what i learned...

...in the two longest short days ever.

1) You don’t have to compromise yourself. I constantly try to focus on the good, always have try to be the upbeat girl, smiling all the time. But I’m human, it’s okay to have some off days. When you start faking it, then you’re just lying to yourself.

2) Designate time for yourself, a moment to breathe and re-gather, time to re-focus yourself on the ultimate purpose. And when that doesn’t seem to help, trust that there are people who support you.

3) Making enemies just as a target to direct your frustrations on doesn’t help the situation. Understand that they too have valid intentions AND feelings. Communication is key. Obviously without communication, there are all kinds of misunderstanding and further frustration.

4) There needs to be a balance between the commitment to what you are involved in and the interests of those participating.

5) Be conscious/cautious of how you express your frustrations. Most of the time, your impulsive reaction is to resort to ugly negativity. When you start shooting out negative energy, it just gets passed on…and we all know that gets you nowhere.

6) Stress is temporary. You will overcome challenges. Everything will work out not necessarily the ideal way you envisioned, but definitely the way it should.

7) SPOP is a beautiful program, full of a diverse group of beautiful staffers and participants. Just when I think I have a full comprehension of what the program offers and what it stands for, it just continues to surprise me with more wonderful blessings.

8) And finally…prayer works. Thank God for everything.

aim conversations

ian: it's really quite interesting
shake: interesting why?
shake: and dont worry..thats mutual
ian: the last comment was for security
ian: haha
shake: hahah..i figured

-----------------------
DER: reading your blog made me realize
shake: ...
DER: how much i missed seeking God
DER: like through everyday actions
shake: ohmigosh..im really glad you just told me that
DER: b/c i've been forgetting what's most important
DER: even in my everyday interactions and actions
DER: i guess i just miss seeking God
DER: and i havent felt that in awhile
DER: i can say that when things dont work out, to just give it up to God
DER: but i feel it's been more of an automatic response
DER: than actually meaning it
DER: i wanna find meaning in it again

-------------
random: i love you! anyways, KEEP IN TOUCH when you can. i always love hearing from you! do work now son! i mean daughter!
shake: i love you too girl
shake: sorry if i can't KIT as much...super busy me
random: duhhh i know we went through this already
random: remember friends for life even when we dont see each other for days, months, or YEARS!
shake: thank you

-------------
yours: so i was thinking
yours: well it was brought to my attention again today that God works in mysterious ways
yours: a clever man he is
shake: yes...and I hear He has a sense of humor
shake: perfect..i think God did that because He saw the connection you guys had and he wasnt ready to let that go..so he brought you guys back together
shake: so yes...mysterious ways

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ian: i'm proud of you too
ian: i can see God's plan
ian: we're right where we should be
shake: i feel the same way

What is your biggest fear? Besides phobias, death is the common response obviously, then interestingly followed by rejection or failure. There is no doubt that everyone wants to be successful…get that money, make a difference, live the good life. But another type of failure was brought to my attention recently…failing as a friend.

Of course you would do absolutely anything for a friend, you want to be there for them regardless of the consequences…even though that principle is not always reciprocated. When your friend needs something, you want to provide it. Even if your friend doesn’t care for it, you want to still give it. Or maybe your friend insists that they don’t want what you are offering, but you give it anyway. There’s this internal longing to succumb to their every need and a persistent avoidance to disappoint them. Sometimes other priorities overpower obligations to friends, perhaps leaving your friend neglected. In another way, sometimes you might consistently offer what you feel they need, which just aggravates the situation. If you’re like me, you often claim that you’re fine and reject any kind of help through personal situations. Like I have in the past, I don’t want to feel dependent on a person to save me from my own issues.

I think my intention of this post is to reassure those people who do feel like they need to be the “damage control” friend that it’s okay if you can’t necessarily solve all of your friend’s problems. And while I am aware that their intentions are good and appreciate their unceasing willingness to offer help, sometimes all you need during tough times is for a friend to say, “hey, I’m here for you if/when you need me”. I think just knowing that you have access to that support and comfort =when you want/need it= is an essential to any friendship.

I love you friendsies. Thank you.

