#Tattoo an Exhibition | Video Blog of Visit to Natural History Museum #LosAngeles

What do you think of tattoos? I think they are cool. However, I do not have any myself. I had the opportunity to learn more about tattoos and the history behind them.

Did you know the earliest tattoo was discovered on a 5,300 year-old mummy found in the Alps, said to have been done to soothe joint and muscle pain? Wow! Today, many people have tattoos, which express their individuality, to portray them as an art form, as a sense of belonging to a group or community, and spiritual practices. 



"Watch the movie, Tattoo Nation, the story of a few people who helped transform the world of tattoo, and the way we think about tattoos, forever. This is the true story of the ink revolution."








In my video blog below, I share what I learned about tattoos during my visit April of last year to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum's 'Tattoo an Exhibition'. You can pause the video at any point to read the details about 'What is a tattoo?' What tools are and were used? Why do people get tattoos? I hope you learn something you did not know like I did.

While in China...Victoria Peak | Stanley Market | Big Buddha #ChinaTravel #TravelVlogger

This time last year I had a great time traveling to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and then Hong Kong. In this travel vlog, I share my visits to the highest hill on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak. Then I walked and observed the various shops and waterfront restaurants at Stanley Market before taking the local bus and subway to Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha). 

These experiences were very special and spiritually inspirational. I felt a newness with God and I could feel and see how important their religion is to their lives in China. Take a look at my video blog for an inside look and enjoy! 

I hope you're able to travel to these places and experience them for yourself. They are a plane ticket and packed suitcases away! 

China #Travel Vlog: Day 2 in Beijing | Forbidden City | The Great Wall of China

Hello! I hope you had a lovely week and ready for a long weekend. I am going to share with you Day 2 of my time in Beijing, China in the video below. I walked through the Forbidden City, climbed the Great Wall of China, and more. Enjoy the adventure!

Eating #Vegan Meal Options on Asiana Airlines Flight to Beijing China

Happy New Year! It has been a while since I have written to you from my blog here at Selena Thinking Out Loud, but it has been for a good reason. For the past 15 months, I was working on my Master of Business Administration degree. I finally completed my degree this past December 2018! Yay!

photo by taehoon411

During my master degree studies I had the opportunity to have an international study abroad experience in China. It was my first time there and I was really interested to learn more about the country. 

For the next several weeks, I will take you on the journey through different parts of China, but to start you off I want to share with you, in the video below, my experience eating vegan meal options on my Asiana Airlines flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport.

Before my big flight day, I called the airline and updated my flight information with my vegan dietary requirement. I gave them my flight number and it was easy as that. Once I boarded my first flight a flight attendant found my seat and politely informed me that my vegan meals were on board. This continued for the other flights too! Wow! I appreciated the personalized customer service. Each of the meals were fresh, hot, and tasty! I had an eggplant dish that I actually make at home too. I highly recommend Asiana Airlines if you're looking for a positive flight experience and are vegan or have specific dietary needs.

--> Stay Tuned for Video  VLog: Fast Food in Beijing, China <-- b="">

It's All Temporary on Loan From God ♥ Sunday #TimeWithGod #87

Hello! How are you? I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend! Today in this Story Time With God, Episode 87, we will learn more about Hannah and her sacrifice to God. After being taunted by her husband's other wife, Peninnah, for being barren, Hannah was fed up! Find out what she does and how God comes to her rescue. 

Remember, everything that you see as you look around is temporary in this life. God gives and God takes things away from us for our own good. We may not see things that way in the present but later down the line you will see with clearer eyes. Oh boy! Have I had to live this truth in my own life. I had to lose some relationships that I thought were healthy, job opportunities, and most of all, like many of us, my views on the value of possessions (stuff), to gain SO much more from God for my life's journey. 

And yes, family can be a sour pickle at times, since they are pretty familiar with you and what makes you tick. So know that God can work on your family relationships as well if you come to Him in prayer and humility.

Grab your Bible and The One Year: Life Lessons from the Bible devotional as you follow along with me in this week's video below. 

Learn more about Hannah in the bible in the following scriptures: ♥ 1 Samuel 1-2

Thank you for spending some time with me today. Have a blessed week!

Waiting on a Sign From God | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 86

Story Time With God Episode 86 is here! I hope you are well and ready to learn how to wait for a sign from God. Gideon, whom we will be discussing in this week's bible discussion video, was assigned by God to lead the charge against the Midianites, who held the Israelites in bondage. However, he needed a sign from God to know that it was actually God giving him this dangerous mission. 

