yet_still_learning's Xanga

Mind Vs. Heart...

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:08:57 GMT

Have your heart ever told you one thing yet your mind tells you something else? I may have written blogs about topics of the, “mind and heart,” many times before. Thus, I like to touch on it again, today. So, then, have your heart ever felt something so strong yet your mind try to reason its way out? Now, that I have been transformed through Christ, I have encountered that on various accounts and sometimes, I must reluctantly and coercively go against my heart. People might say, “Just follow your heart and see what may come of it.” But I don’t need to follow my heart to see what may happen. I believe that I am able to perceive a pretty good idea of what could or could not happen, if I were to follow my heart. My mind begins to reason, to rationalize, to list out all the pros and cons, all the facts and fiction. I, then, generate my own conclusion of it. I like to look at things on a bigger spectacle now, vs allowing my emotions to take control of my complete sanity. When we let our emotions to take on the lead, more than likely, we tend to dive right in without thinking. I can speak from my own experience and the outcome of it, isn't all that great. Hence, now, I merge my own experiences with other people’s trials and errors to gather my own spectrum of the larger picture. Truthfully, I do not like to go against my heart, but at times, that is the best and most righteous thing to do. I choose to live my life according to the Bible and in alignment with it. I trust my Holy Spirit and I know that, where ever it is guiding me toward, it would be for the best interest of myself and everyone else around me. So despite of what my heart wants or desire of the many forbidden things, that I know my mind will not permit. I will make sure that, ultimately, I will listen to my mind. I understand very well, that some of the things that the heart yearns for, are only seeds of Satan's ways, which I will not buy into. So, the cliché goes, “follow your heart,” well, in the end; I like to say, “Mind over matter.”

-Linda Tran

Should we listen to the mind or heart?

Blinded Relationships...

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:56:16 GMT

It is quite ironic, how lately I have been doing a lot of socializing than ever before. The more I go out, the more people attempt to hook me up or that guys would try to hit on me. Thus, at this point of my life, I hold no interest of it like how I did, when I was younger. In my youth, I would take every hit-on as flattery and a huge compliment to my ego. But now, I don’t pay any mind to an ounce of sweetness, compliments, nor flattery from anyone more less guys. Perhaps, I’ve been through various of mistakes that now, I am too afraid, to do it all over again. Honestly, I have never been truly single before. I have always had someone by my side to take care of me. But this is the very first point of my life that I had finally drawn a line for myself, after the breakup of my last “ex bf.” I remember back then, as soon as I would hear the first utter of sweetness from a guy’s lips, my heart would melt immediately. I didn’t consider anything about his childhood upbringing, his personality compatibility match with me, his career path, his type, his interest, what my life would be if I decided to commit to him, his family background, his belief/value systems, and last but not least, his religious faith. I had completely over-looked all of these factors that could either make or break, the couple-hood. All I knew was, if my heart melt through his sweetness then I would give my all to them. Apparently, I have learned a great deal from those experiences. It was painful but there are two approaches, we can take from it. Either we rise from it and learn from them vs. stay down and cry over spilled milk about it. I choose to rise above it. I had always blamed myself entirely, for the failure of my past relationships. Now that I can finally put things into perspective, I, genuinely, believe that I was not too demanding nor have such great expectations for the relationship, itself. What I do believe is that, if it is in the will of God for us to sustain and last, then the couple would endure to the end, even if it takes great effort to break through all the hurdles of challenges. No relationship is perfect and we all have to constantly work at it, for it to protract. I have also learned that it takes three entities to make the relationship ever-lasting. The 3 entities are the couple themselves and the Grace of God must be present, in order to uphold their love. With the Grace of God, it will help them overcome the many aspects of Satan’s temptations that are relentlessly being presented. Without God’s blessings, there is no telling how long the relationship will last; it might just be merely for the momentarily thrill of it and that was where I went wrong. My relationship in the past was not based upon God’s Grace, but it was based on what the “Humans,” think was right or wrong. Do you really think I'll make the same mistake again? God’s level is far surpassing then the level of human-kinds. And so, I am learning to live on God’s level. I am not certain, if it is still in God’s will for me to be completed by my other half. But if I would ever have another chance at it, again, having God’s Grace presence, I want to be sure this time, I can hold his hand side by side through-out our golden years. When we both have gray hair, talking over a cup of coffee or tea perhaps about anything and everything that we’ve learned in life. Then again, I don't mind remaining single to full-fill, "The Great Commission," that my heart now, desires. One thing I do admit, due to my failures, I had come out much stronger and more-equipped, than I was ever before.

