from taiwan with love... celebrating CHRIST with family is always wonderful!
heading to hong kong tomorrow :)
check brian's page for updates and pics from our trip to the motherland...
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
married life
... is SO much better than dating! i highly recommend it :) we returned from our restful honeymoon in bora bora the week of thanksgiving. what a honeymooner vacation spot - newly married couples all around! yay for new friends from seattle and texas! would you believe they had the BEST hamburgers EVER? *sigh* i miss you, dino burgers...
one of the best parts of marriage - neither of us have to go home at the end of the day!
the Lord has been blessing us with lessons on patience and love already... oh my, how your sin shows even more when you're married to another sinner. we daily pray for continuously soft and forgiving hearts.
oh the holiday season is upon us once again - I LOVE CHRISTMAS!! it's my fave time of year! time with friends and family, cold weather, lights... ahhhhh.
praise God for the gift of His Son!
one of the best parts of marriage - neither of us have to go home at the end of the day!
the Lord has been blessing us with lessons on patience and love already... oh my, how your sin shows even more when you're married to another sinner. we daily pray for continuously soft and forgiving hearts.
oh the holiday season is upon us once again - I LOVE CHRISTMAS!! it's my fave time of year! time with friends and family, cold weather, lights... ahhhhh.
praise God for the gift of His Son!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
im married!!!
hello everyone...
this is the new mrs. vanessa ling dokko...
writing to you from bora bora, where my new husband and i are enjoying our time together eating, sleeping and doing a whole lot of nothing.
praise God for his awesome creation... check out brians website for blog updates and pics. just a note: the pics hardly do this place justice.
"Lord of all creation... of water, earth and sky... the heavens are your tabernacle... glory to your name on high... God of wonders beyond our galaxy... YOU are holy... YOU are holy..."
this is the new mrs. vanessa ling dokko...
writing to you from bora bora, where my new husband and i are enjoying our time together eating, sleeping and doing a whole lot of nothing.
praise God for his awesome creation... check out brians website for blog updates and pics. just a note: the pics hardly do this place justice.
"Lord of all creation... of water, earth and sky... the heavens are your tabernacle... glory to your name on high... God of wonders beyond our galaxy... YOU are holy... YOU are holy..."
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
encouragement for a dying nation
john 16:33 - "these things i have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
come, Lord Jesus, come! save us from ourselves...
come, Lord Jesus, come! save us from ourselves...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
one month
wow. it's almost here... i'm not sure what i'm feeling, but things are finally settling down w/ moving in to our torrance house. i'm starting to really enjoy being there, and i'm slowly figuring out what's around! i'm also finding more and more Revere staff that live in the area - can you say, "carpool?" the commute can be a bear... thank the Lord for KKLA's awesome programming that helps me get through the drive :)
many THANKS to our friends and families for their tremendous, overwhelming support and help through the process!
YAY for starting to settle into LBC and for getting to know the brothers and sisters there better. i still miss GCC dearly though... i doubt that will ever change.
my students are AWESOME this year... as they always are. why do i always question it when the good Lord meets my sinful doubt every year? HE keeps on humbling me with HIS grace and mercies that are new every morning!
keep us in your prayers... by God's grace alone!
many THANKS to our friends and families for their tremendous, overwhelming support and help through the process!
YAY for starting to settle into LBC and for getting to know the brothers and sisters there better. i still miss GCC dearly though... i doubt that will ever change.
my students are AWESOME this year... as they always are. why do i always question it when the good Lord meets my sinful doubt every year? HE keeps on humbling me with HIS grace and mercies that are new every morning!
keep us in your prayers... by God's grace alone!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
classic daddy quote
AIM: Hi Wei, got the invitation saying that I invited myself to your wedding.
Oh daddy... I love you.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
i <3 mexico recap
Dear friends and family,
I hope that this letter once again finds you all doing well. The Mexico City team has been home for a month, and our hearts still long to be with the people there. What a blessing it was to be vessels for the work of Christ’s Kingdom in a city full of idolatry and sin. You can read more detailed accounts of our time there on these blogs: "official blog" and Katie's blog. I have also posted lots of pictures from the trip on my personal picture site.
Our team had a very early start on the morning of Saturday, July 5th. We all met at the Van Nuys Flyaway to sort through luggage and make sure everything was intact before we headed off to LAX.
