Psalm 57

So, the other day I was reading the Bible. Right now I am trying to read the Bible in a year, so I was on Psalm 57. There is also a book I am reading, called "What to Do With Your Wait" by Matt Hardee. In one of the chapters I was reading, the author was also studying Psalm 57. Coincidence? I began to wonder why did this psalm, psalm 57, show up twice in my life? Why did the psalm show up twice in my life from two different sources; two different unrelated sources? I concluded that God must be speaking this psalm to me; He must want to highlight this psalm to me at this time. Though there are hardships in the author's life (King David), he praises the Lord. He puts his trust in the Lord. I think this is the message God wants to give me right now at this time. I hope this blesses you as it does me.

Psalm 57 (New King James Version)

Psalm 57
–To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”[a] A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.

2 I will cry out to God Most High,
To God who performs all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.

4 My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men
Who are set on fire,
Whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

6 They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They have dug a pit before me;
Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah

7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.


Footnotes:
a.Psalm 57:1 Hebrew Al Tashcheth
New King James Version (NKJV)
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Source: www.biblegateway.com

A Paradigm Shift~

A 3 year old can often be seen running around, doing his own thing. The nature of a toddler is to explore his world, right?
Think about a kindergardener, or 1st grader. What do they learn at that age? Well, one thing they have to learn how to do is walk in a straight line, behind the teacher. Could it be that, in our spiritual journeys, we too, experience a similar thing?
For example, in the beginning of our walk with God, we might "go here" and "go there", with Jesus sort of like a mom chasing after a toddler. But, as we progress and mature in our walk with God, could it be that we come to a new place of actually following Jesus, much like the 1st grader learns to walk in a straight line behind his teacher?
I don't think that the Lord looks down upon us for being like a toddler in our walk with God. We have to learn step by step how to have and grow in our relationship with God. What mother doesn't love her child as she trains her child in obedience and propriety? Could it be the same with God? Could it be that He knows and understands we all have to start somewhere? And, eventually He teaches us to follow Him rather than do as we please? Lately I've been thinking about this. Even in our immaturity God still loves us. Think of a father who gets a picture from his 3 or 4 year old. Although it might look like a scribble to a human eye, to the Father's eye it is precious and adoreable. I think this is like God's heart towards us too. And, hopefully, someday, we will grow more and more into the image of love. Is this not our destiny?

Friday Afternoon Job Interview

So, many of you have been asking me how did my interview go? And, I appreciate your interest in my well-being. I hope to share a little bit more about that afternoon interview here. First of all, let me say that it was an extremely short interview! I don't think I was even there for more than 30 minutes! But, having said that, I was under the impression that I would be presenting a sample lesson plan to a panel of 2 to 4 interviewers. But, for whatever reason, I had 1 interview person and I didn't really have to "present" the sample lesson plan that I had brought. However, I was able to show the woman who interviewed me the books and materials that I had brought. She thanked me for bringing them, and, seemed surprised and impressed that I had them. That was my impression anyways.

The anticipation for the actual interview itself seemed worse to me than the actual interview. Once the interview was over, I felt a humongous sense of relief. Yet, prior to it, I was a bunch of nerves! I don't like that about myself, but, this is how I am! Anyways, I also felt my feminine, lady-like side of me, which felt great! Recently, I have lost over 30 pounds due to a change in diet and exercise. Because of that, I have never been this slim in a long long time! I felt so positive about my body image, I cannot even begin to tell you. And, I also recently got a new haircut, that is a little bit more stylish than a ponytail I am used to. I wore earrings and an appropriate outfit along with makeup, and I just felt presentable, if you know what I mean.

Anyways, like I said, the interview itself was short. But, during that time I felt I responded appropriately to most of their questions. Many of the questions seemed "predictable", that is, I could have known that that question would pop up! And, most of my answers I felt were good; there was one question that I had to stammer and stutter through a little bit; it caught me a tiny bit off guard. But, I hopefully recovered well enough.

I'm just glad to say that the interview is over. Now I am having to wait for the results. The interviwer told me she had one more person to interview after me, and that she had interviewed 3 others as well. I'm not sure how many positions are open. But, I am definately very qualified and experienced for the position. They called me back Friday afternoon, but I was driving and didn't hear the phone. So, I called them back and left a message. Then they called me back but I was away from the phone, cooking dinner. So, they left me a message to email them for the status of my interview; which I did. Oh I wish they would just say, "you're hired". But they didn't do that!! I'm hoping that they're calling me is a good sign, but, until I know for certain I hang in there! And, put my trust in God alone who provides for all my needs, sustains and loves me. And, remembering that God is good. God is good and He is working out his plan (for my life). May I keep my eyes on Him.

