words of wisdom

cousin:  why can't His silence be an answer?  why does His answer always have to be a 'yes' or 'no?'  sometimes, His silence IS the answer. He's not always going to tell you what to do or what not to do. He wants YOU to make the decision and have faith that whatever decision you make, He will always be there for you and bless you no matter which path you take.  you're not a robot -- you can make your own decisions, you know. think of a parent and a child. when the child is still young, the parent teaches her from right or wrong. and the parent, out of his best interest, will tell the child what to do. but when the child grows up, the parent will provide guidance but ultimately, let the child make her own decisions. but whatever choice she makes, the parent will always support her, always protect her, always love her.

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friend:  taking a risk is another way of God presenting you with a challenge and/or trial. haven't you noticed that all the trials you've gone through, in the end, they brought you closer to God? although they're hard to endure, hardships are what grows your faith and relationship with God. with that in mind, i would jump at the chance of taking a risk if it means that it will bring me closer to God.

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friend: it's not about being brave or courageous. it's about having faith. have faith and trust God.

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Peace I live with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -- John 14:27

good interview

to me, a 'good interview' is not one in which i feel like i got the job, but one that consists of the following things:

1)  my nerves are calm

2)  my answers are clear & genuine

3)  there's passion in my words

4)  it's fun

i had my first interview today and i came out of it with a huge smile on my face. all 4 qualities mentioned above were met.  i know that it's highly likely that i may not get a follow-up/second interview, but i'm completely at peace with it because today, i was me. i wasn't fake, i wasn't intimidated, i wasn't flustered. all the words and emotions that i had expressed were genuinely from God. and from the comments made by the interviewer, i know that he saw a glimpse of my true identity in Him.

that's what i call a 'good interview.' :) praise God!

His timing is too perfect

God, You are crazy good...

today's sermon preached by a guest pastor from Hong Kong was titled, "How to be a church in the city." my goodness, the sermon was eerily perfect. i can't believe it was only a few hours ago that i had written my previous entry and how just a few hours later, God spoke to me through this pastor and gave me the peace that i had longed for.

to briefly summarize the pastor's sermon, i was called to come to LA, the city of angels. it didn't happen by chance; rather, God has a divine purpose for me in this city. and while i'm in this city, i am called to make it my home. i need to stop dwelling on other places that i'd rather be in, i need to stop trying to flee LA, and i need to get rid of my "this is only temporary" mentality. while i am here, i need to truly LIVE here and call it my home. because this is where God has placed me and He will do great things through me during my time here. and finally, He has brought me here to be a light to this city, to pray for this city, to bless the people in this city.

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. -- Jeremiah 29:7

now that i'm finally at peace with God's decision, i'm very eager to see His divine purpose for me unfold in LA... nervous yet very excited to be a part of His glorious works :)