de Young Saturdate

I can't believe school's already started. I'm just happy to have spent the last few days of summer vacation with my best friend, Camille. On Saturday, Papa Cali and Mama Julie took Camille, our little cousin Sofia con eFe, and I to the Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at de Young Museum.

de Young Museum entrance

We started our weekend date having lunch at the museum's cafe. Everyone ordered different things. One of us had California King Salmon, the others, Shrimp Louie, Roulet Roti Roasted Chicken, and Porchetta Tartine. Our stomachs were definitely pleased. McCalls truly never disappoints!

We're enjoying our entrees

I'm glad we ate, because the vibrance, creativity, and colors of Gaultier's show would have drained our energy. Those are even understatements for his extraordinary passion and resplendent sense of style. Gaultier's works consisted of a wide array of drama, nudity, sex, darkness, light, all intricately pieced together into different sections of the exhibit. It was beautiful, ineffable, and ironic.

"Nude" gown

Anatomy Dresses by Gaultier couture

Although I have to admit I was creeped out by some of his creations at one point, I respect and admire his art, as well as the diversity of wonderfully aimless and purposeful ideas that flow from his imaginative mind. In addition to nakedness and appreciation for the human body, Gaultier's collection also includes the fictitious and the dreamy.

Red Bead Galleon Hat

Mermaid display

It is no wonder the Jean Paul Gaultier experience received so much hype. His ensembles are not only carefully done and elaborate, but especially uncommon and out-of-this-world! Had I attended the event sooner, I would have come back to more thoroughly appreciate his creations. Unfortunately, we went on Gaultier's second-to-the last showing. It was particularly crowded that day, but Gaultier was surely worth the time and wait.

Camille and I pose with the croissant breakfast dress

Gaultier's fashion exhibit was not the end of our weekend fun though. On our way out, we came across Tamar Assaf's Artist Studio at the Kimball Education Gallery on the ground floor of the museum. Every month, de Young invites artists to display their art forms and interact with the public. We were really lucky. Turns out, Assaf's residency is being sponsored by Winsor & Newton and Blick Art Materials. So all visitors were generously provided with canvas boards, acrylic paint, and palette knives to play with during our visit.

I am obviously not a palette knife painter (notice the way I hold the knife)

Assaf's artworks are focused on conveying the social influence human beings have in positively affecting animal life and the ecological environment. The theme her team also aims to articulate is Bay Invaders: Non-Native Species are Changing the San Francisco Bay Ecosystem. Hence, her art is centered on wildlife, as well as various aquatic species. We spent a good two hours hanging out at the gallery. It was my first time trying palette knife painting, and I thought it was fun and curious attempt.

(L-R) My lion, Sophia's peacock, and Camille's zebra

Overall, I thought my painting didn't come out too bad. I really enjoyed my trip to de Young. Thank you Papa Cali and Mama Julie for taking us, and Tamar for being so friendly and hospitable. Y'all are certainly on top of our summer (or end of summer) highlights. To everyone who wants to share our de Young experience, it's not too late. Jean Paul Gaultier has wrapped up, but Assaf will stay in residence until September the 2nd. What are you waiting for? Check her studio out!

Showing off what we consider our masterpieces (LOL)!

☮ and ♥

Resilience

I am thankful for the blessing of human resilience. The world is never constant, and change is inevitable. Hence, we can only adapt to the twists in occurrences, and respond towards them flexibly but positively. I have always been one to adjust easily into any circumstance. I anticipate the future with the same hopeful attitude, with both excitement and fear. Venturing into unfamiliar paths means having to grow up fast and conform to new environments. It is definitely going to be a drastic shift in my life. However, I am ready to pursue it no holds barred. God is always on my side, and I will count on Him to help me succeed in all my endeavors.

