Welela- Miriam Makeba

Random but I grew up with this song/ video and it brings up good memories!!!!!!


Welela

Mamazenzi | Myspace Video

Something else....

Just a quicky, but I feel like God is building my relationship with people I would have never thought I'ld be close with. It's interesting cause just a couple of weeks ago, nothing existed and matter of fact, I would never have though something WOULD. Frankly because of my pride and judgment/ disapproval. Anyway, somehow something formed, and I'm just like God, what is it you want me to do with this??? Cause I know this relationship was created for a purpose. And I don't want to miss my cue in your plan, so what's up???


Just thought I'ld share.

Blessings

God just continues to surprise me and like my mom says "embarrass me with blessings!" It's amazing, but I just find myself feeling speechless. Take for example today. I have no idea how this happened except for the fact that it was the Big Man doing it. So this school year I received this Language fellowship which was just AWESOME cause it was like heeeyyy money in the bank! LOL. Well, it hadn't dawned on me until a week before the deadline that I could apply again next year. By then I was thinking ok, I just won't apply for next year, maybe I'll apply for the summer. After hours searching for a way to combine both the summer fellowship (if I got it) and a summer internship or classes, I realized, doing both was not feasible due to overlapping dates. Womps. So I kinda resigned, or was slowly resigning to doing neither. That is, till today...at 1:47pm actually, when I received an email from my professor asking if and why I wasn't applying for the fellowship again next year. Mind you the application is due TODAY. So, here's my response:

Step 1: Send email 1 back- Some excuse
Step 2: Realize that God might be using the prof to speak to me
Step 3: Send email 2- Wait can you write me a recommendation?!!?
Step 4: Send email 3- Here's my resume etc. I know it's last minute!
Step 5: Fill out app
Step 6: Contact another professor I'm close with, Praying and hoping, the prof can do this last minute
Step 7: Ugghhhh 1 page essay

Well I would just like to say that less than two hours later, my apps have been turned in, including BOTH letters of recommendation, and other materials. How did that happen?? God I tell you. I'm still in shock. Here I was praying, my professors get the email before midnight and have some energy to write something...but BAM! TWO HOURS.....whaaattt???!!! unheard off.

Can I just brag right now?? I'm a blessed child. That's all I can say.

*Cheesing!*

Hello????

Haha God is so funny, amazing, wonderful...shall I go on??

I just got the most wonderful wake up alarm today. So there's different ways God speaks to people- street signs, any sort of thing really, for me He uses people and I mean I'ld been feeling a little under the weather lately and had such a frustrating, downer the other day. And yesterday what happens??

I end up having a late night convo with a friend I haven't seen recently--> went on till like 3am. AWESSSOOOMMEE. And today it was just like people approaching me and just having these wonderfully pleasant conversations and I'm like haha God you're so funny. Here I was on the path of some self-pity rant and God say no no no, and floods my surroundings with just the most amazing people. It really lifted my spirit. Can you say Halleluyah??

I'ld say Amen to that!

Ciao!

Learning to trust...

I'm not in the driver's seat, I don't have the map, but Lord you do. Yup, I'm learning to trust in you.

Ciao!

Everything you do = Act of Worship

I know I've been talking about worship a lot, "worship this...worship that" but I mean IT IS what we're created for. So I've been practicing or rather attempting to keep in my mind that everything I do can be an act of worship to God. And I have to testify, it gives me a TOTALLY different outlook. Most evident to me right now is at my track practices (side note: I'm an athlete). Just repeating over and over "act of worship to God", and keeping in my mind that this workout isn't to please myself, isn't to please my coach, but rather God, has been very rewarding. I'm like shoot, I don't want to disappoint God; I have to use this body he gave me and make him proud. I don't know how to explain it, but it's just been really rewarding for me.

