Boxing Day

Take it all down, Christmas is over
But do not despair, but rather be glad
We had a good year, now let’s have another
Remembering all the good times that we had

Through hearts of man are bitter in weather
As cold as the snow that falls from above
But just for one day we all came together
We showed the whole world that we know how to love

Oh no more lights glistening
No more carols to sing
But Christmas, it makes way for spring

Missed you more than most during this Christmas, ma. 2012 was just a trial year..Ready for a beautiful new day.

What seems like an insurmountable barrier will be surrended to Him.

Another one of those many nights that I'm awake and distracted, thinking of you.

Dec. 1, 2012

Following the blog posts of last year one day at time.
I know I'm not the only one. The only one spending a lot of time looking back lately...
Words cannot fully express the awe I feel when I see the changes of the past year. Not just in my own life but in the lives of the people around me. We're not the only ones who have had someone go on ahead of us. We're not the only ones who's world has been flipped sideways, 'round and round, and then upside down--in just a month--and now a year. I know a recurring question for me has been, 

"God, where do we go from here? Where. do. we. go. from. here?"

 So, where do we go from here? Honestly. I really don't know. It's driven me nuts. This year. I've gone nuts. Really. Okay. Maybe not, but it felt like it. Worrying about the future all the time. It's so tiresome. I'm giving up. The point is, he leads--and I follow. I will follow. There a few things that are sure. God is good. God is still good. God is trustworthy and even if I don't know where to go.  He does. 

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God”
- Corrie Ten Boom

To my mother, to my brother.

 

One year ago, on November 21, 2011, 2:19a.m. at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California... the woman who gave me life left the world to enter the Kingdom. She is currently walking on streets of gold - where I can't wait to be.

It's an understatement when I say that I can't wait to have a full family again. In the meantime, I'll enjoy and make the most of this one short life that I've been given by my Creator...

To my mother, to my brother: You are loved.

"...I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations." ~ Isaiah 60:15

Exactly last year...

They say that time heals all wounds. Unfortunately it's not just time. It's what you do during that time that will allow wounds to heal. Time by itself is not enough... ~Billy Lewis

Photos from last year's Thanksgiving gathering at Mercy.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

passion. love. art. youth.

One day left until Prelude Urban Dance Competition Series in Hayward. All these late night rehearsals, sleepless nights, worn out bodies, aching muscles, and hard work will finally pay off. Countless hours spent in the dance studio taking the time to perfect each detail for our set. I really could not be anymore thankful, blessed, and proud to be in Press Play let alone call them my second family.

There is just something different about this performance (personally). It's not just any other show. We've done many big shows together, but something about this one really makes me want to leave my heart on that stage. It's been a challenging year; not only for me, but also for our group. With all the losses and having to adapt to all the challenges being thrown at us simultaneously, we've managed to stay solid - never forgetting our roots, and always remembering why "we do what we love and love what we do". None of this would be possible without the

One who gave us the gift of dance in the first place. For that, I'm so thankful.

This Saturday, I've decided to dedicate my parts of this set to my mom. With her one year anniversary coming up on November 21, it would only be right to. Without her support, her encouragement, her willingness to give, I would not be where I'm at - let alone dancing on that stage this weekend. From day one at age 14, she signed me up for classes with Jason Magsuci and since then, I've never stopped dancing. My curiosity grew. And that curiosity led me to Press PLAY. From her willingness to pay for monthly tuition, to letting me stay out late for rehearsal all throughout high school, watching my performances, supporting me in all that I did with Press PLAY, I know I'm beyond blessed. Ready to share this talent with those who are willing to watch. And I know I wouldn't have been here if it weren't for my Proverbs 31 woman.

At a young age, God gave me an amazing opportunity to enter a world full of different people that I've grown to love. From the start, to us - and even to my mom - Press PLAY didn't offer just dance training. It came with a strong leadership, a focused mindset, an endless imagination, members who were (and still are) willing to learn, and enough chemistry, work ethic, and support to keep going for a long ways to come... It never stops here.

Words can't even begin to explain, so I'll show you through movement instead... G.U.I.DANCE (God, U, and I DANCE)

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.." ~Psalm 30:11

A quiet moment of awe at 3am.

Before the moment passes and it fades a bit from memory...

