Praise the Lord for giving me strong vocal chords, lol.
All you have to do is click on the chart and its sections to listen to or download the recorded audio files. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Till the Day Comes!
It's very, very hot in Korea...especially in my grandmother's house. (No aircon^^;) My sister left to Saipan today. It was a very busy day getting her ready and sending her off, and I also had to go to my dentist (1 hour distance^^;) to get my second to the last check up. 나라호, the first rocket launch of Korea, was delayed once again and it seems like everyone in Korea (even the kids on the streets) are left disappointed. The ex-president of Korea, Dae-Jung Kim, passed away several days ago and that's all that they talk about on the news. That and the failure to launch the rocket.
I found a really nice, affordable store near my dentist that had all the things that I've been looking for, such as bathroom cleaning materials and small hand mirror. I also bought a really cheap pair of flat shoes that I can easily wear to work every day:) It was soooo hot coming home that I just wanted to stay on the cool, air-conditioned subway forever and ever^^;
After I ate some leftovers with my grandmother for dinner, I took a nice, late nap from 8PM ~ 11PM in the grace of our Father, and for the last couple housrs, I've been reading and writing and praising the Lord for His goodness to all His people all over the world. Our blogs are always so encouraging and refreshing to read; my missionary friend's confessions coming from Kenya, Africa seem so real and close to my heart. Today was a moderately busy day for me, but the gratitude that I have for my Savior grows bigger day by day:)
Two more days until I return back to Saipan!!!
I have many things to get done before I can board the 9AM flight to Saipan...and I'm super excited for the last couple of things that God has in store for me here in Korea:)
As I shared with Joseph and others, my short, yet long vacation in Korea was a time of true relaxation, rest, restoration and revival for my physical, emotional, and spiritual self. When I first got here and started to go to the dentist, I had so much pain in my mouth that there wasn't a day that I couldn't meditate on the passion of the Christ^^; The enemy attacked me in so many ways to bring me down, and although I did look like a war-torn veteran by the end of it all, the grace of our Father protected me and led me in His perfect plans. I had opportunities to visit family and friends all over Korea, and also had the chance to visit Caleb and Lena in Dae Jeon and the WMM center in An Heung. These were times where I truly experienced that nothing but the Gospel was the source of my true strength. The glory and power of the Gospel revealed through my honesty and death on the cross were true moments of joy and happiness.
My whole time in Korea was mostly dedicated to myself. Although I did have alone times with God on Saipan, coming to Korea was a moment to really look deep inside my weaknesses and strengths, and really focus on what it was that God called me to do.
First of all, He showed me all the laziness and weaknesses that I had within me in serving WSA & GCA for the last six months. I had absolutely no qualifications in serving Him, but only by grace, the same unreasonable grace that saved such a wretched person like me, was I able to do the little that I did for His glory. He then showed me the love and glory that He wanted to shine through me for His Kingdom....only if I followed whole-heartedly. Only with whole-hearted confession and absolute submission was God going to reveal His greatness through us in the rest of the program. It was hard to admit my weaknesses revealed in His presence, but knowing that God uses my weaknesses to reveal His greatness, I find the greatest joy and peace in my heart to serve the Lord through WSA & GCA. Amen. Hallelujah!
Secondly, I had many moments in which I could really focus on my calling. Attending the GNA graduation was a real challenge to me, as seeing the numerous witnesses of the Gospel that were completely dedicated in giving their lives to nothing but the glory of our Lord came as quite a shock to me. It didn't really matter if my sister was in the group; what really challenged me was the united passion that the GNA graduates shared for the Kingdom of our Father. I'm equally challenged and excited for the past and future GNA graduates as God will work mightly through their lives to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Thirdly, being with my sister after being separated for a long time was quite different for me. God showed me how shy and lazy I get about the Gospel to my family through this time. I'm still praying that I'll be able to be a witness of the Gospel to my family as much as I am to the rest of world, but it's really hard...^^; I don't quite understand why it's such a great challenge to me...and there's some anxiousness within me as I'll be faced with the same challenge on Saipan. I just pray that the Gospel will be able to gain victory over all of my weaknesses.
Everything revealed in the light of the Gospel, it feels like I have nothing left inside me. But because I know that the true mystery of the His salvation is revealed only through my emptiness, I am glad, I am happy to be able be a nothing in the presence of my everything, my Father, and my King.
Three weeks was a long time trying to manage all these things within my frail self, but finally, finally...I feel that I'm ready to go back home and serve my King whole-heartedly. To be completely free in the Spirit of our Father....this truly is the thing that I've been searching for all my life. And now that I've found it, I gladly give all my life to serve my Savior.
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!"
I'll see you soon, my fellow witnesses of the Gospel in Christ.
Till the Day comes, our march of faith will go on strong. Maranatha!
I found a really nice, affordable store near my dentist that had all the things that I've been looking for, such as bathroom cleaning materials and small hand mirror. I also bought a really cheap pair of flat shoes that I can easily wear to work every day:) It was soooo hot coming home that I just wanted to stay on the cool, air-conditioned subway forever and ever^^;
After I ate some leftovers with my grandmother for dinner, I took a nice, late nap from 8PM ~ 11PM in the grace of our Father, and for the last couple housrs, I've been reading and writing and praising the Lord for His goodness to all His people all over the world. Our blogs are always so encouraging and refreshing to read; my missionary friend's confessions coming from Kenya, Africa seem so real and close to my heart. Today was a moderately busy day for me, but the gratitude that I have for my Savior grows bigger day by day:)
Two more days until I return back to Saipan!!!