The Lord’s hand was over our travels as both flights to and from Mexico City were relatively smooth and uneventful. Upon arrival, the team went through Customs and Immigration quickly, and we were greeted by Luis Contreras and our host families. Our first evening was spent with our hosts. Katie and I had the blessed privilege of being a part of the Contreras family for two weeks!
Our three Sunday mornings were spent at Iglesia Naucalpan, where Luis Contreras serves. We helped to lead worship, and some of our team members helped with the children’s Sunday school while others attended the pre-service Bible study that Luis teaches. Our two weeks were spent working with a children’s VBS and then a young adult youth conference. The VBS’s theme had to do with changes, so every day the children “visited” a different country. Stories were told about different characters in the Bible and crafts and snacks were tailored to the specific country. The youth conference theme was Colossians. Josiah Grauman preached, and our worship team had the opportunity to collaborate with a Mexican worship team. Our weekends were spent in fellowship with one another and our host families, and throughout the course of the two weeks, we were able to paint and clean the Contreras home as well as the Godoys’ home.
Things of Note and Prayer Requests:
* The Mariscals were in a car accident on the morning of our first Sunday. Lety, the mom, had an injury to her head and Omega, the son (driver), was taken into custody even though it was not his fault. He spent several nights in jail, and he is currently in the process of dealing with that situation.
* Attendance at both the VBS and Youth Conference increased!
* Only a couple of team members became ill over the course of our trip!
* Sarah and I both were able to share our testimonies in Spanish thanks to Jhaneth!
* The worship team collaboration was SO AWESOME!
* Praise God for Christ-honoring unity and team work!
* The Contrerases are back in the states for a yr-long furlough, the Graumans have one more year in Mexico City, and Antonio Ortega is manning the pulpit at Iglesia Naucalpan while Luis is away.
Well, I think that’s everything in a very small nutshell! Feel free to email me and check out those blogs and pictures for more details on each day of our trip. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Dios te bendiga!
I hope that this letter once again finds you all doing well. The Mexico City team has been home for a month, and our hearts still long to be with the people there. What a blessing it was to be vessels for the work of Christ’s Kingdom in a city full of idolatry and sin. You can read more detailed accounts of our time there on these blogs: "official blog" and Katie's blog. I have also posted lots of pictures from the trip on my personal picture site.
Our team had a very early start on the morning of Saturday, July 5th. We all met at the Van Nuys Flyaway to sort through luggage and make sure everything was intact before we headed off to LAX.
The Lord’s hand was over our travels as both flights to and from Mexico City were relatively smooth and uneventful. Upon arrival, the team went through Customs and Immigration quickly, and we were greeted by Luis Contreras and our host families. Our first evening was spent with our hosts. Katie and I had the blessed privilege of being a part of the Contreras family for two weeks!
Our three Sunday mornings were spent at Iglesia Naucalpan, where Luis Contreras serves. We helped to lead worship, and some of our team members helped with the children’s Sunday school while others attended the pre-service Bible study that Luis teaches. Our two weeks were spent working with a children’s VBS and then a young adult youth conference. The VBS’s theme had to do with changes, so every day the children “visited” a different country. Stories were told about different characters in the Bible and crafts and snacks were tailored to the specific country. The youth conference theme was Colossians. Josiah Grauman preached, and our worship team had the opportunity to collaborate with a Mexican worship team. Our weekends were spent in fellowship with one another and our host families, and throughout the course of the two weeks, we were able to paint and clean the Contreras home as well as the Godoys’ home.
Things of Note and Prayer Requests:
* The Mariscals were in a car accident on the morning of our first Sunday. Lety, the mom, had an injury to her head and Omega, the son (driver), was taken into custody even though it was not his fault. He spent several nights in jail, and he is currently in the process of dealing with that situation.
* Attendance at both the VBS and Youth Conference increased!
* Only a couple of team members became ill over the course of our trip!
* Sarah and I both were able to share our testimonies in Spanish thanks to Jhaneth!
* The worship team collaboration was SO AWESOME!
* Praise God for Christ-honoring unity and team work!
* The Contrerases are back in the states for a yr-long furlough, the Graumans have one more year in Mexico City, and Antonio Ortega is manning the pulpit at Iglesia Naucalpan while Luis is away.
Well, I think that’s everything in a very small nutshell! Feel free to email me and check out those blogs and pictures for more details on each day of our trip. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Dios te bendiga!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Kritty's Impressions of Brian
read her 8.13.08 first impressions of brian...
