Saturday, November 3, 2012
New Car
Two weeks later, we got this car! What a timely and amazing God! Richard's company isn't doing well. They have a hiring freeze. A salary freeze. A freeze on everything. The company announced a restructuring of the company. Richard went to check the new chart and noticed that his title had changed. He thought it was a mistake and went to HR to let them know of the mistake. They told him that it was not a mistake and that he had been promoted. However, it was low key and nothing was announced company wide. HR told him that's the way the CEO wanted it.
Our amazing God organized this promotion so that we can have a car! Can you imagine God working out all the details? This was a very sudden and unexpected promotion! What a truly, truly amazing God we serve. Now we know that we are to continue ministering to the children at Emmanuel...but how?
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
God Interrupts Words with Friends
I was feeling a little down yesterday and suddenly really missed my kids. After several days of really having an exciting time with God, it was hard to be in this place. I was feeling depressed. I was feeling so down that I didn't even want to play Words with Friends. I am really addicted to this game, so it's really bad when I don't want to play. (Addictions are bad I know, BUT it's really my only vice. Plus I reason that it will keep my mind sharp :) I asked God to give me joy, but I didn't feel any all day.
Then in the evening, I decide to play Words. I play a few rounds and am not really enjoying it. I was about to stop playing, when one of my friends (who is as addicted to this game as I am) starts a new game. On my turn, I am able to clear all my letters and play "skeleton." I was so excited because I have NEVER, EVER cleared all my letters before. I am really surprised. Then on my next turn, I am able to play all my letters AGAIN! I play "feasted" with the s under "skeleton." Now I am feeling really, really excited and my emotions lift. I don't feel so down anymore. I am really excited because this has never happened to me before...Twice in a row! Then the next word I play is, "Grace." God reminds me again of His Grace for me. A God who loves me so much and cares so much about me interrupted my game to show me His Grace. God's Grace is indeed very big. He really cares about the little things. I am amazed again at the ways He shows His love for me!
What a classy God!
Then in the evening, I decide to play Words. I play a few rounds and am not really enjoying it. I was about to stop playing, when one of my friends (who is as addicted to this game as I am) starts a new game. On my turn, I am able to clear all my letters and play "skeleton." I was so excited because I have NEVER, EVER cleared all my letters before. I am really surprised. Then on my next turn, I am able to play all my letters AGAIN! I play "feasted" with the s under "skeleton." Now I am feeling really, really excited and my emotions lift. I don't feel so down anymore. I am really excited because this has never happened to me before...Twice in a row! Then the next word I play is, "Grace." God reminds me again of His Grace for me. A God who loves me so much and cares so much about me interrupted my game to show me His Grace. God's Grace is indeed very big. He really cares about the little things. I am amazed again at the ways He shows His love for me!
What a classy God!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Not Too Bold for God!
When people ask me why I came to Korea, I am afraid to tell them, "God told me to come." I usually say we had a heart for orphans or something not too God specific. I don't have the boldness to say that God sent me here. I always thought people who talked this way were a little weird, and I didn't want people to think I was weird. I was fearful of man and how people would view me. However, after hearing Heidi Baker's testimony this weekend, I decided not to be fearful of many anymore. I decided to tell the truth.
This Monday when I started the substitute teaching, the teachers asked me why I came to Korea. I said, "God told me to come." Then they said, "No, the real reason." So I said, "The real reason is God told me to come. I hear His voice and try to obey what He tells me to do." As soon as I said this, the enemy started to put fear and doubt in my heart. He said, "You were too bold. That was too much God. They are going to think you are strange. Don't you know this company is run by Jehovah's Witnesses? They are going to fire your husband!" I struggled with this for a few days. I really regretted saying what I said.
Today was the last day of my sub teaching job. During the break, one of the teacher comes up to me and says, "I told my husband that you hear God's voice. He told me to ask you how you hear God's voice. He wants to hear God's voice too." Wow! We met after class, and I shared again that God speaks through an intimate relationship with God. I shared the different ways that God can speak. The Holy Spirit was touching her and she started to cry. She told me that when I told the class that God told me to come, she was very intrigued and wanted to know more. She thanked me for being so honest because that's how she was able to talk to me about God. That was so God!