How many times have you asked God for a sign in order to do what you believe he was calling you to do? All the pieces of the puzzle are laid out for you, but you are still doubting yourself and the tangible information that he already gave you. 

Today we will learn why God chose Gideon even when he was full of doubt. 

Today devotional message is being read from The One Year: Life Lessons from The Bible


Read all about Gideon life and his ministry in the Bible from Judges 6-8





YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Focus on the Small Details in God's Instructions To You | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 85 #WhenCalledToServeGod

Hello! I hope you have been well. Here is your Sunday Story Time With God Episode 85. Today we will learn that God expects for us to pay attention to the small details in His instructions to us. 

When we find ourselves feeling stagnant or limited it may be because God is trying to get our attention. He wants for us to come to Him in prayer or listen to the small details in His plan for our lives. If you feel that God is leading you to do something for someone or the people in your community, you can be assured that he will expect nothing but the best performance from you. He will also expect for you to follow his instructions very carefully and not take shortcuts like Ithamar's brothers, Nadab and Abihu. 

We must also remember to thank God for using us to be an example of His love, grace, and mercy. Many times we lose our connection with God when we get busy with our everyday rustle and bustle. However, we are representative of Christ each and every day, so we must thank God and also pay attention to His detailed instructions when He calls us to serve.

Today devotional message is being read from The One Year: Life Lessons from The Bible


Read all about Ithamar's life and his ministry in the Bible from Exodus 6:23; 28:1; 38:21




YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Letting Go of Grudges Hate and Resentment | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 83

Hello! I hope you are looking forward to your new week. Today we will be reminded to let go of any hate, grudges, jealousy, or resentment we may have towards a coworker, family member, or old friend. 

Esau sold his birthright, his inheritance to his brother Jacob for a bowl of stew. He eventually regrets that decision and hates Jacob so much that he wants to kill him! Carrying that heaviness around in your heart for so long can cause you to feel depressed, unmotivated, discouraged, and defeated. We must take some time to release those inner battles to God. Seek and receive His wisdom and guidance on how to handle situations like this. 

Sometimes we may find ourselves making a deal, decision, or spontaneous choice that puts us in a very vulnerable situation. When these times happen, we must remember that God is our fortress, protector, and the one who can cleanse our minds of wanting to retaliate, but forgive instead. This will give God the access He needs to teach us and/or the person in question, a lesson. 

We will be reading from The One Year: Life Lessons from The Bible and Watch the Video below for a full breakdown of this message.


Explore the life of Esau in the Bible from Genesis Chapters 25-36. 

YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Video: No Problem Is Too Hard For God | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 81

Welcome to this Sunday's Story Time With God Episode 81! Are you ready for your new week? If so, enjoy the Martin Luther King holiday and then work through your week with a problem-free mindset. I know, sometimes that's easier said than done. Today we will learn that no problem is too hard for God. He already knows what you're going through. Help is on the way! He brought you to this blog post today because he wants to remind you of His Presence in your life. Embrace this love and concern that God has for you. 

It's up to us to trust and believe in Him. God created heaven and Earth. The problems that we allow to overtake us and worry us into a state of depression and anxiety are only temporary pains. Look around you, before you know it you will have to buy more food, purchase more clothes, get your car serviced or repaired, and get some sleep tonight so that your body will be recharged and ready to tackle your day. Everything we worry about is indeed temporary and God wants for us to trust Him to work in our lives today. Can you do that? If so, you are taking the right steps forward on a new, unfamiliar, journey with God. God's timing does not compare to our time period here on Earth. We want things instantaneously but God works according to a divine plan. Personally, I can affirm that God's plan ends up being SO much better than my own.

Let's look deeper into what God is trying to teach us today about solving our problems. I will be reading about Sarah today in the new daily devotional for 2018 called The One Year: Life Lessons from The Bible and Watch the Video below for a full breakdown of this message.

Explore the life of Sarah in the Bible from Genesis Chapters 11-25. 

YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Enter the New Year with Peace from God | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 79 #Peace

New Year 2018 is upon us! Are you ready to see what God has in-store for you? I sure am. I was SO happy to read in the final message of the daily devotional, Jesus Calling, about moving forward with peace from God. You may have written down your New Year's Resolutions and made your vision boards to help you stay on track. However, what's most important to God is that you live a life in His Peaceful Presence. 

