Pastor Peter shared this story at our youth group retreat. It's been on my mind so I thought I'd share it with you. Amazing how He leads us to get on our knees and pray...
One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work.
As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love me?" I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!" Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?" I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things that I took for granted. And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."
Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?" How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love you."
The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?" How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."
The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name." How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?" With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!" I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?" I answered, "Because I am only human, I am not perfect" "THEN WHY IN TIME OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?"
No answers. Only tears.
The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?" The tears continues to roll down my cheeks. "Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"
I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give. "You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."
"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME?"
I could not answer, How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child." The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."
I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?" The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?" The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Where Is Your Security?
Where do you put your security?
REALLY, where?
Don't wait until God takes it away for you to realize...
that you loved the gift more than the Giver Himself
Will you be able to say as Job does?
"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
- Job 1:21
REALLY, where?
Don't wait until God takes it away for you to realize...
that you loved the gift more than the Giver Himself
Will you be able to say as Job does?
"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
- Job 1:21
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Reciprocity
I don't know if this is just a very Korean thing, but I have this strong tendency towards reciprocity. I am not at ease until I pay back equally if someone bought me something. So I'm not very good with receiving things from people.. I guess I'm referring mostly to monetary things, but it also has to do with relational things such as phone calls, ims, encouraging words, acts of kindness, etc. I mean I grew up seeing that and being taught that: even if my mom's friend gave me money for my birthday, that just meant that my mom owes her friend that much so eventually has to pay back. As a child, it didn't matter for me; I wasn't the one having to pay back the debt, but as I grow up I'm noticing more and more I've adapted to this mentality and without knowing, I start calculating. I owe this person this because they bought me something before, OR this person should do this for me because I did this for them.
So there comes the problem: I expect things from people and when I don't get it, I'm disappointed, discouraged, and at times embittered. I know, this is pretty immature. And I know in sophomore year of college God taught me not to expect from people because they will disappoint you and fail you but expect great things from God because He will meet and surpass my expectations. So since then, I think it's been better.
But as if that's not hard enough, God says to show GRACE. Not only don't expect from them but GIVE MORE. Give what they didn't earn, what they don't deserve. This seems impossible, but God says it is possible. He has shown me grace already.
The God of all grace.
Grace shown and given.
Already ALL done.
All I have to do is receive.
I just definitely need to learn to receive.
It's all paid for and there is nothing I can do to pay back.
Thank You.
So there comes the problem: I expect things from people and when I don't get it, I'm disappointed, discouraged, and at times embittered. I know, this is pretty immature. And I know in sophomore year of college God taught me not to expect from people because they will disappoint you and fail you but expect great things from God because He will meet and surpass my expectations. So since then, I think it's been better.
But as if that's not hard enough, God says to show GRACE. Not only don't expect from them but GIVE MORE. Give what they didn't earn, what they don't deserve. This seems impossible, but God says it is possible. He has shown me grace already.
The God of all grace.
Grace shown and given.
Already ALL done.
All I have to do is receive.
I just definitely need to learn to receive.
It's all paid for and there is nothing I can do to pay back.
Thank You.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Just Do It.
I hate it when I begin something with so much passion, but as time progresses I lose such ferver and start stressing...
This has been the case with directing Christmas play for our children's ministry this year. DEFINITELY, this was not something I've planned or wanted to do after seeing it done year after year causing so much stress on the director.
And the time came again (the Christmas play talk started in September -___-) and there was absolutely no one who was willing. I was with everyone just pushing it away to other people until... God convicted me. HAH. I have to say it was HIM, because I had absolutely NO INTENTION EVER of doing it. Then He gave me the idea for the play and got me super excited. Well, it's based on the song WHY by Nichole Nordeman which I had been obsessed with because of its message.
One day the idea came to me... doing a Christmas play based on the story of the song! AHHH... I still remember writing these ideas down in my journal, super excited to tell someone so walked over to my sister's room only to be unwelcomed and kicked out... Anyway, this is VERY FUNNY looking back now. I started praying about it and my pastor came up to me and asked me if I would be willing. For the past few weeks I've been avoiding it and when it came time for the official meeting with the elementary staff. I said I would do it. AHHHHHHHH what was I thinking? HAHA
Then it began. I was so excited and all I wanted were few committed staff members (which God has graciously provided for me). Gosh, writing this makes me all emtional cuz God has been so good and faithful while I have not been. Anyway, practices began. But just because God convicts you, it does NOT mean He will make everything smooth and easy for you. Despite my excitement and love for the children..... It was HARD. Our children HATE Christmas play practices. It's so sad when we make announcements for Christmas play and all we hear are "BOO"s and despairing "Nooo~~~~~"s.
- My internship director
Thank God for this opportunity to think these things over. Burdens lifted. More passion and excitement. Grateful for being the beloved child He suffered and died for..
This has been the case with directing Christmas play for our children's ministry this year. DEFINITELY, this was not something I've planned or wanted to do after seeing it done year after year causing so much stress on the director.
And the time came again (the Christmas play talk started in September -___-) and there was absolutely no one who was willing. I was with everyone just pushing it away to other people until... God convicted me. HAH. I have to say it was HIM, because I had absolutely NO INTENTION EVER of doing it. Then He gave me the idea for the play and got me super excited. Well, it's based on the song WHY by Nichole Nordeman which I had been obsessed with because of its message.
One day the idea came to me... doing a Christmas play based on the story of the song! AHHH... I still remember writing these ideas down in my journal, super excited to tell someone so walked over to my sister's room only to be unwelcomed and kicked out... Anyway, this is VERY FUNNY looking back now. I started praying about it and my pastor came up to me and asked me if I would be willing. For the past few weeks I've been avoiding it and when it came time for the official meeting with the elementary staff. I said I would do it. AHHHHHHHH what was I thinking? HAHA
Then it began. I was so excited and all I wanted were few committed staff members (which God has graciously provided for me). Gosh, writing this makes me all emtional cuz God has been so good and faithful while I have not been. Anyway, practices began. But just because God convicts you, it does NOT mean He will make everything smooth and easy for you. Despite my excitement and love for the children..... It was HARD. Our children HATE Christmas play practices. It's so sad when we make announcements for Christmas play and all we hear are "BOO"s and despairing "Nooo~~~~~"s.
