I cannot believe how quickly the last few months zoomed by! The last time I wrote in here, I was giving updates about our wedding plans. Today, I write as a someone who has spent the last 4 months in marital bliss! “How is married life?” That’s the first question I get almost every time now… truth be told: I am LOVING every minute of it! (If you are single, and reading this, well, I honestly highly recommend it!) Hahaha!

Over the last few months, we got to travel some. We drove more than 6,000 miles from the West Coast, California, all the way across the country to the East Coast, New York, with my parents, aunt, and bestie friend (all 6 of us in a 7-seater mpv!). We were driving (well mostly my hubby) almost 13-hour days! But we had a blast! My family absolutely adores my hubby…well, who doesn’t?! We also went to Maui, Hawaii for our honeymoon – yes, we did get some alone time! – Hahaha! It was a dream come true for me! Then we got to set up “home” in our little apartment here in California.

While there have been daily adjustments required, these are moments that we get to fall more in love with each other! It certainly gets better every day! We decided from day 1, that our connection with each other was more important than being right… … this is the kind of wisdom we get to have imparted to us from our amazing Pastors here at Church. We are absolutely blessed to be surrounded by an amazing community who loves & champions us!

So what’s next? We are still praying about it. As you know, both our hearts greatly desire to see nations transformed by the Love of God… what that looks like though… is exactly why we are on this journey together…! Would you journey with us in prayer? xoxo

Surprisingly, it is going superbly well! I am perpetually amazed at how God is bringing it all together for us. It has been a delightfully fun time! Gabe and I are thoroughly having heaps of fun, enjoying this phase of life. We give thanks and praise to Papa God, because it is in Him, that we find peace and joy… and His Grace is really enabling us to be completely chilled about the entire wedding preparation process.

Last weekend we checked off another item on our “to do” list. Tuxedo shopping for the guys! We walked into Men’s Wearhouse not knowingly what we were looking for, but an hour and a half later, we had the entire “look” from neck down to feet, completely sorted for Gabe and all our groomsmen! Too easy! Next on the list – Bridesmaid dresses – which I’m believing will be an uncomplicated process too! Heee heee!

Today in class, Bill & Beni Johnson shared their own story and gave wise gold nuggets about marriage. What a privilege!!! It was perfect timing too! Some key points that stood out to us were:

“When you work to satisfy your own interest there is minimal fulfilment, but when you work to satisfy the other’s interest, there is greater fulfilment & enjoyment of the liberty that comes with that gift”

“Never greet each other with bad news. Always make initial contact encouraging, warm & loving”

“Set a mutually convenient time to discuss issues”

“Everything you do in your marriage has to put the other person at peace”

“Always keep communications line open”

Wow! Aren’t I simply blessed…? I feel absolutely blessed to love and be loved! xoxo

I can hardly believe it is now almost February 2012!!!

Since my last update, just about a “million” things have transpired! Well, it mostly revolved around ONE major event. Actually no, it revolved mostly around ONE incredibly amazing person – my fiancé! So please let me introduce Gabe to you.

It started purely with my desire to learn Spanish, to prepare myself for the call that God has placed in my life to be on the mission fields, somewhere in the Latin Americas. As I dreamt with God, HE crossed my path with someone who not only speaks fluent Spanish, but was also keen to teach! What I didn’t know was that he too, had a heart and desire for missions! But God knows!!!

It didn’t take long before we thought of each other as “cute”! Hahaha! More than that, we had great admiration and respect for each other, and God continued to grow our friendship into something more. During this ‘growing-friendship-stage’, I wrestled to align what was going in my head, with what I already knew in my heart and in my spirit. God is faithful. He spoke Peace into me, and poured His Grace over both of us. He showed me yet again that His Grace empowers – It’s all about His work, and none of ours.

With the peace of God in my heart, I committed to journey with Gabe to discover more of what God has in store for us both, as a couple. Christmas 2011 was memorably spent in South Dakota with Gabe’s family. It was a beautiful time filled with much love and joy – I was greatly blessed!!!

