Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Indecisive? God seeking.

God has been so good and gracious to me. He has provided me with more than I deserve, and more than I could have imagined. Every since I started working, He has blessed me with open doors and opportunities that other people seldom have. I started working in Grade 11, and I started off immediately at a Chinese television broadcasting station. I got to participate in many public events, and quickly build my skill sets. Then I was blessed with a temporary secretary job, followed by caring for seniors. Ok enough listing, down to the real stuff.
Things were just given to me by God so easily, and to me so mind blowing. And recently I have come to think about my blessings given by my Lord. I know God is gracious, but I wanted to think of why God wanted to bless me in this way, what is His reasoning?
Then recently, God had given me another opportunity, this time at a even bigger scale. To assist in political campaigns in Markham and Richmond Hill. When I heard it I was blown out of the water on the importance of this job, and the scale of the job. I am honored that God thought that I was ready for something like this. And I didn't respond immediately. I just started thinking about the things I had to do, but I think what impacted me the most was what I would miss. I thought about whether this would hinder me serving at church, or time spend with fellow brothers and sisters. I was not willing to give those up at that time. I was really in a limbo (was that the right place to use this word?) I didn't know what to choose, I was given too many choices. I thought and I thought, and before I knew it, I had thought about it and prayed for it for two months. TWO MONTHS! SIXTY DAYS! I don't know whether I couldn't trust myself, or I doubted God. But for two months, I was stressed over my choice. And stress was really what I felt.
I know I don't want to do this for my own reasons, but to serve God. Although I would be working for these councilors, ultimately I am working for my Father. That was what made me commit to this job. If I took the job, I would still be serving God, but just not at my church.
I had just replied to taking the job on Sunday, and I realized that I breathed a sigh of relief, decision time is over. I have finished, making the decision. But now I have to talk to my other boss about cutting hours.

If my church friends read this, I would really like them to pray for me, to be considerate for me over the next few months. I am sorry that through this job I might disappoint some of you, and this is my "ahead of time apologies". If I get too busy, and I can't chill with you guys after church or even at FROW, please know that I would have loved to be there, but I must do my job, and serve how God would want me to. Please pray for me, for God to give me the reason, EQ and IQ to deal with this job, and situations that may come up. I love each and everyone of my brothers and sisters at church, and I hope that you guys can support me, even though I don't know how much I could support you guys this summer.

God, Father, thank you for your blessing. Thank you for your discernment to take this job. Please give me the strength to get through it, and that I would be able to do your will during those times.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" - Matthew 6:33.

Monday, March 31, 2014

Surprise!

I haven't posted in a while, and I posted not really about my feelings. And this time I wanted to post about serving at the church. I am not here to boast, but to really share my heart in ministry.
I have served in the church in many ministries. Some ministries I have left, and some I have continued serving in. Any ministry that anybody gets to serve in is such a great privilege, and honor. I have been serving on the children ministry for almost as long as I remember, just shy of 8 years (I am probably wrong, but it has been a while). I am not counting scores for the time I have served, but it has been a while.

Serving on the children side is such a wonderful feeling, especially working with the younger ones. Being able to see them grow so quickly, makes your heart all fuzzy and warm. I am able to witness God's miracles grow up, from not knowing how to read to suddenly serving on the English side. But I must admit, ministry isn't all green meadows and rainbows, not perfect each and every time. And I would hate to say this, sometimes the days make you doubt your choice of serving. Children being rowdy, nothing going right, you know just everything that could go wrong for a normal school teacher could happen in Sunday school too.

I can recall there were lessons when some of the kids were still very young, that I would end up teaching lessons with kid in arm, still crying (or having them somehow fall asleep in my arms). I am not complaining (because those times are when we create the warmest memories with the kids, or the cutest memories) but those times can be trying.

Today I was speaking with one of the children's moms, just striking up a casual conversation. And she brought up how her daughters were, and how she had also brought her niece today. Her niece used to come to church every few months; so we didn't see her very often. But when she did come, she was able to integrate into the group no problem. That, I believe, played a very important part in her life. As we continued the conversation, the mom told me that her niece always asked her dad to visit aunty, so that she could go to church the next day! When I heard that, it really touched my heart, as calm as I was outside, inside I was jumping up and down with joy. To put this in perspective, the niece lives in Mississauga, and coming to us is quite a trip. She had asked to have a sleepover on Saturday, so that she would be able to attend church on Sunday morning. She is asking to be brought to church. I praise the Lord for His work in her heart, this little child. She's under the age of 10, and she is already yearning I told the mom how encouraged I am having heard this, and then she gave me the K.O. part of her story. Her niece, on top of asking to come to church, has asked her auntie for a Bible. I was overjoyed with the news, and I was really encouraged by the news.

