Remain in me.

What up from LA!!!  I'm writin from my dorm room in Loyola Marymount University.  First time EVER in a dorm!  I'm lovin' it!  I never thought I'd ever be in a dorm room , or in graduate school, or studyin' to be a teacher, it's just crazy how good God's plan is!

So anyway, here's a peek at my life here at LMU:

the front door of my dorm room, my roomies are from Texas, downtown LA, and Chicago

Here's my side of the room

Representin' CFC Youth to the fullest!  What up Northwest and Southwest Regions!

on our way back home from retreat, stopped by at the beach

the roomies!

some cool sign along the way

Hollywood's very own high school

Hollywood bowl, went to see Bugs Bunny concert (can you see the Hollywood sign? It's there!)

Kinda weird watching the cartoon with the actual orchestra playing the music, fun times!

on my way back to the dorm, shot of my campus

My program mates, the future Catholic school teachers of LA, never thought I'd ever be one!  God is good!

It's been fun times here in grad school.  The program is awesome!  We work at inner city Catholic schools while at the same time receiving a masters program and a California teaching credential.  The people here are awesome!  They're from all over the country, come from all different kinds of backgrounds.  Some came from really really presitigious schools, like Notre Dame, Marquette, and Georgetown University. 

Our days here are busy!  We have observations from 8am-12noon, we observe classrooms to learn from teachers and see how they teach.  Then from 1:30-6pm we go to our graduate school classes.  By the end of the day, I'm sooo tired!  Then it's homework and what not and then wakin' up early for the next day.

So what's it like not being full-time anymore?  WEIRD!!!  It's so different, being out of my "comfort zone" and meeting and mingling with people that I probably would not get the chance to be around.  Also getting the chance to share to people what I did and sharing my faith has been a great plus.  It's kinda weird because I never really had to explain my faith or defend it, cuz I was always surrounded by people who believed.  But now I'm around people who aren't necessarily Catholic and it's really cool because I get that "real world" exposure.

I do miss everyone though.  Still miss the people from Norcal, always!  I miss the Northwest so much!  Kinda weird not seeing everybody.  I miss the hangin' out and worships and the jokes.  But I know God has a plan in all this, just gotta have faith and keep followin' him.

So what's the biggest lesson that I've learned?  It's gotta be that... YOU ARE NOTHING WITHOUT GOD! 

 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5

Everyone knows that, but it seems that God allows you to experience that truth deeper and deeper.  I was used to succeeding and being successful, especially in what I was doing in full-time work and CFC Youth.  But when I came here to grad school, I was totally thrown out of my comfort zone.  I had to defend my faith for the first time in a long time.  I had to explain myself to people.  I had to do new things that I've never done before, and I failed and messed up.  But the great thing is that God is always there ready to pick you back up. 

One of the things that was so easy before was praying, I had so much time before to pray.  But now with my crazy and hectic schedule, it seems like it's being squeezed out.  I feel like it's a test from Him, it was easy before, but how will you be now that you don't have the time that you once had?  Will you still be faithful to me?

And the answer of course is... YES.  Gotta make the time for God.  But it gets harder.  And I love that, because it means that God is molding me and preparing me for growth.  If He didn't love us, He wouldn't bring hardships in our lives!  So embrace it, get through it, and in the end it'll be all worth it.  Remain in Him and we can bear fruit.  =)

That's it for now, I'll blog again when I get more pictures.  Please include me in your prayers, I know God has a purpose for me being here in this program.  You of course are all in my prayers, to God be the glory!

God bless!!

(warning! long blog!

but hopefully worth it )

Into Your Hands...

(part 1)

What up everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Belated Easter to all of ya! 

 I'm back!!!  Wow I've missed Xanga!  I miss reading all the subscriptions and seeing what's goin' on with everyone's life.  I miss the comments and commenting on people's site.  Xanga's the best, MySpace maybe cool, but nothing can beat Xanga.  I mean where else can you find out what's goin' on in a person' life, be inspired, laugh at a funny story, feel another person' pain through a struggle they're going through, but in the end know that someone else can be praying for you on the other side of the country?  Or even the world?  Great to be back!