198 late night bondage of roomies

how it works...it's simple. You write out what you think you'll be doing in 5 years, and then what you think the others will be doing. here's what the results were with the roomies:

MY VERSION:

I WILL BE:

• finishing up my masters in Education
• still living in the OC/LA area
• training for an actual marathon
• saving up money to return to Italy to teach English/travel the world
  
• happily with the love of my life/future hubby?!

CAP WILL BE:

• living back in san diego
• finishing up med school
• have a side job as a buyer for a trendy clothes boutique
• engaged to raf…and busily planning her fairytale wedding in balboa park
  

BRENTO WILL BE:

• living in New York
• working at a prestigious engineering firm that makes toys during the day
• bartending at a popular bar in the city at night
• saving up money/about to open up his snazzy restaurant/bar
• had done some marathons/iron man
  

LANCE WILL BE:

• working as a professor of Informatics at UCSD by day
• and music producer for up-and-coming r&b artists at night
• he is currently waiting for positions at ESPN to become a sportscaster, but until then, he is a writer for their website
• living back in san diego with his hot black girlfriend

----------------

CAP'S VERSION:

In 5 Years...

I: will be living on my own apartment/condo, possibly with a roommate, and most likely in San Diego. Job has something to do with bio research/lab stuff, nothing too exciting. Gained 10-15 pounds by then. Shorter hair, but will still look like I'm 20. Still with Raf but marriage/kids not in the near future yet.

Mel: working as a teacher/in some school program outside of San Diego (up North more). Will be into a long term relationship. Lives with Jackie/childhood friend. Will have added more countries to her list to places she has visited. 2 dogs. New tattoo. Short hair, but rocks it natural more often. Does not dance anymore because of being so busy but still keeps in touch/attends dance functions. Active in the community, perhaps founded a program or two.

Brent: living in an ultimate bachelor pad. Living in Irvine still or at least in Orange County. Makes good money, so he loves to treat family/friends to dinner often. Still keeps in touch with high school/Irvine friends. Hobbies include rock climbing, still skateboarding, and his wine collection. Found a way back to the church more than before. Has a girl he is "talking" to, but nothing too serious.

Lance: still kicking it with the same homies. Will have amassed his collection of relevant ICS/computer shirts. Still keeps up to date with the latest video game systems and technology gadgets in general. Keeps all of his friends updated because of his personal blog that he updates weekly. If his brother is not married yet, lives with him. Picked up more musical skills, whether it be faux instruments or real, plus taking center stage for Karaoke at all the family parties, regardless of the status of his voice.

----------------

CACHO'S VERSION:

In 5 years...

Brent:
-Working as an engineer for a good company.
-Plays on the company softball team
-Making at least 80,000, living in the OC.
-Hardly ever drinks.
-Has stable girlfriend.
-Buff from rock climbing membership
-Has tattoo on chest of "Family" in korean

Kristine:
-Has shorter hair
-Still with Raf,
-Likely in grad school or just graduated to become a pharmacist or doctor,
-living in SD
-Still eats healthy snacks
-is 1 1/2 inches taller
-Enjoys the occasional beer along with her usual wine/mix drink habit

Melody: -Teaching or in grad school. -Single -wise beyond her years from years of travel and life lessons. -Living in neither SD or Irvine. -Is a social drinker again -Has had a couple serious relationships, but never called any of them 'boyfriends'

Lance:
-Best man at brother's wedding.
-Working for some unheard of, fledgling software company, not making as
much money as I want.
-Or working for some boring office with a whack IT job.
-Somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 lbs.
-Single. Living alone in Irvine or with David/Tony/Roger in SD.
-Had a girlfriend for at least a couple months sometime during the 5
years, but it ended very badly and is still bitter
-Frequent visitor of strip clubs and brothels.
-Though when he's with a prostitute he spends most of the time crying
rather than actually having sex.

----------------

BRENTO'S VERSION:

I am going to be in Orange County and living in an apartment with a steady engineering job, possibly Parker, saving enough money, and put a down payment on a house with my brother. I will still be dating around. I will be pursuing my masters in business with online classes.

Lance will be living in his house in SD saving a lot of money because he won’t be paying rent. You will be working so he will have the most ridiculous TV, Game systems and sound systems. He will be over drinking and not drink as much. He will be in a long term relationship with a girl, but still finds time for his SD friends.

