Being back in Canada has been quite lovely. I’ve forgotten just how strange my family is (and how much I missed it!...I see where mine comes from), felt the West Coast weather, slept a lot, missed Asia immensely, cooked things that no one should be forced to eat (except the fam), seen my babies who have grown all too big, thought a lot about Asia, been wowed over the appearance of Canadian money, laughed a whole lot, really longed for Asia, lived out of a suitcase, watched real English TV, and a bunch of other stuff. I’m happy to be back, but ready to head home soon.
Now it’s on to Michigan for the long awaited wedding. I’m sure that’ll be a whirlwind of hugs and hellos, dress fittings, picture taking, smiles and much laughing, some tears (bring the tissues), and shoes that don’t quite fit but look pretty anyways. I’m excited to see all the people I haven’t seen in so long. I’m sure it’ll fly by and before I know it, I’ll be gone again. I’m going to have to keep my eyes and heart open for ways I can serve.
China hovers in the distance. Ok, that was poor, but anyways. China will be coming soon. My China! I get butterflies when I think of it. I’ve been in contact with a foreign run orphanage there north of Shanghai, and I’ll be going to visit them while I’m in China. Prayers for that. I wan’t to be a blessing and serve them however I can.
God’s shown Himself to me a lot since I’ve been back. It’s nice to be quiet and reflect on the last year, and I’ve seen my glaringly obvious sins and downfalls, and God’s amazing grace and how He’s grabbed my hand even if I didn’t want to take His and pulled me back up next to Him. I’ll never be happy with who I am in Him. There will ALWAYS been MUCH room for “improvement” or drawing closer to Him and becoming more like Him. But, that’s why He gives grace. Because He knew I’d need it. :) He’s awesome like that.
I was reading in Ephesians 1:3-14 a couple days ago in my time with God, and the immensity of it hit me.
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
“Chose us”, “in love He predestined us”, “adopted as sons...in accordance with his pleasure and will”, “to the praise of his glorious grace”, “freely given”, “in Him we have redemption”, “forgiveness of sins”, “that He lavished on us”, “according to His good pleasure”, “in Him we were also chosen”, “we...might be for the praise of His glory”, “you also were included in Christ”, “marked in Him with a seal”, “guaranteeing our inheritance”, and “God’s possession to the praise of His glory.”
He would do this for us? Who are we?
The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. Get busy.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Over the mountains and oceans
I Haven't updated in a long while. Hmm...I need to get better about that. But isn't that always how it goes? I've had an eventful summer so far. It started with a tearful goodbye to my students. Wait. Rewind. Just kidding there. I was sad to see them go, but I didn't shed a tear. Instead, I hoped on a plane to Hong Kong. Unfortunately that was just a layover. Next came the 11 hour flight to London (which I saw from the air and now I greatly desire to visit) and to top it off, a 3 hour flight to Madrid. Total flying time: 17 hours. Total travel time: 24 hours. My brain is thinking things like "what day is it?" "what time is it?" "how do I get to the hostel?" and "I'm tired...I think."
I held tightly to my bag as I hopped...or rather dragged my self and my luggage on to the Madrid metro. I'd heard about pick pockets in Europe, and I wasn't taking any chances. I found the hostel quickly, others weren't so fortunate, and promptly fell asleep. I had good intentions of exploring but....
Friends came, we got settled in, and we went to bed early. I won't bore you with more details of our day, but we did pay too much for a tour bus which took us to all the main sites. We saw some awesome architecture and some not so awesome paintings. I think they were supposed to be awesome but weren't. Maybe it's me...
On Sunday morning we got up with the sun and made our way to the place where the Vaughtown bus would meet us. The four hour bus ride didn't feel so long, and soon we said farewell to civilization as we knew it. No kidding. We were a bazillion miles from nowhere in a small village of about 35 people called Valdelavilla. It was quaint and surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery, but the only inhabitants were our group, a few cooks, and some waiters. An interesing experience to be sure. The next 5 days were spent in conversation with spaniard business men and women. We did one on one conversation, phone calls, conference calls, group activities, skits, and the coveted free time. It was a fun week overall once we got over the fact that the nearest town was miles away and we had no cell phone reception or cars (not that I had a cell phone but it was pretty funny to watch some of the spaniards walk 30 minutes down the mountain path just to find a signal.)
