1.19.14.

It's been a little over a week since a close friend has left me. She was always around all my life up until now. Unfortunately, it was time for her to go. Chocolate: my dog, my longest friend passed away on January 19, 2014. She's been around ever since I didn't really have any friends. 

I knew it was going to happen soon because she was sick all throughout winter break. But I wasn't sure if I wanted to say my goodbye as I left for another semester. I don't think I did. But hey, life happens. There's a process of life and death in this world. It's inevitable.


Last week, I didn't have much time to be sentimental. I know it's kind of sad, but I didn't have time to be sad and think about the good times. I guess now is my time to reminisce on the past. The weird thing is, I'm not all that depressed or sad that she's gone. And by no means am I trying to say that I don't care. I do.

I didn't really know how to react when I heard the news from my dad. All I knew was that I had too many things going on. I didn't have time to sit and think. So I tried to suppress those feelings in me for the time being. I held them in as long as I could up until I came to prayer meetings during the week. From that moment, when I started praising and praying, I began to ask God to let me see the good in what may seem bad. I asked for this burden of mixed feelings to disappear. Amazingly, it did.

You see, what's done is done. You can't change the past. Of course, everyone knows that. Even though this event is unfortunate, God showed me the urgency we need in our lives. Our lives our short. Dogs' lives are shorter.

Some of you may be thinking, "how can you NOT be sad, and how are you so emotionless?" It's not that I'm not sad or depressed or angry, I choose not to pursue those emotions. They lead to nothing. Instead, I think about how there wouldn't be death at all if sin had never distorted the truth and this world. That's what keeps me going; I want expose the truth that has been distorted by sin.

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New Year Resolution: 2014

I know most people make a new year resolution, but no one ever lives up to it. By week 3-5, I notice people giving up. For example, you'll see a large number of people running across campus during the beginning of the semester. However, if you wait a few weeks, the number starts dwindling down.

Let's hope I can make my resolutions a life long habit.

• Finish the rest of the Bible (the old testament). I finished the new testament last year.

• Focus on learning and becoming more educated for His kingdom. NOT MY GPA.

• Read up on daily news: world, US, tech stuff, etc.

• Start disciplining myself by working out, again. I took a long enough break from finals.

• Finally, make time to meet people more often. This will probably be the most difficult one of them all.

 Here we go.

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2014: Beginning with United Worship

It's hard to believe that it is already 2014. A new year has started, but it feels as if nothing around me has changed. However, I guess change starts from within and by Him.

I started this year by serving as a "shepherd" at the United Worship youth retreat. In other words, I was a counselor for youth aged kids. More specifically, I was a leader of a group of 9th graders. At first, I was hesitant and worried about being a mentor for these kids. I have no experience as a teacher/mentor whatsoever. There was nothing I could do to prepare for the discussions and meetings we would have. On top of that, I heard stories of some of the kids being crazy/wild. 

"They're going to keep you awake all night."

"They always run around and get you in trouble for not being with them."

"They don't listen. You need to make sure they stay awake during the messages."

These were some of the things I heard from previous counselors. So I was a bit worried about the situation I put myself into. Just a bit.
The day finally came where I met my group. They were a normal looking bunch. We introduced each other. I set some ground rules of respecting one another, and I gave them all the freedom they wanted. No strict rules. Surprisingly this method worked. There was never a time when I lectured a member. I never had to "chase" them down. They respected me the way I respected their maturity and responsibility. Simple. There you have it. Everything went smoothly. No arguments. No complaints. Nothing. Only one guy to thank for this, and He's the one who made everything.

My only regret was not getting closer to my group. But despite my failure to do so, they still grew spiritually in so many ways. Their level of passion for Christ in prayer and worship was unbelievable. The best part is that I had nothing to do with it. I know, for a fact, that there was nothing that I did to make any of that happen. I boast in my weakness and flaws to verify that God did all that, not me.

So there you have it. My group seemed to be perfect in every way imaginable. No crazy kids. They all grew spiritually. They all became more passionate for Christ. Best of all, I didn't do anything. I was just there to monitor and witness what God can and will do.

                                       Group B11: Issac, Bryan, Trey, Chris, Mingook, Aaron, June.

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