Wow, China was once again an opportunity to see God at work. I feel like this was a totally selfish trip, but God still used moments for Himself to not only be met by us, but to present Him to others. Since returning we also got to see how He had us play a part in His bigger plan through prayer.
I will share that first. While we were in Shanghai we had a personal tour guide, Zijie. She is from China, but had come to Seoul one summer a while back. A little background on Zijie is that she is the first person to become a Christian from her village of about 5,000. She went to school near the North Korean border (a school that was a Christian school, but she had no idea at the time). Her father is also in the communist party. She was suppose to go home to be with her family for the New Year (Spring Festival). She decided to postpone her trip a few days to show us around Shanghai, even though she has only lived there for about 7 weeks. Us being there gave her an opportunity to learn about the city she lives in, as well as an opportunity for us to pray for her and give her some added support before returning home. Here is an email that was sent once we got back to Seoul. I think it explains it all pretty well. God is so much bigger than we can even imagine.....please, continue to pray for her and the people in China.
Isn't prayer awesome!?!?!?!?! Obviously the prayers soften more hearts than were expected. Thank you for joining us in encouraging and strengthening her.
In Him, Lara
Mon, 26 Feb 2007 8:31 PM Subject: 回å¤ï¼š Welcome back!
Thank you very much. My trip home was a big blessing from God. I was brave enough to tell my mom about God, and somehow, my grandfather, my father and my brother got involved. I told my mom that the Bible I took home was for her, but she worried that I would not have one for myself in Shanghai, so she suggested I take it back to shanghai, than my father said :" No, give it to me and I will read it." That was the most unexpecting message for me. How amazing! I was so encouraged that I told my grandfather and my brother about it too. I left two little books and the book with lots of pictures in it that you gave me at home, and my mother said she understood those better. See, what did I say, you came at the right time. I will look for some more easier books here for my family, for people who need them, and for me too, with the money given by your friend in Korea. It is too late, I have to go now.
Love, zijie
It is amazing to be a part of what God is doing.......and this was and is only a little glimpse of what HIS bigger plan all over the world is.
Here is a summary of the rest of my time in China....there is so much more I could write, but you will just have to ask if you want to know more.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Arrived in Shanghai, China and had an adventure just trying to get to our hotel. One person told us to take one bus and another a different one. Praise God, we got on the right bus, took it to the end of the line and saw no hotel. The lady just pointed in a direction.......so we walked that way. Got to our hotel about 1pm and waited around until the family and Zijie got there, checking out the area. This whole time there were fireworks and firecrackers going off all over the city, so many loud bangs. This actually continued until well after 1am. But it was the Eve of the Lunar/Chinese New Year. That night went to "the Bund" to watch the fireworks.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Got up and watched a 'Lion Dance' in the lobby of our hotel. Then, went walking thru Nanjing Road (the first and number 1 commerical street in Shanghai). After that went up to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower. We went thru the Shanghai History Museum. That evening we were going to go to the YuYuan Garden to see the lanterns lit, but due to some circumstances, went too late. However, we got a chance to walk around this old part of town, even though it was deserted at the time. The street was soooo cool we wanted to go back the next day during daylight hours. By the way, firecrackers and fireworks were still being set off all day all over the city.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Went to the Shanghai Zoo. Coolest thing was not only getting to see the Pandas, but the fact that they were so active while we were there. After the Zoo, we went back to walk around the YuYuan Garden area. Wow, what a difference from the night before. The streets were packed. We ended the night by going to a Chinese Acrobatic Show. This was our last night with Zijie and the family. So we spent some time reading God's Word and praying and encouraging Zijie.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Went on a day excursion to an old water village, Zhou Zhuang. It is the number 1 water village in China. Originally built in 1086, it is a well preserved historic and cultural famous town in China. Also, saw a silk mill. That evening we spent the night at YuYuan Garden, we were on our own and since we liked it so much we wanted to see it at dusk and early evening when there were still people on the streets. We also wanted to do some shopping.