God has given me several opportunities the last few days to talk and brag about God. Now, I am going to pray that God would work through me to heal and prophesy so that people can experience His power! Excited to see what He will do!
This Monday when I started the substitute teaching, the teachers asked me why I came to Korea. I said, "God told me to come." Then they said, "No, the real reason." So I said, "The real reason is God told me to come. I hear His voice and try to obey what He tells me to do." As soon as I said this, the enemy started to put fear and doubt in my heart. He said, "You were too bold. That was too much God. They are going to think you are strange. Don't you know this company is run by Jehovah's Witnesses? They are going to fire your husband!" I struggled with this for a few days. I really regretted saying what I said.
Today was the last day of my sub teaching job. During the break, one of the teacher comes up to me and says, "I told my husband that you hear God's voice. He told me to ask you how you hear God's voice. He wants to hear God's voice too." Wow! We met after class, and I shared again that God speaks through an intimate relationship with God. I shared the different ways that God can speak. The Holy Spirit was touching her and she started to cry. She told me that when I told the class that God told me to come, she was very intrigued and wanted to know more. She thanked me for being so honest because that's how she was able to talk to me about God. That was so God!
God has given me several opportunities the last few days to talk and brag about God. Now, I am going to pray that God would work through me to heal and prophesy so that people can experience His power! Excited to see what He will do!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Surrender and Scholarship
In 2005, when I made a decision to surrender everything and follow Jesus, one of the hardest things to give up was my children’s education. Growing up, education was highly emphasized and valued in my family. The women on my mother and father’s family all graduated from Ewha Women’s University—the most prestigious women’s university in Korea. Many uncles, aunts, and cousins all have advanced degrees. There was a lot of pressure for me to get a doctorate degree—that was the ultimate indication of success. Until God healed me, my identity was based on my education and my accomplishments and not on my identity as a child of God. Anyways, that’s another story for another day.
During our DTS training through YWAM in 2005, someone asked me this question, “How do you know God wants your children to go to college?” What?!!! Isn’t it God’s will for all Asians to go to college? College was a given in our family! My children were all going to college even if they didn't want to. I never imagined my children NOT going to college. This was one area that I could not surrender easily (Actually, everything I have to surrender is difficult.) However, God has been working in my life, and I have been able to slowly lay down this area. In order to help me to surrender in this area, God gave me a child whose passion and interests were not academics! He had a unique learning style which prevented him from being the best that he could be in a regular school setting. So we homeschooled him, but we couldn’t figure out what his passion or interests were. After years of lessons in 3 instruments, 3 sports, and art, Elijah found an interest in tennis when he was 14 ½. But tennis, really?! What kind of future do you have with tennis, especially with such a late start? Most kids start playing tennis at 6 or 7.
During this time of doubting, God spoke to me twice and said, “He is my son, and I love him. I am going to mold him and train him through tennis.” It was not an audible voice, but it was the clearest He has spoken in my spirit. I slowly started to trust God and gave God my desires for Elijah. At that time, I could not have imagined what He had in stored for my oldest son. Tennis is an expensive sport. During the last 4 years, when we didn’t’ have the funds (because God was training us to surrender our finances to Him too), He provided miraculously what we needed to pay for the tennis lessons. He sometimes provided coaches that coached him for free. Sometimes He provided scholarships. It has been an exciting journey to see God working in such a detailed fashion.
Elijah worked very hard to improve his tennis, and he had a desire to play college tennis. That was his goal. We didn’t think it would be possible because he started so late. However, God provided everything He needed for him to train. All that God asked of us was that we train Elijah’s heart to love Him and to know Him so that Elijah can trust and obey Him. This year, several coaches contacted Elijah and offered him to come out for official visits (the coaches pay for airfare and housing). We were really amazed at these offers.