Cap will be married to Raf and not have children quite yet, but will be thinking about planning to soon. Will be living at home and saving a lot of money and move out when you get married

Squirt will be teaching in Italy and living there and will be in a relationship with an Italian guy. She will love Italy and not want to leave for at least a few more years. No more dancing, but will actually learn to cook.

------------------

that was an interesting activity. i guess we'll see just how much of this comes true.

OH CRAPS. SPOP 1.

I highly doubt that I will have enough time [let alone have sufficient energy or mental capacity] to write about every single SPOP (student parent orientation program)…but I couldn’t help but describe T.F.O. (the first one). I know for many of you, a lot of this will not make sense, which may leave you disinterested, unmoved, or confused. But I don’t blame you. “From the outside looking in, you can’t understand it. From the inside looking out, you can’t explain it”…but I’ll definitely try my best.

A couple of days ago, I received the news that I would be a CP of Camino. As CP, you are a returner in the hall that acts as a liaison for your hall and the coords, delegates responsibilities, and ensures that your group of staffers and spoppers are on schedule… among other things. Anyway, considering this was the very first spop of this entirely new program, I had my usual anxieties. Even as a returner, I felt like I knew just as much as these new first-year staffers. But I went into the two days with determination that I would contribute to making this first spop awesome for the staffers and this first glimpse of UCI beyond amazing for these incoming freshmen.

As the two days went on, I realized I didn’t have to do that much work at all. Regardless of the miscommunication and last minute changes to the program schedule, being a CP and going through this new jam-packed program was relatively effortless. My group of staffers [timmy, rhonda, matty, michelle, eric and carol] were such a cohesive team of caring, compassionate, supportive, energetic staffers, which then transferred to the spoppers. I’m so proud of that group, the way they dropped knowledge and made personal connections with the camino-ers was just inspiring. And oh man, in just two very short days together, this group of spoppers was so comfortable with each other. They excitedly came up with hall cheers, played our silly games [and our frustrating mind games], participated in the all-nighter of crazy events, and left feeling excited about UCI. Their enthusiasm kept us going strong. Our cha break, their infamous stick game (their personal favorite), black magic, mafia, fishbowl, hot seat, making a human pyramid, ghost stories, practicing our hall cheers in Aldrich park at midnight, parking structure dance party, crashing other halls…and watching the sunrise at 6 am. The rest of the hall woke up at 8 am, only to find a handful of staffers and spoppers sprawled out on the living room floor and on the staircase. One night without sleep in exchange for unforgettable memories…so worth it.

And then there was the talent show, a showcase of staffers’ commitment to the program and spoppers. I did movie line, spaerobics and of course spop modern. The audience ate it all up. To GOLD modern, I hope you all felt accomplished. Those months of preparation, chaotic schedules and long practices really paid off. Thanks to the choreographers and all the dancers were pushed through it. And also a huge thank you to my co-coord, mr. issac chueng, for keeping my focus and enthusiasm up, dynamic duo fo’sho. Seeing the other staffers cheering in the back and the crowd going crazy at the end was really moving. All the dancers seemed to have fun, which fulfilled ISAODY’s ultimate goal for everyone to perform with their whole heart for the 500+ spoppers in the audience.

The coords were definitely on top of things. Gold year staffers should feel really honored to be working with five dedicated and passionate coords. They kept us on task, kept us focused and inspire us to inspire others.

It was also really a proud moment as a SParent to see my little SPohana kids doin' their thang with their halls. I’m so proud of them and I’m so excited for the millions of spops to come! Woooooooot. I’m so blessed to have started the summer on a high note with super wonderful staffers and spoppers. There was lots of trial and error throughout the two days for everyone, but hey, what’s wrong with learning from mistakes and improvement as you go on? Everyone was drained by the beginning of day 2, but we pushed on. We took advantage of every single moment to reach out to this group. Through our interactions, I hope we succeeded in making unforgettable memories, being resources/role models and eliminating any anxieties about starting college. We all had our hesitation about this new program only being two days, but it gave us the good kind of pressure to take advantage of every opportunity to really get to know these kids.

And from the positive vibes and smiles from the staffers and participants, there are no doubts that SPOP 1 was a success. Just imagine…that was only the first one.
It can only go up from here.