I have many things to get done before I can board the 9AM flight to Saipan...and I'm super excited for the last couple of things that God has in store for me here in Korea:)
As I shared with Joseph and others, my short, yet long vacation in Korea was a time of true relaxation, rest, restoration and revival for my physical, emotional, and spiritual self. When I first got here and started to go to the dentist, I had so much pain in my mouth that there wasn't a day that I couldn't meditate on the passion of the Christ^^; The enemy attacked me in so many ways to bring me down, and although I did look like a war-torn veteran by the end of it all, the grace of our Father protected me and led me in His perfect plans. I had opportunities to visit family and friends all over Korea, and also had the chance to visit Caleb and Lena in Dae Jeon and the WMM center in An Heung. These were times where I truly experienced that nothing but the Gospel was the source of my true strength. The glory and power of the Gospel revealed through my honesty and death on the cross were true moments of joy and happiness.
My whole time in Korea was mostly dedicated to myself. Although I did have alone times with God on Saipan, coming to Korea was a moment to really look deep inside my weaknesses and strengths, and really focus on what it was that God called me to do.
First of all, He showed me all the laziness and weaknesses that I had within me in serving WSA & GCA for the last six months. I had absolutely no qualifications in serving Him, but only by grace, the same unreasonable grace that saved such a wretched person like me, was I able to do the little that I did for His glory. He then showed me the love and glory that He wanted to shine through me for His Kingdom....only if I followed whole-heartedly. Only with whole-hearted confession and absolute submission was God going to reveal His greatness through us in the rest of the program. It was hard to admit my weaknesses revealed in His presence, but knowing that God uses my weaknesses to reveal His greatness, I find the greatest joy and peace in my heart to serve the Lord through WSA & GCA. Amen. Hallelujah!
Secondly, I had many moments in which I could really focus on my calling. Attending the GNA graduation was a real challenge to me, as seeing the numerous witnesses of the Gospel that were completely dedicated in giving their lives to nothing but the glory of our Lord came as quite a shock to me. It didn't really matter if my sister was in the group; what really challenged me was the united passion that the GNA graduates shared for the Kingdom of our Father. I'm equally challenged and excited for the past and future GNA graduates as God will work mightly through their lives to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Thirdly, being with my sister after being separated for a long time was quite different for me. God showed me how shy and lazy I get about the Gospel to my family through this time. I'm still praying that I'll be able to be a witness of the Gospel to my family as much as I am to the rest of world, but it's really hard...^^; I don't quite understand why it's such a great challenge to me...and there's some anxiousness within me as I'll be faced with the same challenge on Saipan. I just pray that the Gospel will be able to gain victory over all of my weaknesses.
Everything revealed in the light of the Gospel, it feels like I have nothing left inside me. But because I know that the true mystery of the His salvation is revealed only through my emptiness, I am glad, I am happy to be able be a nothing in the presence of my everything, my Father, and my King.
Three weeks was a long time trying to manage all these things within my frail self, but finally, finally...I feel that I'm ready to go back home and serve my King whole-heartedly. To be completely free in the Spirit of our Father....this truly is the thing that I've been searching for all my life. And now that I've found it, I gladly give all my life to serve my Savior.
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!"
I'll see you soon, my fellow witnesses of the Gospel in Christ.
Till the Day comes, our march of faith will go on strong. Maranatha!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
From: Korea
Hi everyone~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:D
This is Judy, reporting to you from Korea!!:)
First of all, I miss every single one of you soooooooooooo much.
Everywhere I go, I think about you.
In the subway, the bus, the streets, church, store, restaurant, even at my grandmother's house...I think about you:) (Shalom, especially being with my grandma that gave you a hard time at the Good News School, I couldn't stop thinking about you....lol) I miss you all so much!!
My first day in Korea was extremely tiring but fun.
On the plane, Mi Ae and I shared with each other the wonders of our Father then ate omelets together:) Right after we ate, I knocked out...and opened my eyes when we landed in Korea^^; Then we waited outside to meet Becky's parents, who came to see us after catching a ride on the first boat out of Shin-Do. While we were driving out onto the highway in the car with Becky's parents, guess who met us on the side of the road? Missionary Kim & Hwang!! Mi Ae and I were soooo surprised and soooo happy:) Missionary Kim was wearing a Saipan shirt, too;) Missionary Kim & Hwang were on their way to An-Heung so they had to leave soon, so just Becky's parents, Mi Ae and I had breakfast in Incheon.
Saying good-bye to Mi Ae was hard, but because the faith that I have in our God and all the marvelous things that God wants to work out through our lives, I wasn't too sad about saying good-bye to Mi Ae. In reality, I don't think I was that sad - I fell right asleep as I got on the bus to go to my grandma's house^^;;
The first day, I slept and slept^^; In between my naps, I had a really good time being with my grandma, but I fell asleep at about 3~4 hour intervals^^;; Then the next day, I followed my grandmother to her church - Jung Dong Methodist Church near Gwang-Hwa Moon in Seoul. It's an old, old traditional Methodist Church with many rich church members, so I didn't feel quite at home. My grandmother introduced me to all her friends, but wherever I went, I felt a dire need for the Gospel in the church, so I wasn't entirely happy. Yet I did get to meet several friendly faces - I even met the Jang-Ro-Neem who named me "Jesus' Happiness" when I was born:)
The weather in Korea is quite chilly for me. Everybody here says it's really, really hot, but to me, it gets quite chilly in the early mornings and night, so I think I'm getting a cold^^;; Monday and today were hospital days for me - as will be the next several days. I took out one of my wisdom tooth and started to work on the 8 cavities I have...^^;; Eight cavities!!! Can you believe it?? I was so shocked and embarrassed^^; I have a constant headache and pain in my mouth from all the things they're doing in my mouth, so I've been just resting with my family (uncle, aunt, and maternal grandmother) since Monday.
But as you all know, being with your non-Christian family is not relaxing at all. Please pray for my family here as my uncle and aunt do not believe in Jesus. It's so hard for me to share the Gospel with them, and I pray that God will give me a clear opportunity for me to share the Gospel that is so real and true to me. Korean TV gives me a headache, and people in Korea eat too much good food; I kinda miss my quiet life with God on Saipan:(
I still have to get a date scheduled to have my wisdom tooth on the bottom to be surgically removed. Please pray that they'll be able to schedule a date for me asap. It's summer vacation here in Korea and all the hospitals are very, very busy. But I'll be happy with whatever God has in store for me.