-Linda Tran

Can a relationship last without the third entity of God's Grace?

Modern-Day Slavery...

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:44:35 GMT

As time progresses, we would think that people would gain more freedom, rights, and priviledges, right? Unfortunately, this isn't the case in certain parts of the world and surprisingly, slavery still exists amongst us. This bring me to the topic of, "Human Trafficking." What is it really? Well, I have done my research and here was what I've found:

"Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. Annually, about 600,000 to 800,000 people -- mostly women and children -- are trafficked across national borders which does not count millions trafficked within their own countries.

People are snared into trafficking by many means. In some cases, physical force is used. In other cases, false promises are made regarding job opportunities or marriages in foreign countries to entrap victims. "

Wow, isn't that sad. Then, I went on and further research:

What impact does human trafficking have on the world?

"Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat: it deprives people of their human rights and freedoms, it is a global health risk, and it fuels the growth of organized crime.

Human trafficking has a devastating impact on individual victims, who often suffer physical and emotional abuse, rape, threats against self and family, passport theft, and even death. But the impact of human trafficking goes beyond individual victims; it undermines the safety and security of all nations it touches. "

What is the United States doing to stop trafficking?

"Trafficking impacts many nations, including the United States. That’s why the U.S. Government has taken a number of serious and significant actions to combat trafficking occurring at home. A few examples of American efforts include:

Congress passed legislation so Americans who sexually prey on children abroad can be prosecuted and sentenced to as many as 30 years in prison.
The Department of Justice has focused on increasing the number of trafficking victims rescued and the number of prosecutions and convictions of traffickers.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is certifying trafficking victims so they may qualify for the same assistance available to refugees. HHS is also running a major public awareness campaign to alert victims in the U.S. that help is available through the hotline number 888.3737.888.
The Department of Defense has implemented a zero-tolerance stand against any actions by Defense personnel that contribute to human trafficking and is instituting a service-wide mandatory training program.
The Departments of Labor and Homeland Security, USAID, and other government agencies are executing action plans to combat human trafficking. "

Interestingly enough. As you had viewed the video above, you can see the call of desperation here. (there are 3 parts to this vids. and it can be viewed on youtube.com) Now, as stated above, why isn't there a real solution for this? This has lead me into thinking that there are various of hidden deceptions that lies within any kind of high authority of powers, merely for personal gain. A brief cap of the current event that is happening now, as we speak: There were about 200 Vietnamese workers who are coerced into slavery. They have to work for 15-17 hrs. a day without getting the pay that they deserve. They were severely mistreated in all manner. If lucky enough, they would get paid $30.00 a week and yet still, be beaten to death. Some of them would be dragged by the hair, if they choose to retaliate upon their demands. It is known that 150 of the people did managed to go on strike and escaped to Vietnam. Though, you would think peace would be found thereafter, but creditors were knocking on their door for this trade-off. There are still about 100 people remaining and due to the precedent case, they did not persist in protesting. And I wondered why? Well, I supposed they have their reasons but one thing that I can speculate from is, perhaps, they don't want the lives of their family to be endangered, in anyway. So what can we implement to prevent this? Should we bring the awareness through the Mass Media? Should their be a public intervention? What is the utmost efficient and effective way in spreading the words, to end modern-day slavery? Apparently, it was told that there were two vendors who are indirectly supporting and causing this slavery to perpetuate. Thus, is that truly the root of the problem? To me, you need to get to the source of the matter and not just look at things from the surface-level. All in all, I know this may sound a bit super-natural for a distressed need like this. But desperate need calls for desperate measure, so with that, I see a need for prayers. I will begin to persistently pray for this issue at hand, to end soon enough. I understand that human power can only go so far or limited, as I should say. I will connect this channel of alertness to God Almighty so that he can do the impossible. I trust in God and I know that he is a just, good, and living God. I believe that he will create a way out for all of us, especially, with those who chooses to help themselves. In the meantime, here is the link for more info. in how to help or to gather a better picture of this, http://vietnameseworkersabroad.wordpress.com/ please help us help themselves.

