An end to summer

My last hurrah of the summer consisted of a four-hour road trip to Houston with four other girls.

How we kept ourselves busy?

By playing this game, until it got really graphic. Then we stopped.
By listening to this.
By stopping here and getting sick on a dozen of Cherry Icebox cookies.

And by getting pulled over 10 minutes from our destination, and then getting off with a warning because I was a Cowboys fan (HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS?!).

Never have I been so grateful for the Cowboy tater that came with my Sonic Wacky Pack that symbolized by devotion to America's Team.

How did you spend your last weekend of summer? In Texas, we still have several weeks of summer left, but I'm just going to pretend.

My Girls

I've written about the amazing group of girls I met in college numerous times.
I met them my freshman year in way that couldn't have anything but destined by God.
We took care of one another and no one could replace them in my life, but when I graduated and moved back to Dallas, I had to find my "place" again. It took some searching but I found them exactly where I left them.

Meet my sisters. 

In a short time, we have created the most vulnerable and hilarious memories. Though I've grown up with these ladies, I was hesitant to invest in friendships with them, unsure that they could provide the kind of genuine relationship I expected.

How dense was I. 

I've taken to this group like my dog takes to...everything. I can't imagine sharing life with any one else.

When others are spending what few summer days they have feeding into the world, they have been feeding themselves with the Word, crashing on couches, gross camp beds and some pretty nice hotel rooms, absorbing all that they can before entering the world again.

These girls love God, love each other, and proclaim the Gospel by living sincerely, by living the life God wanted us to. Full of joy, good nature, forgiveness and prayer. 

These are my girls (and I would have written them a blog post whether they asked me to or not). 

What friendships have you made that have changed your life? The way God puts certain people in your life at certain points in your life is proof that there is someone higher in control. 

He is good.

Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts and I am helped;
my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Be our shepherd and carry us forever. Psalm 28:6-9

Life has been up and down for several days. 

I was admitted into the MS/MBA program at University of Texas at Dallas and it's been a frenzy to get paperwork filled out and money through.

I've been worried that things were not going to happen according to the school's deadline and in turn, if this was something God really wanted for me. 

I prayed about it last night. I cried for mercy and God's answer on this big (and expensive step). His affirmation came this morning when everything on my checklist completed itself. 

It's a good day. It's a God day. 

Trust in the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever. 

I love it when I'm wrong.

Hope you'll hang out with me this week. I'll retell stories from this weekend's National Mar Thoma Youth Conference where more than 200 youths in the U.S. gathered in Houston, TX for fellowship and worship. 

That's a lie. I'm probably one of the most stubborn people on the face of this earth. I think I know-it-all and act like it, too. Sometimes, it gets me trouble and other times, I have the gumption to back it up.

My recent ego-ism: I did not think I was going to learn anything this weekend at conference. In recent years, I've learned a lot about the attributes of God through experience and scripture. So I must have gotten it all and know it all, right? So my main agenda was to have fun and enjoy being around people of same mind and thought.

I was undermining the Bible with just that one thought. And God showed up this weekend to prove me wrong.

Brad Cauley preached at Austin Stone Community Church for several years before moving to Houston where he serves now. After speaking to the Mar Thoma church at past conferences and retreats, he's familiar with the struggles and issues we face as a community.

Phenomenal doesn't begin to describe his talks. He prefaced with this warning, "God is going to wreck you this weekend."
He did not lie. I was so in awe; my jaw dropped and eyes didn't blink as He spoke awesome truths.

He divided the portrait of God in three--His Creation, His Power and His Image in us.
Basically, God has revealed himself to us so that we would reveal God to others through us. 
It's a complex statement which is why it took about four days to consume it all.

Brad's ability to create visuals and metaphors  (poop brownies, don't walk back to the Porta-Potty, the Do-God, etc.) that permanently sketch themselves in your brain were simple and down-to-earth. No matter your age, you did not walk out of his sermons fruitless.

Thanks Brad and the Holy Spirit for showing me up this weekend.
I love it when I'm wrong.

Let me tell you about Chris Chacko.