After the little graduation ceremony, we boarded the bus once again and headed back to reality. The spaniards were happy to be able to speak Spanish again and the Anglos were just happy to see civilization. And that, In half a
nut shell, was vaughantown.
We spent the next day touring the palace in Madrid. Before we went to the palace, however, we searched frantically for an Internet cafe. You see, when flying with Ryan Air, you must check in online. If you don't you're charged a not so happy 40 euros to check
In when you get there. God was very good and I was able to check in online an print out mu boarding pass. So, on to the palace. It was pretty cool. There was a room for 'the ceremony of dressing'...who has a room in which they only get dresses? Like what.
When we got to the airport, God was good once again. My carry on bag BARELY fit and my checked bag was 1 kg over but the lady was in a good mood and so we were cleared and I didn't have to pay 70 euro for my second bag. We got great seats on the open seat flight and were off to Roma.
The next 6 days flew by. The hostel in which we stayed was actually a camp ground...a rather large one at that. It was about an hour outside the city by metro and awfully close to the beach. The beach, of course, was the splendid blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. Anyways, we saw all the major sites and some not so major sites when we attempted, unsucessfully, to find the 'real' italia. It was shut down for the day apparently. The first day ended a bit early for we had probably walked close to 1,000 miles. I might exaggerate a tad, but we walked a lot! Our stay in Rome was filled with yummy espresso and gelto, breathtaking sites, awesome pizza, and friendly people. We were awestruck and silent in the coloseum, caught in the rain, tired after climbing 322 steps to the cupula of St. Peters Basillica, burned by the sun at the beach, overwhelmed with the ruins of the massive city of Pompeii, and almost killed by slippery tiles on the Spanish Steps in the rain, among other things. It was a stellar trip.
When we got to the airport on the last day, we were greeted by a ground crew strike. Welcome to our country! :) all was worked out and my flight was rerouted to Toronto where my other flight was delayed for several hours. I made it home in one piece and managed to fool my patents into thinking I had dyed my hair dark brown and cut my bangs short with a little help from a wig I had bought in Seoul.
So there you have it. The first couple legs of my summer adventures. More to come unless I die or the Lord comes back (which I hope for!) Peace.
I held tightly to my bag as I hopped...or rather dragged my self and my luggage on to the Madrid metro. I'd heard about pick pockets in Europe, and I wasn't taking any chances. I found the hostel quickly, others weren't so fortunate, and promptly fell asleep. I had good intentions of exploring but....
Friends came, we got settled in, and we went to bed early. I won't bore you with more details of our day, but we did pay too much for a tour bus which took us to all the main sites. We saw some awesome architecture and some not so awesome paintings. I think they were supposed to be awesome but weren't. Maybe it's me...
On Sunday morning we got up with the sun and made our way to the place where the Vaughtown bus would meet us. The four hour bus ride didn't feel so long, and soon we said farewell to civilization as we knew it. No kidding. We were a bazillion miles from nowhere in a small village of about 35 people called Valdelavilla. It was quaint and surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery, but the only inhabitants were our group, a few cooks, and some waiters. An interesing experience to be sure. The next 5 days were spent in conversation with spaniard business men and women. We did one on one conversation, phone calls, conference calls, group activities, skits, and the coveted free time. It was a fun week overall once we got over the fact that the nearest town was miles away and we had no cell phone reception or cars (not that I had a cell phone but it was pretty funny to watch some of the spaniards walk 30 minutes down the mountain path just to find a signal.)
After the little graduation ceremony, we boarded the bus once again and headed back to reality. The spaniards were happy to be able to speak Spanish again and the Anglos were just happy to see civilization. And that, In half a
nut shell, was vaughantown.
