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
Monday, April 19, 2010
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.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Good will come back
While I was in china, I was eating at a restaurant. A man came up to order just as I was sitting down to eat. He paid and began to walk away. As he did, his change fell out of his pocket and onto the floor. It was several bills and a decent sum. I grabbed it and went after him. Of course, he didn't know he had dropped it, and he was grateful to get it back. I thought nothing more of it after that, but i thanked God for helping me to be honest.
Then yesterday I was at the grocery store. I had just been paid for tutoring, and I had the money in an envelope it my pocket. Again, a good amount of money. As I was walking out of the store, a lady grabbed my arm. She spoke in Korean and pointed behind me and there on the floor lay my money. She could have kept it, but God had other plans. I'm thankful for that. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you because you reap what you sow.
Then yesterday I was at the grocery store. I had just been paid for tutoring, and I had the money in an envelope it my pocket. Again, a good amount of money. As I was walking out of the store, a lady grabbed my arm. She spoke in Korean and pointed behind me and there on the floor lay my money. She could have kept it, but God had other plans. I'm thankful for that. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you because you reap what you sow.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
When my hearts overflowing with sorrow
When I see that the valley is long
I can trust in my sweet Savior's leading
In true peace Jesus gives me a song
Oh the depths of his love
Oh how great is his grace
He is strength, he is power
And I look on the face
Of the one who redeemed
Me and saved me from sin
He's my God, precious Lord
And I'm his
In each trial he gives comfort and great hope
When I sin he forgives every stain
I will walk by his side and be faithful
Till he calls and my death is my gain
Oh how gentle his care
And how free is his grace
He is truth, he is light
And I look on the face
Of the one who redeemed
Me and saved me from sin
He's my God, precious Lord
And I'm his
Life is so short. A breath. A vapor. The blink of an eye. We get one life and then eternity.
Think of all that God has done for those he created. To start, he knew we would sin and reject him, but still in love he formed us. He gives us blessings and answers our prayers every day. Not a day goes by that he doesn't love us unconditionally. He loves us enough to die for us. To take our sin debt that we could never pay and pay it for us with his blood.
Then look at the people he created. We're selfish, we complain and hate, we're bitter and discontent, we break his commandments daily, and we we're often so caught up in what we want to do that we forget or choose not to give time back to God. Time to worship him, time to talk with him in prayer, time to serve him and tell others about him.
After all he's done for us, we should be so devoted to serving him with a truly joyful heart. I wasted so many years of my life doing what I wanted, and God mercifully saved me. His grace was greater than the sin I committed. He changed my heart and gave me joy and real peace. He showers me with love and blessings every day. He put life into my heart. So my response, and the response of all those he saved, should be loving service to our King. To the Father who adopted us from a life of death. A human life that is too short. A vapor. A breath. Then eternity.
God, while I still have life and breath, let me serve you. Rule my life. Be the King of my heart and give me courage and grace to obey you and do your will. You satisfy me like no crumbling worldly thing can. I want nothing else. I want my desire to be only for you. Help me keep you in front of my eyes so I serve you alone and I want to obey you. Let my love for you show in my actions, words, and thought. Let me be yours and you mine alone.
It's a long weekend this week. :) holidays...i'm good friends with them! I was able to go to a more traditional part of the city... A folk village of sorts. We found a tiny! but adorable tea house with super yummy tea. It was pretty nice weather and we just walked the streets looking at all the shops and vendors. We went into an art museum. I guess they didn't see many foreigners...it was a little out of the way...so they took our picture and had us sign their guest book. Kinda makes one feel like a celebrity. Minus the millions of dollars...we saw a pagoda that was built only a few years before Christopher Columbus discovered America. A very cool sight. We met a couple from Hong Kong at a restaurant at which we ate. They were delighted to meet other English speaking people.
After that we went to the Namsan tower. It's a huge tower set on a hill. You can hike up a bajillion stairs or take a cable car to the top. We opted for the cable car...once you reach the top you buy your ticket, wait for your number to be called, and then you're herded into an elevator with about 100 other people. Ok, more like 15, but it felt like 100. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the whole city. The tower is circular, so you get a 360。view. The city was all lit up. Very worth it!
