Learning to be a Blessing

Ich bin...
[Tana]. Child of God. Teacher. Youth leader. Music-minded. Blessed.
Ich liebe...
[Jesus]. My Family. My Church. P & W. Mission Trips. Music. Prayer. Traveling. Writing. Drama. Sunshine. Languages. Photography. Badminton. Nature. Snail Mail. Fruit. Green. Simplicity. Listening.

29 January 2007
recharged...

after a weekend (days AND nights! ^_^) with my bests, i can honestly lift my eyes upward and give thanks to Him for His abundant provision, filling in the gaps and mending the hurts at the most opportune time. the past few days were memorable, not just because i cherish these friends more than life itself, but more the renewal i found as we shared about our struggles and hopes. i'm most excited to start the biweekly devotional time together.

the lights seem to have finally gone on upstairs!
  • character vs. knowledge in His eyes
  • the difference between "following the Lord" and "wholeheartedly following the Lord"
  • that it's entirely pointless to read His Word if we have no intention of practicing it
  • that if we can't stand leftovers, why do we insist on giving them (vs. fresh) to God?
  • that we should live in such a way that we make His sacrifice for us worth it

    there is no fear in love, love drives out fear...God, help me conquer the mountain that seems to have shrunk, but still remains threatening sometimes. i trust in Your promises, but help me to do so as faithfully as Caleb did ^_^

  • posted by simplejoys @ 09:05
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    25 January 2007
    things have been a bit funky recently (if that's even the word for it). i'm convinced this is the month to learn about truly applying the concept of EGR - "extra grace required", that is. thanks to my BFF for that reminder, and the opportune timing of our day out.

    i hadn't realized how i'd once again taken unnecessary stress upon my shoulders until it became glaringly obvious to everyone else but me. but God's grace is more than enough, as it comes via my angels, friends and parents, being there to listen to my vents, and offering perspective beyond the moment. life is so much more than the problems it contains; if we lose our focus, all we need to do is ask whether we truly let those burdens go, or if we insist on carrying them around ourselves.

    i love You, Jesus.

    posted by simplejoys @ 10:45
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    15 January 2007


    feeling somewhat conflicted these days, but am learning day by day that as i lay those burdens down at the foot of His Cross, they become meagre in comparison - worries that, while not fluttering away, don't need to be attended to this moment. moreover, to seek my benefit and my well-being over His and His kingdom's is nothing short of selfish. cousin, thanks for the "What have you done with My Son?" reminder...i love you!

    posted by simplejoys @ 11:43
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    08 January 2007
    a tiring but memorable and joyful weekend comprised of
  • angel J, her family and my BFF's long-awaited return from holidays (all need major prayer for their health, though)
  • the Lord's protection and care over angel F for yet another year
  • laughing and playing endlessly with Zoe ("a-ha?" "hey!")
  • hearing others' gleanings and sharing own insights from last week's winter conference



  • posted by simplejoys @ 15:06
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    02 January 2007
    Christmas, amid all the busyness, was beautiful. children bringing out the Good News in their sweet, innocent way; giving thanks for the souls He has saved and shaped this past year; a close sister's baptism; and remembering that no other baby's arrival on earth touched mankind as much as His did.

    the only low points? stomach flu, and 1/3 of the family as well as some of my best friends away.

    but His outpour of blessings was more than amazing. Winter Conference was a different experience from previous years, yet i still left challenged (especially to live out true community and die local in order to go global ~ thanks, Dr. Choi!) and cherished also the in-depth, inspiring chats with my "roommates", CCBC family and friends not seen in nearly a decade.

    the holidays are now over, and i'm excited to see what He has in store for the coming months. Lord, may Your strength and Your heart be the true desires of my heart!

    posted by simplejoys @ 09:32
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