Hope you'll hang out with me this week. I'll retell stories from this weekend's National Mar Thoma Youth Conference where more than 200 youths in the U.S. gathered in Houston, TX for fellowship and worship. 

Chris Chacko was a stranger to me until Friday night.
It was a moment none predicted.

I'd heard rumors of him before.
"You don't know the Chris Chacko?" they said.

No, I didn't. Not until I was hit strategically in my left eye by a flying dodgeball.
A dodgeball that was launched by none other than

CHRIS CHACKO. 

Thus started this friendship between this 19(?) year old and I.
Yes, he is a cutie. But more than that, he loves Jesus. I didn't see him take that necklace off or the glow of faith on his face vanish for one moment this weekend. Meeting him was on the Top-5 highlight list for National Conference. I hope you're lucky enough to know him.

Date night.

Being single isn't easy.

It's even harder if you don't get out and enjoy being single. 

A bestie of mine caught up over wine, martinis, and sushi. Everyone around us were on dates...we decided to have our own date, too.

We talked about family and boys, work and school, reassured ourselves that life was going to be ok though it looks NOTHING like we thought it would.

It's times like these we have to remember to be in the present. We don't know what's ahead, but why dwell on that?! Do your best now and everything else will fall into place.

And while you're waiting, have a glass. 

Wash it off with some Peace.

I just spent 40 minutes on Facebook (doing nothing but stalking all of you) and making myself anxious!
I gently (threw) my laptop on the floor and flipped to this in my devotional.

I needed this so much.

Understanding will never bring you peace. That's why I've instructed you to trusting in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world present you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master)...
My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.* 

The Gospel written in simple syllables.

When I read the first sentence, it hurt. I was just thinking about why something wasn't working out the way I planned it when it hit me--YOU PLANNED IT. It never works that way. 
I can fall on my face a million times before learning this lesson.

Wash your plate of anxieties and stress with Peace. Stillness. Faith.
In the Creator of the Heavens and Earth.

And stop trying to work it out.

What do you need to exchange with God for Peace? 

*From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

Say Anything.

Or not.
I'm upset by how little we can say what we believe anymore.

At first, I wrote a highly critical response to the media and public's reaction to Don Cathy's statement about traditional marriage but been torn on publishing it.

Instead, I felt that a poem was more fitting and told the story of my heartache more accurately.




I look around and can't decide
I knew this would happen but it doesn't subside
The pain I feel knowing
I can't say anything at all 

My Bible says that
A union is between
A man and a woman
I live my life for God
And this is what I believe

I do not hate or disrespect
That's not what i'm called to
That's not what Jesus showed back

But I'm hated, persecuted
For these beliefs

I'm not hurting anyone
But they are hurting me.

When did having an opinion
Different from yours
Mean I was in the wrong?
Mean I deserve the worst?

Freedom of speech exists no more.
I'm a cynic like none before.
But I refuse to be apathetic.
That is what they want.

No, I will stay outspoken.
As the minority, I will not sway. 

Friends, the world will not get better.
It's fallen and its end is near.
Stay above it all and support your brethren
We must be here for one another. 

Those called to something bigger.
Stay true to His Word
And His blessings will come later. 

Necessary.

Spend four minutes of your day today enjoying the video below. It's necessary. 

The women that show up at 3:30, not so necessary. 

I'll be in Waco this weekend, reuniting with the BFFs (best friends forever, duh). 

Teaser: there will be a food fight. 

Happy Friday! 

What are you doing this weekend? Maybe you have your own food fight planned! (If so, we should talk.)

Get out of the corner.

The GMAT is done and I can finally get my nose out of those books.

I'll be honest: I didn't do so hot.
In fact, I was average.
Ordinary.

It didn't help that when I got home and told my dad my score, he replied, "I thought my daughter was smart!"

I did, too, Dad.

I put myself in the corner and "punished" myself for my performance (talk about dysfunction).

What was I punishing myself for? I worked hard, prepared, studied and did my best the day of. The test score doesn't define me. So why was I letting it get to me?