SPOP 1: CAMINO ROULETTE RAINMAKERS

$$$ OH CRAPS, IT'S CAMINO, where everyone gets lucky. $$$

Going home to lovely San Diego has always triggered a variety of emotions for me, especially recently. The hour cruising down the 5 gives rise to anxious thoughts of a long list of obligations and the restrictions. Before, I used to be home every weekend and loved spending time with friends and idly hanging around the house with family, but lately I’ve felt more disconnected from "home" than ever. It’s a weird mix of feelings because I thought everyone’s supposed to get those warm tingly feelings when they return to their ‘hoods. I don’t know what it was, but this past weekend’s trip to sd altered my perspective.

With the recent passing of a wonderful person and friend, I think many people have regained their “live life to the fullest because tomorrow may not come” motto. This includes my dearest girlfriends who I admit I’ve slipped in and out of touch with. We took a simple trip to yogurtworld and just did the usual catch-up conversation about relationships, work, school, family, etc. We did the usual joke-making and reminiscing, then before we knew it, time had passed and yogurtworld was subtly kicking us out.

On the ride back with Francine and Stephanie, I was pretty quiet as we listened to Ray’s amazing voice on the Schroeder tracks. From recent events, I’ve come to appreciate car rides a whole lot more. It really is an ideal place to have heart-to-heart talks without awkward eye contact with the convenience of various sights right out the window. So as we were about to pull into francine’s driveway, I made a well-drawn exhale and spilled my heart out. I told them how I appreciate how they continue to maintain our friendships. I told them how I have =purposely= avoided coming down because of a combination of factors. I told them how I’ve been at my lowest points in the last couple of months and little hangouts like these really mean a lot to me. I told them that it’s been hard to come home because of all the negativity, but knowing that I have strong friendships keeps me coming back. After my purge of emotions, they told me they understood I was busy and the reasons why I distanced myself. They reassured me that they were there for me no matter what. Then after the two minute drive to my house, steph and I parked in front of my house and extended our intimate conversation. We continued the conversation about relationships and the dangers of thinking too far ahead. More talk about school and our future careers. We exchanged opinions about priorities and fighting for our own happiness. We even discussed religion, faith and the significance of it all. I told her that even though there’s many silly memories in my past that I wish I could erase, it’s bitter sweet that I have friends who shared those experiences with [including these particular girls who I’ve known since elementary school]. We both agreed that we rarely get these opportunities to stop and have these heart-to-hearts. I told her that yes, it was refreshing. I unbuckled myself, thanked her, told her I loved her and walked to my door.

And with that, I came to the realization again that there’s no need to feel that consistent connection to home. Things change, you are constantly changing. Family and childhood friends do carry great importance in your life. They know who you were and despite your inability to accept it, they can recognize those changes you have made to become this new person. To me, this seems like another “duh” post, maybe even a bit self-centered, but I just wanted to dedicate this to the friends who have pushed me to not settle, the friends who do the simple things to express their care and concern, the friends who unknowingly brighten my days, the friends who are genuinely interested, the friends who understand, the friends whose characters demonstrate admirable qualities, the friends who love for the right reasons. I cannot thank you guys enough.

"P.P.P.S - Stay strong. There are people counting on you, but there are also people you can count on. Not to mention a person that's more than a person."

I fell in love with his voice in a coffee shop, way back in high school. I’d listen intently, infatuated by his passion and natural talent. Oh man…his voice, his smile, his style, just the positivity radiating from him. After that, casual encounters at random parties and hangouts. I definitely wasn’t as close to him as others, but in those various interactions with him, I knew he was something special.

There’s so much to say that I wish I could have said to him. Everything I did want to say I put into a prayer and directed it towards him. Ray IS such an inspiration from music, art, traveling, just being himself! He didn’t judge and always had something positive to say.