I was so sure I was going to change children's mentality about Christmas play. They will LOVE it. They will all want to come out to practices. We even play GAMES to make it a little more fun for them. And has it changed? Nope. The Boos and Nos only have only gotten louder. The children are becoming more and more rebellious and out of control. Only three more practices left. So I've been worrying and stressing about it every week..
AND THIS WHOLE TIME.. I've been looking for ONE SOLUTION. THE SOLUTION.. or something I can do to fix it, something I can do to make it easier, something I can DO...
Only to realize, there isn't much I can do.
I can't change these children's mentality.
I can't make it GOOD out of nowhere.
I can't make it pass... I must do it.
There is one thing, though, God has been speaking to me that I've been neglecting. PRAYING. HAHA. Can I be any more stupid? God has been persistently telling me to pray.. through the Word, people, Bible studies, books, etc. I've been learning ABOUT prayer, but little did it hit me that I need to put that into ACTION. JUST DO IT. Don't think about doing it. JUST PRAY!
Now the challenge IS TO PRAY (even though it really shouldn't be a challenge). If you read this, you need to keep me accountable =) Thanks and if you let me know your prayer request, I'll be more than happy to pray for you.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 4:6-7
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
- Matthew 11:28-30
"Stress shows lack of prayer"
- Francis Chan
"Prayer starts with listening and ends with listening."
"Prayer is an answer in itself (기도는 그 자체가 응답이다)"
- KM head pastor
- My internship director
Thank God for this opportunity to think these things over. Burdens lifted. More passion and excitement. Grateful for being the beloved child He suffered and died for..
Sunday, November 15, 2009
EMPTY ME
I need to be emptied.
Emptied to be filled.
To be simply and purely devoted to Jesus.
It's so interesting to receive so much peace and comfort
to again realize that it's not about me but all about Him =)
Emptied to be filled.
To be simply and purely devoted to Jesus.
It's so interesting to receive so much peace and comfort
to again realize that it's not about me but all about Him =)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
An End in Itself
Letting everything that I do be an end in itself, "to the praise of His glory" just as Paul repeats in Ephesians 1.
I've been thinking about this for awhile, still not concrete enough to be able to express in my own words. Well, I guess it never will be really concrete enough in this sinner's life.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
It's like "a DUH," but for some reason, it's been hard to register in my head and know it in my heart. Or sometimes I overthink and make things a lot more complicated than they are.
I've been thinking about this for awhile, still not concrete enough to be able to express in my own words. Well, I guess it never will be really concrete enough in this sinner's life.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
It's like "a DUH," but for some reason, it's been hard to register in my head and know it in my heart. Or sometimes I overthink and make things a lot more complicated than they are.
Friday, October 23, 2009
My heart fails...
I've been writing in my other (private) blog a lot ever since I lost my journal and my small esv bible that has been with me since i graduated high school =( I'm sure people wouldn't want to read the things that I write in my other blog. I have been very moody lately that my journal entries themselves have been all over the place.
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?"
- Jeremiah 17:7-9
I have been trusting my fickle heart. I need to trust my unfailing, faithful God. I need this continual reminder: It's not about how I feel, not about what I do and don't do. It's all about Him!
P.S. As I was wrapping up this entry, my cousin walks in my room with my Bible (yay!) but not my journal. She found it at church which means... my journal is somewhere there and people might have seen/read it. Now this is embarassing.......... ha ha ha...........
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?"
- Jeremiah 17:7-9
I have been trusting my fickle heart. I need to trust my unfailing, faithful God. I need this continual reminder: It's not about how I feel, not about what I do and don't do. It's all about Him!
P.S. As I was wrapping up this entry, my cousin walks in my room with my Bible (yay!) but not my journal. She found it at church which means... my journal is somewhere there and people might have seen/read it. Now this is embarassing.......... ha ha ha...........
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
No title means no coherency in this entry. Haha..
I'm just in a good mood and felt like writing an entry... about nothing and everything. I was supposed to meet up with a friend but she's sick =T So.. I was thinking about what to do and decided that I wanted to see the beach when it's raining. I have never seen the beach when it's raining so I got curious. So here I am at a cute little cafe right in front of seal beach where if i just look up I can see the shore.. Except, it's not really raining anymore.. Only sprinking a little here and there. But I'm still satisfied to have found a place like this. It's actually better that I'm here in this weather cuz I get to park for free right in front of the cafe!
I've been keeping myself busy with this and that and it's been quite good. But I always need a continual, constant reminder of the purpose behind everything that I do. Once I lose focus, I stop enjoying the things I do... God is so good because He always reminds me when I forget. When I start becoming tired, He reminds me why I started doing what I'm doing from the first place.
God has been teaching me about mercy. "Mercy triumphs over judgment." I didn't quite understand what that means, but slowly God has been showing me what it means. He's been gracious in helping me to realize that I am NOT a merciful person. I am quick to judge, point fingers at people rather than showing them mercy and love. I have been justifying my judgment as an act of love, helping them realize that they're in the wrong and they need to fix some things in their lives... only to find out that they all know and I'm just poking at their painful wounds hurting them even more..
What if God is not merciful?
HAHA.. Okay, it definitely is not a laughing matter, but that is just unthinkable... to even think that He wouldn't show mercy.. then there would be no me. I'll justly get what I deserve. "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy." Can you imagine judgment without mercy? I'd rather not. If I don't even want to think about not receiving mercy, then why do I not give it? Yes, it is very unnatural, but I must.
"He has showed, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8
Need a continual, constant reminder because I'm TOO forgetful. God, have mercy..
