Praise God; He is so wonderful and merciful and true!

So, for the last week, I've been going through the ringer! Pastor Jim has been teaching about how we shouldn't focus on the outside of ourselves too much because what matters is how we are on the inside; how God sees us and how other see us as Christians. He's also been teaching us that we shouldn't have false idols in our lives; things that become more important to us than God! Or focusing too much of our time on worldly things. Well, I've been having these issues for the past few week! I've been focusing a lot of my time on my my outward appearance, namely, my hair! I was going back and forth between keeping it dark and lightening it, closer to my natural color. I finally decided to go lighter yesterday, but then since last night, I've been going back and forth on whether I like the way it looks or not. It's ridiculous how much time I've spend thinking and worrying about this. Everyone likes it, including Thao, so why am I even wasting my time with this? It just makes me disappointed in myself and ashamed of myself because I used to do things like this all the time in the past and I want to change my ways! So, this is a struggle, but both God and Thao are keeping me grounded! As long as I focus on Him and as long as my husband is here for me, when I need to talk (which he has been, even though he is tired of talking about my hair), I can make it through this! Writing about it is also helping the frustration I was feeling, melt away! I am so happy that I have learned new skills to help me cope with these struggles. The main skill is focusing on God and His word! I would be deeply depressed without Him! Thank you Jesus, for helping me through this and for never leaving my side! I love you more than life itself!!

Proof that the earth isn't 4.5 billion years old!

After reading some worksheets that Fritz and Bernadette gave me a couple of years ago, concerning youth earth creationism, I decided to do more research online. One of the worksheets talked about scientists finding soft tissue inside preserved dinosaur bones, so I looked it up and found this article: Dinosaur Shocker. It just goes to prove that the earth is only around 6000 years old, rather than billions of years old. I am now SO fascinated with young earth creationism. I never really believed that the earth was billions of years old.

Another website I found. Evidence for a Young Earth

Luke 12:8-34, NLT, Proverbs 12:21-23

Luke 12:8-34, NLT

8“I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. 9But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. 10Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say,12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

Parable of the Rich Fool

13Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

14Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

16Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

21“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Teaching about Money and Possessions

22Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

27“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

29“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.30These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.31Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

32“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

33“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Proverbs 12:21-23

21No harm comes to the godly,

but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22The Lord detests lying lips,

but he delights in those who tell the truth.

23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,

but fools broadcast their foolishness.

God Personally Cares for You - Isaiah 40:11

Verse of the Day - Day 4

God Personally Cares for You - Isaiah 40:11

Welcome to Verse of the Day!

Today's Bible Verse:

Isaiah 40:11
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (ESV)

Today's Inspiring Thought: God Personally Cares for You

This picture of a shepherd reminds us of God's personal love as he watches over us. When we're feeling weak and helpless, like a lamb, the Lord will gather us in his arms and carry us close.

When we need guidance, we can trust him to gently lead. He personally knows our needs, and we can rest in the safety of his sheltering care.

"Smoke Signals" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 7/6/2013

Amen! I love this!!

Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie

SATURDAY, JULY 6, 2013 Smoke Signals And those who heard it said, "Who then can be saved?" But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." —Luke 18:26–27 I once heard a story about a man who was shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. Seeing that rescue might not happen for a long time, he painstakingly built a little hut to provide himself protection from the elements and a place to store the few items he had managed to salvage from the wreck. Every day he would prayerfully scan the horizon, hoping for the approach of a ship. But he saw nothing. Then one evening, after he had been out and about on the island, searching for food, he came back to see that his little hut was in flames. He tried to put out the fire, but it was too late. Everything he owned in this world had gone up in smoke. He went to sleep that night listening to the pounding of the surf, stunned by his own misfortune. The next morning he awoke to find a ship anchored off the island—the first ship he had seen since he had been marooned. Still trying to believe his eyes, he heard footsteps, and then a human voice, saying, "We saw your smoke signal and we came to rescue you." That's how it happens sometimes. In divine sovereignty and grace, the worst-case scenario somehow becomes the best-case scenario. Disasters can turn out to be great opportunities for God to work in your life. The Lord is always present with us, always intimately acquainted with our circumstances, and He specializes in taking "impossible" situations and turning them around, for His glory and our benefit.

Verse of the Day - Day 3 Treasures in Heaven - Matthew 6:19–21

Today's Bible Verse:

Matthew 6:19–21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (ESV)

Today's Inspiring Thought: Treasures in Heaven

No matter how much money or stuff we accumulate, we will still feel a certain amount of dissatisfaction with life here on earth. This is to be expected for a believer. Our hearts will always be disappointed with the fleeting, fading, false treasures this side of eternity.

While we can still enjoy this life, our hearts should not be too invested here. The most satisfying, lasting treasures are being stored in heaven, our true home.

Amen; Praise God!