Sunday Outreach

Last Sunday our church had an outreach. It gave church members an opportunity to invite people in the community to our Easter worship service. Although I was hoping to participate as an encourager/cheerleader for one of the groups, I ended up instead partnering with one of the other ladies in the church. We went door to door in a designated neighborhood, knocking on doors and/or ringing doorbells, introducing ourselves and inviting people to our Easter Sunday worship service. It was such a good time!! I was very impressed with the graciousness expressed by the people we met at the front doors. Most of the people that we met were gracious, and kind. That made me feel like going door to door to invite wasn't so intimidating after all. A side bonus was getting to know my friend better as we traversed door to door; we had a chance to share stories of God. Good times. We visited 50 homes one warm Sunday afternoon. The time went by so quickly. And, it was a good way to get in some walking exercise too. This comment brings a smile to my face!!

Blessing Muslims Initiative

Blessing Muslims Initiative
Just a short little note to say I went to the Blessing Muslims Initiative that was hosted by our church. During that time God began to reveal his heart for lost people, and especially for the Muslim people. God began to stir my heart and expand my heart for Muslim people. Originally I went to the Initiative for genreral training in reaching out to others, crossing boundries of ANY culture. However, it seems God had other plans! He used this time to plant seeds and grow a love in my heart for Muslim people. Jesus said that the gospel must be preached to all the nations then the end will come. So, we are getting there. We are on our way to seeing the end!! Thanks for letting me share!!

Christmas 2010

Today I am counting my blessings of the past month and holiday season. I have many wonderful memories this month of taking time to be together and do seasonal things. I think it began Thanksgiving Day when we were sitting around the dining room table discussing the date for making tamales. We selected the 11th of December because that was the best weekend for us. So, as we made tamales, an all day project I might add, that is time consuming and involves a decent amount of work, we listened to holiday music. Traditionally, in many Mexican families, tamales are made on Christmas Eve. But, that evening wasn't going to work well for us because we had other plans for that evening. I just remember feeling so happy that we had started making tamales so early in the season (or month). It just felt like Christmas to me earlier, and prolonged the season for the entire month. That was fun!

The following weekend we went to see my sister perform in a show called A Contemporary Nutcracker. We made the long drive from Anaheim to Hollywood IN THE POURING RAIN. Thank God we made it safely, both ways. I just loved being together with my siblings, enjoying conversation and hanging out. (We should do it more often). After Mia's performance, we took pictures and then had dinner together at PF Chang's Restraunt. Because of the rain, and being the last Sunday before Christmas, there were holiday shoppers galore, and it took us so long to park. But, nevermind, we were together, hanging out, and having fun! (Thank goodness for Cupie's navigational skills. She was VERY GOOD with directions, so I was glad to have her in the car with us. Not the only reason, but just one). We ordered appetizers, and shared. Mia ordered the eddammame ( I probably just messed up the spelling) and they were so good; warm, soft and delicious. Jay ordered some ribs that were equally tasty. And, since Jay was traveling up northern California for Christmas this year, it felt like an early Christmas dinner with him. So, I was glad to have that time with him then. After this evening, I felt so much love and joy from being together with my fam. This night was definately one of the highlights of my December.

I loved seeing the Christmas lights on the homes in Brea near Starflower street. It was fun to dress up in our warmies: I think I had like 2 or 3 layers on, including legwarmers, a scarf and a warm jacket!

There was also a Christmas play at the Vineyard (our church). I really enjoyed seeing the play and being reminded of the Christmas story centering on Jesus' birth. We also sang Christmas songs on the following Sunday, and I enjoyed that as well.

Christmas Day was again spent with family. I picked up my brother and we drove together to our parent's house. Our grandma was there and we had dinner together. It was a fun, unexpected treat of opening presents as well. (Who doesn't like to receive and open gifts?) My dad drove from Anaheim all the way to Mission Viejo, to pick up my grandma and then again, IN THE RAIN, to take her home. My grandma was very appreciative of him; she loved seeing her grandkids and she said it felt like an "old fashioned" Christmas, I think she called it.

For me, I am glad I got to have multiple memories of Christmas this year. We made tamales, looked at the Christmas lights, saw A Christmas Carol onstage, watched Mia perform in The Nutcracker, had family dinner together, and visited with the grandmas on both sides of the family. I sang Christmas carols in church, watched a Christmas play, and listened to my good friend play piano (Nackwon). So many good memories. Grateful for the time together. Had an enjoyable holiday season. Spending time with family. Getting along. Talking. Laughing. Receiving gifts; not expecting to but, the saying is true: it's better to give than to receive. I think my parents enjoying giving as they are able.

A Christmas Carol

Every year one of our family Christmas traditions has been a girls night out. During the holidays we would get together and see a musical performance. Sometimes with the girl cousins and aunties, and sometimes just my immediate family with my mom and sister. As of late, we hadn't continued in this tradition because for a while my sister and I were traveling for our jobs and hadn't always been around during the holidays at the same time. However, this year is different. We're both around!! So, last night my mom gave us a lovely Christmas present and we watched "A Christmas Carol" as a live performance. Even though I've grown up with most of all the holiday and seasonal stories, I was not familiar with this one. It was a "first" moment for me. If you are familiar with the storyline of A Christmas Carol then you'll know what I mean: it left me with a warm feeling inside. If you're not familiar with the storyline then I would highly recommend you read the book or rent the movie and watch. Thanks, Mom for that holiday treat!!