Walk for Hope 5K

Today my friend and I participated in the City of Hope's 5K Walk For Hope. Although it rained in the beginning, our day turned out to be a blast and I am so glad I was able to do it. Our team alone raised almost $600 just between TJ and myself. And, out of all the participants, as a group we raised one million dollars for research for women's cures for cancer. I am so glad I was able to do something altruistic and outside of myself. And, I am so proud of my family and friends who made contributions to the cause. It was really an amazing and heartwarming event to be involved in for me. There were kids cheering on the participants and I thought that was neat. I saw a woman participate in the 5K walk with her walker. There were signs along a fence with stories of women and families who had been affected in some way by cancer. Some of the stories were of women who had overcome their cancer; others were stories of the memories left behind by loved ones. One especially touching moment for me was when I read a sign by someone who's mom had died of cancer and it read something like, "in loving memory of our mom." A tear came to my eyes at several points today. And, it was fun just to hang out with my friend. We have both been on different continents for the past 5 years or more, so we have rarely seen each other. It was definately fun to reconnect with my friend. There are so many women we know, who have been affected in some way by cancer. We all know someone, or know of someone, who has cancer or who had cancer. They said that one in three women will develop cancer in a lifetime. Sad. But, today we made a difference. I moved outside myself. I'm thankful to each and every single one of my supporters who made a contribution for the cause. Each dollar given is one step closer to hopefully finding a cure, and helping women in need. Yeah, I'm really glad I did this. Last year at this time, there is no way I could have walked a 5K at the pace we went today. We did it like a power walk, so kind of fast. But, since I've been Zumba dancing since January of this year, I was in better physical condition and able to do it. I am ready to train for running a 5K. Maybe early next year!

ESL Buddies

Our school has ESL Buddies. It is an opportunity for the students to get to interact with native English speakers, such as myself. I have signed up to be a student buddy. We begin meeting this week! I am looking forward to these new beginnings in my life!

It's been a while since my last update so I thought I'd write just a short note on my life today.

I feel like my life today is amazing! My life today is not at all like I would have imagined, or expected it to be: single, childless, working a variety of part time jobs, and on and on. And yet, my life is amazing because of what I get to do. I am working with ESL adult students, so I get to pour myself into their lives. I get to be their teacher, and make an impact into their lives. Hopefully there is an eternal impact going on there. I also get to tutor students. I get to try to make a positive impact there as well, both with the students and with their families. I hope that I am being a blessing to them just by the simple way I carry myself when I am around them. I am also helping out in childcare at my local church. My vision is to pour out love on the kids. In addition, I hope to sing, dance and play with them. I hope that this year of serving the kids at my church will result in learning how the local church helps develop and build strong families. Finally, I have a part time job as a caregiver for a disabled lady. I hope that I can be a blessing to her and the other caregivers as well.

So, I didn't imagine that at age 43 I would be single, childless, and a non-homeowner. However, there are other things that I am doing with my life; I am making a positive contribution into the lives of others around me, (and that is what life is all about). I hope that there is a positive ripple effect of my life that spills over into the lives of those around me. These are my thoughts today.

Heart Motives

The word I've been contemplating today is this: MOTIVE. What is my motive for what I do? That is what I've been thinking about today. I am looking at the REAL REASON (or reasons) for why I do the things I do, whatever those things might be. For example, why do I attend worship service? Or, why do I volunteer within the community? Why do I eat healthy or attend Zumba? Or on and on I could go, right?! I believe that there is value in knowing the truth, whether it be "good" or "bad" is not the issue necessarily. Once truth is known, then it can be properly confessed to Our Maker and Our Creator, and that is that. I know that if I have motives that are impure, or motives that are seemingly pure, regardless, I am DEARLY LOVED. Yes, I have a Father in heaven who loves me, unconditionally, no matter what! And, He loves you too!!

So, what am I saying? I'm saying that I'll be examining my motives, and know that whatever I happen to find, whether pure or impure, or a mixture of both, I am, always have been, and always will be, loved dearly by my Heavenly Father. Does it make sense? I hope so!!