So where do I begin?  So much has happened since I really last updated:

• Had an amazing Christmas/New Year's break.  Received THE BEST Christmas gift EVER.  And it wasn't even an item!
• Learned that "every night's another story", through a talent showcase here in Seattle, expecting a couple hundred, and 500 PEOPLE show up!  It was AWESOME!  Even got a DVD made for it.  It was simply amazing!
• Learned that miracles do still happen.  I mean you always hear of it happening and you kinda see it at youth camps and what not, but seeing a miracle through the gift of "healing" is something I've never seen EVER.  And for the first time I experienced it!
• Had an amazing time in Chicago with all the other FTWs.  Was reminded of my "calling".
• Was accepted to grad school!  Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles!
• Was "Conquered by Christ" all over again.
• Finally learned what it means to say, "Into your hands, I commend my spirit."

And as you all know, I always start a blog with a title that will lead into the story.  Into Your hands??   Well I'll get to that...  I wanna tell you how good God has been to me.   So good!  First of all, and I know this is going back aways, I received THE BEST Christmas gift this past Christmas.  It wasn't an Ipod, it wasn't a new car, and it wasn't an XBox 360.  The best Christmas gift that I've ever gotten was........... a dinner!  And not just ANY dinner, a dinner given to me by 3 awesome young ladies!  They totally tricked me, I had NO idea that this was going to happen!  Just totally made me feel special!  I was coming home from a trip to Oregon and was told to meet up at Theresa's house.  Then when I got there, I was greeted by Jenny and with classical music blasting in the background... with a dinner setup at the table!  Then during dinner they played a slideshow with all the memories of 2005!  How AWESOME is that!  Best Christmas gift EVER!  (great Christmas gift idea for next year for all of you thinking of something to do! haha!)

3 cheers for the best Christmas gift ever!

Look at this feast!

Opening of the gifts...

3 sweetest young ladies in the world!  You girls are the best!!

From best Christmas gift on to the start of 2006.  We had the first ever "Talent Showcase" in Seattle.  The youth did an amazing job!  I purposely tried to stay in the background and let them run things so that they could learn.  Francis did a great job!  Proud of that guy!  We had no idea how many people would show up, I was thinkin' 200 would be great... but on that night we ended up having 500 people!!  The place was packed!  And we put on an amazing show!  The great thing was that a lot of people got to see and hear about CFC Youth, this is the start of great things for this year!  I think every area should do this great fundraiser, it's a great way to get the word out about God through our creative talents.

So from talent show, switchin' gears to a "healing mass".  How many of you have actually gone to a healing mass?  I was really skeptical of it at first.  So there was this healing mass here in Seattle, a priest from the Philippines came and they had a special mass for him.  And you know what's CRAZY, I did a google search for "healing mass" and I FOUND HIS PICTURE!!!  GOOGLE CAN FIND ANYTHING!  I'M A BELIEVER! HAHA!

 Anyway so he did a mass and then after mass people would line up to be "healed".  I was with Raymond and we helped out to "catch" people who would fall after being "healed".  At first I was like... is this REALLY happening?  Or are people just doing it on purpose.  But then I would see KIDS fall!  And I know they're not acting!

Then people would go up to the podium after being healed and then they would give testimonies.  One of the healings BLEW ME AWAY!  There was a person who was DEAF and could not hear.  Father Fernando (the priest from the Philippines) touched her ears said a prayer and she could HEAR.  NO LIE!

 So at the end it was time for Raymond and I to do it.  And in my head I was thinking,"Don't fall don't fall don't fall!"

So the priest says a prayer and touches my forehead and you know what happened.....

I FELL

I can't really describe it!  It was as if...... I don't know??  He touched me forehead and everything went black.  But the crazy thing was I could still hear everything that was going on?  It was like as if a... "peace" came over me.  After awhile I got up and everything was fine.  Raymond also fell.

