Acts 2:42

Our young adult group went out camping this past Friday night to Saturday afternoon. We had some sweet time of fellowship not to mention the great food (Dutch oven meat and potatoes for dinner and eggs hash browns and bacon and cheese for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch). We were blessed by the thing of the Word through four of the guys on the main topics of the Acts 2:42 church: the Bible, fellowship, communion, and prayer. We were able to actively participate and apply these things during our camp trip. It was a blessing to be there. We also had great opportunities to relax from school and work etc. and have fun and fellowship. Thank you, Lord, for seasons of rest.

Escape

Highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Perfect napping temperature in the shade at high noon. Volleyball (not to mention the fishing, horse back riding, hiking, and night game). Plus fellowship with people I love. CCSG had the annual family camp this Labor Day weekend in Brianhead. It was a refreshing break after my first two weeks of nursing school. God is the provider. He is holy and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Psalm 24:3-4 by the blood of the Lamb we are made pure. Praise the Lord. He has made a beautiful place for mankind to live in.

MMA

I recently enrolled at a mixed martial arts studio here in St. George called Team I.M.A. I was a black belt in Karate and always loved sparring. This opportunity is certainly a blessing from the Lord especially with the fantastic deal for enrollment that my brother, sister in law, and I am getting .
Ever since fall 2008 after experiencing a free trial of Brazilian jiu jitsu I had wanted to learn more mma and Krav maga techniques. The Lord is so awesome in providing these desires of the heart. Psalm 37:5 "Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart." The Lord is gracious and compassionate slow to anger and rich in love. Remembering that it is not based on my righteousness rather on His goodness that He blesses His kids.
Take care,

-ina

First Day of Nursing School

I started my first day of nursing school. I pray the Lord gives me the strength, motivation, endurance, and joy to study well in order to be a good nurse. It will be a fast three semesters that is for sure. Praise the Lord for getting me this far. May He be glorified and may He shine through me to others in Jesus' name amen. Please pray for me if you remember to. Thank you for your prayers they are very much appreciated. Philippians 2:1-13

21

I am officially an adult. My birthday was this past Sunday. I celebrated with Ivan and Shannon: dinner at P F Changs and the Dark Knight Rises. Stayed the night at Circus circus where the next morning we played in the Adventure dome and I got to ride for free d^_^ b. God has been faithful to protect, lead, guide, and direct me all these years.
Psalm 1. God has blessed me abundantly.

-ina

Karen Youth Camp 2012

The Karen are a displaced people group from Burma (Myanmar) who suffer from Burmese military oppression . This supposed civil war has gone on for over 60 years. For more info visit http://partnersworld.org/usa/index.php?option=com_content&Itemid=272&id=70&view=article

Calvary Chapel St. George has been supporting missionaries who minister to these people for many years now.
It was only this past weekend where all the prayers of connecting with the Karen in the US had been answered.

A group of us 35 youth and youth leaders from CCSG had the opportunity to do worship, fellowship, and hang out with Karen youth in Salt Lake City.

Soon to be Nurse

I got accepted into the nursing program at Dixie State College here in Saint George.
I'm so blessed. Normally only 32 out of 200-300 applicants are chosen by way of point system. I'm very excited. It will be a year and a half to be able to take the NCLEX and attain my RN. This is the plan thus far.

It was an answer to prayer because whether or not I got into the program was what helped me decide to stay or leave St. George. God is faithful. Proverbs 16:1,9. Good stuff.

-ina

The Amargo Abode

Ivan and Shannon were blessed to buy a house this past month. They so graciously decide to let me rent from them for the duration of my stay in St. George. It is a blessing for sure.
It is only their second year of marriage and they already are homeowners.
It is pretty sweet how God provides.
Hopefully, I'll be able to update more often about how God is moving in my life now that I have this handy blogger app.
Numbers 6:24-26

-ina

Thanksgiving

I got to go back to Temecula for 3 days over Thanksgiving break. A trip I was not expecting which was a pleasant surprise to have been able to enjoy such a luxury.

It was a blessing to see my family and be crazy with my beloved cousins. It is in theses instances when you are glad that somethings don't change.

Now looking forward to the end of the semester where most of my break will be time spent again with direct family and more family. I am specifically excited for Iza and Christopher Clark's visit here in St. George and our family trip back to California until New Years.

Currently: quit my job at Benja's (next semester's time won't allow for it). at one and a half weeks before the semester is officially over (woohoo!). co-conducting children's choir for our Christmas eve service. serving the Lord at the CC St. George.

Praises: Jesus loves and is sanctifying me. i will be able to join the youth on the Thailand 2012 mission trip. Iza and Chris are coming for Christmas. so far I know I have an A in my Physiology Lab class. that is pretty sweet. the semester is almost over. etc... etc...

Prayer Requests: growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. finals for this semester. grace with my grade for next semester. life decisions for schooling specifically whether or not I want to be a nurse or a doctor (big difference, i know).

It has been awhile since I've updated but I just want to be reminded of God's goodness and the many things I have been given.

God is faithful: one reason why we should encourage one another

"Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" Hebrews 10:23,24

"walk circumspectly"/ take care

-ina

Memoirs of Faithfulness

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

It has been a busy few weeks: interning, going to school full time, and working. God is faithful to give His kids the grace to carry the responsibilities that are placed upon us. Between being a student and going to work, life still goes on and living space and eating time has to be squeezed in there somehow.

During the first week when the summer semester started I highly doubted whether or not I could handle the schedule I was about to begin. Having been given the opportunity to really dive into the Word of God for 4 semesters of Bible College and being surrounded by solid biblical teaching in high school and just being brought up by parents who encouraged having a tight relationship with God, God brought to remembrance the promises in His Word that His Spirit will need to remind me of the rest of my earthly life like: “Be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

And the awesome thing was that He totally gave me a crazy kind of peace. All throughout this summer semester I didn’t have any anxiety about homework or tests or studying, granted I had to do all those things but it was more of an enjoyable experience. In my own personal opinion, when you realize school is for your learning benefit and take advantage of it rather than try to find all the loopholes and cause yourself last minute stress is a waste.

The verse that I included at the beginning of this entry specifically came alive to me concerning my housing condition. I have been living with two awesome girls who love the Lord, Tara and Kara ( they are in the picture above next to me and yes, their names rhyme and I love it).

Recently I had made a mistake in what I was going to do for next semester that seemed irrevocable based on the circumstances of that time and it was right before young adults group when it was brought to my attention and I was just about to lead worship. I panicked for a minute did all that I was capable of doing at that moment to try to correct my mistake then after doing all that, I did what I should have done in the first place, I turned to the Lord and prayed and surrendered the situation to Him and then lead worship. His presence was my comfort.

About a week after that the Lord answered my prayer like Ephesians 3:20 states

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or thing according to the power that works in us.” The Lord blessed us with a re modeled and refurnished 3 bedroom house to rent (opposed to renting out the apartment we have been living in). Despite my faithlessness He is faithful.

I’m enjoying the time off of school now and am thankful for these moments that I get to update and speak of the great things God has done for me.

If you spent the time to read this, I hope you were encouraged to put your trust in and delight in the Lord (Psalms 37:3-4). Because it is so worth it to do so. ^-^

Spring 2011: in the George

It's about time for me to update. :)
It has been a few months since I moved out to Saint George Utah. Although there were some rough spots in the beginning of my acclimation to the life here, it has been a good for me.
I've had a lot of time to hang out with Ivan and Shannon (my new sister ^_^) and friends that I've met and known and have gotten to know better since I've been here. Praise the Lord for the fellowship of believers (Acts 2:42). I've also had many opportunities to enjoy the scenery in and around St. George it is quite lovely.

I'm astounded at how often I forget about the power of the One true God I serve, the one who wants to do a new thing in the lives of those who are His (Isaiah 43-46).

There is a definite difference in culture here. Warfare for the hearts and minds of man here seems so pronounced to me since coming from California. (2 Cor 10:3-5)
To you reader, prayer that the Lord will mightily use me and all His new creations out here to share the Word of God in love would be most desired.
I'm so happy and thankful through all of my life He is with me (Hebrews 13).
It is awesome that the Lord desires for us to rejoice, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks (1 Thes 5:16-18).

