Quotation

Always put God first and everything else will fall 
into place. 
-What was said on a sticky note when I was at Ohlone college today. 

7/10/12

My first day of driving on the freeway was today! Man, I was kinda nervous and scared at the same time but once I accelerated and got on freeway and got to 60-65mph, I felt more comfortable driving. After that me and my dad went to check out apartments for me to rent a room at so I can stay here in California in Fremont and go to school. We checked out at least two apartment complexes in Fremont. Then we just went home after. Pretty normal day of life looking for an apartment that is a main essential for living. Please pray that I have a place to live so I can go to college here in Fremont. I am asking the Lord this and me and my dad are both searching for where I can live next. Wherever it is, and no matter what happens, God is glorified amen.

7/8/12

As always, I wake up pretty late for Church haha, but I always go nonetheless. I arrived and came during worship service and had nice worship as always. Then our speaker who was Mr. Han (he is white but was raised in the China, so he speaks English and Mandarin both fluently). He spoke about the Church and also showed us a part in scripture in the book of Revelation which talks about the Church in Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7. He talked about how the Church needs to continually be in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and work as a Church together, or suffer the consequences of having that Church removed (not the building, but the people). It was a nice message and I liked it, it really impacted me as well as my friend Jen. But during the service I got a couple calls from my mom, so I called her once the service ended. She was telling me when she could buy my ticket for me to leave to Orlando, Florida so I could go visit her. I told her that I was not sure yet, and my mom was telling me how sad she is saying that I promised her a month, 3 weeks and I did not fulfill that promise to go and visit her. And she started crying on the phone and I tried calming my mom down. It was just an emotional experience for my mom since she barely ever sees me throughout the entire year. So I told her I would call her back (which I did later that night) Then I consulted my Christian friend Austin and we chatted about it together. When I was talking with him, I couldn't help but to break into tears because it was just really emotional for me. He just talked with me gently listening intently for what I had to say to him. Then after he started to pray for me and put his hand on my shoulder and prayed. I am so thankful for my Christian friend Austin because he is such a caring follower of Christ and I admire him greatly. After that, I then left to get lunch at Taco Bell. I knew there were people in Taco Bell that I needed to chat with, but I just never did because of my fear of rejection. And I wanted to give tract booklets out, but I never did that either. Now I know why. It was because that I am filled with a lot of stuff right now in my life and worrying about it that I can't witness and have fun with it because I have all of these things in life that I am worrying about. And also because I don't pray before I share the Lord Jesus Christ. I remember I used to share my faith so much in the past, and now Satan is trying to destroy me by taking me away from evangelism. I don't ever want that fire to burn out, please, please pray for me to be bold for the Lord Jesus Christ and to not fear man. What can man do to me? I have the most powerful person in the entire Universe on my side. So please pray for that. After I went to the Great Mall which is a mall near my Church building to go and witness. And I still couldn't do it, why? Because I never prayed. Without prayer, I am useless. Prayer is like an energy drink, without it you won't be able to have a ton of energy to play hard and give it your all. It's the same thing with prayer. I need to pray to have the Holy Spirit active in me so I can share my faith with passion and boldness like never before and go all out for the Lord. When I was at the Great Mall, I was so ashamed of myself that I left to my pastor's house for Connect. I was at the door and rang the doorbell, but no one was home. I heard Lia (which is the name of my pastor's wife) come in through the garage. I decided not to go in, because I just thought it was a little early so I went to this playground that was literally near their house and sat on a platform. I began to read the book One thing you can't do in Heaven and One heartbeat away. I saw two people that were friend and one of them was walking a dog. I was planning to witness to them, but I just did not have to boldness too. (sigh) Eventually I saw two of my friends that are part of my Church, Tiffany and Theo. I greeted them and they walked inside my pastor's house for Connect. I also came into the house as well, and greeted Lia. My friend Austin called me and told me that he was going to meet me to pick me up so we can go to sweet cup. So I left the house and I met my friend Austin, Jason, and my new friend Kevin in Austin's car. So we all left to this milkshake place which was sweet cup and we hung out there for a bit. Then after we left, and I did not know where we were going. So close when we turned into a parking lot I asked my friend Jason next to me where we were going and he told me that I was going to apply for a job. I literally had no idea. So we went inside and I filled out my job application sheet that my friends have given me already and I applied for the job at this hawaiian restaurant called Bento express. After that we left to David's house (who is our my and my friends pastor) and we chilled and greeted more people as they came. Some were familiar faces, others were not and I greeted them as well. We had two people share something so that people could pray for them. One of the people that shared was me. Then we had worship then bible study. The bible study was on the Rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-30. We talked about how it's not about how good we are, because are never good according to God's standard which is the Ten Commandments. We must have a close relationship with Christ and forsaking all and follow the Lord Jesus Christ no matter what the cost. Then after that, everyone socialized and I danced for a little bit (showing off my dance moves haha), but I had a good time with everyone. Then I took off and headed home. Great day today. Praise the Lord!!!