After that we went to one of the crowded shopping areas to walk around. We were walking and stumbled upon a restaurant called CanMore. I have looked EVERYWHERE for this store, because they sell the most delicious dessert...팥빙수. Pat-bing-su. Oh yum! It's shaved ice with fruit syrup and condensed milk topped with softnserve and fruit. So delectable!!! We ate there and caught the last train home. Tired but happy.
For those who don't know, I was accepted into an English program called Vaughantown. It is held for one week in Madrid, Spain. Basically you make converstion with business people who are from Spain. All you have to pay for is your plane ticket and they cover the rest. I was thrilled to receive the email stating that I could participate in this program. Please pray I have opportunities to turn the coversation to spiritual things. After Spain, we wil be spending a week in Rome. That should be fun!!
Well, it's been a long day. Time for some shut eye. Until next time! Peace.
When I see that the valley is long
I can trust in my sweet Savior's leading
In true peace Jesus gives me a song
Oh the depths of his love
Oh how great is his grace
He is strength, he is power
And I look on the face
Of the one who redeemed
Me and saved me from sin
He's my God, precious Lord
And I'm his
In each trial he gives comfort and great hope
When I sin he forgives every stain
I will walk by his side and be faithful
Till he calls and my death is my gain
Oh how gentle his care
And how free is his grace
He is truth, he is light
And I look on the face
Of the one who redeemed
Me and saved me from sin
He's my God, precious Lord
And I'm his
Life is so short. A breath. A vapor. The blink of an eye. We get one life and then eternity.
Think of all that God has done for those he created. To start, he knew we would sin and reject him, but still in love he formed us. He gives us blessings and answers our prayers every day. Not a day goes by that he doesn't love us unconditionally. He loves us enough to die for us. To take our sin debt that we could never pay and pay it for us with his blood.
Then look at the people he created. We're selfish, we complain and hate, we're bitter and discontent, we break his commandments daily, and we we're often so caught up in what we want to do that we forget or choose not to give time back to God. Time to worship him, time to talk with him in prayer, time to serve him and tell others about him.
After all he's done for us, we should be so devoted to serving him with a truly joyful heart. I wasted so many years of my life doing what I wanted, and God mercifully saved me. His grace was greater than the sin I committed. He changed my heart and gave me joy and real peace. He showers me with love and blessings every day. He put life into my heart. So my response, and the response of all those he saved, should be loving service to our King. To the Father who adopted us from a life of death. A human life that is too short. A vapor. A breath. Then eternity.
God, while I still have life and breath, let me serve you. Rule my life. Be the King of my heart and give me courage and grace to obey you and do your will. You satisfy me like no crumbling worldly thing can. I want nothing else. I want my desire to be only for you. Help me keep you in front of my eyes so I serve you alone and I want to obey you. Let my love for you show in my actions, words, and thought. Let me be yours and you mine alone.
It's a long weekend this week. :) holidays...i'm good friends with them! I was able to go to a more traditional part of the city... A folk village of sorts. We found a tiny! but adorable tea house with super yummy tea. It was pretty nice weather and we just walked the streets looking at all the shops and vendors. We went into an art museum. I guess they didn't see many foreigners...it was a little out of the way...so they took our picture and had us sign their guest book. Kinda makes one feel like a celebrity. Minus the millions of dollars...we saw a pagoda that was built only a few years before Christopher Columbus discovered America. A very cool sight. We met a couple from Hong Kong at a restaurant at which we ate. They were delighted to meet other English speaking people.
After that we went to the Namsan tower. It's a huge tower set on a hill. You can hike up a bajillion stairs or take a cable car to the top. We opted for the cable car...once you reach the top you buy your ticket, wait for your number to be called, and then you're herded into an elevator with about 100 other people. Ok, more like 15, but it felt like 100. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the whole city. The tower is circular, so you get a 360。view. The city was all lit up. Very worth it!
After that we went to one of the crowded shopping areas to walk around. We were walking and stumbled upon a restaurant called CanMore. I have looked EVERYWHERE for this store, because they sell the most delicious dessert...팥빙수. Pat-bing-su. Oh yum! It's shaved ice with fruit syrup and condensed milk topped with softnserve and fruit. So delectable!!! We ate there and caught the last train home. Tired but happy.
