What's With Christina?

An intriguing job application

2010-05-27T21:52:00.005-04:00

Hey! Does anyone read this blog anymore? I figured you all keep up with me through Facebook, but I really should start posting here again soon. Life has been a whirlwind!

Anyways, found an interesting job post on Craigslist today and figured I'd respond just for the fun of it! Part of the requirement is to read Tribes by Seth Godin, and he happens to be one of my favorite authors. I'm currently in the middle of reading Linchpin. I highly recommend it if you want to know what it takes to be indispensable as an employee or business.

The other half of the application requires that I answer their questions on my blog.

So, here goes:

What do you do now?

I'm a Barista for an independent coffee shop who is currently trying to keep it's head above water.

Why do you do it?

I love enjoying and sharing good coffee and tea and that's what we do.

What do you want to do?

I want to take on the challenge of making an impact in my community by doing something significant to help this coffee shop prosper.

Tell me a true story about making a change in the world.

I'm in the middle of the story! I've been spreading the word by mouth, through twitter, facebook, yelp, and other means about how good and unique our coffee shop is. I'm sharing all the ideas I have with my boss about getting the word out. I'm using my creativity to add relevant items to our menu that we are passionate about making and things our community is seeking. I'm not just a barista, I'm a linchpin and we are increasing the level of commitment to our tribe thus becoming a linchpin as a company in the community.

Make a wish.

To know God and enjoy Him forever.

What else should I know?

Hi, I'm Christina!

Small Things - The Catalyst Conference

2009-10-13T17:51:00.002-04:00

Last week I rode up to Atlanta for the 2009 Catalyst Conference in a van full of 8 missionaries I had never met before. So much happened this week that I can't list it all. All I can say is that I had such an AMAZING time! Lots of laughter to the point it was starting to hurt.

Although, I can't list everything I'll try to list some cool stuff:

1. Made 8 or more new friends from NMSI during the 20 hour road trip (that's two 10 hour rides round trip.)

2. Volunteered at the Catalyst Conference where there were 13,000 next generation Christian leaders all gathered to worship, be refreshed, and encouraged. (I didn't get the job I interviewed for mentioned in my previous post...sad...I know...it's one of those "maybe next time b/c someone else in the dept. alread took the job" kinda things)

3. Connected with friends who live in Atlanta.

4. Met some people in person I've corresponded with online through Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, etc.

5. Was presented with some more opportunities that might bring me to Atlanta.

So, I didn't get the "big job" I wanted nor did I meet my future husband (atleast not that I'm aware of yet) while at this conference full of young, hip, Christian-leader dudes. I worked my butt off while volunteering, though. And I made some great connections and bonded with some great people! And somehow amongst all of it, I feel like a part of me has changed in just one week. I took a lot of risk going to this conference and I relied on the help of others every step of the way. Through that I experienced God's love and provision. I saw Him in the "small things" and in the "day by day," "moment by moment."

I realized that it's in the seemingly small things that God can be the most at work! After meeting with a bunch of leaders with dreams for big things, God remindes me of the importance of spotting Him in the least likely of places. Because after an amazing week like that, you go home to your job, your circumstance, and your laundry. And realize...this looks like all that there is. BUT...there is a greater hope. There is eternal purpose for my life no matter where I am, no matter what the circumstance. The small things, aren't really small. Because a big God is involved!

"Who has despised the day of small things?"

Zechariah 4:10

Coffee Talk

2009-07-31T10:56:00.003-04:00

During one of my visits to the Philippines last year I was at a little coffee shop with my two aunties. We talked about life, had a drink of choice, and a little treat to accompany it.

The whole idea of going somewhere solely for coffee and conversation is new to them. I guess growing up in the Philippines that just wasn't what people did.

I'm glad I was able to introduce this type of thing to them. :)

I'm a real sucker for the Starbucks culture, Macbooks, Google, Social Networking, and obviously blogging.

I have no problem spending 4 dollars on a Grande Soy Chai Latte just to go somewhere and journal and maybe people watch.

But after my trip to Atlanta, GA to interview with Cafe1040 I had to evaluate my current spending habits. Outlook not so good for the next steps I need to make if I want to go into full-time ministry anytime soon. *sigh* (I still have some debt from medical and family emergencies I need to take care of before going into a position with somewhere like Cafe1040 where I would need to raise full support.)