We spent the next day touring the palace in Madrid. Before we went to the palace, however, we searched frantically for an Internet cafe. You see, when flying with Ryan Air, you must check in online. If you don't you're charged a not so happy 40 euros to check
In when you get there. God was very good and I was able to check in online an print out mu boarding pass. So, on to the palace. It was pretty cool. There was a room for 'the ceremony of dressing'...who has a room in which they only get dresses? Like what.
When we got to the airport, God was good once again. My carry on bag BARELY fit and my checked bag was 1 kg over but the lady was in a good mood and so we were cleared and I didn't have to pay 70 euro for my second bag. We got great seats on the open seat flight and were off to Roma.
The next 6 days flew by. The hostel in which we stayed was actually a camp ground...a rather large one at that. It was about an hour outside the city by metro and awfully close to the beach. The beach, of course, was the splendid blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. Anyways, we saw all the major sites and some not so major sites when we attempted, unsucessfully, to find the 'real' italia. It was shut down for the day apparently. The first day ended a bit early for we had probably walked close to 1,000 miles. I might exaggerate a tad, but we walked a lot! Our stay in Rome was filled with yummy espresso and gelto, breathtaking sites, awesome pizza, and friendly people. We were awestruck and silent in the coloseum, caught in the rain, tired after climbing 322 steps to the cupula of St. Peters Basillica, burned by the sun at the beach, overwhelmed with the ruins of the massive city of Pompeii, and almost killed by slippery tiles on the Spanish Steps in the rain, among other things. It was a stellar trip.
When we got to the airport on the last day, we were greeted by a ground crew strike. Welcome to our country! :) all was worked out and my flight was rerouted to Toronto where my other flight was delayed for several hours. I made it home in one piece and managed to fool my patents into thinking I had dyed my hair dark brown and cut my bangs short with a little help from a wig I had bought in Seoul.
So there you have it. The first couple legs of my summer adventures. More to come unless I die or the Lord comes back (which I hope for!) Peace.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sunshine and Rainbows
The valleys, storms, and heartache of this life will so quickly be forgotten when, in heaven, we look on the beautiful face of our Lord. He will wipe our tears that we cried for our sins and for the sins that plague the world. We'll stand in awe of his nail scars and be bathed in the light of God. A sinless place where we'll cast our crowns at the feet of God. No night, no fear, no sorrow. In thought of all this, how can we worry or complain through the fire now? We have so great a reward waiting beyond the gates of heaven. The beautiful face of our Lord. The words we long to hear if we have been faithful: well done. These thoughts make this life's trouble seem so small.
One more week. My first year done. Wow! 10 days until I leave Korea and move on for a while. My heart...I need to taste China. Strange as it might sound, I desire it. But God has a place for me elsewhere, and how can I argue with that? :) Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Once I finally set sail for China and root myself in that great country, I'll not have to leave if God wills. If it's in his plan for my life. My life, though, I want it to be a life of a devoted servant. Quietly and faithfully serving my Master wherever he needs me. A life given to telling others of his love. Of serving others. My greatest need is that Christ is shown in me and not me in me. I've struggled with that all along, but God gives MUCH undeserved grace.
Does the extent of your sin overwhelm you? Not enough is that true for me. But when it does, wow. My heart feels like it'll break because...why? Why pardon me? Why see me filthy and vile and love that? God the greatest one. Who am I then to look on anyone, even the lowest, and judge and not love them.
I tell you what, this year has been up and down. But through all the loops...guess who has been faitfhul. That's an easy one. God. God who never changes even through life's many changes. God who never goes back on His word or betrays us or forgets our needs or leaves us to fend for ourselves. More and more I see each day that without God, where in the world would I be? I don't really even want to think of that.
I struggle with the thought that I haven't done enough for God this year. I haven't shared the gospel with those around me enough. I haven't given God enough of my time and love. I haven't worked hard enough in my job. I haven't shown Him in my life enough. But after all that, I get forgiveness. I get grace and mercy and the ability to confess my sins, have them forgiven, and move on to serve God more fully. That's pretty amazing. Thanks to God. I think of it as a piece of silver. It gets really tarnished...it's not pretty and looks pretty worthless. The more I do my own thing and not God's, I become covered in the grime of the world. Then Jesus comes and I ask him to take it away. He polishes me and once again, I'm bright and beautiful and Jesus' light is shown once again. The dullness is gone, and my life shows the brilliance of my God.
