Finally Free

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

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:

Happy New Year! And a little update...

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.

“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

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!

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!