A Smile List
1. watching scary movies with my family
My cousins, siblings, and i LOVE Asian scary movies.
And for the last few years it's been one of our favorite things to do when we are all together. Whether the movie is good, bad, or has a strange and twisted ending...the fact that we can all come together and scream our heads off, never fails to put a smile on my face.
2. dancing to VBS songs
Choreographing VBS songs has turned out to be one of the most fun things about summer for me.
The thrill of making up fun and catchy movies with the excitement of seeing it being mirrored by young kids results in VBS time being my FAVORITE thing about summer. I can't wait for next year.
3. when a little kid says something smart and unexpected. (i.e. when Sabrina (2 1/2 yrs) looked at the toilet at church and said, "Hey, I have one of those at my house.")
My niece Ava, my nephew Noah, as well as a plethora of children from church never cease to amaze me with their insight and ingenuity. They always speak the truth and speak whatever comes to mind. Though they may get scared and shy at times, they still are more honest than people twice their age. I love the darndest things they say. Just, LOVE IT!
4. the CFBC youth
The past two years, I have realized my love for the youth. I have realized my desire to work with youth and to never stop. Seeing their faces when they realize God's love and feel His presence always always reminds me of how beautiful the Gospel is.
5. answering hard questions without doubt
Growing up, witnessing and sharing my faith was always one of the hardest things to do. I was scared, nervous, unsure of myself and my knowledge. But as I got older I began to see that it was never about knowledge. It was always about wisdom. And wisdom comes from experience. Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit. Wisdom comes from experiencing the Holy Spirit working in you. Now, I have to smile whenever this happens, because it reminds me that God is using me and I have no reason to be afraid.
6. being hit with the urge to do something for or say something to someone else and it turning out to be exactly what they need.
I have said this before, and I'll say it again. I love buying things for people. I love giving things to people. I love doing things unexpectedly, like buying food or boba for my friends and family. I love giving rides. I love offering help to those who are overwhelmed by their loads. I love saying "yes". And I'll admit, I say it too much. I get myself in trouble with money and with time management. But I can never say that I regret any of it, because, at the time, it needed to be done, and if I was capable of doing it, by golly, I did it.
7. getting a new story idea
8. seeing a play unfold in my head
God gave me a gift with stories. So when I get a new idea for a book or a play, I consider it straight from Him.
I always think and hope and pray that, "God could use this to change the world." And sometimes....He does. At least lately, He's been using it to change my world.
9. teaching a song and listening to the final product
Music has proven to be a driving force that is unstoppable in this world. While amazing speeches and great books can cause a generation to stop and take notice, a song can always surpass. It can say more in just one verse than a whole novel can, and when done purely with focused and God-centered intentions, they can help God reach out and touch others.
10. knowing that God just wants me to love Him because He loved me first.
I fail all the time. I am a major failer and a major failure.
But God loves me for me and nothing has ever changed that. Nothing will ever change that. So I just gotta accept it and return the favor. He asks of so little but gives so much.
dedicated to richelle jeanius. my number eleven who just didn't make the cut for this list.
My cousins, siblings, and i LOVE Asian scary movies.
And for the last few years it's been one of our favorite things to do when we are all together. Whether the movie is good, bad, or has a strange and twisted ending...the fact that we can all come together and scream our heads off, never fails to put a smile on my face.
2. dancing to VBS songs
Choreographing VBS songs has turned out to be one of the most fun things about summer for me.
The thrill of making up fun and catchy movies with the excitement of seeing it being mirrored by young kids results in VBS time being my FAVORITE thing about summer. I can't wait for next year.
3. when a little kid says something smart and unexpected. (i.e. when Sabrina (2 1/2 yrs) looked at the toilet at church and said, "Hey, I have one of those at my house.")
My niece Ava, my nephew Noah, as well as a plethora of children from church never cease to amaze me with their insight and ingenuity. They always speak the truth and speak whatever comes to mind. Though they may get scared and shy at times, they still are more honest than people twice their age. I love the darndest things they say. Just, LOVE IT!
4. the CFBC youth
The past two years, I have realized my love for the youth. I have realized my desire to work with youth and to never stop. Seeing their faces when they realize God's love and feel His presence always always reminds me of how beautiful the Gospel is.
5. answering hard questions without doubt
Growing up, witnessing and sharing my faith was always one of the hardest things to do. I was scared, nervous, unsure of myself and my knowledge. But as I got older I began to see that it was never about knowledge. It was always about wisdom. And wisdom comes from experience. Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit. Wisdom comes from experiencing the Holy Spirit working in you. Now, I have to smile whenever this happens, because it reminds me that God is using me and I have no reason to be afraid.
6. being hit with the urge to do something for or say something to someone else and it turning out to be exactly what they need.
I have said this before, and I'll say it again. I love buying things for people. I love giving things to people. I love doing things unexpectedly, like buying food or boba for my friends and family. I love giving rides. I love offering help to those who are overwhelmed by their loads. I love saying "yes". And I'll admit, I say it too much. I get myself in trouble with money and with time management. But I can never say that I regret any of it, because, at the time, it needed to be done, and if I was capable of doing it, by golly, I did it.
7. getting a new story idea
8. seeing a play unfold in my head
God gave me a gift with stories. So when I get a new idea for a book or a play, I consider it straight from Him.
I always think and hope and pray that, "God could use this to change the world." And sometimes....He does. At least lately, He's been using it to change my world.
9. teaching a song and listening to the final product
Music has proven to be a driving force that is unstoppable in this world. While amazing speeches and great books can cause a generation to stop and take notice, a song can always surpass. It can say more in just one verse than a whole novel can, and when done purely with focused and God-centered intentions, they can help God reach out and touch others.
10. knowing that God just wants me to love Him because He loved me first.
I fail all the time. I am a major failer and a major failure.
But God loves me for me and nothing has ever changed that. Nothing will ever change that. So I just gotta accept it and return the favor. He asks of so little but gives so much.
dedicated to richelle jeanius. my number eleven who just didn't make the cut for this list.
2 comments:
I love this list. I love seeing how strong your faith is. I love YOU.
hehe i love you. and i think i should have made it to this list. you know i make you smile all ze time. A DERR!
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