Korea seems like a place where nobody really needs God to survive. Everyone seems to be okay without God. I feel so awkward and out of place here, and I fear that I might become like some of the people here if I stay here for a long time. But the good thing is that I get to read lots of books and the Bible while going to places on the subway and the bus, so I'm super excited everyday:) I pray that I'll be able to keep my eyes fixed on the Kingdom of God and be an intercessor for all the lost souls in Korea during my short stay here.
I'm kinda tired during the day after taking all the medications for my pain, but I know that God will do even more amazing things through my stay here. My hope is in nothing and noone but the Lord all day long!
Here are some things that are coming up for me. Please pray when you get a chance:
- More things needed to be done in my mouth at the dentist (Wednesday 10:00 AM & Everyday until August 12th)
- Appointment to schedule my tooth operation at 서울대병원 (Wednesday 1:15 PM)
- Meeting friends (Charles, Jin Hee, and other friends from Saipan & the States)
- Going to Shin-Do, An-Heung (Jae Hee's ceremony), Dae Jun (to see Caleb & Lena)
- Going to visit several churches
I'll give you a call tonight on your internet phone - I hope it works!
I wish we could Skype, but I'm at my uncle's house and there's no webcam here:(
But we'll definitely talk to each other soon!
I miss you so much! Keep me updated via Blogger and the email!
I'll be praying for your time as Teacher-Aides in the classroom.
Our God provides for us at all times! Hallelujah!
This is Judy, reporting to you from Korea!!:)
First of all, I miss every single one of you soooooooooooo much.
Everywhere I go, I think about you.
In the subway, the bus, the streets, church, store, restaurant, even at my grandmother's house...I think about you:) (Shalom, especially being with my grandma that gave you a hard time at the Good News School, I couldn't stop thinking about you....lol) I miss you all so much!!
My first day in Korea was extremely tiring but fun.
On the plane, Mi Ae and I shared with each other the wonders of our Father then ate omelets together:) Right after we ate, I knocked out...and opened my eyes when we landed in Korea^^; Then we waited outside to meet Becky's parents, who came to see us after catching a ride on the first boat out of Shin-Do. While we were driving out onto the highway in the car with Becky's parents, guess who met us on the side of the road? Missionary Kim & Hwang!! Mi Ae and I were soooo surprised and soooo happy:) Missionary Kim was wearing a Saipan shirt, too;) Missionary Kim & Hwang were on their way to An-Heung so they had to leave soon, so just Becky's parents, Mi Ae and I had breakfast in Incheon.
Saying good-bye to Mi Ae was hard, but because the faith that I have in our God and all the marvelous things that God wants to work out through our lives, I wasn't too sad about saying good-bye to Mi Ae. In reality, I don't think I was that sad - I fell right asleep as I got on the bus to go to my grandma's house^^;;
The first day, I slept and slept^^; In between my naps, I had a really good time being with my grandma, but I fell asleep at about 3~4 hour intervals^^;; Then the next day, I followed my grandmother to her church - Jung Dong Methodist Church near Gwang-Hwa Moon in Seoul. It's an old, old traditional Methodist Church with many rich church members, so I didn't feel quite at home. My grandmother introduced me to all her friends, but wherever I went, I felt a dire need for the Gospel in the church, so I wasn't entirely happy. Yet I did get to meet several friendly faces - I even met the Jang-Ro-Neem who named me "Jesus' Happiness" when I was born:)
The weather in Korea is quite chilly for me. Everybody here says it's really, really hot, but to me, it gets quite chilly in the early mornings and night, so I think I'm getting a cold^^;; Monday and today were hospital days for me - as will be the next several days. I took out one of my wisdom tooth and started to work on the 8 cavities I have...^^;; Eight cavities!!! Can you believe it?? I was so shocked and embarrassed^^; I have a constant headache and pain in my mouth from all the things they're doing in my mouth, so I've been just resting with my family (uncle, aunt, and maternal grandmother) since Monday.
But as you all know, being with your non-Christian family is not relaxing at all. Please pray for my family here as my uncle and aunt do not believe in Jesus. It's so hard for me to share the Gospel with them, and I pray that God will give me a clear opportunity for me to share the Gospel that is so real and true to me. Korean TV gives me a headache, and people in Korea eat too much good food; I kinda miss my quiet life with God on Saipan:(
I still have to get a date scheduled to have my wisdom tooth on the bottom to be surgically removed. Please pray that they'll be able to schedule a date for me asap. It's summer vacation here in Korea and all the hospitals are very, very busy. But I'll be happy with whatever God has in store for me.
Korea seems like a place where nobody really needs God to survive. Everyone seems to be okay without God. I feel so awkward and out of place here, and I fear that I might become like some of the people here if I stay here for a long time. But the good thing is that I get to read lots of books and the Bible while going to places on the subway and the bus, so I'm super excited everyday:) I pray that I'll be able to keep my eyes fixed on the Kingdom of God and be an intercessor for all the lost souls in Korea during my short stay here.
I'm kinda tired during the day after taking all the medications for my pain, but I know that God will do even more amazing things through my stay here. My hope is in nothing and noone but the Lord all day long!
Here are some things that are coming up for me. Please pray when you get a chance:
- More things needed to be done in my mouth at the dentist (Wednesday 10:00 AM & Everyday until August 12th)
- Appointment to schedule my tooth operation at 서울대병원 (Wednesday 1:15 PM)
- Meeting friends (Charles, Jin Hee, and other friends from Saipan & the States)
- Going to Shin-Do, An-Heung (Jae Hee's ceremony), Dae Jun (to see Caleb & Lena)
- Going to visit several churches
I'll give you a call tonight on your internet phone - I hope it works!
