Aloha Hawaii

It's been awhile, but it's good to be back. 
I recently took a trip to Hawaii to enjoy some time away, but also to celebrate the marriage of amazing friends, the Kuranishi's. Such an awesome last name, and a great looking couple! Congratulations!

Ryan and Shannon Kuranishi

 During this trip, I soaked up the sun, hiked up trails, enjoyed some awe inspiring sights and the magnificent beauty set before me, and I cried.... not so surprising once you get to know me. jaja =) It was a magical time. My goals were to enjoy time with my sister, best friend Janet,  and  throw in some exercise, so even though I'm not much of a runner, I made a decision to get in a morning run on the beach with the intention of  taking time to talk with God and just listen. 

 One particular morning, as I set out, I began to take notice of the early risers, with their star-bucks coffee in hand, taking in the morning beauty that the sun was unraveling. The awe of expression on their faces was noticeable as  they, as well as I, became mesmerized with the beauty set before us. When I made it to the dock I stood, prayed, and at once salty tears came streaming down my face. In front of me was the vast endless ocean, behind me glorious mountains, palm trees, and of course people, so many people. My heart went out to them, like it does so many times when I am on the campus,  traveling on a plane, or just in a shopping mart, as I  heard the holy spirit say,  "set before you is so much beauty and wondrous things, end even with all this beauty and majesty that you see, YOU are the crowning glory of all my majesty and work- fearfully and wonderfully made set before people to lead them to my joy everlasting- I CHOOSE YOU, I CHOSE YOU, I PREDESTINED YOU ... For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. I was hoping that my sweat masked my tears, but probably not, as I thanked God for this revelation of who he made me to be; to shine for his glory...For they are as the stones of a crown, Sparkling in His land (Zech 16:b)... and to not shrink back but be bold . Simultaneously, I prayed for courage to GO and lead others to him; to his true joy, peace, and the love everlasting that he offers us; to call into family the many brothers and sisters just waiting to be accepted and loved.

 We are  bearers of GOOD NEWS chosen by God created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (eph 2:10). Our lives should reflect and direct people to Jesus- the way, truth and LIFE.  Even in a place as beautiful as Hawaii, there is a greater depth of  the beauty of truth inside of us just waiting to be revealed to others.  Jesus chooses to reveal himself  TO humans THROUGH humans." Peter Dusan. Will we have the courage to expose this truth? .....

 God sometimes uses a beautiful backdrop to reignite the flame inside of us because he desires us to know him, and to be known by him; he desires for his people to be brought back to him, so he chooses us to go and tell ..... Therefore, I am persuaded and driven by the fear of the Lord to persuade others.... I desire to live passionately and purposefully for Jesus Christ; to live others focused, see lives changed, destinies called forth, people empowered with the Gospel, because GOD CHOSE ME & he CHOOSES YOU.