Only one thing is necessary

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:15

I know. I've been rambling a lot about Jesus lately. That is because I live for God. I love because He first loved us. I would not be nearly the same person I am if it wasn't for His grace. 

I started reading a book called “The Sacred Search” by Gary Thomas…. since last summer when Stephen recommended it. I met Stephen for the first time about five years ago but we only became closed friend last summer when we spent two months working and traveling together in Hong Kong. One night, we were at quiet bar across the Victoria’s Harbour when we started talking about our spiritual journey and how to be a follower of Christ when the rest of the world is seemingly crushing you down. I love little spiritual talks like that especially when feeling a bit under the weather. It’s almost like God sent you an angel to tell you that it's okay because He is with you through it all. The author of the book, in short, urges Christians to first seek the kingdom of God through finding their other Christian halves. I think it’s a great book. But I set the book aside as I was half way through reading it. I couldn’t go on because it raised so many questions of the way I was living my life and my relationship with God. Who wants to be told that he or she is in the wrong?

Recently, I've started picking up the book again. I believe that God is putting me at where I am right now for a good reason. I believe that through trials, God not only allows me to grow closer with him but also lift and build others up. Though I'm struggling to know when to sit and when to run, and where to be, the one necessary thing that remains is the life-saving and heart-changing presence of Jesus. 

His grace is enough

God did not intend for us to solve our own problems. Instead, Christians are used by God to courage one another and build each other up.
This summer I want to think less about myself and more about God and His intentions in me. Sometimes, following Jesus is as simple as to unfollowing your own desires. Jesus is on the wheel. Now seat back and enjoy the ride.
I just came home from our church retreat. These past few days were all about refocusing our daily walk with God and seeing His handiwork through the stars and wind. It is refreshing to be in God's presence and away from distractions of our busy lives.
You may be having a bad day today. But every day is a good day when we walk in the light of God because his grace is sufficient.

A little vsco here, a little vsco there

Home is where the heart is

My ideal weekend consist of a couch, Netflix marathon, a cup of hot cocoa, and a blanket... expect that didn't happen.
Instead, I spent the last couple of days with my loved ones drowning in food and coffee, watching fireworks shows in crowded San Francisco, coming home on late night trains, having cup noodles at 1 a.m., and cheering on Team USA. And there's nothing that I would do to change it.
On this Independence Day weekend, I was reminded that my freedom was purchased at a high price. I am thankful for those selfless and brave souls who have served this country and continue to give their lives for my freedom.

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"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." -Proverbs 31:30

This summer I am committed to doing my daily devotions, bible reading, and writing blog posts about it as I progress. I want to stay hungry for God's word and speak the truth in his love. We read about 1 Peter in today's service. In chapter three, Peter the apostle referred the water, which destroyed all living creatures during the time of Noah, as the very thing that saved the eight souls that remained in the ark. Often times, the sufferings that we experience are blessings in disguise.
It is often through trials and hardships that we learn to be humble and allow God work on our hearts. It is often through challenges and temptations that we testify and stand fast in the grace of God.