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Today was the day we were suppose to leave Shanghai for Beijing. However, our flight was to leave around 11am, but was delayed due to weather at the Beijing Airport. We ended up sitting in the airport waiting most of the day. Around 3:30pm they announced that all flights to Beijing were cancelled. This was the biggest test and challenge from God. We were shoved around by people (now this actually happens in lines all over Korea, and had been happening each day in lines at everything we did....but I don't really want to talk about that in my blog.) We were told to go into one line, to be pushed and cut in front of....and then told we were in the wrong line. It took about three lines to finally get help.....my travel partner was losing it. We ended up being told we were on a flight at 8am the next day. So we went to get our luggage. During which time some other American girls got talking to us and said they had gotten a boarding pass which we hadn't, so we went back to check on this only to find out that we were actually on a 3pm flight the next day. My friend, was really losing it at this time. Though, I was very impressed that I had stayed so calm. It was a little scary not having anyone to really help, and I could not understand a thing. But I knew that God was with us and was going to take care of everything. The next challenge was trying to call our hotel in Beijing and then decide what we were going to do about that night. We went to information for help, and were sent back to the airline. As I walked to the airline they told me to go to information. I could not believe this. I stayed calm and explained things to the gentleman, who by the way was the one who put us in the wrong line to begin with and who told us we were on the 8am flight. He took me to information and made the call for me. Everything got taken care of, except what to do that night. I would have been fine storing our bags and going to get something to eat and then coming back to the airport. We were told that we could show up at 6am and try to get on stand by for an earlier flight. However, my friend really wanted a hotel, so we found a cheap one with some help. It was ok, but very scary to say the least. We ended up going and walking around the Bund again, and then YuYuan Garden. That night there were fireworks going off from the roof of the hotel we were at as well as the building behind us. The noise felt as though we were in a war zone. Praise God that HE took care of us, after all there really wasn't much we could do about our today or our tomorrow, except give them to HIM.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Showed up at 6am......I actually checked with the airline first to see if there were any available seats on an earlier flight. I got us changed from 3pm to 11am. Then waited until 6:30am and were the first to get our names on the stand by list. We did not make it on the first flight out, but made it on the next at 9am. God was good. My friend kept thanking me, it wasn't me who had done anything.......it was GOD. Once we arrived near our hotel we were taken in a bike taxi, however, the man tried to get us to pay him $100 for a very short trip. We ended up giving him more yuan then what we owed him, but there was no way I was going to get pushed around anymore. Since we had a day shorter in Beijing we made some plans for excursions and then spent the rest of the afternoon shopping at a Pearl Market.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Went on an excursion to the Ming Tombs and the Badaling section of the Great Wall. We also stopped at a Jade Factory and a Traditional Chinese Preventive Medicine Center for feet massages and a check up, so to speak. I was the only one who walked all the way up to the top of the west side of the Wall. I would have liked to walk the other side as well, but could only do what I could being with a small group. I still got to walk and stand in a section of the Great Wall of China- that was cool enough in itself. And since I did it alone I had an awesome time with God.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Ended up on a private tour to Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Also, got to learn about pearls, as well as another foot massage at the Traditional Medicine Center. Got a huge opportunity to talk with our guide not only about Chinese history, but American history and Christianity. We ended up having our guide get us tickets to an Acrobatic Show that night. I sat by a nice couple from Japan. He asked me a ton of questions and I got to share with him as well.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Returned to Seoul.....though it was foggy in Beijing, God took care of us and brought us back safely.
I spent lots of time praying while I was walking on the streets through out China. It was a very sad place in a sense of speaking. Praise God for this opportunity to see yet another group of people in another country.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Touched by God
Interesting that after I sent my prayer request email I went and had a quiet time with God. Reading of course my devotionals: "Teach Me to Pray" and "God Calling".
I started with "Teach Me to Pray". In the first paragraph it used Luke 11:5-8. I started to laugh because that was the same scripture used in "Our Daily Bread" titled 'Keep Praying' that I used in class with my 4th graders. ODB actually had us read to verse 13.