I met Wei's fiance for the first tme Monday night. Not the best night to meet me, seeing as it was after my environmental psychology class. However, seeing them (and Uncle Bill) raised my spirits faster than an anti-depressant could have.
Brian was very quiet, spending a lot of time on his iPhone. I can't blame him - meeting two white cousins, plus Daniel would be intimidating for anyone. From the time spent observing him, and getting a "feel" for him (some of you understand what I mean by that), I think he's a good guy. He seems very courteous, very patient, and very gentlemanly. He was unassuming, and shares my cousin's passion for food.
He recommended and ordered my dinner for me! If I even mentioned wanting something, he was not above flagging someone down and making sure I was taken care of. That was new for me - he took the burden of responsibility off my shoulders and it felt nice. (I KNOW! Can anyone believe I said that?!) But it was really cool after a long and stressful day to be able to just sit back and enjoy myself, chat with Wei, and know my needs (and wants!) were being met.
At any rate, it was good to see that out of him, and know that he does the same for Wei. He takes care of her without being smarmy or ridiculous about it. It helps me understand what she sees in him. (And he's not above joking! When carrying out Wei's gift from my sister - she was having trouble carrying it - he had to make sure she realized there was actually a handle she could've used instead of awkwardly holding the box.)
Another thing I liked was that Wei was herself. She didn't change or act any differently than I always knew her to be. When I arrived, he gave me his seat next to her. She hugged me and held onto me as she always does (and which only she is allowed to do - I love cuddling with Wei). We chatted - he didn't butt in or act in any way insecure, nor did he set out to "prove" anything about their relationship. He kicked back and let the family be exactly who we were.
I look forward to having him as an official part of the family... and to seeing him at family events, interacting with everyone. I think he'll bring a needed breath of fresh air, break up the monotony of the Mok household. Daniel helped, but he's only one person. The question remaining is: is he up to the task? Hmmm...
Saturday, July 05, 2008
mexico city updates
keep updated on our days!
different team members have blogs specifically for the mexico city trip...
katie's blog
"official" mexico city blog
different team members have blogs specifically for the mexico city trip...
katie's blog
"official" mexico city blog
Friday, July 04, 2008
off to mexico city!
please pray for our team!
- open hearts of children, families, everyone we encounter to the Gospel
- we would be a blessing to our missionaries and the local church
- health and safety
- team unity
by God's grace and for His glory alone! :)
- open hearts of children, families, everyone we encounter to the Gospel
- we would be a blessing to our missionaries and the local church
- health and safety
- team unity
by God's grace and for His glory alone! :)
my Christian testimony
true freedom in Christ alone!
I grew up in a Christian family, and I accepted Christ at a young age, though I never have been sure of the exact date. I attended private Christian schools from Pre-School through high school, and I went to church regularly with my parents. I always attended Sunday School with the occasional visit to my youth group. I went through all of the motions and was a very well-behaved and moral girl by worldly standards. Despite those seemingly robotic and routine things, I always had a deep understanding of sin. In Romans 3:10, 23 it states, “There is none righteous, not even one… For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” I knew that I did not want to spend eternity in hell (Romans 6:23). God commands everyone to repent of our sins and to turn to Christ as our Lord and Savior (Isaiah 55:7, Luke 9:23, Acts 17:30 and Romans 10:9). The beautiful fact that Jesus Christ, God’s only son, died on the cross as a perfect and blameless sacrifice for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21) was instilled in my heart early on, but I did not really grow to understand what it meant to be under His Lordship until Junior High. I was genuinely saved but bearing little fruit. It was during 7th grade that my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and my world was turned upside down. It was a severe trial for everyone, and I learned to trust in the Lord and rely on Him for everything. I started to see God’s sovereign hand in every moment of my life. My mother’s example of pure faith and genuine joy amidst her suffering was inspirational. With a new desire to submit to Christ’s Lordship, to further my walk and be in complete obedience with God’s Word, I recommitted my life and was baptized during my Freshman year of high school.