So here I go. Papers to grade, a house to pack and clean, people to love, and God to serve. Please pray that all my travels are safe this summer and that I can show God wherever I go.
One more week. My first year done. Wow! 10 days until I leave Korea and move on for a while. My heart...I need to taste China. Strange as it might sound, I desire it. But God has a place for me elsewhere, and how can I argue with that? :) Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Once I finally set sail for China and root myself in that great country, I'll not have to leave if God wills. If it's in his plan for my life. My life, though, I want it to be a life of a devoted servant. Quietly and faithfully serving my Master wherever he needs me. A life given to telling others of his love. Of serving others. My greatest need is that Christ is shown in me and not me in me. I've struggled with that all along, but God gives MUCH undeserved grace.
Does the extent of your sin overwhelm you? Not enough is that true for me. But when it does, wow. My heart feels like it'll break because...why? Why pardon me? Why see me filthy and vile and love that? God the greatest one. Who am I then to look on anyone, even the lowest, and judge and not love them.
I tell you what, this year has been up and down. But through all the loops...guess who has been faitfhul. That's an easy one. God. God who never changes even through life's many changes. God who never goes back on His word or betrays us or forgets our needs or leaves us to fend for ourselves. More and more I see each day that without God, where in the world would I be? I don't really even want to think of that.
I struggle with the thought that I haven't done enough for God this year. I haven't shared the gospel with those around me enough. I haven't given God enough of my time and love. I haven't worked hard enough in my job. I haven't shown Him in my life enough. But after all that, I get forgiveness. I get grace and mercy and the ability to confess my sins, have them forgiven, and move on to serve God more fully. That's pretty amazing. Thanks to God. I think of it as a piece of silver. It gets really tarnished...it's not pretty and looks pretty worthless. The more I do my own thing and not God's, I become covered in the grime of the world. Then Jesus comes and I ask him to take it away. He polishes me and once again, I'm bright and beautiful and Jesus' light is shown once again. The dullness is gone, and my life shows the brilliance of my God.
So here I go. Papers to grade, a house to pack and clean, people to love, and God to serve. Please pray that all my travels are safe this summer and that I can show God wherever I go.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Eating Popsicles on a Hot Day
If I don't get to see the world or make money or have nice things or live to an old age or have many friends or own a great house and car or get to do fun things or have an awesome job or get married and have lots of babies or live comfotably...if I never get to do any of these things, just let me serve God.
Over seeing the world, give me a place to serve Him where many do not know Christ. In place of making money, give me great security in knowing that God will provide for my needs. Instead of having nice things, give me contentment with what I have. If I don't get to live to be old, give me grace and strength to use every second to serve God. If there aren't many friends in my life, let God be my greatest friend ever. If I don't own a house or a car, let me be pleased with all God gives me. If I don't get to do many fun things, let me take joy in all the blessings Christ brings along, even the tiny things. If I don't have an awesome job, let me love where God put me, work at it with all my heart for God's glory, and use it as a witnessing tool. If I don't get married or have kids, let God be all I need. If I live an uncomfortable life, let me be grateful for every breath. Even if God chooses to give me these things, let Him be enough. Let Him be all I need, all I desire, all I seek. All I work for, all my contentment. Let him receive all my worship and praise.
I bought a bike. Its orange with a basket, a bell, and a light!! For those of you who wonder, I also bought a helemet. :) On Thursday, I rode for about 1.5 hours, Friday topped the charts at 4 hours, and Saturday was about 3 hours. Needless to say, I've discovered how much I love it and I've also come to know how sore one can get. Seoul really is a great city with some awesome bike lanes. It's my new fun hobby.