I'm just in a good mood and felt like writing an entry... about nothing and everything. I was supposed to meet up with a friend but she's sick =T So.. I was thinking about what to do and decided that I wanted to see the beach when it's raining. I have never seen the beach when it's raining so I got curious. So here I am at a cute little cafe right in front of seal beach where if i just look up I can see the shore.. Except, it's not really raining anymore.. Only sprinking a little here and there. But I'm still satisfied to have found a place like this. It's actually better that I'm here in this weather cuz I get to park for free right in front of the cafe!
I've been keeping myself busy with this and that and it's been quite good. But I always need a continual, constant reminder of the purpose behind everything that I do. Once I lose focus, I stop enjoying the things I do... God is so good because He always reminds me when I forget. When I start becoming tired, He reminds me why I started doing what I'm doing from the first place.
God has been teaching me about mercy. "Mercy triumphs over judgment." I didn't quite understand what that means, but slowly God has been showing me what it means. He's been gracious in helping me to realize that I am NOT a merciful person. I am quick to judge, point fingers at people rather than showing them mercy and love. I have been justifying my judgment as an act of love, helping them realize that they're in the wrong and they need to fix some things in their lives... only to find out that they all know and I'm just poking at their painful wounds hurting them even more..
What if God is not merciful?
HAHA.. Okay, it definitely is not a laughing matter, but that is just unthinkable... to even think that He wouldn't show mercy.. then there would be no me. I'll justly get what I deserve. "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy." Can you imagine judgment without mercy? I'd rather not. If I don't even want to think about not receiving mercy, then why do I not give it? Yes, it is very unnatural, but I must.
"He has showed, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8
Need a continual, constant reminder because I'm TOO forgetful. God, have mercy..
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
How Did I Get Here?!
So I was just sitting today during Bible study and all of sudden realized where I was and what I was doing: I was at church studying the Bible. This may not be shocking to you and it hasn't shocked me for the longest time, but today it definitely startled me a bit. There were days when I used to look down on all the "religious" people. In my young and foolish mind, I concluded there is no god and all those who fall for the tricks of the religion are dumb, wasting their time and their lives...
And there I was, doing the very things that seemed to me back then to be the most pointless and worthless thing to do. How did this all happen? How I ended up being here? And not only just being there and studying the Bible, but actually believing this book? Believing as the pastor was teaching us that the most important thing about prayer is not about asking for the things I need but the time spent in prayer itself? Convicted that I should pray without ceasing? Whoa whoa whoa..
I have come a far way. Well, to be more exact, God has led me all the way here. What may be, to some, a mere series of coincidences was how God brought me to Him. From growing up with negative notion of all religions as I've witnessed the conflicts between my grandparents from both sides--one was christian and the other buddhist to the very place I am here now, He knew it all and was sovereign over it all...
So my family decided to come to America when I was in 6th grade, so within matter of months we immigrated to America. Of course, then none of my family believed; I was a bit proud then that I was an atheist, whatever that meant for the 6th grader.
After living in Sacramento as mute and deaf due to the language barrier, moving to Cerritos opened new doors for my family. We can actually DO THINGS in KOREAN!! Haha yes, it was exciting. Dial-up internet was just starting to boom (wow, I feel old), so we decided to order internet from a Korean company just because in cerritos you have the luxury of choosing from American or Korean internet companies. Previously my mom saw on the Korean newspaper about an internet company and she said she actually knew the owner of the company, who was supposedly her elementary friend. But he's the owner of the company, we did not expect to see him even if we ordered the internet from there... And guess who comes in to install the internet dial-up then, at my house?!
My mom's elementary friend/next door neighbor!!! HAHA.
That was pretty hilarious/crazy/strange I must say. They had a little reunion and he invited us to come to his church, which is the church I am still attending. Yea, that's how my family started going out to church. Of course, it was solely for social networking purposes. I mean... that's the place to go to for social networking in Korean American society, right?
But for me, that wasn't the case. I absolutely HATED going to church. Whenever my mom would decide to "rest" on sunday by not going to church (ironic, isn't it?), I was exhilarated! My sister and I would always ask if we can stay home just this sunday...
Somehow He moved in me after over 3 years of attending church, just sitting there and leaving as soon as my mom was done talking to the ahjummas. Now I spend a good chunk of my time not only at church but just spending time with his invisible God who at one point in my life did not exist to me. Weird, isn't it? But it definitely is the best thing that happened to me in my life and I don't know where I would be without Him now... He is my life.
Colossians 3:4
"...Christ, who is your life..."
And there I was, doing the very things that seemed to me back then to be the most pointless and worthless thing to do. How did this all happen? How I ended up being here? And not only just being there and studying the Bible, but actually believing this book? Believing as the pastor was teaching us that the most important thing about prayer is not about asking for the things I need but the time spent in prayer itself? Convicted that I should pray without ceasing? Whoa whoa whoa..
I have come a far way. Well, to be more exact, God has led me all the way here. What may be, to some, a mere series of coincidences was how God brought me to Him. From growing up with negative notion of all religions as I've witnessed the conflicts between my grandparents from both sides--one was christian and the other buddhist to the very place I am here now, He knew it all and was sovereign over it all...
So my family decided to come to America when I was in 6th grade, so within matter of months we immigrated to America. Of course, then none of my family believed; I was a bit proud then that I was an atheist, whatever that meant for the 6th grader.
After living in Sacramento as mute and deaf due to the language barrier, moving to Cerritos opened new doors for my family. We can actually DO THINGS in KOREAN!! Haha yes, it was exciting. Dial-up internet was just starting to boom (wow, I feel old), so we decided to order internet from a Korean company just because in cerritos you have the luxury of choosing from American or Korean internet companies. Previously my mom saw on the Korean newspaper about an internet company and she said she actually knew the owner of the company, who was supposedly her elementary friend. But he's the owner of the company, we did not expect to see him even if we ordered the internet from there... And guess who comes in to install the internet dial-up then, at my house?!
My mom's elementary friend/next door neighbor!!! HAHA.