☮ and ♥

Overcoming Anxiety and Receiving Strength

Many of us readily seek God and praise Him during happy times. However, when stress and anxiety start to come our way, we forget that He is more powerful than our strife. Instead of seeking refuge in Him, we count on ourselves to carry the burden. Lately I have been slacking in school due to the myriad extracurricular activities I participate in. In addition to being Vice President for Beta Theta Omicron, Skyline College's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, I am also a member of the Earth Day Committee, Online Chair for Relay 4 Life San Bruno 2012, Public Relations Coordinator for the Environmental Club, a volunteer at the Pacifica Community Center, and tutor to Nancy, a visually impaired student. Although small duties when looked at separately, they stack up when combined. I know it is always better to help. Nonetheless, spreading oneself too thin does not benefit anyone either.

2 Corinthians 9:8 reminds me that: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." He promises to give me more than what is sufficient to fulfill my responsibilities, I just have to ask and petition for strength from Jesus Christ. He will not give me obligations that I cannot handle, or work that I cannot use to glorify Him.  When God blesses us with wealth, whether in the mental, physical, material, or spiritual context, He expects us to use these to give back to others.

Tonight, I only pray that God chisels me into becoming more Christ-like. What is the purpose of serving others if I complain about my lack of time and turn bitter in the process. God wants us to "Do everything without grumbling or arguing" (Philippians 2:14), simply reiterating that when we do good, we have to do so with a willing heart. All our endeavors need to be God-centered in order for us to reap most out of what we sow. As pursuing what is human desire will wear us out, whereas "to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).

In closing, I feel a different energy and exuberance as when I began writing this entry. I was overwhelmed and ready to give up at first, but now I am filled with ease that Jesus will walk and lead me through my busy schedule. I put my complete trust in Him, that His grace and mercy will sustain me and I will overcome this temporary adversity. God is able to keep us from falling, and He is able to provide. God definitely does not give us a problem-free life. But once we are sober and realize our necessity to have His will overrun ours, the world becomes easier to manage. God's plan for me is perfect, and I will continue to honor Him through thick and thin.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7

☮ and ♥

Club Rush 2012

I do not know what I have done for God to be so merciful and gracious to me. Each time I fall short of His glory, He picks me up and redeems me. Whenever I begin to doubt myself and feel unworthy, God surprises me with treats and reminds me that He has my back. Yesterday was Club Rush at my college, so it was a long day for me. I am involved in many organizations at school, so I arrived home drained and tired. Nonetheless, God shifts my mood and motivates me to continue my good work. I received my All-California Academic Team medallion and certificate in the mail last night. I was informed of about my selection into the academic team a month ago, but having the awards packet in my hands just exudes a different, very positive sense of emotion.

All-California Academic Team Certificate and Medallion

Only 68 out of 2.9 million California community college students are awarded this distinction. Academic team members are selected based on academic achievement, community service, and involvement in campus activities. So I praise God for the opportunity to serve my college and community with His grace. Furthermore, I would like to thank the professors who took the time to nominate, recommend, and finally pave the way for this state-wide honor. I will forever be grateful for the lessons and practical experiences I have learned from my advisor, Dr. Christine Case and instructor, Kathleen Feinblum.

The description on the 2012 All-California Academic Team program.

In addition to this good news, while exhausting, Club Rush was very fun and exciting! Club Rush is a semi-annual event wherein various school organizations come out and set up tables to recruit new members and encourage involvement. It has always been an effective means of engaging students into becoming active individuals in the college, and enable us to fellowship and build networks with each other.

(L-R) Christina, Denice and my awkward leg, Camille, and Norman showing off our Beta Theta Omicron booth boards.

Although I am also part of the Skyline Christian Fellowship Club, I mainly manned our Phi Theta Kappa: Beta Theta Omicron and Environmental Club booths. It is difficult to imagine that this will be my last semester. These campus activities are what have made my school life interesting and valuable. Time goes by real fast, like running water slipping through our fingers.

Everyone is all smiles for Club Rush - Spring 2012

This semester, Beta Theta Omicron focused on promoting the importance of finishing community college with an A.A or A.S. degree. Many students drop out or transfer without even trying to earn credentials for themselves. We gave out bookmarks with helpful facts about the advantages of being certified for completing education. This is our contribution to the nationwide C4 (Community College Completion Corps) initiative, and helping create the solution for America's shrinking labor force.

Student body president nominee, Mark Lipkin supports our initiative.

Skyline Go Green, on the other hand, stressed on our cause against water bottle consumption for the upcoming International World Water Day on March 22nd. We are hosting a "Flow: for the love of water" film showing event on that same day to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. "FLOW" confronts the disturbing reality that our crucial resource is dwindling. The documentary discusses the effects of pollution, wastefulness, privatization, and corporate greed to every aspect of our human life. It warns viewers of the dangers such abuse to our water supply will cause. "FLOW" presents us with the sad realities of water scarcity at different parts of the world, and how the Earth will eventually become uninhabitable and humankind, extinct, if we continue with our careless practices. 

The Environmental Club booth and our poster made by yours truly!

Club Rush was hectic, but festive. We had a great time meeting new people and promulgating our initiatives. It was especially memorable for me since a lot of us will be transferring or leaving soon. The friendships formed while I was in service will forever be etched in my heart. I know Spring's going to pass by real quick, but I will definitely treasure and make the best out of every moment.

Emma and I form a heart.

God is beyond good and beyond amazing. I would not be able to do what I do today, without His strength and guidance. When I think about giving up, He carries me through my predicament. He spoils me with His love and blessings, reminding me that I am His daughter, and I will never be alone. God has not only blessed me with the confidence that I can achieve success, but with people and friends without whom I would feel helpless and lost. God deserves all praise!

☮ and ♥

ΦΘΚ NV/CA Regional Convention 2012

The Phi Theta Kappa NV/CA Regional Convention 2012 was held on March 9-10, 2012 at the Suncoast Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. This was my first ΦΘΚ regional convention, so you could imagine how nervous I was for the awards ceremony. Beta Theta Omicron, the ΦΘΚ chapter at Skyline College, has worked so hard the past year to continue the excellence and example that our ΒΘΟ alumni have set for us. Hence the convention offered not only a sense of reward for the time and dedication we put into the chapter, but has also created mixed emotions for me over the fact that my term of office is nearing an end.

Beta Theta Omicron represents at the Phi Theta Kappa NV/CA Regional Convention

Looking back 365 days ago, I was not the same person that I am today. I was just an average student then, whose goal was simply to fulfill my required credit units and transfer to a four-year university. If anything, my Phi Theta Kappa experience has taught me that age is not a factor in determining success, nor is the length of time one invests in a particular project. With discipline and constant follow-through, we are able to accomplish the outcome that we envision.

Best friends and co-officers. We are ugly and pretty together. It's called solidarity!

Through ΦΘΚ I was able to build lifelong friendships    peers or colleagues with whom I share intellectual exchanges, trust as my support system, and seek for encouragement and advice. It was in Phi Theta Kappa that I learned to be a scholar-servant-leader; through its various scholarship programs that aim to uncover the community college student's potential not only in the field of academia, but also at the personal and holistic level.

My good friend and 2011 ΦΘΚ NW District Vice President, Arvind Ravichandran.

Phi Theta Kappa has served as my foundation for success in life. It has propelled me, as well as my fellow honor society members, to brainstorm and come up with prospective plans that we can then execute for the good of society. As trite an expression as this may seem, ΦΘΚ made me realize that we are never too young and it is never too soon to make a difference in our community.

My co-BOOfficers. I love these ladies to death.
(L-R) Denice, Camille, and Amber

We committed an immense amount of effort into all ΦΘΚ endeavors that our chapter participated in. Therefore the regional convention awards ceremony was the icing on our cake, as we were able to reap the recognition that we have earnestly sowed through the leadership and service programs that we led and cultivated for ΒΘΟ.

BOOs Anton, Denice, Camille, and Amber were sent to represent ΒΘΟ.