China calls me. Come to me, Anna. Haha ok not actually like that, but I still get butterflies when I think of going back to China. Oh, I realize it's communist and largely closed to the gospel, I realize the langauage is hard (as I study it), I realize the people I want to reach are poor and I might be poor ( If God wills), and I know that the government will oppose any of my attempts to spread the gospel. But I also know that God will go before me, working in hearts. Behind me, protecting me and growing seeds I plant, and beside me, comforting me, being my truest friend, urging me to continue till glory, showering me with strength, grace, and blessings, keeping my feet from evil, helping me serve Him, and helping me to be faithful in everything I do. So the souls who are on their way to hell, those are the people to whom
I'll be going. With God, for God, by the strength of God. No country is too hard for God. Nothing is too big for God.
School is over in only 3 weeks. Wowza...my first year of teaching...done? Where did the time go! I'll be setting sail for several countries this summer, and I couldn't be more excited. I know that's all I talk about, but I'm just sloop. Sloop? *shrug* don't ask me.
The weather here...oh so scrumptious! Warm and blue. It's Buddha's birthday parade today. Not that I want to say happy birthday false god who draws people away from the one true God, but I've heard the parade is stellar. I'm NOT riding my bike there, though. I'm letting my body have a break!!
Poem
Because of love you made the blind see
In matchless power calmed the storm on the sea
And you healed the sick and made the lame rise
You are power, you are God, let our praises rise
Because of grace you set barabas free
In matchless love you took the cross
For me
And you walked the road and let them
Nail you
You are freedom, you are good, let our worship rise
Shout his praise all the earth
Sing his glory
Let his name resound
He is mighty
Power and wisdom
mighty to save
Let our God be lifted
Let his name be praised
Because of love you made my heart see
In matchless grace gave precious life to me
And you broke the chains and gave me freedom
You are love, you are grace, let my praises rise
Over seeing the world, give me a place to serve Him where many do not know Christ. In place of making money, give me great security in knowing that God will provide for my needs. Instead of having nice things, give me contentment with what I have. If I don't get to live to be old, give me grace and strength to use every second to serve God. If there aren't many friends in my life, let God be my greatest friend ever. If I don't own a house or a car, let me be pleased with all God gives me. If I don't get to do many fun things, let me take joy in all the blessings Christ brings along, even the tiny things. If I don't have an awesome job, let me love where God put me, work at it with all my heart for God's glory, and use it as a witnessing tool. If I don't get married or have kids, let God be all I need. If I live an uncomfortable life, let me be grateful for every breath. Even if God chooses to give me these things, let Him be enough. Let Him be all I need, all I desire, all I seek. All I work for, all my contentment. Let him receive all my worship and praise.
I bought a bike. Its orange with a basket, a bell, and a light!! For those of you who wonder, I also bought a helemet. :) On Thursday, I rode for about 1.5 hours, Friday topped the charts at 4 hours, and Saturday was about 3 hours. Needless to say, I've discovered how much I love it and I've also come to know how sore one can get. Seoul really is a great city with some awesome bike lanes. It's my new fun hobby.
China calls me. Come to me, Anna. Haha ok not actually like that, but I still get butterflies when I think of going back to China. Oh, I realize it's communist and largely closed to the gospel, I realize the langauage is hard (as I study it), I realize the people I want to reach are poor and I might be poor ( If God wills), and I know that the government will oppose any of my attempts to spread the gospel. But I also know that God will go before me, working in hearts. Behind me, protecting me and growing seeds I plant, and beside me, comforting me, being my truest friend, urging me to continue till glory, showering me with strength, grace, and blessings, keeping my feet from evil, helping me serve Him, and helping me to be faithful in everything I do. So the souls who are on their way to hell, those are the people to whom
I'll be going. With God, for God, by the strength of God. No country is too hard for God. Nothing is too big for God.
School is over in only 3 weeks. Wowza...my first year of teaching...done? Where did the time go! I'll be setting sail for several countries this summer, and I couldn't be more excited. I know that's all I talk about, but I'm just sloop. Sloop? *shrug* don't ask me.
The weather here...oh so scrumptious! Warm and blue. It's Buddha's birthday parade today. Not that I want to say happy birthday false god who draws people away from the one true God, but I've heard the parade is stellar. I'm NOT riding my bike there, though. I'm letting my body have a break!!
