7/29/2012

Haha i found this funny while i was listening to a sermon.

We often try to change others especially in a dating relationship. We hope that when things do not work out in a romantic relationship and we try to 'fix' our partners. We often try to 'change' others, have positive influence in others in the hope that others might change. And the pastor asked

"since when did you become the Holy Spirit?"

lol

7/29/2012

I told myself today. No more!

Being self-controlled is really hard at times. But sometimes, you just gotta be harsh with yourself and make a decision. That's how i felt today, and i promised myself that i won't do the things that make me feel bad. I gotta spend my thoughts and feelings on things that are worthwhile.

7/28/2012

I went to a women's bible study group yesterday. These women are so funny! They remind me of women from Desperate Houswives haha. Anyways, we had a guest, a missionary from California, who is the director of Global Children's Movement (her name is Jennifer Toledo). She shared her fasinating story with us- her testimony and how she got involved in this world-wide ministry- and I was shocked by what i was hearing. She shared her story of how at the age of 21 (which was about 11 years ago) she went to northern part of Kenya just because she felt she was called to do. There she met absolutely heart-breaking children who were the victims of war and poverty. For example, the first children she met along her long journey was those with broken fingers gorged with blood, because these children were digging the ground in the deseart just to find some water. They were hopeless after many failures of not being able to find water, they jumpted in front of the car she was in, in an attempt to kill themselves. This is absolutely ridiculous.
Like many missionaries who are called to places they don't expect at all, she also felt inadequate and just wanted to go home, feeling hopeless. But because she had faith that God can do great things and it is all about him not about her, she remained where she was and with prayers she saw many fruits in the lives of children and the nation. The miracles are just ... i mean did i believe what i was hearing? I know Jennifer's family and none of her side of the family and that of her husband's have red hair and all her three children are red-haired (and the color red is recessive allele!). I mean, this is a miracle from God that i see with my eyes. They kids are absolutely beautiful.
Though i doubt till now some things about christianity (mostly doctrines), there are things, i just can't help but attibute to God. that he is powerful and that somehow blessings go to those who love and obey God.
The message from Jennifer was whether we feel inadequate in front of obstacles we were standing, and if we do, whether we believe in what God says about us.

7/26/2012

People- or rather, people's stories- really fascinate me. I mean really FASCINATE me.

I forgot which book, but i remember reading somewhere in one of C.S. Lewis's book that says "we do not know who we are dealing with (when we meet people). They are divine creatures- created in the image of God". When i really think about this line... it is a pretty scary thought. If people who claim themselves to be Christians yet disrespect any human being- of all backgrounds, whether poor or rich, ugly or pretty and etc- i would question whether they are what they claim themselves to be they are. I think it's when we feel pride, we disregard others (we think we are better than others many times, eh?). I am still questioning many things in Christianity, but there are just some things about Christianity that are revolutionizing. Anyways, not just what it says in the Bible about treating others with absolute dignity, but also people whom i admire in life are those who consider others above themselves. My absolute favorite quote is by Abraham Lincoln that says "i don't like that man. I must get to know him better".  A lesson that is hard to take for everybody including myself, but i read all the biographies of people i admire, and they give out the same message. 

It's hard for me to listen to the voice of others whom i don't like... for whatever reason. But when i think of what i just wrote above, i fight myself and try to listen to what EVERYONE has to say. The kind of people whom i cannot stand are those who lie, to the point that i just don't wanna deal with them. Recently, a girl asked me to hang out but she has lied to be before and i was just done with her that time she lied. But i wonder if i am missing out on people's stories- her story- that if i don't give her a chance i would never know where she comes from, why she acts the way she does. If i just listen to people whom i like... i probably won't understand much about the world which is made up of stories of people.  When i think of this, i just give into my discomfort and be more open-minded. It's hard but i think in the end it's worth it. ALL people have interesting stories and i want to hear. I don't have to like them to appreciate their stories because all stories are worth hearing to. 

7/16/2012

I haven't written much since i got here in Quito, Ecuador.

I haven't been doing much in terms of traveling, but spending time with my friends and meeting new people.

I have finally settled in one church, which is small, but where i thought i could serve God. Thankfully, there will be missionaries coming from the U.S. and Canada who will be here from tomorrow, the 17th till the 30th of July. I am thrilled to work with them in the places where people are neglected. This is just a perfect timing. Thank you, God. The person leading a group published a book, which i am reading currently, and this book is very exciting as it kind of talks about what i want to know. I think as much as it was in Cuzco, my time in Quito will also be a time where i will learn about myself and God. 

7/01/2012

Went to my friend's sister's graduation party @ Hyatt Hotel. Wow it was quite fancy, all the students wearing gowns. Anyways, we got there @ 7pm, dinner being served at 10pm (lol) and dancing till 4am! All the parents were there and i was just surprised how much they enjoy dancing no matter how old they are (& they are pretty good!). And i like how all the guys know how to dance heh  I was so ready to go home by the time the dance was over... but i saw that we were stopping somewhere and i was like, "where are we?" and my friend says we are having a meal! I was dumbfounded. It was almost 5:30am After a meal, we finally get home and i hear birds chirping...LOL I just laughed. This was def. a fun, cultural experience for me.