That was pretty hilarious/crazy/strange I must say. They had a little reunion and he invited us to come to his church, which is the church I am still attending. Yea, that's how my family started going out to church. Of course, it was solely for social networking purposes. I mean... that's the place to go to for social networking in Korean American society, right?
But for me, that wasn't the case. I absolutely HATED going to church. Whenever my mom would decide to "rest" on sunday by not going to church (ironic, isn't it?), I was exhilarated! My sister and I would always ask if we can stay home just this sunday...
Somehow He moved in me after over 3 years of attending church, just sitting there and leaving as soon as my mom was done talking to the ahjummas. Now I spend a good chunk of my time not only at church but just spending time with his invisible God who at one point in my life did not exist to me. Weird, isn't it? But it definitely is the best thing that happened to me in my life and I don't know where I would be without Him now... He is my life.
Colossians 3:4
"...Christ, who is your life..."
Friday, October 2, 2009
That's My King!
"My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King. He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.
He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He's indescribable. That's my King. He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, and He is irresistible.
I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.
He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever's, then . . .Amen!"
- S.M. LockridgeI was listening to a sermon and the pastor recited this and yeahh.. It's seriously Wow-y. The best part is when he says "I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He's indescribable," after all the things he's said about his King. Yep. And THAT would be my KING!! WEEEE~~
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Speech Therapy and Music Threapy
So I've been interning at this place called Korean American Special Education Center. We've been having a seminar series for people interested in teaching children with disabilities, whether parents or teachers. Last week's seminar was on psychological therapy(?)/심리치료. Well, it was pretty much about how to understand/manage your emotions. It was very interesting because the speaker is a pastor but also has a Ph. D. in psychology. His conclusion was that the ultimate healing is done by God. Amen.
One thing he said stuck out to me...
"We all have ADHD when it comes to God and we all need speech therapy and music therapy. But you should already be getting those therapies. The Word gives you speech therapy and praising God in songs is music therapy."
Seriously, so true!
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16
Not only that but as I am studying for GRE, I've been having to memorize A LOT of words... and guess what? I see soooo many of these words in the BIBLE!! And Bible has all kinds of literature: narrative, poetry, letters, etc. So even for children (and adults), what better way is there to improve their reading skills, vocab, and everything else but reading the Word of God!
And of course, music is a mean that God moves me like no other. So my therapy music for this week has been an album called "Sing Over Me: Worship Songs and Lullabies." You should listen to it. So soothing, I fell asleep listening to them last night =P Oh, the music on right now is from that album, called You Are Good by Nichole Nordeman.
Okay, I should study since that's what I'm supposed to do. I wasn't even supposed to come to internship so that I can study (GRE tom eek!!), but since no one was going to be in the office, they just told me to come and study here and answer the calls....... and I'm doing this! heh... Oh well, I'll start studying.. NOw!
One thing he said stuck out to me...
"We all have ADHD when it comes to God and we all need speech therapy and music therapy. But you should already be getting those therapies. The Word gives you speech therapy and praising God in songs is music therapy."
Seriously, so true!
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16
Not only that but as I am studying for GRE, I've been having to memorize A LOT of words... and guess what? I see soooo many of these words in the BIBLE!! And Bible has all kinds of literature: narrative, poetry, letters, etc. So even for children (and adults), what better way is there to improve their reading skills, vocab, and everything else but reading the Word of God!
And of course, music is a mean that God moves me like no other. So my therapy music for this week has been an album called "Sing Over Me: Worship Songs and Lullabies." You should listen to it. So soothing, I fell asleep listening to them last night =P Oh, the music on right now is from that album, called You Are Good by Nichole Nordeman.
Okay, I should study since that's what I'm supposed to do. I wasn't even supposed to come to internship so that I can study (GRE tom eek!!), but since no one was going to be in the office, they just told me to come and study here and answer the calls....... and I'm doing this! heh... Oh well, I'll start studying.. NOw!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
I struggle with self-righteousness.
"There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
- Romans 3:10-12
I struggle with self-condemnation.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
- Romans 8:1
I struggle with unbelief.
"I believe; help my unbelief!"
- Mark 9:24
"There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
- Romans 3:10-12
I struggle with self-condemnation.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
- Romans 8:1
I struggle with unbelief.
"I believe; help my unbelief!"
- Mark 9:24
Friday, September 18, 2009
Only for those who know Korean..
i like friend what~
친구 좋다는게 뭐야~
two men eat. one man die. i don't know.
둘이 먹다가 하나가 죽어도 모른다.
no soup.
국물도 없어.
Today I'm sorry. Tomorrow no sorry.
오늘은 죄송합니다. 다시는 이런일이 없도록 하겠습니다.
My sister just told me these and.. I find these wayyy too hilarious!! Hahaha.. Especially the first one!! If you don't get it... Today I'm sorry. Tomorrow no sorry. Hahhaha
*My mom told me another one:
Yes, I can.
그래, 나 깡통이다.
hahahhahahaha!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
After aimlessly driving down PCH, I found a Barnes & Nobles that is open til 11PM!! Perfect! I got to pretend as if I came out to enjoy this Labor Day weekend looking at some cards and reading entertaining and enlightening magazines. Now I can do what I really need to do: study =)
Over and over again I realize how much I love living in Cerritos. The life in Cerritos is SO convenient: literally every place I need to go to is within 5 minutes for me: church, work, tutee's house, library, starbucks, its a grind, walmart, target, mall, and everything else! AND the freeways are so close so the beaches are within 20 minutes of driving! Even though I am not quite sure if I am in Long Beach or Seal Beach, but that's okay.. I am just glad I got myself situated here. =)
I've been thinking I would be so happy to live in Hawaii. Sunny weather all around and everything all SO CLOSE by... or you just don't have an option of going anywhere too far =P I guess these little adventures won't happen cuz I would know my way around the whole island after awhile. Haha.
Next time I'll go more south or more north on PCH and see where I end up =D Hmm this just might become a weekly ritual! I LOVE DRIVING.. time to sing, to pray, to empty my thoughts and think some more.