Poem
Because of love you made the blind see
In matchless power calmed the storm on the sea
And you healed the sick and made the lame rise
You are power, you are God, let our praises rise
Because of grace you set barabas free
In matchless love you took the cross
For me
And you walked the road and let them
Nail you
You are freedom, you are good, let our worship rise
Shout his praise all the earth
Sing his glory
Let his name resound
He is mighty
Power and wisdom
mighty to save
Let our God be lifted
Let his name be praised
Because of love you made my heart see
In matchless grace gave precious life to me
And you broke the chains and gave me freedom
You are love, you are grace, let my praises rise
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Rewind
Sorry for not updating more, but things just get busy and I forget. I tend to have the memory span of a goldfish...about 3 seconds.
The weather is GORGEOUS here. Warm, only a tiny bit humid, a more or less blue skies all around. My hair tells me that the humidity is steadily growing. And my hair usually doesn't lie.
Only 28 more days until school is finished. Wow...a whole year down only by God's grace. It flew by like...something flying very fast. I know the summer will whip past too in a whirlwind of activity. I'll be doing A LOT of traveling...Spain, Italy, Canada, America, Seoul, China...wow. But I'm excited.
I was thinking about it yesterday and I'm excited to be able to read the signs and understand what people are saying. I don't miss America (of course I miss my family) but it'll be nice to not need a translator. I think I'm slowly becoming Asian... This could be interesting.
My chinese studies are coming along quite nicely. The language is beauitful and it just makes sense. The hardest part is memorizing the characters and getting the pronounciation down, but even that just takes memorization. God will help me, I know this.
We've been getting news letters from Vaughan Town recently. They sent pictures of the venue, and it's stunning. Very secluded but pretty. The rooms look stellar as well...we get our own rooms! I'll be sure to take many pictures. That is hoping that the Iceland volcano will stop errupting long enough for us to go and get out. I'll have my trust pink blanket lest we should be stranded in the airport.
I went bike riding at Seoul Forest yesterday. The weather was stellar and the trees were green and the flowers fragrant. A perfect day to enjoy the nature God created. I hadn't
rode a bike...riden a bike (been in Korea too long)...anyways, I hadn't been on a bike since I was young I guess. I thought I was goin to fall off and die, but I didn't! I triumphed! My bike was pink with a basket and a bell. A perfect combo and the bell was fun though maybe slightly overused. :) I went down by the 한강 (Han River) and rode again tonight. A perfect night for biking. I got to hold a parrot too!
I'm in the process of packing up my house so they can move my things to a different apartment while I'm away for the summer. Teachers seem to move a lot here, but I don't mind at all. I'll be literally right around the corner from the school and THAT I definitely don't mind!
God's just been so good. I'm so thankful still for the salvation of my student, and I'm still praying for the salvation of more. I know that even when someone seems so far gone and totally out of reach, they're never out of reach of my all powerful God. Nothing is impossible for Him, not even the hardest of hearts. I'm thankful and so humbled that he knows my weekness and many sins and broken promises and unusableness, yet...still he chooses to use me. It's something I'll never grasp, but something for which I'll be eternally grateful. Used by God...what an honor.
Sometimes I wish I could borrow God's eyes for just a second. Then I could see all the sin just as it is. Then maybe...just maybe...I would feel a greater sense of urgency to tell people about the Lord. I would see hell more clearly and I would not want to hide it for fear that they would go to that awful, Godless, burning, dark place. I hate the fact that I don't open my mouth more. I pray for forgiveness when I pass up an opportunity to tell someone about Christ's love. God forgives and gives more chances. It's what I was my whole life to be given to...the spreading of the gospel and good news of Jesus' death and humble service to God filled with praise and real love...it seems so unatainable really. A huge mountain I can't cross. But by God's grace I can.
That's my life in a nut shell as of late. I'm just loving being here. It's proving true more and more each day that as long as I get to serve God, I am content. That is, after all, why I'm here. To serve and glorify God. All the praise to Him!
Peace.
The weather is GORGEOUS here. Warm, only a tiny bit humid, a more or less blue skies all around. My hair tells me that the humidity is steadily growing. And my hair usually doesn't lie.
