I must admit; today was the first day in such a long time that I got to really sit back and relax during school days. Even though it's a friday, I must remind you that I have 6 days of school. I wish it were not, but it is. Let me tell you what I did today that made me feel so relax and carefree.

I had class, like usual. I went and survived. Wendy called me to see if I was out yet; the first time, no. the second time, yes. wendy, allan, and i decided to go to the noodle world in pasadena since its closer to school instead of the one in alhambra. good stuff. allan and i shared something and it was totally delicious. afterwards, we had to go back to school for our other class. wendy had english, allan had speech, and i had english lab. scary huh? they're all related. xD anyways... that wasn't really the point. when we were eating, wendy, allan, and i discussed about something we've been trying to do for weeks now; watch the eye (chinese movie; not american or japanese; totally different) and watch this other REALLY funny movie that i've been dying to watch for like a year and a half and this was probably my only chance in a while to watch it so i took the chance. (it's called "we are family") wendy said she didn't have to do anything tonight so we all agreed to go to my place and watch it. owned. we did it.

wendy and i did have to wait for allan at quickly's where wendy's bf hien worked at. it was pretty funny. i talked to alice for like an hour or so, then spent another hour talking to hien, wendy, and mark. yes. mark came sometime during the 2 hours. we played cards. CARDS! i haven't played cards since middle school. x_x im happy. MARK! STOP! >P only the ones who were there know what im talking about. hahaha. im only doing this cause i care. PUAHAH.

anyways...

It was so relaxful. we didn't have to worry about anything. allan didn't have to worry about his speech. wendy didn't have to worry about her work or essay. and i didn't have to worry about anything, not even church. today was a good day. I loved it. T think God gave me this day to show me something and i indeedly saw something magnificent. I saw how this year has been weighing itself on my shoulders and that I really needed a break from so many things in the world. I realized that, because of school, and that I was so involved with church, I failed to look at other things around me, like my high school friends. (Not including Kally because I at least try to contact her) I mean, as for Angel and April... I barely see April and only on some occasions do I see Angel. As for Wendy and Allan, I see them every friday. However, I feel like at any moment, I can slip away from them.

I'm not saying that it's school's fault or the church's fault. I'm just saying that I nearly forgot about one piece of my life that I guess, took for granted. I really enjoyed being involved with the church and everything and school is a must already. However, I miss the days where I got to hang out with my school buddies. I want to know how they are.. what they're doing.. and if they can still make time in their busy lives for me as I am trying to do for them. I know you guys are going to say that all I need is God because with Him, I'll never feel lonely. That's true because I'm not saying that it isn't. I do not feel lonely. No. You might also tell me that only God can satisfy my heart. That's true too. He does satisfy my heart. However, that's also not the case for me. It's not loneliness, or satisfaction.


I appreciate everything God as done for me. Now, I appreciate it even more because I realize how irreplaceable some of my friends are. God has let me to understand how much I loved them, how much I missed them being in my life. Ha. Especially Wendy and Allan. I realized that much today as I sat next to them, watching movies and relaxing, just to relax and feel carefree.



Tribulations are fun.

I have been thinking about some things that has already happened in the past. For example, when I had a dinner party with my cousins and friends from IMPACT HARVEST CHURCH at BJ's for my 18th birthday party, a week before my actual birthday. It was a pretty nice party, thanks to everyone that made it. There were chit-chats and silly things that I know they wanted to embarrass me because it's my birthday. (i.e. singing happy birthday with a cake-like thing x_x) haaa haaa. anyways! When I remembered this, I realized that after the dinner when most of the people left already, that I almost got killed. I'm not kidding. I was talking to someone, forgot who it was, and I stepped back a little, not aware that a car was coming. It was soo darn close. Afterwards, I went back to the person who was driving me home that night and he was like, "OMG JASMINE! YOU NEARLY GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK!" I do remember me proclaiming that God will not have me die on my own birthday, not even the week before (which that night was), and not even in the month it's in. Thank God x1000000000000000 times. That's not even enough thank God's either! v_v

Why am I talking about this when it was in the past? I'm talking about it because I think it's important to realize things that God has done for us in our lives. There are so many people out there, including myself, that are so oblivious to the things that God has done for them in their lives. Most of the time, all they say is, "Thank God this didn't happen" when they don't really know what they're actually saying. To me, knowing and saying it and not knowing and just saying it are two different things. I don't know if you feel the same way, but that's how I feel. Knowing and saying Thank God is like knowing that God did this, full on, because He cares about us and what we want. Not knowing and just saying it is like you're just saying it because it's a cliche that has been brought down from the generation before us; it'll just make it have no meaning whereas saying it with the knowledge of what it truly means makes it special. (If this doesn't make sense to you, then I'm going to have to say sorry, because my mind is weird. It's jumbled.)

