Christmas 2009

I feel a range of emotion this holiday season. I am grateful for time spent with my sister, Mia, on Tuesday. Lunch together at the Cheesecake Factory. Surprising her with gifts. Having Grandma over for Christmas dinner, just talking and laughing. Opening presents together in the morning. I experienced the generosity and kindness from my parents. Good memories and good times. The Christmas is not about the presents but about togetherness; presents are simply tangible expressions of what our family likes to say,"gifts from the heart." I'm thankful for this holiday season because I got to see all my family at different times, and enjoy spending time together. Sleeping overnight at parent's house gives a warm cozy feeling. Good times.

Come to the knowledge of the truth

But know this, that in the last days perilous times willl come...let us come to the knowledge of the truth... 2 Timothy 3:1~9

Knowledge of the truth is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Let us put our faith in Jesus Christ today. Let us renew our faith in Jesus Christ today. Jesus is not A way, that is, one among many, ways. If He were, then there would be no need for a cross, and death, a resurrection. Why die for the world's sin for nothing? A careful reading of this passage in 2 Timothy states all kinds of various sins (men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty , lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power). The only remedy for sin is Jesus Christ. I said the only remedy for sin is Jesus Christ and Christ alone. He is the One who takes away the sin of the world. Let us pray. You may want to pray the following prayer~

Dear Precious Lord,
You are a gracious and loving God. You are slow to anger, and abounding in love. I accept your love for me. I say "yes" in my heart to Jesus and to him dying on the cross for me. I am sorry dear Lord for my sin. Have your way in my life precious Lord. I want to follow You all the days of my life. Help me to do that. Protect me and keep me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

A Lone Ranger or In Community?

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

God's plan for our lives includes living intentionally in community with other believers. We pursue righteousness as we study the Bible together and seek to live it out. We pursue faith together as we share stories of what God is doing and/or has done in our lives. We pursue love together as we worship the Almighty God. We pursue peace together as we seek to live rightly in God's eyes. The key word in all this is, TOGETHER. We are not lone rangers out in the world, left to ourselves as orphans. Rather, God has called us, and put us, in community with other believers to live out the Christian life. This is what He's called us to, and this is what I hope my life reflects. If you are in a Christian community of grace and love, praise God, for that is what He's intended for you. If you are not in a Christian community, and would like to be in one, then pray that the Lord would lead you and guide you to a community of believers. He would love to answer that prayer! Then, keep your eyes open to how he might answer your prayer; you might suddenly meet another brother or sister in the faith, or you might suddenly see a church that meets at a good time for you. But, if you pray, God will indeed answer your prayer. He is a good God, and He wants good for your and mine, lives.

Missions Calling...

A few months back God had been speaking to me about missions. I thought I would go somewhere and serve God overseas. But, that wasn't happening at that time. So, I decided if I can't go abroad right now, then that I would be a part of "sending" other missionaries who are serving abroad. God led me to 3 girlfriends: Hanna, Grace and Debbie. Hanna is an MK from the continent of Africa, serving as a medical doctor. Grace is a Korean gal I've known 10 years involved in church planting. Debie, from West Virginia, is serving the Lord in India alongside with her family. Once I realized God wanted me to serve them, as intercessor, I began to "support" them in this way. Although it's not MY first choice to "send" them, becuase I'd rather "go", this is what God has for me now, and, I am content with that!!

Seasons of Life...

Lately God has been bringing people from my past back into my life in the present. I am wondering, what does this mean? I am wondering, what is God speaking through this? I am wondering, what is God saying to me now? Why is it that friends from college are reappearing in my life now? Why is it that friends from long ago are present again? Last month we had a group of friends from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship meet for a "mini reunion" and dinner to honor one of our friends serving in missionary work. What a warm blessing it was to get to see everyone again. A few months I joined a new home group at my church. Half the members were friends from my past. The worship leader who taught me how to play guitar, the small group leader who helped me deal with spiritual life, the Korean girl who used to be my roommate, and the couple who are spiritual mentors. I think about the friends from high school getting reconnected through facebook. And, I think about the many friends from Korea that I can connect through email, facebook and cyworlding. I'm not clear of the meaning of it all, but, I am ever grateful for the circle of life, the circle of friends, He's provided throughout my life. And, these days, I am always thinking of returning to Korea. Not for ministry purposes this time, but for financial purposes. And, I think of friends He's given in the past. Then I dread the idea of starting all over again. But, why should I dread, when He has always been so faithful to provide what I've needed? So, I don't know if and when I'll return to Korea someday. I think the sooner the better. But, sometimes I think, waiting is good too. I trust the Lord is leading me. And, yes, like my friend Jolie said, life is good.