As you pursue your goals and work to meet your resolutions, know that you will need God's guidance to keep you focused and encouraged. The road may get bumpy along the way. Remember, we are all still here for a divine reason, to be of service to others and to receive love in-return. Also, know that as you move forward into this New Year 2018, you will still face ups and downs, but all of those obstacles and WINS, will make you stronger and continue to mold you into the man of God or woman of God that he destined for you to be. Welcome in the New Year by looking up to the heavens and thanking God for another year but also renew your commitment to Him. Let him lead you as you move forward into your greatness in 2018 and God will never let you go! 

Happy New Year to You! 

God bless You!

The following are the Bible scriptures that elaborate even more on this Sunday; Story Time With God Episode 79:
♥ Isaiah 9:6 ♥ 2 Corinthians 4:7 ♥ John 14:26-27

YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

The Reason for the #Christmas Season | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 78

Merry Christmas Eve! This is a very special time of the year to celebrate our Lord, Jesus Christ's birth. It is also a time to celebrate our personal relationship with Him. He loves us SO much that he sacrificed himself for our sins. According to the Jesus Calling devotional, this is also a time to celebrate our rebirth into eternal life with Christ. On this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day find peace in Christ and be thankful that he is always close by, listening, and waiting to welcome you into His arms.



These are the Bible scriptures that help us even more to understand the message in this Sunday Story Time With God Episode 78:
♥ Psalm 90:2 ♥ Colossians 1:27 ♥ Colossians 3:15
The Nativity: The Life Of Jesus Christ

YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Video: How To Make Cranberry Sauce #Cooking #Vlog

Do you like cranberry sauce with your holiday dinner? If so, learn how to make cranberry sauce at home and get compliments from your guests. All you need is three (3) ingredients, a saucepan, and a large spoon for stirring. In the following video below, I share the how-to steps. You can make it fast and refrigerate it just in time for dinner or have it warm. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Ingredients you will need: 12oz. bag of fresh Cranberries 1 cup of orange juice 1 cup of sugar (use your favorite)

Instructions: 1. Add washed cranberries to a saucepan over high heat to start.
2. Then stir in the orange juice and sugar.
3. Let the mixture come to a boil and the cranberries will start to pop like popcorn. Keep stirring the sauce off and on. Do not leave it unattended.
4. Reduce your heat to medium-high or simmer and let cook down. I let my sauce cook down until it becomes a nice thick jelly consistency (see video). However, you can remove it from the stove earlier.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate or serve warm. This part is up to you.
Serves 6-8.
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Find Security in God's Presence | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 76

Happy Sunday! We naturally seek to feel a sense of security in our lives. However, we know that nothing is perfect and there are possibilities that relationships and our jobs may come to an end. In today's Story Time With God, Episode 76, we learn more about how to deal with these times and where to go for security. 

Follow along in the daily devotional Jesus Calling for December 10th and bring your Bible or Bible app to read the scriptures mentioned in the video below.

These are the Bible scriptures that help us even more to understand this message:
♥ Isaiah 41:10 ♥ Psalm 139:10 ♥ James 1:2

Psalm 91: Real-Life Stories of God's Shield of Protection And What This Psalm Means for You and Those You Love

Secret Place of God's Protection (Book and CD)

YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Protect Your Mind with Help From God | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 75

We've made it to the last month of 2017! I hope you are well and beginning to enjoy the holiday season.  In this Sunday Story Time With God, Episode 75, we will learn that "an idle mind is the devil's playground" and "not to use the Lord's name in vain." The mind is powerful and it does soak up everything that it is exposed to on a daily basis. That is why we must also reassess the company we keep in our circle of friends and associates. The messages we receive through television, movies, and music can also have an effect on how we think about life, handle negative situations, and make decisions. Even our dreams are affected.

In the daily devotional Jesus Calling for December 3rd, we will learn how Jesus plays an important part in our lives when we are in the "thick of Battle" and our minds are at its most vulnerable state.

These are the Bible scriptures that help us even more to understand this message:

♥ Ephesians  6:12 ♥ 1 Samuel 17:47 ♥ Philippians 2:9-10 ♥ 1 Peter 1:8-9

Mornings with Jesus 2018: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul

YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Be Thankful Daily | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 74

Hello! I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving! In this Sunday, Story Time with God Episode 74, we learn to be thankful daily. When we focus our thoughts on all the ways that we are thankful, it helps to reduce worry, anxiety, and the desire to control our situations or circumstances. 