As humans, we yearn for something to tell us who we are, what are strengths are, where we belong.
If we're not careful, we end up putting ourselves in a corner that we don't deserve in the first place.

My chains are gone
I've been set free

                                                    My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing grace

Walk away from the corner.

What do you put yourself in a corner for?

Hey Jude/A Call to Persevere.

Some encouraging words from Jude.

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

I was sorting out a wrinkled page when this passage popped out of me. I'm in the middle of thoughts about change, about committing to some things and backing out of others; figuring out the balance between things I need to do and want to do. It's not an easy thing, but I'm encouraged by my awareness of it and faith that all needs will be met.

Playing with design and words is a past time of mine but I don't showcase it on this blog as much as I would like. Someone who is inspired by design and scripture is Jill Davis. Jill doesn't know me personally but her husband was on staff at the church I went to in Waco. She's making the most of of her 27th year of life by supporting OneVerse and making the Ehty people's dream of smoothing out wrinkles in their own Bibles, in their own language.

Support her if you can and at least, enjoy her beautiful images.

Para familia.

Thankful for children that can entertain themselves. For children that ask why. That want to know what patience means. That don't mind if their princess wand is broken. For an 8 year old that wants to dress up like her 4-year-old sister. For nosebleeds that aren't worrisome. For a tickle fight that can cheer up any sullen baby boy. A smart yet innocent 12-year-old. For generations past that show up again in the present, reminding us that life is just one big circle.

For family.

A 3-for-2 deal.

I'm reading Psalms tonight and God's steadfast love and faithfulness is slapping me in the face--I can't ignore it.

I started with Psalm 25.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. (verse 10)

Then Psalm 26.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. (verse 3)

And as I flipped to Psalm 40...

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. (verse 10) 

I have two framed posters in my bathroom that say "FAITH" and "LOVE." 
I've been meaning to buy the third piece to the puzzle, hope, for sometime now but I don't think I need it anymore.

His love and His faithfulness gives me hope.

This is simple and probably old news to you. 

But if you're unsure of your way, remember to keep the ways of the Lord. 
Remember to keep your eyes on the one who clothes  you in faithfulness and guides you in love.
Remember that His love and faith is not meant to be encased in your heart but shared with the ones you care about. (That means you, VBS teachers.)

What's up?

Oh, nothing. 


I'm just approaching my 3rd hour of solving problems like this (The GMAT is 2 weeks away).

And I'd rather be here on a Tuesday night (if you live in Dallas, you should check it out).

I also just took a dance break to this.

Happy Tuesday!

Combating Bitterness.

Jealousy is part of human nature and something I have to mentally battle with. It showed up weeks ago when my brother got into an accident. He lost his car but we still have him, by God's grace. However my blood boiled when I found out that he snagged a deal on a Mercedes.

My younger 22-year-old brother is driving a Mercedes when I'm cruising in a Corolla. Just what I needed. 

The cherry on top? He received almost 10 grand for his old car, leaving him with only little to pay for his new car. 

It is so easy--innate, even--to lash out in this anger. To take it out on someone in hatred and bitterness. I had to ask myself, "Why am I not happy for him?" 

Take your anger to God. Forgive yourself and accept His mercies. Jealousy and bitterness are only consequences of pride. So squash your pride! 

Make an effort to be happy. This sounds crazy but your words can change your attitude. I grumbled a few words of kindness to my brother; an "I'm happy for you" and a "Oh, that's a really nice car--that's awesome!" a couple times and sure enough, it's true now. Best of all, I didn't hurt my brother in the process. This is another way to defeat your pride. As someone who faces it constantly, you have to want to change enough that you humble yourself. It's not a joke. Fleeting words will not cut it. 

Pride will eat at you and hinder your ability to obey God and His will for you. 

Bow down! It's not about you, friend. It's about Him who put you on this earth for his glory. 

Let Him shine through.

Happy 4th.

This day always reminds me of my family and the risks and sacrifices they made to come here for me.
Spending it with friends, eating good food and seeing the sky light up was the cherry on top.

Not exactly wedded bliss.

Last Wednesday, my parents celebrated 27 years of marriage.

