Grace Through Faith

There's about six more weeks left before the semester is over and there's so much I want to say, but a gist of what has been going on in the chaos of my thoughts.

1. Learning how to receive His grace despite my shortcomings.
2. Striving to become molded and being more like Christ
3. Receiving and pouring out
4. Perspective- futuristic goals
5. When to speak and when to listen (slow to speak and quick to listen)- to become mature
6. Loving others even when I don't the strength


I want to be a freshmen in college. There are definitely times when I feel like a freshmen at heart, but I need to accept my responsibilities and grow up. Definitely eye opening perspective.

"Keep your head in ALL situations, endure hardships... discharge all the duties of your ministry." -2 Timothy 4:5

My Life In A Nutshell

Super busy-

Pictures Speak A Thousand Words:

^Above is the infant room @ UCMerced.

Volunteer Job- Early Childhood Educational Center. I volunteered at the preschool on campus at UCMerced for about a year in a half. Sadly Miss Christina left to take a job up in the Bay and Mrs. Amanda is on maternity leave. The entire dynamics of the classroom changed and one of the teachers I had worked with asked if I wanted to volunteer in the infant room. I definitely feel less drained volunteering in the infant room. Extremely different from what I am accustomed to.

I wish I had more pictures of my other work places. Since I have a camera, I'll take pictures and post them up when I have time

The three other jobs:
1. Research Assistant in Professor Michelle Chouinard's Lab- Recruitment, Lab, Mandatory Meetings
2. Translator/Interpreter for Cantonese/English (Temporary)
3. Natural Sciences in Education- Teach Science in Fremont third grade

Aside from school, I've been to two retreats for DIVE.
Being on leadership is so fun and I enjoy forming relationships with the freshmen. :)


Freshmen Retreat- Bonfire

^Freshmen Retreat wit Dive Leaders


Fall Retreat- Free Time

Fall Retreat-Free Time/ Rock CLIMBING (My first time. SOOO SCARY!)

Fall Retreat- Games/Worship/Sermon (Not sure why I raised my two hands)

Other Activities! Miscellaneous

Giants Game with High School Friends- Saturday, October 2nd (Giants v. Padres) Giants lost :(

Giant's Game- BUSTER POSEY! <3 style="width: 629px; height: 472px;" alt="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33588_432270681609_607371609_5653912_1514628_n.jpg" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33588_432270681609_607371609_5653912_1514628_n.jpg">
Giant's Game- Natalie and I (I've known her since 3rd grade! We attended the same school from 3rd grade til senior year in high school.)

Giant's Game- Left to Right: Christine's Brother, Christine, Mel, Nat

More updates to come! :)

It's week four onto my third year in college and God has wowed me. Only four weeks and I've gotten a chance to see God continuously challenge me through several obstacles. Over the past four weeks:
I've gotten the chance to meet freshmen who are eager to grow and to know God better
I've see my weaknesses and burdens become so overwhelming that God is and was and will be the source of my rest.
I've had to say goodbye to a dear friend of mine who is leavng for the peace corp. Ptl for his heart and boldness to serve others in a broken and foreign country.
I've never studied so hard to the point of reading the actual textbook
preparing and eating three meals a day
two exams: stats and clinical neuropsychology on back to back days
difficulties in work
Lastly, reminding myself of the GOSPEL.

You Are Mine Forevermore. Redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Sanctified to Glorify God. Loved to love others. Covered by His Grace. Healed by His Compassion. Broken to cling onto the Cross at Calvary. Freed from the chains of sin and guilt.

I really don't know what title this post deserves. Today marks the end of my 2nd week as a 3rd year and I acknowledge my weaknesses to serve as a leader for Dive already. Perhaps the lack of passion for the Gospel on a daily basis. I keep my mini Bible/journal in my bag throughout the day and not once was it cracked open. = Lack of passion in wanting to know more about God and His salvation and workings in my life. Secondly I have not given God my very best in serving the Freshmen. I want to love and spend more time with them individually. However, I am extremely exhausted and home is where I get my physical rest. I finally decided to drop one of my classes- Art1A(Drawing). Now I am taking a total of 15 units which is not bad at all, but that means enrolling into 2 summer classes.

Ultimately I do not want to live a mundane life, rather a life glorifying and pleasing to Him rejoicing in our risen Savior, Jesus Christ!

I bought a few songs from Enfield's new CD- The Enfield Hymn Session.
Definitely gotta <3 the hymnals!

There Is A Fountain
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Blessed Assurance
Be Thou My Vision

:)

Theology

Yayuh! The first week of school is officially over! And I am exhausted! Sleeping, reading, and spending time with just God and me is such a blessing and extremely rewarding! <3

I've been meaning to buy Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, but I'll purchase it another time. In the meantime I found another interesting book: "Essential Trusts of the Christian Faith"- R.C. Sproul.

Why theology? purpose of theology?
Here's a glimpse of the introduction: Every Christian is a theologian. We are always engaged in activity of learning about the things of God... The Bible declares that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

If there's one type of reading I am willing to spend hours flipping through the pages, it would be this book at the moment. :) This book is comprised of mainly reformed theology and the author adds in other theology beliefs to display both sides of party.

Totally recommend this book! It's a regular sized book so you can carry it around! :D

Passing the Paton.

I remember the first day of college, moving in with low expectations of what God had for me. The day I moved, my parents prayed for me and I was feeling the pressure of being by myself. I was relocated from the freshmen dorms (Mariposa) and into a suite of 6 persons (San Joaquin Hall). Unexpected of what God had in store for me, my roommate and I grew closer to some extent and my suitemates and I got along pretty well. I committed my high school career to singlehood, even though it costed me a few friendships (which has be restored out of the grace of God over the past four years). During the first week of the Management Summer Bridge Program (I had moved in the dorms two weeks prior to the incoming freshmen move in day). Throughout the program I gained insight and gist of what college was like. During the intense two weeks of writing, economics, math, and seminars, I grew excited after meeting a few Christians. Anyways, during the first week at the MSBP, I wanted to dedicate another year to staying single, however, God had other plans for me. During a difficult relationship, I fell away from my fellowship, friendships, and last but not least, I fell away and grew distanted from God. My prayers were half hearted and selfish prayers. Nonetheless, I am extremely blessed by the trials God has placed in my life. Though I struggled and was unable to support myself, I am so thankful for my friendships and Brothers and Sisters in Christ who prayed for me and helped me grow through my weaknesses.

So why did I title this note: "Passing the Paton"? I recently had a conversation with one of the graduates of 09' and she could not believe that some of the sophomores my freshmen year are finally seniors, leading the pack spiritually. And at the same time I can't believe it that I am officially a third year. The super seniors did instill in us lessons that they had learned, examples that they had set (dedicating their time and money to serve us even though rejection and etc), and lastly displaying God's love into our lives. I am sooo grateful and blessed to have met these awesome seniors. Definitely setting our eyes on Christ as we love upon these freshmen without expectations is what I really hope the upperclassmen and leadership team are actively praying and living it out loud! :)