On a different note, school is officially back in session....um yay?? In the midst of everything, especially my hectic schedule, it now becomes really crucial to keep my eyes on God..MUST...NOT...LOOK...AWAY. I'm really glad I abstained from Facebook for the past 10 days (just ended a couple of minutes ago). I haven't gone on the site, but it's like hold up...I abstained from Facebook at a time known for high potential for boredom, and the increased use of social networking sites aka winter break, PAUSE...I seriously made it through! All thanks to the Holy Spirit I must add. Self-control hasn't been my strongest point and this is definitely the longest I've been off the site. It makes me realize that if I can abstain from it during the winter break, I can definitely control my usage during the school year. 

Control Facebook usage = more time for productivity

I love it!! And the main thing I gained?? More time in the Word. I had all this extra time I wasn't using on Facebook and it was like um, what to do now? OK I'll read the bible, I'll search for good Christian music etc.  And of course it enabled me to write here more often. All in all, it was an awesome time. NO regrets. 

I'm so psyched about Self-control....its the fruit of the spirit! Woot woot!

Ciao!

Switching it up everyday!

So here’s something I found interesting: the different names of God. It’s always fun to switch it up sooooo I'm gonna practice saying a different one each day. There's so many to choose from!

Names of God (Hebrew):

1. EL: God (“mighty, strong, prominent”)
2. ELOHIM: God (“as Creator, Preserver, Transcendent, Mighty and Strong”)
3. EL SHADDAI: God Almighty or "God All Sufficient
4. ADONAI: "Master'' or "Lord"
5. JEHOVAH: (Yahweh) "The Self-Existent One," "I AM WHO I AM"
6. JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide."
7. JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals"
8. JEHOVAH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner"
9. JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies"
10. JEHOVAH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace"
11. SHEPHERD
12. JUDGE
13. JEHOVAH ELOHIM: “LORD God”
14. JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: "The Lord Our Righteousness"
15. JEHOVAH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd"
16. JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord is There"
17. JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts"
18. EL ELYON: 'Most High"
19. ABIR: 'Mighty One', ("to be strong")
20. BRANCH: The branch
21. KADOSH: "Holy One"
22. SHAPHAT: "Judge"
23. EL ROI: "God of Seeing"
24. KANNA: "Jealous" (zealous)
25. PALET: "Deliverer"
26. YESHUA: "Savior" ("he will save")
27. GAOL: "Redeemer" (to buy back by paying a price)
28. MAGEN: "Shield"
29. STONE
30. EYALUTH: "Strength"
31. TSADDIQ: "Righteous One"
32. EL-OLAM: "Everlasting God"
33. EL-BERITH: "God of the Covenant"
34. EL-GIBHOR: Mighty God
35. TSUR: "God our Rock"
36. MELEKH: "King"
37. FATHER
38. Alpha and Omega: "The first and the last" (Greek)
39. IMMANUEL, or EMMANUEL, or IMANUEL: "God with us."

Even more:

• Ancient of days
• Angel of the Lord (seen in the theopanies)
• Shepherd of the Sheep
• King of kings; Lord of lords
• Chief Cornerstone
• Rock

Source: Click HERE

I know it’s a lot, but I love been able to say my father’s name in so many ways. Love Love Love it.

Ciao!

A living sacrifice

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." - Romans 12:1

A couple of things:

1. True worship (which we should do everyday, every minute) happens when you give yourself completely to God- you SURRENDER
 2. The problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the alter, so you may have to re-surrender your life fifty times a day. It must become a daily habit.


sources: Bible, The Purpose Driven Life

Ciao!

One of my favorite things....

I love to write and I really do thank God for this outlet.
I've had a journal since I was in 3rd grade. Yes, seriously that long. I remember my aunt seeing it in 3rd grade and threatening to tell my mom what I wrote in there about a girl in my class...oh dear. Anyway, clearly I've been a writer for a very long time. I started writing poems in 7th grade and sadly I've had long periods where I don't write a poem or two (excuses include "too busy" etc), but I truly love LOVE been able to just create out of the imagination of the mind, a piece. Well here's a poem I wrote during the summer. I decided to put it up, so hope you enjoy!