As I have said, children ministry can be hard, and challenging (physically and mentally). But seeing God touch this little heart, it encouraged me to give the kids 110% of the love God has given me. To be there for them on Sundays when I am teaching them, and to visit them and care for them in their times of need. As we learned, there is a meaning to everything we do in our lives. Sometimes we don't know why we are doing it, and sometimes even if we know why, Satan tries to get in our way.

Thank you God for the encouragement, and for allowing me to serve you and your children. Thank you for giving me the experience, and thank you for speaking through me to the children. I feel so blessed that I was able to help you do your work on this Earth, be a method of communication between you and the children. I need to learn to have that child-like faith, and really yearn for your love.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

8 year relationship.

For those who have known me for a long time, you know that I had a very big phase where the only KPOP group I really loved was DBSK. And when they had that infamous split, I was not totally depressed, but not quite happy about it either. I didn't see the reason why that had to happen. I don't remember how many years it has been now, but I think it has been half a decade since the five of them stood on stage together. I can't say that I don't miss what they used to have, but today was when I see that maybe the split was really good for them after all.

I was watching Junsu's (he is now known as XIA) concert, and it made me reflect on what all five of them are doing now. Jaejoong went in the direction of rock music, Junsu's music really showcases his voice (not that the DBSK ones didn't), Yoochun went full blast into acting, and Changmin and Yunho stayed as "DBSK" with SM. Of course I can't ignore JYJ (what the three went into before doing their solo activities).

Junsu's music is fantastic, and some songs are even bone chillingly awesome. Of course there have been some...wtf songs (Tarantellagra), and then 11 o'clock. Big contrast, but it really was one/two beautiful albums.
Jaejoong's music I am not as much of a fan (not really a rock music kind of person), but there is so much angst in his music. Maybe it's from the years that he has been suppressed within DBSK.
Yoochun. I LOVED him in Rooftop Prince (one of my favourite k-dramas from within the last five years). When he was in DBSK, I didn't know he could act. He sort of took the backseat in receiving love (this is also from only my point of view... so I don't know). I anticipate more work from him.
Changmin and Yunho stayed as DBSK as current KPOP fans know. I think this duo works well in a way cause they are of the same stature, and it makes Yunho pick up even more singing (yes, Yunho please continue to improve your singing. No more nasally singing).

With the four different ways they have gone, I can see more happiness from all of them. I can see that they are all doing what they really enjoy. Not that DBSK was not something enjoyable for them, but this is different, their talents are shown in the ways that they want to.

But I think what makes me sad, is that current fans will never know how big the five of them were. More than EXO, more than 2PM, more than B2ST, more than all of the boy groups will gather and achieve in their lifetime as idols. I am not biased (well maybe slightly), but they were able to achieve two world records within their time. 1) Most photographed celebrity and 2) Largest official fanclub in the world. And the fanclub is only counting those officially registered as a Cassiopeia (sadly, I am not an official fan club member).

I will always anticipate the reuniting of the five of them. But for now, I am at peace knowing that the five are doing what they want, and that they will always be DBSK.. just promoting separately.

DBSK <3 Always keep the faith :)

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Last night, I had one of the deepest talks with my best friend, which was about our future. Not career wise, but about relationships and possible marriage. We haven't had conversations like this before, and like what we would say "well that escalated quickly". In a more positive way.

I used to be super boy crazy. Well not SUPER, but always thinking what it would be like to be in a relationship (since I have never had one yet). But as of last year, I have not really thought about it. Then last night's conversation got me to think about it again.

We were thinking about what we would look for in a guy, what qualities would we want them to have? I remember telling her qualities, and she told me to think about it again. Shut down so many times, but it was right for her to help me with that. It helped me think about what I really want, instead of the typical things people look for in guys. And it also helped me confirm things that I had put in my mind before.
1) I would be alright with God not giving me a spouse.
2) To find someone who likes me more than I like them.
3) I currently do not feel the rush to pursue a relationship
4) I would only pursue the relationship if the guy actively pursues me.
For me to confirm these things is taking a big step for me. I will look at relationships even more seriously, and take more into consideration, as I also told my best friend that I would love for my first to be my last. I blame that thought for watching, but it is a nice thought.