-Linda Tran

What is the course of action to cease human trafficking and modern-day slavery?

Time Capsule...

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:19:28 GMT

You know, now matter how much pain I have experienced in the past, I see it as fragments of knowledge that I can pass down from one generation to another. It is like a time capsule, information contained for future purposes. Of course, during the time of learning and discovering, it might not be all too thrilling. Thus, once the ride is over, you would certainly know how the ups and downs feels like. And when you are able to understand the feelings of that adrenaline rush, you then, will acknowledge and learn how to cope with it on a healthy, rational, and sane level. The way I perceive it, those rides in the park is a way to prepare us to deal with the greater things in life. I must admit, I have been on some interesting rides, I tell you. Though, I have learned an abundance from it. All of us has a special talent and gift, that is buried within each of us. Hence, without those different rides of life, how could you ever explore what the true potential that exist within you or what you can withhold, right? What better way to build a strong foundation within each of us, without a bit of a challenge? No excellence comes without the presense of pain. It is one of the main ingredients of character development. With that being said, I have no regrets of anything that I have learned or been through. As we all have heard of this cliche before, "everything happen for reason." Therefore, I believe that God's will for me is greater than myself. Hence, he has to fully-equipped me through those rough pavements of life. And I can never thank God enough for it. With the Grace of God, my life has been transformed for the best. I used to be a worry-wart about all factors of life. But walking by faith and with the Holy Spirit, it had allowed me to take things for whatever it's worth. I trust in God and I have no doubt, that he is always there with me. So with that, I will embrace all of my past into a time capsule and take it out when I must. Won't you?

-Linda Tran

Have you ever live in regret, wishing you could have done somethings differently?

Grain of Salt...

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:40:14 GMT

It is interesting, how much you learn about yourself as you grow older and I can humbly say, wiser. I've noticed that I've learned more about myself when I am around people and then I've gathered my character profile during my time of solitude. I remember back then, how much I used to care what people think or react to me. But at this very point of my life, I can quite frankly say, I can careless. I often times, play by their rules and when I didn't play it right. I begin to question myself, where did I went wrong and what not. Then I wonder, why did it matters so much back then? Well, the only explaination that I could draw was self-indequacy, wanted to be liked and accepted. We all have felt that way, just in different lighting. Some of us may feel insecure about their looks, some about their status of life, some about their stability, some about their intelligence, some about the amount of friends they have and perhaps for some, it could be all of the above. But in the end, does all this really matters? Does happiness really measure by those? Sounds a bit superficial, if it does, doesn't it? Well, if give and take, to a certain extent, right? But should it consume and rob us of our joy of living? I used to be a victim of that. Gladly enough, I have rise from my own learning experiences and of course, still learning. Now, I know better or at least I think I do. I don't play by their rules, anymore. I have my own set of rules that I stand by and I remain firm with it despite of what others think or say about me. I am who I am and nothing will change that, now. I remember back then how I used to be so superstitious about anything and everything. Now, speak logic to me, speak facts to me, speak senses to me, and last but not least, speak spirituality to me. If it is not in any of those category, then I shall remain silent for, "Silence is Golden," sometimes, at least. After all that is spoken, give me your sources and prove to me how credible and reliable that source is, if not, then I am not convince, sorry to say. In a nutshell, I am an open-minded person or so I say I am. I'll be willing to listen to what you have to say. Thus, what people say or how they would react to me now, I'll just take it with a grain of salt. Then I'll ask you to back it up, if not, please forgive me. You can choose to hate me or love me. But then again, does it really matter? Humans have failed me once too many times, and so have I. But one thing I do believe and that is, I have God, and he shall never forsake me or perhaps I should say, "us."