I am so grateful for each and every one of the people that helped plan, organize, do the labor, find the place, clean, etc for my Mom's one year anniversary party. It was great to have every one do the work and not only that--do it joyfully! Do you know how hard it can be to have people do things joyfully? I am thankful! In awe of how smoothly things were able to run. None of it would be possible without

A) Prayerfully planning (Thank you, God!)
B) People doing the work

So thanks!

In the month of November, I quite forgot 'tis the season to count your blessings (Well, every season is the season but let's not be literal for a moment to enjoy the literary phrase), so join me as I begin counting once again!

It was a great night, I'm sure Desiree or someone will post photos later.

Thanks to everyone who helped and attended in person or in heart!

Expect a Miracle!

-Liana S.

A day to look back and a day to move forward.

 

 

One year ago, I came to Freeport bakery to buy the annual tradition for your birthday: a fruit tart that you've always craved for. Last year was different. You didn't eat as much. 

This year, it's different, too. I'm at the same exact spot, only with no fruit tart in hand. Just a few selected journals that were sitting in a box in the corner of your room. Coffee and donuts for myself. Another nice, sunny day. Still, I sit in disbelief. Where has the time gone? We have yet to hit our "one year mark". Sometimes, I still question what God's purpose was for this year's trial and hardship. 

Then, I remember how much we've grown as individuals. Our church, the youth group, old childhood friends, new friends, and our immediate family in general. We've experienced a loss and pain so deep, words can't even explain how much it hurts to miss you. I also remember the words from the song that Liana sang at your funeral, "Blessings". A gentle reminder that this is not our home, and that we still have many more beautiful, sunny days to look forward to. 

- Desiree Seisa

Grateful Birthday to you Agnes.

As We Celebrate Your Life by the encouraging example you have purposely lived by.

I'm sharing a message she sent me in 2009 & wanted to share this Wonderful Gift to you, who had received this type of Love & Encouragement from our dearly departed love one throughout the years.

Thank you for your "Shining Example" to us All.

We All miss you much.

~0c0~

Fwd Quote:
"There is no security in this life. There is only opportunity." Douglas Macarthur

Chris Widener's Action Point:
Most people spend their time trying to keep what they already have or stay at the level they have already attained. This is human nature. The problem is that keeps us focused on the wrong things, especially if we are going to continue moving on and becoming more successful. Instead, we ought to accept the fact that there is no security and therefore nothing to spend our time worrying about. This then, allows us to focus in on our goals, dreams and visions - the opportunities that we desire to strive for. It unleashes our potential because we are focused on the right things! Action Point: Think of the things you worry about losing. Mentally accept that there really is no security in them anyway. Now take some time, and continue to do this regularly, to think about your opportunities. Every time you begin to worry, take that thought captive and refocus on your opportunities.

 

- Dennis Seisa

More than we could ask for

"'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:29-31

Today is your birthday and oh how I wish all of us could celebrate this special day with you, but you are now celebrating joyously in heaven; a celebration far more than we could ever imagine.  I just want you and everyone to know that you have done more than expected in people's lives.  You are the definition of a true and faithful servant.  You are more than a friend, a mentor, a teacher, an aunt, a niece, a sister, a daughter, a mother, a wife, an inspiration...you are a miracle.  8]

I love you Auntie

-Harold

For you, mommy.

Happy Early Birthday.

Photos and videos

Hi everyone,

I'm currently editing a short video/slideshow for my mom's one year anniversary. If anyone has any photos/videos they would like to be included in this short video, please feel free to email them to desiree.seisa@gmail.com. It'd be very appreciated!

- Desiree Seisa

Something I learned from the radio.

The Greek/Hebrew/Latin (I'm not quite sure) word for life means to move forward while the word death means to put away.

Interesting, eh? This year in a theme can be called, Moving Forward. Even the worship event my church had was called Forward 2012!

2012 is definitely a year for change and growth, God has been so good to us. Yesterday marked 9 months since my Mom's passing! Even so, if you ask how we're doing, I can tell you truthfully that the best of our life is the rest of our life--and the rest of our life is now. :D

Be free and expect a miracle!

-Liana S.

"The world is a book and those who don't travel read only one page." ~ St. Augustine

Living life on the edge and making every day count!

There's someone home whom we haven't seen in a while!