Then today, I was surfing the web, and I came across certain things which is really what I now truly believe. When I am looking for a relationship, I will now consider more of these things.

He must be a leader.
God intended for men to lead, which doesn't mean women are powerless. But it is God's intention for men to take charge.
He must be able to make wise choices, understands what the Bible teaches about biblical marriage, and is committed to doing his best to lead like Christ.
1. He is committed to his own spiritual growth and doesn't depend on others to spur him on spiritually.
2. He regularly reads the Word and seeks to live out what it says.
3. He challenges others to have vibrant faith through loving encouragement.
4. He seeks out wise council when her doesn't know what to do rather than shying away from making hard decisions.
5. He makes wise choices.

which will lead to...
He must pray
prayer is how we connect with God. God's Word promises that our prayers have the power to effect change. So seeking the spouse that prays, decides on who will weather the storms of life with you. That they will pray in times of need, instead of depending on himself. A man who understands his role as a leader of his household should also be committed to leading his family in prayer.
1. Have you seen him pray with others?
2. Have you heard him talk about what God is teaching him through prayer?
3. Does he ask others to pray for him?
4. Does he encourage others to pray?
5. Does he have regular quiet time with God?

These points give me direction when I am praying, and 'choosing'. Of course, ultimately, it is up to God to direct my future. But then people might think "Why is there so much that I demand of the man? What about the woman?"
I can't just pray for this man to appear in my life, I must prepare too.
Proverbs 31:10-31 talks about The Wife of Noble Character, and these is one verse, verse 12, that stood out more. She brings him good not harm, all the days of her life.
The devotions I read regarding that, said that 'all the days of her life' will definitely be talking about after marriage, even while dating. But she brought up a point: What about loving your man before you ever meet him?
It was real mind blowing. I must love him before I meet him, before we start this relationship. So that I will bring good to him. And THIS will change how I view relationships. I can't just blindly want a relationship. I have to prepare myself, for the better of my future spouse.
1. How would it change the dating choices you made if your goal is to bring your future husband good, not harm?
2. Would it impact the decisions you make about your future career if you kept blessing your husband in mind?
3. What books could you read now to prepare you to do your husband good in the future?

Relationships are not just about loving the other person, and including God in the relationship. But to prepare yourself FOR the relationship, so that it may be beneficial to both parties, to be in the relationship. So that you can edify your other half.

Monday, November 18, 2013

I need a motivation to start losing weight again. I have regained almost all my weight, and as much as I want to be fitter, I can't bring myself to work out. Why is that? And I don't know why, maybe its cause I have deprived myself of it for so long, but my love for junk food is killing me. Ugh.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Close to You

가까이 다가가고 싶었지만 가까이 다가갈 수 없었습니다. 

내가 가까이 다가가면 다가가는 만큼 

그대가 멀어질 것 같아서..



가까이 다가가면.. 

내가 다가가면... 

그대는 영영 떠나갈 것 같아서

가까이 다가갈 수 없었습니다.



그대가 떠나간 뒤, 그 상처와 그리움 

감당할 수 없을 것 같아서

가까이 다가가고 싶었지만 

더이상 가까이 다가갈 수 없었습니다.



한 순간 가까웁다 영영 그대를 떠나게 하는 것보다 

거리는 조금 떨어져 있지만 오래도록 그대를 

바라보고 싶는 마음이 더 앞섰기에...

내 눈엔...

너 만 보인다는말...

난...거짓말이라고 생각해...

내눈엔 많은 사람들이 보여..

그 치만..그 많은 사람들 중에서

" 너만을 찾게돼..."



세상에 완벽한 남자와

완벽한 여자는없다.

모자라는 남자와

모자라는 여자가 만들어가는

완벽한 사랑만이 있을뿐이다.


Yijeong Hanim

Sunday, October 6, 2013

My heart.

I had posted about this before, but this thought has come to my head again as I lay here with insomnia.

What does my future hold? Where is my future?

I start a new job on Monday, and to be honest I was disappointed that it took me so long to get a job as I had been sending out resumes to so many places. And this marks a new start, but it shouldn't be where I should stay forever.
Then tonight, I had the thought of two words that do close and dear to my heart: 

香港。

Why? Certain thoughts led to certain things, and this word came up.