48 Days to the Work You Love

I am currently listening to an audio book by Dan Miller, called "48 Days to the Work You Love". Have you heard of him? He teaches about how and why it is important to find work in the area of your interest and passion, rather than just earning a paycheck. He seems to give simple, practical and relevant advice and the how to's. How to conduct a successful job search, the value of writing a resume, and why following up works. So far, I have brainstormed my passions, gifts, talents and abilities, as well as "transferable skills", by that meaning, things I did in other jobs that could be transferred to a new profession. I just started so I'll have to fill you in later on what, if anything, I got out of it. I think it's gonna be a worthwhile journey!!

The Outward Focused Life

This past weekend we had a guest speaker come to our church, Dave Workman. He shard about servanthood. I am trying to capture the golden nuggets God gave to me this past weekend.

One thing God stirred in me was a desire to live and reach outside of myself. How easy would it be to buy some gift cards from a local coffee shop (such as Coffee Bean, Starbucks, etc.) and give away to my neighbor, along with a little business card about our church? That inspired me.

Dave also talked about ways we could think creatively to create comfortable environments for the lost. What I got out of this was thinking of my (fishing) nets. What kind of nets could I/we use to love (and catch) those whom Jesus loves?

Of course, there were the car washes, and acts of mercy that Dave also talked about. I think what struck me is that servanthood is a lifestyle, and easily accessible to us. In addition, our fulfillment comes as we engage in serving others.

Serving others is a form of loving others.

Dave's church also did a scratch and win game where church members got a scratch and win lottery card. On the lottery card were options of service they would get to perform. For example, buy someone's gas, pay for someone's meal in the drive through behind you, etc.

And, Dave talked about how our goal was to love. Plain and simple. We were not there to discuss the 4 spiritual laws, at that point. Basically, he's saying love is a net to catch those whom Jesus loves (which is all of us incidently). He is teaching about loving our neighbor for love's sake alone; it is a means to an end, but, it is also the end.

More can be found online at www.outwardfocusedlife.com . I guess you might say Dave propses that "actions speak louder than words". However, our actions can be a bridge that helps connect people wherever they're at on their spiritual journey to The One who loves them unconditionally.

That's all I have to say about that for now.

Weight Loss Tips, Part 2

The List of Do's and Don'ts:
~A list of things I did and things I omitted since January 2011

*Eat home made meals at home; no "fast-food" like McDonald's, Carls' Jr., Burger King, and Taco Bell (unless it's a chicken salad)
*When I did eat out, I opted for the chicken salad (Don Jose's has a great one!)
*Drink 8 glasses of water daily
*Do not drink juice or soda
*Read labels
*I gave up peanut butter because of the fat content, though I might slowly re-introduce it back into my lifestyle someday
*Do not eat white flour products, things like cake, cookies, muffins, TORTILLAS (for at least 6 weeks; I stopped for 8 weeks then gradually ate very little).
*Eat the right foods in the right proportions; learn what they are
*Eat only half cup cooked rice daily for carbs other than fruit
*Eat fruit for dessert instead of cake, candies, cookie
*Use honey instead of sugar
*Omit oatmeal daily
*Eat yogurt daily
*Drink nonfat milk
*Eat more lean meat: white meat chicken without the skin, fish
*Use flavorings that are low-cal; omit the mayo, opt for mustard or ketchup instead
*Take a multi-vitamin daily
*Take fish oil daily
*Eat more fruit and vegetables
*Eat a salad every day with low cal dressing and high protein/lean protein
*Drink water in between meals to help curb food cravings
*A little bit of sweets is okay, but not all the time; once in a while eat the cheesecake, but, make it 4 bites!!
*Drink a cup of hot green tea every morning
*Limit sugar and cream in the coffee; little is okay, black is better
*Find a friend to do it together; anything done together is always more fun!
*Watch Biggest Loser; motivates and inspires you!
*Exercise daily, 5 times a week if possible. Even some movement is better than none!
*Get started now; get started today!
*Write it down; keep a food diary!
*Talk about how its going with food buddy.
*Think about what you put into your mouth; I learned that before my lifestyle change I didn't think about what I was putting into my mouth; I just ate when I felt hungry. Sometimes I would consume 4 or 5 slices of pizza in one sitting! Who does that?! I didn't drink enough water either.
*Once I started doing the right things, with intention, my body knew what to do and shed the excess weight. Amazing, right?!