-Linda Tran

Do you allow the opinions of others define who you are? (Now, I don't, not for one second.)

Partnership Walk of 2008...

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:24:38 GMT

Back then, I was nominated and elected by the Board Committee to be a board member of this one Charity Organization. It is a non-profit charity organization that support education for Vietnamese children, in Vietnam. We basically, render aid and initiate assistance for Vietnamese students, so they can help themselves in the end. After serving on the Board Committe for awhile, I decided to resign my position because I was skeptical about the genuine integrity of the organization. From this experience, it had discourages me from being actively involve with any other kind of charity organization. As pessimistic as this may sounds, but my trust has been damaged. It's hard to see the real intentions of people sometimes, sadly enough. Everything I do, as essentric as it maybe, I have good reasons for it despite of what others think. It doesn't move me one bit. I live and learn. So, now, instead of being active within the organization, I don't mind taking a bit of my time to support the cause of any charity matters. Does it make sense? Honestly, by all means, I do have a big heart. I just want to be certain that my heart is invested in the right places, that's all. Is that too much to ask?

-Linda Tran

But on a lighter note, this past weekend, my sister and I had participated in the Partnership Walk of 2008 for her company. This was about 1 mile or so walk, which wasn't too bad, though I had to hold in my bladder the whole way, not a good feeling.

Here are some pictures to share for those who doesn't have my facebook account:

Here was the Partnership location in Downtown area...

The Village in action there as stated in the pix...

Here was my sis, Loan showing her team spirit with her colleague, Mel, Cool guy.

Here I was standing in front of the Federal Bank taking a break.

My sis seems to be excited there. lol.

There I was drinking all that water down, no wonder why I had to hold in my bladder. lol

My sis seems to enjoy her time there..

I love my sis's smile on this pix.

Here I was taking pictures with her colleagues, which half of them weren't even looking at the camera. lol

Here was my sis and her colleagues.

Here was my sis and Mel again.

Here I was standing in front of Apple Bee getting ready to eat after a long walk. Talking about starving. lol

Here was the start line and of course there was my sis.

There was my sis and myself holding the company banner.

Yay, look, I've earned the yellow sticker at the Finish line. I think it says, "I planted hope.". Cool, Cool.

And it was definitely a worthy walk for a worthy cause.

What can promote a committed membership for most of the non-profit charity's organization?

The Ironies of Life...

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:04:28 GMT

Sometimes, there are many unexpected things that is beyond our control. Perhaps, we may do things that we may not subconsciously realized about ourselves yet until we witness some kind of wake-up call then all the logic hit us. Life is a learning curve so who is to say what is right and wrong? Well, I know one thing that is for certain, in spite of what others think; if it is not in the Bible, then to me, it is wrong despite of what this society claims how things should or should not be or no matter how smart or charitable of a person they are. I don't respect people because of their status yet too many people see the importance of this. I choose to differ on that. I pay my respect according to how you live, as a person in terms of the Bible. Everything boils down to the Bible's way of living. I mean, humans were made in the image of God and that we were supposed to be perfect. Yet, due to the original sin of Adam and Eve, we inherited the imperfections thereafter, by default. Hence, knowing this, we can make adjustment and set boundaries within ourself to conform to God's way, the best effort that we can. When we are living in alignment of the words of God, then life would be less confusing and less chaotic. We may even learn to accept and embrace the uncertainties that life has to offer. I have made my fair share of mistakes and I am still learning more about myself each and every day. It is a never-ending process. And Christ is the perfect example to look up to. Trust me, everything here I say is true, at least to me, because I can testify to that.

