Today's weather is unbelievably terrible in KC. We have bad, bad, bad - I know it's redundancy plus bad grammar, but hey! I'm not at work now :) - ice storm. The good thing is they let us out early! I was out of the office since 2:30 p.m. That is a miracle! I still can't believe that this is happening. I was actually - literally - out of the office before the official shut down time? This is ain't right!
I still remember clearly how I felt when my professors let us out early or cancelled classes back in those days. I still remember the satisfaction, the overflowing joy, and the "yeah!" feeling I had being a student!
And brothers and sisters, believe me, those feelings were nothing - yeah! nothing! - compare to what I feel today! I mean I was able to go home early and being paid; eventhough I wasn't at work? Oh, how I'm suddenly infatuated with the idea of "working" instead of "schooling!"
I tell ya', mom is right! There's certainly something we can praise God for each and everyday!
I'm gonna curl up with Baby the whole night!
Now I wish I had a fireplace!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
What would I do without You?
So I had to drive back from Wichita to KC last night after a great weekend with my sisters and friends.
So I had to go back to my routine of waking up early in the morning, getting ready for work, saying "bye" to Baby, locking my apartment, going down the stairs, pulling out of the car port, 'flying' to work, stopping at two traffic lights, pulling in to the work's parking lot, opening my office's door, turning on my PC, reading my Bible, saying a morning prayer, checking my e-mails, getting through my to-do list for the day, closing my office's door, pulling out of my work's parking lot, driving back to my apartment, pulling in to the car port, going up the stairs, unclocking my apartment, greeting Baby, sitting down and finally catching my breath...
A co-worker a.k.a mentor finally told me today that I've got to slow down. She's definetely not the first one to say that. So she said, "Amelia, you push yourself too hard. Give yourself sometime. Let your hair down.." And, It really got Amelia thinking.
God has opened doors for me throughout my life that I just could never envisioned. From coming to America to study, to going to graduate school, to teaching at a college level in America, to doing an international ministry, to getting a job in such a short time after graduation. Those may not be anything to others; but they sure are something for me.
Looking back, - although I count them as blessings - I realized I have always been on-the-go in my life. I have never really slowed down. Perhaps she is right. Perhaps now is really the time - the time when I just need to stop and just marvel at His grace.
God has always worked things out for my good (according to Him). What's more, He has kept me tight in the palm of His hand. And though a lot of times I find myself veering to the left and right; He has, indeed, been faithful to keep my faith in Him from being veered.
I have heard people preaching to me, read books, seen people's lives testimony - I even taught my girls and my people at CIRCLES - that God has a purpose to whatever He is doing. There are many things I do or experience now that I do not want to trade with anything else in the world. However, there are also many many things that I do or experience that I do wish not for me to taste. I do believe that He has a purpose and plan for me all along, even when I wasn't paying attention. God desires and has the power - I realized - to align us and position us to be where we are (geographically and spiritually) for His purposes.
Although I may not know why I was brought here. Although I may not understand how can this be His purpose. I know one thing for sure.
I was made to adore Him.
I was made to glorify Him.
I was made to fulfill His higher purpose that I don't even have the clue what it is.
All I can say now is, thank You, Lord!
For the fast-paced life I have had, thank You, Lord!
For taking me out of my comfort zone, thank You, Lord!
For all You've given to me, thank You, Lord!
For all You've done in my life, thank You, Lord!
For all the blessings I still cannot see, thank You, Lord!
And for helping me to slow down, I thank You more and more, Lord!
What would I do without You, Lord?
So I had to go back to my routine of waking up early in the morning, getting ready for work, saying "bye" to Baby, locking my apartment, going down the stairs, pulling out of the car port, 'flying' to work, stopping at two traffic lights, pulling in to the work's parking lot, opening my office's door, turning on my PC, reading my Bible, saying a morning prayer, checking my e-mails, getting through my to-do list for the day, closing my office's door, pulling out of my work's parking lot, driving back to my apartment, pulling in to the car port, going up the stairs, unclocking my apartment, greeting Baby, sitting down and finally catching my breath...
A co-worker a.k.a mentor finally told me today that I've got to slow down. She's definetely not the first one to say that. So she said, "Amelia, you push yourself too hard. Give yourself sometime. Let your hair down.." And, It really got Amelia thinking.
