SA

So, I've been doing some training here in SA.

Things are going great. Exploring this great city. I'm not in love though.

I've been able to eat at some great places. My favorite so far is a restaurant called Mi Tierra, it's downtown. If you would like to have 24 hour access to authentic Mexican food...this is the place to be; tastes like my moms cooking :-D

I'm looking at doing all of my Christmas shopping. I seriously need to make a list. Every time I go and purchase gifts, I always end up buying some stuff for me. NO wait....I did buy something for my mom :-) left is my dad and 6 sisters. Which is a lot of gifts to purchase. I need to figure out how to get the rest. Giving is definitely my love language.

Korean Bathhouse, anyone (except the noisy ones please)?

So, a friend and I last weekend took our second trip to a Korean Bathhouse in Dallas off of Royal Lane. I had loved it the first time around back in August, so we decided to go again!

I was so utterly excited about this because I just loved the freedom and soothing/quiet atmosphere it provided. Here are some photos:

Entrance

Women's spa room

Awesome theater, mainly people relax here and take naps in the spacious seating. That night they played Unknown and Morning Glory.

I love the aroma room your breathing literally opens up with you step into this space.

The food court. They have a lot space for you to sit chat and relax and of course EAT! They do carry a selection of Korean favorites and an array of fruit juices and fruit smoothies. I'm sure next time we will try and actually eat some of the traditional cuisine.

Overall impression the first time around five stars. The second time around I was almost completely turned off with the experience. I was excited to be pampered and relax but instead I was disturbed with loud noise from disrespectful newcomers, who clearly had no sense to realize that it is a place to come and relax and to allow others to do he same.

The first time I came the ethnic culture was mainly Asian families and a few Mexican families. The next time it was full of Americans (I am an American myself), which is fine I understand the place is trying to appeal to the masses but seriously, majority of them ruined it for me.

I was sad to see that the freedom of the spa room was inhibited by people who were way too conservative (not wanting to be naked in front of other women). Which I understand, however, this is the environment of the public bathhouse, you will be naked along with other women who go there. It then created an atmosphere of women being self conscious of their bodies (even the Asian women). It is understood you are not there to look at each other and size one another up. But to relax and be free! It was very annoying and took away from the overall experience. Both times I have gone on a Friday night. I'm sure I will have to go one more time to see how it matches up with the first two. Since, the price is going up ($20 to $25) I really hope I am not disappointed because then I will for sure not come back.

Things to be aware of if you've never gone before and what to expect:

1. You will be naked in front of other random women/men depending on what spa room you go into.

2. Please be mindful of other people in this space. They come to relax and pamper themselves. They aren't there to ruin it for you so don't ruin it for them!

For a closer look into the Korean Bathhouse World visit King Spa's Website: http://www.kingspa.com/d-about.php

Good, mate!

So, a little while ago, I posted something about finding the right person and understanding how God sees relationships.

This morning, I'm not sure exactly what I was doing at the time. But a scripture popped into my head about a man not looking for a wife (1 Corinthians 7:27). So, I googled it and it came up with several webpages with similar things. I opened this page up, I figured it would be something good to take a second look at. I did read it all and found myself comparing what scriptures say in essence, about a good mate and how I felt I measured up to the scriptures and then desperately prayed to the Lord that he is creating in me a good woman that will be a crown to her hubby.

Anyway, enjoy *_*

I couldn't take a readable screenshot so...I have to put the link here:

http://bible.org/seriespage/qualities-godly-mate

MI Papi!

My earthly father has been my dad for 26 years. My heavenly Father has been my dad since the foundations of the earth, in Christ.

God's Best

So, for the past few months I have been completely in love and infatuated with Korean Dramas!

^-^

I can't seem to get enough. Anyway, currently I am watching this one called Boys Before Flowers.

Besides the point, one of the character said, " It doesn't matter the route as long as the heart finds the right destination." Ok, I added the heart part.

Then the Lord helped me to see:

THANK YOU, LORD! That he is giving me an opportunity to have his best whether he is or not. Thank you Lord for letting me see that it is still a choice to trust you and receive your best.