Only 28 more days until school is finished. Wow...a whole year down only by God's grace. It flew by like...something flying very fast. I know the summer will whip past too in a whirlwind of activity. I'll be doing A LOT of traveling...Spain, Italy, Canada, America, Seoul, China...wow. But I'm excited.
I was thinking about it yesterday and I'm excited to be able to read the signs and understand what people are saying. I don't miss America (of course I miss my family) but it'll be nice to not need a translator. I think I'm slowly becoming Asian... This could be interesting.
My chinese studies are coming along quite nicely. The language is beauitful and it just makes sense. The hardest part is memorizing the characters and getting the pronounciation down, but even that just takes memorization. God will help me, I know this.
We've been getting news letters from Vaughan Town recently. They sent pictures of the venue, and it's stunning. Very secluded but pretty. The rooms look stellar as well...we get our own rooms! I'll be sure to take many pictures. That is hoping that the Iceland volcano will stop errupting long enough for us to go and get out. I'll have my trust pink blanket lest we should be stranded in the airport.
I went bike riding at Seoul Forest yesterday. The weather was stellar and the trees were green and the flowers fragrant. A perfect day to enjoy the nature God created. I hadn't
rode a bike...riden a bike (been in Korea too long)...anyways, I hadn't been on a bike since I was young I guess. I thought I was goin to fall off and die, but I didn't! I triumphed! My bike was pink with a basket and a bell. A perfect combo and the bell was fun though maybe slightly overused. :) I went down by the 한강 (Han River) and rode again tonight. A perfect night for biking. I got to hold a parrot too!
I'm in the process of packing up my house so they can move my things to a different apartment while I'm away for the summer. Teachers seem to move a lot here, but I don't mind at all. I'll be literally right around the corner from the school and THAT I definitely don't mind!
God's just been so good. I'm so thankful still for the salvation of my student, and I'm still praying for the salvation of more. I know that even when someone seems so far gone and totally out of reach, they're never out of reach of my all powerful God. Nothing is impossible for Him, not even the hardest of hearts. I'm thankful and so humbled that he knows my weekness and many sins and broken promises and unusableness, yet...still he chooses to use me. It's something I'll never grasp, but something for which I'll be eternally grateful. Used by God...what an honor.
Sometimes I wish I could borrow God's eyes for just a second. Then I could see all the sin just as it is. Then maybe...just maybe...I would feel a greater sense of urgency to tell people about the Lord. I would see hell more clearly and I would not want to hide it for fear that they would go to that awful, Godless, burning, dark place. I hate the fact that I don't open my mouth more. I pray for forgiveness when I pass up an opportunity to tell someone about Christ's love. God forgives and gives more chances. It's what I was my whole life to be given to...the spreading of the gospel and good news of Jesus' death and humble service to God filled with praise and real love...it seems so unatainable really. A huge mountain I can't cross. But by God's grace I can.
That's my life in a nut shell as of late. I'm just loving being here. It's proving true more and more each day that as long as I get to serve God, I am content. That is, after all, why I'm here. To serve and glorify God. All the praise to Him!
Peace.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Angels rejoice
Achievement testing...gotta love it. The air is warm, the cherry trees are snowing yummy blossoms all around, the lilac bushes are begining to bloom, the skies are filled with ominous clouds, and rain falls once in a while. Spring is here. Spring cleaning? Maybe not. Spring fever? Aside from allergies (try red puffy eyes, a runny nose, and the ever present nap time feeling) there's the longing for school to be done. Yes, spring has come to Seoul. My little town looks just stellar with it's newfound color.
The angels are singing today too. God brought another lost and dying soul to himself and saved her...because of mercy and grace. Undeserved. One of the two students whom I have been praying for since the beginning of the year finally gave her life to Christ. I was so happy. All the praise goes to God alone!!
It's getting late (10:21 is late when you have allergies) so signing off! Peace.
