¹⁸O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. ¹⁹O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not,for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

²⁰While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the LORD my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first,the time of the evening sacrifice. ²² He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, "O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. ²³At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.

- Daniel 9:18-23

God loves us. Does this mean God sends His angels to us when we pray, too?

I already heard from a confidant, so the news wasn't entirely shocking to me. The news came to us officially today: My boss has been promoted and will be moving on to another team (I'm quite happy for him), estimated date by end of this month. The last time this happened, I was acquired by the nightmarish korean slave-driver (I never thought I would meet a worse boss after working for the canto married couple. let's just say, the wife ran everything with an iron fist and boy, personal stuff was never only kept at home, and boy, did she have her mood swings, but even then, there was breakthrough. I still remember connecting with her and saw her shed tears, as she shared her hardships as a mother & wife). The other manager who moved on stayed in touch with me. Granted I gained a lasting friend from the loss, that year was hellish for me (part of me, fears that it will happen all over again). It did work for good though; the Lord showed His abundant grace throughout the entire time and enjoyed my one-block walk with my Savior during the mornings from the station to the office. Glory was given to Him when He moved me on, too and I believe that time prepared me for where I am now. Moreover and without a doubt, the boss I have now (for now), was very much an answered prayer. I just can't help, but wonder at this moment, what is in store for me next (or maybe the question is who?)...

Addendum: Aug. 5th, Thurs. /just started a new book -
         "Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever,
         For wisdom and power belong to Him.
    "It is He who changes the times and the epochs;
         He removes kings and establishes kings;
         He gives wisdom to wise men
         And knowledge to men of understanding.
    "It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things;
         He knows what is in the darkness,
         And the light dwells with Him.
    "To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise...  "
- Daniel 2:20-23a

Today in Apples of Gold (studying the book of Esther) we learned about risk-taking. It dawned upon me that risk taking is how God builds faith. When I worry and prepare for back-up plans before plan A is even executed, it shows a lack of trust (of course, there's wisdom in preparing, but then there's overdoing). I haven't been taking risks and if I had my way, I never would; I would prefer God to give me all the answers and what He'd like me to do, so I'd go do it. He tells me sometimes, but oftentimes, He tells me to have faith. God leads, but I have to keep moving and following.

Next week is already our last session of the summer. 5 weeks of good food and fellowship with other women pass by so very quickly. /sigh

Friend shared this with me. I was blessed.

Originally Posted by: Bob Kauflin In: Videos| —Sovereign Grace Music

Double Imputation: In Christian theology, the understanding of justification as double imputation refers to the imputation of believers' sin to Christ and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers. It is closely related to the Reformed doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone.

Not Guilty + Righteous = Double Imputation. grateful.

A few days ago was YouTube's fifth anniversary. To commemorate, Conan O'Brien listed his five favorite videos and filmed an introduction for YouTube.

Piggybacking off of Coco's Top 5, it gave me the idea to create my Top 5 YouTube (music) video list. For the rest who have to face "crazy", too, this blog was made especially for you. Enjoy!

Paul Dateh: Top 40 Violin Mashup

Love Story meets Viva La Vida

Perpetuum Jazzile - Africa (A'cappella)

Freeze Ray from Dr. Horrible (performed by 3 year old) <-- must watch!

I think I've forgotten what it's like to be deeply wounded and captured by grace right before flesh takes over --to defend, protect, withdraw or lash-out. Thank you, Lord for hurt and your timing. Thank you that you remind me that how I feel at this very moment, is only a taste of how you felt. Yet, you did not sin and you turned around and showed me love. You created the human heart with the capacity to love. In this fallen world, the more deeply you love, the higher the risk and deeper the wounds. Although I hurt, it isn't in vain.

was genuinely asked last night what grade she was in by 2 high school kids. not sure how she ought to feel about that...

Seen ominously resting in my Boss' office, readily visible to all who enter.

I wanted to take this pic for awhile, but never gained the courage until Mon after work, when my Boss gave me a ride to the train station; he hinted that the easel will be used soon. Tues rolled around. Almost didn't, but found the gumption as I was passing his office at EOD. Took a couple of hits (of course he keeps another handy at his desk), but made it out alive.

I believe that God is sovereign, yet I fail to remember that God truly orchestrates all things... sounds like a contradiction, but for those that understand the human heart, this is pretty much how it goes.

The last 2 weeks of work officially marked the end of the Honeymoon Phase of my "new" job. Yes, I know, 9 months is quite long for any honeymoon. I'm even more susceptible now to be working for worldly achievement & success rather than the Lord. When that isn't attained, I'll be tempted to grow bitter. Climate lately: Been static spiritually. This wrecks perspective. God is still so faithful and this is what He's been saying to me...

Present Faithfulness and "Sure Hope" for the Future
Monday rolls around. During the weekly touch base with my Boss, I was surprised to receive my half-year review. I was surprised at the thoroughness, encouragement, and the "thing" I have to work on is confidence (Bethos' prayed tonight and reminded me that it's God's grace to use my Boss to mold me to who Jesus wants me to be). I find out I'll be involved another high-profile project, "the next big thing". Boss came by and asked if I could stay later on Mondays to attend the Steering Committee meetings. He then took me to the train station. I know the favor bestowed on me is from the Lord. I need to seek Him first, love Him first; Lord, please be my all in all again and restore unto me the joy of my salvation.

I was not ready. It was a wake up call.