Yay, I found a book called "Crash Course for the GRE." JUST WHAT I NEEDED. Time to study~
Over and over again I realize how much I love living in Cerritos. The life in Cerritos is SO convenient: literally every place I need to go to is within 5 minutes for me: church, work, tutee's house, library, starbucks, its a grind, walmart, target, mall, and everything else! AND the freeways are so close so the beaches are within 20 minutes of driving! Even though I am not quite sure if I am in Long Beach or Seal Beach, but that's okay.. I am just glad I got myself situated here. =)
I've been thinking I would be so happy to live in Hawaii. Sunny weather all around and everything all SO CLOSE by... or you just don't have an option of going anywhere too far =P I guess these little adventures won't happen cuz I would know my way around the whole island after awhile. Haha.
Next time I'll go more south or more north on PCH and see where I end up =D Hmm this just might become a weekly ritual! I LOVE DRIVING.. time to sing, to pray, to empty my thoughts and think some more.
Yay, I found a book called "Crash Course for the GRE." JUST WHAT I NEEDED. Time to study~
Friday, September 4, 2009
No Facebook = Free Time?
Hmmph, it is really deceiving. Did I spend THAT MUCH time on facebook? I deactivated my facebook and am planning to reactivate it once I am done taking the GRE test (next Tues!! eek!!). So I am confused whether it's the facebook or all these things I put a hold on such as volunteer, internship, and tutor to study for the test that is giving me this much free time.
I just seem to have SO MUCH free time that I don't know what to do with it. I had already unknowingly reactivated my facebook TWICE. One occasion I was on my gmail and I received an email saying my facebook had been reactivated. So I started freaking out thinking someone else knew my password so they signed on... only to find out that the tab next to my email said: Facebook - Home........ I was pretty shocked because I absolutely had NO CLUE that I did that. So after that shocking event, I decided to uphold my commitment to stay fb-free for a week. Instead of going on facebook, I started going on websites like latimes.com, cnn.com, etc. because.. I just don't know what else to do when I am online! Of course, I don't read all the articles, but at least I get to see the titles whereas before I had been completely ignorant about what was going on around the world much less within California (the fires!!). And on top of that, I actually started calling/texting people because I have no way of finding out what they are up to and arrange to meet up, which is very RARE for me because I consider myself "not a phone person." And I am on this blog writing only because I don't have access to facebook pretty much. And I can't fall asleep because it is just wayy too hot in my room for some reason.. argh................
So where was I?
Oh yeah, I felt like maybe... JUST A MAYBE... I shouldn't even have a facebook. Never activated it again. I know this will not happen but definitely I need to have SELF-CONTROL over this facebook. I have been wasting so much of my time that I can be spending with people or at least be aware of what is actually going on around this world without being stuck in my own little bubble. But do facebook me here and there <3 Haha I miss facebook and the bubbly world in it.
I just seem to have SO MUCH free time that I don't know what to do with it. I had already unknowingly reactivated my facebook TWICE. One occasion I was on my gmail and I received an email saying my facebook had been reactivated. So I started freaking out thinking someone else knew my password so they signed on... only to find out that the tab next to my email said: Facebook - Home........ I was pretty shocked because I absolutely had NO CLUE that I did that. So after that shocking event, I decided to uphold my commitment to stay fb-free for a week. Instead of going on facebook, I started going on websites like latimes.com, cnn.com, etc. because.. I just don't know what else to do when I am online! Of course, I don't read all the articles, but at least I get to see the titles whereas before I had been completely ignorant about what was going on around the world much less within California (the fires!!). And on top of that, I actually started calling/texting people because I have no way of finding out what they are up to and arrange to meet up, which is very RARE for me because I consider myself "not a phone person." And I am on this blog writing only because I don't have access to facebook pretty much. And I can't fall asleep because it is just wayy too hot in my room for some reason.. argh................
So where was I?
Oh yeah, I felt like maybe... JUST A MAYBE... I shouldn't even have a facebook. Never activated it again. I know this will not happen but definitely I need to have SELF-CONTROL over this facebook. I have been wasting so much of my time that I can be spending with people or at least be aware of what is actually going on around this world without being stuck in my own little bubble. But do facebook me here and there <3 Haha I miss facebook and the bubbly world in it.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
A Break =]
This summer has been the craziest EVER in my life. Definitely God is refining through the fire and for that, I'm ever so grateful even though... it is pretty hard and painful at times.
So I was supposed to study for GREs after I was done with my schedule for today... but I decided to give myself a "break" (I give myself wayy too many breaksss HAHA) and the weather was TOO nice to be wasted. So I decided to take a drive to the beach cuz I've been just DYING to be thereee!!
I just went! And everything was just PERFECT! Sigh.. it was right before sunset so I got to enjoy enough of the SUN and just the SUMMERYNESS of the beach <3 I just took a walk for an hour (well, not by choice but only cuz I parked really far and had to go the restroom near the pier -__-). Sometimes, it amazes me.. how much fun I can have by myself! talking to myself (and God) and watching people, especially BABIES and familiesssss <3 hahah they always make me smile. AND dogs too. and old couples. hehhe.. Anyhow, I'm at starbucks now.. should be studying but don't want to and it's just wayy too cold to be studying =P I just had to jot down some things that I wanted to do after I'm done with the whole grad school apps, ESP BEFORE THE SUMMER IS OVER! I cant believe summer is over. I rarely got to enjoy it =( BUT its not YET over! Sooo here's my list of things to do while summer is still here:
1. GO TO THE BEACH AND BE A BEACH BUM ALL DAY =P
2. Learn how to surf (always wanted to but i highly doubt i can LEARn before summers over)
3. Cliffdiving!!
4. Bike to the beach and just cruiseeeee by the shore =)
5. Watch 500 days of summer (ive seen wayy too many ppls status about this movie!)
6. Go on a drive to somewhere kinda far by myself (sd? sb? ionno..)
7. Go on a trip. by myself? with family? with friends?
8. Read children's books for FUN (& for work)
9. Go to starbucks, its a grind, library, borders FOR FUN (instead of "for studying")
10. Meet up catch up with friends.. play with peopleeeeeee (not by myself =P)
Some are definitely doable.. and some, I will definitely face some obstacles but whateverrrrrr~ I just want to enjoy LIFE, this LIFE HE'S given me. I really am learning to LOVE IT (and HIM of course) even though its hard. But when I go to these places, I am torn. Seeing these people makes me want to live a normal, "GOOD" life, or the life I've always dreamed of... have the "perfect family," having one boy and one girl, growing more and more in love as I age with my husband, love my career and make GOOD money, yet still know how to give to others. I am pretty sure such "perfect" families don't really exist, but I always thought even just being able to have those "perfect moments" would be enough. But definitely God has been changing me and that may be very far from the life that may be ahead of me and the strange thing is I'm okay. I'm okay to let go of that dream and to live the life that God would want me to live.. whereas before I would be like HECK NO... no wayy.. but yeah, all I can say is.. God is good and I want to live for Him.
God has definitely been using this song to speak to me:
"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"
by Matt Redman
So fearfully and wonderfully made
How could they say there is no God?
Reminded every breath that I take
It's by Your Hand I have been formed
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your priase?
You gave me this breath
And You gave me this strength
Everyday I'll live to obey You
With all of my heart,
With all of my soul
Let every breath I'm breathing display You God
There´s elegance in all you create
Your grand designs leave us amaze
The wonders of the way we´ve been made
Speak of Your power, tell of Your grace
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your praise?
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What am I going to do with this life?
What I am I going to do in these days You´ve ordained?
What am I going to do with this life?
Psalm 139
Okay, no studying today. It's TOO cold here. HAHA I'm going home. Goodbye!
Oh, I forgot to list this on the list:
11. SNOWBOARDING (i know it's not a summer thing.. but I should plan ahead!!)
So I was supposed to study for GREs after I was done with my schedule for today... but I decided to give myself a "break" (I give myself wayy too many breaksss HAHA) and the weather was TOO nice to be wasted. So I decided to take a drive to the beach cuz I've been just DYING to be thereee!!
I just went! And everything was just PERFECT! Sigh.. it was right before sunset so I got to enjoy enough of the SUN and just the SUMMERYNESS of the beach <3 I just took a walk for an hour (well, not by choice but only cuz I parked really far and had to go the restroom near the pier -__-). Sometimes, it amazes me.. how much fun I can have by myself! talking to myself (and God) and watching people, especially BABIES and familiesssss <3 hahah they always make me smile. AND dogs too. and old couples. hehhe.. Anyhow, I'm at starbucks now.. should be studying but don't want to and it's just wayy too cold to be studying =P I just had to jot down some things that I wanted to do after I'm done with the whole grad school apps, ESP BEFORE THE SUMMER IS OVER! I cant believe summer is over. I rarely got to enjoy it =( BUT its not YET over! Sooo here's my list of things to do while summer is still here:
1. GO TO THE BEACH AND BE A BEACH BUM ALL DAY =P
2. Learn how to surf (always wanted to but i highly doubt i can LEARn before summers over)
3. Cliffdiving!!
4. Bike to the beach and just cruiseeeee by the shore =)
5. Watch 500 days of summer (ive seen wayy too many ppls status about this movie!)
6. Go on a drive to somewhere kinda far by myself (sd? sb? ionno..)
7. Go on a trip. by myself? with family? with friends?
8. Read children's books for FUN (& for work)
9. Go to starbucks, its a grind, library, borders FOR FUN (instead of "for studying")
10. Meet up catch up with friends.. play with peopleeeeeee (not by myself =P)
Some are definitely doable.. and some, I will definitely face some obstacles but whateverrrrrr~ I just want to enjoy LIFE, this LIFE HE'S given me. I really am learning to LOVE IT (and HIM of course) even though its hard. But when I go to these places, I am torn. Seeing these people makes me want to live a normal, "GOOD" life, or the life I've always dreamed of... have the "perfect family," having one boy and one girl, growing more and more in love as I age with my husband, love my career and make GOOD money, yet still know how to give to others. I am pretty sure such "perfect" families don't really exist, but I always thought even just being able to have those "perfect moments" would be enough. But definitely God has been changing me and that may be very far from the life that may be ahead of me and the strange thing is I'm okay. I'm okay to let go of that dream and to live the life that God would want me to live.. whereas before I would be like HECK NO... no wayy.. but yeah, all I can say is.. God is good and I want to live for Him.
God has definitely been using this song to speak to me:
"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"
by Matt Redman
So fearfully and wonderfully made
How could they say there is no God?
Reminded every breath that I take
It's by Your Hand I have been formed
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your priase?
You gave me this breath
And You gave me this strength
Everyday I'll live to obey You
With all of my heart,
With all of my soul
Let every breath I'm breathing display You God
There´s elegance in all you create
Your grand designs leave us amaze
The wonders of the way we´ve been made
Speak of Your power, tell of Your grace
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your praise?
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What am I going to do with this life?
What I am I going to do in these days You´ve ordained?
What am I going to do with this life?
Psalm 139
Okay, no studying today. It's TOO cold here. HAHA I'm going home. Goodbye!
Oh, I forgot to list this on the list:
11. SNOWBOARDING (i know it's not a summer thing.. but I should plan ahead!!)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Childlike Faith
"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
- Mark 10:15
So I didn't quite understand what it means to have childlike faith. I understood that it was about simply trusting God, but knew nothing more or less. As I have been interacting with many children, God has been making this phrase and that verse clearer for me. It is quite amazing to see when these children LISTEN to you just because you are their "teacher." Honestly, I can be saying heretical things at church (pray that I would NEVER..!! Matthew 18:6), and they would still believe it because I said so. Wow, it is a very humbling experience because.. really, who am I that they trust me with all the things that I teach them? And even crazier is the fact that they will believe my words and OBEY. If we are going to memorize a verse, that is what they will do; if I tell them they are not allowed to eat the snacks right now, they won't eat it; if I told them we are playing this (stupid) game I made up, they will play...