So yea. Thank God for the little and big things. Praise Him for the bad and good times. Worship Him wherever you go. (:

- Jasmine

Today while I was waiting for my dad to pick me up at Burger King, I decided to call up a friend I haven't talked to for a while. Nicole. I had her for Chemistry 2A during winter intercession. She's cool. So I asked her how her day was and stuff like that and she asked me the same stuff as well. Finally she asked me why I asked her about the weekend and I said that I was hoping she could come check out 7-11 or church. She said that she was sorry and she would love to come, but she has work. I was a bit disappointed, but on the other hand, she does need money. We all do, right? Ha. Anyways. So then she asked me a weird question.

"How many bibles have you read?" *nodds* Don't get it? I didn't either. So then I asked her, "What do you mean? There's only one bible, well in a way, two. One bible with many copies that has the old testament and the new one with many copies as well that has the new testament." I suppose she didn't realize that so I asked, "or did you mean the stories in the bible?" But she meant the other one and I said that I haven't finished the bible yet. I asked her why she asked me that question and she told me that she always sees these people reading the bible and then taking a test to get a higher position. So I thought to myself, "hmm... interesting." Then I said to her, "They're probably studying to be a pastor or something. Not sure about that kind of stuff, but we Christians don't have to take a test or anything like that really." So she was like "ohhh okay."

Afterwards, I told her that, basically there are different types of things that we do at church or being a Christian overall. So I said that there's the whole members of the church who follow God, then there's the youth pastor's who teach the children to young adults about why we follow God and about other things and I talked about Sarah. I then continued to group leaders, telling her we they do, for example, the group leaders basically encourages others, show love, support others, and make friends and one day lead them to Christ and as their sheep at the beginning to nuture them and love them for who they are. Then I said, "Then you have the pastor, you know about that already, right?" and she agreed. So I continued with the translator, who I think is pretty important too. So I explained to her about the translator and by that time, my dad came so I walked out of Burger King to the car.

"Wow Jasmine. You sound so professional."
"Haha, thank you? I believe other people can give you more than that. Compare to me, they're way better."
"Aww. Thanks for your information! I learned a lot."
"Well I'll call you when my friend and I are going to do something. Maybe you can come join us if you're not busy."
"Yeah! Definitely. Call me! I'll join you guys!"

I wasn't even sure how that information was helpful. Is it correct? What I said? Or is that an opinion? No matter. I told Alice and we both got excited over the phone. It was funny. I love you Alice! Also, Alice and Tiffa prayed for my back. I feel like it's getting better too! I wont be the grandma anymore! =x I hope I didn't speak too soon. That'd be so.. not good.

YAY.

What I'm about to write, might have already been said somewhere else, like in another blog that I have, but I'm just going to re-put it on here, because I like to be reminded of the awesome things that God have put in my heart to share with all of you. So here I go.

There were three visions I've recently had.
1. A vision of one of my friends named Kevin. If you know him, you'd know that he's a spectacular person. He's just so devoted to God and in following the path that God has laid in front of him. He has so many stories to tell people and it's funny how he himself cannot keep up with it. The vision was him on a baseball field. As the ball is flying in the air towards him, he looks confident. When the ball is in the area for him to be able to hit it, he hit it far. I believe that God was telling me that Kevin is going to go far in life for God. And you know what? I believe that too. Also, afterwards, I saw him preaching to many people and them getting so impacted by it that it just changed their lives. God, I just want to praise You and thank You for Kevin. Bless him!

2. It's more of a revelation kind of vision. I started to really feel something this one night, the other day to be exact. It was like a cross section of all these emotions just flying around my heart. Then suddenly, they stopped and my eyes just started to unfocus itself. I wondered what was going on, until my heart and my mind realized that I really wanted to see the world through God's eyes. I want to see how ruined it is because of all the corruption from the media and others. I felt this pain inside my heart when I started to long for this. All the lost souls out there in this ruined world. All the Christians who are not even bothering to try and do something, whose flames are almost blowing out. This world is black, grey, and a hint of white. I was a bit surprised that I didn't start crying, because I knew how God felt for His children. At the Harvest Rock Conference back in January, I felt how hurt God was for all the lost souls of His children. I was crying so hard that time because it was painful; truly painful. God's heart is the most important thing we have to the truth.

3. At the MGM this past saturday, like usual, we were talking about some things that we can't discuss in public and towards the end of the meeting, Jack wanted to pray. So we closed our eyes and he started to pray. Some of us were speaking in tongues and others were quiet in their little world with God. As for me, I was speaking in tongues while I was in my little world with God. The prayer, which lasted probably 10 minutes seemed like forever. Not in a bad way, of course not, but in a very accomplishing way. Wait. That's not even the right world, but whatevers. Continuing. I got a vision where God showed me a lion's face. It kept popping up in my mind and I just simply thought/asked, "Why does this image keep appearing?" Then it hit me. God was trying to tell me that everyone in that room has a light of courage and boldness in them that He has supplied for us. I was deeply touched. Yes. We just need to find that courage and boldness and let it explode and take over. Amen?

Speaking in tongues does work. n_____n

If you haven’t ever experience God’s love and care for you, then let me tell you something; it’s beautiful.