Scripture that stands out from today's bible reading:

Luke 11:1-2, 4 NKJV

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”

Luke 11:9-13 NKJV

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

You are faithful, You are faithful, You are faithful!
I know who goes before me, I know who goes behind
The God of Angel armies, is always by my side!
The One who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine
The God of Angel armies, is always by my side!
- Chris Tomlin

Still thinking about a prayer journal. I think I'm more of an electronic journaler, than a handwritten journaler. I like being able to cut and paste scripture and I find typing easier, at least when I have a lot to write about. I also like having a copy stored online. I think I'd be worried about losing a handwritten one. But then it seems like a handwritten one would be very personal. I'll have to think about this more.

Prayer Journal - Handwritten or Typed in a Blog? Also, the A.C.T.S. Prayer.

So, I'm trying to decide whether to start a handwritten prayer journal or whether it's easier to continue writing in here. I'm leaning toward writing in here. I just find it easier to type out my thoughts, rather than handwriting them out.

During my research on how to set up prayer journals tonight, I came across this article about How to Pray the A.C.T.S. Prayer. I really like this and might start praying this way. I naturally pray these things often to God, but it might be nice to incorporate this into my everyday prayers.

I'm starting to wonder if having a written journal would be easier because it would be easier to organize it into categories vs. a blog. I don't think I am able to organize blogs into categories. I'll have to think about this a big more.

We're here, at Crystal Cove, First night!

I'm having a fantastic day today! We're here at the Crystal Cove campsite. This is our first night here; we'll be here for three nights (until Wed at 11am). We love Crystal Cove! This is our third summer in a row, staying here! It seems to be becomming a Nguyen Family Tradition!

This morning was so awesome at church! It was just Kenny, Zach and I (Thao and Vincent stayed home to prepare for the camping trip). The worship service was amazing! I was in tears; the holy spirit was very strong this morning! God was in that place! There was even a message by one of the ladies at the church, talking about how God wants us to know how much we are loved by Him. It was awesome! After fellowship, Amber preached a sermon called, Identity Theft, Robbed By Relationships. "What a person desires is unfailing love." - Proverbs 19:22. It was about how people who don't know God, put all of their faith into human relationships, only to be disappointed and longing for unfailing love. It was very good!

Praise God for this awesome day!!

God is so faithful!!

So, there's a lot of exciting things that have happened this year that I've been meaning to write about and today, I finally feel like writing about them, so here it goes:

On Friday, Feb 8, 2013, at dinner time, I mentioned to Thao that I wanted to check out the new church (The Master's Plan). Upon hearing this,  the kids asked if they could come with me and then Thao said, "Well, if the kids go, I want to go too!" Well, of course, this blew me away! I NEVER thought he'd ever say that he wanted to go to church!! So, this was a very big step for him and a very special event for the kids and I! It is something I will never, ever forget!!

Saturday, February 16, 2013 was the first time we went to church as a family at The Master's Plan! It was very special and exciting, yet I was kind of nervous, not knowing how it was going to go, but all went great! Both the kids and Thao had a great time and of course, everyone was very welcoming and sweet. I met Heidi that day and got reaquainted with Roby. I also met Jessica Di Bella. 

Sometime in February, I started going to the Women's Bible Study at Heidi's house. We studied the Book of Daniel, using a workbook by Beth Moore. It was so interesting and came at the perfect time, since I'd been reading the Left Behind Series and had a bunch of questions about what the Bible says about the end times. I also met a bunch of wonderful women, whom I will never forget: Heidi, Jessica, Julie, Julia, Courtney, Roby, Jana, Jordyn and one more lady (can't remember her name, right now). And of course, Sharon was there too! :)

Friday, March 1st, 2013 holds a special place in my heart, which is when Zach asked Jesus to come into his heart, so that he could live forever. He wanted to do this after asking me about Jesus. I told him that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and if he accepts Him, he will live forever with Jesus. It was so sweet and special and I'll never forget it. He was 5 years old. I remember I was 4 when I accepted Jesus into my heart. I was at Cecile's house and she helped me pray to Jesus, asking Him to come into my heart.

3/25/13 -  At church in the main sanctuary with Zach (he wanted to stay with me - Thao stayed home that night), Zach saw me clapping to a song, so he was clapping his heart out and then, when he saw me lifting my hands, praising the Lord, I looked over and he was raising his hands, praising God too! It was so sweet and special. <3

3/30/13 - Zach and I were driving in the car and Zach was talking about how daddy doesn't believe in God and he asked me if I could pray for his daddy so that he will know that God is real. So, I prayed with him that God would reveal himself to Thao and show him that He's real. It was special and sweet of Zach to ask for that.

3/30/13 - There was an Easter Seder at my church and Jessica, Janet, Nick, the kids and I went. We had a great time. It's so interesting, learning all about the Easter Seder, which they've been doing since Jesus was on the Earth.

Sometime in March, Jana (who is a chiropractor and nutritionist) put me on a gluten free, dairy free diet and so far, I've lost 6 lbs. I've also discovered that I'm allergic to gluten because I have a bad reaction when I accidentally eat it. I get a bad headache and body aches (in my muscles and joints) for 2 or 3 days! I'm also starting to wonder if the meds I'm on are messing up my gut because the gut and the brain are tied in together. The gut is made up of the same material that the brain is, so if your gut it damaged, it can affect your brain. So either 1.) I've always been allergic to gluten and it's the reason for my mental issues and being underweight in the past or 2.) the meds I'm on have messed up my gut (actually, I know they have) and caused me to gain all of this weight in my stomach. Or all of the above! It seems that before I took my meds, there was an imbalance in my system and now that I'm on the meds, there is an imbalance in my system. So, I need to find the proper balance somehow, which may mean, getting off of these meds! Oh, in addiction to the diet I am on, I am also taking a bunch of vitamins, as well as some Chinese medicine (Mood Enhancer TCM and Liver Balance TCM) and they all make a big difference in the way I feel. I also need to start exercising again! I am so out of shape, it's not even funny! I even have back issues now; it's really bad!

In other news, last Sunday (Mother's Day), Thao, the kids and I tried out the Vineyard Church, which is across the street from our new condo. It's called Vineyard North OC. It's so close that we walked there, which was nice. The people there were very welcoming, the kids made friends (except for Zach, because he sat with us. He was too shy to stay with the little kids), the sermon was good and the worship was awesome! Some people noticed we were new and introduced themselves to us. We also introduced ourselves to the pastor, Sid Rogers. He's real nice and I liked what he had to say, during the sermon. 

Then this past Thursday, I went to a women's bible study at Amber's church and had a great time! There were 6 of us, including Amber and I and they were all so friendly, sweet and easy to talk to! We were all talking up a storm, in between the study. Two people there, besides Amber and I, are into natural health, so we had a lot to talk about. :) I'm planning to go every Thursday because it feels good to get out and have "me" time with the girls! I love the support I get from them too! And they have lots of good info about health and God! So every other Thursday is a bible study and every Thursday in between is a women's night out! So much fun!! So, it was Amber, Rebecca, Dana, Jessica, Tamara and I. 

And this Sunday, we are going to try out Amber's church, as a family. It's called Faith Community Nazarene. From talking to Amber, I've realized that we both have the same beliefs. I've also listened to two sermons from her pastor online, as well as one from Amber (she's the assistant pastor at that church) and I've really liked what they've had to say. Plus, the people I've met from there, so far, are so friendly and easy to talk to, so I thought we might as well try it out! It's in Yorba Linda, so it's a 15 minute drive, rather than a walk across the street, like the Vineyard, but I figure it's good to try out a few churches before settling on one. 

So anyway, that's it for now. Time to go relax before we head out to The Master's Plan, to visit our friends! TTFN!! :)

God's ways are amazing!!

I love the way that God works! The kids and I were in the car, driving Vincent to the doctor (he's been having stomach aches, headaches and dizziness. Turns out to be a viral infection that will heal on its' own) and we saw Tristan Greth and his son Tristan on the corner of Trabuco and El Toro (they were on bikes). We waved and as we drove by, we started talking about how Tristan and his family recently started a new church (which is around the corner from us, off of Bake, near McDonald's). Then, Kenny asked me if he could go to church with me. I told him that it was fine with me, but to ask his dad. So, he asked his dad and his dad said, "Maybe". It's just amazing how God works! He puts certain people in our paths to lead us in a certain direction. It's so cool! I really think that church would be good for the kids; I always have! God always makes a way!

Psalm 28:1-9

Rejoicing in Answered Prayer

A Psalm of David.

28 To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock:
Do not be silent to me,
Lest, if You are silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
² Hear the voice of my supplications
When I cry to You,
When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

³ Do not take me away with the wicked
And with the workers of iniquity,
Who speak peace to their neighbors,
But evil is in their hearts.
⁴ Give them according to their deeds,
And according to the wickedness of their endeavors;
Give them according to the work of their hands;
Render to them what they deserve.
⁵ Because they do not regard the works of the Lord,
Nor the operation of His hands,
He shall destroy them
And not build them up.

⁶ Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!
⁷ The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.

⁸ The Lord is their strength,^[a]
And He is the saving refuge of His anointed.
⁹ Save Your people,
And bless Your inheritance;
Shepherd them also,
And bear them up forever.

The Lord is my shepherd

Psalms 23:1-6

1The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

2He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

4Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

5You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

forever.

Proverbs 5:22-23

22An evil man is held captive by his own sins;

they are ropes that catch and hold him.

23He will die for lack of self-control;

he will be lost because of his great foolishness.