So for all of you doubting the gift of "healing", look up Father Fernando.  I got to see it first hand and experience it first hand.  It's the Holy Spirit I tell ya...

So from supernatural healing... to a get together with my co-workers, the Full Time Workers!  I always look forward to being with them, they inspire me, they build me up, and the worships that we have together are AMAZING!  God really knew what He was doing when He picked every single one of these talented and gifted people!

So we all met up in March for the first ever Pro-Life conference for our ministry.  It's great that Couples for Christ is taking a stand against abortion and proclaiming that we are pro-life! 

The other reason why we were meeting up was to talk about how things were goin' in our respective areas.  And for me... I was really seeking some spiritual nourishment.  And God really delivered!  He sent us this amazing priest who was a missionary priest assigned to Africa.  He was filled with so much wisdom!  He was actually there when the Rwandan genocides were happening (ever watch Hotel Rwanda?  If not CHECK IT OUT!).  And he was telling us stories of what was happening to him. 

But anyway what really was awesome was at the end he had this open forum where he answered any of our questions.  And a lot of us wanted to know what to do about where God was leading us in our life.  And so I asked him straight up,"Does your calling ever change?"

And he said,"Your calling never changes.  Once God has called you to something, it is what His plan and will is for you.  BUT.  Where he wants you to fulfill that calling can change.  So if you are a missionary, but feel called to do something else, then DO IT.  BUT!  BE A MISSIONARY!  So if you're called to be a nurse... then do it!  But be spread the word through nursing!  If you're called to be a teacher.... then do it!  But tell people about God through your teaching!"

I think his words of wisdom put a lot of us at ease.  Once you're been called, there's no turning back!  It definitely is a privelage to do what we do!  But where God calls you to do His work can change, but once a fool for God.... ALWAYS a fool for God!  Here's some pictures from my crazy but inspirational co-workers:

Great wide lens shot of the FTWs right before worship

One Way!  Jesus!  You're the only one that I could live for!

How many FTWs does it take to get a sound system to work.....

Your tithing money at work, FTWs doing KFC songs!

Your USA FTWs

So, I've been meaning to tell everyone about this but I'm ending my full-time work by the first week of June.  It's really bittersweet, I'm sad that I'm finishing full-time work but also excited about where God wants me next.  I'll be starting graduate school on June 21st at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.  So I'll be back in the Southwest region, but the Northwest has been great to me!  I can't thank all of you enough for your hard work and for putting up with me for the past year and a half.  I hope that I've pushed you and helped you grow like you've never have before.  If you ever wondered why I did things I did, it was because of that. 

So I'm probably have a birthday/going away party on the 21st of May, I'll let ya'll know the info once it's finalized!  Go Northwest!

So that's it for part 1 of my blog... I wonder if anyone really finished it?? haha!  I'll have part 2 up after a few more days.  Lots more stories to share!  Till then, God bless!!

Wow I miss Xanga!!!

What up everybody!!!Wow it's been too long since I last updated!  Things are so hectic right now!  We got a showcase comin' up here in Seattle, grad applications are due (gotta finish my essay!), and there's so much goin' on!  Promise to put up some pictures real soon!  Got lots to share!  All I gotta say is.... GOD IS SO GOOD!!! 

That phrase never gets old.  =)

Coming to Jesus

It's been a CRAZY couple of weeks!  Since the last time I've updated, I've been to Vancouver for their RLC (Regional Leader's Conference), went to a North Cluster youth camp and then went to VEGAS for a week! 

Vegas rocks!  SFC Vegas is awesome!  CFC Youth Vegas is amazing!  That area is an area on FIRE!  Keep up the great work! =)  Please email me pictures!  Thanks!