I TRUST YOU, LORD! It's like even though we aren't even together...I still was choosing to be stuck and captive in that choice or idea to wait for him and accept him EVEN if he isn't Father's best for me. God you are so faithful and good to me! I love you Lord.

It's like especially with relationships, the worldly mindset is to take what's in front of you and not wait for the perfect will of God.

You worry and worry about if he is the one or if he is not. You don't really think about being content in your singleness until Mr. God's Will comes along. We get cheated out of time and energy, that can be better spent serving the Lord. If you're like me you've spent a good portion of your life wondering and thinking, praying...hoping the person you are with or are not with is the one.

Enough is enough, we should be anxious for nothing but bring everything to the Lord with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Because honestly, if he gave us this desire for intimacy he really is faithful to fulfill it without need to afflict ourselves with disquieted longings.

I don't want to be engrossed furthermore in wasting more time and energy in my pursuit of Mr. Right, but instead really focus on becoming the person that Mr. God's Will, will need when we do find each other.

Meanwhile, I will enjoy deep relationships with family and friends; while serving the Lord with what he wills.

I don't have to date around to get married.

Honor and Life

biblegateway.com

♥ Heart has been made a new ♥

God is so good and he loves to restore things, I didn't even realize it and had gotten that new heart necklace about a month ago. As, I put it on yesterday the Lord told me, that the was giving me a new heart (in gold). I had been given one (heart in silver) by someone close to me at the time a while ago, I lost it and then it was found but never returned to me.

But in reality God showed me what his new plans were by showing it to me now in this time and place. He showed me how I didn't need the old one and that it has been left in the past. He is ready to make all things new again.

I wanted to search the bible a bit more about this to confirm what he was telling me and I found this:

http://www.comcovhop.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=v6wKue0us6c%3D&tabid=83

Worthy to be loved in a new way.

I just realized that this is what my name means. It makes sense that the Lord wants me to experience his love in a new way by deeply understanding my identity in him.

IN HIM.

Day 1 of Prep week

I went to Wal-Mart first this morning to buy me a time keeping watch, it was $7.58 and hot pink. I also bought a banana (which was delicious), a room temperature water bottle, and oh yeah, some clorox.

I went to the local middle school to go walk my 20 minutes, I walked about a mile. Which sucks, however, it is just my start!

My hip was hurting, so maybe I should go over to the cushioned and better maintained track right next to the one I used. The weather was nice. Going in the morning is way better than going in the evening, once the sun has been out the air is so blahh...

I'll try and keep going during the morning :-) Before 7 am, I saw a bunch of kids prepping for something.

Now, off to my calorie counted breakfast.

Running...

So, today I woke up early! Yay victory!

But it turns out that I read the instructions wrong on the running program. I had to actually walk for 20 minutes the first four days and then walk for 30 the next four days. I worked out (did Zumba) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday (yeah I skipped Saturday); which are the days that I thought were my prep week. Darn!

Oh, well, I guess just to make sure I do it right and don't hurt myself. I'll go this morning and do the 20 minutes of walking, I'll start from scratch. I'll have a banana for fuel, go buy a simple time keeping watch and go walking...

RUNNING SCHEDULE

Before you start with this schedule, get your legs ready with eight days of walking: walk for 20 minutes a day for the first four days, then increase to 30 minutes a day for four more days. Now you're ready to begin with week 1.

Each week of the program, do your run/walk workouts on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and take Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday off.

10-WEEK TRAINING SCHEDULE

Week 1
Run 2 minutes,
walk 4 minutes.
Repeat 5 times.

Week 2
Run 3 minutes,
walk 3 minutes.
Repeat five times.

Week 3
Run 5 minutes,
walk 2.5 minutes.
Repeat four times.

Week 4
Run 7 minutes,
walk 3 minutes.
Repeat three times.

Week 5
Run 8 minutes,
walk 2 minutes.
Repeat three times.

Week 6
Run 9 minutes,
walk 2 minutes.
Repeat twice, then
run 8 minutes.

Week 7
Run 9 minutes,
walk 1 minute.
Repeat three times

Week 8
Run 13 minutes,
walk 2 minutes.
Repeat twice.

Week 9
Run 14 minutes,
walk 1 minute.
Repeat twice.

Week 10
Run 30 minutes.