Today is the first day of spring semester at Pasadena City College and I had no clue where my class was. Deep trouble, I know. I have no excuse for my behavior for not finding out where it was before today. I’ll admit that. I asked Allan to help me, but it wasn’t much help, no offense. I’m just glad he even bothered to help in the first place.

So on the way to school, I prayed to God to send down an angel from Heaven to help and guide me through finding my class no matter how bad the class turned out to be. When I got to school, I called up another friend of mine and asked her to help me. She told me that she was in the library so I rushed there. After I got there, she asked the front desk where CEC220 was. Luckily! There was a girl asking for the same information. I was so excited and my friend said that the girl, Alexis, and I can go together. We looked at each other and agreed.

We spent around nearly an hour trying to find the place. Alexis called 411 around five times. She finally gave up because every time she called, they’d give her different directions and it started to piss her and me off. I find it funny how the devil tried his hardest to block Alexis and me from attending class today. It was totally ridiculous. We couldn’t see foothill, walnut, or San Gabriel. However, his childish games reminded me that he’s beginning to become serious, not letting God win. Alexis decided to reach her mother. ANOTHER ANGEL! Let me tell you, God always have back-ups. God not only sent me an angel, He sent me TWO ANGELS! Alexis’ mom gave us clear directions and we finally saw the building. COME ON!

That’s how much God loves us! He doesn’t want the devil to take us so He’ll send double help if we need it. n___n Another thing was that I asked Alexis how much the book cost and she said the new one was around $116 and the used one was only $87 so I asked God to just provide, right? I went to the bookstore looking around for it and I finally saw it. I took the first one from the stack and it was a used one! I got to save around 30 or more dollars! GOD IS GOOD. I got the money ready just in case though and I am so glad I didn’t need all of it.

The devil will never prevail!

I have been wondering recently why I continue to take the time and go to church. With that question in mind, I felt disgusted with myself, because I knew exactly why. But as stubborn as I am, I still continued to ask God the question which being, "why?" For the past decade, I've hated that question the most. People always want to know why we're doing things, why we say what we say and so on and so forth. I'd like to keep things simple, yet understandable at the same time. Though it can be hard to do, I believe it can be done. So I continue to have faith in God. Yes.


Back to my topic, as my first post on this blog, why I keep going to church. I didn't get the answer until yesterday during the worship we had. It was totally incredible. I can honestly tell you that if you wait upon the Lord, He will answer your questions, prayers, and desires; just as long as it's for Him and for the good of your life. I waited upon the Lord for what may seem a very long time, but it was only around three weeks if I can rememer correctly. It takes time, which I know most people don't have, but if we are willing to give our time up for God, He will bless us. Amen?

Yesterday, during the worship we had, I was thinking most of the time and forgot to sing. However, my mind and heart was speaking to God. I kept asking Him why I keep coming when I don't feel like anything is really happening. I admit, it's been dry at church lately and dry in my spiritual life, but I still had faith. I knew the reason why I kept coming, but that was only part of it. I kept coming because I have a conviction, a duty to God to just love Him wholeheartedly, and to feel His unfailing love in His bride, but that's only part of the reason why. As I was standing there, closing my eyes, I decided to reopen them. He then said to me, "See. Look at them. Love." Even though His words were choppy but very velvet-like, I knew what He meant by His words. I looked around just a bit and felt this overwhelming feeling of love and some other things.

At first, I didn't know what the feeling really was, but then I started to understand why He kept bringing me back to church. One was because He wasn't done with me yet. I know that sounds funny, but it's the truth. And two was because He wanted me to see how powerful and how hard the people around me are trying to call to Him. He also wanted to give me this feeling and to let me see the world around me the way He does. As He looks around the room, He was in love with everyone there and everyone on Earth.It was incredible. It was like a totally different view from the other times I've looked at the people around my church, especially Radical Jam. They weren't singing until they lungs bursts, but they were singing enough that their hearts were literally reaching God's heart.

Smile. God will shake your world. Whatever He shows you, you must remember, you must understand His true meaning of showing you. He doesn't show you things or tell you things if they were something that He knew that you would just throw away. He shows you things when He knows that you'll be able to grasp it and hold onto it like it was your most prized possession. Keep it guarded. Today, as my dad was driving me to PCC, I saw this guy who was probably around his late 20's, early 30's running on the side, but still on the road. At first I thought, "He's stupid! It's like he wants to get hit by a car or something!" but as I watched him run, I realized that he was a bit chubby (no offense to those that are chubby, you guys are adorable & God loves you!). Suddenly, this feeling, full of love, came into play. I started smiling and I couldn't stop. I kept watching him run, even though we passed him already. It was like I could watch him run forever if I could. I know that God was trying to show me how He sees people on Earth. No matter how they are on the inside and outside, He still loves them so very much.

That's why the subject of love is very crucial most of the time, especially to me. Love and in love are two different things. Please don't get them mixed up.


Ephesians 6:13 - 18 "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth, buckled around your wasit, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the world of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Be alert. He is coming.