2012 swung around with a bang! On January 12th, I could barely mutter a word while I was in a swirl of emotions – of love, happiness, nervousness, anticipation, joy, excitement, affection (and more!) – but managed to squeak out a “Yes” to an amazing man of God, who was kneeling on one knee, with eyes that beamed of love.

So here I am on this new trail, now with another walking with me hand-in-hand. I am still completely in awe of God’s grace and His faithfulness. Looking back, all I see is a God who absolutely loves me, and has always been in pursuit of me. Love never fails, because God Himself is Love.

The next ‘destination’ along this new trail is the wedding, in 106 days!!! Even though many of you may not be able to physically be at this next ‘stop’ with us, you are very much invited to journey with us, in your prayers and love, and celebrate with us!

Check back in next week for more wedding planning updates! xoxo

THANKSGIVING:
“keeps us sane & alive”
“agrees with Heaven by acknowledging the truth that our lives are a gift from God, and that He is sovereign over all”
“disarms hell”
“carries an attitude of humility”
“honours our relationship with God by expressing trust in His goodness, even if we don’t understand what we’ve received”
“enables us to take hold of an adverse situation and set it apart to God and His purposes”
“accomplishes the divine justice of the Kingdom, where the enemy is destroyed by the very thing he intended to use for our destruction” [all by Bill Johnson]

So what are you thankful & grateful for?
How will you express your thankfulness?

re-post: 365grateful.com a documentary & project about being grateful… word.

[Philippians 4:6-7] “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
xoxo

A spanish song “Creo En Ti” resounded in my head as I awoke to the cold & silence of my bedroom in Redding CA.  The silence used to be a delight, but after having woken up to the chirpping of birds, crows of a rooster  and beautiful voices of “Hola, buenas dias!”, in the last 2 weeks in Nicaragua, this silence was not appreciated.  I MISS Nicaragua!!!

The time spent in Nica was amazing.  I have never felt so many emotions in a 2-week period, as I have just had.  There were waves of emotions from the highs of delight in understanding a new culture, to the joys of worshipping in the Lord’s Presence Nica-style, to the affections of hearts connecting beyond language barriers, down to the lows of sadness in seeing precious hearts encompassed in poverty.  Argghhh! I’ve always prayed, “Lord, break my heart for what break yours”… and He truly has.  My heart is broken – so broken for a people so beautiful & hungry for more of God.

Yes, I saw more miraculous healings in these 2 weeks than I ever have in my lifetime so far.  At the Name of Jesus: tumors dissolved, cancer gone, blind eyes & deaf ears opened, knees & backs healed, arms & wrists could move again without pain and evil spirits flee!

Yet the healings that impacted me the most were seeing hearts touched & healed by the Love of Jesus.  His Love never fails! It was profound – tears were shared as we hugged, hugged and hugged even more.  These moments were so precious as Holy Spirit brought comfort, joy & peace into these Nica-hearts.  His Love surrounded them & me.  I learnt so much from just not doing much, but just letting Holy Spirit do His work.

Our team visited trash dumps and showered the kids there with Jesus’ love.  We face painted, blew animal balloons, painted their nails, sang songs, and just giggled & laughed like there was no tomorrow.  There a few little girls (no more than 7 years old) who would jump up on me literally and then wrapped their little arms around me and would not let go.  Those moments were precious.  My heart was tugged and it took everything in me not to breakdown, as I wondered how many of them never have been hugged before, or had someone told them how beautiful they were.  Even though all I could say was “Te Amo” (I love you), every time I said it, their eyes would brighten up and little giggles were heard.

We also preached, ministered & taught in the local Churches & a ministry school.  Our team spent most of the time in Dario, a little town about an hour away from the capital city of Managua.  The local Church “Ministerio Rey de Reyes” was where we ministered at the most.  The humility and servant-hearts of Pastors Harry & Jairo were truly admirable.  They taught me about a lot about honour, just by the way they walked it out everyday.