God has opened doors for me throughout my life that I just could never envisioned. From coming to America to study, to going to graduate school, to teaching at a college level in America, to doing an international ministry, to getting a job in such a short time after graduation. Those may not be anything to others; but they sure are something for me.
Looking back, - although I count them as blessings - I realized I have always been on-the-go in my life. I have never really slowed down. Perhaps she is right. Perhaps now is really the time - the time when I just need to stop and just marvel at His grace.
God has always worked things out for my good (according to Him). What's more, He has kept me tight in the palm of His hand. And though a lot of times I find myself veering to the left and right; He has, indeed, been faithful to keep my faith in Him from being veered.
I have heard people preaching to me, read books, seen people's lives testimony - I even taught my girls and my people at CIRCLES - that God has a purpose to whatever He is doing. There are many things I do or experience now that I do not want to trade with anything else in the world. However, there are also many many things that I do or experience that I do wish not for me to taste. I do believe that He has a purpose and plan for me all along, even when I wasn't paying attention. God desires and has the power - I realized - to align us and position us to be where we are (geographically and spiritually) for His purposes.
Although I may not know why I was brought here. Although I may not understand how can this be His purpose. I know one thing for sure.
I was made to adore Him.
I was made to glorify Him.
I was made to fulfill His higher purpose that I don't even have the clue what it is.
All I can say now is, thank You, Lord!
For the fast-paced life I have had, thank You, Lord!
For taking me out of my comfort zone, thank You, Lord!
For all You've given to me, thank You, Lord!
For all You've done in my life, thank You, Lord!
For all the blessings I still cannot see, thank You, Lord!
And for helping me to slow down, I thank You more and more, Lord!
What would I do without You, Lord?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
This thanksgiving break is certainly different than other thanksgiving breaks I used to have. The most obvious one is I don't have to catch up on homeworks, papers, or exams this time. Wow! This is something that I'm actually very thankful for!
Coming from a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, I definetely find this 'holiday' very special. Being a Christian, my parents always reminded us that we should give thanks to God at all times and all circumstances. But, setting a day aside to specially give thanks to God is actually very cool.
Today God really reminded me that I'm very blessed that wherever I am, I always have a family or two who I can spend thanksgiving with. And it is so true. I have been in America for six years, and I always have a place to go for Thanksgiving. And today I even got to experience two kinds of thanksgiving: American and Asian.
As I celebrate thanksgiving today, I'm thankful for:
1. the grace of salvation God has granted to me
2. my beloved parents and sisters
3. my lovely baby and monty
4. the mission
5. my wonderful friends wherever they are (wichita, kc, indiana, iowa, indonesia, malaysia, singapore, and so on)
6. my tough job (yay! at least I'm employed :) )
7. all nations baptist church
8. my uncertain visa situation (which helps me to cling more on God)
9. and many many more....
Today, I am reminded (again) of the hymn "Count Your Blessings." As my mom always said, God is good. He's always faithful to those are who are faithful in Him. She always reminds us to always count our blessings and be thankful for what He has done in our lives. So, what are you thankful for today?
Coming from a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, I definetely find this 'holiday' very special. Being a Christian, my parents always reminded us that we should give thanks to God at all times and all circumstances. But, setting a day aside to specially give thanks to God is actually very cool.
Today God really reminded me that I'm very blessed that wherever I am, I always have a family or two who I can spend thanksgiving with. And it is so true. I have been in America for six years, and I always have a place to go for Thanksgiving. And today I even got to experience two kinds of thanksgiving: American and Asian.
As I celebrate thanksgiving today, I'm thankful for:
1. the grace of salvation God has granted to me
2. my beloved parents and sisters
3. my lovely baby and monty
4. the mission
5. my wonderful friends wherever they are (wichita, kc, indiana, iowa, indonesia, malaysia, singapore, and so on)
6. my tough job (yay! at least I'm employed :) )
7. all nations baptist church
8. my uncertain visa situation (which helps me to cling more on God)
9. and many many more....
Today, I am reminded (again) of the hymn "Count Your Blessings." As my mom always said, God is good. He's always faithful to those are who are faithful in Him. She always reminds us to always count our blessings and be thankful for what He has done in our lives. So, what are you thankful for today?
Count your blessings name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done...
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your many blessings and see what God has done...
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
This time last year....
This day last year I was with my buddy Jasmine and several other GTAs in Boston. I was sick with a heavy flu. I was also nervous preparing for my presentation for the National Communications Association (NCA). I guess time really flies... Guess where I'm gonna be this time next year!