This is a quick rundown of things I did since January 2011. This is a list of most things I did. I lost a significant and noticeable amount of weight. Now I am eager and willing to help others also get fit, healthy and more slim, though I too am still on my way! I cannot imagine how many health benefits I will have experienced through my weight loss. Perhaps I have avoided many obesity-related diseases and health issues: diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol too high, and unknown others?! Thanks God, and thanks Jane, for helping me get to this stage in life. I couldn't have done it without you!! And, I hope to keep it off, for life. I've made the decision: It is a new lifestyle I think.

Weight Loss Tips

I wasn't sure what to title this blog. But, weight loss tips seemed appropriate, so here goes. Many people have asked me what I've been doing to lose weight? So, this blog is an attempt to self-disclose what I did since January 2011.

My friend offered to help me lose weight, and I said "okay". Then she taught what to do, what NOT to do; she taught me what to eat as well as what not to eat. I followed her advice to the T and have lost a significant as well as noticeable amount of weight since the beginning of this year.

I ate the right foods in the right amounts. I thought about what I put in my mouth. I recorded everything I ate in a food journal. I began by counting total daily fat grams consumed; later I switched over to yes, counting the dreaded calories! I ate a salad a day for lunch!! I used low calorie dressings like sesame ginger soy types. I limited my dressing portion to 1 or 2 tablespoons. I included foods like lean meats and fish into my meals (I wanted to say diet here but in reality this has been more of a lifestyle change than a diet in my mind). For rice I ate only a little bit daily; exactly one serving of rice, which turns out to be half cup cooked rice. I limited my white flour intake to none for the 1st 6 weeks; after that time I slowly included some, but definately not alot!!! I made sure to drink lots of water. I bought a 32 ounce water bottle and drank it through out the day, filling it up twice a day; this amounted to 64 ounces of water per day, or 8 cups of water daily! I omitted liquid sugars from my intake; I took out soda, and fruit juice. I drink at least one cup of hot brewed green tea every morning. I drink non-fat milk. I incuded a small serving of yogurt daily to help digestive tract naturally and intake of calcium and vitamin D.

I also included exercise in my weekly routine. My friend, Jane, wanted me to exercise every day but I started out a little bit slowly. First week 2 or 3 times a week of something aerobic, and gradually increased my workouts to 4 or 5. Now I have found Zumba (Latin dance) to be exhilirating, and fun, and a marvelous calorie burner too!

I also began watching the tv episodes, Biggest Loser weekly. That proved to be a motivating and inspirational activity for me.

Good luck on your journey of health and fitness!! I wish YOU all the best!!

Goal Setting

Just wondering how people find, and keep their motivation for life's goals? What have been some ways you have found your enthusiasm and/or kept your focus on something in your life? Please share!!

For example, in January I began a new eating pattern. Since that time I have lost a significant amount of weight!! In the 1st few weeks I was losing 3, 4 and 5 pounds at a time, so that in and of itself was a motivator for me to keep going! I also had a friend, Jane T., speak into my life about her own story. She inspired me with her own success! I think because I saw results in my own life, I just kept with it. And, even though at one point I "plateued" at a certain weight, after 3 weeks of keeping at it I did go down some more!! Knowing that that is a common experience among "dieters" was helpful for me to stick to the program instead of give up.

Now, I feel like I have done so much "hard work" in achieving this new body, so why would I want to go back? I am enjoying my new body so much! I know that sounds like a weird thing to say but it's true! I have not been the size I am now in over 10 years. I don't even know when was the last time I was at this weight. Seriously. Seriously sad. But nevermind. The compliments from people has been another encouraging factor for me. Not a day goes by when someone will say something nice about my new slimmer appearance. I secretly treasure them.