I abandoned the Christian school track after high school and decided to attend UCLA. I was surprised that I was accepted to such a prestigious school, so I thought that I should give it a try. I went in Undeclared and “ready” to take on anything that would come my way. It would be a completely new experience, and I love new experiences. I was definitely not ready for the new path I had chosen. The culture shock was indescribable! I was not used to being around so many immoral people on a daily basis, and I had big adjustments (in every respect) to make during my first year there. My Christian bubble had run into a huge thorn, burst, and my world was in proverbial chaos. My parents had divorced the summer before, I was not enjoying the random GE classes that I had chosen, and toward the end of my second quarter, I started missing music. My grades dropped immensely that first year, and my mother and I contemplated switching me to another college. I knew at this point that music was a gift that God wanted me to use in the future, and I even made a trip out to
The entire struggle with future direction led me to a deeper understanding of what was always in my heart to begin with. The struggle was indeed of my own flesh (pride and selfishness) battling with what I knew to be true of God. 1 John 2:16 states, “for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” It was and is never about me and my own desires. As soon as I submitted to God’s poking and prodding, it all became clear to me. The words from our junior high class’ graduating verse echo in my heart today (Jeremiah 29:11-13): “For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (29:11-13)”
My passion for teaching developed as I took the various required courses and started to delve into student teaching, and now I have finished my fifth year of teaching at
Since the beginning, my spiritual journey has seen its share of trials and blessings, and I know that nothing is out of His hand and everything is playing out according to His great plan. My life verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. It states, “And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” I wish this to be true of my life. How amazing to have been chosen to know the One and Only Creator God who sent His Son to die for us on the cross and rose again after three days! Praise God for the Holy Spirit that is living inside of me to guide me and help me grow every day of my life. I live my life daily only for God’s glory knowing that I am a sinner deserving nothing more than hell. I desire only to see His face and have Him say to me the words expressed in Matthew 25:21: “…’Well done, good and faithful slave You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'”
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
summer is here...
bittersweet memories - thank you for the music, c/o 2008!
leaving for spain tomorrow with brian and his kids...
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
good times
revere's lasmta scholarship winners - grammy foundation
310 Bible study retreat - laguna beach, ca
music in the parks festival - san diego, ca
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
heaven
this weekend, the topic at the 310 Bible study retreat was "heaven." it was a blessed time of rest, worship and fellowship... bittersweet though, as it was my last one. foundry/310 retreats have been wonderful, and i will miss them very much.
we can debate the "what it is," "what it ain't" and "what it will be" for forever, but we truly won't really know until we actually get there. God gives us snapshots in the Bible, but what will it really be like to be completely sinless? if our worship now is just a small taste of what it will be when we get to heaven, how absolutely incredible will it be there? what will our glorified bodies be like? how old will we be if age even exists? i can't even begin to imagine or grasp it all, but such is my finite mind vs. the infinite mind of God. 1 corinthians 13:12 says, "for now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now i know in part, but then i will know fully just as i also have been fully known." one can get so bogged down with all the trivial questions and "what if's." the important thing is that heaven does exists, and only true blood-bought Christians have a hope for going there through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible clearly states this in john 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." Jesus is THE ONLY WAY.
it saddens me to think of all the people i know that i will not be sharing eternity with...
i pray that the hope of heaven will continue to drive us all everyday. i pray we won't get so lost in the world that we forget the true purpose of our lives. everything else shall pass away...
...oh yeah, and who would've thought that we could be so creative with hot dogs, huh? impressive, 310 :)
we can debate the "what it is," "what it ain't" and "what it will be" for forever, but we truly won't really know until we actually get there. God gives us snapshots in the Bible, but what will it really be like to be completely sinless? if our worship now is just a small taste of what it will be when we get to heaven, how absolutely incredible will it be there? what will our glorified bodies be like? how old will we be if age even exists? i can't even begin to imagine or grasp it all, but such is my finite mind vs. the infinite mind of God. 1 corinthians 13:12 says, "for now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now i know in part, but then i will know fully just as i also have been fully known." one can get so bogged down with all the trivial questions and "what if's." the important thing is that heaven does exists, and only true blood-bought Christians have a hope for going there through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible clearly states this in john 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." Jesus is THE ONLY WAY.
it saddens me to think of all the people i know that i will not be sharing eternity with...
i pray that the hope of heaven will continue to drive us all everyday. i pray we won't get so lost in the world that we forget the true purpose of our lives. everything else shall pass away...
...oh yeah, and who would've thought that we could be so creative with hot dogs, huh? impressive, 310 :)
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
insight from joni
so i've been reading joni eareckson tada's diamonds in the dust devotional as part of my morning quiet times.
here is her may 1st entry.
