1 Corinthians 13

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

-1 Corinthians 13 [New International Version]

-kimmy, striving towards love.

Relationship II

"Then Almitra spoke again and said, And what of Marriage, master?
And he answered saying:
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there by spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow in each other's shadow."

-from 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran.

We live in a culture where its take on romantic relationships is soo jaded, and we live among soo many who have been wounded by broken relationships. I also realize that romantic relationships are not as stupid as I used to think they were. lol..

In fact, I believe that when God leads, a relationship between a man and a woman can be one of the most holy and blissful things on earth.
Love between a man and a woman is not about gratifying one's own wants and needs. but it's about two complete persons in Christ slowly becoming one as they each strive towards God, so that together, they can do so much more for His glory than what one could have possibly achieved on one's own.
That's beautiful. haha. :)

Changing oneself is not the easiest way out, but I nonetheless choose to let God heal and mold me to become the woman of God that He desires me to be, knowing that His love and grace extend beyond my flaws and faults, and having faith that God will lead every step of my life.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
-Jeremiah 29:11 [New International Version]

Have an awesome week!
Love,
Kimmy.

p.s. at church: we often complain to God, "what about me, God?" and God answers, "what about you?" man.. as a friend of mine told me once, truly "love is never easy." but we are called to love. because we are loved. and God is good. God is love. :)

p.s.s. "Life is sweet, the world is beautiful - live it, love it!" -Pat Carline

Growing Up

In life, there are so many decisions to be made, so many things that need to be done, so many things that I want to do, so many people that I want to be there for, and so much advice and so many ways of living...

Like a lost cat without a home and someone to pat its back, I am tossed around here and there.
Like a busy little bee without the queen, I restlessly buzz around here and there without a direction..

Seeking after men’s wisdom and stories, I am all the more confused.

I guess growing up is partly realizing that my life is not about what other people tell me to do, nor is it about what I want to do. but it’s about God, what He desires, and His will for my life.


Father God, here I am.
I seek You again. I seek after Your loving and truthful voice.
Would You help me to shut up, be still, and listen. Would You speak to my heart, and reveal its true desires and where it truly lies..
Guide me, oh Lord...

God, overflow my heart with Your love, so that I may give not out of obligation and a bitter and grumpy heart, but out of love, abundance, and joy.


So life is interesting, and Joyce is slowly growing up! lol.

Good night guys!
Love,
Kimmy.

Recommitting

"They [Christians] exist in the flesh, but they live not after the flesh. They spend their existence upon earth, but their citizenship is in heaven. They obey the established laws, and in their own lives they surpass the laws ... In a word, what the soul is in the body Christians are in the world."
-from 'Epistle to Diognetus'

"But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
"Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 'Father, glorify Your name.'"
-John 12:23-28 [New King James Version]

I've done my best only to learn that my own understanding and way of love lack so much, and to realize how incapable I am. Though it hurts, I accept my shortcomings, and once again, I ask God to humble me and to teach me what it is to love like He has first loved us.

Father God,
Decrease me. Empower me. With the Holy Spirit. Mightily. Help me. To rise above. So that I may love.

Into the world, off I go. With God on my side.

God bless,
Kimmy, stretching her heart.

"And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
-Luke 22:41-44 [New King James Version]

A Joyous Day.

God is awesome.
And I am so thankful for my friends once again.
Today was truly a very happy day. :)
God bless,
Kimmy.

Task #1

So God decided to challenge me by nudging my heart to give a testimony this Sunday.
I do not like public speaking, and I don't want to share about my life.
But I know it is something I simply have to do, because it is the very thing that I fear. The only way to overcome fears and to grow from them is to face them. No other way around it.
man...

I do this for You, God,, to glorify Your name. Help me, Father. Take away my nervousness and insecurity. May You be the source of my confidence, courage, and strength. Use me, Father God.

Wish me luck & please pray for courage and boldness. Thanks! :D
In Him,
Joyce.

P.S. I am getting baptized at New Hope this Sunday. :)

"The Potter's Hand:

Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan

You gently call me into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
To live all of my life through Your eyes

I'm captured by Your Holy calling
Set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray

Take me, Mould me
Use me, Fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, Guide me
Lead me, Walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand"