Passion

Tonight one of the questions we discussed was passion. We talked about what is passion, and different people shared their thoughts on what passion is. I liked how David described passion as our default thinking mode, or something to that effect. Passion could be described as what we spend our free time thinking about. It is what we get excited about(Cliff). Passion is reflected in what we talk about (Katie). Passion is how we spend our time. So, with these definitions in mind, I began to think about what passions I had. And, I felt like a few things popped up. One of my strong desires is to master the Korean language. Another way I have enjoyed spending time in the past was through guitar, and specifically, playing gospel songs. I realized from this discussion that is a passion-lost, or a passion-hidden or forgotten. Another thing I am always doing at work is inviting people to come to my church. These three things are my passions. However, I am desiring to think more about what I am exited about, and how I spend my time, to become more clear about what are my passions. I also enjoy blogging here. That might be one of my passions too.

What? Me, Happy?

Well, I wasn't sure what title to give this blog for today. Nevertheless, my mood lately has been one of happiness. I have been meeting with friends lately, for dinner, for yougurt, for coffee. Talking and sharing one's life with others brings about a certain kind of joy, a certain kind of happiness, of which I am currently experiencing. I like this feeling.

Lately I've Been Thinking About...

Indescribeable...
Amazing...
Too good to be true...
Unbelieveable...
Wonderful...
Fantastic...
Marvelous...
Magnificent...
Astounding...
Gospel
of
JESUS CHRIST!!
Gratitude and thanksgiving
Praise and honor
All for You~
All for You~

What is God's Heart Towards Me?

Last week I was coming home from work. (I live with a new family now.) The kids I live with were playing inside one of the bedrooms that has a window. So, as I was driving by they saw me. And, one of them, Joseph, when he saw me in the car, immediately left the playing in the bedroom, ran to the front door, and greeted me with a big, warm hug!! Now, that's love!! As I reflected upon the 2 year old's actions, it reminded me of God's heart towards me. Indeed, God sees me. He notices my every move. Also, our God is a welcoming God. He invites and welcomes us into His presence. Finally, our God is a warm and generous God. He embraces us. I told his parents that I would remember their son's actions for a very long time. Indeed, God is revealing Himself even in our everyday lives.

Encourage one another daily

So today, our pastor, Lance Pittluck, spoke on encouragement. We all need it. We all want it. And, we're all able to give it out to each other. As he was speaking, I was thinking/reflecting about the many times that God has sent the people to encourage me. If I was living abroad, God sent people to be an encouragement to me. I can't count the number of times we met together for coffee, ice cream, meals and outings together. He also used me to be an encouragement to others. Lance also talked about how when we meet together in Christ's name, that has an encouraging effect on us. I have experienced that exact very thing as I've participated the past year in our FLOW group (family life on wednesdays). As I reflect on my life now, He's continued to send encouraging people into my life. And, I hope to grow in becoming an encourgement to those around me, by God's grace.

New Shoes

Nackwon came to my work tonight! We had dinner together, dessert and fruit too. Then we drove to my house to pick up my voucher for a free pair of work shoes and off to Payless Shoes we went. I found just the right shoe in just the right size. I really like the style, and the price. All I had to pay was $2.61 for tax, and the shoes were F-R-E-E, free!!

I Want You to Have Life

I read book of Romans tonight and felt a desire to attempt to paraphrase God's message. I hope it offers the reader a message of hope and truth. My apologies in advance for any theological simplicities or omissions, for that is not my intent. I simply want to convey a message of hope and truth for the reader.

Yes, you are a sinner. I know that. I want you to know that. That is why I had Moses record the law. I had Moses write the Law so that you would know that you are sinful. But, I want to show mercy to you. I sent Jesus Christ to die for your sin. And his resurrection is what brings you life. All you have to do is believe in what Jesus has done for you. It really is that simple. I want to have mercy on you. And, when you put your faith in Me, in what God has done for you, I want you to live differently. I want you to live in love, doing what is best for other people. And, do not believe lies that the enemy may tell you, lies like I am mad at you, or that I condemn you for your sin. No my child I placed my wrath for sin completely and fully on my Son Jesus Christ. Your faith in Him is what saves you. Walk in the freedom and love and Spirit that I am giving you. Offer your life to me as your reasonable act of worship. I love you, I have always loved you, and I will always love you. My name is Jesus and I am the Lord.

Taco Night With Cathy~

I call this "taco night" with Cathy because she served delicious Mexican food: burritos, tacos, rice, beans and salsa. I felt at home both eating her meal and hanging out together. Even at the last minute Paul helped me with my email in sending a document overseas via email. That was much appreciated. The view to their home was amazing! Gorgeous city lights and green trees surrounding. That was a fun night!

Where Does My Provision Come from?

I feel like I am at an important crossroads in life. I'm 42. Single. Under-employed. Non-homeowner. Many things in my life are not how I planned it. Not how I wanted it. Still, this is where I find myself today. And, I am and have been in the process of making significant life decisions. Such as teaching abroad again. Getting a TEFL certificate. I'm not young anymore! I'm getting older. And, on the one hand, there is the beauty and freedom of choosing to do whatever I would like to do. Then, on the other hand, there is the (boring) option of doing what is necessary to do. But, what is necessary? How does one define it? Where is my center? And where or what, is my core? When I was in my 20s and 30s life could be so carefree. Now, as I'm entering my 40s, I feel like I need to be more responsible; what does that mean? I think it's better to stay with a group of people for a long time, whenever possible. But, staying underemployed in my current job is not a very lucrative option. I need wisdom. I need prayer. I need to get before the Lord and hear from Him what my next steps should be. And, yet, we have choices. So, what will I choose? That is my current situation. And, so, that is why I feel like, and recognize that, I am at an important crossroads in life. I'm choosing how to make the best life possible for myself, and indirectly my decisions impact others around me. But, I feel like my income coming in right now is not enough to support myself. This is irony. And, yet, my job is not my provider; the truth is that Jehovah Jirah is my Provider. This is truth; and, choosing the best life for me, is that not allright? Should I not want and desire this?