"satan schemes, God redeems"
"you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - genesis 50:20
God always exploits satan's evil intentions and uses them in His own service -- just one more example of God's ability to work "out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" (ephesians 1:11).
satan intends the rain that ruins a church picnic to cause Christians to grumble against their Lord; God uses the rain to develop their patience. satan plans to hinder the work of an effective missionary by arranging for him to trip in the jungle and break a leg; God allows the accident so that the missionary's Godly response to pain and discomfort will bring glory to Himself. satan brews a hurricane to kill thousands in a small village in bangladesh; God uses the storm to display His awesome power, to show people the awful consequences that sin has brought to the world, to drive some to search for Him, to harden others in their sin, and to remind us that He is free to do as He pleases. we will never figure Him out.
satan schemed that a 17-yr-old girl named joni would break her neck, hoping to ruin her life; God sent the broken neck in answer to her prayer for a closer walk with Him.
as a friend once said, "God sends things, but satan often brings them. praise God that when satan causes calamity, we can answer him with the words that joseph answered his brothers with when they sold him into slavery, 'you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.'"
here is her may 1st entry.
"satan schemes, God redeems"
"you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - genesis 50:20
God always exploits satan's evil intentions and uses them in His own service -- just one more example of God's ability to work "out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" (ephesians 1:11).
satan intends the rain that ruins a church picnic to cause Christians to grumble against their Lord; God uses the rain to develop their patience. satan plans to hinder the work of an effective missionary by arranging for him to trip in the jungle and break a leg; God allows the accident so that the missionary's Godly response to pain and discomfort will bring glory to Himself. satan brews a hurricane to kill thousands in a small village in bangladesh; God uses the storm to display His awesome power, to show people the awful consequences that sin has brought to the world, to drive some to search for Him, to harden others in their sin, and to remind us that He is free to do as He pleases. we will never figure Him out.
satan schemed that a 17-yr-old girl named joni would break her neck, hoping to ruin her life; God sent the broken neck in answer to her prayer for a closer walk with Him.
as a friend once said, "God sends things, but satan often brings them. praise God that when satan causes calamity, we can answer him with the words that joseph answered his brothers with when they sold him into slavery, 'you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.'"
mexico city stm
dear family and friends,
i truly do hope that this letter finds you all reveling in the power of God's grace. i am well into my fifth year of teaching at paul revere middle school, and the Lord continues to bless me and grow me in different ways there. new trials and blessings arise at every turn, and He continues to be faithful to guide me through each of them. the Lord has also allowed me to grow steadily at grace community church. He has given me a new mentor through the choir, and He has also provided a group of sisters that very effectively speak the truth in love. i can honestly say that i am thoroughly challenged in every aspect of my life as i grow in the knowledge of His Word daily. thusly, i rejoice to share with you that i will be joining the mexico city short term ministry team once again this year.
this july, we'll be working alongside our precious missionaries luis and robin contreras, josiah and crystal grauman, jim and carolyn dowdy, ellen parker and rosie martinez. our goal is to do anything we can to help them to strengthen the Bible-believing church in mexico city. this means organizing a vacation Bible school for the children, along with a youth conference at the remanente church. also, we will lead music worship on sundays at the naucalpan church, as well as painting any church building or missionary home in need of a fresh coat of paint. but mainly, we would like to encourage our missionaries who are diligently teaching and training the church in mexico city. we ask that you join us in praying for this trip as we look forward to this exciting opportunity and challenge to serve the Lord in a different culture with the same need for Jesus Christ as our own.
we are well aware that the success of this trip is dependent on the Lord and your prayer support. along with your prayers, if you would like to partner with us financially, please send a check payable to grace community church with "for the team of vanessa ling" in the memo line. your tax-deductible donation will go toward covering the costs of the trip, which is about $1300 per team member.
by His grace,
vanessa ling
prayer requests:
1. vbs: that the children and their parents would respond to the Gospel
2. conferences: that the youth would be challenged to follow Christ
3. we would encourage the local churches and seminary
4. we would be a blessing to our missionaries
5. team unity, health and safety
i truly do hope that this letter finds you all reveling in the power of God's grace. i am well into my fifth year of teaching at paul revere middle school, and the Lord continues to bless me and grow me in different ways there. new trials and blessings arise at every turn, and He continues to be faithful to guide me through each of them. the Lord has also allowed me to grow steadily at grace community church. He has given me a new mentor through the choir, and He has also provided a group of sisters that very effectively speak the truth in love. i can honestly say that i am thoroughly challenged in every aspect of my life as i grow in the knowledge of His Word daily. thusly, i rejoice to share with you that i will be joining the mexico city short term ministry team once again this year.
