His lessons

God's been teaching me bushels, particularly this weekend past. The CFBC-HCBC joint fellowship was such a gargantuan blessing. I've an unequivocal penchant for meeting people, and whensoever I'm availed the opp to meet and greet fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I see God's glory brilliantly displayed in the universal church, which impresses upon me that He is so so so real and works in everyone and in everything, everywhere, all of which would not be possible without the cross.

God's been granting insightful nuggets in response to my fervent prayer to love others the way Christ loved us. Lord, thank you for teaching me to meet people where they're at. God's also answering a particular prayer He's placed upon mine heart, and I'm excited for us to embark on a new project (perhaps in partnership with another local church)! More prayer, prepwork, and chitter chattering must first ensue, but it shall be unveiled in due time. Thank you Lord for orchestrating such opportunities.

'Tis amusing that of late, a handful of folks have been struck with the query as to why I'm not snapping (more) photographs at shindigs. Perhaps I'm learning to live in the moment. Irene would be proud. But behold, a sparse smattering of snapshots from this Saturday past: thangs got feverishly funky down at the Long Beach Funk Fest.Whilst he triumphantly interpreted funk-fueled art,we interpreted vintage bikes to be our kind of art,and squiggly funnel cake masterpieces to be eerbody's most favored art of the edible variety.Good músicaand good company can only equate good times,followed by a boisterous Bravery-centric BBQ spectacular.All in all, a dandy dialogue-satiated weekend was had. Overwhemingly grateful I am for brothers and sisters in Christ who keep me accountable, aid in bearing my burdens, and challenge me to think and live in light of the glorious gospel. Thanks be to God who is good in all thangs!

Hanging out in the dark

from Edinburghto Sunsetto Sawtelle to Main St. to where ethereal sandy shores flirt with the oscillating Pacific made for exceptional stories aplenty. Super swell times, indeed.

A second round

of bon voyages followed the preliminary phase as more friendly folks heeded the call for a new season of life elsewhere. Toodle-loodles, merely for now.

A novel development

The nine-to-six has been vehemently swamped since we’ve all absorbed supplementary duties to bolster post-layoff shortcomings, but replete with entertaining exploits with Bosses 1 and 2, nonetheless, reminiscent of the time Boss 1 couldn’t figure out how he ended up on the 23rd floor, the time Boss 2 got stranded in Oregon, the time Boss 1 didn’t know how to turn on his laptop, and the time Boss 1 couldn’t recall his zip code, phone number, and graduation year, amongst others.

More anecdote-worthy adventures are forthcoming, consequentially ‘cause the layoff bug has dispatched to me 2 additional bosses. Y’all, get ready for tales about southern-twanged Bosses 3 and 4, situated in the Dixieland dubbed Dallas. Here’s to tending to 4 executives, 2 of whom I shall serve as a long-distance assistant. Blimey!

Flagged epiphanies

upon lollygagging in the pocket of desert barrenness that is thrill-inducing rockin' roller coaster kingdom Six Flags per CFBC tradition this Saturday past:20+ person unity amid a scopious amusement park is a veritable blessing.Perennial discourse amongst time-honored and spankin'-new chummies fared a majillionfold more rivetingthan the diversionary coasters.Plentitude in the walking gaitentailed spasmodic rest stopping,recurring thirst-quenching,and illustrious model shooting betwixt serpentine lines.The college/post-grad generation morosefully admitted to our deteriorating-by-the-day bods that are no longer the dapper, sprightly, perpetually energized adolescent ones we had once upon a time,which enabled prolonged disorientation post-coastin'.The excursion's effervescent highlight, as with any promenade, was bonding evermore with the church famaree. We're continually doused by buckets brimming with grace, indeedy. As summertide's end looms o'er the horizon and the majority of 'em commences a new era of schooling, I'm so thankful for how God has forged a physically growing and spiritually maturing clan rooted in the unshakable foundation of Christ as we live out our faith by grace to know Him and make Him known. I am floored by the grace and mercy bestowed in all the Lord's allowed us to accomplish thus far and pray we persevere to the end as we rest upon His promises, particularly that "...He who began a good work in [us] shall bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6)." Thank you so much, Lord. Love 'em sosososo.

An amusing phone call of sorts

Leon: Hey Helen, did the Navales' ask you to emcee for RJ's thing?

Me: I think so. I'm not sure 'cause they asked me like half a year ago, so I dunno if it's still confirmed.

Leon: Yeah, they asked me on Sunday if I would emcee with you.

Me: OH, I guess I'm still doing it. YEAHHHH!!! So are you gonna do it?!

Leon: Maybe, maybe. Do you want to hang out?

Me: What?? Uhm...sure, we can hang out.

Leon: Yeah, yeah, 'cause I wanna see if it works.

Me: What do you mean? You want to hang out and test our chemistry as emcees?

Leon: Yeah, yeah! I wanna see if we can be funny together.

Me: Leon, you're hilarious. Are you serious?

Leon: Yeah. What's your schedule like tonight or tomorrow? I told them I'd let them know by Wednesday.

Me: What! So our hangout is going to be a trial run? Dude, you're hardcore. I hope I pass the test. I've only ever emceed at shindigs with Julian. I can't tonight and tomorrow is Jireh's going-away party, remember? We can hang out there.

Leon: Oh yeahhh.

Me: Yeah, we can close off a certain area of the patio from everyone else and stare at each other and make each other laugh. Or something.

Hey y'all, when you see Leon and me tomorrow evening, kindly do me a favor and laugh at us lest Leon shoots down our emceeing saga before it even has a chance to take flight. Thanksabunch.

Firey Friday

Thank you Lord for teaching me patience and granting sustaining grace to undergo this Friday past's discombobulating heap of round-the-clock responsibilities and unforeseen trials of the refining firey nature that remind me how much I need You for I can do nothing without You. Thank you for concluding it with bonfirey fellowship and for Your love I see through Your people. You're too good to me.