The coach from Wheaton offered him an official visit. Elijah really liked Wheaton and wanted to go there, but they don’t offer athletic scholarships because they are a D3 school. However, from our experience, we know that God ALWAYS provides the finances if it is His will and if we obey Him. We told Elijah to ask God if Wheaton was where God wanted him to go, and if it was, then God would provide the $40,000 needed to attend the school. We started to ask God too. Right after his visit to Wheaton, he was offered an official visit to Cornerstone University. Elijah was reluctant to visit Cornerstone because it was not a school that was on top of his list. It was actually not on his list at all. However, the coach offered him a 100% tuition scholarship, so I told him to visit just to see. I knew if he didn’t like the school, then it was not the school for him regardless of how much scholarship he was being offered. He went for a visit. He liked the school. He liked the teammates. He liked the coach too. We liked the coach too. He is a man of prayer. We were surprised that he prayed for Elijah. Elijah had visited several Christian schools, but none of the coaches had prayed for him. The coach made an impact on us. We felt he could be someone that could mentor Elijah. We sensed this was the school God was leading Elijah to.
When I look back at how God has worked out all the little details in the past 4 years for Elijah, I am in awe. I can’t even understand it sometimes. I try to think about all the details that were involved in getting Elijah to this point, and it really boggles my mind. I was so scared to surrender a college experience for my son, but when I did, He gave back lavishly. He not only is providing an opportunity for Elijah to go to college, but He is providing the funds to do it too. What a classy God! The journey of surrendering and letting go has not always been easy, but God was with me every step of the way, guiding me in His most gentle way. I am humbled that a magnificent God cares so much for me and my family. What more can I say about my Amazing Father?!
During our DTS training through YWAM in 2005, someone asked me this question, “How do you know God wants your children to go to college?” What?!!! Isn’t it God’s will for all Asians to go to college? College was a given in our family! My children were all going to college even if they didn't want to. I never imagined my children NOT going to college. This was one area that I could not surrender easily (Actually, everything I have to surrender is difficult.) However, God has been working in my life, and I have been able to slowly lay down this area. In order to help me to surrender in this area, God gave me a child whose passion and interests were not academics! He had a unique learning style which prevented him from being the best that he could be in a regular school setting. So we homeschooled him, but we couldn’t figure out what his passion or interests were. After years of lessons in 3 instruments, 3 sports, and art, Elijah found an interest in tennis when he was 14 ½. But tennis, really?! What kind of future do you have with tennis, especially with such a late start? Most kids start playing tennis at 6 or 7.
During this time of doubting, God spoke to me twice and said, “He is my son, and I love him. I am going to mold him and train him through tennis.” It was not an audible voice, but it was the clearest He has spoken in my spirit. I slowly started to trust God and gave God my desires for Elijah. At that time, I could not have imagined what He had in stored for my oldest son. Tennis is an expensive sport. During the last 4 years, when we didn’t’ have the funds (because God was training us to surrender our finances to Him too), He provided miraculously what we needed to pay for the tennis lessons. He sometimes provided coaches that coached him for free. Sometimes He provided scholarships. It has been an exciting journey to see God working in such a detailed fashion.
Elijah worked very hard to improve his tennis, and he had a desire to play college tennis. That was his goal. We didn’t think it would be possible because he started so late. However, God provided everything He needed for him to train. All that God asked of us was that we train Elijah’s heart to love Him and to know Him so that Elijah can trust and obey Him. This year, several coaches contacted Elijah and offered him to come out for official visits (the coaches pay for airfare and housing). We were really amazed at these offers.
The coach from Wheaton offered him an official visit. Elijah really liked Wheaton and wanted to go there, but they don’t offer athletic scholarships because they are a D3 school. However, from our experience, we know that God ALWAYS provides the finances if it is His will and if we obey Him. We told Elijah to ask God if Wheaton was where God wanted him to go, and if it was, then God would provide the $40,000 needed to attend the school. We started to ask God too. Right after his visit to Wheaton, he was offered an official visit to Cornerstone University. Elijah was reluctant to visit Cornerstone because it was not a school that was on top of his list. It was actually not on his list at all. However, the coach offered him a 100% tuition scholarship, so I told him to visit just to see. I knew if he didn’t like the school, then it was not the school for him regardless of how much scholarship he was being offered. He went for a visit. He liked the school. He liked the teammates. He liked the coach too. We liked the coach too. He is a man of prayer. We were surprised that he prayed for Elijah. Elijah had visited several Christian schools, but none of the coaches had prayed for him. The coach made an impact on us. We felt he could be someone that could mentor Elijah. We sensed this was the school God was leading Elijah to.