this july, we'll be working alongside our precious missionaries luis and robin contreras, josiah and crystal grauman, jim and carolyn dowdy, ellen parker and rosie martinez. our goal is to do anything we can to help them to strengthen the Bible-believing church in mexico city. this means organizing a vacation Bible school for the children, along with a youth conference at the remanente church. also, we will lead music worship on sundays at the naucalpan church, as well as painting any church building or missionary home in need of a fresh coat of paint. but mainly, we would like to encourage our missionaries who are diligently teaching and training the church in mexico city. we ask that you join us in praying for this trip as we look forward to this exciting opportunity and challenge to serve the Lord in a different culture with the same need for Jesus Christ as our own.
we are well aware that the success of this trip is dependent on the Lord and your prayer support. along with your prayers, if you would like to partner with us financially, please send a check payable to grace community church with "for the team of vanessa ling" in the memo line. your tax-deductible donation will go toward covering the costs of the trip, which is about $1300 per team member.
by His grace,
vanessa ling
prayer requests:
1. vbs: that the children and their parents would respond to the Gospel
2. conferences: that the youth would be challenged to follow Christ
3. we would encourage the local churches and seminary
4. we would be a blessing to our missionaries
5. team unity, health and safety
Thursday, April 17, 2008
engaged :)
a surprise dinner at c&o trattoriaa walk on the beach...
a series of questions about our relationship...
brian gets down on one knee...
he says, "i love you with all of my heart" and pops the question...
engaged :)
haagen dazs sorbet to celebrate! haha...
look at the cool engagement collage he put together!
Monday, February 25, 2008
See you soon, Auntie Bessie!
i was completely humbled and blessed by the eulogy for auntie bessie today... there was much sorrow because we will miss her here in on earth, but there will be great rejoicing when we are reunited in heaven!
below, you will find most of her eulogy (with some of my own commentary). it's lengthy, but you will be blessed by what a tremendous testimony of Christ her life was. how will you be remembered? what really matters?
bessie came to the us in 1973 and settled in la, ca. she married felix in 1976. they supported each other and worked hard to build their family through many troubles and hardships (for 31 years!). their family now consists of two married sons, their wives and one granddaughter: jonathan, the eldest son, his wife grace, and daughter elizabeth; jeremy, the youngest son and his wife priscilla. all their children are high achievers. they are devoted to Christ and enjoy serving the Lord (what a blessing to be in a family of believers!). they are bessie's pride and joy.
in addition to bringing up her family well, bessie had excellent work ethics. bessie worked diligently and enjoyed good relationships with her co-workers and clients. she was loved by her colleagues. bessie became a Christian and was baptized at mbcla in jan '96. she devoted herself to serving the Lord, and whole-heartedly built her family upon Christian principles. bessie was noble, gentle, quiet and long-suffering (prov 31 woman). she always put the needs of others before her own. bessie was also generous and kind and especially compassionate towards the elderly.
bessie experienced the hardest time of her life btwn june 2003 and february 2008 in her continuous battle with cancer. yet by the grace of God, those challenging years were transformed into the most blessed and joyful years of bessie's life. bessie was diagnosed with lung cancer in june 2003 and had surgery in the subsequent month. in december 2003, a brain tumor was detected. bessie received 4 surgeries in 2004 and 6 permanent holes were drilled into her skull on account of these treatments.
in the testimonies shared, bessie credited her ability to transcend pain and suffering to two vital supportive factors: God's grace, compassion and love, coupled with the care and prayer support of her fellow members in Christ. bessie trusted God whole-heartedly. she clung to His promise in philippians 4:6-7, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." these words of God brought bessie comfort, encouragement, healing and peace.
in the past four and a half years, bessie's desire for the Lord was like a deer thirsting for the living brook. she confessed to God and studied His Word diligently, committing many Bible verses to heart. she found faith and strength from His promises. she sought the Lord with faith. she experienced God and found joy in His presence. bessie kept telling others that she felt so very blessed by God!
bessie thanked the Lord for His enriching presence in her life. she was thankful that He had answered her prayers beyond her dreams. in spite of her physical condition, bessie was always beaming with joy -- a joy that radiated from her unfeigned smiles: "i finally realized that a joyful heart is the best medicine!" she would often say. God granted bessie a new lease on life, and her strength was renewed like that of an eagle.