Witnessing most of it, I can tell you that it hasn't been easy or fun all the time.
However, it's a perfect example of a redeemed marriage. Though there's been turmoil, there is no giving up. I used to resent them for that but now I admire them.


It takes strength, endurance and love to keep pressing on with someone that's getting on your last nerve. 

I don't know much about this topic but because of them, I know you don't give up.

They've grown a lot in recent years, partially because they recognize it's going to be just them very soon. I'm so proud of them.

Shout out.

I'd like to refer to my friends at St. Cuthbert today.

For two weeks, friends, old and young, are traveling around Sri Lanka spreading the Good News and and loving on the country by building shelters.

You can follow them on their blog as they take on the 16-hour flight, see elephants at an orphanage and experience a Buddhist country halfway around the world.

Take a second to read about how this church is taking Jesus to a whole other level.

Happy Wednesday!

More than pen pals.

So here's why I bought stamps.
I adopted two kids through World Vision! One named Ajit. He's four and lives in North India, closer to Nepal and Bhutan. Twincle is one and she lives close to Hydrabad. They are the sweetest children and I'm excited to be part of their lives. I wrote them their first letters today and already bought things for their next package. I hope they think it's cool that I'm Indian AND have the same birthdays as they do. WOOO. Check out the letter writing process below.

When was the last time you wrote a letter?

Happy Weekend.

So I lost my keys this week. It's been upsetting since I have no idea how I can lose something I use everyday. Praying that they will just show up. How's that for bold faith?

Before leaving the key situation to the Big Man, I was scouring my room for where I might have left the spare (no, I don't know where those are either. How I get around in life, I do not know.). Here's just a couple things I found.

Yes. A CD Walkman. I don't think it works. 

You may be happy or sad that I have this. Letters from high school. Late night AIM conversations. Some really funny memories and others were pretty sad. Friends and Acquaintances, I'm sorry for the person I was then. I would have slapped me multiple times but you stayed strong.

A really old picture of people I do not know. But seeing that I found it in mint condition, they must be important people and possibly family. So cool. 

And here's a teaser. Expensive stamps. Wondering why I bought expensive stamps? I'll tell you tomorrow! 

It's funny what you can find when you're looking for something.

I am flawed.

On Sunday, I decided to detox from coffee.
I lasted two days.

Come to mama. As my friend, Caro, likes to say, "Would you like some coffee with that creamer?"

In other news, Jennifer Weiner (great fiction writer) has incredible advice for writers on her website. It's amazing stuff---I recommend all aspiring writers to read. She also answered questions on Twitter today. Find out what she said by searching #jenchat

Under Construction.

All of Dallas seems to be under construction lately. This weekend I spent way too much time in the car and not enough time at my final destination. It took all that I am to not be frustrated at the waste of time and gas. But as I sat in the cloud of carbon monoxide and tail smoke, I started thinking about jams in our own life.

Detours- 
I had an appointment at the hair salon at 4 (that makes me sound so high maintenance but I don't cut my hair that often! Cut me some slack.) and it was already 3:30. That wasn't a problem until I found myself detoured from my usual route. I was driving down an unknown road, uncertain I would make it to my destination in time or at all.

Life is full of these moments. You think you know how you're going to get to X, but then comes along an obstacle--be it loss, drama, conflict, or just a change of events. Take a breath. The detour may be a better way. There's a reason why it's there. And trust the one who created the alternate route-- they have the best intentions and know the way out.

Traffic-
You're jammed for hours with nowhere to go. Patience is draining, the clock keeps moving but you have no control. Oh, and there's a headache coming on. You just have to wait it out. This can be the worst feeling, especially for type A people (like me) that always need to be doing something. Refrain from pulling your hair out, please.
Sometimes we just need to slow down. We're in a rush to get things done but why?
(Read my friend's post about her detox from productivity here.)

There's a reason for the slowdown.

Closed Roads-
When you come across this sign, there is nowhere to go but back. At least, in traffic or with detours you're still moving--you can take the nearest exit and get out.
When you come across these, have you ever thought, "Maybe I wasn't going the right way to begin with?"