For those who don't know, I was accepted into an English program called Vaughantown. It is held for one week in Madrid, Spain. Basically you make converstion with business people who are from Spain. All you have to pay for is your plane ticket and they cover the rest. I was thrilled to receive the email stating that I could participate in this program. Please pray I have opportunities to turn the coversation to spiritual things. After Spain, we wil be spending a week in Rome. That should be fun!!
Well, it's been a long day. Time for some shut eye. Until next time! Peace.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Updates
If you begin going north, you will eventually meet the south and start going south. After you have gone south for a while, you will meet the north and again go north. When you go east for a while, you will continue to go east. And after you have gone east for a time, you will go east yet again. Likewise, if you go west, you will continue to go west, and it will never change to east. East and west never meet. East will forever go east and west forever west.
"As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:11
Things have been pretty busy around here latey. I know that what seems like normal life to me is a wow! to those who don't live in Korea.
We had international day last Friday, and my class did India. The girls wore make-shift saris and the boys wore homemade dhotis and turbans. The day was very hectic, but we all learned a lot and had fun.
This last weekend was Lunar New Year and we had Monday off in addition to the weekend. On Monday we took the subway for 2 hours to go to a spa type place. There are sleeping rooms with heated floors, cafes and shops, and many indoor and outdoor pools of varying temperatures. They put some yummy smelling colors in the pools which made them apple green and blood red. There are slides and a huge playground in the middle of one of the pools. There are saunas and big water slides. Then they have doctor fish...little fish that suck the dead skin off your feet. You pay 5 bucks and sit in a pool. Literally a couple hundred fish swarm your feet. It tickles like mad! It feels something like tiny tongues licking you or bubbles bursting all over your feet. Needless to say it was a unique experience.
The science fair is coming up. My class is doing biomes in a box...this should be good! One more month until spring break. I really can't believe how fast the year is whipping by. I love what I do! God has taught me so much about him and me.
Though I'm unworthy
Impure in heart
Humbly I come
To your throne
You don't desire
Good I have done
You want my heart
Me alone
I am imperfect
Nothing I bring
But this my offering
Of praise
Lord you are worthy
God you are holy
Giver of life without end
Father I'll praise you
Give you the glory
Righteous redeemer and friend
Lord you alone are my hope
God you alone i will praise
Your name is power
Great is your grace
You give me comfort
And hope
You make my heart pure
Wash me of sin
So i will praise you
My Lord
1 John 1:7 "if we walk in the light as He is in the light..."
How can we walk the very same way God does? That is perfection. It's impossbile for a human to attain. But God gives us everything we need to walk with Him. To obey and follow his commandments. We will still sin and, at times, walk away from this light, but it is something we can strive to attain every day and never give up until heaven where we will be without sin.
Its a good thing to often step back and evaluate my walk with God. Am I communicating with Him daily? Is He the most important thing, the top priority in my life? Am I always looking for new ways to grow, for ways to become more like God? Ways to reach out to others, ways to edify, ways to resist temptation. And am I looking for these ways in God's word? I want to be an ever growing always changing child of God. I don't want to get comfortable where I am and stop learning about my God. Bring on the trials if need be, take away the unhealthy influences in my life is that's what it takes, lead me through valleys if that will make me more like Christ. I want to be a child who labors to be so close to God.
Time to run along now. Peace.
"As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:11
Things have been pretty busy around here latey. I know that what seems like normal life to me is a wow! to those who don't live in Korea.
We had international day last Friday, and my class did India. The girls wore make-shift saris and the boys wore homemade dhotis and turbans. The day was very hectic, but we all learned a lot and had fun.
This last weekend was Lunar New Year and we had Monday off in addition to the weekend. On Monday we took the subway for 2 hours to go to a spa type place. There are sleeping rooms with heated floors, cafes and shops, and many indoor and outdoor pools of varying temperatures. They put some yummy smelling colors in the pools which made them apple green and blood red. There are slides and a huge playground in the middle of one of the pools. There are saunas and big water slides. Then they have doctor fish...little fish that suck the dead skin off your feet. You pay 5 bucks and sit in a pool. Literally a couple hundred fish swarm your feet. It tickles like mad! It feels something like tiny tongues licking you or bubbles bursting all over your feet. Needless to say it was a unique experience.