Transition...
I still find myself adjusting, transitioning, settling in, or switching the lifestyle that I used to have when I was a student. It seems like I've been in KC for quite some time, but I just realized that I have been here not even for four months yet (well, in two days...).
As exciting as the job can be, I was reminded by one of my pastors that it sure doesn't come without stress. I don't think I'm stressed, through. That's not the point. But, I have to admit that it's very challenging. I really do miss what I used to have.
I do miss classroom. Everytime I see the students at the place I work walking with their sweater, jeans and backpack, somehow I feel like switching role with them. I miss going from class to class. I miss printing my big paper five minutes before the class started. I miss hanging out at the students center to chit chat and simply do nothing.
I do miss taking a nap! Oh, this is certainly the greatest challenge I have working full time. I really used to having 1-2 hours nap back in those days. Oh, how I miss it!
I do miss my Wichita friends! They are just a great mix of students. Love each one of them!
And the thing I miss the most is The Mission. I do miss the exciting, nurturing, soothing time of worship I used to have with them! I miss prayer meetings! I miss lifting each other up in prayers and worships! I do miss circles! I do miss every single thing about the Mission! I even miss having a hard time choosing which restaurant to go after church service each Sunday. I just miss everyone at The Mission! Everything just felt so right back then...
Although I know and believe God has a wonderful, marvelous, glorious plan for my days ahead, sometimes I still wonder why KC. I just don't understand. And I'm sure it's not for me to understand everything right now either.
As I'm writing this entry now, the song "My Hope" by Hillsong is on on my WinAmp. And it's so encouraging. God is good and faithful to me... Words can't even describe...
As exciting as the job can be, I was reminded by one of my pastors that it sure doesn't come without stress. I don't think I'm stressed, through. That's not the point. But, I have to admit that it's very challenging. I really do miss what I used to have.
I do miss classroom. Everytime I see the students at the place I work walking with their sweater, jeans and backpack, somehow I feel like switching role with them. I miss going from class to class. I miss printing my big paper five minutes before the class started. I miss hanging out at the students center to chit chat and simply do nothing.
I do miss taking a nap! Oh, this is certainly the greatest challenge I have working full time. I really used to having 1-2 hours nap back in those days. Oh, how I miss it!
I do miss my Wichita friends! They are just a great mix of students. Love each one of them!
And the thing I miss the most is The Mission. I do miss the exciting, nurturing, soothing time of worship I used to have with them! I miss prayer meetings! I miss lifting each other up in prayers and worships! I do miss circles! I do miss every single thing about the Mission! I even miss having a hard time choosing which restaurant to go after church service each Sunday. I just miss everyone at The Mission! Everything just felt so right back then...
Although I know and believe God has a wonderful, marvelous, glorious plan for my days ahead, sometimes I still wonder why KC. I just don't understand. And I'm sure it's not for me to understand everything right now either.
As I'm writing this entry now, the song "My Hope" by Hillsong is on on my WinAmp. And it's so encouraging. God is good and faithful to me... Words can't even describe...
"You are righteous. You love justice. And those who honour you will see Your face. I will arise and lift my eyes to see Your majesty, Your holiness. And all I am will bless You. My hope is in the name of the Lord where my help comes from. You're my strength, my song. My trust is in the name of the Lord. I will sing your praise. You are faithful."
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
lee ya is back....
Wow! I didn't realize that it's been ages since I posted my thoughts here.
Life has been so interesting since I moved up here in Kansas City. It's totally different with student's life that I had been living for practically all my life...
The good thing is I'm so blessed to do what I'm doing now. This is really what I went to school for. I love communications. I really do. Everyday is so different.
I do wear so many "hats," which is the part that I like the most of the job.
One day I am a writer. I just write, write and write all day. I write press releases, stories, ad copies, weekly newsletters and of course e-mails. I do love e-mails.
One day I am a photographer. Yeah! In fact, the people at the place I work often say that camera is part of my attire! Specially with my sunglasses, yeah! I'm so a paparazzi! I take pictures for all the events that go on on campus.
One day I get to be AMELIA EARHART! For those of you who don't know, she was the first woman who flew across the Atlantic Ocean. Very remarkable woman despite the fact that she dissapeared and never came back. For more, you can simply google it! I got to be AMELIA EARHART, coz I flew around Kansas City last week. They wanted me to take pictures of the campus, the Plaza and the downtown from the top! It was an AMAZING experience!