on december 31, 2007, bessie was hospitalized on account of dizziness and nausea. further testing revealed that the cancer had recurred in her brain in a critical form. knowing that she had no way to fight the cancer on her own strength, bessie received the news with submission and surrendered herself completely to God. during her last hospitalization, bessie was bedridden and could hardly speak. yet with closed eyes, she still repeatedly prayed, recited God's words, and sang God's praise quietly in her heart. Her favorite lines were from psalm 23:
"even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me... you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and i will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
bessie was a courageous cancer fighter. she clung to God's promise in 2 chronicles 20:15, 17: "do not be afraid or discouraged, for the battle is not yours, but God's... you will not have to fight the battle. take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you." bessie was neither fearful nor anxious. she stood still, trusted whole-heartedly, and waited upon the Lord. she kept the faith, fought the good fight, and finished her race. bessie went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ at mid-day on february 17, 2008. she has rested from her earthly tasks; henceforth she will enjoy only peace and joy in the presence of Christ.
bessie's greatest blessing in life is to have received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. she has experienced abundant blessings from God, therefore her life naturally overflows with beautiful testimonies for Christ!
below, you will find most of her eulogy (with some of my own commentary). it's lengthy, but you will be blessed by what a tremendous testimony of Christ her life was. how will you be remembered? what really matters?
bessie came to the us in 1973 and settled in la, ca. she married felix in 1976. they supported each other and worked hard to build their family through many troubles and hardships (for 31 years!). their family now consists of two married sons, their wives and one granddaughter: jonathan, the eldest son, his wife grace, and daughter elizabeth; jeremy, the youngest son and his wife priscilla. all their children are high achievers. they are devoted to Christ and enjoy serving the Lord (what a blessing to be in a family of believers!). they are bessie's pride and joy.
in addition to bringing up her family well, bessie had excellent work ethics. bessie worked diligently and enjoyed good relationships with her co-workers and clients. she was loved by her colleagues. bessie became a Christian and was baptized at mbcla in jan '96. she devoted herself to serving the Lord, and whole-heartedly built her family upon Christian principles. bessie was noble, gentle, quiet and long-suffering (prov 31 woman). she always put the needs of others before her own. bessie was also generous and kind and especially compassionate towards the elderly.
bessie experienced the hardest time of her life btwn june 2003 and february 2008 in her continuous battle with cancer. yet by the grace of God, those challenging years were transformed into the most blessed and joyful years of bessie's life. bessie was diagnosed with lung cancer in june 2003 and had surgery in the subsequent month. in december 2003, a brain tumor was detected. bessie received 4 surgeries in 2004 and 6 permanent holes were drilled into her skull on account of these treatments.
in the testimonies shared, bessie credited her ability to transcend pain and suffering to two vital supportive factors: God's grace, compassion and love, coupled with the care and prayer support of her fellow members in Christ. bessie trusted God whole-heartedly. she clung to His promise in philippians 4:6-7, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." these words of God brought bessie comfort, encouragement, healing and peace.
in the past four and a half years, bessie's desire for the Lord was like a deer thirsting for the living brook. she confessed to God and studied His Word diligently, committing many Bible verses to heart. she found faith and strength from His promises. she sought the Lord with faith. she experienced God and found joy in His presence. bessie kept telling others that she felt so very blessed by God!
bessie thanked the Lord for His enriching presence in her life. she was thankful that He had answered her prayers beyond her dreams. in spite of her physical condition, bessie was always beaming with joy -- a joy that radiated from her unfeigned smiles: "i finally realized that a joyful heart is the best medicine!" she would often say. God granted bessie a new lease on life, and her strength was renewed like that of an eagle.
on december 31, 2007, bessie was hospitalized on account of dizziness and nausea. further testing revealed that the cancer had recurred in her brain in a critical form. knowing that she had no way to fight the cancer on her own strength, bessie received the news with submission and surrendered herself completely to God. during her last hospitalization, bessie was bedridden and could hardly speak. yet with closed eyes, she still repeatedly prayed, recited God's words, and sang God's praise quietly in her heart. Her favorite lines were from psalm 23:
"even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me... you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and i will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
bessie was a courageous cancer fighter. she clung to God's promise in 2 chronicles 20:15, 17: "do not be afraid or discouraged, for the battle is not yours, but God's... you will not have to fight the battle. take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you." bessie was neither fearful nor anxious. she stood still, trusted whole-heartedly, and waited upon the Lord. she kept the faith, fought the good fight, and finished her race. bessie went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ at mid-day on february 17, 2008. she has rested from her earthly tasks; henceforth she will enjoy only peace and joy in the presence of Christ.
bessie's greatest blessing in life is to have received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. she has experienced abundant blessings from God, therefore her life naturally overflows with beautiful testimonies for Christ!