-Linda Tran

Co' ddo^i khi, trong cuo^.c so^'ng, no' co' nhu*~ng ddie^`u, mi`nh kho^ng the^? kem tre^' ddu*o*.c. Co' lu'c mi`nh la`m nhu*~ng vie^.c gi` ddo' ma` chi'nh ba?n tha^n mi`nh cu~ng kho^ng ngo*`. Dde^'n khi mi`nh chu*'ng kie^'n ddu*o*.c mo^.t su*. vie^.c gi` ddo' thi` thu*.c te^' se~ da'nh thu*'c mi`nh da.y. Cuo^.c so^'ng cu~ng nhu* la` mo^.t tru*o*`ng ddo*`i va^.y. Ne^n ai da'm no'i ddie^`u gi` ddu'ng hay sai? Co' ddie^`u, mi`nh bie^'t, ddo' la` nhu*~ng ca'i ddu'ng ca'i sai ddo', ddie^`u du*.a va`o mo^.t nguye^~n sa'ch Tha'nh. Cho du` xa~ ho^.i na`y no'i nhu* the^' na`o ddi nu*a~ hoa(.c mo^.t ai ddo' tho^ng minh co*? na`o ddi nu*a~, ne^'u kho^ng la`m theo nguye^~n sa'ch Tha'nh ddo' thi` tha^.t su*. cu~ng kho^ng co' nghi?a gi` va` ngu*o*i` ddo' co' khi se~ da(?m va`o la^`m ddu*o*`ng la.c lo^'i. Ne^n, ne^'u hie^?u ddu*o*.c nhu* va^.y, thi` mi`nh ha~y xem la.i ba?n tha^n cu?a mi`nh va` ho?i ra(`ng mi`nh co' so^'ng ddu'ng theo nguye^~n sa'ch ddo' hay kho^ng? Ddu'ng, con ngu*o*i` mi`nh kho^ng ai co' the^? ddu*o*.c hoa`n ha?o tuye^.t ddo'i ca? Chi'nh mi`nh dda~ la^`m lo*~ qua nhie^`u la^`n, nhu*ng mi`nh va^~n luo^n ho.c ho?i va` va^~n co^' ga('ng trao vo^`i tri' tue^. dde^? la`m sao cho ddu'ng vo*'i tro*`i dda^'t. Nhu*ng ne^'u mi`nh co' the^? co^' ga('ng so^'ng cho dda`n hoa`ng va` la`m ddu'ng nguye^n ta'c cu?a cuo^.c so^'ng, bie^'t ngu*o*i` bie^'t ta, thi` lu*o*ng ta^m se~ kho^ng bi. ca('n ru*'c hoa(.c ho^? the^.n vo*'i ddo*`i.

-Tha?o Hu*o*ng

Are you in align with your faith?

My Prayer Answered...

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:53:22 GMT

I got a call from Chrissy this morning, while I was asleep. Good thing she had left me a voicemail and touch bases with me, in letting me know that she was doing allright. I sure hope so. Her call had comforted me all day or else I would be agonizing over her well being, again. I am content just to know that she is well, at least for now. Please continue to look after her, dear God. Thank you, God for answering my prayers.

Why was my prayer answered so quick? I've researched it and here was what I've found:

-Linda Tran

___________________________________________________________

Question: "How can I have my prayers answered by God?"

Answer: Many people view an “answered prayer” as God granting a prayer request that is offered to Him. If a prayer request is not granted, it is often understood as an unanswered prayer. However, this an incorrect understanding of prayer. God answers every prayer that is lifted to Him. What we have to remember is that sometimes God answers "no" or "wait." God only promises to grant our prayers when we ask according to His will. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

What does it mean to pray according to God’s will? Praying according to God’s will is praying for things that honor and glorify God and/or praying for things the Bible clearly reveals it is God’s will for us to have. If we pray for something that is not honoring to God or not God’s will for our lives, God will not give what we ask for. How can we know what God’s will is? God promises to give us wisdom when we ask for it. James 1:5 proclaims, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Familiarize yourself with what the Bible says about God’s will for your life. The better we understand God’s Word, the better we will know what to pray for. The better we know what to pray for, the more effective our prayer lives will be.