I wish we could Skype, but I'm at my uncle's house and there's no webcam here:(
But we'll definitely talk to each other soon!
I miss you so much! Keep me updated via Blogger and the email!
I'll be praying for your time as Teacher-Aides in the classroom.
Our God provides for us at all times! Hallelujah!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Keep it up, everyone!
Hey there everybody~~
This is Judy, the best teacher in the world!! hehehehe...:) We all know that I'm ever-so-weak, so always keep me in your prayers^^; lol. I'm going to miss all of you soooooooooooo much! I'll try to enjoy the most of my time in Korea, but I'm not too sure how much rest I'll be able to get after the surgery:( Please pray.
I also want to visit the different WMM centers in Korea, so please pray for that as well:)
The meeting we had last night was awesome! It was truly amazing to witness all the wondrous things that God has worked in our lives for the last six months, aside from English. Let's continue to march on diligently this semester for the glory of the Lord!
I've emailed the detailed list of projects and activites that you'll focus on for the month of August to Joseph, so please follow Joseph's guidance, suggestions, and instructions in carrying out all activities. Don't forget: Weekly Blogs from the classroom experience, 2 Blogs (for Rota & GCA), Reflective Blogs for every activity you participate in and the log sheet of every activity you go to. If you're confused, don't worry; our trusty, handsome team leader Joseph will explain everything to you:)
Alright! So keep up the hard work! I'll definitely miss spending time with you, but I'm looking forward to corresponding with you through our blogs and email!
All our joys, tears, ups and downs - All for the Glory of the Lord!:D
Love you & God Bless!
This is Judy, the best teacher in the world!! hehehehe...:) We all know that I'm ever-so-weak, so always keep me in your prayers^^; lol. I'm going to miss all of you soooooooooooo much! I'll try to enjoy the most of my time in Korea, but I'm not too sure how much rest I'll be able to get after the surgery:( Please pray.
I also want to visit the different WMM centers in Korea, so please pray for that as well:)
The meeting we had last night was awesome! It was truly amazing to witness all the wondrous things that God has worked in our lives for the last six months, aside from English. Let's continue to march on diligently this semester for the glory of the Lord!
I've emailed the detailed list of projects and activites that you'll focus on for the month of August to Joseph, so please follow Joseph's guidance, suggestions, and instructions in carrying out all activities. Don't forget: Weekly Blogs from the classroom experience, 2 Blogs (for Rota & GCA), Reflective Blogs for every activity you participate in and the log sheet of every activity you go to. If you're confused, don't worry; our trusty, handsome team leader Joseph will explain everything to you:)
Alright! So keep up the hard work! I'll definitely miss spending time with you, but I'm looking forward to corresponding with you through our blogs and email!
All our joys, tears, ups and downs - All for the Glory of the Lord!:D
Love you & God Bless!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
My Gospel
(A song from my heart...)
I have nothing in my Jesus.
I am nothing in my Jesus.
I search for nothing in my Jesus.
I yearn for nothing in my Jesus.
Jesus is all I want.
Jesus is all I need.
Jesus is my all.
Jesus is my everything.
Praise the Lord, O my Soul!
Reading Shalom's 'My Gospel' in English was very challenging. I had written something similar in English to share with my friends, but I had never completely re-written my Gospel in English. But wow, Shalom! Praise the Lord! He has done wonderous things through your whole-hearted confession of love and faith! I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you to share your Gospel in English with Pastor Tony and then to us through your blog, but God has done it all!! I love you and miss you so much!! (Eunice and Rebekah too^^)
I'd like to challenge everyone to write out their Gospel in English, as we have nothing else to boast (nope, not even our English can be our pride!) other than the Gospel which we have received through our Jesus Christ, Lord & Savior.
So everyone, here it is, Judy's Gospel, in English.
For the Glory of the Lord!
"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music." Psalms 57:7
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect...yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." 1 Corinthians 15:10
I was once a sinner lost and dead, but now I am free and alive in the love and grace of my good Lord, my Savior. He has found me and saved me - never to fear or to hate, never to cheat or be in despair. Praise the Lord for He is good! Truly God has done everything. Hallelujah! I give all the glory to the Lord!
I was born as the eldest into a family that long awaited the birth of their first child. Because of this, my early childhood days are filled with only good memories and joyful moments. It wasn't until we moved to Saipan when I was five, about a year after the birth of my sister, that I started to feel real pain and sadness within me.
Learning English was so hard. Whenever I returned to Korea to visit, my friends in Korea made fun of me for my dark skin. My friends on Saipan ignored me for my lack of fluency in English. My sister was ever so mean to me, and I couldn't do anything because of her weak health. Everywhere I went, I felt so small and powerless. I felt left out from the picture, only to be scolded at home for not being able to read in English and not being able to love my sister more.
My low self-esteem stayed ever so small under the strict rules of my parents and the heavy responsibility that lied on my tiny shoulders as the eldest daughter. I never felt pretty, smart, or sassy enough to satisfy anyone. Such feelings escalated to a point where I was considered a "loner" in seventh grade. Not having any friends greatly saddened me, and when the one opportunity for me to shine and make new friends came, I grasped it without any hesitation.
This is how and why I met my first boyfriend, and to him, I wanted to give my everything. The feelings I had for him felt so real that I didn't hesitate to give him even my body, and this is when lust took full control over my life.
Junior high was a dark time filled with friction between me and my parents, but nothing really mattered to me as long as I had my friends and boyfriends to love me. High school came, and the life I shared with my friends were filled with profanity, sexual immorality, drukenness, addiction to drugs, satan worship, hatred, and suicidal thoughts. I had no physical limits set with my boyfriends, and abortion was a choice I would have easily made. God's amazing grace protected me from committing the horrible sin of murder, but that didn't stop me from flaunting and exposing my body to every kind of lust and immoral acts of this world. I cheated, I was cheated on, I lied, I was lied to, I abused and I was abused. There was never peace in my family, friends or even within myself. In this brokenness of my soul, I went off to college in the States, seeking to fill my hunger for more love.