Our chapter was awarded 3 certificates of participation (Chapters United, Project READ, M.A.D.D.), placed third in the Travel award, and placed second for our Honors-in-Action Project and College Project. We also received two individual awards: Regional Scholar, 2nd Place and the Regional Distinguished Chapter Officer Award.

Anton Molina place second on the Regional Scholar award and I won the Regional Distinguished Chapter Officer award.

Finally, Beta Theta Omicron received the prestigious, Regional Distinguished Chapter Award, in addition to winning the 5-Star Chapter Development Award for our continued excellence, the Yearbook Award, Honors in Action Issue #9 Award, and Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award. So many BOOs contributed to the success of our chapter. I only hope more people take advantage of their Phi Theta Kappa membership, and get involved. This is not only to ameliorate oneself, but also to embrace the opportunity to serve others and give back to society in the process.

Just wanted to share this photo of the tantalizing dessert I had for our last lunch buffet at the convention.

For my few words of acknowledgement, I would like to thank my advisor and mentor, Dr. Christine Case, and professors, Kathleen Feinblum and Jennifer Merrill, for writing the recommendation letters that helped win me this award. 

If y'all want to be a part of Beta Theta Omicron's amazing Phi Theta Kappa journey, feel free to drop by our Spring 2012 general meetings. They are on Mondays at 2pm in Bldg 7 Room 7106 at Skyline College. Have a blessed day! To God be the glory.

☮ and ♥

"An Evening to Remember"

Philippians 4:4 (NIV) states, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" So rejoice we did at SCFC's "An Evening to Remember". I do not remember feeling so at peace and happy as I had been last night. It was not the fact that we played a role in contributing to the show's success. Rather, it was the spiritual community that we were able to build, not only within our Christian Fellowship Club, but also with the audience, and fellow performers, the Point Loma Nazarene University Choir and the Mountian International Dance Academy. God was with us.

The Skyline Christian Fellowship Club

The show was a combination of various acts taking different artistic forms, all aimed at glorifying God. God has blessed us with so many talents, so it was our honor to give back our praises to Him. The performances were all clearly well-rehearsed. There were skits, a dance, a chorale, and video presentations. Each and every one fired up, moved, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. And we are so thankful for God's sustenance. He keeps our spirits alive, even when we are physically exhausted from preparing for the event. The program began with praise and worship, followed by a short skit entitled "The Heart Department". The skit was originally by the Skit Guys, portrayed this time by SCFC's Timothy and Anthony. The skit is very British and humorous, conveying a holy message about the heart   Jesus Christ is the only way to make it live.

"The Heart Department"

"God's Chisel", another skit by the Skit Guys, came after. This time, the original clip was shown on the big screen at the theater. "God's Chisel" depicts the believer's walk with God, and the struggles we experience in trying to renew our ways. The chisel represents God's disciplinary action, and His attempts to shape us into better versions of ourselves. This process is a difficult and painful one for most of us, as we all have that secret sin we refuse to give up. We are all beautiful, but we are blinded by sin. When we decide to let go of our control and let God do His work, we will be surprised to see the masterpiece that we are in God's eyes.

 

Mountian International Dance Academy was also such a great addition to the evening's performances. They presented a diversity of cultural and ethnic dance pieces. They were a mixture of modern and traditional choreography. The audience were in awe of their talent and dedication to the art, and we felt even more blessed that they are dancing for God. I enjoyed all of their dance numbers. They performed quite a lot, but my favorite is still the Chicken Dance by a solo female artist. She has my utmost respect.

The Chicken Dance

The show was also served as a venue to building and revisiting friendships in Christ. Strangers who we used to pass by without greeting at campus became our brothers and sisters, because of the bond that we share with God. I can never thank Him enough for blessing me with these beautiful people to share His walk in the light.

Meeting acquaintances and building friendships during intermission

In addition to "The Heart Department", SCFC had another skit we have been practicing for awhile. If you have read my previous post, our dedication and hard work to the "Lifehouse Everything" skit will be very apparent. "Lifehouse Everything" has been renditioned in different churches and Christian congregations all around the globe. Below is a video recording of ours.