Monday, February 18, 2008
God is good
hmmm... what's new with me? i should make it a better habit of updating this thing.
facebook has allowed more access i believe - who really knew that i had a blog before that? probably only a few of my closest friends...
- spring semester has started! festival, musicals (oliver! and the music man) are coming up, i have a wonderful student teacher, and i LOVE working with my students... i look forward to each and every new day with them (well, most of the time)
- visited david gray in corcoran state prison a few weeks ago... how humbling it truly is to see God's work through him there... he is a remarkable servant - no complaints and only praise to God most high. my life is SO blessed...
- stm mexico is on! looking fwd to growing closer to my team as we begin to meet and collaborate and see how God will use us there this summer. please pray for all the details: finances, preparations (vbs and youth conference), team unity, worshipful/servant hearts and the hearts of those who we'll be working and interacting with there...
- growing deeper in the Word as i have a new, personalized reading program that incorporates both the Daily Bible and John Mac's Study Bible to help with understanding... it's really helping me to understand the Word and love God more!
- choir/core group/310/foundry have been a blessing: praise God for a mentor from the choir, a very cool worship team and sisters that truly speak the truth in love...
i guess that's everything in a nutshell... praise God for His abundant faithfulness, grace and mercy.
facebook has allowed more access i believe - who really knew that i had a blog before that? probably only a few of my closest friends...
- spring semester has started! festival, musicals (oliver! and the music man) are coming up, i have a wonderful student teacher, and i LOVE working with my students... i look forward to each and every new day with them (well, most of the time)
- visited david gray in corcoran state prison a few weeks ago... how humbling it truly is to see God's work through him there... he is a remarkable servant - no complaints and only praise to God most high. my life is SO blessed...
- stm mexico is on! looking fwd to growing closer to my team as we begin to meet and collaborate and see how God will use us there this summer. please pray for all the details: finances, preparations (vbs and youth conference), team unity, worshipful/servant hearts and the hearts of those who we'll be working and interacting with there...
- growing deeper in the Word as i have a new, personalized reading program that incorporates both the Daily Bible and John Mac's Study Bible to help with understanding... it's really helping me to understand the Word and love God more!
- choir/core group/310/foundry have been a blessing: praise God for a mentor from the choir, a very cool worship team and sisters that truly speak the truth in love...
- i LOVE my family!!! YAY for chinese new year in sd and bonding over rockband... we have a new family gong, too! haha rock on...
- trying new restaurants in la and the long beach area... been spending more time over there with a very special guy in my life :)i guess that's everything in a nutshell... praise God for His abundant faithfulness, grace and mercy.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
welcome to another year...
i remember when i thought my cousins and friends were old @ 27... and here we are now - in 2008, when a lot of us will be turning 27. time flies!
the Lord grew me a lot in 2007, and i expect that to continue to happen this year and in years to come for there is so much to learn.
after all, sanctification is an un-ending process while we are still here on earth.
i'm blessed beyond measure - a sinner deserving nothing more than eternal condemnation; separated from a holy and righteous God by that sin; saved by Christ's blood and living by grace through faith.
standing in awe and rejoicing in the future :)
any resolutions? nah, i stopped making them awhile ago since i never keep them anyway... just a desire to continue to grow in Christ, to read the Word and pray daily.
a passion for full-time ministry in some fashion has ignited... where shall that lead?!
thank you for the tears, laughter, joy and sorrow - losing focus and stumbling is expected, and grace abounds evermore. wow.
psalm 103:1-5
"bless the LORD, o my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. bless the LORD, o my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
the Lord grew me a lot in 2007, and i expect that to continue to happen this year and in years to come for there is so much to learn.
after all, sanctification is an un-ending process while we are still here on earth.
i'm blessed beyond measure - a sinner deserving nothing more than eternal condemnation; separated from a holy and righteous God by that sin; saved by Christ's blood and living by grace through faith.
standing in awe and rejoicing in the future :)
any resolutions? nah, i stopped making them awhile ago since i never keep them anyway... just a desire to continue to grow in Christ, to read the Word and pray daily.
a passion for full-time ministry in some fashion has ignited... where shall that lead?!
thank you for the tears, laughter, joy and sorrow - losing focus and stumbling is expected, and grace abounds evermore. wow.
psalm 103:1-5
"bless the LORD, o my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. bless the LORD, o my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
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