I take these as blessings. Maybe not right away but when I look back, I see that I didn't want to go through that closed door. Most oftentimes, it leads to unnecessary sadness, hurt, or regret.

It's all about perspective, friends. Take a moment and think about your own obstacles. Didn't they add character or teach you something about yourself? About God? About life? Choose to see those moments in a different light. 

He's got you covered through all the roadblocks of life.

Dad.

I am my Daddy's girl. As we've gotten older, our time together has gotten sweeter. Maybe its because he knows time is limited. All I know is I'm forever indebted to this man for his great sacrifices and faith in me, his daughter.

He's not a perfect father but he's a present father. My supportive, candid, quirky, loving Dad.

Nostalgia.

Slow day. Good jams.

The talk.

I came into the living room flaunting the new skirt I bought for India.


How naive of me. 
The next thing I know my dad throws out the ultimatum I've been fearing.
"Either you go back to school or find someone to marry."
I chuckle.
He doesn't. 

"Nincy, this is not a laughing matter. You need to do one or the other." 

Tantrum begins.

I'll be honest, I understand where my dad is coming from. He doesn't want me to live under his house forever. And I have been getting quite comfortable the 1.5 years I've been there. 

School is my choice though I'm dragging myself to take the GMAT. 

(Oh Managerial Accounting, why must you be a requirement for an MBA?) 

But if you don't mind, I'd like to talk about this pushing of the daughter down the aisle. 

At the moment, I'm happily single. 

I'm using this season of my life to accomplish God's work.  I've come to treasure this season as a gift; it's a priceless time to invest in myself and have some fun. 

Sure, I get lonely and a boyfriend would be helpful for wedding dates, holidays, formal events and movie nights. 

But I'm OK.


My life is not put on pause because I'm not married.  I have many of the same joys and heartbreaks as the girl who is married next to me. 

So I speak for the single. 

We are normal.

We are embracing this season of life. 

We have no problem with marriage, it's just not for now.

And that's OK.
In fact, it is good.

To my friends and acquaintances who are wondering how in the world I can be happy without getting my  MRS degree from the school that seems to give them out freely:

The source of happiness is skewed.
Proudly displaying a MRS degree does not mean happiness.
Happiness is not a boy.

I am normal.
A man does not fulfill nor complete me.
Nor does he define my future.
And don't set me up with your cousin. (Unless he really is my type, then fine.)


Instead, lets talk about politics, blogs, fashion, movies and all the other things that I enjoy... just like you.

Steadfast love.

This has been the theme of my life for the past several weeks. I've seen a friendship stay steady because of it and another friendship rekindled after five years for the same reason. 

It's awfully unique and is the best picture of the redeeming love of Christ in life. I sincerely believe you can't show this love without knowing God's love first. It's not in our own power to put aside selfishness and pride but the character of God pushing forth. 

We love because He first loved us. 

It's the most beautiful thing I've witnessed all week. 

What's opened your eyes? Have you seen the character of God in others? Try to notice it. It's the Gospel coming to life. 

Thanks Ray.

I had a crazy teacher my senior year of high school. Though she was eccentric, I learned so much from the books we read and conversations we had in that class. One of those books was Fahrenheit 451--a staple in every English classroom.

Ray Bradbury's book was the beginning of my love for fiction, narratives and science fiction. He gripped me with such a relevant theme-- the destruction of knowledge, of books.

Thankfully, I think we've regressed from trashing literature with the advent of the reading tablets. I read a statistic yesterday that said print magazines have seen increased readership because of millennials.

I leave with words from Bradbury that I keep close.

Most of us can't rush around, talk to everyone, know all the cities of the world, we haven't time, money or that many friends. The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book. Don't ask for guarantees. And don't look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore.

Practicing my counting.

1. A weekend with family that can't keep their eyes open even if they tried. 

 2. Rich desserts that one cannot finish by themselves.

 3. Friends that just stop by.

 4. Dog naps.

 5. And hours that I could use to finish a good book (Mockingjay).

Count your many blessings. Name them one by one.