All this time I was perfectly hidden under the mask of a dedicated Christian girl, being loved and respected by those around me in church. Yet my filthy soul was revealed whenever I was alone, as I spent hours and days watching pornography online, smoking, drinking, cursing, and wanting more and more things of the world.
Then came a moment in my life when I felt the dire need to pray for all the unevangelized tribes in China. I hadn't realized it then, but now that I reflect upon this, that was the first calling I received from God to carry His heart into the world. From then on, God miraculously lifted me out of the mire to know Him and seek Him more. Other than that it was simply the amazing grace of our Father, I cannot explain the reason why I complied to the Lord guiding me back to Saipan and on mission trips to the Philippines and Mongolia.
Yet I still suffered from my pride, love of self, and never ending lust even from deep within the church. Just before I was about to fall apart, God opened wide the gates of Heaven, poured out even more grace upon my life and invited me to face the Gospel at the cross of Jesus. At first, I was too scared to let the truth about myself be revealed to the world. I felt as if everything would crumble and that I would die. But my death at the cross of Jesus is exactly what God had required of me, and I responded to the amazing love of my Father with the complete death of myself on the cross.
"I, Joo Hee Kim, have died on the cross with Jesus Christ two thousand years ago, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
Amen!
The walk of faith that I'm able to march on as a freed child of God is truly the happiest moment of my life. I am now able to freely love as God has purposed for me from before Creation. I am no longer a deceiving imposter to my family. I am no longer the love-hungry, power-thirsty Joo Hee to my friends. I am no longer the lustful prostitute of this world.
As I was called to take the love of God to the ends of the earth, I now live the life worthy of the fullness of Christ, the life worthy of the glorious calling to be a faithful servant of the Lord until the day comes. Yes I fall and stumble at times, but everytime I am in distress, I look to my Lord as David once did. Though sometimes the pain is so bad that I feel like all my bones are being crushed (Psalms 51:8), I lift up my eyes with faith and I see the glorious Lord awaiting me with open arms, calling me and guiding me to be his holy bride.
The times are dark - ears will be shut, eyes will be blinded, souls will be condemned. Yet I will be still and know that You are God, putting all my hope in You, seeking for your love every moment, as a deer pants for water... May your love and truth always protect me, O God my Savior, my Refuge, my Strength! My heart leaps for joy to be in your presence, to dwell in your calling. Grant me clean hands and a pure heart to serve you until the end, oh Father, for it truly is better to be in your courts for a day than to be a thousands elsewhere. How beautiful your dwelling place is, oh Father!
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalms 32:1-2
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God." Psalms 146:5
Hallelujah!
The Lord has done it all!
Now the sole purpose and reason that I live is only to prepare the way for the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. I give all the praise and worship to our Father for saving my soul, making me whole, and giving me His Salvation so rich and so free! Father, here am I, send me!
We will soon witness the glorious return of our Lord!
Maranatha!
I have nothing in my Jesus.
I am nothing in my Jesus.
I search for nothing in my Jesus.
I yearn for nothing in my Jesus.
Jesus is all I want.
Jesus is all I need.
Jesus is my all.
Jesus is my everything.
Praise the Lord, O my Soul!
Reading Shalom's 'My Gospel' in English was very challenging. I had written something similar in English to share with my friends, but I had never completely re-written my Gospel in English. But wow, Shalom! Praise the Lord! He has done wonderous things through your whole-hearted confession of love and faith! I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you to share your Gospel in English with Pastor Tony and then to us through your blog, but God has done it all!! I love you and miss you so much!! (Eunice and Rebekah too^^)
I'd like to challenge everyone to write out their Gospel in English, as we have nothing else to boast (nope, not even our English can be our pride!) other than the Gospel which we have received through our Jesus Christ, Lord & Savior.
So everyone, here it is, Judy's Gospel, in English.
For the Glory of the Lord!
"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music." Psalms 57:7
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect...yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." 1 Corinthians 15:10
I was once a sinner lost and dead, but now I am free and alive in the love and grace of my good Lord, my Savior. He has found me and saved me - never to fear or to hate, never to cheat or be in despair. Praise the Lord for He is good! Truly God has done everything. Hallelujah! I give all the glory to the Lord!
I was born as the eldest into a family that long awaited the birth of their first child. Because of this, my early childhood days are filled with only good memories and joyful moments. It wasn't until we moved to Saipan when I was five, about a year after the birth of my sister, that I started to feel real pain and sadness within me.
Learning English was so hard. Whenever I returned to Korea to visit, my friends in Korea made fun of me for my dark skin. My friends on Saipan ignored me for my lack of fluency in English. My sister was ever so mean to me, and I couldn't do anything because of her weak health. Everywhere I went, I felt so small and powerless. I felt left out from the picture, only to be scolded at home for not being able to read in English and not being able to love my sister more.
My low self-esteem stayed ever so small under the strict rules of my parents and the heavy responsibility that lied on my tiny shoulders as the eldest daughter. I never felt pretty, smart, or sassy enough to satisfy anyone. Such feelings escalated to a point where I was considered a "loner" in seventh grade. Not having any friends greatly saddened me, and when the one opportunity for me to shine and make new friends came, I grasped it without any hesitation.
This is how and why I met my first boyfriend, and to him, I wanted to give my everything. The feelings I had for him felt so real that I didn't hesitate to give him even my body, and this is when lust took full control over my life.
Junior high was a dark time filled with friction between me and my parents, but nothing really mattered to me as long as I had my friends and boyfriends to love me. High school came, and the life I shared with my friends were filled with profanity, sexual immorality, drukenness, addiction to drugs, satan worship, hatred, and suicidal thoughts. I had no physical limits set with my boyfriends, and abortion was a choice I would have easily made. God's amazing grace protected me from committing the horrible sin of murder, but that didn't stop me from flaunting and exposing my body to every kind of lust and immoral acts of this world. I cheated, I was cheated on, I lied, I was lied to, I abused and I was abused. There was never peace in my family, friends or even within myself. In this brokenness of my soul, I went off to college in the States, seeking to fill my hunger for more love.