7/7/12

This afternoon today I needed to get gas for my car, so after I dropped off my stepbrother Emmanuel to his friends house I drove over and put gas in my car. After I did that, I drove back home and hung out for a bit and got prepared to leave to go visit my good friend Austin. He told me that when I arrive at our Church building, that I need to ring the door bell so he can let me in. As I was walking towards the main entrance, people that are part of my Church youth group and their dad were coming out and he just held the door open for me and I walked inside. What was interesting is that I arrived right at the exact time as they came out, God is good! I came inside and greeted my friend Justin who was also part of my youth group and then I greeted my other friend Jen, and we just chatted for a bit. Then afterward I went to this room where my friend Austin was at and he was excited to see me and we greeted each other. We talked for a bit before doing some worship, and the worship hit me pretty hard and I was almost in tears when we were singing this one song. I was thinking about how great God's love is for us and how we have sinned against Him, and that we are not "good enough" to go to Heaven. But that God would send His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, to save us from our sin and grant us the gift of eternal life in Heaven that we don't deserve at all. And I was just so thankful for the blood of Jesus Christ that washes away all of my sin so that I am forgiven of it once I repent of my sins and put my trust in Him. After worship, we head out to one of my favorite all-time restaurants Sizzling Stone. It's a Korean bbq restaurant and the style of choosing your food is just the same as Chipotle and Subway. Austin told me that he would pay for the both of us since he told me it was on him. I could not go last Sunday since I was in San Diego for my older bro's wedding. He promised what he said he would do on that Sunday when we were supposed to meet. So after we had lunch today and talked about various things, we went to get some pearl milk tea, (which I love by the way). Then after that, we left and I told Austin that we'll meet again tomorrow for Church as well as Connect (Connect is a bible study that the college students and older people have together). God is good and He will continue to be good regardless of whatever else we do down here on earth. Praise the Lord!!!

7/6/12

As soon as I came back from San Diego, I had to handle business for applying for a job. But then last Wednesday my cousin gave me a check which was my graduation gift that he forgot to give back to me when I was in San Diego for the wedding. So before I left, I prayed to the Lord and asked Him if this was the right job for me and to give me the right words to say when I am there. So I drove over, and when I arrived there I asked this women who was right near the door if I could speak with the store manager. She told me he is busy so she can me a job application for me to fill out instead. I texted my dad a few times and called him once to ask him about a few questions that were on the sheet. Eventually I completed the sheet and gave it to the women. Then I met the store manager who's name is Sean. He's a really nice guy and I told him my name was George and he talked to me about my form and that I turned it in and he said "very good." He also told me that he will contact me later on. I was happy, and then I left and had to go to the chase bank, which was the bank that my cousin Dennis use's. I went inside and asked the lady in the front to cash my check. She said ok, and right when I was about to swipe my card, she noticed that I had a bank of america debit card. So she asked me to give her the check and she cashed it in for me. The only problem that I had with going to the bank was that the women explained to me that if the check was $50 or more, then bank would charge me a $6 fee. I was not happy when I heard that, but thankfully the check my cousin gave me was $20.12. (he wrote that purposefully because that is the year I graduated haha). But still, a $6 fee!? And I don't even bank at chase, that does not make sense at all, I just hope when the store manager gives me my check, that it will be for bank of america and not chase. And I don't even know if other banks charge the $50 or over $6 fees. Afterwards, I just came home, and I got to talk with my good Christian friend Austin who called me. A normal day of life again today. I am still looking for a place to stay and I still need to call this family because my classmate and pen-pal talked with them to find out if I can move in with them. But God is good and I trust Him with my life, amen!!!