Follow along with me in the video below as we read the daily devotional message for November 26 in the book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Also, bring along your Bible or Bible app for the scriptures. 

These are the Bible scriptures that help us even more to understand this message:

♥ Psalm 118:24 ♥ Psalm 116:17
The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude

YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 

https://www.youversion.com/apps

Give Up Control and Trust God's Final Outcome | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 73

Happy Monday! I know, you read that right...I am sharing with you Sunday's Story Time With God, Episode 73, a bit later than usual. We will learn in this week's Jesus Calling devotional message that we should give up control and trust that God will lead us to the best outcome. I like to practice what I "preach" so-to-speak, and this was a great example of trusting that God would work things out. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you to trust God in your own situations, circumstances, and plans. He'll never steer you wrong and there's no guessing required when you free-fall with Him over your shoulder.

The daily devotional message is being read from Jesus Calling for November 19, 2017. Follow along with me in the video below and grab your bible or bible app as well. 



These are the Bible scriptures that help us even more to understand this message:

♥ Psalm 27:13-14 ♥ Exodus 15:13
Mens Let Go And Let God - Christian T-Shirt Medium Black (Women sizes available)




YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: 
https://www.youversion.com/apps

Welcome Abundance into Your Life | #Sunday Story Time #VLOG Episode 72 #ManyBlessings

Peace and Love to you on this Sunday. Today in this Story Time Episode 72, we will learn that it is time for us to welcome in our abundance this week. God wants to shower us with his love, peace, and overwhelming joy, so that we can also be a blessing to someone else. Living for Christ can be an exciting adventure because you never know how He wants to use you to be a testimony from day to day. It is not all about suffering and living in lack. God needs for us to be prosperous and wealthy in our finances, our spirit, and in knowledge, so that we can serve His Kingdom in these times. It is about living a life of gratitude and always remembering where your blessings come from.

The daily devotional message is being read from Jesus Calling for November 12, 2017. Follow along with me in the video below and grab your bible or bible app as well. 



These are the Bible scriptures that help us even more to understand this message:

♥ Psalm 23:5 ♥ John 3:16 ♥ Luke 11:9-10 ♥ Romans 8:32
The Abundant Life



YouVersion Bible App mentioned in the video can be downloaded FREE to your phone, computer, etc. Get more information here: https://www.youversion.com/apps

Vegan Cuts Snack Box Unboxing for October 2017

Hello! I decided to subscribe to Vegan Cuts monthly snack box to try some new products. I have been popping popcorn kernels in a pot for a while now and wanted to switch things up and add some variety! LOL! I also wanted to learn about other snack brands that offered vegan goodies so that I could share them with you! Yay!

In my first snack box, received in October, there were approximately 10 or so different snacks, including beverages also. Some brands gave away coupons too. There were a lot of new brands that I had not heard of yet. I am definitely going to continue to purchase some of the snacks again because they were really tasty. Only a few snacks did not compliment my palate. 

I heard about Vegan Cuts a couple of years ago and joined their mailing list to stay informed about their offerings. I heard them mentioned by different vegan YouTubers back then. However, it took me some time to come around to see the value of a snack subscription box and to try it out for myself. I guess because I currently subscribe to an organic produce delivery service, that influenced my decision to try Vegan Cuts too. 

I went to their website and created a free log in account. The ordering of the box was also very easy, to choose and set up my monthly subscription. There were other options for setting up your subscription throughout the year depending on your preference. Vegan Cuts also offers a vegan-friendly make up and beauty box, but I wanted to start with the snack box to see how things worked out. I was a little confused about where to find my invoices after ordering but I tapped around a little bit and realized that they were under 'subscription boxes' and not order history, which is for shop-item purchases.

Speaking of shop items, you can purchase boxes separately for the holidays, birthdays and for gifting throughout the year. I liked that a lot.

In the following video, I share with you all of the contents of my first Vegan Cuts October snack box. This will give you a better idea of what you can expect and to learn more about the vegan-friendly brands as well.




Disclaimer: This unboxing of the October Vegan Cuts snack box is 100% from my own opinions. I purchased this month's subscription box for my own personal use. Your experience may vary.