"Lifehouse Everything" illustrates the experience of the typical Christian; battling the temptations of lust, wealth, addiction, fame, and depression. We all go through our downs in life, but "Lifehouse Everything" reminds us that we are not alone. In spite of our constant shortcomings, Jesus Christ continues to come to our rescue. He shoos away our demons, and deliver us from darkness. When we lift up our sins to Him, they stop being a burden, and become our testimony. Walking with God is not easy, but He is always there to help us through.

God's love is redeeming, self-sacrificing, and perfect.

For the final act, the Point Loma Nazarene Choir performed a repertoire ranging from sacred classics to contemporary gospel music. Both genre soothing to the ears anyway. The Point Loma Nazarene Choir is comprised of high-class singers of different majors. They are based in San Diego, and travel yearly for their nationwide tour. SCFC's "An Evening to Remember" was their first stop for the 2012 tour. We know God will open more doors for such an achieved, but humble group of singers. We are so grateful for the time and effort they put in for the glory of God.

The Point Loma Nazarene University Choir

"It is the part of a Christian to take care of his own body for the very purpose that by its soundness and well being he may be enabled to labour... for the aid of those who are in want, that thus the stronger member may serve the weaker member, and we may be children of God, and busy for one another, bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfiling the law of Christ."
- Martin Luther

We are one big happy family!

We praise God for the privilege to be used for His glory. This is only the beginning of our larger mission: To share God's Salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16), to live Holy Lives (1 Peter 1:13-16), preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15), and share God's Love (1 John 4:7-21). We will gather as brothers and sisters as one in Christ to offer prayer and worship to our Almighty God (Matthew 18:19-20). After we have offered God the best of us, He will give us back through His Holy Word. Through Bible Studies or Sermons, His Word will minister our Spirit, Soul, and Body (Hebrews 4:12-13). We will also have fellowship with each other (Acts 2:41-47). We are God's Ambassadors to be examples and lead students to the way, the truth, and the life which is Jesus Christ.

☮ and ♥

"Lifehouse Everything"

The Skyline Christian Fellowship Club (SCFC) never fails to brighten my day. This past week has been a stack of tribulations for me. I was worried over various family matters, busy with school, and just stressing about my personal life in general. But God never lets me forget His grace, nor does He ever abandon me. I cannot thank God enough for surrounding me with a family of believers who constantly remind me of His love.

My SCFC Family

Today I attended SCFC's Praise and Worship service. I usually go to the Thursday Bible Study group, so it was my first time to meet some of the Tuesday members. It was a pleasant experience; different people, but the same God. There is nothing better than coming together to seek the Lord. Like Jesus has promised, "For where two or three come together in My name, there I am with them" (Matthew 18:20). We are so blessed to be in His presence.

Join us for a night of inspiration!

Our Christian Club has a special event on Friday, March 2nd, entitled "An Evening to Remember". It will be held at the Skyline Theatre at 7:00 pm. We are collaborating with the Point Loma University Choir and Mountain International Dance Academy, hoping to convey God's love and spread His gospel to the audience. Additionally, SCFC has also prepared a short but moving skit that we are stoked to share with everyone. It is our rendition of the well known "Lifehouse Everything" drama. SCFC has worked really hard to perfect this play, so we only desire that God will be glorified through the show.

Jesus protects us from the enemy.

"Lifehouse Everything" depicts the beauty of salvation. Jesus Christ only yearns to cleanse us and spend time with us. Yet we fall into temptation, back slide, and shy away from God. Nonetheless, He does not forsake us. God sends His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, that we may have a second chance in life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). He never gives up on us. He incessantly fights our battles and guides us to the light. All we have to do is accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He is just waiting for us. "Lifehouse Everything" brings a powerful message: God's love is redeeming, self-sacrificing, and perfect. 

Jesus wants a relationship with us.

Listen to "Everything" by Lifehouse here:

☮ and ♥