All this time I was perfectly hidden under the mask of a dedicated Christian girl, being loved and respected by those around me in church. Yet my filthy soul was revealed whenever I was alone, as I spent hours and days watching pornography online, smoking, drinking, cursing, and wanting more and more things of the world.
Then came a moment in my life when I felt the dire need to pray for all the unevangelized tribes in China. I hadn't realized it then, but now that I reflect upon this, that was the first calling I received from God to carry His heart into the world. From then on, God miraculously lifted me out of the mire to know Him and seek Him more. Other than that it was simply the amazing grace of our Father, I cannot explain the reason why I complied to the Lord guiding me back to Saipan and on mission trips to the Philippines and Mongolia.
Yet I still suffered from my pride, love of self, and never ending lust even from deep within the church. Just before I was about to fall apart, God opened wide the gates of Heaven, poured out even more grace upon my life and invited me to face the Gospel at the cross of Jesus. At first, I was too scared to let the truth about myself be revealed to the world. I felt as if everything would crumble and that I would die. But my death at the cross of Jesus is exactly what God had required of me, and I responded to the amazing love of my Father with the complete death of myself on the cross.
"I, Joo Hee Kim, have died on the cross with Jesus Christ two thousand years ago, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
Amen!
The walk of faith that I'm able to march on as a freed child of God is truly the happiest moment of my life. I am now able to freely love as God has purposed for me from before Creation. I am no longer a deceiving imposter to my family. I am no longer the love-hungry, power-thirsty Joo Hee to my friends. I am no longer the lustful prostitute of this world.
As I was called to take the love of God to the ends of the earth, I now live the life worthy of the fullness of Christ, the life worthy of the glorious calling to be a faithful servant of the Lord until the day comes. Yes I fall and stumble at times, but everytime I am in distress, I look to my Lord as David once did. Though sometimes the pain is so bad that I feel like all my bones are being crushed (Psalms 51:8), I lift up my eyes with faith and I see the glorious Lord awaiting me with open arms, calling me and guiding me to be his holy bride.
The times are dark - ears will be shut, eyes will be blinded, souls will be condemned. Yet I will be still and know that You are God, putting all my hope in You, seeking for your love every moment, as a deer pants for water... May your love and truth always protect me, O God my Savior, my Refuge, my Strength! My heart leaps for joy to be in your presence, to dwell in your calling. Grant me clean hands and a pure heart to serve you until the end, oh Father, for it truly is better to be in your courts for a day than to be a thousands elsewhere. How beautiful your dwelling place is, oh Father!
"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalms 32:1-2
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God." Psalms 146:5
Hallelujah!
The Lord has done it all!
Now the sole purpose and reason that I live is only to prepare the way for the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. I give all the praise and worship to our Father for saving my soul, making me whole, and giving me His Salvation so rich and so free! Father, here am I, send me!
We will soon witness the glorious return of our Lord!
Maranatha!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Skype & MSN
I just sent everyone an email today - please check it:)
I've been pretty much "offline" for a while with Skype & MSN, but I figured it'd be another great way for us to communicate with each other (in English, of course!). Just in case, I'll list my Skype and MSN ids on here as well:
Skype: jueykim
MSN: jooheekim@hotmail.com
I know we'll all have a GREAT weekend with Missionary Kim and the Gospel Revival; I just hope we get to squeeze in at least some studying in over the weekend^^; Love you all so much! The Lord has done, is doing, and will do truly amazing things through us!
To the Ends of the Earth with the Gospel!
I've been pretty much "offline" for a while with Skype & MSN, but I figured it'd be another great way for us to communicate with each other (in English, of course!). Just in case, I'll list my Skype and MSN ids on here as well:
Skype: jueykim
MSN: jooheekim@hotmail.com
I know we'll all have a GREAT weekend with Missionary Kim and the Gospel Revival; I just hope we get to squeeze in at least some studying in over the weekend^^; Love you all so much! The Lord has done, is doing, and will do truly amazing things through us!
To the Ends of the Earth with the Gospel!
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Gospel
Do you know the pure joy of simply awaiting for the true revival of the Gospel?
.................................................................................................... I do:)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Mommy & Daddy
When Joseph asked me during lunch today if I missed my parents, I said "No," without giving it a second thought. Yet as I opened an email filled with words of love & encouragement, and smiling pictures of my parents, I couldn't help but to shed a few tears at the thought of how much I miss my best friends in Christ, partners of the Gospel, faithful intercessors, my lovers, my teachers...my parents.
Hurry back home, Mommy & Daddy!
I miss you & love you so much:)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Walking in God's Love
Yesterday was a B-I-G day for me. I've been waiting to share about the Lord's calling in John 21:15-18, so while I was very nervous to share my calling with the church yesterday, I was also extremely happy in the Lord. Last night, I slept like a baby in my Father's arms:)
When I woke up this morning, I was still a little bit tired. Mondays are always pretty tough on me as I spend the weekends in a whirlwind. But I didn't want to let my physical weakness tie me down, so I said to the Lord, "Speak to me, oh Father, for here I am to listen and bow down humbly in Your presence."
Then the Lord spoke to me through today's devotions: And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2John 1: 5-6)
To walk in His love...walking in His love. I let this sink in my heart for a while, and I prayed quietly to my God, "Father, all I seek is to walk in Your love. No matter what happens in my life, oh God, I will stay strong. I will stay focused. As I walk in obedience to Your commands no matter what, and You hold me steadfast in Your love. Lord, all I seek is to walk in Your love! By faith, I walk in Your love!"