It certainly is easy to be downcast about the state of the world, yet all the more why the Truth of the gospel is so needed. We should be moved with compassion and motivated by His Spirit to be witnesses, living epistles (2 Cor. 3:3). To go therefore and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20).

He is coming back quickly. Revelation 3:11; 22:7,12,20
The signs of the times are evident. Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11.

The heart of the Father is for all to come to and accept Him as He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save the world. (Jn 3:16)

The Bible is filled with so much good truth.

This is a sweet song (an oldie but a good one):

There is joy in the Lord, there is love in His Spirit, there is hope in the knowledge of Him.
There is a fountain I know every time I am near, is abounding in love to my soul.
All blessing and honor are His all glory and power are His!

Family of God.

I am so encouraged by the love that has been shown to me from my church family in Temecula and Murrieta. God has been so faithful. During the last Sunday that I attended Calvary Chapel Hot Springs Church in Murrieta Dave Shirley and the body prayed for me. The fellowship there has been a blessing to me. With all the opportunities to play worship for the Spanish ministry and just be apart of the church for the few months there it was a blessed time. Then later that day I had the chance to see a few of my friends from high school. Then that night I was blessed to be prayed for again by a few dear families from CC Bible Fellowship of whom will all be sorely missed, yet the Lord sends out His laborers to the harvest and in that I am glad.

Two Down, Two to Go

My sister, for nineteen years of my life (so far) ;) , is now married to Christopher Clark. It has been 1 day short of their 20 days as a married couple. It was a beautiful wedding. The Lord blessed it and has blessed Iza and Christopher with a new life together. Their story of the Lord bringing them together has been a testimony and example for many. They waited upon and acted on seeking and serving the Lord and keeping their relationship before the Lord pure, holy, and acceptable to God and that is what was exemplary (Romans 12:1-2). How exciting is it to see God's plan for both of their lives to meet and be planned out to go forward together still seeking and following Him. The Lord has been faithful. What God has brought together let no man put asunder!
Love you guys d^_^b

Gathered to be Scattered (for God's glory)

This past week I have been reminded of a saying that my dad would always used to say after every Campfires for Christ camp trip that we had, that is the Lord "gathers us to scatter us."
He calls us to be edified together and have our gifts stirred up and to encourage the body then sends us out to our mission field, whether that be our school, work, home or the more obvious far away countries to spread the truth of His gospel.

I have been able to see many Christian brothers and sisters who are subsequently going out to be scattered in the fields that God is setting before them. I myself will be moving, Lord willing, to another field by the end of and beginning of next year and am thankful for the recent gatherings that I have been able to participate and be encouraged in. The Lord is faithful to help prepare us for whatever work He has laid before us. For this I am thankful, for this I know that I don't need to worry, for this in part of the whole is why I love my God. Jeremiah 29:11.

I encourage you brother or sister to live in surrender to the Lord because He is worth living for.
It won't always seem the easiest but it is the best.

Reflections.

I am so thankful for this verse: Philippians 2:13
"for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

I fail. But He does not.
He wants to have me do that which pleases Him and even provides for the motivation to do so.
How awesome is that, all we have to do is believe in Him to do what He promises.

Psalms 61:2
"From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

I have recently found myself overwhelmed.
Though it is quite humbling to say, growing up is tough.
But with my Lord who is my rock who is higher than I He will uphold me.

I thank the Lord pretty much daily for His unmerited favor towards me.
That concept seems so far from so many people's minds considering that
we are "supposed" to earn another person's love.
But who loves someone who hasn't "earned" their love in any way at all possible?
My God that is who.

I want my life to exude Christ. I want those springs of living water to overflow.
I want to be as perfect of a reflection of Christ as is earthly possible.

"A heart may be divided and not broken, and it may be broken but not divided; and yet again it may be broken and be whole, yet it never can be whole until it is broken."- C. H. Spurgeon

Sometimes I think public humiliation is good because it is just making the apparent position we should always have before God more apparent, just a thought. ( you probably could not tell that i embarrass myself a lot ^_^)

Well I praise the Father who has given us His Son to restore us to a relationship with Him then give us the Holy Spirit who helps us walk in the way we should.

