The Ultimate Proposal

Once upon a time, Marc rented a horse-drawn carriage in Winters in the wintry December month. Dressed in a dashing 3-piece suit and a stylish sequined cape, he was filled with longing to declare his love to his beloved, Semra. He had personally groomed the horses till their coats were glistening. He also sprinkled glitter to make the horses’ coats sparkle and shine to show how much he loves her.

The Perfect Ride

The Perfect Ride

Semra wore her favorite tiara and white ballgown ensemble. She claims she had no idea what wonders were to come. She was moved to tears at the sight of the horse-drawn carriage, sparkling in the winter sun.
After a brisk drive through the country, snow descended from the heavens like gentle whispers caressing her face. When they stopped the carriage to gaze at the sunset reflecting over the lake, Marc and Semra sit down on the white sands of the lake of shining waters. Out of the sky, a majestic dove perches on the sands beside the loving couple.

Glitter in the Sky

Glitter in the Sky

There is a ribbon around the dove’s neck. As she leans closer, she sees a golden band on the ribbon and gasps. She turns to Marc to find him on one knee. As he gazes passionately into her mesmerizing eyes, he utters the words she’s been longing to hear, “Semra, you are the love of my life. I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you make me the happiest man on earth and give me your hand in marriage?”

As she gazes upon the four and a half carat diamond, its radiance lit up her face. She fervently exclaimed, “Yes. A thousand times, yes!” As Marc places the ring on her dainty finger, the dove takes flight, soaring into the sunset.

A Divine Sunset Upon the Lake of Shining Waters

A Divine Sunset Upon the Lake of Shining Waters

Chi Alpha Winter Conference 2009

Is it 2009? Wow. Time flies. I was just at a retreat with a few hundred college students from the western US and I am amazed at God’s faithfulness and mercy. His love is truly amazing and life-changing. The way that He draws His children to Himself is irresistible.

All of the messages were really good, but one message was about getting rid of your junk. If any of you really know me, you’d know that I’m a packrat. I don’t like throwing anything away esp clothes, because the time comes that just after I give it away, I end up needing it for something. It always happens to me but it’s okay, I’m learning to get rid of my junk. I tend to hold on to things that I don’t need to hold on to anymore. I realized that I’d been hanging on to past relationships and I needed to let go of it all. I needed to truly move on and not allow those thoughts and entanglements to dominate my thoughts. There were things that I secretly held on to that no one else really knew except God. I gave it all to Him because He is the one in control. It was a very freeing experience. I’m so grateful that God cares enough. He cares about the little things that we care about. I don’t deserve Him.

That same night, I realized that I couldn’t just live the way I’ve been living. I’ve become complacent in my relationship with God where I thought I was okay with where I was at. I realized that I can’t live this way anymore. I had been satisfied where I was at but something just was stirred up inside me and I couldn’t NOT seek God. During the prayer/altar time, I went to the back of the room and just sat in God’s presence and cried out to God. I needed to re-surrender my life. I couldn’t live in the complacency I’d been living in. It wasn’t enough to live that way. I needed God for everything and didn’t want to be numb anymore. I didn’t want to be so critical and self-righteous about everything. I was sick of my religiousness and wanted God to change me to become more like Him – to yearn for His presence the way that He loves me. I wanted to fall in love with Him again. I wanted His heart for Davis. My love is imperfect but His love is made perfect in my weakness. God did some restoration in my life and I’m so grateful to Him.

As the fragance of worship goes up, the weight of His love pours down

As the fragance of worship goes up, the weight of His love pours down

I painted this after the conference. At the conference I sat back and listened to the worship. I saw the worship like a whirlwind being swept up to the heavens and God’s pleasure was shining through. As the fragrance of worship was being swept up to heaven, the weight of God’s love was being poured down on each of the students. It was so beautiful that I wanted to try to get something down on paper last night at DCF large group. It’s not nearly what I saw, but it’s an abstract representation of what I saw. Blues, Greens, Purples, Pinks, and Yellows (btw I used oil pastels). The last color I used was actually gold which I thought was fitting because GOLD is representative of kingship.

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for saving me
Thank You for never leaving me
I cannot hide my love
I cannot deny my heart’s desire
I want You, I need You
I can’t live without You
You are my heart’s desire
You are the Lover of my soul
I cannot be without You
You hold me in the palm of Your hand
You restore my soul
I trust in You
I will follow You
Through every storm
Through every valley
I will trust in You
Jehovah-Jireh, My Provider
You are EVERYTHING
How I love You
How You love me
Can’t get enough of You
Can’t get enough

The World Missions Summit 2

Well, I know it’s a little late to be writing this but I just need to dive in anyway. I think one of the most impacting things was seeing 3700 students on fire for Jesus with His heart for missions. That was definitely a sight to see – to know that there are others living radical Christian lives who are college students like me. I know I’m not alone, but it’s still nice to be encouraged from across the country. BTW the Cincinnati airport is actually in Kentucky so I’ve now been to Ohio and Kentucky. 😉

I was really encouraged and challenged by the different messages and loved the windows to the world and different breakouts. I loved interacting with missionaries on a one-to-one basis during the meal times. I learned a lot and I found new friends. I really liked the international choir because they sang songs in different languages which is one thing that I really enjoy. God speaks every language – His love is the universal language and His presence is the same wherever you go.

I already know that I’m called to China but seeing all of the different countries and the need makes me what to go everywhere. I know that just because I see a need, doesn’t mean I have to fill it, but I would love to travel all over before I’m dead.

I committed to serve at least one year and intend to fulfill that commitment. I plan to teach in China this summer if everything works out which would be really cool and really God. 😉

I’m definitely excited about all God is doing and I can’t wait to see all that He has done in me – most of the time you can’t see what He’s doing deep inside.

I guess that’s it for now. It was an amazing experience. Yay God!

Lord, I want to serve You in anyway that I can.
Take away any fear because that’s not from You.
Take me in Your arms.
I just want to be with You.
I want my life to be a testimony of Your LOVE and GRACE.
Let me be a LIGHT.