When you have a goal in your life, whether it be physical, financial, professional, social or spiritual, how do you remain motivated to reach your goal? What setbacks have you encountered and what did you do to overcome them? I'm curious to find out what has been helpful to you in achieving your goals in life? How do you even decide which goals you want? I invite you to leave your comments below!! Thanks!!

When I am Down who Can Help me Get Back Up?

When I have too much time on my hands, I fail. I fail to be productive and manage my time well. This is my weakness; I do better with a routine, with a schedule. This is my current challenge: to make the best of the time I've been given. Will I be able to find a way to be productive during this time of transition? I am waiting for my summer job to start while my other job has finished for the school year. Hence, all this free time. I know I should relish and enjoy this time, but I find that other worries and cares of this world are stealing away my enjoyment. It would be really great if God would work a change in my heart and mind, enabling me to enjoy this season of freedom and transition!! That would be REALLY GREAT!!

Ecclesiastes 4:8-10
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Scripture from: www.biblegateway.com

Always on My Mind

Korea is always on my mind lately. But, before I jump to the conclusion that I will automatically fly across the Pacific again anytime soon, I'd like to explore or examine why I'm always thinking about Korea.

I think one reason is because I have too much time on my hands lately. My tutoring hours are over for the school year now. And, my summer job has yet to begin. Therefore, I have too much time on my hands and haven't found adequate nor productive ways of utilizing my free time. Hence, a preoccupation with the past life in Korea. Spending my current free time looking at the past, pictures of friends, and reminiscing about the good ole days. The one thing I miss the most out of everything Korea reminds me of is the sense of community we shared. We looked out for each other. We spent time together outside the four church walls; we met together throughout the week not just on Sundays. We had relational connection with each other. THIS is what I miss most of all. That sense of love and belonging; of fellowship and meaningful connection with others.

Even though I am constantly thinking about returning someday to Korea, I am not one to rush into any decisions (ha~I say that now!). Once I begin working this summer I will have less free time to ponder and think about returning to Korea. For now I should probably focus on being productive in some way in the PRESENT!! Yes, I know that is a better solution.

Psalm 57

So, the other day I was reading the Bible. Right now I am trying to read the Bible in a year, so I was on Psalm 57. There is also a book I am reading, called "What to Do With Your Wait" by Matt Hardee. In one of the chapters I was reading, the author was also studying Psalm 57. Coincidence? I began to wonder why did this psalm, psalm 57, show up twice in my life? Why did the psalm show up twice in my life from two different sources; two different unrelated sources? I concluded that God must be speaking this psalm to me; He must want to highlight this psalm to me at this time. Though there are hardships in the author's life (King David), he praises the Lord. He puts his trust in the Lord. I think this is the message God wants to give me right now at this time. I hope this blesses you as it does me.

Psalm 57 (New King James Version)

Psalm 57
–To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”[a] A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.

2 I will cry out to God Most High,
To God who performs all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.

4 My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men
Who are set on fire,
Whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

6 They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They have dug a pit before me;
Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah

7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.


Footnotes:
a.Psalm 57:1 Hebrew Al Tashcheth
New King James Version (NKJV)
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Source: www.biblegateway.com

A Paradigm Shift~

A 3 year old can often be seen running around, doing his own thing. The nature of a toddler is to explore his world, right?
Think about a kindergardener, or 1st grader. What do they learn at that age? Well, one thing they have to learn how to do is walk in a straight line, behind the teacher. Could it be that, in our spiritual journeys, we too, experience a similar thing?
For example, in the beginning of our walk with God, we might "go here" and "go there", with Jesus sort of like a mom chasing after a toddler. But, as we progress and mature in our walk with God, could it be that we come to a new place of actually following Jesus, much like the 1st grader learns to walk in a straight line behind his teacher?
I don't think that the Lord looks down upon us for being like a toddler in our walk with God. We have to learn step by step how to have and grow in our relationship with God. What mother doesn't love her child as she trains her child in obedience and propriety? Could it be the same with God? Could it be that He knows and understands we all have to start somewhere? And, eventually He teaches us to follow Him rather than do as we please? Lately I've been thinking about this. Even in our immaturity God still loves us. Think of a father who gets a picture from his 3 or 4 year old. Although it might look like a scribble to a human eye, to the Father's eye it is precious and adoreable. I think this is like God's heart towards us too. And, hopefully, someday, we will grow more and more into the image of love. Is this not our destiny?