Oh and I got to go to my first ever Vegas Show!!!  It was called Le Reve at the new hotel "Wynn".  They didn't allow any pictures though, but I gotta say that Vegas shows are LEGIT!  I was impressed.  I don't know how many times I said "wow" during the show.  But the tickets are EXPENSIVE!  They start at $90.  Good thing one of the titas had a hookup, so we were able to get almost front row seats for free!  God is sooo good!  Anyway here are some pictures:

at a Vancouver YFC "country" assembly, i obviously didn't get the email =)

The theme for RLC: "Go Beyond" Simple, but powerful

Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary"  Word.

Ok so I brought my camera to Vegas but forgot my memory card!  Isn't that ironic?  Don't you think?  Hehe, but I actually have pictures from the last time I was in Vegas, back in May, of the Wynn:

elegant

so a Ferrari teddy bear costs $90!!!  A Ferrari pencil costs $20!!!  Does it have a Ferrari engine inside or something??

Home sweet home!

You know there's just something about coming home that is just amazing.  I remember crossing the border from Canada back to the U.S. and seeing that sign was just so comforting.

Welcome home.

The best 2 words that any weary traveller could ever here.  And actually I've been a little weary.  And I've been trying to find something to restore my strength.  You ever feel "tired' in your service to God?  Ever feel like you need a little "something" to spark up your life?  And it's funny because we look ALL OVER FOR it.  For some people they try to look for it in partying, drinking, drugs, in a girlfriend or boyfriend hoping that it can fill that "emptiness" in their life.  And the people who serve God try to fill it up with more service or keeping themselves "busy" doing His work.  But everyone comes to that point where there's just.....

NOTHING.  Tired of doing whatever they've been doing.  Physically drained. Emotionally and spiritually exhausted.  And trying to find that "something."

It's hard to explain.  It's not that life's fallen apart, but on the other hand it's not great.  It's just kinda............. "eh".  Just kinda there.

And so I read a "My Utmost" entry awhile back that kinda just now hit me.  It was on October 8.  And it totally made sense.  This whole time Jesus has been saying, "Come to me..."  And I thought I was seeking Him through doing His work.  But it's in the stillness that He's there:

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you REST." - Matthew 11:28

But the thing is we think that we can't JUST come to Jesus.  "But I've sinned, I've failed you, I'm not worthy Lord...."   And so we fall further and further away from Him...

"while all the time God has stood with His hands outstretched not only to take you but also for you to take Him. Just think of the invincible, unconquerable, and untiring patience of Jesus, who lovingly says, 'Come to Me . . . .'" - My Utmost

I remember when I first joined the ministry I used to think that I needed a retreat, or a conference, or something BIG to get my spirituality up.  But of course you learn that you can't rely on those things.  It's funny how quickly we forget those lessons.  But God has reminded me once again to simply "come to Him".  That you don't need a HUGE event.  That all you need is Him.

Everyday.  It's that simple.

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then His Word everyday keeps Satan away.  Amen?  Amen!

Are you tired right now?  Do you need rest from this world?  Then come to Jesus.  Just as you are.  And allow Him to chip away at the things you don't need in your life.  Till all that's left is you and Him.

Welcome Home.

Ever see 1,200 pure youth! All trying to cross the street?? AT ONCE!!! Check out the video!  (takes a while to load, patience )

Jesus Rocks!

This entry has been LOOOOOOONG overdue!!!  Wow so much has happened over this summer.  From relearning that "God is enough", to goin 4 gold "part 2" SFC style, goin' to Alaska, goin' to Montana and Wyoming, and going to "The Next Level" in Colorado, being "Alive in Christ" in Florida, and then just recently being "Refreshed".  Wanna see pictures?  Let's get right to it!:

Wouldn't this be a HOT shirt??  Maybe in another color?  Brown maybe?  Arlene make it happen! =)

So this has been my summer, it all started with learning that "God is enough" in Ohio:

u know i had to sneak a "sky pic" in there.  Ohio State sky pic for the sky lover's club.

pictures of DA BAND (thanks for the memories!):

"God is enough" house with tito "I can't play bass" Dodoy and tita Lucy

Everybody's here!