Showers of Blessings

I am so immensely blessed to have a mother after God's heart. The amount of trust and faith she has in God surprises me sometimes, but mayne if you knew the amount of blessings that came her way, its unbelieveable, i mean literally UNBELIEVABLE. I ran up to her room a few minutes ago to tell her amazing news--> Refund deposit from school, which is amazing considering I haven't paid a dime yet---Tell me how she had even BIGGER testimonies to tell me?? AMAZING. God TRULY is AMAZING!! She reminded me that if you trust in God, put him first, talk to him, HE WILL LISTEN. Point blank, honest truth. And obedience is key, ladies and gents, please always remember to pay your tithes.

Ciao!

Strum Strum Strumming away!

I realized I forgot to share the good news. Drums please.....I FINALLY GOT MYSELF A GUITAR! Woot woot!!! I've been trying to get one since 1st semester Freshmen year, so basically a year now, and well things never just quite worked out, but I told my roommate before I left winter break, "I'm definitely coming back with a guitar. Just watch." And tada! lol. Weeeeell I've been practicing this bad boy for almost a week now. I would love looovee to play along during my family group (bible study on campus). I already learned a song, David Crowder's "How He Loves Me." I mean I NEED more practice, but it's getting there =D

The Reason for Everything

As mentioned earlier, I'm reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren (I'll reference it as TPDL). Last night I read the 7th chapter/ 7th day. And it spoke about GLORY. Of course, I was like ding ding, that's what this blog was built on, for the very purpose of glorifying God. Well the chapter itself was very interesting, so I thought I'd share some things.

Ques: How can I bring glory to God?

Ans:
1. By worshiping him

"Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him, and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes. When you use your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship."- (TPDL)

2. By loving other believers

"Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified." - Romans 15:7

3. By becoming like Christ

"Spiritual maturity is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act." - (TPDL)

4. By serving others with our gifts

"God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts...Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory." - 1 Peter 4:10-11

5. By telling others about him

Main Point:

"Living the rest of your life for the glory of God will require a CHANGE in your priorities, your schedule, your relationships, and everything else." - (TPDL)

All in all, I feel like this calls for a re-evaluation of my priorities, schedule, etc. Yup, I'm gonna need to talk to God in prayer bout this.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite worship songs.

Ciao!

DAY 1....(Un)successful

Water fast ended at 5pm today (Hangs head in shame). I wasn't even hungry, no growling stomach, nothing. I was busy playing my guitar when my mom insisted I eat something. FYI she doesn't know I'm fasting. I've been a tad bit sick. Runny nose, constant sneezing, headaches (gone now Thank God), and she said how in order to get better I need to eat. Weeeeell it was like I was looking for some excuse to break it, cause I went to the kitchen and grabbed some cookies...4 cookies. Then Brown rice with General Tso's tofu (my brother made it from a recipe) and then some vegetable couscous (also made by my brother) and a peanut butter sandwich. Mmm....Glutton much? Si.

I'm thinking about modifying it to 6pm at night. Yes, I'm still gona continue with this. I haven't been on facebook all day (yay!) and I'm sure I won't be on till the 12th. It's just the food thing that's an issue. Ugh, I WASN'T even hungry! Sigh. I just ate to eat.

Anyway, tomorrow's another day. I did my devotions, reading etc like I said. I just....suck at self-control when it comes to food. Hence a department I need God to help me with.

Till next time. Adios!

