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.

Naturally Supernatural

In my quiet time the other day I read an encouraging passage of Scripture that I want to share with you.

For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

I was so encouraged and edified from reading this verse. God made me realize that his words are words of life to those who are being saved; that He could use me, my mouth, to edify the saints that I come in contact with on a daily basis. So, while I was at work, I began to praise the Lord in song. In Spanish song actually. And, it was so fun! But, more importantly, the words I sang imparted life and grace to the hearers.

God has been filling me with his spirit and imparting a boldness to speak and sing for him in the workplace. When a co-worker was sick, I prayed for him. When a believing customer came in with a problem, I prayed for her aloud as naturally as I was conducting her transaction. His grace is upon my life! Hallelujah, praise the Lord.