I feel as if this is a selfish blog because I’m explaining how Ray has influenced ME. Don’t get me wrong…. Ray IS an inspiration to many and people will probably notice within a week with myspace bulletins or pictures or shot outs…etc. I’m not alone in saying that Ray has placed a huge stamp of motivation in my life. In my opinion he was the most selfless person I actually KNEW in real life. – cine’s blog

I had seen a bunch of myspace bulletins about ray in the morning, but nothing really hit me to connect the dots that it was this same talented guy they were referring to. I don’t know how I felt when I got the text from cine. With so many personal downs for me lately…I couldn’t help but re-direct my own heartbreak to the family and friends of ray who had celebrated his birthday the night before. I immediately prayed for his loved ones, his oside extended family, and for anyone who was touched in any way by this young man. And through all this, all I could really do was search for appropriate comfort through the Word…

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [Matthew 5:4]

I understand how it takes moments and trials like these for someone to re-analyze their life. The truth is…every day, every moment, every struggle, every blessing and every hardship should provoke praise in God. If you don’t exactly understand how even the hardships could lead to thanks, I am more than happy to talk about it.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. [Romans 5:1-5]

When you feel helpless, pray.

When you need comfort, pray.

If you’re like me during times like these,
when you don’t know what to feel, pray.

Rest in peace Raymund Orias.

hopeless

During a car ride back from pho having with 55 spop staffers, the intriguing topic of relationships and romance arose. The two ladies and three gentlemen in the car eagerly asked each other about likes/dislikes, definitions of romance, how to woo a girl/guy, expectations that come with relationships etc etc. While the conversation left both genders relatively frustrated and more confused, we managed to conclude that “it’s subjective, it’s different for every person” and “it’s circumstantial”. Well…duh. As much as I love to give advice or pick apart the intricate aspects of relationships, the subject is far too complex to make any type of conclusion after one conversation.

So I made another attempt to pick some brains about this lingering topic. This time, it was my beloved roomies of 198 who would attempt to enlighten me. Again, two girls and three guys would try to gain insight from each other. What began as a casual story about that previous car ride turned into a whirlwind of passionate opinions, opposing views between the ladies and gents, circular thoughts. The following is what I managed to type during the jumble of “romance and relationships talk at 198”. [NOTE: these are my interpretations of the debate]

TOPIC #1: HOPELESS ROMANTICS

GIRL: Society’s idea of romance is so skewed by the media like romantic movies where like the guy shows up in the rain and shows up at the girl’s door to dramatically express his love.

BOY: I think you have to distinguish between etiquette and romance. For example, paying for stuff, opening doors is just being a gentleman, not romantic.

GIRL: The term “hopeless romantic”…by saying that, it’s more like they’re in love with being in love.

BOY: Hopeless…should be replaced with clueless. There is no set definition of “romance”.

TOPIC #2: HOW TO WOO

GIRL: So we all know that girls like to be romanced and wooed, but do guys like to be wooed too?

BOY: If you’re in tune with the conversations, you just know what they like…then it’s simple.

GIRL: But I think that romance can’t be excessive, definitely in moderation or else it gets played out…and it can’t be cliché like a bouquet of roses. I’m all about the creative stuff and little surprises.

BOY: Well, it’s different for different people. Some girls like that rose petals stuff.

GIRL: So then how does a guy impress a girl?

BOY 1: I like to be spontaneous…dress up…do something they like…surprise them…

BOY 2: …shave regularly…SHOWER.

GIRL: So…basically…maintain hygiene…for once.

TOPIC #3: WHAT A GIRL/GUY WANTS

GIRL: Because of the ideal situations in movies and stuff, girls always want to be wooed and romanced. Guys, on the other hand, want that best friend/girlfriend combo.

GIRL: So then what do guys want in a relationship? Isn’t it true that a guy wants that independence…but with a girl to come home to…while girls become more dependent because of the whole romantic idea.

BOY: Wouldn’t you say even that’s a generalization though? Not all girls want to be romanced, not all guys want the best friend/girlfriend. It’s all subjective.

GIRL: I just think it’s different for girls because we’re kind of on a time crunch. We’re not gonna have…all this for long. That’s why at this age right now, you can’t help but think in the long-term.

BOY: And THAT’S the mentality that scares guys.

GIRL: Well…when I’m old and wrinkly, I still want to be romanced.

TOPIC #4: THE PROBLEM/CONFUSION WITH LABELS

GIRL: What IS the difference between the whole talking, dating, seeing each other…courting?

BOY: Well, I’m not really familiar with the whole courting thing. But I think the hierarchy is…talking is like casually trying to get at someone…then dating and seeing each other is pretty much the same thing, more exclusive to that one person.

GIRL: Why can’t people just say…hanging out and getting to know each other?