Pre-Day 1...Kinda

Starting January 3, I will be embark on a 5 day water fast as well as a 10 day fast from facebook. Today is TECHNICALLY the 3rd even though it 12:02 am, but I'm still gona write another post, so lets just call this the pre-day 1 post. The water fast is something I've always wanted to do, and I feel like with the beginning of the year, this is a perfect time to really zero in on God. I'm currently reading "A Purpose Driven Life" and I am just yearning for that renewal of the mind, and that fervent thirst and hunger for God. I just want God to re-ignite my passion for him, and what better way to seek his face and truly focus on God but by fasting. I would do a juice fast, but considering that I don't own a juicer, and every other fast is so easy i.e. not eating meat (I don't really) etc. I know something like no food for 24 hrs sounds painful to me. Sigh, yes i said it, i love food, I LOOOOOVEE food, and sometimes i over do it with food. Emotional eater? yes, unfortunately that's me.

Anyway, I plan to document this journey everyday. The facebook fast was incited by a friend who is doing it till the 12th. So I said hey why not cut out that distraction as well. Ahhh this is truly a test. So what I'm I going to do with that free time? Weeeell:

1. My daily Bible reading
2. Purpose Driven Life
3. Pray Your Way to Breakthrough (book of prayers)
4. B-1 bible reading (my family group)
5. Meditation and re-evaluation of self and activities

That's what I have so far. I actually have a cold right now, so maybe this cold will disappear as well. Hopefully.

Anyway that's it. Ciao!

PAUSE #2

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

PAUSE

Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us

Transparency and Such

I truly admire and appreciate people who are able to be transparent with their Christian life and just their journey with God. The biggest positive is that it encourages other people, well for me, I tend to get encouraged. I was reading a friend's blog and it was just like yessss!! I'm glad she wrote this. I don't want to get into much detail about it but it's definitely a must read. Her whole site is pretty dope actually. Check out the link below.

                                                      http://dominiquechaneledition.com/

(M)omentary (I)ntermission (A)llowed

It's been a while since I've written on here....well its been almost a whole semester sadly. There's been a number of occaions where I've been like I absolutely have to blog this but, poof, the next minute I forgot and it remained untouched. It's kinda funny how it's during finals week, when I'm spending (or supposed to be spending) multiple hours cramming info into my head to make up for the times spent falling asleep in class or simply not understanding what the heck the professor was talking about...GREAT...that i am finally blogging. Really though?


My plan was to take a quick study break, so I logged unto blogspot, hoping to read stuff about hair and beauty etc, its been too long since ive read my fav pass times: natural hairstyles tutorial articles and vids. Well i logged unto the wrong account and well here I am.


So I'll use this opportunity to talk about my semester thus far which can be summed up in two words: ROLLERCOASTER RIDE. Both emotionally and spiritually. I mean emotionally, I definitely had some tear jerkers this semester, moments of pure frustration and mixed in with some more frustration combined with the desire to isolate myself etc. Yup a rollercoaster. I learned that I'm not the superwoman I thought I was lol. I defintely tried taking Physics and the lab, Chem and lab, with 3 other classes, being a major character in a theatre production, being on the cross country team, a board member of 2 organizations.....lets just say, first 2 weeks I was getting NO sleep and lo and behold, my body started breaking down (sick). That was the sign. Derin SLOOOOOOWW down.

Spiritually, well, I'm not exactly sure when it happened. Most likely started with "oh I'll read my Bible in the morning, I have to get this work done" to "Oh I'm tired, I'll read it the next day." Next thing I know, I haven't read my bible in weeks. shame shame. Very soon, I'm no longer talking to God at random times (when walking etc). Then something happens and I'm like "Oh God, I feel so far away from you!" I remember there was a day not too long ago, when I knew God was not pleased with my actions. It was a quick realization and literally I walked in fear the next week scared of God's wrath. I think I realized what it means to fear the Lord. I always felt it was oh just a respect thing, like fear the Lord = respect the Lord. But now I feel it sometimes (maybe all the time) really does mean FEAR the Lord and being VERY aware of his power and dominion over all things.


My desire more than anything right now is just to stay plugged in. Like plugged in and in tune with God. To have that strong connection and for others around me to lift and encourage me. I guess in order for that to happen you have to be an open book....um about that...i guess that's my prayer points right now, to be an open book and to fully attach myself with like minded people. People who strongly desire to be plugged in and just be in tune with God.


