Unspoiled

This would be the moment when I admit to myself that I too have resolutions for this new year. Of course, I just had to be another human being who recognizes the beginning of a new year by it's fresh, raw appearance; as if we were to give 2014 ownership of the essence, "Genesis". Never the less, I have made the conscious choice to act on the parts of me I most often neglect.

So, here is to the year 2014!

The year to BE...  

pris·tine

/ˈprisˌtēn,priˈstēn/

adjective

1. in its original condition; unspoiled.

 
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It has been over a year since I chose to take a leave of absence from college. 2013 did not leave me bored. Exposing my premature adult self into the unknown brought me a tremendous amount of confidence and self-assurance. Can you believe that? I felt stronger and more alive with each step. What has been the source, you ask? I think you know the answer. This past year lives as a true test of my personal faith. The moment I made the choice to acknowledge that my needs had already been met will always remind me that I am not responsible for providing my soul with value; meaning to me, that it would be impossible to fail at this life. The question I did have, however, was what my purpose was if my existence was not going to determine my very fate? That question still leads me into laughter; because that question directs me into some of the most JOYFUL experiences here on this earth. 

FACT: this life is not about me. 
  FACT: this life is about me. 
    FACT: this life is about my being. 
      FACT: my being is God, God in me. 
        FACT: God in US, you and me, WE.  

This is where the word "pristine" has been running on repeat in my head. Read the definition again. 

ORIGINAL CONDITION 
Pre self-destruction

UNSPOILED 
Pre fall, free from sin 


With these words influencing every thought, my actions have somehow taken a custom to drawing me closer to my original being; in all of it's forms: mentally, emotionally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually. My humanity will always cause the flesh to assist in making this desire become more of a challenge rather than a journey of ease and comfort. However, it is more often than not, that the uncomfortable perspectives we are exposed to, or consider through our own consciousness, are the very ones we should be listening to and acting upon. Christ teaches a similar attitude. His actions lead most people into discomfort. Sadly, my friends, we have been born into a world where our original being is first recognized as foreign instead of natural. My desire is that one day, my original being will be what I most relate to. I chose to work towards becoming more comfortable with my unspoiled, original condition of mind, soul and body. One day, I will look back at the person I was without awareness of my Creator and rejoice and celebrate in JUBILATION; for that day will be when I can no longer relate to brokenness. 

In all this, I must remember a vital truth. I said it earlier and I will say it again. The fight has already been fought. Our needs have already been met. We cannot fail at this life. God has not given us the opportunity to. Our choice relies upon who we give the credit of life to; and that is certainly not us. However, we have been given this life, and I choose to live it in full. For me, full leads me towards my unspoiled being.

BE... Adventerous!

Every individual holds a number of values and self-ambitions close to heart. A significant ambition of mine is to expand my knowledge and understanding of the many cultures that exist far beyond my own. For those who know me best, I am sure you would agree that I do not process new concepts and unfamiliar practices well when learning from book, or lecture for that matter. In order for me to learn, I must dive my whole physical, mental, and emotional being into ACTION. Experiencing the new makes all the difference for me. I thoroughly enjoy opening my world-view and awareness of my vast surroundings. 

Already, the Lord has blessed me beyond the imaginable. He has lead me to lands far FAR from home. At only 22, my community of friends and spiritual family has grown substantially. Beginning my journey in Santa Barbara, California, reaching as far out as...

Nellore, Andara Pradesh, India 

& 

Dhapakehel, Kathmandu, Nepal

The most incredible promise is that these relationships are not just memories stored in my heart and mind, no, they continue to live and act as a significant influence in my life today, tomorrow, and for eternity in the Kingdom of Christ. The past will always influence my present; my present will always influence my future. I have complete confidence in the Lord's vision for my life and the life of those He sets before me. God's vision for His people leaves me in awe every day. Our lives are truly significant to not only fulfilling the purpose He has for us individually, but to our friends, family, community, and above all His Glory. He has prepared the way to freedom; a life everlasting, living in constant JUBILATION! It cannot get any better than that my dear friends! 

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So BE...

Adventurous! 

Ephesians 3:16-19

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Never stop exploring the vast power and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ! I promise that you will never become bored. God dwells and performs beyond anything that we can ever ask or imagine. He is in and among everything. In order to find Him, you have to step out of your comfort zone and explore the unimaginable!!!  

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Here is a fun example of a recent adventure that has opened a number of new doors for me! My trip to India last May provided a number of new promises and visions for the near future. Watching this short documentary makes me eager to return to my new friends in India, in addition to my new spiritual family in Nepal!! This video is a fairly good taste of a culture that has become a huge part of my dream here on this earth. My heart has fallen for many of the faces you will see. This, my friends, is what God has prepared in advance for me to do! 

Namaste.

 

It's all right to BE...

 Be.

  Verb. 