The Nicaraguans were so hungry for God! I saw the scripture in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”, came alive! Holy Spirit filled every one of these hungry & thirsty hearts in a way I’ve never seen before.  The encounters manifested like a picture of the Day of Pentecost, with tongues of fire resting upon every single person – from the youngest to the eldest.  The prophetic words of Joel 2:28-32 came alive!!! Those encounters “ruined” me for life.  I don’t want to live life any other way – and I learnt this significant truth from these beautiful Nicas.

We could only have done what we have done with the help from our translators, Kevin, Eduardo & Mario.  These people have so much in them, it was an honour to partner with them.  Although we only had a day with Kevin & Eduardo, we quickly became friends, and it was so good to see them activated & now continuing the momentum of bringing Jesus’ Love & Power everywhere they go.

Mario was with us for a whole week and we became fast friends.  Mario & I would be the last 2 to go to sleep every night, and I relished every conversation we had.  It’s amazing to hear & see what God is doing in his life, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead, as God has more for him, more than he can ever dream or imagine! On the last night in Dario, it was such an honour having Mario translate, as I preached.  My words could only go so far in English.  Mario not only interpreted my words, but he carried the very heart of those words in Spanish.  At the end, almost the whole church responded to Holy Spirit’s touch & received His Love & Power.  Mario, it was a true honour to partner with you.  You preached every word – you are awesome! I count it a privilege to know you – for realz!!

As for our team (Team Dario), I am lost for words as to how much each & everyone of them impacted me in a short period of 2 weeks.  Our leaders Paul & Jenny were amazing leaders.  They were so empowering and would do anything to let the rest of the team shine, instead of themselves.  In doing so, they shone even more brightly, as we could all see the light of Jesus in them.  They are true leaders.  Paul & Jenny, thank you for everything you have done.  This trip would not have been so incredibly wonderful had you not been our leaders.  I truly treasure your friendships.

Our team bonded like family.  We shared some profoundly reflective heart-felt conversations.  I learnt so much on this trip from each one of you.  You deserve a real applause for being so awesome – you guys are legit!! The way you carried the Power of Jesus with such incredible Love is extremely humbling.  I would wanna go on every mission trip with you!

God has truly broken my heart for Nicaragua, and I will be back “fo sho”!!!

“Recibe toda la Gloria, recibe toda la Honra, precioso Hijo de Dios!”

p.s. photos of the trip are loaded – click on links on right.

A good friend recently posted on facebook::Make Your Passion Your Profession::. The comments that followed were, needless to say, interestingly varied with both negative & positive perspectives.

I recently saw this youtube vid, and these Original Skateboards crew demonstrated the possibility of that very statement.  It’s not only possible, but it CAN be done.  In fact I’m convinced – it has been done, and it should be done – life should be lived to the FULLEST.  Don’t hold back.  So kudos to you OS crew for living it out.

My heart is healing & I’m happy.  I’m happy because the sun shone with a smile today.  I’m happy because my cat is feeling better.  I’m happy because I can smell the aroma of coffee.  I’m happy because I’m blessed with the Peace of Jesus – this peace that surpasses all understanding & guards my heart.  I’m happy because I am Loved by Jesus – His Love never fails.  I’m happy because I know you are dancing in Heaven, amongst that GREAT cloud of witnesses – cheering me on, as I run my race.  And because Jesus is the author & perfector of my FAITH – I’m happy because I have the confidence in what I hope for & the assurance of what I do not see.

Thank you Praise.  I’m thankful for the reminder to guard my heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Thank you Praise.  I’m thankful that you whispered in my ear this morning.

And Thank You Jesus – for there is NONE LIKE YOU – You are the Lover & Keeper of my Soul.  My heart is happy.

Love xoxo

wish i started surfing at 22 months old!!! xx

Praise Goh, you are an amazing woman of God.  You truly lived the very words you spoke, “Live your life.  Play outside.  Jump as high as you can.  Follow a path.  Kiss upside down.  Have a green day.  Take a deep breath.  Leave your head in the clouds.  Make time.  Wear flowers in your hair.  See things from a new perspective.”  I love you so dearly & only wish we had more time to laugh so much more.  Will miss your beautiful smiles & your amazing heart here on earth, but looking forward to dancing with you in Heaven… in a little while…

Love xoxo