Note: After completing week 9, if you feel tired, repeat this week of training before moving on to week 10.

Sunrise is to be at 6:22 this morning. We'll see.

I'm thinking about Athens, TX. About maybe working there. I'm not sure where the Lord is going to take me, but I do see myself living in a colonial that is not too big but not too small either, and that has been kept in excellent condition and oh yeah, really cheap :-)

I have so much going for me, I want to make sure to do all that I can with the Lords help every step of the way. He is good and faithful to me, I shouldn't despise small beginnings or him in every moment of my life.

Listening to Spontaneous Worship by Kim Walker (This is my song album)

Sleeping...

I've slept so much today. I'm not sure why I've been sleeping so late! I'm sure that's not good. I'm going to go do Zumba tomorrow again!

I found my running shoes again, I'm not sure how long they will last me before I have to purchase new ones. I'm glad the Lord is working out the good and the bad for those who love him. I've been looking for work and haven't found anything. I'm wondering what it is the Lord is trying to show me and where it is I need to go. I was thinking I want to live in the DFW area, or in Austin.

All of the sudden I want to live in Austin. I've never had any desire to work in Austin, but I guess that is changing now. Hmmm....I'm open to go wherever the Lord would like to take me.

All I know is that he has amazing things in store for me! He is so faithful even when I am not. I'm freaking out since I don't have enough experience to get a good paying job, but all he says is, It's not about you and your skills and abilities, it's about my kingdom and what I want to do and get done through YOU! That helps calm me down, he is sovereign in every area of my life. AMEN!

Wow, it's been a while again...RUNNING

So, we finally got the internet connected again and I'm able to write some more on this blog.

I've been having so much breakthrough with not missing my ex anymore. It sort of just happened Thursday. I was sitting there, thinking about stuff, and nothing! I had no withdrawals of missing my ex or wishing I was with him.

I know it is relatively quick, but I was determined to be free of the bondage and lies.

The last time I saw him was around the last couple of weeks before I moved. I am glad that Father was/is faithful throughout the process. He gave an order and I obeyed and within that guidance I was able to be free from missing him (no more teary reminiscing).

God is so good! He is so gooood all the time! I am glad that I have the privilege of knowing a God who cares about our every move and what we are about.

Now, by no means am I forgetting the pain I went through, because of my disobedience, but I am for sure learning from it.

RUNNING

So, forever and a day now, I've been thinking about running. Running away from all the problems of life...lol not really.

I've been thinking of becoming a runner where I can just put on some shoes and go! I would love to be called a runner by people in random cars and run away if I was ever in a dangerous situation. As of right now, I wouldn't be able to evade anyone on foot if my life depended on it.

I have been down this road before. I've read a bit about how I should start and train for marathons blah, blah, blah. However, I haven't actually done it. But kick myself all the time because I don't actually start. I'm sure I can do it, my brother started out of the blue, I'm sure I can do it, just for the heck of it!

I am looking at this website: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381--678-5-1X2X4X5X6-6,00.html

First Steps!!

Jobs

There are so many great jobs out there. I'm not sure why I've been down about it for a while. I have to aggressively find a job. I'm not sure where to go though. I am planning on applying to the Fulbright scholarship, to do the ETA thing. Since I am a recent graduate I can still apply for it. I know my chances are slim, however, it doesn't hurt to try.

I wonder what country I should hone into. I'll pray about it and see if that is something the Lord wants me to do for now. I know the application is very lengthy...and highly, extremely, competitive. Oh well, I'm sure it will work out one way or another but that would be awesome to help teach english in another country for a year ;-).

I can pick something up for meanwhile, and then find a permanent job. I'm excited to see how it works out.

I must decide on which country and apply for those places.

Wisdom Teeth

So, I finally just set up an appointment to get my wisdom teeth looked at...they are reeking havoc in my small mouth and I am in terrible pain!

Blah...yes I'm 26 and I've never had them taken out (money was a big factor). Anyway, I have an appointment Friday and hopefully they will take out those terrible teeth. I don't have use for them unfortunately. Goodness!

Praise the Lord, because he is still good no matter what!

Ecclesiastes 9:10

NIV: Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

The Message: Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes -- God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors or scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love. Each and everyday of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get for exchange of the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it, and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it. For there's neither work to do or thoughts to think in the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed.