Thank you, Leong Family, for blessing us with your presence at our house yet again! Always a pleasure to catch up and hang out with good friends. Mom's life-sized poster finally came home! Lol, until next time...

Relay For Life Luminaria Ceremony - 2012 TV Spot

The Process of Fulfilling God's Dream

We've had this audio recording of my Mom for several months now. Finally ready to share it with you all. Our friend, Ryan Bulan, recorded my Mom teaching Bible study on April 21, 2011.

I've listened to it dozens of times over the past few months. We're so grateful that he recorded her. He also made a montage to this recording that we'll post here soon (soon is relative though).
It's a short snippet of all her teaching, but I'm sure you'll be inspired and blessed!

Part 1


Part 2


Expect a miracle, friends!

-Liana

June 21

Dear Mom,

Happy One Year Anniversary of living in our apartment!
Thank you for expecting a miracle that we'd have a place to live by June 21st, the day Sami graduated from kindergarten. I remember you kept emphasizing,

"We will have a place to live by June 21st because that's the day Sami will be out of school--that's the day I said we'd have a place. So, God will provide. Tell everyone to pray for us."

Haha. God sure did provide!

"We're going to get a place with two bathrooms." You stressed to me during the days and weeks prior. "Two bathrooms. We cannot share one bathroom--it's too crowded."

The day we moved...It was hot--remember that? Even the morning was albeit too warm (unlike today where the weather is deliciously cool and breezy, it felt like perfect tennis weather I must say). It was especially too hot to be moving furniture! But we were always a family for extremes right? Extreme changes in extreme weather.

Besides living here for a year now, it's been 7 months too. Sometimes I just lean back and take a deep breath--you were so right about 2011 being our year for change. We just didn't realize how much. I am so glad you expected a miracle, I have no idea where we'd be right now if you didn't fight for us on your knees--contending for a place for us to live and reminding us to do the same.

Simply put...thanks. Thank you for caring, for praying, for encouraging.

Your life was not in vain.

Love you. I'll see you on the other side.

From my heart to yours,
Liana

7 months

A few weeks ago, I had a dream. It was you! You were comforting me and said that everything was going to be ok. It happened so fast I it was just like a flash. Nothing more to say. Missing You.

Happy Anniversary!

June 14 (Flag Day) - Marriage Anniversary

June 16 - Wedding Anniversary


...Post to be edited at a later date....

Doing what she did best.

She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her: 
 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

~ Proverbs 31: 26-27

Long Way Home - Steven Curtis Chapman

I find this song very hopeful. I just started reorganizing our apartment because it's been in a state of tolerable chaos for the past few months...Not dirty, mind you, it's in good living condition but much messier than I would like and I know my Mom would approve of. So, I flip on the radio--it's time to turn on the organizing music only to find what song? That song. Blessings by Laura Story.

I had to laugh, that song would play during one of the moments I am reminded of Mom most--when I'm organizing.

She always wanted our house to be ready to receive guests and for them to feel valued, accepted, and loved even by what the state of our home was in.

She said the best was when you were able to enter a clean bathroom at someone's house 'cause that's usually known as the breeding ground for germs (those are my words, not hers--I'm paraphrasing but you get the idea).

But anyway, this song, Long Way Home started playing after Blessings. First, you get to hear about all the Blessings through the pain and how this really isn't our home...then you get to be reminded yet again, that we're a long way from home so we shouldn't fear. This earth, where we are now is not home, so we await in eager expectation for the day Jesus Christ comes back for us--His Beloved. And you can be His beloved too, if you believe.

But yes, this song is lovely. Our life is a grand adventure--yes, there is pain. There is blessings in the pain...however, life is still full of so much hope! We can be so certain of His promises!

Let's have faith! Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see!

Expect a Miracle, my dear friends!

Love you all.

-Liana S.

Sixth Month Mark.

I took a glance at the calendar and walked on by. Then I walked back. Six months? Six months! Already?

It feels like a lifetime ago...yet as if it as all too soon for six months to have passed by without Mom. Every month I've marked the 21st as a date to remember. This month though...it's a bit different. I can remember May 2011, a trying and tumultuous month--different from this May although still a month for growth. Not just that, but the 19th, 20th, and 21st this month is on Saturday, Sunday, then Monday...just like six months ago. It's just amazing to see how different your life is now compared to six months prior. You know?