When I look back at how God has worked out all the little details in the past 4 years for Elijah, I am in awe. I can’t even understand it sometimes. I try to think about all the details that were involved in getting Elijah to this point, and it really boggles my mind. I was so scared to surrender a college experience for my son, but when I did, He gave back lavishly. He not only is providing an opportunity for Elijah to go to college, but He is providing the funds to do it too. What a classy God! The journey of surrendering and letting go has not always been easy, but God was with me every step of the way, guiding me in His most gentle way. I am humbled that a magnificent God cares so much for me and my family. What more can I say about my Amazing Father?!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Elijah's Testimony
Growing up with the typical “Christian” mindset, it was always easy to do the “right” thing, live a good moral life, and do good works. Sunday school consisted of telling Bible stories and how they could be applicable in our lives. Prayer, devotion to reading the Bible, and going to church were key elements of being a “good” Christian. It seemed as if Christianity was just one big algorithm. As time went on, I lived the same, dull, ritualistic life. I went to school, church, and youth group. Although my life seemed to be full of activity, I felt as if I were wasting my life.
My Christian walk changed when my family did a DTS (Disciple Training School) with an organization called YWAM (Youth with a Mission). We trained for 3 months in Hawaii and spent 2 months in Brazil reaching out to the local community about God. During our training in Hawaii, I learned a lesson I will never forget. I was taught that as creations of God, we have the right and the tools to talk and listen to God’s voice. That’s when my spiritual journey started to improve. I talked to God as if He were right next to me. Because we did the DTS as a family, my family always kept me accountable and prayed with me while listening to God’s voice. I realized that Christianity was not about doing good works but about having an intimate relationship with our personal Lord and Savior.
My family has always been there to support me and remind me of the love God has for me. My Mom and Dad always had the answers when I was in doubt or had a question. Whenever people would attack and question my faith, I would always ask my parents how to respond. However, I knew there would be a time when my parents would not be there to help me defend my faith, so I did a two week training course through Summit Christian Worldview. I learned about different world views and how to defend my faith. They taught me Biblical content that will help me rebuttal a lot of other world views and knowledge on how to approach people who question what I believe.
I realize that each of us has a destiny. God created us uniquely and for a purpose. He gives us passions and abilities that we are to use to make a difference in this world. I am passionate about tennis and teaching, and I hope to use my passion to influence lives. I am not 100% sure what I want to do in life, but I want to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit and exemplify Christ wherever I am. I hope that as Christ is in me, I am able to change my environment so it reflects more of God’s Kingdom.
My Christian walk changed when my family did a DTS (Disciple Training School) with an organization called YWAM (Youth with a Mission). We trained for 3 months in Hawaii and spent 2 months in Brazil reaching out to the local community about God. During our training in Hawaii, I learned a lesson I will never forget. I was taught that as creations of God, we have the right and the tools to talk and listen to God’s voice. That’s when my spiritual journey started to improve. I talked to God as if He were right next to me. Because we did the DTS as a family, my family always kept me accountable and prayed with me while listening to God’s voice. I realized that Christianity was not about doing good works but about having an intimate relationship with our personal Lord and Savior.
My family has always been there to support me and remind me of the love God has for me. My Mom and Dad always had the answers when I was in doubt or had a question. Whenever people would attack and question my faith, I would always ask my parents how to respond. However, I knew there would be a time when my parents would not be there to help me defend my faith, so I did a two week training course through Summit Christian Worldview. I learned about different world views and how to defend my faith. They taught me Biblical content that will help me rebuttal a lot of other world views and knowledge on how to approach people who question what I believe.
I realize that each of us has a destiny. God created us uniquely and for a purpose. He gives us passions and abilities that we are to use to make a difference in this world. I am passionate about tennis and teaching, and I hope to use my passion to influence lives. I am not 100% sure what I want to do in life, but I want to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit and exemplify Christ wherever I am. I hope that as Christ is in me, I am able to change my environment so it reflects more of God’s Kingdom.
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