The science fair is coming up. My class is doing biomes in a box...this should be good! One more month until spring break. I really can't believe how fast the year is whipping by. I love what I do! God has taught me so much about him and me.
Though I'm unworthy
Impure in heart
Humbly I come
To your throne
You don't desire
Good I have done
You want my heart
Me alone
I am imperfect
Nothing I bring
But this my offering
Of praise
Lord you are worthy
God you are holy
Giver of life without end
Father I'll praise you
Give you the glory
Righteous redeemer and friend
Lord you alone are my hope
God you alone i will praise
Your name is power
Great is your grace
You give me comfort
And hope
You make my heart pure
Wash me of sin
So i will praise you
My Lord
1 John 1:7 "if we walk in the light as He is in the light..."
How can we walk the very same way God does? That is perfection. It's impossbile for a human to attain. But God gives us everything we need to walk with Him. To obey and follow his commandments. We will still sin and, at times, walk away from this light, but it is something we can strive to attain every day and never give up until heaven where we will be without sin.
Its a good thing to often step back and evaluate my walk with God. Am I communicating with Him daily? Is He the most important thing, the top priority in my life? Am I always looking for new ways to grow, for ways to become more like God? Ways to reach out to others, ways to edify, ways to resist temptation. And am I looking for these ways in God's word? I want to be an ever growing always changing child of God. I don't want to get comfortable where I am and stop learning about my God. Bring on the trials if need be, take away the unhealthy influences in my life is that's what it takes, lead me through valleys if that will make me more like Christ. I want to be a child who labors to be so close to God.
Time to run along now. Peace.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
We should love him
Sometimes I look away from the goal. I look at what I've done here on earth and life seems to drag on. It's the same day after day. Then I remember that if I'm doing the Lords will every day and striving to please him in all I do, I can just keep doing what I'm doing. Even the repetetive tasks, if done with a cheerful heart for the Lord, will bring honor to God. I know he wants to and will use me. I have to remember that this life is just temporary. Work with joy in your heart for God, and don't loose sight of heaven. There we will rest and our work will be all done. We will soon see the fruits of our labor.
Isn't God our creator amazing? He holds the whole universe in his hands. He commands the stars to shine and the sun to burn. He causes the gentle whisper of the wind in the trees and brushes the flowers with a pleasant scent. He makes the moon rise and fall and guides the rivers as they run. Ever little seemingly insignificant bird is in his care. This God made light, time, emotions, thoughts, and us. He gives us each breath. He loves his creation. God created grace and mercy and freely pours them out. He created the tree on which he died and the stone that sealed his tomb he crafted. He guards, loves, cherishes, and comforts us. And these are just a few of the innumerable things he does. How much more should we love him than we do?
Isn't God our creator amazing? He holds the whole universe in his hands. He commands the stars to shine and the sun to burn. He causes the gentle whisper of the wind in the trees and brushes the flowers with a pleasant scent. He makes the moon rise and fall and guides the rivers as they run. Ever little seemingly insignificant bird is in his care. This God made light, time, emotions, thoughts, and us. He gives us each breath. He loves his creation. God created grace and mercy and freely pours them out. He created the tree on which he died and the stone that sealed his tomb he crafted. He guards, loves, cherishes, and comforts us. And these are just a few of the innumerable things he does. How much more should we love him than we do?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Let me rest
I find my days to be busy. After school, meetings, lesson planning, grading, and trying to keep my sanity in the classroom, the first thing I want to do when I get home is collapse on the couch and rest. Actually, that's what I want to do each morning before I get out of bed... I'm sure you can relate. I have to stop myself ( such as right now) and say, "you need to spend some time in God's word and talk to him." Let the world move on for a while. There is no rest in the busyness of the day, but there is rest when you stop, take a breath, and find God where you are. There I find rest and something to hold for the rest of the day.
Matthew 11:28 come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
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