Trajedy in Death

Senseless. Shock and disbelief. Anger. A range of emotions is what I feel after finding out about the death of a co-worker recently. She was only 18. Hit by a drunk driver. Why was she out so late Saturday nite? Where were her parents and/or guardians? Who can make sense of a young girl dying, when she had so much potential and life to live? What was the purpose of her life? What about God's perspective? When is a person "of age" in God's eyes to be responsible for knowledge of salvation? Was she saved? Where will she spend eternity? These are some of the questions I've been asking myself lately. These are some of the things that I've been grappling with lately. And, the pain her parents, not to mention her boyfriend, are going through. It breaks my heart to know their pain and deep grief. And, why her and not me, or someone else? Why did she have to die? It doesn't make any sense to me. And, the drunk driver; he's ruined his own life. He will have to sit in a jail for the rest of his life, if not the majority of it. He was only 37. So, not only did he ruin a young girl's life, but, he's ruined his own as well. My message is this: friends, don't let friends drive drunk!! Period. And, what about the bar owners? Should they not be held responsible too, after all, they're the ones who served the alcohol. This kind of thing happens everyday. It is especially sad when it hits closer to home. Makes me wake up and kind of take an inventory of life. Makes me want to tell all the people close to me how much I appreciate them. My second message is this: tell the people you love that you love them. Tell the people you appreciate that you appreciate them. Let the people around you know that you care, and are there for them. Make the most of every moment. This is the life. This is what I'm thinking about these days.

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.