BOY: The labels are just for comfort. That’s why you need that whole awkward “what are we” conversation because you need to acknowledge the exclus...exclusiv---exclusivity. You don’t want to be with a girl “just hanging out and getting to know each other” for a long time then you go do some other girl because you thought you and that other girl were “just hanging out and getting to know each other”.

GIRL: I think society’s idea of the progression of a relationship screws up how people approach relationships. It’s like…I like you…okay, now we’re talking…oh wait, now we’re dating…okay, now we need to be boyfriend-girlfriend…okay, and somewhere down the line, we need to be in love.

TOPIC #5: TURN-OFFS

GIRL: What’s like the ultimate turn-offs for a guy?

BOY 1: Clingy…crazy girls, I hate crazy girls. Ghetto…I don’t like ghetto girls.

BOY 2: Hygiene. [lol]

BOY 1: I don’t like it when a girl is too close with her guy friends or ex-boyfriends.

BOY 3: Another big thing is her friends. If her friends aren’t cool then…eh.

BOY 2: Or how she interacts with your friends, that’s always a big factor.

GIRL: So say your friend is really into this girl but you’re not feeling her, would you say something?

BOY: I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and trust their opinions on why they chose that girl. I can usually see why they like them.

TOPIC #6: ON ANOTHER NOTE…

BOY 1: Don’t try to doom me.

BOY 2: But I don’t wanna to do you.

BOY 1: No, DOOM me.

-------------------

IN CONCLUSION...there is none. As concluded during a recent life session, avoid having too many expectations, just go with, which is definitely easier said than done. Relationships are complicated and the ideas of romance and love are just as complex. Everyone wants to feel loved, everyone wants that special attention, and as you can see, everyone has very different definitions of it all. Again, it's subjective, it's circumstantial, which leaves me to believe that questioning these ideas is pretty useless. But...oh well. Ciao.

it is well.

"I don't know why you're doubting my ability to understand you. I don't know why you're so embarrassed...you're normal".

Soooo..since my last post, I’ve had somewhat of a blogger’s block. I’ve been trying to be inspired by some event, conversation, witty topic, etc. But the truth is…in just the last several weeks, my life has made some incredible detours that has prevented me from cranking out even a couple paragraphs. I suppose one could even consider my last month to be “eventful” or “life-changing”. I like to think that the recent happenings were a bunch of unexpectedly unexpected twists. And while I don’t mean to utilize this blog as a venue for bragging or venting, let’s just say I cruised on an extreme high of happiness of how things finally worked out only to immediately drop to an ultimate low. I’ve felt euphoric, nostalgic, conflicted, helpless…or actually just a mix of emotions to the point where I didn’t even know how to feel anything at all…numb. Now, I don’t intend to beg for sympathy or “aww, mel, it’s okay, everything will be fine”. This post may not be super entertaining as my first several posts, but hey, there's a little proof that maybe now it's a whole different author. So with that, read on if you’re still interested.

I’m sure you’ve all been there with questions like “why me?!” or conclusions like “no one could possibly understand how I feel right now”. But then what happens after this “ultimate low” when you feel like all the curveballs in the world are thrown at you and you just keep getting kicked when you’re already down? Just as you’re about to completely break down…someone comes into your life to open your eyes, some major event instantly changes your perspective, something picks you up, dusts you off and send you out stronger and better than ever. And then what? You bring up new questions like, “why was I even tripping about that?!” or conclusions like “man, that was silly of me to even worry”. Then you make this serious personal pact to never doubt that a situation will turn out just fine. You're better, you're alive and more prepared for future hardships after that struggle. And that’s that.

--------------

I actually typed out a whole ‘nother page on this topic with the intention to post it and maybe make some dramatic point to potentially alter some minds…but I think it could be better summed up with a quote I stumbled upon in someone’s profile…

"Some Christians are sadly prone to look on the dark side of everything, and to dwell more upon what they have gone through than upon what God has done for them. It is true that we endure trials, but it is just as true that we are delivered out of them. The deeper our troubles, the louder our thanks to God, who has led us through them all and preserved us until today. Our griefs cannot spoil the melody of our praise; we consider them to be the 'bass line' of our life's song, 'The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.'" –truthforlife

If God brought you to it, He can surely get you through it.
Matthew 6:25-34. Romans 5:1-5. Romans 8:28. WORD.