Of course there are those that don't listen to you right away. Their first reaction to a command is "NO", but what is soooo cool about serving as a teacher in children's ministry is that, they will LISTEN eventually. HAHA. Seriously, even the most rebellious child will listen to you sooner or later (Definitely within the span of the Bible study class if not within like 3 minutes!!).
I have several "troublemakers" in my Bible study class, and I have been having to have one of them stay after class to have a "talk" with me. I ask them why they did do what they did and ask them what they think they should do, according to the Bible. It is truly amazing to see that what the Bible says they should do, they KNOW they should do it without questioning. For example, one kid was saying mean things about another kid, so I had a talk with him after class. He told me how that other kid had gotten him in trouble at school. And we came to agree that he should forgive... because the BIBLE says so! And no other reason was needed but just that-that God wants you to forgive. How many times do I not do things even though I KNOW God wants me to do certain things? How many times do I question God WHY He would want me to do certain things? Too many to count. Many times, I just need to learn from these children: learn to trust, taking God's Word as it is, and obey.
And the love they show me... is truly undeserved. Some of the girls always wait for me at the playground to go back to the church together when I had to stay after class to have a talk with a student. And they run to me and tell me that they were waiting for me. Then as we walk back together they tell me all these things about their school, their sleepover, etc. Ahh, I don't deserve it. Sometimes these things get to me to make me prideful to think that I am doing a "good job" as a teacher, but God definitely is gracious because I was very... embarassed today due to my lack of preparation, a humbling experience indeed. So, all in all to say that God is GOOD so I just need to trust and obey.. and LOVE HIM! =)
- Mark 10:15
So I didn't quite understand what it means to have childlike faith. I understood that it was about simply trusting God, but knew nothing more or less. As I have been interacting with many children, God has been making this phrase and that verse clearer for me. It is quite amazing to see when these children LISTEN to you just because you are their "teacher." Honestly, I can be saying heretical things at church (pray that I would NEVER..!! Matthew 18:6), and they would still believe it because I said so. Wow, it is a very humbling experience because.. really, who am I that they trust me with all the things that I teach them? And even crazier is the fact that they will believe my words and OBEY. If we are going to memorize a verse, that is what they will do; if I tell them they are not allowed to eat the snacks right now, they won't eat it; if I told them we are playing this (stupid) game I made up, they will play...
Of course there are those that don't listen to you right away. Their first reaction to a command is "NO", but what is soooo cool about serving as a teacher in children's ministry is that, they will LISTEN eventually. HAHA. Seriously, even the most rebellious child will listen to you sooner or later (Definitely within the span of the Bible study class if not within like 3 minutes!!).
I have several "troublemakers" in my Bible study class, and I have been having to have one of them stay after class to have a "talk" with me. I ask them why they did do what they did and ask them what they think they should do, according to the Bible. It is truly amazing to see that what the Bible says they should do, they KNOW they should do it without questioning. For example, one kid was saying mean things about another kid, so I had a talk with him after class. He told me how that other kid had gotten him in trouble at school. And we came to agree that he should forgive... because the BIBLE says so! And no other reason was needed but just that-that God wants you to forgive. How many times do I not do things even though I KNOW God wants me to do certain things? How many times do I question God WHY He would want me to do certain things? Too many to count. Many times, I just need to learn from these children: learn to trust, taking God's Word as it is, and obey.
And the love they show me... is truly undeserved. Some of the girls always wait for me at the playground to go back to the church together when I had to stay after class to have a talk with a student. And they run to me and tell me that they were waiting for me. Then as we walk back together they tell me all these things about their school, their sleepover, etc. Ahh, I don't deserve it. Sometimes these things get to me to make me prideful to think that I am doing a "good job" as a teacher, but God definitely is gracious because I was very... embarassed today due to my lack of preparation, a humbling experience indeed. So, all in all to say that God is GOOD so I just need to trust and obey.. and LOVE HIM! =)
Kyle from VBS wrote this.. you can see him in the corner! <3
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Only in Christ can I find peace in confusion.. many things just don't make sense to me in this life but I am okay not understanding it because I know that my God is sovereign over it all. This summer has just been very challenging unlike any other, but definitely God is teaching me to be at peace at all times and find reasons to rejoice and give thanks always. Living in light of the gospel. I have to... If not, I don't know where I would be...
"Fear not for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
- Isaiah 41:10
God is good.
"Fear not for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
- Isaiah 41:10
God is good.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Singing I Go Along Life's Road
The trusting heart to Jesus clings,
Nor any ill forebodes,
But at the cross of Calv’ry sings,
Praise God for lifted loads!
Singing I go along life’s road,
Praising the Lord, praising the Lord,
Singing I go along life’s road,
For Jesus has lifted my load.
The passing days bring many cares,
“Fear not,” I hear Him say,
And when my fears are turned to prayers,
The burdens slip away.
He tells me of my Father’s love,
And never slumb’ring eye,
My everlasting King above
Will all my needs supply.
When to the throne of grace I flee,
I find the promise true,
The mighty arms upholding me
Will bear my burdens too.
주 안에 있는 나에게
주 안에 있는 나에게 딴 근심 있으랴
십자가 밑에 나아가 내 짐을 풀었네
주님을 찬송하면서 할렐루야 할렐루야
내 앞 길 멀고 험해도 나 주님만 따라가리
그 두려움이 변하여 내 기도 되었고
전날의 한숨 변하여 내 노래 되었네
내 주는 자비하셔서 늘 함께 계시고
내 궁핍함을 아시고 늘 채워 주시네
내 주와 맺은 언약은 영 불변하시니
그 나라 가기까지는 늘 보호하시네
I love hymns!