But I've been doing better with my spending habits. I realized buying Lattes, cookies, etc. really adds up. God is so cool though because has been showing me that He'll still provide; one day someone gave me a free starbucks gift card. Then a random connection online donated 5 dollars to me through Paypal just go get coffee! Haha crazy. Lesson: Starbucks isn't necesarily bad, but I do need to learn a lil' bit of discpline for now. Moderation! =)

In the meanwhile, I still dream of working somewhere my gifts and skills will be used. And ideally in a place I'd like to be (where I can grow). One possible opportunity is with the Catalyst Conference. I'd specialize in helping next generation leaders stay encouraged throughout the year and assisting them with attending the Catalyst Conference. (learn more here: www.catalystspace.com) That would be a dream! The people that work for Catalyst seem so great and I'd be spending most of my time doing something I enjoy. The headquarters is in Duluth, GA. They wanted to continue with interviews, but had to put the hiring process on hold until after the Conference this fall.

So, the rest of this summer I'll spend trying to use methods from people such as Dave Ramsey to start budgeting smarter and getting rid of debt. Then by October hopefully be able to volunteer at the Catalyst Conferece in Atlanta.

All in between I'm learning how to be a beach bum with my new free beach parking permit! Woo Hoo.

Lastly, another biblical counseling course starts up in September. Eek! I love school, I love studying, but I hate homework and tests. :(

Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving

2009-06-22T08:34:00.007-04:00

Here's a review I did which is originally posted today over on Bibledude.net! (http://bibledude.net/2009/06/servolution-chapter-4-servolution-is-all-about-jesus-four-walls-and-a-slave/)

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I recently received the book, "Servolution," by Dino Rizzo. If you haven't read about this great thing happening all over the country catalyzed by the people behind this book, then go check out their website at http://servolution.org/

I recommend this book to help you get a picture of the reality of what God is doing through Servolution so that you will be charged with the electricity to join in on what's happening.

I hope and pray that soon all you need to do is look around you in your community to see the impact of Servolution!

In chapter 4, I'm reminded that Servolution is all about Jesus. He was the ultimate servant even to the point of death on the cross all for our sake.

The crazy thing serving others with no strings attached will do for a church is make it grow!

Here are some factors that this chapter goes into as to why helping people will grow a church:

1. When we focus on caring for people, God takes care of the church.

2. Servolution is about expanding the kingdom, not just our church.

3. Every Christian needs to serve.

4. Servolution reminds us that it's all about Him and not about us.

God knows all of our needs, and as a good Father He seeks to care for His children. But He also wants to include us in this process by following Jesus' example of serving. The amazing thing is that God created the act of serving to be something that in turn provides our own needs! He honors our sincerety in serving Him and others in all kinds of ways from healing to growth to deeper community bonds and closer fellowship with Him.

Matthew 6:31-34 says,

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

My interview with author Frank Viola on his new book "From Eternity to Here"

2009-06-09T08:19:00.005-04:00

OTHER BLOGS PARTICIPATING IN THE “FROM ETERNITY TO HERE” BLOG CIRCUIT

Today (June 9^th), the following blogs are discussing Frank Viola's new bestselling book “From Eternity to Here” (David C. Cook, 2009). The book just hit the May CBA Bestseller List. Some are posting Q & A with Frank; others are posting full reviews of the book. To read more reviews and order a copy at a 33% discount, go to Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Eternity-Here-Rediscovering-Ageless-Purpose/dp/1434768708/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233609867&sr=1-4

For more resources, such as downloadable audios, the free Discussion Guide, the Facebook Group page, etc. go to the official website: http://www.FromEternitytoHere.org

Enjoy the reviews and the Q and A:

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Out of Ur - http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2009/05/viola.html

Shapevine - www.Shapevine.com (June newsletter)

