One Word 2013: BREAKTHROUGH

There are about 263,000 words in Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. And yet one word stood out -- at least in my own personal quiet time in the last 14 days.

There is something to be applauded on the beauty of rest at the end of a busy year. My time with Him has just been sweet and unhurried.

His voice sounded so clear in my spirit. I knew, without a doubt, that this was His promise to me and my husband.

As Robert sought our Father in his own personal time with Him, he received the same promise. The very same word: BREAKTHROUGH.

I can probably come up with hundreds of scenarios on how this word will play out in our year. But one thing I am certain of: God's version of a breakthrough is way much bigger than I can ever fathom.

I am also preparing my heart on the possibilities that some things need to be broken (well, the word in itself has 'break' in it) in order for God's renewal to activate in me. Will I ever be ready for it? I honestly don't know. But I am thankful that His strength in me can sustain what my own flesh cannot.

How about you:
Did God put a word in your heart for this year?
 

What I am Looking Forward to this November

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV

I have great love for the first days of the month. But this month seems a little more special than most. I do not know why but my heart is filled with hope.

I can't wait to see couples getting married, enjoying our own marriage even more, witnessing teenagers having a true encounter with Jesus, my husband seeing open doors more then he ever imagined, pouring life into more children, being free of sickness and worry, receiving an abundance of encouragement, speaking life into more people, finding a new place to live so that we may serve our community more, quality time with family this Thanksgiving, and a continued pursuit of Christ-likeness.

What are you looking forward to this month?

 

Photo Journal: His 33rd Birthday

About a week before he turned 33, I planned on taking him to a concert that I knew he was going to enjoy. I told him that the evening will be a surprise. But first I took him out to dinner.

Dinner was at Bombasha Brazilian Steakhouse in Nashville's Hillsboro Village. It is probably the only authentic churrascaria in town. I call it a lazy man's buffet because the unlimited cuts of grilled meat are brought to the table instead of getting up and getting more food.

While I enjoy a great meat-filled dinner, I knew I couldn't take in all that was being brought to the table. It's all right though. Robert had the best meal and it was so totally worth it!

The surprise of the evening was taking him to see Boyz II Men perform with the Nashville Symphony in downtown. He did not know until we parked by Schermerhorn Symphony Center and saw the tickets. I was not allowed to take pictures during the performance so this is the only photo we got.

I wish I took pictures of his reaction to the surprise. It was priceless!

A week later

Robert recently saw a movie called Father of Lights not too long ago and wanted every one from the youth group to see it. He invited RUSH Franklin's parents and students to watch it on the weekend before his birthday.

They used it as an opportunity to use that evening to celebrate his special day. Robert and I were so moved by the kindness and generous ways these people did to make it special. The love they poured on him that night is something I will never forget and will forever be grateful for.

I knew Robert was working on this actual birthday (September 25th) so I made plans to take him out to another filling meal on the 24th. Another bonus: our good friend Liz is in town for a visit!

I've always wanted to visit Monell's -- a legendary family-style southern dining experience in Nashville. I knew a people person like my husband will love the fact that he will be seated in a long dining table with strangers and break bread with them.

The servings were generous (read: unlimited!). On the menu that day: chicken and dumplings, meat loaf, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn pudding. And the best fried chicken I've had since moving to Nashville.

That evening, I gathered all presents and cards. given by me, family, and all his other friends. I wanted him to feel like it's Christmas! One of his strongest love languages is gifts. It was a great opportunity to make him feel loved.

He loved, loved, loved the headphones given to him by my Dad.

The following morning (his actual birthday) I made him a birthday breakfast waffle. I wanted a good start to what we expected was going to be a busy work day.

He went to the office, was in meetings all morning. I asked him to come home quickly for lunch because I made his favorite Filipino dish: beef sinigang (beef ribs in sour soup).

That evening, we attended a fundraiser of Ten Days Missions -- an organization close to our hearts and helped bring us to our missions trip to Baja, Mexico.

We decided to celebrate the last couple of hours of his birthday in Applebee's. It was the only restaurant in our area that was open late at night.

Yes, he got the birthday song!

And then he found out that the guy sitting next to our table is his birthday too so he got up and sang for him!

