"The Lord will work out His plans for my life- for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for You made me." -Psalm 138:8

Sometimes I feel life is unfair- I get envious or jealous, and I ask why people can get away with what they do.. but I'm reminded today that one day we will all stand before the One "from whose face the heavens and the earth fled away" (Revelation 20:11). And we will all have to give an account for our every action, thought, word, and motive, before Holiness Himself, and possibly before a countless multitude. And my focus is shifted from others to myself, and I fear and tremble... but do I really fear & tremble? Do I really understand this weight and the implications? As best as I know how, the distractions fade, and I'm focused on Jesus Christ again.

"The Lord takes such good care of me..." There really is no greater feeling than literally walking with the best friend you could ever have. This is one of the many Colby/Psalty songs from my childhood that truly does still minister to me today:

With less than 2 weeks before my scheduled sitting for STEP 1, I felt that while I had covered a lot of ground these past few months, I still needed more time. You know that feeling the day before you take an exam, were you say, "Man, if only I had a day or two more, I'd be totally set and ready." Well, after beginning the U-WORLD question bank (over 2,000 questions), I realized that there was no way I could study and do all those Qs & As in under two weeks. Those things take a lot of time to go through- answer choices, explanations, note taking and all. These past few days I've been getting so anxious. Like really anxious.. the night before last I even kept waking up what seemed like every hour. If only I had more time.. So I prayed hard about the possibility of moving my exam back, and yesterday morning I called Ross and spoke to a really nice guy at the Registrar's office. They checked me out and long story short, they granted me an extension (how GOOD is God?). I prayed that if He knew I could pass without the extension, I'd be okay with not getting it, but if He knew I needed it, I would be more than happy, and relieved, to take it. So I've just reschedule my exam for September 27, 2010. This is the ultimate last date. The ultimate last chance. Once more, I thank you so much for your continued prayers. Please pray that I make the most of these coming weeks. I don't deserve His grace at all, but my Jesus is so merciful to me..

2 pretty cool pictures :


Jeniel Corpuz Photography
http://www.jcorpuzblog.com/


I her so much.

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"And my God will meet all your needs
according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.
Amen." -Philippians 4:19-20

"Being confident of this,
that He Who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 1:6

"Do not pray for easy lives! Pray to be stronger men.
Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.
Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle." -Phillips Brooks

So I've officially lost 15 lbs. in about 5 weeks. But the weight loss has slowed down a lot now that I have less than a month before my exam (combination of eating more and exercising a lot less). Last Thursday night I ran 5 miles in 49:58- felt really good. Last night I ran 5 miles in 47:47- felt even better. But I think that's a personal record I will never beat. It's tough to push yourself, but I believe it's the only way to actually lose/maintain weight. I needed to burn those calories after eating a bit more than usual, with Rommel's birthday BBQ, Jon's "on-leave" dinner at Chinatown, & the Villamater wedding. Anyway, I have about 3 weeks left to study, so I need to leave it all out on the floor. Thanks to all my friends who've been consistently praying for me, and giving me sound advice and much needed encouragements. Heading out to the library now- praying for a good day. I'll end it for now with 2 really cool pictures from James & Jaz's wedding:

It looked like the set of HERO or Crouching Tiger- so awesome
(Best panorama pic I've taken on my cell phone)

I wish it was Christmas already. Then I'll have passed my board exam, and I'd already be doing rotations. I wouldn't constantly be worrying about money because I'd be a full time student again, eligible for loans. I'd be down to 160 lbs, back in shape and dancing for God again. I'd be doing more ministry work and reconnecting with people I've put on hold. By December I'd be way past some of these overbearing demons I fight with daily...

...and plus, I wouldn't get any weird looks for blasting Christmas music in my car.