First I heard this hymn in Korean then looked it up in English. The translation makes it a bit differnt from one another but I like it both. Definitely this song encouraged to pray more about my worries and fears. =]
The trusting heart to Jesus clings,
Nor any ill forebodes,
But at the cross of Calv’ry sings,
Praise God for lifted loads!
Singing I go along life’s road,
Praising the Lord, praising the Lord,
Singing I go along life’s road,
For Jesus has lifted my load.
The passing days bring many cares,
“Fear not,” I hear Him say,
And when my fears are turned to prayers,
The burdens slip away.
He tells me of my Father’s love,
And never slumb’ring eye,
My everlasting King above
Will all my needs supply.
When to the throne of grace I flee,
I find the promise true,
The mighty arms upholding me
Will bear my burdens too.
주 안에 있는 나에게
주 안에 있는 나에게 딴 근심 있으랴
십자가 밑에 나아가 내 짐을 풀었네
주님을 찬송하면서 할렐루야 할렐루야
내 앞 길 멀고 험해도 나 주님만 따라가리
그 두려움이 변하여 내 기도 되었고
전날의 한숨 변하여 내 노래 되었네
내 주는 자비하셔서 늘 함께 계시고
내 궁핍함을 아시고 늘 채워 주시네
내 주와 맺은 언약은 영 불변하시니
그 나라 가기까지는 늘 보호하시네
I love hymns!
First I heard this hymn in Korean then looked it up in English. The translation makes it a bit differnt from one another but I like it both. Definitely this song encouraged to pray more about my worries and fears. =]
Friday, July 31, 2009
New Perspective of the Ordinary
I just LOOOOOOOOOOOVE having one-on-one's when we can just share. All christians have stories to tell, about how God has come into their lives and changed them and these are the stories I absolutely love to hear!
Today I met up with Jenn Samo and we just went to it's a grind (i love this place!!) and talked. Deng, starting from just how our lives are like now to how our lives were before and how He has been constantly changing us... Truly amazing! Hearing her testimony of how God changed her life was such a big blessing, which led me again to say "these are the things in my life that I turn to, the evidence that God exists when I am filled with doubts at times." Because I am one of those that gradually came to accept Jesus, not having one single definite moment where I changed 180 degrees, I used to even envy a little those people with such crazy testimonies in my foolish mind although I knew that I am so blessed with many other testimonies of God's working in my life.
"Only if I had that kind of testimony..." But this is what I love about talking to other people: they give me a new perspective on things that I was so blind to see otherwise at many times. Jenn Samo told me how people that think like me don't see the flipside of it: they didn't go through all those things all because of God's grace. And really, thinking about how "normal" my life has been, without any serious hardship, I am surely very very blessed. And to be able to see that, in this seemingly ordinary life of mine, is definitely extraordinary! =P
Okay, the point is not that my life has been sooo good (which is true) but that everyone can relate to it, that in our lives, things so much worse could have happened or can happen at this very moment, but it's only by God's grace we did not or are not going through what can be worse. We all deserve nothing but condemnation so even at this very moment, we are in sooo much better condition than where we should be. Not only our "compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love (Exodus 34:6)" doesn't only withold his wrath and is patient with us, but also He loves us even to point of giving us the blessing of eternal life thru the life, the death, and the resurrection of His own Son, Jesus... amazing, isn't it?
Today I met up with Jenn Samo and we just went to it's a grind (i love this place!!) and talked. Deng, starting from just how our lives are like now to how our lives were before and how He has been constantly changing us... Truly amazing! Hearing her testimony of how God changed her life was such a big blessing, which led me again to say "these are the things in my life that I turn to, the evidence that God exists when I am filled with doubts at times." Because I am one of those that gradually came to accept Jesus, not having one single definite moment where I changed 180 degrees, I used to even envy a little those people with such crazy testimonies in my foolish mind although I knew that I am so blessed with many other testimonies of God's working in my life.
"Only if I had that kind of testimony..." But this is what I love about talking to other people: they give me a new perspective on things that I was so blind to see otherwise at many times. Jenn Samo told me how people that think like me don't see the flipside of it: they didn't go through all those things all because of God's grace. And really, thinking about how "normal" my life has been, without any serious hardship, I am surely very very blessed. And to be able to see that, in this seemingly ordinary life of mine, is definitely extraordinary! =P
Okay, the point is not that my life has been sooo good (which is true) but that everyone can relate to it, that in our lives, things so much worse could have happened or can happen at this very moment, but it's only by God's grace we did not or are not going through what can be worse. We all deserve nothing but condemnation so even at this very moment, we are in sooo much better condition than where we should be. Not only our "compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love (Exodus 34:6)" doesn't only withold his wrath and is patient with us, but also He loves us even to point of giving us the blessing of eternal life thru the life, the death, and the resurrection of His own Son, Jesus... amazing, isn't it?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Finding Extraordinary in the Ordinary
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's for you in Christn Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
I've had a blog for awhile, but have been using it as a personal journal. But recently, God's been moving my heart to share the blessings and the lessons that He is teaching me; yes, I've been selfish to keep them all to myself. I don't know if anyone who reads my blog will find it interesting, inspiring, or whatnot, knowing that I am a horrible writer (I write like I talk HAHA). But really, God has been and will be so good to me to allow me to see His grace in the ordinary things. My pastor preached on this awhile back and it's always been on my heart to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. My prayer is that God would open the eyes of anyone who reads this as they see the evidence of His grace in my life.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
I've had a blog for awhile, but have been using it as a personal journal. But recently, God's been moving my heart to share the blessings and the lessons that He is teaching me; yes, I've been selfish to keep them all to myself. I don't know if anyone who reads my blog will find it interesting, inspiring, or whatnot, knowing that I am a horrible writer (I write like I talk HAHA). But really, God has been and will be so good to me to allow me to see His grace in the ordinary things. My pastor preached on this awhile back and it's always been on my heart to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. My prayer is that God would open the eyes of anyone who reads this as they see the evidence of His grace in my life.
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