Friday Afternoon Job Interview

So, many of you have been asking me how did my interview go? And, I appreciate your interest in my well-being. I hope to share a little bit more about that afternoon interview here. First of all, let me say that it was an extremely short interview! I don't think I was even there for more than 30 minutes! But, having said that, I was under the impression that I would be presenting a sample lesson plan to a panel of 2 to 4 interviewers. But, for whatever reason, I had 1 interview person and I didn't really have to "present" the sample lesson plan that I had brought. However, I was able to show the woman who interviewed me the books and materials that I had brought. She thanked me for bringing them, and, seemed surprised and impressed that I had them. That was my impression anyways.

The anticipation for the actual interview itself seemed worse to me than the actual interview. Once the interview was over, I felt a humongous sense of relief. Yet, prior to it, I was a bunch of nerves! I don't like that about myself, but, this is how I am! Anyways, I also felt my feminine, lady-like side of me, which felt great! Recently, I have lost over 30 pounds due to a change in diet and exercise. Because of that, I have never been this slim in a long long time! I felt so positive about my body image, I cannot even begin to tell you. And, I also recently got a new haircut, that is a little bit more stylish than a ponytail I am used to. I wore earrings and an appropriate outfit along with makeup, and I just felt presentable, if you know what I mean.

Anyways, like I said, the interview itself was short. But, during that time I felt I responded appropriately to most of their questions. Many of the questions seemed "predictable", that is, I could have known that that question would pop up! And, most of my answers I felt were good; there was one question that I had to stammer and stutter through a little bit; it caught me a tiny bit off guard. But, I hopefully recovered well enough.

I'm just glad to say that the interview is over. Now I am having to wait for the results. The interviwer told me she had one more person to interview after me, and that she had interviewed 3 others as well. I'm not sure how many positions are open. But, I am definately very qualified and experienced for the position. They called me back Friday afternoon, but I was driving and didn't hear the phone. So, I called them back and left a message. Then they called me back but I was away from the phone, cooking dinner. So, they left me a message to email them for the status of my interview; which I did. Oh I wish they would just say, "you're hired". But they didn't do that!! I'm hoping that they're calling me is a good sign, but, until I know for certain I hang in there! And, put my trust in God alone who provides for all my needs, sustains and loves me. And, remembering that God is good. God is good and He is working out his plan (for my life). May I keep my eyes on Him.

Sunday Outreach

Last Sunday our church had an outreach. It gave church members an opportunity to invite people in the community to our Easter worship service. Although I was hoping to participate as an encourager/cheerleader for one of the groups, I ended up instead partnering with one of the other ladies in the church. We went door to door in a designated neighborhood, knocking on doors and/or ringing doorbells, introducing ourselves and inviting people to our Easter Sunday worship service. It was such a good time!! I was very impressed with the graciousness expressed by the people we met at the front doors. Most of the people that we met were gracious, and kind. That made me feel like going door to door to invite wasn't so intimidating after all. A side bonus was getting to know my friend better as we traversed door to door; we had a chance to share stories of God. Good times. We visited 50 homes one warm Sunday afternoon. The time went by so quickly. And, it was a good way to get in some walking exercise too. This comment brings a smile to my face!!

Blessing Muslims Initiative

Blessing Muslims Initiative
Just a short little note to say I went to the Blessing Muslims Initiative that was hosted by our church. During that time God began to reveal his heart for lost people, and especially for the Muslim people. God began to stir my heart and expand my heart for Muslim people. Originally I went to the Initiative for genreral training in reaching out to others, crossing boundries of ANY culture. However, it seems God had other plans! He used this time to plant seeds and grow a love in my heart for Muslim people. Jesus said that the gospel must be preached to all the nations then the end will come. So, we are getting there. We are on our way to seeing the end!! Thanks for letting me share!!