The True Gospel....

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situation, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5


I can't help but bring to the surface the tragedy that has encompassed Christianity. Many have abandoned the message of the cross spoken by the apostles and have created a watered down, ego boosting, ear tingling Gospel that well, is no gospel at all. Kick me under the table if you like, but I'm speaking out. I'm speaking out in defense of The! True! G-o-s-p-el! Various doctrines such as the prosperity gospel, positivism, have radically twisted the Bible. They focus on feeding mans ego, mans self esteem,  they forfeit the speaking of, repentance, hell, sin, that salvation is a supernatural act of God. I can go on for days, but I'll let my brotha Paul Washer drop this subject better.Here is a video of him preaching, no wait, PA-REACHING, the true, convicting, hated,stumbling block, saving Gospel that many have unfortunately abandoned for false doctrines.

Questions? Totally disagree with everything I just said? Let a sistah know! :) I am open for dialogue and hearing out whatever opinions you guys have on this subject. If you have an argument I ask that you please have biblical back up. The Word of God is very clear on this.



Click here to find out more information regarding Paul Washer and to watch more videos. 

Overwhelmed in ministry....

"I am overwhelmed with leadership. I am a youth leader, a worship leader, I am a full time student, a co-worker...!"  In total frantic mode he vented on how overwhelming it is at times to take on leadership roles in church. All while being a full time student--I totally feel you on that one Carlos--and doing his best to be a responsible worker. Fact is, I'm sure several of us church workaholics have been there. Umm..."me, me, me, me!!"

Comfort zones...

We hiked for what seemed like FOREVER. Side note, I. Do.Not. Like. Hiking. Take me to the mall. I find joy there. So when my brother in law Mario, outdoor man extraordinaire, told my parents and I we were gonna go on a 8 hour hike. In the snow. 8 HOUR HIKE!! I wasn't thrilled. AND, not to mention it was 30 degrees! Umm, I'm from Southern California. When it gets 70 degrees I'm ready to bust out my boots and blast up the heater. I wanted to quit the first hour into the hike because I could have sworn my left toe was getting frost bite. It was a total toe crisis! Fr'reals. I know next time Mario takes me and my family somewhere, I definitely should invest in some hiking boots. I hope they make cute ones. Like in pink or something.

Spaghetti for Thanksgiving?

Instead of our annual Thanksgiving dinner at my house topped with a juicy turkey, buttery mash potatoes, a sweet pumpkin pie, and warm, fluffy biscuits, (I think I gained 5 pounds just writing this last sentence) were headed off to the state of Utah. Just because. Which means I have to pack. Which I hate because it always reminds me that I! Have! Nothing! To! Wear!

My family and I wanted to do something different, and what's more different than staying two days in Utah's Zion National Park eating spaghetti for Thanksgiving in a cabin? Yes. I said Spaghetti. It's cheap and easy to make AND we really don't want to take a stuffed turkey with us on our 8 hour drive. My family just rolls like that, and they're down for pretty much anything. That's why I love them. And, really, weather we gather around the table for a spaghetti dinner or a bowl of cereal, or if all we had to eat was  a pack of breath mints, I don't care. At least our breath's won't smell. As some of you guys read yesterday's blog, I have reasons to be thankful. I believe we ALL have reasons to be thankful. To fall on our knees in the presence of the Almighty in praise and worship for His provision. My life, in particular, screams blessings. My family, my amazing friendships, the clothes on my back that I really do have, the food in the fridge, my bed, the roof over my head, I am healthy, I have both arms and legs, I'm no longer going to hell when I die. I have everything the Lord has promised to provide me, because He's good. Because He's faithful.

So weather your celebrating with a fat turkey, or rollin Italian and eating Spaghetti like me and my family, remember that ti's the season to be thankful. To hold a sincere sense of gratitude for the things our life holds, and not complain for the things we don't have. God is enough.

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ" 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Reminders....

As I rummaged through cluttered boxes in my closet, my first instinct was to immediately throw away or put away in our already cluttered garage things I didn't need. Because really? What kind of cool 20 year old would I be if I still held on to my red, hello kitty box filled with love notes from my first crush, Omar, in middle school. Yes. I've held on to them all this time. Don't ask. Don't hate.

Help...

This is me. Right now. 

So I was planning on writing a blog post today that was oober spiritual and brought CHURRRCH to the internet, but instead, I am stuck at CBU's Library till 3pm. Yes...3. PM!! Been here since 9:30am and as of now I have 4 hours to go. I need caffeine. Fast. And a brownie to keep me from going insane. The reason? I have a 25 page paper to finish on C.S Lewis and it must be turned in by three. Fun. I know. Just thought I'd take a break from writing a perfectly structured essay with proper comma and semi colon usage and share my pain, laziness, and stress without the usage of proper periods. My English professors would be so disappointed. Sorry Dr. Newton.

Senior project paper: You're stressing me OUT! But I guess in a way, writing this thing is a reminder that I'm a senior. And that I'm graduating soon. Say what!!!! yei yei ! Oh, and sorta a reminder that soon I'll be thrown into the world of finding a real job. Ay. I need some aspirin real quick.

It's almost three, and I'm still not done. And it's cold in the library. And my feet are cold.  I knew I should have worn sneakers!! Gotta go. Wish me luck, and if your're reading this and know me, bring me some coffee. A hot upside down, caramel machiato with extra caramel. I'm on the second floor of the library at California Baptist University. If you bring me one, I'll give you a hug. And maybe a piece of gum. :)

Got patience?

