This is for my bestfriend...

3 6 5 . d a y s . l a t e r . . .
s t r o n g e r _ t h a n _ e v e r . . .









happy one year anniversary, melissa yuen.

looking forward to spending countless more with none but you!

-michael

"God of Wonders"

"boo!"



OK OK. Here's the real CareBear.

-mike

Victory Versus Defeat

The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways... The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them.

- Deuteronomy 28:7, 25

As the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, God set them before a choice: Heed His voice, obey His commandments, and experience continued victory. Or turn from God, disobey His word, and experience repeated and resounding defeat. It was a simple choice. The choice they made would be evident by the results on the battlefield.

The assurance of victory did not mean that the Israelites would not have to strap on their armor and go to battle. It did not guarantee them effortless victory. At times their enemies fought fiercely, and the abttles raged back and forth.

Nevertheless, as the Isarelites walked closely with God, they knew that their efforts would always result in victory.

God gives us the same choice He gave the Isarelites. If we walk with Him, in obedience to His Word, He will stand with us and ensure victory over our challenges. We must face the battle, but God promises us victory if we remain in His will. However, if we choose to disassociate from God, we surely will be overtaken by difficulties. As with the Israelites, our decision will be evident by the outcome. If you are continually being defeated by everything you face, your heart has departed from God.

If you have been experiencing defeat in the challenges you face, examine your heart. When you are buffeted by the crises of life, your heart may have shifted away from God. Choose to listen to God. Then obey what He tells you, no matter what you face, and you will experience victory.

She shoots...She misses (terribly)!!!

click here!

and here too!

have a good week guys!

-michael (and mel)

Mel you are the best!
Happy Tuesday, girlfriend. Hope all of it went well for you!

Spiritual Optimism

"The David said to the "Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand.'"

- 1 Samuel 17:45-46a

David was certainly an optimist! Regardless of his circumstances, David could always see God's activity! A pessimist focuses on the problems, concentrating on the reasons why something cannot be done. The optimist sees those same problems, but he sees them from the perspective of God's presence.

David was just a young boy when he faced Goliath, an intimidating veteran warrior who frightened even the bravest Israelite soldier. As he prepared for battle, David saw that Goliath was a giant. He heard his boastful taunts. He could not fail to notice his enemy's weapons: a sword, a shield, and a javelin.

David did not barge into the battle unprepared for a fight. He armed himself with five smooth stones. David was prepared for God to grant him victory with the first stone he hurled at the giant or the fifth.

David was ready to accept God's victory, whether it came easily or with much effort.

Optimists do not ignore the difficulties; they are keenly aware of them. But the knowledge of God's presence prevents them from becoming discouraged or giving up. It is impossible to stand in the presence of God and be a pessimist.

The account of David and Goliath vividly pictures the source of the Christian's faith - not our own size, strength, or resources, but the power of almighty God. If we focus on our opposition and problems, they will seem gigantic. But as we focus on God, we will see our situation in the proper perspective and be assured that all things are possible with God. (Phil 4:13).

one stone of
great confidence and optimism...

"Jesus Moments..."

There's something inspiring about four guys singing and drumming and banging away in the middle of the night that's inspiring and memorable - all for God and without all the fancy and complications of group worship. Four guys, four instruments, four voices, one song for one God...



-mike (5 more days)