6/30/12

Well, today was the big day. Not for me of course, but it was for my older brother who was getting married to his fiancee! It was a really exciting day. Before all of that happened, me and my other brothers were just putting golf outside since our hotel which was the holiday inn had a mini putting range. It was nothing too fancy, just a simple putting range with different holes. Except they were laid out in the grass since they were probably cut by a lawnmower. Later on, we needed to get dressed, so me and rest kinda rushed to get ready. I was having trouble putting my suit on so my stepbrother helped me with the tie and I was trying to put the rest of my suit on, as well as my undershirts. As I hung the tie on my neck, I was trying to pull it tight and I was struggling, so my brother came up to me and responded by slapping me in the face. I asked him why he did that and he said because of my "stupidity". My brother likes to commit malice to me a lot and it's not right it's wrong. That's why I leave all judgment up to the Lord Jesus Christ because I know that my brother will get the justice he deserves. But I don't want my brother to go to Hell forever, I just want him to repent of his sins and commit his life to Christ before it is too late. But the way he is going right now in his behavior is just horrible. Please pray that the Lord will wake him up and have him call upon the Lord Jeus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins. Please pray. Then after that, my dad and my stepmom came in and they were not too happy. They found that I have not dressed properly and that I was not fully ready to leave. So my stepmom was complaining and telling me why I was like this and so was my dad. But as for me, I have kept my mouth quiet because the bible says in Proverbs 10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." I have learned to do that a lot on this trip, learning to keep my mouth quiet and not say things I wanted to say that were not appropriate at the moment. So I just stayed quiet while they helped me get dressed properly. Then we all left to the location where the wedding was held. Not a lot of people were there, except the people who were planning the wedding, the decorations, and everything else. We took pictures before the wedding ceremony started and we also met our cousins, family, and relatives who arrived as well. Then the wedding ceremony started and my brother Italo and the sister of my older brother Ross, Tenise both gave a short speech. My brother said a poem and Tenise's sister said something short that I don't remember. Eventually, my brother Ross and his fiancee said their vows and I was not crying at all, I was just very happy for them. It got emotional for a couple of people that told me they were shedding tears. Soon after the wedding ceremony ended, it was the reception party that was held inside this building that was literally right next to us. Everyone came in and socialized until it was time for everyone to sit down for dinner. As always my dad started the tapping of the glasses to represent the groom and bride kissing. That happened a few times. Soon, dinner came and I had shrimp scampie which was really good. And I loved it so much that I asked my stepmom if I could have hers and she offered to give me all of it. My Aunt Fiorella came up to me and told me that it's not right to be taking food from others since it is rude. But I just loved shrimp, I couldn't help it haha. After dinner, everyone mingled again and I met a guy named Bryan. We  just started chatting about different topics and such. As some people got on the dance floor to start dancing Bryan was encouraging me to go out there and dance, but I didn't want to. One of the things I will never forget from him that he told me was that love is the greatest of all things. He told me that in all these religions, each of them teach that love is the greatest and most important thing. That is a very true statement as declared in the Word of Almighty God "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 We had a nice chat. Then one of my family relatives or my cousin I believe it was, dragged me onto the dance floor to dance so I just moved a little bit. Eventually I left the dance floor, then came back on later. When I was there a second time, my older brother who saw me said to me "show me how to shuffle!" So I started shuffling and everyone was shouting excitedly and I was dancing like there was no tomorrow. It was crazy. I was then encircled by everyone on the dance floor and I was just shuffling away having all these people at my older bro's wedding cheering  for me. It was such an adrenaline rush, my goodness. And I was also drenched in sweat, but my uncle Bruno was even  worse than I was. He whole back was completely soaked! The rest of the night was awesome. After that, my dad planned to continue the party (even though it was just an after celebration which is the truth) at the Hyatt hotel which was really close to the wedding location that we were at. We arrived at the room and greeted everyone, and I was offered a Jell-o shot. I thought it was just plain Jello, but after I tasted it a little the guy who was at my older bro's and his wife's room told me "it has alcohol in it." I stopped eating and just left it. Me, my brother, stepbrother and my cousin Geo were all in my Uncle Bruno's room (he is Geo's dad) watching television. My brother and my stepbrother fell asleep since it was late at night and mostly because they were tired. I was tired as well but still awake since I got used to staying up late. Then later on, we left back to our hotel. That was one of the greatest weddings I have ever been to. Just plain awesomeness. Praise the Lord!!!

6/29/12

Today was the day before the wedding and it was the wedding rehearsal. We already got settled in our hotel which was the holiday inn and we were relaxing a bit before leaving to the wedding rehearsal dinner which was at dock cafe right near the ocean. And what was so great about it was that behind the restaurant was a outside area where you get a beautiful view of downtown San Diego. I wish I would have brought my camera, darn it! Oh well, things happen. I'm not that mad. I don't want to worry about it. At the wedding rehearsal dinner, my dad proclaimed his speech to everyone which was excellent. He practiced beforehand but it was a great speech. It was the same speech that he said to everyone at the wedding as well. Then it was my older bro's fiancee's mom's turn to speak to the public. Then after that, everyone mingled and we met people, including my cousins. After everyone had dinner and socialized, there was a slideshow of pictures of both my older brother Ross and his fiancee Tenise as they were growing up from childhood into adulthood. The slideshow was very funny and nice and everyone enjoyed it, including me as well. Once that was done then everyone who participated in the dinner rehearsal socialized more until it was time to go. Me and my family said goodbye to my cousins and other relatives, then we left later on. It was a nice night and I was just amazed by the lights of downtown San Diego and was just in awe of the amazing creation of God. The colors were so beautiful, but I can't wait until Heaven when the colors will be vibrant and so detailed beyond imagination!!! Praise the Lord!!!