Living according to selfish, fleshly desires will also hinder our prayers because it produces a hardness of heart toward others. If we are indifferent to the needs of others, we can expect God to be indifferent to our needs. When we go to God in prayer, our first concern should be His will. The second should be the needs of others. This stems from the understanding that we are to consider others better than ourselves and be concerned about their interests over and above our own (Philippians 2:3-4).

Question: "What are some hindrances to effective prayer?"

Answer: The most obvious hindrance to effective prayer is the presence of iniquity and unconfessed sins in the heart of the pray-er. Because our God is holy, there is a barrier that exists between Him and us when we come to Him with unconfessed sin in our lives. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). David concurred, knowing from experience that God is far from those who try to hide their sin from God: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18).

The Bible refers to several areas of sin that are hindrances to effective prayer. First, when we are living according to the flesh, rather than in the Spirit, our desire to pray and our ability to effectively communicate with God are hindered. Although we receive a new nature when we are born again, that new nature still resides in our old flesh, and that old “tent” is corrupt and sinful. The flesh can gain control of our actions, attitudes and motives unless we are diligent to “put to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13) and be led by the Spirit in a right relationship with God. Only then will He hear and answer our prayers.

One way living in the flesh manifests itself is in selfishness, another hindrance to effective prayer. When our prayers are selfishly motivated, when we ask God for what we want rather than for what He wants, our motives hinder our prayers. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). Asking according to God’s will is the same as asking in submission to whatever His will may be, whether or not we know what that will is. As in all things, Jesus is to be our example in prayer. He always prayed in the will of His Father: “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Selfish prayers are always those that are intended to gratify our own selfish desires, and we can’t expect God to respond to such prayers. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3).

Living according to selfish, fleshly desires will also hinder our prayers because it produces a hardness of heart toward others. If we are indifferent to the needs of others, we can expect God to be indifferent to our needs. When we go to God in prayer, our first concern should be His will. The second should be the needs of others. This stems from the understanding that we are to consider others better than ourselves and be concerned about their interests over and above our own (Philippians 2:3-4).

A major hindrance to effective prayer is a spirit of unforgiveness toward others. When we refuse to forgive others, a root of bitterness grows up in our hearts that chokes our prayers. How can we expect God to pour out His blessings upon us undeserving sinners, if we harbor hatred and bitterness toward others and an unwillingness to forgive? This principle is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35. The principle in this story is that God has forgiven us a debt that is beyond measure (our sin), and He expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. To refuse to do so is to hinder our prayers.

Another major hindrance to effective prayer is unbelief and doubt. This does not mean, as some suggest, that because we come to God convinced that He will grant our requests, He is somehow obligated to do so. Praying without doubt means praying in the secure belief and understanding of God’s character, nature and motives. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). When we come to God in prayer, doubting His character, purpose and promises, we insult Him terribly. Our confidence must be in His ability to grant any request that is in accordance with His will and purpose for our lives and with the understanding that whatever He purposes is the best possible scenario. “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:6-7).

Finally, discord in the home is a definite obstacle to prayer. Peter specifically mentions this as a hindrance to the prayers of a husband whose attitude toward his wife is less than godly. “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Peter 3:7). Where there is a serious conflict in family relationships and the head of the household is not demonstrating the attitudes Peter mentions, his prayer communication with God is seriously hampered. Likewise, wives are to follow the biblical principles of submission to their husbands’ headship if their own prayers are not to be hindered (Ephesians 5).

Fortunately, all these prayer hindrances can be dealt with at once by coming to God in prayer characterized first by repentance. First John 1:9 assures us that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Once we have done that, we enjoy a clear and open channel of communication with God, and our prayers will not only be heard and answered, they will be filled with a deep sense of joy.