I feel very blessed to see you so happy your 33rd birthday. The day you were born will always be the biggest deal because your life has changed me and continues to bring joy to mine every single day.

Thank you to everyone who made his birthday special!

 

Our Missions Trip to Baja

When my husband first mentioned to me the idea of going on a short-term missions trip this summer, I felt two completely opposite emotions.

First, I was excited at the thought of going to a short-term trip for the first time! It seems that all of our missions trips have been long-term (Manila, then Nashville). I have also never been on a missions trip with Robert. 

The other reaction was a sense of exhaustion at the thought of raising money again. As youth workers in Franklin, we raise our support almost all-year-round. 


I love how God has shown Himself faithful every single day since we moved to Nashville. And yet, even in His constant demonstration of meeting our needs, my faith was weak at that moment. 


It felt like an impossible task. Good thing I am married to one of the biggest encouragers I know! 


He was quick to pray for me and spoke words brought life to my spirit.



As I write this today, we are only five days away from our missions trip to Baja, Mexico through Ten Days Missions Experiences. And even in my lack of faith, God showed how faithful He is, providing every step of the way through financial and prayer partners. 

To all who give generously given through finances and prayers, you have no idea the impact you have made in our lives; way before this trip has begun. Many people will know and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior because of you.




I cannot believe we are actually going and leading a group of high school students to what I expect will be a life-changing journey! Twenty three individuals/families poured their finances into this trip, enabling us to cover our airfare and most of the ground expenses. 

I do not take this for granted for a single second. I know that times are hard. Seeing people give in faith is one of the most beautiful things that I have had the privilege of witnessing.


We are almost at 100% of our trip costs. I do not doubt for a second that God will finish the work that He started. 



Here are our goals in Baja: 

1) Building Project 1: 16 x 60 church building, parsonage, baptismal, and 4 latrines for a local church. 2) Building Project 2: 16 x 40 school classroom and outlying buildings to be repainted. 
3) Building Project 3: 16 x 40 Sunday school classroom 
4) Prison Ministry 
5) Evangelism 
6) Sports Camp 
7) Fiesta 



I have reasons why I am sharing this with you today. I humbly ask you to read on. 


1) Please pray for us. The list of prayer points is long but I do believe in the power of intercession. 

• That we may be done coordinating all travel details with our team. 
• That the next days will be a period of preparation of our hearts for this journey. 
• Safe flights as we travel from Nashville to San Diego to Baja (Rosarito). 
• Protection from any kind of disease, accidents, and theft. 
• 100% financial provision in time for our departure on Wednesday. 
• That more people will know and accept Jesus as we pour love on them in Baja. 
• The courage and boldness to share the Gospel to whoever the Holy Spirit instructs us to. 
• For unity among the team members so that we may be able to accomplish our goals together with complete joy. 

2) Please consider helping us meet 100% of our trip. We need to raise $500 more to cover expenses: rental car, building supplies, gas, Bibles, and gifts for the children/classrooms. Every single dollar goes a long way and it will make a difference.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through today's blog post. Your journey with me makes it possible to go to places and make a difference in other peoples' lives.

Happy 32nd Birthday

You have the kindest, most compassionate heart that I know. You demonstrate it every single day out of pure love and devotion to Jesus. 

 There is no such thing as unpleasant in your eyes. Everyone is wonderfully made. 

You see them through the lenses of our Father. I am blown away at the fact that out of all the love you willingly give, you chose me to receive the it more than anyone else. 

 Everyday I want become a better person because I have the privilege of witnessing Christ-likeness through your example. For you, every minute is an opportunity to be like Him. 

 You are the same when you are with others and when you are in solitude. I thought I knew what integrity looked like until I saw you live your life when no one is looking – consistent, unaltered, unwavering. 

To you, there is no part to play, no role to perform. True and genuine at all times. 

You don’t try to change people. You love on them the way God told you to. 

You invest your heart in their stories. You pour your time in others selflessly. 

Why? Because you know they matter to God and therefore, they matter to you. And yes, while you don’t force change on them, I see changed lives because you made them feel what it’s like to be worthy of love.

Today, it's your life that I celebrate. Our wonderful Father is smiling down upon you and takes pride that He calls you His child.

Happy Birthday Robert!