y = mx + b

dy/dx = f(x + dx) - f(x) * dx^-1

A slope can only be found when you have drawn a line. Regardless of a slope,  you still have drawn a line.

A Change in Seasons

 

Update: We're engaged! (photo from August 22, 2015)

I had a lovely Sunday yesterday, I was able to sleep in (one of the pros of having an afternoon service) to have energy to worship and serve God for during our corporate Sunday worship. I was scheduled to be one of the ladies in the nursery during service this week, so that parents of young children are able to hear the sermon; it is always a joy to serve the families with young children, and of course see the children at our church grow. One thing I miss about not working full-time is being able to visit the stay at home moms and their children, but I am still grateful for the time with them during weekend events.

After church, had a spontaneous date with my dear fiancé, to extend the weekend. It caught me off guard because he asked to hangout hah. We had a good conversations with our matchatas. It is always nice to sit down and share encouragements, talk about our future, reminisce about of past and seeing how God has worked in our lives. It is even nicer when no premarital counseling or wedding planning is present in the conversation (not saying we don't like it, but breaks are nice sometimes).

As I was getting ready for bed, I wanted to read old journal entries, and reading my thoughts before and how He has worked in me since was very encouraging, I am amazed at His grace and His love for me. I am blessed to have a God who is continually working in me for the purpose of godliness.

May you too, see God's grace in your life. Looking forward to updating this more often!

Δ > 0

If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

- Ephesians 4: 21-24

Sound waves.

Salvation to Service.

After reading and meditating on 1 Peter 1:1-5, I started thinking of how blessed I am to have receive salvation from the death of Christ. I wanted to share an excerpt from today's journal entry:

My salvation from the Lord is one of a kind, it will never fade away, be destroyed, and is purely holy; it's definitely something my horrible, finite self doesn't deserve. But yet Christ still died on the cross. The LEAST I could do is give God my life, and the things I hold on to, that causes me to sin. I praise God for allowing to really enjoy serving others, because I get to do something I love, and more importantly glorifies God. I pray that I might be able to do it at home as well... Everything that I do should serve God. Why? Because I'm His slave and He is my master.

The only right response to Christ's lordship is wholehearted submission, loving obedience and passionate worship.¹

1. MacArthur, John. Slave: the hidden truth about your identity in Christ. 1st. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2010. 91

Short Encouragement.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

- 1 Peter: 1:3-9

 

As a sinner, trials are the worst. Trials show us that we are not in total control and do not always get what we desire. As a follower of Christ, trials are a blessing. The purpose of a trial is to make us more holy (James 1: 2-4). Godliness is the ultimate goal and should be the sole desire of a Christian, which is why Peter tells his readers to rejoice in their suffering- as it leads to glorifying God. Bringing glory to the God should be the one thing we find joy in doing. 

I am very thankful for my brothers and sisters that encourage me through conversations, text message, phone calls and prayer, they point me to Christ even when I act so unwilling to do so myself. I am grateful for my best friend who is patient with me and will correct me when I am too caught up in myself. Most of all I am grateful for my heavenly Father,who graciously granted me salvation that is more valuable than anything this world could give me. 

As we go through difficulties and sufferings, let us continue to endure, and persevere; focus on the end goal rather than the situation. Suffering brothers and sisters, Peter also states that these trials are only for a little while, so what's a few months to eternity? The Lord will come back soon, and we as children of God will continue to praise God, except without sin for eternity! 

"Miss Rhode Island, please describe your idea of a perfect date."

"That's a tough one. I'd have to say April 25th. Because it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket"

- Cheryl Frasier -"Miss Rhode Island", Miss Congeniality.

A year ago on April 25, 2013, I took this picture.

The weather was nice, not too hot, and not too cold, and so I decided to wear a light jacket to dinner with a friend.

Thanks for the "perfect first date" Fred! (: