Hello friends.
I hope all are okay. I'm doing pretty well... but come here to my blog tonight to say "I have goals." Some are serious, some less so... I want an outlet to share those goals.... so hello blog that i have not used in quite some time (slacker --> me)
1. I deleted my facebook; I guess that's an accomplishment and not a goal? But intertwined in that is a goal to stay off facebook at least for awhile. I was convicted. Well, I have been convicted for quite a while... and finally about two weeks ago, I got off of it for good... maybe i'll make a comeback later, hopefully not.
2. i DO have a twitter. It is nice, because it takes up less time, and less likely to be something that replaces a real friendship with a internet friendship... if that makes sense. My goal is to keep the twitter to a minimum.
3. I have the goal to BE HEALTHY. 1. Workout 2. Eat good things. 3. Be smart 4. Have self-control.
4. Most important: allow the Lord to grow me.
and now for the vain section of this blog post... (meh)
I learned how to kind of backwards french braid my hair today -- an asian girl on you tube taught me:
Now it is time for me to go to bed. Tomorrow i am waking up early AND going horseback riding. I <3 West Texas.
I hope all are okay. I'm doing pretty well... but come here to my blog tonight to say "I have goals." Some are serious, some less so... I want an outlet to share those goals.... so hello blog that i have not used in quite some time (slacker --> me)
1. I deleted my facebook; I guess that's an accomplishment and not a goal? But intertwined in that is a goal to stay off facebook at least for awhile. I was convicted. Well, I have been convicted for quite a while... and finally about two weeks ago, I got off of it for good... maybe i'll make a comeback later, hopefully not.
2. i DO have a twitter. It is nice, because it takes up less time, and less likely to be something that replaces a real friendship with a internet friendship... if that makes sense. My goal is to keep the twitter to a minimum.
3. I have the goal to BE HEALTHY. 1. Workout 2. Eat good things. 3. Be smart 4. Have self-control.
4. Most important: allow the Lord to grow me.
and now for the vain section of this blog post... (meh)
I learned how to kind of backwards french braid my hair today -- an asian girl on you tube taught me:
Now it is time for me to go to bed. Tomorrow i am waking up early AND going horseback riding. I <3 West Texas.
Happy 2011.
Well, so much has changed since we arrived in San Angelo since the Christmas break. It feels as if we have been going nonstop since our arrival here. Seth and I have been asked to help with a plant of a satellite campus for our church. Seth will be the Administrative Staff, doing much of what the Administrative Pastor does for our live campus. I was asked to be the nursery/preschool director... I know what to expect and have no idea what to expect in the same breath, but excited to see where Father takes both of us through this. I was so humbled by our church, because they knew 1) that I was interested in children's ministry and 2) that seth felt called to the ministry, and is very business minded. They definitely have taken both of us under their wings and are mentoring us as a couple. It's such a blessing.
However, through this all, I am becoming broken for the city of San Angelo. I'm so excited to see who Father brings to The Venue. I'm excited for the community he has been preparing to build. I cannot wait to see people come to know him, and I'm excited to pray for and look out for each child who is in the children's ministry.
Also, I feel like many of my prayers have been answered from last year. Last year I felt like I had zero friends. I felt needy and lonely, even though I was about to marry my best friend, but I prayed, and asked close friends (who live in the DFW area) to pray that Father would bring women into my life. Oh, has he done that. Through a college-girls bible study, I have grown close to so many girls around my age, and not necessarily in the same stage of life as me, which i believe is important. I always want to be able to be mentored by people who are a step ahead of me, those who are many steps ahead of me and able to mentor (and learn from) women who are younger than me or at way different stages of life as me. I'm also meeting many at church, from being there and working there... women who work there as well as mom's of the children I watch. I am so blessed by their kindness. In fact, today I am going to a baking club. I don't know everyone there, but excited about new relationships (as well as learning some cool new good things to bake)!
Also, if you did not have the chance to read our support letter I posted on facebook, Seth and I have been given the chance to serve in New Zealand for about 10 days. We are excited to take this step of obedience, as well as many others.
I've also been very encouraged to give what I have to the poor. I'm spending this week and the ones following "spring cleaning" and plan to donate many clothes and items I have at home to those who could benefit them a lot more. I was very much thinking about doing this, then when reading a lesson to teach my tuesday/thursday group of kids, I was convicted by the widow who gave Elijah bread when she had barely any for herself. (found in 1 Kings). So that journey of sorting items has begun. I'm going a little slow, and hoping to pick up the pace soon.
And lastly a praise! Many of you know I tutor two wonderful girls in German. (they are 7 and 9). Well, the 9 year old accepted Christ last week and will follow through with baptism this Sunday!! So exciting.
Love you all,
Lara Cho.
Well, so much has changed since we arrived in San Angelo since the Christmas break. It feels as if we have been going nonstop since our arrival here. Seth and I have been asked to help with a plant of a satellite campus for our church. Seth will be the Administrative Staff, doing much of what the Administrative Pastor does for our live campus. I was asked to be the nursery/preschool director... I know what to expect and have no idea what to expect in the same breath, but excited to see where Father takes both of us through this. I was so humbled by our church, because they knew 1) that I was interested in children's ministry and 2) that seth felt called to the ministry, and is very business minded. They definitely have taken both of us under their wings and are mentoring us as a couple. It's such a blessing.
However, through this all, I am becoming broken for the city of San Angelo. I'm so excited to see who Father brings to The Venue. I'm excited for the community he has been preparing to build. I cannot wait to see people come to know him, and I'm excited to pray for and look out for each child who is in the children's ministry.
Also, I feel like many of my prayers have been answered from last year. Last year I felt like I had zero friends. I felt needy and lonely, even though I was about to marry my best friend, but I prayed, and asked close friends (who live in the DFW area) to pray that Father would bring women into my life. Oh, has he done that. Through a college-girls bible study, I have grown close to so many girls around my age, and not necessarily in the same stage of life as me, which i believe is important. I always want to be able to be mentored by people who are a step ahead of me, those who are many steps ahead of me and able to mentor (and learn from) women who are younger than me or at way different stages of life as me. I'm also meeting many at church, from being there and working there... women who work there as well as mom's of the children I watch. I am so blessed by their kindness. In fact, today I am going to a baking club. I don't know everyone there, but excited about new relationships (as well as learning some cool new good things to bake)!
Also, if you did not have the chance to read our support letter I posted on facebook, Seth and I have been given the chance to serve in New Zealand for about 10 days. We are excited to take this step of obedience, as well as many others.
I've also been very encouraged to give what I have to the poor. I'm spending this week and the ones following "spring cleaning" and plan to donate many clothes and items I have at home to those who could benefit them a lot more. I was very much thinking about doing this, then when reading a lesson to teach my tuesday/thursday group of kids, I was convicted by the widow who gave Elijah bread when she had barely any for herself. (found in 1 Kings). So that journey of sorting items has begun. I'm going a little slow, and hoping to pick up the pace soon.
And lastly a praise! Many of you know I tutor two wonderful girls in German. (they are 7 and 9). Well, the 9 year old accepted Christ last week and will follow through with baptism this Sunday!! So exciting.
Love you all,
Lara Cho.
I guess blogging hasn't really been my forte lately. Whether it has been time, life, being married or just plain busy and not having "time for technology," I cannot tell you the answer. I think working for and writing for a newspaper certainly gave me quite the burn out when it came to writing, that writing for myself seemed not what it used to be. Oh well.
Today, I was given the rare opportunity to spend time with my good friend Damaris Campos, Jessie Holley (who is related to Buddy Holly... even though his Holly doesn't have an 'e' in it - long story, for another post, and Laura, who i don't know her last name, but she looks like she could be turkish, or iranian or afghanish, but she's actually mexican. We went Christmas Light - Seeing, in Highland Park, the ritzy, swanky area of DFW.
Today, I was given the rare opportunity to spend time with my good friend Damaris Campos, Jessie Holley (who is related to Buddy Holly... even though his Holly doesn't have an 'e' in it - long story, for another post, and Laura, who i don't know her last name, but she looks like she could be turkish, or iranian or afghanish, but she's actually mexican. We went Christmas Light - Seeing, in Highland Park, the ritzy, swanky area of DFW.
It was so much fun, even though I was in super hyper, goofy mode. I miss that Lara sometimes. Now I'm always serious. I need to find the balance.
I'm learning so much from Father these days, being tested, learning in my selfishness and humanness - that i am selfish and human <3 and learning to trust not myself, not my family, but in Christ. I long to be in his word even more. I've started to memorize verses, a practice that is good for me in learning more of who he is. .. a practice of hiding his word in my heart.
I was encouraged today by this comic:
Also very encouraged by this 'article'
http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/mark_driscoll/2010/12/what_we_tell_our_kids_about_santa.html
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! - Lara Cho
Well goodness, I sure did forget about my blog didn't I? Can i just tell you how much Christ has been teaching me, since the last time I wrote. He really has used Kay Arthur, through a study I'm doing with some women at church to draw me to spend time and rest in the book of Hebrews - and truly convict me about 'shrinking back' from my faith. You, see the people that Hebrews is written to, were strong in their faith and then after persecution, they shrunk back. They went from milk to solid food, back to milk. i so could relate to that. I was reminded so much of the importance of resting in the word of Father - I was reminded of taking every situation in particular that I go through and lining it up with the word of Christ.
<3 Last night I made pumpkin muffins.
<3 Last night I made pumpkin muffins.
tonight i noticed that starting this week, I will rarely see my husband. he works until 5, and then has evening classes - and I have picked up more hours at the church (which usually happen in the evening). I'm nervous, but I have peace. I'm also going to be tutoring German for two kids... for some reason, this has me nervous/anxious of my mind. I keep trying to breathe scripture and bind it on my heart- in particular Psalm 139:23- Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. - as well as Phil. 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, your requests to God.
i don't want to get too busy that I dont have time for my family (Seth) - and more importantly i don't want to get so busy i don't remember the precious need and time with God.
i don't want to get too busy that I dont have time for my family (Seth) - and more importantly i don't want to get so busy i don't remember the precious need and time with God.
I'm feeling a little Dorian Gray lately. I don't wanna get old, I don't want to grow up - but I also don't want things to change. I mean, i DO... but i don't. I want to stay in school (but when I was in school I wanted to be out of it), I want to have my job back at the university.. but i have to be a student. I don't know life is weird... yesterday, I realized I am an adult now. I mean getting married and graduation should have been a huge bell ringer, but i'm slow sometimes. I blame the hair color (the blonde parts, not the ginger parts).


I feel like God has grabbed my attention lately. He's convicting me about a lot. Such as journaling/blogging, writing for self - writing for him. I am still working at the preschool and Father is teaching me a lot there. He also spoke to me a lot through pastor Kirt's sermon yesterday.... about how man judge's the outward appearance, but God judges the heart. I know this, but it was a good reminder, and Father keeps reminding me about this lately. (y)u can listen to it at www.paulann.org if you want!)
Maren gets here tomorrow. I'm really excited. She is studying here for a year and is from Hannover, Germany. -- I studied there for a year and I really miss some of my friends from there. a lot. I sadly didn't realize it when I was there, but I built some amazing, deep, relationships there that will probably be present my whole life. I wish I would have invested in them even more while there.
Some days I question why Christ has us here in San Angelo still. If it were up to me, I'd be overseas working. That is why I got a four year degree- so I could be a journeyman, but of course- plans changed, life changes. So i'm sitting here, in San Angelo wondering what to do with my life - I have no clue. But when I ask to see things through Christ's eyes, I am reminded that he still has us here for reasons he knows about. To meet Maren, to work at the preschool, etc. He has some valuable lessons to teach us while we are here. Goes back to show me that Christ knows best.
My prayer is that Christ will allow me to see through his eyes, and not my own. Mine are so judgmental, weak, anxious, sad, depressed, boring, etc. I want ears to hear and eyes to see.
--- In less philosophical thoughts--
We went to a redneck party the other day! It was fun. However, Seth and I did not dress up-- we were the cousins from the city.
Yesterday we were surprised with a quick visit from Seth's dad and stepmom. They took us to the grocery store and bought us things we don't normally buy (like steaks and salmon and olive oil, etc). It certainly was a blessing.
Today was nice. I accidentally slept in but I still managed to clean, get laundry done, meet our friend Joe to help him edit and brainstorm essays for his med-school applications and make dinner.
Two weeks ago I went to Denver, here are some photos:
| i love these flowers! |
alright, until next time! - (also Damaris reminded me to update!)

So yes, I have been a slacker. Going to Missouri, and then having friends come visit and stay with us, as well as saying good bye to other friends as their life takes them elsewhere :-( it's been pretty packed. I finally feel like I can breathe a little bit!
Missouri was good. It was nice to see Rick's family. I enjoyed every second of it, even though it was so difficult at the same time. I dislike pain, and I dislike grief, but a phrase I've always held on to is "Pain gives more than it takes" -- sometimes that's hard to grasp, but it's so true.
Last week Daniel came to visit, and I helped my friends Sara and Sean begin to pack for their move to Oregon (they leave today) and we went to birthday parties and a goodbye party for our friend Lexee.
As for this week... I've been writing a story for the local newspaper (deadline was today - thank goodness, I had forgotten how stressful it can be), and we went to a goodbye party for Sara and Sean and I almost cried a lot when I had to say goodbye for real... but I hugged them and left fast so they wouldn't see. Also, one of the highlights of my week, I must say was lunch with beautiful Jodi -- a friend of mine who i met on my wedding day, she helped Sara Warren fix the girls' hair. Oh and mainly so I can mention Damaris, Jodi mentioned at lunch that she loved my bridesmaids... and laughed when she talked about how funny and joyful my good friend Damaris is. I agreed with her, that girl Damaris, she loves the Lord.
Oh yes, and the basil is so big now (and so is my parsley!) I have a photo, but i'm too lazy to upload it to my mac right now. But I will update soon, I know you are on the edge of your seats!
| me and maddie with our feet in the mississippi, but you can't even see our feet. |
Last week Daniel came to visit, and I helped my friends Sara and Sean begin to pack for their move to Oregon (they leave today) and we went to birthday parties and a goodbye party for our friend Lexee.
| a few of the surprise 'flood' of friends. they are hiding... |
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| Jodi fixing Naomi's hair for the wedding. |
Oh yes, and the basil is so big now (and so is my parsley!) I have a photo, but i'm too lazy to upload it to my mac right now. But I will update soon, I know you are on the edge of your seats!
Last weekend, Seth and I helped with and attended Church at the Ball Park and Freedom Fest! It was so much fun, and so exciting at the same time. I'm excited to see what Father is doing right here in good ole San Angelo, Texas. Here's a video the church made of the weekend... i'm in it! briefly but it's kind of dorky. <3
This past weekend we celebrated Adam's Birthday and wished him good bye. He is going overseas for a yearish to love on people, share his heart, but more importantly to share the love of Father. He will be on our hearts and in our prayers, and we will miss him a lot :-/ but excited for him at the same time! Also, doesn't Damaris look goooood in this photo?!
I took a step of faith today -- I finally responded back to Standard Times, the local paper here. I told them that yes, I could free lance for them whenever/ if ever they needed me. I realized today while editing a story for a friend that I miss writing so much. I know so much about writing for print journalism... why am I letting all that knowledge go to waste? So, I'm praying for what may happen... maybe something, maybe nothing. We'll see!
Good news! Damaris has agreed to plant sit. <3 Thank goodness I was getting worried. Haha ;-)
and for some not so good/fun news..
This past week, our good friend and family member, Rick Reams, died suddenly. This is the reason we will be out of town. It has been a very hard weekend... but I have been finding my strength in Father. It's hard this side of heaven to deal with things like this. But I have found myself thankful that Father even allowed Rick Reams into our lives. I am thankful as I look at my dad and mom and realize how they allow relationships not only into our lives but welcome people in as family, not just friend. This is him on the left, with my mom and dad.
So Father has been teaching me (us) the fragility of life.
Things I'm thankful for today:
Speaking to my sister on the phone and on video chat.
Speaking to Samuel on google chat, and him actually complimenting me and telling me he loves me.
Hearing Damaris' voice on the phone
Speaking to my dad
The kind message from Sunny Savage
The care and concern of friends and family.
Love you all
I'm Lara!
I'm a newlywed and married to Seth Chomout
Seth works for the school and with his job we get free housing. Something we couldn't pass up... so we are married and live on campus... you can join me (us) on my adventures - there may be many.. but there could be very few. We will see :-) We both graduated recently - Seth however is going to school for his masters in business, while I am looking for a job... and working at the preschool at our church.
Seth and I just moved in to our new apartment... we are in the process of getting settled. I will hopefully have photos up soon... for your viewing pleasure, but as of now the apartment is a huge mess.
In the midst of moving, however we have started some fun adventures... such as planting basil, chives and parsley... I am so excited to watch the herbs grow. Of course as I began the dirty work of getting the soil ready and my hands dirty, I was reminded of what Christ calls us to do as believers - as Paul says to the Corinthians - I planted the seed, Apollos watered them, but God makes them grow. So true - literally with my herbs, as well as with the people in our lives and the spiritual journey we are all on. However, I hope I did not jump the gun and plant them too soon. We have to go to MO for a couple of days , but the plan is to drop off the herbs in Dallas with my friend Damaris so she can plant sit (I know, I know that is pretty lame... but what can I say?) I also think is appropriate to add a photo of Damaris, because she will probably be in quite a few posts-- my readers need to visualize her correctly:
Until next time! -
well, i've learned some new things about me. or i've newly learned them.. not sure which.
i'm really bad at doing things with people that hasn't been planned. any ounce of being spontaneous has disappeared lately.
i'm very indecisive, and sometimes wonder how people can be so sure of everything and of life. I get nervous and worry and get confused so easily over small things - like tiny things.
I'm not always good at making my own decisions. i want someone to tell me what to do when I don't know what to do. I want things to be simple. I don't like conflicts.. like which way to wear my wedding dress. I want to solve things immediately. I don't like waiting a week, b/c i know i'll worry and be stressed out for a week.
I'm really bad at keeping in touch with people I don't see face to face. I also don't seem to make much of an effort to see people, lately. I don't like it. I get to busy with life (or my life) to really invest in or spend time in other lives.
i started teaching first grade at church. They are really cute. It's been so long that I've taught that age group, that I kind of freaked out inside b/c i'm now used to high school. But i'm excited.
I want to cling to Father more.
i'm really bad at doing things with people that hasn't been planned. any ounce of being spontaneous has disappeared lately.
i'm very indecisive, and sometimes wonder how people can be so sure of everything and of life. I get nervous and worry and get confused so easily over small things - like tiny things.
I'm not always good at making my own decisions. i want someone to tell me what to do when I don't know what to do. I want things to be simple. I don't like conflicts.. like which way to wear my wedding dress. I want to solve things immediately. I don't like waiting a week, b/c i know i'll worry and be stressed out for a week.
I'm really bad at keeping in touch with people I don't see face to face. I also don't seem to make much of an effort to see people, lately. I don't like it. I get to busy with life (or my life) to really invest in or spend time in other lives.
i started teaching first grade at church. They are really cute. It's been so long that I've taught that age group, that I kind of freaked out inside b/c i'm now used to high school. But i'm excited.
I want to cling to Father more.
It's Christmas time. :-)
Yay
Yay
Sometimes I wonder if I'm enough... if I'll ever be enough, if i'll satisfy, if I'll always make him happy, if I'll even be able to make him happy. Sometimes I wonder if I'm not as great as the last person, sometimes I wonder if I'm not as pretty or as nice or kind, or fun, or tall or giving or as independent (less clingy, able to do things on my own), and the list goes on and on and on and then I realize.. i've got it all wrong. I'm focusing on me and not on us. More importantly, i'm focusing on me/us and not on Christ. This is where I fall short.
I want to cling to the cross and I want that to be reality and not just a great idea. I want to hunger for the word and live it in every thing I say, every decision I make, every step I take... and I long to satisfy Christ.... that is where I should find my worth.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.
<3
Life has been so crazy, yet so exciting at the same time. Since the last time I've updated, I'm halfway through my hardest semester, feel like the end is near but no where in site at the same time, I've been engaged for seven months, I'm living with a couple that works at and attends ASU and I get to go to a Dallas Cowboy Football game. I'm getting to fellowship and hangout and study the word with 4-5 amazing girls on Wednesdays at school and I am hanging out with a group of people who are seeking Christ on Thursday nights. Seth and I are goign to 'marriage mentoring' and i'm falling more and more in love with Seth every day.
