There's something about these spring time flowers...

"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11 

"For the lady in purple" / taken 2/22/13 by das

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day!

O Lord, I would crave more and more to put on love like a garment, that in my contact with men that is what they will most lastingly recognise. 
– Oswald Chambers, from Knocking at God’s Door

It's something I think my Mom would say--and people would say they recognized in her. 

for what it's worth

For the past few years, I have been bombarded by challenges, constant changes in my personal/family/work life. I’ve been humbled and broken down by the good Lord’s disciplinary actions and guidance through the Holy Spirit and also come close to becoming numb about my growth and spiritual walk with Him. One thing that strikes me the most though in my whole walk is.. my mind and the ways I tend to compare myself to individuals whether be those brothers and sisters in Christ OR to even those brother and sisters whom are still lost and in love with the world. Some may ponder, “but we all compare sometimes Aaron.” Lately, I’ve come to realization that my self-comparison to others has become an unseen obsession/depression. Just to make things simple and not complicate my point I’ve listed some things I tend to compare

1. outward appearance 2. stage in life/maturity in Christ 3. skill in the worship team (drums/guitar/vocals/leading) 4. monetary issues/status 5. wants/provisions/allowance/the world

The Lord has not commanded us to look good, or in our case buy the most expensive stuff, mold our bodies to similarly look like the models in the media (who by the way majority ONLY look like that during the shoot from starving themselves), be in tune with the latest worldly fashion/trends. The Lord commands us to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands.” – 1Thess4:11 NIV 1984, as well as "your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." - 1Pet3:3-4

Everyone’s walk is different correct? God has a specific blueprint for our lives, each going our own way different from another. My walk will NEVER be the same as another, possibly similar aspects or stages but NEVER exactly the same. For those searching for God’s purpose in their lives, I will say this, you will NOT find it unless you have repented of your sins, turned to Christ for salvation, and committed yourself to not just believing (even the demons believe in Christ and shudder. James 2:19) but obeying and following. I type as if it’s easy peasy lemon squeezy but the Apostle Paul even gives himself as an example that even being in Christ, the flesh will take over, the sin takes over. For the things Paul wants to do he cannot but the evil he does NOT want to do he does, for his body and spirit are always in warfare (Rom7:19). Even the Apostle Paul had difficulty continuously obeying the Lord Jesus. So who am I to compare myself to those more mature than me. There is not one sinner who is holier than another sinner.

As for the worship team, let’s just say that my skill are not where I would like them to be. The Lord has blessed me with gifts to use in order to serve Him (in my church/bible studies etc.), but even with this, I have realized that I’ve been in want (we shouldn’t be according to Ps23), I’ve looked at other worship leaders, drummers (when I was still drumming), and guitarist and said to myself, “why couldn’t I be like them, play as well as them, be blessed as them?” My thoughts should not matter for His ways and His thoughts are higher, and if my skill is to stay where they are, I know and continue to pray that God hones my abilities not for myself but so that I may be more effective only through Jesus Christ in leading the lost to Him.

Money. Everyone needs more. Everyone wants more, we can always “think” we need more when we shouldn’t be worried about gathering what moths and insects can destroy, thieves can steal but we should be storing up treasures in heaven where moth and rust, thieves cannot ruin or steal (Matt 6:19-20). Why should I even worry about my status when I already serve the God of the universe, the God of Jacob, the God who allowed Nehemiah to break down the walls of Jericho, the great God who sent His only Son (Himself actually, a topic for another day) in human form to translate, relay, AND display His love for us through the Cross. The Lord will provide for me (Ps111:5)for He has fed even the cattle and livestock (Ps147:9). Why should I worry?!

Last for tonight. What do I mean by #5? I mean that I too despite the fact that I am a bond-servant of the Lord, I too like Paul wage war with my spirit and body, always being tempted. I found as I got older it’s more difficult to avoid indulging in drinking , wanting to mark my body with tattoos, hang out with a secular crowd, think impure thoughts, see impure things, want impure things, more or less do things that would shame the name of Christ. My heart aches when I think about things I’ve done to a God who has poured out all for someone like me a liar/adulterer/etc, a sinner. Plain and simple, a sinner.

I may say all these things tonight. And I know judgment comes my way whether I chose to do what the Lord commands or fall for what my fleshly desires are. Just because I have received the “gift” of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, does not mean I also go out and abuse my salvation as a license to sin (read Jude 1:4 NIV 1984). At the same time when I do sin, I must realize too that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom3:23) continuously. Nor can or should I water down the standard of Christ for my own comfort and lifestyle but should pursue righteousness always regardless of the eyes that see me or don’t see me.

Some may wonder why I write something like this? New Year? Revelation? Trying to get attention?

I figure that I’d write this because these are the things I would talk to Auntie Agnes about… my walk. And I’m sure there are plenty readers/family members/ friends who have done the same. I’m just doing what I know the Lord and Auntie Agnes would want me to do, make my life transparent, a see through glass that leads to the grace, forgiveness, mercy, and love of Christ.

Not only will I pray for myself but ask for your prayers brothers and sisters as I will pray for those who suffer the same way or similar ways I am and I have.

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” – Galatians 6:14

- aaron

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.