Summer of 2011 I was given the chance to explore Hong Kong for four months while working for my uncle at a simple desk job. The thought was so exciting, and honestly it was a pure blessing. I experienced somewhat the working culture, and the life there. The blessing came to me in the form of my relatives. I lived at my uncle's place which was out in the New Territories. Spacious and very similar to Canada. Went to work every day, and went out on the weekends with the girls who were also in HK that summer. I worked a 9-6 job, and lived in a wonderful place with wonderful people in excellent circumstances. All I worried about was where I wanted to go for the weekend. This is what everyone knew about that vacation. But those four months was the most distant I had been from God ever. Sure, I prayed before meals and didn't do bad things, but I probably went to church three times the entire summer. My excuse would be that church was too far away. I lived in Tuen Mun and my aunt's church was on the HK side. I remember the first month I was there, I skyped my fellowship at least once or twice while eating pancakes in te morning, just to listen in on the Bible study (if you were there, you would have known it failed miserably. Couldn't hear a thing. Thanks guys for trying.) I always felt that i was on vacation there, and it didn't matter: boy was I wrong. I felt so empty those months, as much as I was so happy experiencing everything around me. So I'm guessing that was why I indulged on food, on the verge of gluttony. And that is why I came back so fat ( see it all makes sense)
Fast forward two years, and I am visiting HK again, in the month of May, but this time with my family. And this time it was so different. I lived on the HK side, I didn't work, and I was only there for a month. But I still got to 'experience' working life in HK through my aunt whom we lived with (thank you for taking us in!). She worked long hours, and sometimes even though we would go out with my moms friends, there were multiple times where we would be home before she would be. Another 'experience' was with my mom's friends, uncles I would call them. Took us almost the entire month to fit us into their schedules so that we could eat with them. And even so, one of them technically only ate with us for an hour, as he had to go pick up his boss from the airport and go to another meeting. This is night time I am talking about! But this time, during this trip, I was able to experience God much much more. My brother and I were introduced to an English church which wasn't too far from where we lived, and we made an attempt to go every Sunday we were intown. The speaker captivated us, and God spoke to me through those messages. Not only through those messages, but throughout the entire trip, I really felt God with me wherever I went. 

Now to get to the real point of this post. I have a heart to live in this city, love this city, and serve this city. Especially since there is so much unrest and (dare I use the word) hatred. But my heart is also where I have lived most my life, where my  largest spiritual family is. And I have learned that as much as I personally would want something, it is my necessarily what God wants for me.

This summer I almost had a chance to intern at one of the larger banks in Hong Kong. And through prayer, and asking God for guidance, that door was closed on me. I'll fess up one of the reasons why I wanted to stay was because Shinhwa's first oversea concert for their 16 anniversary was in HK and that would be their first concert there. ANYWAY.
Door was closed on me, and I came back to work at my other job that God had blessed me with. For some reason I was at peace with God's direction, and I don't 'regret' it.

Living and working in Hong Kong is much harder than it is here. The competition is even more fierce and everything is about money. I would love to challenge myself to be in this environment, but I cannot bring to leave everything behind. My grandpa would love for me to be back in HK, closer to him. As is for everyone else in our families. But here is my prayer to God: 

Dear God, Heavenly Father.
I don't know what to do about my future as my heart is being torn. I can hear the city calling out to me, to serve and love everyone. But at the same time, my home church is calling out my name. I don't know what to do about where I want to go. But most importantly, where you would want me to go. God please show me the way, show me where you want me to go. As the song says
'I will go, I will go, I will go Lord send me to the world, to the lost, to the poor and hungry. Take everything I am, I'm clay within your hands, I will go, I will go send me' 
You might not even want me in Hong Kong, but Lord, send me where you want me to do your work. And I will go. Show me how you have planned my future to be. I put you in my heart as my GPS, and I will learn to trust you. I will trust you. I pray you will give me the wisdom to discern what is  the way. I thank you Lord for blessing me, with so many opportunities and experiences that I will never forget. As I know that everything, all glory goes back to you. Everything is because of you.

If you read this, please also pray for me that I will be able to find out what my future will be like. Whether it is to stay here in Toronto, or to go somewhere else in the world, that I will seek God to find the place for me. And that I will be able to provide for my family, and lift the burden off of my moms shoulders.