisdom in me and help me remember it when I most need it. I will praise you with all my doings, and I will act like a child who belongs to you.
-James 1:2-4
Thank you, Lord, for putting your wisdom in me and help me remember it when I most need it. I will praise you with all my doings, and I will act like a child who belongs to you.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sharing Burdens
Today's fellowship at my small group was so wonderful and full of encouragements. We talked about one verse from Galatians 6:2-
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"
I am once again reminded that we are not made to carry our own burdens; this will never work out as we are not created to do so. Instead, a Christian community is to share joy and carry burdens together. In Christ, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. Just how great is my Father to command this of us!
Tonight, also, made me think about how I should be able to carry others' burden while trusting God, that I am not to take the matter into my own hand and worry about it but rather, rest it all in Him. Yet at the same, it is my responsibility to love and care for others selflessly with the love of Christ. What a hard and important thing to do!
Prayers to the Baylys and those who have shared/shown their burdens tonight.
Love,
Anna
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"
I am once again reminded that we are not made to carry our own burdens; this will never work out as we are not created to do so. Instead, a Christian community is to share joy and carry burdens together. In Christ, the yoke is easy and the burden is light. Just how great is my Father to command this of us!
Tonight, also, made me think about how I should be able to carry others' burden while trusting God, that I am not to take the matter into my own hand and worry about it but rather, rest it all in Him. Yet at the same, it is my responsibility to love and care for others selflessly with the love of Christ. What a hard and important thing to do!
Prayers to the Baylys and those who have shared/shown their burdens tonight.
Love,
Anna
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wisdom
So, how should I equip myself to speak with God's truth and act an godly woman when I go about my daily living? Simply meditate on God's word, pray and ask for wisdom, and trust that He will give generously. Then act...
However, such simplicity has proven itself to be extremely hard as I am proud and selfish, constantly thinking about "I"...
However, such simplicity has proven itself to be extremely hard as I am proud and selfish, constantly thinking about "I"...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Some updates
Dear all,
It's funny how I have to write a post specifically to update myself because I have been away for so long:) I think it's really nice how the blog didn't expire on me after not signing in for half a year...
My junior year is coming to an end, and I am very blessed with a wise mentor who is such a godly woman. Her name is Jenna Killingsworth:) I really cannot imagine how someone is able to be a mom of two young children (2-yr-old and 11-mth-old) and still have time for someone like me. Purely the grace of God, I must say, that I am able to have someone like her.
It is exciting to know that some of my relatives are coming to visit my family in Georgia this summer! I haven't seen my grandma for... 4 years? Wow! My parents and I are very excited for this opportunity to spread the gospel to them in such intimate setting. If you are willing, please pray for us.
There are also many other things. Perhaps I'll type them down bit by bit later. But now, I think I should go take a nap since I was up 'til 4 am this morning for a paper that I actually enjoyed writing for:)
Love,
Anna
It's funny how I have to write a post specifically to update myself because I have been away for so long:) I think it's really nice how the blog didn't expire on me after not signing in for half a year...
My junior year is coming to an end, and I am very blessed with a wise mentor who is such a godly woman. Her name is Jenna Killingsworth:) I really cannot imagine how someone is able to be a mom of two young children (2-yr-old and 11-mth-old) and still have time for someone like me. Purely the grace of God, I must say, that I am able to have someone like her.
It is exciting to know that some of my relatives are coming to visit my family in Georgia this summer! I haven't seen my grandma for... 4 years? Wow! My parents and I are very excited for this opportunity to spread the gospel to them in such intimate setting. If you are willing, please pray for us.
There are also many other things. Perhaps I'll type them down bit by bit later. But now, I think I should go take a nap since I was up 'til 4 am this morning for a paper that I actually enjoyed writing for:)
Love,
Anna
Something convicting for me...
I'm recently reading through a book called "Practical Theology for Women" by Wendy Horger Alsup-- a book that I was supposed to be reading last semester for the women's discipleship group (...oops!).
Here's something that I find very convicting:
"But somehow, over time, our Christian culture has changed the focus of faith from what we do to what we say..."
"We may stand on our soapbox and proclaim Jesus to be the way, the truth, and the life. But how do we respond to trouble? How do we deal with harships in life? What good is it if you can verbally defend Christ with the best of believers if your life contradicts your words..."
Here's something that I find very convicting:
"But somehow, over time, our Christian culture has changed the focus of faith from what we do to what we say..."
"We may stand on our soapbox and proclaim Jesus to be the way, the truth, and the life. But how do we respond to trouble? How do we deal with harships in life? What good is it if you can verbally defend Christ with the best of believers if your life contradicts your words..."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Blogging is back!
Dear all,
After taking a long, 6 months break from blogging, I'm back and I'm excited! :D God has been faithful and has been looking after me. He has pulled me out of the dark pit when I was desperately lost, and He has been teaching me through the various channels that He has put into my life. Praise Him! My love to you, Anna
After taking a long, 6 months break from blogging, I'm back and I'm excited! :D God has been faithful and has been looking after me. He has pulled me out of the dark pit when I was desperately lost, and He has been teaching me through the various channels that He has put into my life. Praise Him! My love to you, Anna
Faith vs Worry+Anxiety
"Faith is the theological concept. Worry and anxiety are the practical issue of life. Here is clear evidence that the practical issue of worry in our lives is intensely affected by our theology. We cannot separate the two."
-Wendy Horger Alsup
-Wendy Horger Alsup
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