Thoughts on Soyoung's Passing

One lesson I gain from Soyoung's death is to live life! LIVE LIFE to the full, and to the max. This is the lesson I glean from Soyoung.

the women's in house retreat...

My plan was to have a group of friends over for dinner and games, but God had other plans. I went to work, as usual for a Saturday. Then afterwards my friend picked me up, and we went over together to the church for a woman's in-house retreat. Wow, was I blown away, and blessed! We had a wonderful dinner then worship and a guest speaker. It was a fabulous time. Our speaker told the story of how Yorba Linda was changed forever by the life of one man, one obedient man, one obedient man to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had experienced difficulty in life, and who hasn't? But, instead of turning into bitterness and unforgiveness, he chose to forgive a man for a crime committed against one of his own family members. That decision resulted in alot of good outcomes, especially for the city of Yorba Linda. He began to go door to door to share his faith, he had an urgency for people's salvation; he didn't want to see anyone go to hell. This person got saved, another got saved, including the pastors to be, John and Carol Wimber. They eventually started a church what is now known as the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, and God has used the Vineyard globally, worldwide. All because one man obeyed. One man chose obedience to the Lord, forgiveness over bitterness,and the world has been blessed because of it. How many vineyard worship songs have you ever sung or heard of? So, I hope today that we become people who choose obedience to the Lord rather than bitterness. Who knows what good God can do? By the way, I feel so blessed from attending the women's "in house" retreat this evening.

song of solomon...

Studying the song of solomon has been by far one of the best decisions I have ever made! The book is rich, and there is just sooo much in there! I am studying it like Jesus is the Groom and we, the church, are the Bride. I am really hungry for the Lord, and I feel like I just can't get enough of Him! Really!!

today's trials...

I have a few trials I am currently persevering through. One is seemingly feeling like I don't have any friends. Of course I do have friends, but, I don't feel a tight-knitted bond with anyone. Who is looking out for me? Who am I looking out for? At least when I lived in Korea, we all took care of each other better I think. Also, I don't earn enough money to pay all the debts, so that is a BIG drag! I am able to pay for rent, and food, but beyond that, life is rough. I can barely save anything to pay off debts, let alone buy a car. Basically, I am just plodding along, one foot in front of the other. But, I am not making any progress. Drats! So far, it hasn't gotten me too down, but, I can't stay like this forever, you know? Something's got to give, soon.

what is good in my life?

There are many things for which to be thankful. Let's see, first one comes to mind is living in a home rather than at a bus stop or on the street. . And, playing around with my new toy, the ipod, is fun too. I enjoy studying Korean, and hanging out at the Korean spas and saunas in K-town. I have alot of good memories of friends I have made over the years. And, I get to sleep in a bed, not the floor. I live in a nice, temperate climate, not a cold, rainy or snowy one. And, I have good health. These are the good things in my life right now.

'm tired...

I'm tired of never having enough money! Yesterday I was really upset, but, thankfully Friday is payday.

My Birthday

So, my birthday was not as bad as I feared it could be. True statement. I worried about being forgotten on/for my birthday. Thankfully, this did not happen. My mom texted me to have dinner and/or a movie. My sister, though out of state, even texted me on the eve of my bday to wish me well. And, friends sent me messages via the phone and/or facebook. My work sang the birthday song to me, had me blow out a candle, and enjoy chocolate cake. I saw the movie, "Yes Man" with Jim Carey in it; pretty good. And, I got to enjoy myself with some personal devotional time. Overall, I am pleased with my day. And thankful for all the friends who sent their well wishes.