It was just the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We just sang together in the downstairs cafeteria side room of Mercy General Hospital for our "small" party of 30. It was raining outside. (See Giving Thanks)

It was just the Sunday we left for San Francisco to visit my Grandma, promising my Mom to be back soon. Hating to leave yet believing that we could leave, maybe getting a little bit too comfortable. It was autumn. The red, orange, and yellow leaves were lovely.

It was just that night we rushed home after only four or maybe five hours in the city. We were just in that room and everyone around us was weeping yet we still were expecting a miracle--a different kind of miracle than the one we received. (See Urgent & Most Recent Update on Agnes - 11:30pm)

It was just early Monday morning when we left with no sleep and puffy red eyes with grief and peace and quiet joy. (See She is NOW peacefully resting,,.)

It was just a few months ago! Surely not six, surely not so long ago!

Stunned--amazed just how things change! It seems to be a resounding theme in my life, "Wow, How things change!".

God takes you from where you were, to where you are, to where you're going to be...You cannot imagine how it'd all turn out, how things will move along...you think He's not there yet you can look back and see His fingerprints on the moments you thought you were at your worst. Like when you feel like he abandoned you or you simply couldn't see Him though trusting He is there. Like a child in a darkened room knowing he or she is safe because someone he or she loves most is sitting in there waiting for him or her to fall asleep. He is here in the dark occurences. He is here in the joyous occasions! He is here for every moment in between.

God, I am just to grateful, so thankful, for my Mom her love for you. The love for you which you instilled in her heart to make each person feel valued, accepted, and loved. That they felt so important in her presence and I am so privileged to have her as my Mom. Thank you for giving her to me as a Mom, although this is one of those nights where I begin to miss her most...I know that she rejoices in being with you--for you love her more than I ever could.Thank you for allowing to be my mentor, one of my most treasured best friends--my Mom.

-Liana S.

Mothers Day 2012

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life...Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” ~ Proverbs 31: 10-12, 28-29

To the beautiful mothers out there...thank you. And to their children - love and appreciate your mother. You only get one. ♥

Expect A Miracle!

Excerpt from Agnes' Journal - April 30, 2011

Joshua 3:7/4:14
God makes leaders and when He does, He is with them.

Joshua 4:24
He performs miracles NOT to prove how great I am but to show how powerful He is. Also to show His mercy and lovingkindness towards one so I don't forget who He is.

From tthe facebook of Dennis S.

http://gerson.org/gerpress/

Saw a documentary of this Gerson Institute, which focuses on the Hollistic treatment that Dr. Max Gerson offered over 50 years ago.

So there is Hope.

The epiloque on the movie was very powerful & significant, for it spoke deeply to me.

I hope it speaks to you too, for your Life does matter.

"For each of us eventually, whether we are ready or not, someday we will come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions and plans. Your "to do" list will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from or on what side of the tracks you lived at the end. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you bought but what you built. It’s not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

A Life lived significantly is not one of circumstance as much as it was of unfailing dedication of choice.

A Life that Touched & Cured a dying & suffering humanity then & now."

As of now..

I’m stuck in this uncomfortable transition from hitting “rock-bottom” to getting back up and climbing to the top. Learned so much these past 5 or 6 months of losing a mom. I feel like I went from a child’s mindset to a young adult’s in a matter of seconds. I guess that’s what losing someone does to you. It wakes you up to the harsh realities of this world. A world full of pain, struggle, and despair…but amidst the chaos, we don’t lose hope. Though my heart has been broken, I’m learning to look for the beauty and light in every struggle. I’ve learned how to be alone, because through my silence is when God speaks the loudest. I’ve learned not only how to be grateful, but also to “give until there’s nothing left”. I’ve learned how to just sit back, chill, and listen. I’ve learned not only how to think more in depth, but also how to voice and write down every opinion and thought - and to welcome new insight and different perspectives. I’ve learned how to work harder, stay independent, and not to let negativity hinder me from doing me. I’ve gained confidence that God’s plan is perfect. Fixing my eyes on the prize - what will last forever rather than the temporary fixes in life.

I’ve learned so much, and I still have so much more to go. I’m excited to get a career started, inspire others with it, and be an encouragement to others who share my same struggle. Bigger dreams, countless goals, a creative mind and a blank canvas. 20 years old and still a whole life to live….it’s only just begun.

