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