Awesome, I really delight in both of these versions of a great scripture ;-)

Moving On

Today, finally, I was able to move most of my stuff to storage. It was a miracle I was able to fit all of my stuff into the small 6x8. Thank you Jesus that it was done! And then I found three more boxes that were moved without my knowledge and in return they were left behind...so I will need another miracle to get them in my car to go wherever I go. The destination is still unknown and I am awaiting confirmation from the Lord.

I managed to fit in a pedicure today. From $20 this guy gave me for my trouble. He was going to purchase my washer and dryer from me and then decided (once he took the dryer to his house) that he didn't want them. His mom has sent him a message that she was giving him some free ones. Which he of course accepted and gave me mine back. I didn't complain it gave me $20 I didn't have before.

So, I used them wisely by going to get a pedicure. :-) My feet are always in desperate need! Ha Ha.

I am really tired and worn out. This part of the move wasn't nearly as bad as the one I did two months ago. That one was a nightmare, made me want to burn everything and leave with the clothes I had on. Too bad movers are so darn expensive and I don't have the money for them.

Either way, I had a lot of help and it saved me, my arms were giving out from all the lifting :-(

Praise God for helpers :-)))

Sovereign Lord, even in all of my relationships

I know I will be madly in love with my husband.

He is not going to be perfect, but he will be a vessel of honor to the Lord. As I am being transformed into a vessel of honor as well. Yesterday, the Lord also spoke to me something about relationships that I had not yet realized.

That truth is that regardless who we are meant to be with, the relationship/connection isn't about us. It's not about does he drive the right car, have perfect teeth, has no money in the bank, or does he sing to me on our wedding day. It does however, have everything to do with the reason why the Lord created each of us.

The will of God is the reason.

So, as I've found myself and couple of great girls in a puzzle, we call life, at the moment going through somewhat very similar situations. I realized we can think of the many reasons why things aren't working out with (in my case the man of my dreams <--I think right? ;-)), it doesn't really matter why the Lord said to drop it or let him go the other way if thats where he's really headed.

Because as my beautiful and talented friend Ericka put it: God takes out pieces from the puzzle box and switches them around until you really get to that exact piece (or the right season to put the piece in); or he has you working on a different section of the puzzle (or your life) at the moment and really wants you to focus on that.

Regardless the Lord has everything working together for the good of those who love him. Also, lets not forget he is sovereign! A sovereign God knows what he is doing, as he reigns in in our life (I hope, we've all come to that realization). So, why get caught up in the why? I'm sure it will not gain us another want executed on our to do list. What it will do however, is gain us unnecessary worry, hurt and cause us to waste precious time we all know is limited (again, another hope).

God is so good, I only can hope I can focus on that and let the rest to Him, as I learn more and more who I am in him.

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Phil 4:6 Also, "we truly live if we stand in him (I Thes. 3:8)

We just are extremely blessed to have a God who cares about what we do want to see, and "as we hope for what we do not see we eagerly await with perseverance (Rom. 8:25)."

Graduation!

I forget to mention, I finally graduated, on Friday, May 13th at the 2 pm ceremony. It was great! :-)

Anyhoo, I did do a separate photo shoot and these are some of my favorite photos that were taken. There were more than 200 photos but, I don't think I'll be able to upload them all!

The photographer I used is still in school, her name is Nitasha Johnson. She does do great work even though she is still learning. I must admit though, that taking photos is hard work! Seriously, the shoot was no joke, as you can see from these amazing photos, it all paid off.

Living Again

Wow! Jesus is so amazing. Today he set me free of a couple of soul ties that I had managed to retie with my ex. I know we have to spend time apart and really be separated and not try and kinda have our own way of talking to each other and having sneak peaks of each other. I realized that I need to be able to be emotionally healthy and not keep hurting myself. I know so many people go through this where they can 't figure out why they are in a horrible relationship yet they can't seem to let go. Even when one of the partners is trying desperately to let the other go.

It's really sad what we subject ourselves to because we don't want to be alone or because we forget that the Lord is with us. The truth is that Jesus died so that we could be healthy and whole in every area of our lives and not be chained to lies and deceit. In my case illusions that weren't really there. I am handing this situation over to the Lord as many times as I need to even if I pick it up again without realizing it.