Luke 11:5-13 proclaims, “Then he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him." Then the one inside answers, "Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything." I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!'"

Both of these passages encourage us to pray – and to keep praying! There is nothing wrong with repeatedly asking for the same thing. As long as it is within the will of God (1 John 5:14-15), keep asking until God grants your request or removes the desire from your heart. Sometimes God forces us to wait for an answer to our prayers in order to teach us patience and perseverance. Sometimes we are asking for something when it is not yet in God's timing for our lives. Sometimes we are asking for something that is not God's will for us, and He is saying no. Prayer is not only our presenting requests to God, it is God presenting His will to our hearts. Keep on asking, keep on knocking, keep on seeking – until God grants your request, or convinces you that your request is not His will for you.

___________________________________________________________

Wow, I've learned a lot from this experience. It was because I had prayed it in God's will and not on human's will.

Thank you, God. You are a very just, loving, and a living God. And I am a God-fearing person. Are you?

Dear God...

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:56:20 GMT

(Prayer)

Wherever you are, dear God, at this very moment, my heart hurts intensively like never before, for a friend. She is a friend, that I see as my twin sister, lost in transition. On a surface level, I may be smiling and laughing, but I internalized all this agonizing pain, that I tried my utmost best to conceal. I only hide my pain so that everyone around me can be worry-free and that they can still be happy with their life. Thus, I cannot cease from comptemplating. I cannot eat much nor sleep. I ask you to please watch over my dear friend, Chrissy. She is in deep pain at this very second, just as I am for her. I beg and earnestly asking you on my knees, at this time, to help her recover. I am in tears and it really hurt me to see her this way. I ask you to bless her and help her keep her sanity. If I can do anything to help her, please let it be. If it is a life that needs to be taken away, please take mine, instead. I don't want to live to see her like this. Why not let it be me, to suffer and endure this pain for her? Everyone needs her back. Whatever it is, she does not deserve to be this way. So, dear God, if this is your will, please return her back to us and take me instead. My heart is not at ease and my mind is restless knowing she is not well. Nobody understand her pain but me. So I want to do whatever I can to be there for her. My life will never be the same without her existence. Please bless and watch over her. I miss her, profoundly. It has been a long time since I know how it feels to be in tears. And now, I don't know why I can't seem to stop crying. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

-Linda Tran

(Lo*`i Ca^`u Nguye^.n)

