2014 Recap: Promise Keeper

Where do I begin about 2014? I can't even begin to write about the blessings, the favor, the opportunities, the doubt, sadness and fear that I have experienced this year. Because all in all, God has been ever so faithful.


The biggest lesson I learned this year is: God keeps His promises. It's so easy to doubt God when the evidence is negative, but that's exactly when God works best. I knew that He had called me to be a psychologist, but because of my brief stint as a biology major, my GPA was a mess. This time last year, I was completing grad school applications, terrified that I was not going to get an interview anywhere, talk less of get into a Clinical Psychology program. As I type this, I've completed my first semester of a doctorate program, a program that I was told I was not competitive enough for. To top it all off, I aced my first semester. I'd be lying if I said that I got here on my own. It was only by the grace of God. Once I got into grad school, everything else just literally fell into place. Sometimes, I sit and wonder what I did to get into this program. I'm so blessed to be there. Just continue to follow the path that God has provided for you. You never know where He will lead.


Honestly, 2014 was THAT year. God opened soooo many doors and pushed me wayyyy out of my comfort zone. From graduation, to moving to another state, to starting grad school, it's been quite the adventure. I haven't always been the happiest camper, but God has given me this incredible peace that even scares me sometimes. Having to move away from the only place I had ever known as home was so hard, but I know that God has a reason and nothing happens by mistake.


Not sure what plans God has for 2015, but I'm entering the year with an open heart and letting Him lead.


What are you hoping and praying for this year?




Selah [pause and think]

No Pain, No Gain

First post of 2014! 

So, it's a new year, well, three months in and I've been on this whole working out thing. I've been attending a boot camp class at the gym pretty frequently in the past couple of weeks and though it seems tough at the time, the instructor is very encouraging. I keep going because I know it is for my benefit and I leave feeling great about myself. The next morning, I wake up sore in places I didn't even know existed and that's how I know the workout is actually working.

You know what's interesting? Trials work the same way. During the trials, you're sweating and exerting energy and it's just HARD. Sometimes you don't even know if you'll make it through. But the Instructor (God) is there, by your side, cheering you on. He knows that it's good for you and for your benefit. You walk away feeling better, stronger. It's only when it's over that you realize that you've worked out muscles of faith, hope, patience, forgiveness, etc.

James 1: 2-3 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Trials, just like working out, define us. Something of value WILL be produced. If we were couch potatoes and just ate cookies all day everyday, we'd probably never know what muscles have, more less what muscles are. Same with trials. If you never had a rainy day, you'd never learn to appreciate the sunshine. It's not easy going through it, no, not at all. But, at the end of the day, you're going to be stronger than you were before. Your Instructor's cheering you on! There so many promises in the Word. So, sweat on and persevere. You're coming out GOLD.

Selah [pause and think]

2013 Recap: He>i

So, as 2013 comes to an end, I've reflected on what a great year it was. 2013 was my year of opportunity. Many open doors and so much accomplished. I completed most of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year. I can't even begin to thank God enough. So much happened this year. Turned 21, became a student youth leader at my church, took my GRE's, applied to grad school, made Dean's list, got a great campus job, had a great internship, got featured on my school's website, met amazing people, grew spiritually, had a reality check, smashed my laptop, been super busy, neglected my blog :( , realized that I don't know everything and the list goes on and on. Through the ups and downs, He was faithful. It's a beautiful thing when you can look back and see God's handiwork in your life.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2013, and there were many, was to get out of the way. I was reading John 3:30 which says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What struck me was the word, "but."

'But' in this context implies that He can't increase if we don't decrease.  We have to get of the way. I never saw it that way. I often find myself doing things because I wanted to look good. Not for God's glory, but to maintain that "good girl" persona. At the time I read this verse, I was considering stepping down from ministry because of something I didn't like. I saw the impact that the youth group had on the youth and how God was moving, but I couldn't get over one little selfish thing that I wanted. This verse was a reality check. It reminded me that I was doing God's work to minister to Him and for Him and NOT for me. That day, I wrote, "I can play the background, but first I need to get out of the way. I need to remove myself from the spotlight and let You shine."

So I'll end 2013 and begin 2014 with this motto: He>i. He gets the glory, the spotlight and the accolades. What I do is for His Glory. I. Am. Second.

2013 was a great year but it's time to put that behind me and press on... 2014.

Word of Encouragement for you: "God has a plan for you this coming year. So, 'hats off to the past and coats off to the future!' Roll up your sleeves, go to work, and expect great things from God." (Word 4u 2day)

Selah [pause and think]

Prayer Tips

Well, I finished my first read for the year, A Young Woman's Call To Prayer about two months ago. AWESOME read! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to really catalyze their prayer life. BEWARE: Once you begin walking out this new prayer lifestyle, you may notice that it's a struggle to pray, only because the enemy doesn't want you to be more prayerful because you'll mess up his plans. Can I be honest? I had a week or two where I was extremely busy and didn't take time to sit down and be in God's presence or I was simply too lazy to.

Anyways, here are some tips that Elizabeth George gives for prayer with my own personal experience.

1. "Use a prayer list or notebook." This has definitely organized my prayer life and helps me remember what to pray for. I write down every prayer request that I have and also, those of others. I also write things that I'm thankful for which really helps me remember to thank God for them. I usually write a new list every 2 weeks, but during the week, I add points. Elizabeth advises to carry a small spiral pad or an index card so that when people ask you to pray for them and you aren't near your notebook, you'll remember. I use the note function on my phone.
2. "Schedule a prayer time each day." This was definitely one of the hardest things for me to do, with constant meetings, classes, exams, papers and activities, but after classes, before I went study was the best time for me during the semester. Now during the summer, I find that making it the first big thing I do in the morning with my cup of tea. BEST TIME EVER! In the book, Elizabeth recommended setting a timer for 5 minutes so that praying won't feel overwhelming. That definitely helped me at first, but now, once I get started I usually surpass the 5 minutes. As you continue, you begin to see this time as a necessity and not an obligation. Note: This doesn't mean you shouldn't be in constant communication with God during the day, but this is a time that you set aside to sit in His presence.
3. "Spend time praying with others." I haven't really done this one yet. Note to self: GET ON IT! 
4. "Pray using Scripture" In my prayer notebook, I write some verse that coincide with whatever the need may be. Do I know the whole Bible? NO! But Google has been my best friend. If you know snippets of the verse or don't know any verses on a certain topic, Google it! Ex. : Direction (Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 3:5-6, 16:9)
5. "Borrow from the prayers of others." I haven't done this one yet.
6. "Open and close each day with a time of prayer." Usually while I'm still in the bed, I thank God for waking me up and loving me. Simple. Then at night, I just thank Him for the day and ask for forgiveness of sin. Short and to the point because I fall asleep (hahaha). But if I'm still awake, I try to recap my day to Him.
7. "Get inspired by the biographies of others who prayed." Haven't done this one either. 
8. "Study the prayers of the Bible." The most common prayer is the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).  Elizabeth also suggests Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).
9. "Follow through with your resolve: No decision made without prayer." This one is definitely hard for me. I always forget to pray before I do many things. God, help me!
10. "Feed your heart and mind with God's word." This cannot be stressed enough. Sometimes you don't have the words to say, but there are Scriptures that say it all.

Remember, prayer is simply talking to God. Don't make it harder than it has to be and don't let these tips intimidate you. Just speak to God from the depths of your heart. He understands.

Selah [pause and think]

My First Read!

So, I finished reading through the Bible after reset/catching up my YouVersion (my favorite Bible app) plan many times. This year, my goal is to read 4-6 books, in addition to my personal devotion, that will catalyze my spiritual growth. My first read is A Young Woman’s Call to Prayer by Elizabeth George, which I started almost 3 weeks. So far, I learned many valuable tidbits about prayer. I've always know that prayer was important but as I read this book and as I spend more time in God's presence, I find myself more at peace than before. I also find myself craving alone time with God and shooting up little prayers during the day.  

It's not like I'm learning something brand new, but I'm seeing some verses in a new light. For example, yesterday, I read about how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know what we should pray. (Romans 8:26-34). Verse 27 says that the Holy Spirit prays for us according to the will of God and in verse 31, it says if God be for us who can be against us. So basically, both the Holy Spirit and Jesus intercede on my behalf even when I don't know how to pray and they are praying according to the will of God. Therefore, everything in my life is working for my good and if they are on my side, fighting for  me, who/what can hurt me? WOW.

At the beginning of the book, we were encouraged to right down our commitment to prayer. Here's mine:

I commit to finding a quiet place to pray. I will pray constantly, consistently and persistently. Instead of giving up and worrying, I will pray because God has promised me His peace and His ears are open to me.

What's your commitment to prayer?

Selah [pause and think]