Lara
I want to cling to the cross and I want that to be reality and not just a great idea. I want to hunger for the word and live it in every thing I say, every decision I make, every step I take... and I long to satisfy Christ.... that is where I should find my worth.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.
<3
Life has been so crazy, yet so exciting at the same time. Since the last time I've updated, I'm halfway through my hardest semester, feel like the end is near but no where in site at the same time, I've been engaged for seven months, I'm living with a couple that works at and attends ASU and I get to go to a Dallas Cowboy Football game. I'm getting to fellowship and hangout and study the word with 4-5 amazing girls on Wednesdays at school and I am hanging out with a group of people who are seeking Christ on Thursday nights. Seth and I are goign to 'marriage mentoring' and i'm falling more and more in love with Seth every day.
Lara
What my semester looks like:
Managing Editor at Ram Page
Working for information technology (possibly in multimedia)
2+ hours at Central High School every week
18 hours of classes
Independant study researching portrayal of obama/american politics in German media.
Wedding Planning
Studying for teXes exCet exams
Studying for German exit exam
niel cole wrote this in cultivating..
When I get busy, I tend to forget the most imprtant reason why I’m here- my prime directive: to make more and better disciples. (Matt 23:18-20)! In fact, unlike Jesus, the busier I become, the more I lose compassion for the lost. It doesn’t take much for the multitudes to become more of a stumbling block to impede my effectiveness rather than a reason for becoming effective….A long line is an obstacle rather than an opportunity.
Managing Editor at Ram Page
Working for information technology (possibly in multimedia)
2+ hours at Central High School every week
18 hours of classes
Independant study researching portrayal of obama/american politics in German media.
Wedding Planning
Studying for teXes exCet exams
Studying for German exit exam
niel cole wrote this in cultivating..
When I get busy, I tend to forget the most imprtant reason why I’m here- my prime directive: to make more and better disciples. (Matt 23:18-20)! In fact, unlike Jesus, the busier I become, the more I lose compassion for the lost. It doesn’t take much for the multitudes to become more of a stumbling block to impede my effectiveness rather than a reason for becoming effective….A long line is an obstacle rather than an opportunity.
Today my calendar says that love is powerful.
i've been thinking about how no one really 'knows' english.
The dog THAT bit the child has not been found. (no name, therefore a THAT)
Their cat Fluffy, who bit me, was ran over by a car. (a name, therefore a who)
Mobil is the oil company that wants to invite you to support public television. (a business = a that)
easy. but we mess up a lot b/c we don't think about it.
i'm bored. :-/ can you tell?
The dog THAT bit the child has not been found. (no name, therefore a THAT)
Their cat Fluffy, who bit me, was ran over by a car. (a name, therefore a who)
Mobil is the oil company that wants to invite you to support public television. (a business = a that)
easy. but we mess up a lot b/c we don't think about it.
i'm bored. :-/ can you tell?
Your mercy found me,
Upon the broken road,
And lifted me beyond my failing,
Into Your glory,
My sin and shame dissolved,
And now forever Yours I’ll stand.
(Pre-Chorus)
In love never to end,
To call You more than Lord,
Glorious friend.
(Chorus)
So I throw my life upon all You are,
‘Cause I know You gave it all for me,
And when all else fades,
My soul will dance with You,
Where the love lasts forever.
(Bridge)
And forever I will sing,
Lord forever I will sing,
Of how You gave Your life away,
Just to save me, Lord You saved me.
With You, where the love lasts forever.
Upon the broken road,
And lifted me beyond my failing,
Into Your glory,
My sin and shame dissolved,
And now forever Yours I’ll stand.
(Pre-Chorus)
In love never to end,
To call You more than Lord,
Glorious friend.
(Chorus)
So I throw my life upon all You are,
‘Cause I know You gave it all for me,
And when all else fades,
My soul will dance with You,
Where the love lasts forever.
(Bridge)
And forever I will sing,
Lord forever I will sing,
Of how You gave Your life away,
Just to save me, Lord You saved me.
With You, where the love lasts forever.