O^ng tro*i`, gio*` phu't na`y, tra'i tim con ra^'t ddau cho mo^.t ngu*o*i` ba.n con. Con xem co^ ta nhu* chi. em sanh ddo^i vo*'i con va^.y. Ne^n con ra^'t lo cho co^ ta. Bia` ngoa`i con, ddo'i vo*'i be` ba.n, con luo^n co^' ga('ng giu*~ nhu*~ng nu. cu*o*i` dde^? nhu*~ng ai xung quanh con, ddu*o*.c vui. Nhu*ng be^n trong con, tra'i tim con ddang bi. nu*'c ra tu*`ng ma?nh va^.y, nhu*ng con va^~n co^' ga('ng kho~a la('p la.i nhu*ng~ no^i~ ddau ddo'. Con kho^ng the^? kho^ng nghi~ dde^'n ba.n con. Con kho^ng the^? a(n ba^'y nhie^u va` ngu? kho^ng ddu*o*.c ye^n gia^'c. Con xin o*n tre^n ha~y ban phu*o*'c la`nh cho co^ ba.n Chrissy cu?a con. Hie^.n gio*` co^ ta ddang ddau ddo*'n cu~ng nhu* no^~i ddau cu?a con ddo'i vo*i' co^ ba.n con. Con xin qu`y xuo^'ng dda^y va` ca^`u o^ng ha~y giu'p co^ ta ma^u bi`nh phu.c la.i. Con ddang ro*i le^. va` ra^'t ddau kho^? pha?i trong tha^'y co^ ba.n con nhu* va^.y. Xin o^ng ha~y nhanh giu'p co^ ta co' su*. bi`nh ye^n la.i. Ne^'u con co' the^? giu'p ddu*o*.c cho co^ ta ddu*o*.c gi`, thi` mong o^ng ha~y hu*o*'ng da^~n con. Ne^'u la` mo^.t ma.ng so^'ng, thi` ha~y la^'y ma.ng con ddi. Con kho^ng muo^'n chu*'ng kie^'n co^ ta pha?i tra?i qu'a nhu*ng~ nie^`m rie^ng nhu* va^.y. Tha` dda`nh dde^? con ddau kho^? chu*' con kho^ng muo^'n tha^'y co^ ba.n con nhu* va^.y. Vi` du` the^' na`o ddi nu*a~, co^ ba.n con kho^ng xu*'ng dda'ng pha?i bi. nhu* va^.y. Cha(~ng tha` con ga'nh nhu*ng~ no^i~ ddau ddo' va` con xin o^ng ha~y tra? co^ ta ve^` la.i. Tra'i tim con kho^ng ye^n va` ta^m con kho^ng ddu*o*.c o^?n khi hie^?u ddu*o*.c ba.n con kho^ng ddu*o*.c bi`nh thu*o*`ng. Kho^ng co' mo^.t ai hie^?u no^~i kho' kha(ng na`y. Gi` va^.y con tha^.t su*. muo^'n cu*u' giu'p co^ ba.n con la('m. Cuo^.c ddo*i` con se~ kho^ng nhu* xu*a nu*a~ ne^'u kho^ng co`n su*. to^`n ta.i cu?a co^ ba.n con nu*a~. Xin o*n tre^n, ha~y ban phu*o*'c la`nh cho co^ ba.n con . Con ra^'t nho*' co^ ba.n con. Dda~ kha' la^u con dda~ kho^ng bie^'t ro*i le^. la` gi`. Nhu*ng gia^y phu't na`y, con kho^ng hie^?u ta`i vi` sao con kho^ng nga(n ddu*o*.c nhu*ng~ gio^.t le^. na`y. Ca^`u dde^'n te^n chu'a Jesus. Amen.

Tha?o Hu*o*ng

You are in my prayers, dear Chrissy and I hope to see you return in wholesomeness, again.

The Good Battle Begins...

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:29:54 GMT

I sense a baffling urgency of the Holy Spirit, attempting to forewarn me of something big. We are living in a Church Age and soon enough, that will diminishes too, by the Government and its political system. And the Holy Spirit is informing me that something is about to happen to this world and it just won’t happen overnight. It may be within the next few years ahead, but until anything significantly going to occur. There is this passionate and burning fire that derives from within me that I must complete. I hope in due time, I am fully equipped in wearing God’s full armor of protection to carry out his words throughout the world. I know I will face in-depth persecution and it will only get worse over the course of time. Our time is drawing near and I know I must do what is vital, as a good Christian should be. The battle has just begun last night when Obama was inaugurated into Presidency. I had anticipated this. I knew he would be elected. There are distinctive signs that this earth is coming to an end (which I will specify on later entries with the support of Bible Scriptures) and I will do whatever it takes to fight this good battle between Satan, God, and God’s people. I cannot waste anymore time. Satan is building his army of people and blinding those who doesn't know who Jesus Christ is or even to find the courage to develop a personal relationship with him, which is the "only" way to Salvation and Eternal life in Heaven. And we as Christians, must prevent that from happening. This is God's priority will for me. This is my primary focus. I will walk by faith and nothing else. With that being said, please take note of the end days prophecy, the Great Tribulation, that is waiting to be full-filled. If in any doubt, don't hesitate to do your own research on this. Everything in this world will all fade away in due time. So for those who have ears to listen and eyes to understand, please take this in regards. This is a serious matter and it will eventually be bound to happen.

For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matthew 24: 36-44)

-Linda Tran

Are you ready?