1. To exist in actuality; have life or reality:  

I think, therefore I am.

This is a word that I have been contemplating for some time now. Although I am just on the surface of this concept, I felt the desire to share this new interest with you; in hopes that you would keep me accountable in this new journey. My interest in this word grew when one day I was processing God's instruction to be still in His moments. Which of course encourages us to live more in the present and practice humility, trust, & faith. While trying to practice the act of stillness, It came to my attention that I want to improve many parts of me when it came to the act of being; and in order to be, I needed to become more familiar with this

word, "Be". 

The definition above strikes me in many different ways. Three words stand out the most. 

1. Exist  2. Reality  3. Think

Exist. 

What do you think your exist for? 

How do you plan on, or how would you want to exist? 

 Reality.

What is your reality? 

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel."

Colossians 1:21-23a    

Think.

I would like to argue that this word is not suitable for my particular journey; especially that of following Christ. God does not call us to think, He calls us to KNOW. Through Him, we are given knowledge; and knowledge has the ability to become wisdom. 

"I Know, therefore I am."

Our LORD is and will always be the present.  

He is the keeper of 

"I Am."

Knowledge - wisdom, is vital when practicing the act of being. In my journey to Christ, wanting to be more like Him, I need to Know Him. I need to Know what my reality is in order to know how to live out my existence here on this earth; in hopes that one day I can be all that I am called to 

be.

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It's all right to be...

HUMAN. 

Jesus Calling
written by: Sarah Young

January 23rd 

When your mind wonders from me, don't be surprised or upset. Simply return your attention to Me. Share a secret smile with Me, knowing that I understand. Rejoice in My Love for you, which has no limits or conditions. Whisper My Name in loving contentment, assured that I will never leave you or forsake you. Intersperse these peaceful interludes abundantly throughout your day. This practice will enable you to attain a quiet and gentle spirit, which is pleasing to Me. 
As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth. My strength and power show themselves most effective in your weakness.

"Be STRONG & COURAGEOUS. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." 

Deuteronomy 31:6

"For God, who said, "Let light shine our of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 

"But He said to me... My strength and power are made perfect and show themselves most effective in weakness."  

2 Corinthians 12:9

January 21st 

I want you to BE... all Mine. 

I am weaning you from other dependencies.  

Your security rests in Me alone - not in other people, not in circumstances. 

 

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So here starts a new 

journey. 

Cheers! 

  

to all that want to join me in 

"Be-dome". 

 ... if that can be considered a word.  

 

  

  

 

 

Taking a leap of faith!

The past two years have been a challenging journey, to say the least. Christ is more vivid in my heart and mind than ever before. I have learned that grace is vast and plentiful through our Lord's love for us. Though I am far from deserving of any favor, Jesus longs for my heart anyway.

Many are aware of how challenging school is for me. You can imagine, perhaps some of you may know, how exhausting it can be when the surrounding system and culture you are forced to abide by does not acknowledge nor honor who you are. After 17 years, I have decided to take a leap of faith by honoring my need of restoration through allowing Christ's evident longing to mold and transform me inside and out.  College forces you to learn far beyond the textbooks; and for now, that is the journey I am starving for. 

Philippians 3:7-14 (NIV) 

No Confidence in the Flesh

^"7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

^"1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.^"

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<sup>This Spring of 2013 I was hoping to participate in the San Francisco Urban Program offered by Westmont College; where students engage in an enriching journey towards discovering both their spiritual and vocational gifts.
 
This program would be an incredible opportunity to increase my awareness of Christ's attitude through professional internships, urban studies courses, and community living. 

For Many reasons San Francisco will have to wait for this revolutionist. I do not see this door being locked, just closed for the time being. Lord willing, this opportunity will rise again! My desire to live and swell in the city of San Francisco has not dwindled; in fact, the flame has grown even more! If our Lord should bring us back together, may we be in His arms till then.</sup>
 

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<sup>For Now, I have accepted a job in NE Portland. A dear friend and mentor from my bible study, Jagg Night, or as I like to call us, "Jaggers" offered me a wonderful opportunity to work as a secretary for his CPA, LLC firm during this upcoming tax season. 

It is my first "office-life" experience. Working from 8:00 am - 5/6:00 pm, Mon.-Fri. is definitely a first for me. Today marks my second day atempting to live up the expectations of "adulthood", whatever that means. In many ways I feel as if I am playing office; like I did as a child. The funny thing is that I still feel like a kid. Does adulthood ever feel real? Because as of right now it sure feels surreal.</sup> 

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 ^{I ask for your prayers because faith can only grow in community, not isolation. Accountability helps me walk on firm ground; built with truth, love, and knowledge, which passes all understanding.
 
Philippians 2 (NIV) 
Imitating Christ’s Humility
"2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
 
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
 
6 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death
        even death on a cross!"}