I’m impatient. Point blank. Waiting for anything, anyone, makes my left eye twitch, uneasy, frustrated and annoyed.  It causes me to tap my foot, cross my arms, and mumble words that go along the lines of HURRY UP! I will try and sneak into the express line in grocery stores even though I have more than 15 items because I hate waiting in line. I tailgate. A lot. And speed on a 25 mile per hour zone. It’s wrong. I know. But. I! Hate! Waiting! It’s a problem I have. One that has to be carved out of my control freak system. With an ax and some slaps in the face. Someone please do a prayer for me. Thanks. :) 

Living in a microwave society has spoiled us in providing us countless means that give us what we want when we want it at the time we want it and it has decreased our ways of producing what people like me lack. Patience. A vital character aspect that, according to scripture, is produced, not by drive through windows or instant top ramen--although I do think the person who invented Maruchan deserves a Nobel Peace Prize--but through difficult circumstances that in the end produce perseverance and patience. Waiting produces patience, so hence, waiting can be good. Even when there's twenty people in front of you at the cash register at Stater Brothers and all you want to buy is a box of Honey Nut Cheerios. King David, during a time of affliction, weakness, and brokenness eagerly waited on the Lord to come to his rescue: I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4 Can someone say WORD! 

So weather your waiting on an answer to a prayer, or you're at the DMV about to pull your hairs out, patience is a must needed aspect of character that is needed for both growth and maturity. We need it. I need it, so please pray I won't tailgate on the free way anymore. And actually have 15 items or less at the express line at Stater Brothers. 

  

A shot out....

I wanna give a shot out. On the internet. And weather or not that's even possible to do on the world wide web, I'm doing it anyways. As I was browsing through some old pictures of my childhood, side note, what was up with my hair? And as I browsed new pictures of my life today, I couldn't help but first, criticize my choice of wardrobes, and second, notice the faithful friendships my life has been surrounded by, and the new friends I have stumbled upon these past couple of years that feel as though I've known for years.

Spiritual food pyramid....

After months, ok years, please don't judge me, I've decided to put on my work out clothes and my worn out puma sneakers, cuz they're the only pair of sneakers I own (cough cough, Christmas!) and get into shape.Well try to. And. Needless to say that on my first day of my boot camp work out sessions, I died. Not literally, but kinda-sorta-died. Inside. My body. 

My sister shoots people. With her camera.

Miss photographer at her best. 

A photographer? Really? I thought this to myself as she excitingly told my parents and I of her brilliant plan of becoming a wedding photographer. A legit one. With a website, blog, client-ail and everythaang. With smiles and approved faces, we were excited for her. I was excited for her, and from the looks of it it seemed she was serious. Oh...and she was. My sister Arleth is what I like to call a go getter, business woman. This 5 foot little missy goes after what she wants. She's extremely driven. More than I will ever be. She's opinionated. More than she should. She will never take no for an answer. Ever. AND she does it all wearing 4 inch  high heels. Yup. Thats Arleth. When I signed into Facebook this morning, ya know, to start off my day by being productive and all, I saw her finally, finished and polished new website already on the world wide web. And I was ecstatic! Never did she imagine shooting people (with her camera) for a living. After much hard work, late nights on the computer, stress attacks, and much investment, she can finally say she's a photographer. A legit one. With a website, blog, client-ail and everthaang. All I gotta say is that soon she will have couples lined up for her to take their pictures on their wedding day. This may sound bias, but it's not. Swear. Her photography work is absolutely beautiful! She's creative, spontaneousness, and modern with her pictures, and dedicated to what she does. You can blame that on her perfectionist genes. Sis: I am sooo proud of you! You taught yourself how to work a camera, on your own, when you had no idea what the buttons on the camera were for. You perfected your photography skills, while having a full time job. These past two years are proof of your hard work and success. Soon, wanna be photographers will stalk your blog just like you stalked Jasmine Star, and remember to give thanks to our Savior, always, for giving you the gifts He's given you and enabling you to go after your dreams. Apart from Him we can do nothing. Thank you for showing me that anything is possible if it is backed up with hard work and passion. And a cute outfit.  Rock that camera girl! Oh...and if your wondering. The pictures on my blog were taken by her. What am I thankful for this season? A sister whose a photographer that will have photo shoot sessions with me. For free.

So.If you're tying the knot and are looking for a funny, spunky, and creative photographer. Arleth is prrrrrfect!!! Really. She is. Don't believe me? Check out her fabulous website. http://www.arlethg.com/

Reaching out...

So I must confess that I am very excited for today. Maybe more excited than the time my sister took me to see B2K perform at a roller skating rink when I was 13 years old. Yes. I was a HUGE fan of B2K in middle school. I still have their Cd's AND I was at the premier of their movie You Got Served. Go ahead and hate. But this excitement of mine entitles more than just Omarion, Lil Fizz, Raz B and my childhood crush on J boog. Today I will be joining a group of amazing students from my school in feeding the homeless and spreading the love and forgiveness of Jesus. The homeless ministry at California Baptist University reaches out to homeless, hurting individuals in surrounding areas of Riverside Ca. who have yet to know the love and redemption in Jesus Christ. This is my first time participating so I have no idea what to expect, but since were hitting up the ghetto, at night, I'm thinking of bringing some pepper spray. Just in case.

Please pray the Lord may do a mighty work through me and my peers and that the love of Jesus may pour out of our every action, every word, and everything we do, and that His LOVE may be seen even in the supplement of a bag of food. :) 

Happy Thursday! 


<3 Fer  

His plans > our plans

We sat under a tall oak tree at our campus of California Baptist University. The day was perfect, the sun was out and she thought it was perfect to drink her Capri Sun pouch.  My best friend Pam apparently thinks Capri Sun pouches are perfect for having conversations. She just rolls like that.  

Bon qui qui, and texting in church...

Yesterday I sat in church and listened to one amazing message regarding a demon possessed man being healed through the power of God. Yesterday I sat through the entire sermon soaking in every word, every convicting statement and every biblical passage being spoken.