Then off to New York for the CFC Conference!

USA FTWs at CFC conference in New York

Then to the northern most part of the country!

Alaska CFC Youth!

Ever see a moose?  how about RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW!!!  Crazy!!!

tryin' to climb up Mt. Alaska with the brothers of CFC Youth Alaska....

i WISH you could see this view, Alaska's beautiful!

Who are these crazy kids??

SFC Go 4 Gold.  Welcome to Wyoming and Montana SFC!

Off to Orlando for the SFC conference!!!

Maybe Vince thinks Salman is a lucky guy?

DisneyWORLD!!!

SFC 100% Pure party!

CFC Youth U.S.A. Council w/ Xavy

MOODBREAKING UP AHEAD!

Refreshed.

  re·freshed  v. To give new vigor or spirit to, To give new freshness or brightness to; restore, to fill up again; replenish.

It's been such an AMAZING summer.  But at the same time, it has been one of the most DRAINING summers ever in my life.  From God humbling me through the "God is enough" house, with no furniture or bed, with no working shower, with an A.C. that worked when it wanted to, to praying like I have never prayed before when on mission in Montana and Wyoming, with a summer itinerary looking like this: 

Seattle to Cleveland, Cleveland to Seattle, Seattle to New York, New York to Seattle, Seattle to Denver, Denver to Montana and Wyoming, back to Seattle, to Alaska, back to seattle, BACK TO DENVER, then wyoming, then montana, then to Florida.  Back to seattle, then to denver AGAIN, then to Wyoming, and then FINALLY coming back to Washington.  Oh and I was able to go back to cali for a few days too.

Soooo drained!  I had nothing left.  I was running on empty.  The only thing getting me by was prayer.  Physically I had little left.  I had NO kind of energy.  And then I went through the desert...

Have you ever been in your walk where it seems as if God is distant?  You seek Him.  You try to find Him, but it's like He's there... but not really?  You ever been dry?  I mean worship is just not workin', it seems like you can't focus.  You ever pray and it seems like He's not listening?  You ever try to read the bible and it just makes NO sense at all.  You feel like your just.... STALE?

I was running on empty, and I was THIRSTY for God.  You ever been SOOO thirsty, maybe after playing ball or doin' somethin' physical, and your throat is just DRY.  You know how AWESOME it feels to have that first sip of water or gatorade.  I needed that!  Except it was my soul that was dry!

And so this past weekend I went to this "Spiritual Deepening Retreat". 

WOW.

Blew me away!  I thought,"How much more can I possibly go deeper?  I mean this summer was deep already!"

But check this out, so the first verse they pull out at the retreat is this:

"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." – Deut 4:29

TOOOO many messages from God!  I swear I wrote down a book full of notes on just this weekend.  But the CRAZY thing is... it's all the SAME verses!  The same messages!  But God just REVEALS more in those same verses. 

Learned so much:

- We learned that there's 3 levels of prayer

- The deepest level is when you are QUIET.  And you stop talking.  And just listen to Him.  Try it!!!  It's AWESOME!!!

- Learned that God can SPEAK to you in ANYTHING.  In even your pen!!!  I'll share about this in another blog, it's SOO CRAZY!!!

- How to use your bible FULLY, to use the footnotes, and cross references. 

- Deepening worship even more

I wish this retreat could be done for everybody.  Simply amazing.

SOOO much learned!  From "being still" in prayer, to learning more about the bible, how to read it, how to study it, and just falling MADLY IN LOVE.  I am so in love!

With God! =)

It's almost like....... you remember how you felt after your first youth camp?  How God was just so EXCITING.  And FRESH!  God has refreshed me.  And our relationship together.

Great quote of the weekend: "There must always be a "freshness" with God"

How's your relationship with God?  Is it fresh?  If not, it's time to drink from the Water of Life.  Trust me, there's nothing else like it! 

I promise to update more frequently!  I gotta share all these messages from the retreat!

"...but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." - John 4:14