Brian Eberly - http://www.brianeberly.com

DashHouse.com - http://www.DashHouse.com/

Greg Boyd - http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/

Vision Advance - http://vision2advance.blogspot.com/

David Flowers - http://ddflowers.wordpress.com

Kingdom Grace - http://kingdomgrace.wordpress.com

Captain's Blog - http://www.captainestes.blogspot.com/

Christine Sine - http://godspace.wordpress.com

Darin Hufford - The Free Believers Network - www.freebelievers.com

Zoecarnate - http://zoecarnate.wordpress.com

Church Planting Novice - www.churchplantingnovice.wordpress.com

Staying Focused - http://kimmartinezstayingfocused.wordpress.com/

Take Your Vitamin Z - www.takeyourvitaminz.blogspot.com

Jeff Goins - http://jeffgoins.myadventures.org

Bunny Trails - http://bunny-trails.blogspot.com

Matt Cleaver - http://mattcleaver.com

Jason T. Berggren - http://blog.jasonberggren.com/

Simple Church - http://www.simplechurchjournal.com/

Emerging from Montana - http://wordofmouthministries.blogspot.com/

Parable Life - http://www.theparablelife.blogspot.com

Oikos Australia - http://www.oikos.org.au/blog/

West Coast Witness - www.WestCoastWitness.com

Keith Giles - http://www.Keith.Giles.com

Consuming Worship -- http://www.consumingworship.org

Tasha Via - www.tashavia.blogspot.com

Andrew Courtright - www.andrewcourtright.blogspot.com

ShowMeTheMooneys! - http://www.showmethemooneys.com/

Leaving Salem, Blog of Ronnie McBrayer - http://leavingsalem.wordpress.com/

Jason Coker - pastoralia.missionaltribe.org

From Knowledge to Wisdom - http://isthistheway.typepad.com/

Home Brewed Christianity - http://www.homebrewedchristianity.com

Dispossessed - http://kblog.kevinjbowman.com

Dandelion Seeds - http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Dandelionseeds

David Brodsky's Blog- "Flip the tape Deck" - http://flipthetapedeck.blogspot.com/

Chaordic Journey - http://jeffrhodes.wordpress.com

Renee Martin - http://www.reneemartinmusic.com/profiles/blog/list

Bob Kuhn - http://organicchurchnola.wordpress.com/

Living with Freaks: www.livingwithfreaks.com

Real Worship - http://therealworshipleader.com

Fervent Worship - http://ferventworship.blogspot.com

Julie Ferwerda Blog - www.JulieFerwerda.com / www.OneMillionArrows.com

What's With Christina?! - http://w2christina.blogspot.com

Irreligious Canuck - http://www.irreligiouscanuck.com

This day on the journey - http://guychmieleski.blogspot.com

Live and Move: Thoughts on Authentic Christianity - http://liveandmove.blogspot.com/

Spiritual Journey With God - http://www.elvineve.blogspot.com/

Dries Conje - http://www.echurch.co.za / http://www.thejesusfeed.com / http://www.bookdisciple.com.

Journey with Others - http://journeywithothers.blogspot.com

On Now to the Third Level - www.080808onnowto.blogspot.com

Christine Moers - www.welcometomybrain.net

Breaking Point - http://marybethstockdale.wordpress.com

Hand to the Plough - http://www.handtotheplough.com.au

Jon Reid - http://jonreid.blogs.com/oneanother/welcome-pilgrim.html

Weblight - www.blog.worldwidewebservices.se

D. L. Webster - http://gzmproductions.com/dlwebster

Searching for the Whole-Hearted Life - wholeheartedlife.blogspot.com

Good Morning Baby! And Blog Circuits

2009-05-22T09:12:00.009-04:00

My godsons are now half a year old! Can you believe it? Wow, it never ceases to amaze me how fast babies grow.

Every morning before work I greet them good morning and then good-bye. It's so sweet and a simple thing I cherish. Waking up at 5 a.m. sometimes to their crying, not so much. But it's all good. haha.

That's West on the left and Devin on the right. This picture was taken during Easter.

Well, it's been a month since my last update. New stuff?

-Have a 3rd interview with Cafe1040.org, God Willing. It's a really great ministry in Atlanta that mobilizes students and young adults into missions to the 10/40 window. I'm seriously praying about this one. I truly enjoyed the first 2 interviews I had with a staff member and the founder. Pretty cool when you can enjoy interviews, right?! :) I feel at peace about it, but it is a little hard for my brain because it's a fully-supported position. Meaning, I will need to raise enough support to live for a year in Atlanta. I've never done anything like that; but if God wants me there helping students seek God in calling them to do missions overseas then He will make it happen!

-Friendships. I've made some great friendships so far here in Naples. My life is on a roll and there never is a dull moment. At first I didn't want to really get that involved with people down here because I wasn't sure God would keep me here. But I just couldn't avoid it any longer. Being open to whatever God wants me to do is a real challenge that way, because I want to finally settle in one place for a good amount of time. Although, the upside to it all is that I have awesome friends all over the country and the world.