Most of my day was okay. Everyone at WSA today was sorta worn out from taking the long test, but I was happy we could have class altogether on Modays. Phonics was fun (Keep it up, Ji Hoon!!), and the presentations just keep getting better and better (Great work, Eunice and Rebekah!). I took care of all my dad's errands fairly smoothly, and most of the provisions for Rota has been taken care of. The lady helping me at the Attorney General's office, Becky, is simply wonderful. Shopping with Rebekah went okay, and I even had time to squeeze in a nap time before I got busy with doing my work. Judy's Flower Shop is running smoothly without my parents or me (since I was sleeping, hehe).
Then at 7:19 PM, the time to test my faith, my walk in love of God came.
My dear friend and partner in Christ Jin Hee called me. She usually doesn't call me during the weekdays and especially at night, but Jin Hee called. I picked up the phone wondering why she had called, and Jin Hee first said "Unnieeeee....(sister, in Korean)" in a weak yet cute voice. In my head, I'm still thinking, "Hmm I guess she forgot to tell me something yesterday." Then came the test.
"Unnie, sorry I didn't tell you earlier...but I'm going to Korea. Tonight."
"What?! Are you that sick!?"
"Yes and no. My parents have been wanting me to come back to Korea soon and I've been thinking about it. Since I haven't been feeling well recently, my mom told me it'd be best if I came home now and return back to Saipan in about a month to get the rest of my things."
".........so you're not going to live here anymore?"
"Umm...no....sorry I didn't tell you earlier!"
Oh, my..........
I knew Jin Hee was never the predictable girl, but what?! How am I supposed to live without my only sidekick at church? How am I supposed to take care of our college youth without my trusted Jin Hee?! Why didn't I sense this the whole time I gave her rides back to her house almost every day?! Who is going to be on my side in times of trouble?! Oh man, Lord.......how am I going to live...........T.T..............
Then Jin Hee went on to tell me about her plans of moving to Japan next week to learn the language and culture. She's always told me about her calling to become a missionary in Japan, but why so soon? Why now? We have so much work to do at church! on Saipan! Who's going to be doing prayer walks at NMC?! Oh man, Lord...........
As I write this, my heart is still in the process of being shattered into a million pieces. Charles is leaving soon. Paul is leaving too. My parents are just waiting for God's OK sign to dedicate themselves as full time missionaries; I highly doubt Jae Hee is ever going to come back. God, are You seriously going to take every single person in my life away from me and leave me deserted on Saipan all by myself? Oh my.........
Devastation.
I need to go pray.
When I woke up this morning, I was still a little bit tired. Mondays are always pretty tough on me as I spend the weekends in a whirlwind. But I didn't want to let my physical weakness tie me down, so I said to the Lord, "Speak to me, oh Father, for here I am to listen and bow down humbly in Your presence."
Then the Lord spoke to me through today's devotions: And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2John 1: 5-6)
To walk in His love...walking in His love. I let this sink in my heart for a while, and I prayed quietly to my God, "Father, all I seek is to walk in Your love. No matter what happens in my life, oh God, I will stay strong. I will stay focused. As I walk in obedience to Your commands no matter what, and You hold me steadfast in Your love. Lord, all I seek is to walk in Your love! By faith, I walk in Your love!"
Most of my day was okay. Everyone at WSA today was sorta worn out from taking the long test, but I was happy we could have class altogether on Modays. Phonics was fun (Keep it up, Ji Hoon!!), and the presentations just keep getting better and better (Great work, Eunice and Rebekah!). I took care of all my dad's errands fairly smoothly, and most of the provisions for Rota has been taken care of. The lady helping me at the Attorney General's office, Becky, is simply wonderful. Shopping with Rebekah went okay, and I even had time to squeeze in a nap time before I got busy with doing my work. Judy's Flower Shop is running smoothly without my parents or me (since I was sleeping, hehe).
Then at 7:19 PM, the time to test my faith, my walk in love of God came.
My dear friend and partner in Christ Jin Hee called me. She usually doesn't call me during the weekdays and especially at night, but Jin Hee called. I picked up the phone wondering why she had called, and Jin Hee first said "Unnieeeee....(sister, in Korean)" in a weak yet cute voice. In my head, I'm still thinking, "Hmm I guess she forgot to tell me something yesterday." Then came the test.
"Unnie, sorry I didn't tell you earlier...but I'm going to Korea. Tonight."
"What?! Are you that sick!?"
"Yes and no. My parents have been wanting me to come back to Korea soon and I've been thinking about it. Since I haven't been feeling well recently, my mom told me it'd be best if I came home now and return back to Saipan in about a month to get the rest of my things."
".........so you're not going to live here anymore?"
"Umm...no....sorry I didn't tell you earlier!"
Oh, my..........
I knew Jin Hee was never the predictable girl, but what?! How am I supposed to live without my only sidekick at church? How am I supposed to take care of our college youth without my trusted Jin Hee?! Why didn't I sense this the whole time I gave her rides back to her house almost every day?! Who is going to be on my side in times of trouble?! Oh man, Lord.......how am I going to live...........T.T..............
Then Jin Hee went on to tell me about her plans of moving to Japan next week to learn the language and culture. She's always told me about her calling to become a missionary in Japan, but why so soon? Why now? We have so much work to do at church! on Saipan! Who's going to be doing prayer walks at NMC?! Oh man, Lord...........
As I write this, my heart is still in the process of being shattered into a million pieces. Charles is leaving soon. Paul is leaving too. My parents are just waiting for God's OK sign to dedicate themselves as full time missionaries; I highly doubt Jae Hee is ever going to come back. God, are You seriously going to take every single person in my life away from me and leave me deserted on Saipan all by myself? Oh my.........
Devastation.
I need to go pray.
(To be continued...)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
We are God's Children!
