Hope: Haiti

Tragedies happen all the time; when sin entered into the world so did horrible things such as earthquakes. Haiti was hit with a 7.0 earthquake that killed thousands, injured many, left houses completely destroyed, orphaned children, and dramatically changed the lives of the people in Haiti. When I think of this horrible thing that happened it breaks my heart. I can’t even imagine how I would feel if something like that happened here in Riverside.

Christ does everything for a reason

Maybe it was to stretch the faith of people in Haiti, or maybe it was to give people in Haiti no choose but to cling to Him, or maybe it was because us as Christians too often find ourselves in the comfort of our apartment or of our University and Christ wanted to give us a wake up call that there our people out there besides the people in our own little bubble. We will never know why Christ does things such as this earthquake. I do believe that a tragedy such as this gives Christians opportunities to show the love of Christ here on this earth. Thousands of people have taken the trip to Haiti to help in whatever way they can, while others have donated their money to help in this disaster, also it has given Christians the opportunity to get down on their knees and pray for these people of Haiti and thank the Lord for the life and the comforts that we have here in the USA. However we decided to handle this situation, as individuals, is all different, but I believe that Christ does things such shake the world so that are faith is shaken as well. Christ does not want a bunch of luke warm Christians running around; He wants us to be completely on fire for Him, and if this earthquake caused even one person to cling closer to Him then this earthquake was well worth it in the Kingdom of Heaven!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

God is doing good things through this tragedy for those who love Him!

NOT just another Christmas break...

Christmas break. What to say? It was a lovely time to spend with my family, and to be able to relax, no worries, no stress, no alarm clocks, no homework, and no work. Let's cut to the chase though. This Christmas break was by FAR the most exciting Christmas break I have ever had! Why? You might ask, because I am now engaged!!! :) Yes ladies and gentlemen I will soon be Mrs. McFarland! Has a nice ring to it doesn't it? :) December 22, 2009…Eric and I were spending the day in Laguna Beach. We ate a nice lunch and then decided to go for a walk along the beach “Treasure Island.” As we were walking a mysterious message in a bottle appeared on the shore...they don’t call this place Treasure Island for nothing. :) I picked it up and read the amazing note inside. The note ended with this, "p.s. I have a question to ask you." As I turn back to look at Eric he is on one knee and asks me to marry him. I thought about it awhile, wasn't really sure...NOT...I of course said yes immediately!!! After he proposed he had another surprise for me. We got back in the car drove a bit; Eric then tells me I have to blindfold myself. We continue driving, and I have NO IDEA where we are going. We finally arrive to my surprise; he takes the blindfold off, and SURPRISE! It is a room full of my family and friends ready to celebrate the big day with me! Best Christmas break ever? I say YES!

Did I mention Eric got a secret photographer to capture the moment! :)...Thanks Enoch!

Our friends celebrating with us at "my surprise" :)