I know the Lord is faithful to get me through this again and again until I am completely set free of the bondage. He has already been working out a lot of things with sexual immortality and the truth of that is with sin and any other sin in our lives it destroys things we love it kills, and it steals greatly from us. We have to learn to be separated from this decaying mess that will not stop until it kills us. As the word says that the reward of sin is death.

We need the word of God because that is life...only the bread that Jesus gives is life. The living waters the washing of our hearts as perfectly said in Psalm 51, a pray of repentance. It is great that we have had great men like David to teach us those secrets of the secret place with the Lord, so that we don't have to make the same mistakes. I love you Jesus, thank you for bringing me back to life after these past couple of days. I am full of hope and joy again, I want to fulfill the purpose that you have for my life again and to it's fullest.

I have no where else to go? Only you have word Lord. I love you, and I will never stop looking for you :-D

It is so great to be washed by the rivers of living water.

Weight Loss

So, I've been working on losing weight, well I actually haven't I've been eating whatever I want at this point because I keep losing weight. However, I'm not being healthy by eating the right foods or exercising. I don't want to cause anymore health problems because I can't seem to keep the food in check. Seriously, I have been so careless and reckless with the type of food I choose to put in my mouth. Lord I really need your help with the self-control thing. I have to break through and find a way to get motivated and to get things done so that I can lose the rest of this weight and really EAT HEALTHY!!! I've decided to start counting calories again and as always making sure to eat 30 to 40 carbs per meal and half of that for snacks. I know if I am accountable and working out it really isn't that hard. It's the getting up and breaking away from what I'm doing that stops me. It's really hard for me to start, which is the biggest hurdle, once I'm past this, I'm fine. I'm about to finish my MBA and I have the job hunt, aggressively, I've been job hunting but nothing has come up yet. I'm almost finished with capstone which was a stress all in it's own. I just don't want there to be any excuses for why I'm not losing any weight. This morning I didn't eat as many calories as I should have but I sure did eat all of my carbs for breakfast. I ate some oatmeal and two fruit snacks (Fruit Roll Ups). I tried to eat some cheese but it went bad, I left it in the fridge at work too long. I'm supposed to eat 1835 calories per day. I'm at 230 so far, which is not nearly enough. I guess I can start taking pictures of all my foods and blogging about them, that way I can be more accountable for what I'm eating. My nutritionist said I need to get 8 hours of sleep every night, I can deal with 6 not 7 it makes me too tired. However, she did mention that if I don't get the 8 hours my body isn't able to heal itself. I see the sleep regimen coming on here, I need to be in bed by eight hours before I wake up the next morning, whatever time that is. I need so much accountability to do good, a stickler that cares about me enough to not let me continue on this downward spiral. If I continue losing weight I can reach my goal by October 22 of this year! I can do it and I have 57 pounds to go! Exercise you help me :-)

Wow...September. I'm not that good at keeping up with this thing. Anyway, I just got back from my Economics class. I really like it, for now, because the professor is really awesome and he seems genuinely interested in what we all want to do with our degrees and has so much going for himself as well. During our individual class introductions, I sat and my chair and rambled about how I want to do multiple things throughout my life.

I guess I can tend to forget all the things that I would like to accomplish through my life. Having multiple careers working for non-profit, being mentored and well founded in of course, the word, and the Kingdom of God then everything else will follow. There is so much one can do that being just one thing for the rest of your life seems boring to me. I also want to start a foundation to help those in third world countries have my own business that helps nurture those things gradually. I would like to become a make-up artist and spread the Kingdom that way. As an undercover agent for the Lord, however, he chooses to use me.

Sometimes, well everyday, we should recall and outwardly talk about to ourselves or the Lord what dreams he has put in us and what words he has given to our lives as clues to the bigger chamber of treasures that Holy Spirit leaks out to us so we can gain full measure of. How exciting to live in a supernatural world that is truer than the air that we breath and the more important that the food that we eat and the clothes that we wear.

Amen!!

p.s. i love the Lord hopefully more and more than I possibly could have ever imagined.