Good morning, everyone!:D
I knocked out (knocked out = fell fast asleep) on my bed last night right after our prayer, so here I am just finishing up our church's service program and thinking about all of you at 6 in the morning:)
(Oh yeah, by the way, Ji Hoon, congratulations! It's finally your time to witness the glory of the Gospel this Friday^^;)
I just read several of your blogs about the day we spent at the beach. I haven't been to the beach in a while, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me as well:) As I shared with Joy several nights ago, I had so much fun simply celebrating the moments we are able to spend together in this glorious time, glorious place of God that I totally forgot how old we are! I quietly thought to myself as I was driving to church that night, "Wow...I had so much fun at the beach...!!! Thank You, Lord. But wait, how old are we?? How old is Mi Ae? How old is Joseph?? How old am I???"
LOL.
As I thought back at the childish, goofy fun and sheer joy that we shared that day at the beach, I first felt silly. The old Joo Hee would've thought it is so lame to go hang out at the beach with a bunch of Christian people(sorry^^;), but now, these "boring" Christian people have become my best friends, best companions, best partners in this march of faith. Age is definitely not a matter of division for us. It's rather quite fun to completely forget how old our physical bodies are to be able to simply, blissfully enjoy God and His creation as young children. (I really couldn't see any difference in expressions between us and 5-year-old Hyun Bin^^;;)
All my life, I had set goals for each 10-year phase of my life. When I was a teen, I wanted to go to a good college. In my 20s, I wanted to have a fancy career and get married. In my 30s, I wanted to gain lots of money and fame through whatever I'd be doing. In my 40s, I to wanted to spend good times with my family, travelling all over the world...and etc.
Oh and I never, ever wanted to mingle with people older than me, or even younger than me. Well, to be honest, I didn't even like people my age; I was never satisfied with anyone, really.
But now in this life that I live with Jesus, in this march of daily faith, I no longer have hopes and dreams of my physical life. Age really isn't anything but a whole bunch of numbers that tell me how much closer I am in meeting my Father. I'm finally able to breathe freely in the loving grace of our God, never having to worry about any unnecessary things in life any more. All the days and nights I spent worrying, thinking, and planning about my meaningless physical life, I can now use in serving my Lord whole-heartedly and enjoying every second of it rejoicing with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
If we had met in the world, we would have been separated, divided, and unable to love and laugh as freely and whole-heartedly, but now, the single force that brings us completely together, Jesus Christ, gives us the true peace and joy in our lives. The true reason to celebrate! The true reason to live!
Hallelujah!
Let's continue to be glad and rejoice to be like a child in the presence of our Father. Let's simply enjoy being able to live, laugh, and learn in the daily grace of our Savior. "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15)
Lord, thank You for emptying out our lives and our spirits. Thank You for freeing us from the strongholds of life. Your saving grace, your everlasting love, your eternal glory...Father, I will simply rejoice and be glad in You, oh God. Guide us, nurture us, lead us, humble us, and teach us as we are poor in spirit for You, oh Lord. It is You that we yearn; it is You we worship with all our lives. We love You, and we thank You. Take us, and let Your glory shine in all the ends of the earth!
Maranatha!
I knocked out (knocked out = fell fast asleep) on my bed last night right after our prayer, so here I am just finishing up our church's service program and thinking about all of you at 6 in the morning:)
(Oh yeah, by the way, Ji Hoon, congratulations! It's finally your time to witness the glory of the Gospel this Friday^^;)
I just read several of your blogs about the day we spent at the beach. I haven't been to the beach in a while, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me as well:) As I shared with Joy several nights ago, I had so much fun simply celebrating the moments we are able to spend together in this glorious time, glorious place of God that I totally forgot how old we are! I quietly thought to myself as I was driving to church that night, "Wow...I had so much fun at the beach...!!! Thank You, Lord. But wait, how old are we?? How old is Mi Ae? How old is Joseph?? How old am I???"
LOL.
As I thought back at the childish, goofy fun and sheer joy that we shared that day at the beach, I first felt silly. The old Joo Hee would've thought it is so lame to go hang out at the beach with a bunch of Christian people(sorry^^;), but now, these "boring" Christian people have become my best friends, best companions, best partners in this march of faith. Age is definitely not a matter of division for us. It's rather quite fun to completely forget how old our physical bodies are to be able to simply, blissfully enjoy God and His creation as young children. (I really couldn't see any difference in expressions between us and 5-year-old Hyun Bin^^;;)
All my life, I had set goals for each 10-year phase of my life. When I was a teen, I wanted to go to a good college. In my 20s, I wanted to have a fancy career and get married. In my 30s, I wanted to gain lots of money and fame through whatever I'd be doing. In my 40s, I to wanted to spend good times with my family, travelling all over the world...and etc.
Oh and I never, ever wanted to mingle with people older than me, or even younger than me. Well, to be honest, I didn't even like people my age; I was never satisfied with anyone, really.
But now in this life that I live with Jesus, in this march of daily faith, I no longer have hopes and dreams of my physical life. Age really isn't anything but a whole bunch of numbers that tell me how much closer I am in meeting my Father. I'm finally able to breathe freely in the loving grace of our God, never having to worry about any unnecessary things in life any more. All the days and nights I spent worrying, thinking, and planning about my meaningless physical life, I can now use in serving my Lord whole-heartedly and enjoying every second of it rejoicing with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
If we had met in the world, we would have been separated, divided, and unable to love and laugh as freely and whole-heartedly, but now, the single force that brings us completely together, Jesus Christ, gives us the true peace and joy in our lives. The true reason to celebrate! The true reason to live!
Hallelujah!
Let's continue to be glad and rejoice to be like a child in the presence of our Father. Let's simply enjoy being able to live, laugh, and learn in the daily grace of our Savior. "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15)
Lord, thank You for emptying out our lives and our spirits. Thank You for freeing us from the strongholds of life. Your saving grace, your everlasting love, your eternal glory...Father, I will simply rejoice and be glad in You, oh God. Guide us, nurture us, lead us, humble us, and teach us as we are poor in spirit for You, oh Lord. It is You that we yearn; it is You we worship with all our lives. We love You, and we thank You. Take us, and let Your glory shine in all the ends of the earth!
Maranatha!
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