What a good Father we have. Rejoice! We have been rescued forgiven and pulled from the grave!

Holy Matrimony:An Addition to the Amargo Clan

Ivan and Shannon got married this past Saturday, October 9, 2010. We are so blessed to have another Amargo in the family ;)

It's been amazing growing up with my siblings and seeing each of us draw closer to the Lord in our own lives. The Lord certainly has magnificent plans for those who trust in Him. Jer. 29:11

Everyone had an amazing time. I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the ceremony went, not to mention how fun ceremony and reception were. They definitely put their personalities in their wedding. From the Darth Vader Groom's entrance and the light saber first dance to their pictures which they took themselves as favors and every little detail in between.

It was a blessing.

May the Lord continue to, lead, guide, and direct them in the path He has set before them as one flesh serving, loving, and glorifying the Lord.

Worship Night August 21, 2010

This past Saturday we had our first Worship night with the youth groups of Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship. We are hoping that it will happen at least once a month. I had the opportunity to help lead worship alongside my cousins, Gaddiel
(taller vocalist) , Luke (vocalist with glasses), and my brother Izak (not pictured, on the drums in the back) as well as the bassist Jessie and our lead guitarist Luke Richardson. The exciting thing about singing worship together to the Lord and is that not only are you singing with family your singing to the Eternal God with your eternal family. Pretty awesome to say the least.

There were actually four of us different teams that lead in succession with different teams Ed, Ernie, Art, and myself. It was a wonderful time. It was amazing how God pulled it all together.

I pray that we always worship the Lord in spirit and in truth John 4. Photo Credits: Top two: taken by Tanner Yates; bottom: taken by Micaela Hildebrand

The Name of Jesus 2010

I had the opportunity to go up to Green Valley Calvary Chapel Camp Ground a second time this summer. Yet, this time it was with my home church in Temecula: CC Bible Fellowship. I went as a counselor. It was a blessing the Lord was showing me a different or rather revealing to me a wider spectrum of what He is doing especially in the area of growth in and in walking with Him. Another sweet blessing was that there were 5 of us cousins at this camp. It is sweet to know that your blood relatives seeks the Lord. It makes the family bonds ground much deeper because they are rooted in Christ. The title of the camp was "The Name of Jesus." We had wonderful men of God guest speak during our morning and evening sessions yet I believe that many would agree with me that not much else besides the Word of God can do justice to the person and name of Jesus.

Summer Camp 2010 with St. George +

Izak and I went to camp with my brother's youth group and other youth groups from Arizona. I was mostly apart of helping out in whatever ways I could, like cleaning up to helping lead worship and also being leader/counselor.

The main focus or theme of the camp was entitled Organic: Rooted and Grounded in Love. The camp verse was Ephesians 3:17. The difference that I saw in this camp, that made it the best summer camp that I have ever been to, was that there was a realness to it. because often times as i have seen it become and I'm sure a few can vouch for the same that camp can be come a bit of a show. The name of the camp was appropriate in that we should as believers understand that the church is not something mechanic it is very much organic. Along with the fact that as Christians there is the elements of simplicity, sincerity, rawness, and realness that we should have. The worship and the devos were great and the teachings were awesome and refreshing. The Lord was doing a real work in the kids' lives because of the real Christ centered fellowship most of them got to see. There is so much more to say but all there is left to do is give glory to the Lord for changing and transforming lives and giving us such a beautiful hope in Christ Jesus.

CCBC Graduation: Murrieta Version

It has been about a month since the actual event but it is worth blogging. Faith and I graduated from the Bible college with our Associates in Theology along with my siblings, Ivan and Iza, who received their B.A. and walked with us. In the list of students two filipino familys (the Abads and Amargos) all walked to begin with and sitting right next to us was Sosimo. It was a good ceremony. s.God has been good to keep us walking with Him seeing that He is truly faithful in every generation with saving my parents, with bringing us up in the Word and giving us the desire to know more about Him through His Word that we might be thoroughly equipped for every good work. photo credit: 1st pic my self, 2nd & 3rd Ray Abad