Sometimes the heartache just gnaws at your soul
Sometimes in darkness you feel lost and alone
But there is hope when it seems hope is gone
Trusting in Jesus bring peace and a song
Lay every burden at the foot of the cross
Every tear every sorrow every hurt every loss
In the arms of the savior who creates every storm
Let the comforter carry your load
Often the storm clouds loom dark o'er your head
Seeming to mock you and make you despair
But every trial is given by God
Who'll never leave you, who will calm every care
Past every valley is a mountain top high
Waiting for you to press on and climb
Find strength in Jesus and trust in his power
He'll prove he's faithful in the darkest of hours
The angels are singing today too. God brought another lost and dying soul to himself and saved her...because of mercy and grace. Undeserved. One of the two students whom I have been praying for since the beginning of the year finally gave her life to Christ. I was so happy. All the praise goes to God alone!!
It's getting late (10:21 is late when you have allergies) so signing off! Peace.
Sometimes the heartache just gnaws at your soul
Sometimes in darkness you feel lost and alone
But there is hope when it seems hope is gone
Trusting in Jesus bring peace and a song
Lay every burden at the foot of the cross
Every tear every sorrow every hurt every loss
In the arms of the savior who creates every storm
Let the comforter carry your load
Often the storm clouds loom dark o'er your head
Seeming to mock you and make you despair
But every trial is given by God
Who'll never leave you, who will calm every care
Past every valley is a mountain top high
Waiting for you to press on and climb
Find strength in Jesus and trust in his power
He'll prove he's faithful in the darkest of hours
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Update
Things have been busy busy busy here. The spring program, Pinnichio, is coming up on Friday. Everyone has been preparing for that, and things have been a bit crazy with daily practices.
We got a new lunch system and so lunch times changed. This changed chapel times and art times and other things. We didn't have a big enough place to meet for chapel on Thursday because of all the changes, so instead of canceling, we moved all the desks out of my classroom and PACKED about 70 kids into my little classroom. It was hot and crowded but fun and God was praised.
I'm still praying for a couple of my students who have expressed to me that they know they don't have Jesus living in their heart. They know all about God's love, Jesus' death for their sins, the severity of their sins, heaven and hell, and much much more. I know that God is working in their hearts. I'll just keep praying.
I'm working on memorizing Psalm 119:9-16. Temptations come SO often. So often. How can a young man (or woman) keep his way pure? Hide God's word in my heart. Follow his commandments. Know my God. Stay away from worldly things. Meditate on God's laws. Love his commandments. Then, when temptation comes, I will know what to do so that I will not sin. God promises his help but I have to take it. I can't expect to sail through life free and clear. I have to guard my heart and mind and do that with the help of my God.
I'm pretty sure I'm teaching 5th grade next year, and I'm excited about that. I have really enjoyed this past year. Speaking of which, I can believe how quickly it has passed!! Less than 2 short months and the year will be done and I'll be in Europe and then Canada, America, and then back to Korea.
Toodles for now! Peace.
We got a new lunch system and so lunch times changed. This changed chapel times and art times and other things. We didn't have a big enough place to meet for chapel on Thursday because of all the changes, so instead of canceling, we moved all the desks out of my classroom and PACKED about 70 kids into my little classroom. It was hot and crowded but fun and God was praised.
I'm still praying for a couple of my students who have expressed to me that they know they don't have Jesus living in their heart. They know all about God's love, Jesus' death for their sins, the severity of their sins, heaven and hell, and much much more. I know that God is working in their hearts. I'll just keep praying.
I'm working on memorizing Psalm 119:9-16. Temptations come SO often. So often. How can a young man (or woman) keep his way pure? Hide God's word in my heart. Follow his commandments. Know my God. Stay away from worldly things. Meditate on God's laws. Love his commandments. Then, when temptation comes, I will know what to do so that I will not sin. God promises his help but I have to take it. I can't expect to sail through life free and clear. I have to guard my heart and mind and do that with the help of my God.
I'm pretty sure I'm teaching 5th grade next year, and I'm excited about that. I have really enjoyed this past year. Speaking of which, I can believe how quickly it has passed!! Less than 2 short months and the year will be done and I'll be in Europe and then Canada, America, and then back to Korea.
Toodles for now! Peace.
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