...Consider this....

Before I start out writing my heart or mind out, here is something that I got out of today, "Accepting God's power is accepting His Change." This thought came to mind because in class we were discussing about repentance. Just wanted to share that you y'all.

Switch of subject. So today was super cold for me at school. I had on a good layer of clothing but it was still cold. I asked one of my Hmong friends from Nebraska is this is cold for him and he said, "its alright." I also asked him how cold does Nebraska get, "Dude, way colder" is what he said.

In the meanwhile I was reading: Luke 9:1-3 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.

After reading this passage and reflecting upon it, I concluded that Jesus gave healing power and authority to the disciples. We all know that they received His power and authority and went out just like that. Yes...just like that. But it is harder for all of us to this nowadays. I think it is harder for the Hmong Churches and Christians, to see God's healing power. Come guys and gals lets go out and start healing with all that Christ gave to us. Easier said than done. Yes, I know.

I am 23, and positive with Gout. If you don't know what Gout is check out the link provided here: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp

Long story short, I am healed from gout just like that. My friend prayed for me and immediately I was healed. How do I know? Well, just to make it short and simple I ate certain food that will trigger the attacks. Its almost like having food allergy. So my friend and I bought some colossal shrimp and made some curry with it. I ate 6 shrimps and waited to see if anything would happen. Two days has gone by and nothing. I waited and waited and still nothing. Praise God!....as I got up one morning. I also went to a Bethel healing service where I was a bit skeptical about. But the day before the service I prayed to God saying that, "The women who touched Jesus' cloak was healed, why do I have such small faith."

I finally realized that God's healing power is sufficient and given at anytime at any moment. Sometimes we might be one more prayer away from getting healed. God's healing power is available for anyone out there. Jesus went to the unwanted, poor, drunkard, and cast out and served them. Are we being Christ like? Are you avoiding His Power ad Authority? Remember this, the Holy Spirit that lived in Paul, the Disciples, and Apostles, is the same one that lives in you today!

...Just once more...

So I've picked up the sport or activity disc golf. I never knew such a thing existed until my internship in Eau Claire, WI; which lead me to countless games and experiences with my friends and cousins. After the internship I returned to school and decided to buy some disc of my own at play it again store. It is great place for beginners with great prices for sports wears and gears. I got some discs and called up my friend Chao for a few rounds. We both knew that our school had a course, but we were noobies for sure. WE had no directions of the holes and tee off sections. Of course we did not play by ourselves; we decided to invite some of our friends to come along.

When we all got to the course, we met Robin and his friend playing already. We asked him if he did not mind, to show us the course and he did. We played two rounds total and I ended with a +0 the first round, and then +2 on the last. Sighs...this course was so difficult to play on. The thick trees, creeks, hills, and shining sun made it challenge for such a noob like me. I knew that this new sport or activity was going to bring great time for the guys to chat and bond. What I did not know was that it was going to be an addiction.

Days after our first game together, I set out for a practice round all by myself. I made a few birdies and pars. I was really proud of myself and wanted to play with the guys. Moments later, a friend off mine called and said he wanted to play a round. A round went to two, then to three. I told the guys I had to go and that it was getting late. The sunset was cast out it in the open and the sky was being painted with purple. Sighs, what a beautiful painting.

Sometimes we don't admit to our addictions, sins, and faults. We all need to admit to it and correct our self before it is too late. Too late that many lies have covered it up. Too late that we lost trust, love ones, and our self image. The bible teaches many things and rebukes many. People have studied the bible for many years. lets look at it this way for once, instead of studying it...live by it, speak God's words, breath His truth, think of His thoughts, and thirst for it. I still have a hard time doing this, but I will not grow if I have no one to share it with. Just once more.

To tell about.

The time has come for us to part
Indeed the day has come to night
Memories of us has made its mark
God is our strength and forever our might
Brothers and Sisters share you love
Don’t let the lies of this world get to you
Fathers and Mothers do your duty
Don’t drift away from the path that was set for you

What is to be...

Morning light breaks through the night
Certain thought of the dream comes through
Despite the interpretation made as bright
Lead your dreams to what is True

My Heart my heart it wants to go
Never ceasing to make its path
Wandering off as a river that flows
Ending up at a dead end road

The smartest man could have never of guessed
What tragedy may come in this life time
We are taught to be the best
But never told to expect the mines

Hand in hand we walk along
The narrow road that draws us far
May friends be aware of what is to come
And persevere to what is afar

Spring within

So as I make my way into the new city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin I figure that it will looks a lot like Stockton or Willows, California. Since it is known for the Green bay Packers or aka Cheese heads I thought there would be a lot of farm land or Dairy farms. Believe it or not I have seen over 10 dairy farms & over 20 farm lands. I am impressed and astonished that Eau Claire, WI can hold that many farm land.

But the reality here is that I am here for my Pastoral Internship. Shadowing a Pastor is not easy because they are capable of accomplishing their tasks faster than I am. This Pastor that I am shadowing is a man of God who continues to encourage me daily as we study God's word together. I am truly blessed to have found this man of God and it has been countless prayers that has brought me here as well.

There are times where you need someone else to lead you. Then there are times where you just needs to set back and relax. Letting someone else lead you is pretty hard if you have been a leader all your life. I am currently reading a book called "Developing the Leader Within You" by John C. Maxwell. It is a very encouraging book that teaches leaders to be even better leader in whatever, wherever they are leading their group. Many stories from the book are from actual leaders life experiences and changes they made. A quote from the book "You will only become What You are Becoming Right Now." I believe this is true because if you focus on becoming something else rather than what God had planned for you, or what you have planned out, then you'll never become person or reach that goal.

Being mindful of what is to be done right away seems to be too much for some people. Lets break it down then!
- Write out what you value in life
- Ask someone who knows you well what areas of your life they
see as consistent (you do what you say)
- Ask someone what areas they see as inconsistent (you say but
don't always do)

This is a simple grid or answer sheet that Maxwell had in his book.

Life brings many obstacle, but if we face those that are coming right at us first then we will conquer our goal faster. If we choose to scatter our self all around and not tackle one at a time or the first obstacle then we will just fall.

Ephesians 4:17-24
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

In this passage it talks about being followers of Christ and putting off our old self and to put on the new self. We are made anew because Christ died for our sin on the cross and he took all of our sins and threw it all away into hell. We are to be glad and especially praising God for His one and only Son Jesus Christ that He gave to us. "Life is not easy" some may say. But it is when we all share it together and help one another along the way.

Internship

Pastoral Internship here I come!

Tomorrow morning at 8am I will be leaving to Sacramento airport to catch my flight to Minneapolis, Minnesota international Airport. There I will be doing my Pastoral Internship with Rev. Shalahng. I am super excited and nervous all at the same time. I pray that God will us me in His way to help serve and better His kingdom. Four months is the total time I that I will be there. Looking forward in helping the youth, congregation, leaders, elders, and kids as well.

God continue guiding me, teaching, leading, and showing me your way in everything that I do. Everything that I do is for your fame, glory, honor, and praise only. Amen.

Start

In the start of my summer break I headed off to Crescent City, California. Majority of the guys are here as well. In Crescent City there is countless crabbing sessions, fishing at the Pierre, and skim boarding on the 101 shorelines. There are mussels hanging on the coastline ready to be harvest and eaten. We had more than an hour harvesting mussels and gathering sand crabs on the shore line.

When the tides are high and up close, you'll run for cover.
Taking refuge with a friend or a love one, embracing with love.
Mountains hide and wide, rising sunset coming over.
Off in the distance comes a ship back from adventure.
What more can you say to God's great creation?