Well, my study break is over. Time to head back to the books. Adios!!!

To Date or Not to Date?

Currently Playing: Fresh 
Artist: Rhema Soul ft. G. Styles

So Saturday night I went to a House of Chayah Rap Session which is just young adults meeting and talking about real life situations, and at the end of it all, worshiping God with our voices. I have to be honest, my experience was dope, dope, DOPE across the board. The discussion was about love and relationships and it was led by a young married couple who were so honest and transparent about their relationship and its beginnings. I must say, it was very refreshing. One surprising moment during the night was when they asked people to raise their hands if they were relationships. And if they were, WHY they were in the relationship. I was incredibly surprised when only two hands out of the everyone- mind you this was a packed room- were up. I looked around and was like wait, so all these fine brothers and sisters are all single?? WHAAT?!

Okay okay, I myself I'm single and have been for almost three years, mostly by choice. I've developed a negative image on dating based largely on observations of friends and their relationships as well as personal experience. I see relationships as energy and time consuming. And I mean there's nothing wrong with that, but if I'm in a relationship, I'ld like to think I'm giving my all and holding NOTHING back and the only way that's gonna happen is if I'm marrying you, or there's a potential of marriage. If there isn't, then you're simply a waste of time. I've been through enough pain and don't see any reason to "practice" some more or "learn from mistakes"  before marriage. What I'm I practicing for, or learning for, if my marriage will NOT be like these useless relationships? Anyway that's just my philosophy and I was surprised a good number of the audience felt that way too. Mmm who knew?

The most important thing that was stressed is building a strong relationship with God FIRST before starting a romantic relationship with the opposite sex. It's right there in 2 Timothy 2: 22 (So flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart). The relationship with the opposite sex should also start as a friendship. When you're friends with someone, you know the person's characteristics, their weaknesses and strengths and from there you can decipher if you want to invest your time into building a closer relationships. Because you know them, you know if they meet your standards (which should include a close relationship with God: 2 Corinthians 6:14). The question is will he/she help you grow STRONGER in Christ? If not, then you know it's gonna be the opposite, just back away from that and keep it moving.

Dating is getting in a relationship with someone without knowing much about the person, but then hoping to find out more through the experience and that is truly where the trouble comes in. You make yourself vulnerable to pain when you don't know what kind of person you are dating. The bible says "guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life" -Proverbs 4:23 So one shouldn't careless give one's heart away, I mean it should be considered a precious gift, worthy only for someone who you could possibly see yourself with for the rest of your earthly life.

On that note, what about someone you see potential in? Well Pastor Justin from P4CM (Click me!) has 15 questions he strongly recommends women ask the man before getting in the relationship. Enjoy!



Ciao!

Go Buck!

Currently Playing: Go Buck
Artist: FLAME (rap)

So lately, I've been coming across discussions on Christians and secular music and movies. I recently decided to stop listening to secular music, partially motivated by Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" music video and Kanye's "I sold my soul to the devil" statement- I know, shame shame. It really shouldn't have taken me so long to say no to Kanye's music, Jay-Z, and the rest of them. Anyway, I saw this video a couple of days ago regarding secular music and I must say, they hit the nail right on the head.



I also came across this video talking about Christians and movie watching. Also good stuff. Oh yea the blog is: Desiring God (Click me!) Good stuff there too



I thank God for Pandora, it's been giving me some awesome Christian music. Even some artists like Cartel which I love listening to, I'm like yo, they're Christian?? And then some ill Christian rap artists too. I'm like wow, I'm loving this! So, if you wonder why I always have a currently playing song at the beginning of each post, it's because I'm trying to expose you to some really cool Christian songs and artists. If you check them out, you might find yourself hooked too. Remember, if the music isn't glorifying God, then who is it glorifying? Just something to think about. Till next time, Ciao!