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. ~ 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

"though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." Psalm 70: 20-21

Heal our hearts, God... earthly pain is too much to bear.

As the Ruin Falls

All this is flashy rhetoric about loving you.
I never had a selfless thought since I was born.
I am mercenary and self-seeking through and through:
I want God, you, all friends, merely to serve my turn.

Peace, re-assurance, pleasure, are the goals I seek,
I cannot crawl one inch outside my proper skin:
I talk of love --a scholar's parrot may talk Greek--
But, self-imprisoned, always end where I begin.

Only that now you have taught me (but how late) my lack.
I see the chasm. And everything you are was making
My heart into a bridge by which I might get back
From exile, and grow man. And now the bridge is breaking.

For this I bless you as the ruin falls. The pains
You give me are more precious than all other gains.

A poem by C.S. Lewis written after he lost his wife of two years to cancer.

Lately it seems that more often than not I feel my eyes betraying me by beginning to flood with tears. I share this not to gain your sympathy, but again to state that "Yes, dear. I'm imperfect and perfectly human".

Anyway, this was actually one of my favourite poems before my Mom passed away. I remember when I told her that it was my favourite. :) But now I understand it a lot better. Enjoy!

I hope you can understand its message and apply it to your life too.

Expect a miracle!

-Liana S.

4 months...

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” -C.S. Lewis

There are many days when I begin to think I've heard His message, or I begin to feel a little cocky like maybe I've got God all figured out. Nope. Never will I be able to figure Him all out in my lifetime.

I think that the pain like this in life cuts through all the barriers and blinders we put up--the ones we put up knowingly and unknowingly, and we can truly say,

Job 42:5
My ears had heard of you,
but now my eyes have seen you.

"God, I've heard of you before. I thought I knew all about your ways that you're a good God or I believed the lie that you're a cruel God. But now, I see you."

This is an incomplete thought but maybe I'll finish it later. If not, just a verse for you to ponder on a little. Gooooodnight!

Expect a miracle!

-Liana S.

and counting...

Excerpt from her journal 2/28/10,

Lord,

I Thank You for giving me the ability to take it one day at a Time and Worry is No Longer my weakness.

Thank You for teaching Me to Give everything to You, to Rest on Your Promises and to Live by Faith.

Thank You for Bringing Me to a New Higher Level & Teaching Me to Fully Depend on You.

Thank You for Teaching Me to Listen and Discern your Voice and for the Future Plans you have Laid out for Me and My Family.

In Jesus Precious name, Amen.

Expect A Miracle

3 months...

Taking the Initiative Against Depression by Oswald Chambers

Feb. 17, 2012

Arise and eat—1 Kings 19:5

The angel in this passage did not give Elijah a vision, or explain the Scriptures to him, or do anything remarkable. He simply told Elijah to do a very ordinary thing, that is, to get up and eat. If we were never depressed, we would not be alive—only material things don’t suffer depression. If human beings were not capable of depression, we would have no capacity for happiness and exaltation. There are things in life that are designed to depress us; for example, things that are associated with death. Whenever you examine yourself, always take into account your capacity for depression.

When the Spirit of God comes to us, He does not give us glorious visions, but He tells us to do the most ordinary things imaginable. Depression tends to turn us away from the everyday things of God’s creation. But whenever God steps in, His inspiration is to do the most natural, simple things-things we would never have imagined God was in, but as we do them we find Him there. The inspiration that comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression. But we must take the first step and do it in the inspiration of God. If, however, we do something simply to overcome our depression, we will only deepen it. But when the Spirit of God leads us instinctively to do something, the moment we do it the depression is gone. As soon as we arise and obey, we enter a higher plane of life.

Just a daily reminder to arise and eat. To do the simple things, do not scorn the little things. This goes out to everyone who feels like they've lost hope, arise and eat! If you ever feel down, remember...

Expect a miracle daily. (:

-Liana S.

Growing Pains

I'm ony 19 years old, yet life feels so tough. Why?

It’s so easy to focus on the things I lost. My family’s home, my mom, close friends, strength and inspiration… yet I seem to forget that God can give, but He also can take away. And in all circumstances, I have nothing else left but a thankful heart. I still thank Him for giving me what he did, even if it was for a short time. It’s hard, but there is nothing left to do but continue forward.

