-God's Pursuant of Us-

Last night, I discussed with a friend about God's pursuant of us- whether God pursues everyone the same- as relentless or God pursues some people harder (like Paul in the Bible where God has to appear in front of him so that Paul can not deny anymore)

My friend gave a cute analogy of how a person spent $1 vs another one that is willing to $10 (10 x $1) just to get a doll inside the doll machine. We were discussing to what extent God pursues each of us, whether He does quit trying on some, but somehow think others worth more (to serve God's purposes) so He pursues them harder?

I came to a conclusion that we cannot be opinionated how hard the Lord has pursued someone based on what we have seen. We cannot really know the weight of God pursuant based on our eyes or a person’s testimony. But yeah, like my friend said....we might be able to ask God someday when we are in Heaven....if that still matters :P

All that I know and understand for now is the gravity of God's love towards every individuals is the same. It is The Cross.

Overly Joyful. Forever Thankful.

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are-C.S.Lewis

I thank God for surrounding me with great friends, co-workers, and family. I'm blessed.
I trust God that He will put me in the midst of great friends in whom I can also trust and who will also believe in me.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-NIV)

Father, I pray as I abide in You, I will grow and bear Your fruit. Shape me, Lord. Mold me so that I can shine for You alone.

[Being Vulnerable]

I came across this quote last week and I keep on pondering on what it meant......until God reveals it to me when i was reading "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.” CS Lewis

We must choose to be vulnerable- to love- because the brilliance of Christ will shine better through it. "Charles Spurgeon once said that when a jeweler shows his best diamonds, he sets them against a black velvet backdrop. The contrast of the jewels against the dark velvet bring out the luster. In the same way, God does His most stunning work where things seem hopeless. Wherever there is pain, suffering, and desperation, Jesus is." Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire p. 78

>>Nothing compares to God

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 AMP

Reading the passage, I am once again astonished on how grand and amazing God's love for me.

God’s loving kindness is the consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly pursuing, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, one-way love of God.

When I understand this- It gives me great comfort, knowing that I can trust God- I can completely rely on Him since He always has the best of me in mind.

A teaching that gives affirmation of God’s choice of and affection for us.
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/doctrine/covenant-god-pursues

We love because He first loved us. (1John4:19)

-Counting my blessings-

Yesterday I got to spend the whole days with my mom.
It's been a while since I had my "dating" time with mom....
We went shopping and restaurant hopping in Chinatown.
I helped making-over her.....treat her to her favorite restaurant.....
and we chatted over many issues....
Feels nice^^

It makes me realize how blessed I am.....
During my quiet time last night, God reminded me my lists of prayers/petitions that I had 2 years ago when I reached my big 25 birthday :P
At that time, I was learning to view God as my Father..... and me being a spoiled and clingy daughter, I gave Him a long list of birthday gifts that I requested from Him on my 25th birthday.
Yesterday, I got to re-visited those lists again....
I am just left amazed on how God works in my life.

I am counting my blessings..........
I am very happy to have the whole family (my parents and my brother) here to celebrate my birthday this year.
I am excited to see more breakthroughs happening in my life.
This is the "kairos" =)

I am thankful and I am counting my blessings....

*Making Choices*

Recently, I was talking to a friend about the choices that just open up in our lives and how that affects our original plan....

She was afraid that the new choice or the new open door (choice B), might be a test of faith from God- to see on how strong we want the original plan to happen (choice A).

She was thinking what if choosing choice B eventually fail and we will regret it.

She forgot that the same risk is there for choice A although choice A looks safer...

I was reminded of a care group discussion that was led by my pastor's wife as she titles it "GPS: God Positioning System"- She was trying to answer our most common questions and fear: "What's God's will in my life?" "What if I don't make it?"

She was saying that like a GPS in the car, God is graceful enough that He allows u-turn if we got misrouted from His plan. However, in order for us to discern God's will- we need to start taking steps.... (like a GPS, you have to begin driving for it to function)

As long as we listened and aligned ourselves to the GPS, we will make it there (the path that God set for us) Some might take longer, but we'll get there :)

Along the years, I admit that have made several choices of which I regret. However, because of those choices/moments, I learn to understand God's grace and His redemption better. I realize that nothing can separate me from His love. I just need to offer up my hands quickly if I fall, and He'll be ready to help me getting back up.

I am making steps of faith as I make my choices and I pray for His will be done in my life as I put my trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways, acknowledge Him, He'll make your paths straight.