One day I get to be a graphic designer. I design, design, design and design all day. I put together promotional materials: newspaper ads, direct-mail pieces, magazine layouts, and lots more.
One day I get to be a public relations person. I hold press conference. I make sure we have good connections with the media.
One day I get to be an event planner. I hold community functions and presentations.
One day I get to be a Web site person. Haha! A lot of my friends know that I'm kind of a computer illterate person. But hey, a job is a job. Gotta do what I've got to do. Gotta learn what I've got to learn. So yeah, I've been trying to update my work's Web site. Well, like I said, I tried... :)
One day I get to be a greeter. For those of you who like going to Wal-mart, you will always see a person that greets you, "Hi! Welcome to Wal-mart, how are you doing?" Well, I'm not exactly doing that. But, every Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m., I usually start standing by the chapel auditorium's main doors togive my biggest smile, greet and pass out the newsletter to students, faculty and staff. I personally love doing this, because I get to meet a lot of people.
One day I get to be a talker. I talk and talk and talk and talk on the phone. Sometimes the phone just rings and rings the whole day. Sometimes it just doesn't! It's just interesting...
One day I get to be an eater.This is not a joke at all. There was one week that I literally went out seven days straight lunch and dinner. Not that I want to, but it's just what I have to do with this job. There are lunch and dinner invitations and not forgetting those banquets to attend. Yeah, I'm fat!
Well, all I can say is I'm truly blessed!
And I give the glory and honor to my Father in Heaven... I really wouldn't have been here if it wasn't because of Him.
I often quote my favorite verse Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." AMEN!
God is good and He has always been. I can never thank Him enough for what He has done!
Life has been so interesting since I moved up here in Kansas City. It's totally different with student's life that I had been living for practically all my life...
The good thing is I'm so blessed to do what I'm doing now. This is really what I went to school for. I love communications. I really do. Everyday is so different.
I do wear so many "hats," which is the part that I like the most of the job.
One day I am a writer. I just write, write and write all day. I write press releases, stories, ad copies, weekly newsletters and of course e-mails. I do love e-mails.
One day I am a photographer. Yeah! In fact, the people at the place I work often say that camera is part of my attire! Specially with my sunglasses, yeah! I'm so a paparazzi! I take pictures for all the events that go on on campus.
One day I get to be AMELIA EARHART! For those of you who don't know, she was the first woman who flew across the Atlantic Ocean. Very remarkable woman despite the fact that she dissapeared and never came back. For more, you can simply google it! I got to be AMELIA EARHART, coz I flew around Kansas City last week. They wanted me to take pictures of the campus, the Plaza and the downtown from the top! It was an AMAZING experience!
One day I get to be a graphic designer. I design, design, design and design all day. I put together promotional materials: newspaper ads, direct-mail pieces, magazine layouts, and lots more.
One day I get to be a public relations person. I hold press conference. I make sure we have good connections with the media.
One day I get to be an event planner. I hold community functions and presentations.
One day I get to be a Web site person. Haha! A lot of my friends know that I'm kind of a computer illterate person. But hey, a job is a job. Gotta do what I've got to do. Gotta learn what I've got to learn. So yeah, I've been trying to update my work's Web site. Well, like I said, I tried... :)
One day I get to be a greeter. For those of you who like going to Wal-mart, you will always see a person that greets you, "Hi! Welcome to Wal-mart, how are you doing?" Well, I'm not exactly doing that. But, every Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m., I usually start standing by the chapel auditorium's main doors togive my biggest smile, greet and pass out the newsletter to students, faculty and staff. I personally love doing this, because I get to meet a lot of people.
One day I get to be a talker. I talk and talk and talk and talk on the phone. Sometimes the phone just rings and rings the whole day. Sometimes it just doesn't! It's just interesting...
One day I get to be an eater.This is not a joke at all. There was one week that I literally went out seven days straight lunch and dinner. Not that I want to, but it's just what I have to do with this job. There are lunch and dinner invitations and not forgetting those banquets to attend. Yeah, I'm fat!
Well, all I can say is I'm truly blessed!
And I give the glory and honor to my Father in Heaven... I really wouldn't have been here if it wasn't because of Him.
I often quote my favorite verse Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." AMEN!
God is good and He has always been. I can never thank Him enough for what He has done!
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