Nothing will ever replace what was lost. A mother’s wisdom. A friend’s shoulder to cry on. A home’s warmth and comfort. The memories made are endless and will always remain. This may be the toughest thing to swallow. But it’s not over. Dark times serve a purpose. Reality hits hard…but life is still a gift. Hoping to use my experiences as a way to uplift and help others who will go through the same struggle.

Love your parents because as much as we think they won’t grow older, they do. Cherish your friends because you never know when you’ll lose one. Make the most of being in school because tuition will only go up from here. Push through, be patient and work hard with getting into classes despite if you're wait-listed or not because the ones who are determined enough to get into a class will surely get into it. Be thankful if you live at home because you’ll miss it once you leave it. Work hard if you have a job because it will definitely pay off later. Forgive others as He has forgiven you, and most of all, forgive yourself.

The pain I feel from losing people only motivates me to love others more. I’ll cherish what I have now, so that whenever it leaves me again, I’ll proudly say that I made the most of what was given to me.

"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. "

~ 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 (The Message)

Good morning, everyone!

I'm not sure if it was last night or the night before when I was laying in bed thinking about music and BAM! I realized that I might've not shared this song! Which would be quite a blunder on my part since during my Mom's month long journey at the hospital, this song helped sustain me and many of those around me. So how could I not share it? Be blessed!

Thank you, God that we are alive today.

Expect a miracle and have a beautiful morning!

19 minutes until it marks the anniversary of two months and one day since you went ahead of us. We sang this at John's celebration of life, both of you guys are saving a place for me now.

Yeah, I still believe in expecting a miracle. Thank you, God, that life here is beautiful. After life, there is death, and LIFE again--renewed in you, God.

Expect a miracle.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

My mom and dad at their wedding. My mom's wedding dress she also designed and created.


Me, 20 years or so later, in my mom's wedding dress. Taken by Christine Leong at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco CA.

Details were sewn by hand.

The designer and her daughter. (2010)

Her simplistic, classy style.

I successfuly crashed a Textiles course today, and I all I could think of is how much I'd love to hear her advice on apparel construction/design right now. Her primary passion was sewing/fashion design, and ironically, I'm a current Pre-Apparel Design and Merchandising major. She always joked about how I followed after her. :)

Devotional Text from Jeremy Seisa

(photo taken by Gabriel Torneros)

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." ~ Hebrews 11:1

So this devotext is based off of one phrase, which is: Expect A Miracle. This phrase, as some of you may know, has been a big part of my life as of late. Being the rally cry for my Auntie Agnes as she battled cancer, I know there is a solid definition out there for this phrase. But to me, it means two things: have faith in God, and count your blessings. The first one goes hand-in-hand with what I talked about two days ago. I talked about those days or long stretches of time when everything seems to go wrong, when nothing seems to go your way, when giving up seems like the only option. My advice then is to lean on God in those times. That right there is hard enough. We, as human beings, want to take matters into our own hands, want to fix things ourselves. Lifting our problems up to God, at times, is the last thing we do. Keeping our faith in God, to me again, is even harder; especially if things don't get better as soon as I expected. Lifting things up to God, and having nothing happen right away, sucks. It's difficult. It's heart-wrenching. But it's part of faith, it's part of growing in our faith. One pattern I see myself going through when I encounter a long-lasting problem is that my confidence in God seems to rise the longer my problem goes on. It starts off with: "I can fix this." Then to, "Okay, God. I need a little help." Then to, "Okay, I need a lot of help, God." Then, "I can only do so much, can You fix this?" Finally, "Of course you can fix this, God. What was I thinking?"

See, we, or at least I, think we can fix any problem. But when we reach that point when we realize we really can't do anything anymore, our confidence in God skyrockets. Which is what I discourage you guys to do.

When God hits you with the big problems in life that seems to last forever, don't inch towards fully believing with that utmost confidence that God will take care of things. I encourage you guys to, right off the bat, believe that God will take care of you. "Don't just believe in miracles, expect them." (quoted my cousin) And I'm not saying to expect in an arrogant way. But really have the confidence that God has you in His hands. Believe that things will get better in time. Know that God has you on His perfect path, and things are going according to His plan. Have faith in our Father. Expect a Miracle.

