So Much To SAY...

Hello World,
So there's been some technical difficulties keeping me from blogging...but my account is back and running well...at least from now. This is going to be a very long post due to the fact I have a lot to say and was not able to say them. Perhaps I'll break it down nicely.

My Vacation
Getting away from Maryland was awesome! It was something I really needed to do. But 2 weeks into my trip I found myself missing so many things. Very simple things...like Noodles & Company, Chipotle, Popeyes, driving, ABC channel, Football (the real kind American not soccer), this is just a short list. Haha - mostly food places. While London has a lot of things I like; the rich culture, the architecture, the general way of living is so much more relaxing. Those Europeans really do know how to enjoy life. And perhaps I'll be joining them shortly. Time will tell :)

The purpose in which I came here didn't particular happen the way I had planned, but honestly God is quite the comedian and had better plans for me. I came to party, get wild and have a good time BUT I left London feeling so much closer with God and I don't regret a single moment of how the whole thing went down. I fell in love with Him all over again and it feels GREAT! He was there for me when I really needed Him and has a way of showing me that "His thoughts towards me are good."

I'm finally home. Back to America! Not particularly looking forward to starting a new semester on Monday but that only means one less semester closer towards graduation. So it's all good.

Haiti
I'm sure we're all aware of the Haiti earthquake disaster that took place on Jan 12. It's a very sad moment in history. And everyone's seems to be looking for some sort of explanation either through science with the tectonics explanation or religious views. The truth is we will NEVER know why God made such a disaster happen. All we need to do is pray without ceasing for comfort and aid for the Haitians and that in some way this disaster will be the driving force that brings people in the country closer to knowing God and accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. While prayer is great, God says how can you say you love me and do not able to give your neighbor a glass of water. Donate whatever you can. There are so many organizations out there as avenues in which you can send your donations. Visit these links

http://www.worldhope.com/

http://www.worldvision.org/

http://www.worldrelief.org/

http://www.compassion.org/

Implications
The biggest revelation that came to me was...everything is VANITY. This reminds me of the book of Ecclesiastes which describes toil, pleasures, and inherently everything as MEANINGLESS. It really is. I read an article about a Haitian couple who worked extremely hard for years to build a successful hotel business in Haiti. The day before the earthquake the couple were millionaires and now they are sleeping in their car. The lesson is simple. We need to stop worrying about such materialistic things, clothes, shoes, cars, money. Don't get me wrong, it's great to enjoy life and the all the riches God has bestowed to us but keeping our focus on Him is what's what really matter. A memorable quote I learned from a PWC partner Chris Simmons is "Keep the main thing the main thing!" The main thing is God!

There's a Yoruba saying that says "Fast now so you won't have to fast later." It makes more sense when said in Yoruba. In essence it's saying diligently fast and pray to God so that you won't be placed in a situation when you have NO choice but to fast. For example some survivors in Haiti have gone without food and water for days now and are still alive by the grace of God. We think, okay let me speak for myself. I have never really seen the purpose of fasting, but I'm learning it's really to let God know you're willing to let go and deprive yourself of the physical to get closer to him spiritually.

I've learned so much this past 4 weeks and I'm looking forward to growing and learning more in Him. In such difficult and trying times it's hard and perhaps appears impossible to keep the faith but it's even more crucial that we do now.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

With Love,

In _ We Trust...

I really need to blog about this. So there appears to be this reoccurring theme that's I've been receiving lately. I'm starting to think it's a message God is really trying to get across to me.

So I wasn't really in the mood to read my bible today but wanted some sort of God interaction, I decided to go check out the Frontline Silver Spring's site to see the sermons I've missed (which is a lot btw) lol. Anyways I chose to listen to the latest by Nate Keeler titled "In ____ We Trust."

Word. Everything he talked about hit straight home. The topic was centered around the question "Is God the very center of your life?" I would like to think so. But analyzing the question even further made me to realize that the answer is NO. At times I commit some aspects to him and often try to take control of the other. The thought of giving over EVERYTHING to God cause me anxiety. The thought of giving over my love life to Him causes me the most anxiety. Ironically, I was just given a book by my friend Fana titled "When God writes your love story" by Eric & Leslie Ludy. (Truth be told I've had the book for a while, just hadn't bothered to open it till I got in the plane heading to London last week) The book is quite fascinating and embodies everything I've been either hearing or reading.

The truth is I would like to think I know who I want in a partner but honestly speaking I've fallen for the same types, the attractive, smart, tall, charismatic types. Who often find it intriguing to be with an cute, smart, and ambitious girl with high morals. But here I am still single. Now what's the problem? I'm in charge and obviously choosing the wrong guy!! What needs to happen is for me to let go of all inhibitions and just tell God. Look YOU CHOOSE. And trust he won't let me down.

I think I'm starting to listen. This is obviously a message He's trying to get across to me and it took over 3 attempts for me to finally get it. But I GET IT. I'm learning to officially trust God with the pen of my life. :D

Psalm 37:4-6
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord trust in him and he will do this. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Happy New Year!!!

It been 2 hours since we came back from church. So I had plans to NOT celebrate New Year in the church. I was going to go out and have a wild time. Ha! I ended up in church. lol. God always has his own plans. Anyways I really did enjoy myself. Went to Redeemed Church in Peckham with the UK fam. So many people, had to go to another sanctuary and watch the preaching from a screen.

I'm SOOOOOOOOOoooo excited about 2010. I have such high hopes and expectations. It's going to be wonderful. I pray God will elevate me physically, spirititually, financially, academically, and in my career as well. I pray that no harm will come to either myself or my family and friends.

I know this year is going to be better than the last. Overall 2009 was great, like a rollercoaster but it ended nicely and 2010 will top that.

I don't usually do resolutions but these I what I plan to do:

1. Release every aspect of my life total to Him.
   
2. Continuing growing in my relationship with God. I've come really far and want to keep climbing up.
   
3. Be more openminded and read more leisure books!
   
4. Be more focused academic have create goals for the year.

Doesn't seem like much but certainly #1 is going to be the toughest to adhere to. But by the grace of God I will fufill all these resolutions. London's New Year's Eve parade in the morning. Must sleep. Goodnight :D