-Blog Circuits! So I'm on Twitter a lot (follow me! @therealshortyc) and have subscribed to lots and lots of people on my Google Reader. Through the interwebs I stay on top of some awesome things going on all over the country with missions and ministry. And I'm connecting with people all the time. Lately, I've been getting into blog circuiting. I received my first free book in the mail which I'm reading and will post about. And a second book is on the way which I will skim at first and come up with some interview questions for the author. He'll answer them and I'll post them to my blog. This is a great way to get connected with like-minded people and be more than just a reader, but someone who is involved in the momentum and movement of what authors are writing about.

Ok, well I hope and pray you all are experiencing God's love no matter what season of life you are in. One thing I started is making a list of people to pray for. If you'd like to be added to that list, let me know!

God Bless You!

-Christina

I almost died for Jesus!

2009-04-24T16:46:00.006-04:00

Okay, well maybe not really. But in a way, yes. For Good Friday, April 10th, 2009 I drove up to Atlanta with 2 other girls (that's us on the left plus one from SC who met us there).

We volunteered for this worship service being held by Passion City Church who's pastor is Louie Giglio. You can check out their blog here for more pics and info on the event: http://www.passioncitychurch.com/blog/

That night it was dark, windy, and rainy. The event was being held at the Verizon Ampitheatre and two or three tornados had actually touched down all around us! Rain was gushing in horizontally, red clay mud was pouring in from the hills, the temperature was falling and rising, trees were swaying like crazy, you could feel the pressure in the air and see some clouds starting to swirl!

But as the service actually started (at a delayed time) things calmed down and it was an amazing Good Friday service. Words just can't describe how special that night was as we reflected on and celebrated peacefuly, jubiantly, and joyously what Christ had done for us. And about 7000 people still showed! Then Easter Day in Atlanta was a gorgeous 72 degrees with sunshine and clear skies.

The rest of that weekend and the road trip up and back between ATL and Naples was just a lot of fun as I got to bond with new friends and check out a new city.

This month I have been in Naples 5 months already. Will I stay here? Will I go? That is still the question.

2 weeks ago I started my second course in Biblical Counseling called, "Theology in Christian Counseling."

I also created a personal website that you can check out at: bit.ly/aboutchristina

It tells a little bit about what I'm aspiring to do next including a copy of my resume and links to all my interweb goodness! =)

I hope you all are doing well. I'm staying busy, and things are good. Please feel free to send me any prayer requests you might have.

God Speed!

Finally Free

2009-03-25T09:29:00.004-04:00

I saw this flyer this morning and I love what it says because it is so true. So many things in my life can testify about this. It's talking about Jesus Christ.

While I'm doing this blog entry, I may as well give you some updates:

1. I attended the Synergy '09 Conference, Orlando, FL the beginning of this month. It was awesome! I met so many other women in vocational ministry and leadership roles or who were in training / school / seminary. One thing I came away with is that I'm not alone, and I know now where to go for resources as I continue this journey that can seem like a lonely road. It was definitely energizing.

2. Last night ended my biblical counseling course, "Relationships: Keys to Growth." And in 2 weeks I will start a course in Theology. I hear it will be some pretty heavy stuff, so time to screw my studying cap on even tighter. Eek! :)

I've been in Naples 4-5 months. Not too far from half a year. This means I must start thinking about and preparing for the next step in this journey. I love it here as far as weather, but am not quite sure if this is where I will stay after my year or year and a half is up.

I'm still prayerfully considering an overseas short-term missions trip such as the one to Thailand. We'll see how God orchestrates things in the months to come. :)

I pray you all are well! Thanks for keeping me in your prayers, they are deeply appreciated.

I am still confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:13, 14

Well Done...a song for Lola

2009-02-11T10:00:00.003-05:00

As you know, just last fall when I started this blog and was embarking on this journey to full-time ministry, my grandmother in the Philippines passed away.

As I reflect on last year, a lot really happened in 2008. It was really God's grace to send me to the Philippines in March 2008 to see my Lola (grandma) one last time. And to see her and the family on behalf of my mom and dad back home in the U.S. since they could not make it.

I had to sacrifice vacation time for almost 3 years, and save up as much money as I could. Even amidst a lot of difficulties. But I was able to do it. And I was able to spend 2 weeks on the other side of the world with family. Which is something one just cannot put a price on.