Miracles happen every day. Waking up is a miracle. Being alive is a miracle. Living freely is a miracle. Having food to eat and water to drink is a miracle. Having any amount of money is a miracle. All this ties with my second part of my meaning of the phrase: Count your blessings. From the things we see, to the things we don't. From the things we notice, to the things we see as expected now, all are blessings. All are miracles. God can give and take away at any second. You, yes you, are a walking miracle. So is it hard to expect a miracle?

Expect God to carry you in whatever you're going through, but also know that you're not going through it alone. Your struggles are my struggles, your burdens are my burdens in this shared life. You are never alone.

Keep at it. Always look to God. Keep growing in God. Keep praying for each other. Always encourage each other. Always expect a miracle. And continue to show God's love to this world.

My Last Visit...

"Your unfailing LOVE is better than LIFE itself; how I praise You!" ~Psalm 63:3

The month of November was eradicated from my 2011 calendar. And December was not the same. Holidays in all will never be the same. But in spite of the sadness that enveloped the following days/weeks, I found solace and joy knowing that during the Christmas season, we celebrate the reason why the Father sent His only Son. That we may have LIFE. Eternal Life. 

These images were from my last visit with my dear friend at Mercy Hospital with several friends. And the last time I would ever touch her (and I had to wear gloves!) I'm exceedingly sad whenever I think about her and whenever I see photos of her. And it's around January that we would usually get together. But knowing she's in a much better place and that I would see her again brings much comfort. So I'm holding on tight to God's Word, unfailing love & promises while enjoying the gift of Today. 

“You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life." ~Psalm 142:5

“How frail is humanity! How short is life..." ~Job 14:1

"Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your Word." ~Psalm 119:37

"For the life of every living thing is in His hand, and the breath of every human being." ~Job 12:10

You gave me life & showed me Your unfailing love. My life was preserved by Your care. ~Job 10:12

"For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." ~Job 33:4

Dishes

Written after avoiding the dishes for two days then realizing they simply wouldn't go away until I washed them.

When I was little I didn't realize how dishes can just pile up and up and up...Why my Mom would sigh when she looked at the neat but towering stack that we placed one after another thoughtlessly. I remember night after night--many of them late, she would pull on her yellow rubber gloves and begin rinsing and then loading and arranging each dish into the washer. I'd walk right up to her, often catching her during a hushed prayer, give my love and a small hug before heading off to bed.

She once told me that one of her best times to pray was while she did those mundane dishes.

Just the sound of the running water and an occasional chink! of utensils, the rest of the house was usually silent. She'd breathe in peace and now I can understand just a little better why.

It wasn't until my Junior year that I began to take over that job, doing it consistently. Sometimes I'd feel like I was stealing that time of hers to pray by doing it, but now I see that I was just being trained to do the same.

There is a calmness that overtakes me while the dirt of the day is being washed away. I take pleasure in seeing the dish become sparkling and new. At the end of the day, it really is no fun to dread that huge pile, but someone has to do it. And while you do it, you might as well have your mind be active as your hands be productive.

In short, don't waste your time.

Even during the mundane you can still exercise your mind and your faith, how much time do we often waste staring off into space while we wait for the line to end, for the bell to ring, or for something to be done?

It is good to rest (I'm all for it!), but don't get too much--don't get too little either!

Expect a Miracle!

-Liana S.

That's the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.

God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I'm singing God-songs;
I'm making music to God.

Psalm 27: 5-6 (The Message)

Taken at Agnes Seisa's Viewing at Cypress Lawn, Daly City. Photo Credits to Chris Pangilinan.

Happy New Year, everyone!

I know that many of you could not make it out to my Mom's celebration of life, so I wanted to here the list of blessings (my Mom wrote down for the year 2009) that I shared at the celebration.

From the journal of Agnes Seisa

Blessings 2009:

• Married to my best friend for 20 years
• Opportunities to practice ILD principles
• Being an advisor/mentor to Intersection
• Secretary to Fil-Am Covenant
• Sunday school facilitator
• Sharpening my cooking skills
• Got off Calworks
• Dennis working nearby (City of Sac/East Lawn/Air Force)
• Learning to live by faith and relying on God to supply all of our needs
• Peaceful family
• Unexpected opportunities to receive
• Free from worry: surrendered my life to God.

Count your blessings and may your year be full of living hope and joy through every season!

Expect a miracle, friends!

-Liana S.