Spoken For

Byria's Wedding. Went down to Torrance this past weekend for Byron and Maria's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding. The most unique part of the ceremony was the acknowledgements of the parents. The bride and the groom each wrote a letter in appreciation of what their parents had done for them through out the years. It probably wasn't the content of what they wrote, but it was the way their sisters read it for them that went straight to the heart. In their tones, you could tell that they have gone through so much and shared much memories. A love that is like the patches of dense fog that we drove through on our way down highway 5, so intense and thick that you can't help but feel you are part of it. A love that is all around you and inseparable. At the banquet, Maria's father said a few words. And everything that was said was giving thanks to God. The focus was not on any one person... Byron and Maria can come together on this glorious day only because of the creator. I sat there thinking, wow, what a great way to recognize the importance of God and give Him the praise He so much deserves.

See pictures here.

Letting Go. I am willing to give up a lot of things in my life. ie, my 748 ducati, my A4, my career, this computer, my savings account, my ability to walk, to see, etc.. Of course, it all boils down to whom I am giving up these things to, and whether they are worth me doing such a sacrifice. I believe I am a "no joke" kind of guy who is willing to do a lot for my friends, my family, and my God. I will go all out to prove and show them how much I care and love them. Most importantly, I felt that I would surrender to God if He calls me... whatever it takes, I will obey.

Last week, I had my mind set on doing this one thing. However, at the very last minute, God challenged me and allowed me to see myself from His perspective. He made me realize how insensitive I was when I acted upon my emotions. Despite the fact that those cared about me made it clear that they did not approve, I was reluctant to let go of my desires. I wanted things my way, even if it made it uncomfortable for others. I wanted to hold on to what I deemed was right, regardless the cost. I had a "treasure" and I am not about to loose it or allow anyone to take it away from me. When I am put under the test, I am just like everyone else... Selfish and self-seeking.

Although I was troubled and still feeling uneasy with the outcome, God reminded me that I should not hold on to the things of this world tightly and allow it to effect who I am and how I feel. He did not want me to be vulnerable. Vulnerable to my circumstances, my fears, my anxieties, and my very self. I need to learn to take the focus off of myself and focus on Him. In all things, to serve Him and glorify Him. To continue to run to Him full-speed ahead.

I thank God for His love for me. It is definitely hard to follow Jesus, to be a Godly person and to live out the biblical love described in 1 Corinthians 13.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

God never said it would be easy, He only promised that if we "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to us". Matthew 6:33