Anyways, I found this original song done by an artist called, "Passion," but his real name is Jeremy. A very talented young man who also is Filipino American hailing from San Francisco.

The song is called "Well Done" and he wrote it for his grandmother back in '05.

I posted this song on a site I share with my cousins in the Philippines and got this encouraging response from my cousin Mark:

From:	mark
Date:	02/10/2009 8:32 pm
Subject:	Hi Cousin
Message:	The song well done is most wonderful song that i ever hear. because that song (well done) is really meant for lola. God Bless Always Cousin. Im already here in the philippnes. im going back to australia next month.

And here's the video:

2009-01-26T13:06:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! And a little update...

2009-01-06T14:55:00.002-05:00

Happy New year Everyone! I hope this blog post finds you well.

Today I started learning to paint some art samples. That's me applying some "set coat" to a sample board.

And tonight I start my first class in a biblcal counseling course, "Relationships: Keys to Growth."

One more thing I will mention is that I just found out that I was granted a small scholarship to attend a women's ministry conference in Orlando this March! Find out more here: http://synergytoday.org/

Praise God!

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:8-10

The Christ of Christmas.

2008-12-23T12:06:00.008-05:00

“As I meditate on the example of Christ—lowering Himself to be born in a manger, to wash the feet of His disciples, and to die in the most shameful way before the very people He came to save—I get why God repeats in Proverbs, James, and I Peter that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. May we be a humble people—not with simple politeness and sham diplomacy that masquerades as authentic humility—but people who are genuine servants esteeming others better than ourselves, letting go of our rights for the good of the cause of Christ. May we be like Jesus. Merry Christmas.”

— Wendy Alsup’s Amazon Blog

New Babies! / Biblical Counseling Courses

2008-12-16T13:37:00.003-05:00

West and Devin Lam, born Sunday, December 7th around 9am. :)

I'm a happy auntie as my best friend (who is like a sister to me) just had her first children. They are very, very cute.

Last week I registered for a biblical counseling course called "Relationships: Keys to Growth." The course will be one night a week for 12 weeks starting January 6, 2008. If I choose, I could become a certified biblical counselor after 4 courses, an extensive exam and mentorship, and 50 hours of supervised field training. We'll see!

Well, that's my big little update for ya. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

Naples!

2008-11-17T12:35:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone...I know it's been a while. I'm finally settling in to my destination here in Naples, FL.

It's been a long journey getting here after my trip to the Philippines in October. I drove to Virginia and then my dad helped me drive to Florida from Virginia.

I started work last week at my friend's art studio. My title is "Art Studio Manager." I'll be doing administrative work as well as start training in some of the wall art samples! Pretty cool. Check out their website: http://www.beautifaux.net/

I also got connected with a young adult group that meets every week and hosts sporting events. Friday I went to a soccer game and had fondue and beer with new friends or strangers, however you want to look at it. AND I found some biblical counseling courses nearby. Saturday evening I visited a church and adopted a sponsor child from Brazil.

The weather here is absolutely beautiful. I've been to the beach for sunset plenty of times already and while my dad was down here we did plenty o'fishin'! :D I caught my first shnook, salt water catfish, spanish mackerel, and lizard fish.

Welp, that's it for now. I gotta eat my lunch and get back to work!

Airborn...

2008-10-01T11:59:00.001-04:00

Here we go again!

Sudafed? Check.
Suitcase? Check.
Passport? Check.
Strength made in weakness...check?

See you all when I get back!

Lola

2008-09-30T17:22:00.001-04:00

My Lola (grandma) aka Rustica Baranda
Sunset September 30, 2008

This morning I got the phone call that my lola had passed away. She was last surrounded by all the women of the family as she waved and winked to them all since she no longer had the ability to speak. My mom also got to tell her, "I love you mamma, happy birthday," over the phone. Oh my, I'm gonna start crying again...

This picture is the wedding day of my mom and dad with lolo and lola standing beside them. Such loving people they were. I'm so proud to have had them as my grandparents.

They loved each other dearly, they loved the Lord, and they loved their children and grandchildren.

This Friday was supposed to be my last day at work, but now I must make quick arrangements to fly with my mother to the Philippines by Thursday. This is all a very weird transition time for me, but I'm going to trust God for the outcome.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV