Life is a Buffet, eat it.

Downtime

Hey all! I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to share an excerpt from Relevant Magazine online that I found interesting in light of what I’m currently going through. 

So now that I’m back, I’m adjusting to a completely new change in pace. At first it freaked me out that I had absolutely no plans until graduate school. I didn’t want people to ask me, “So what are you going to do now?” because for the first time in a while I don’t have school or extracurricular activities to hide behind—I’m realizing now that I have always let these things validate my existence and my worth. Now I’m learning how to be still, and find joy in change and moments of solitude.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/career-money/question-we-should-never-let-make-or-break-us

I don’t know what some of you are up to these days, but I hope you guys are doing well.

-Shades

In addition to my last post, I wanted to do a picture post!

Pic from Sheba’s Birthday sophomore year! Walking back from Enzo’s:

Shebs getting her cartilage piercing:

Shebs and Ambs being “Shebs and Ambs”… and Dona’s shoe

Myy Irvine 21st birthday with Sharon!

Flora and I posing with a huge fish tank… in Malibu

It Ain’t Hawa’ii

Dear Shades,

I know this might be a delayed post, but I just want you to know how proud we are of you. Not just of your obvious achievements (you have accomplished great things to say the least!), but I am so proud to see your growth and persevering heart for God (reminds me of King David, he always sought after God in his trials, mishaps, falls, and etc.. ). It’s okay that you’re feeling tired and weak, because that’s how God refines us. We are not superheroes.. we’re humans with limited capabilities. I know this is a difficult time for you and none of us can truly relate, but God knows your innermost thoughts and feelings better than any of us can ever come close to. And since a thousand words of mine will never compare to His, I hope to provide a few words of encouragement with a verse that spoke to me this week.

From 2 Corinthians 12:9,
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 

The apostle Paul (… heh) encouraged the Corinth church with great words that spoke to me in many ways. It states two key things, 1. His grace is sufficient and 2. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Firstly, Wow, His grace is sufficient! Though I’ve heard it so many times, it never truly sank in until now. The reason being that I needed Him more than ever because after “Graduating” I dived into 2 summer sessions (currently in session C) with only 2 days break. I felt drained… physically, emotionally, and spiritually, so I turned to God. This verse reminded me of His goodness, and that I must depend on Him in this vexing life. All God wants for us is to place our burdens on Him, and He will provide restoration. I know that in order for me to remain strong, I must trust (and believe) that His grace is sufficient to carry me through, even when I cannot see the end results. In my state of fatigue and helplessness, somehow I know that I will prevail because Jesus has overcome more tribulations than my 22 years will ever face. So, yeah its good to know that His grace and mercy is CONSTANTLY available to refill my cup in my hour of need. And may you, too, be reminded that He is your strength & fortress to which you may find shelter.

Gee-wiz. Outstanding!! What in life is ever sufficient? I run out of 1% milk every week.. Anyway, its good to know that there’s one thing thats restocked DAILY, which is His grace, love, and mercy for us! :) 

Secondly, “His power is made perfect in weakness”. Not only is it pretty awesome that Jesus is always there through our tribulations, but we may glorify Him in the process. It is through our weakness (e.g. moments of insecurity, emotional distress, [insert here __any troubles__]) that Jesus is able to reveal His power and mercy. Jesus is truly an awesome & efficient superhero :)

Anywhooo, I hope this makes some sense.. I have a MT tmrw, so excuse my incoherent sentences. Hopefully the message is clear, Shades, that Jesus is always your shelter in the midst of the storm youre in. As Christians, our walk with the Lord is, unlike Hawaii, SEASONAL. So there may be typhoons and droughts, but stay strong in the Lord and place your hope in Jesus. I am praying for you every single day, for your health, strength, and safety. 

May you find joy in your remaining month in NY (I have a feeling you’ll miss it more than you think!) make the moments count.. I’m jellin’ that I can’t be exploring the city with you, so I guess I’ll just settle for vicarious-living through you :)

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” - Romans 12:12 

love & miss you lots, 
Sharon 

ITS AUGUST!!

I thought about it for a second, and I can’t believe it’s already mid-August! It’s been a little over two months since we’ve graduated! Sooo crazy. I miss you all <3 And btw Paul’s visiting next week!

Saturday morning: Run, Read (kinda), Laundry

Sunday Morning: Flatiron District on the way to Hillsong

Central Park in the afternoon