I went on and read the rest of the selection for today in "Teach Me to Pray" that said:
Prayer is the one power on earth that commands the power of heaven. The early days of the Church are a great object lesson of what prayer can do. Prayer can pull down the treasures of heaven into earth.
Prayer is both indispensable and irresistible. Unknown blessing is stored up for us in heaven; that power will make us a blessing to men and enable us to do any work or face any danger. It is the one secret of success. It can defy all the power of the world and prepare men to conquer that world for Christ.
And this was what today's selection in "God Calling" had to say:
Take time for prayer. Take more time to be alone with Me. So only will you prosper.
Realize that the hearing of Spirit Sounds is more than the hearing of all Earth's noises. I am with you. Let that content you, nay, more, let that fill you with rapture.
Seek sometimes not even to hear Me. Seek a silence of spirit-understanding with Me. Be not afraid. All is well. Dwell much on what I did, as well as what I said.
....Not many words, just a moment's contact,....
My touch is still a potent healer. Just feel that touch. Sense My Presence, and the fever of work and care and fear just melts into nothingness- and Health, Joy, Peace, take its place.
God just reminded me and confirmed that prayer is important. I should not have waited so long to ask you all to pray.
I just got done writing about needing a big touch from God, and then HE touched me in a greater way than I could have even hoped for. HE is soooo good and has just wrapped HIS loving arms around me.
Wow, what an amazing touch from the Risen Christ in this moment!!!!
I started with "Teach Me to Pray". In the first paragraph it used Luke 11:5-8. I started to laugh because that was the same scripture used in "Our Daily Bread" titled 'Keep Praying' that I used in class with my 4th graders. ODB actually had us read to verse 13.
I went on and read the rest of the selection for today in "Teach Me to Pray" that said:
Prayer is the one power on earth that commands the power of heaven. The early days of the Church are a great object lesson of what prayer can do. Prayer can pull down the treasures of heaven into earth.
Prayer is both indispensable and irresistible. Unknown blessing is stored up for us in heaven; that power will make us a blessing to men and enable us to do any work or face any danger. It is the one secret of success. It can defy all the power of the world and prepare men to conquer that world for Christ.
And this was what today's selection in "God Calling" had to say:
Take time for prayer. Take more time to be alone with Me. So only will you prosper.
Realize that the hearing of Spirit Sounds is more than the hearing of all Earth's noises. I am with you. Let that content you, nay, more, let that fill you with rapture.
Seek sometimes not even to hear Me. Seek a silence of spirit-understanding with Me. Be not afraid. All is well. Dwell much on what I did, as well as what I said.
....Not many words, just a moment's contact,....
My touch is still a potent healer. Just feel that touch. Sense My Presence, and the fever of work and care and fear just melts into nothingness- and Health, Joy, Peace, take its place.
God just reminded me and confirmed that prayer is important. I should not have waited so long to ask you all to pray.
I just got done writing about needing a big touch from God, and then HE touched me in a greater way than I could have even hoped for. HE is soooo good and has just wrapped HIS loving arms around me.
Wow, what an amazing touch from the Risen Christ in this moment!!!!
Prayer Request
I need to selfishly ask for some prayer. It seems selfish to me since there are so many other pressing things upon my heart, people and situations that God continues to place upon my heart that are more important than my requests.
I returned from China on Sunday to walk into an apartment that was like being in a sauna, no better yet I think I may have walked into the fiery pit of hell. You'd have to be here to know that there maybe more truth to that than you can imagine.
Anyways, since the end of my China trip and so far this week,especially tonight my heart is longing and ready to be home. I guess I feel more homesick right now than I have thus far here. But it feels weird at the same time because I have been so present in the moments placed before me. In China, God did some awesome things and even put me through a huge test. And I always meet the Risen Christ with my class every day. Even tonight I went to a women's function at church and saw God in a powerful way........but on my walk home I just wanted to cry, my heart wants to come home.
I know I just need a big touch from God right now at this moment and I do know that many of you continue to pray for me....trust me I really know this because without your prayers and God Himself I would not be making it. It has truly given me the strength I need. And though it seems like a silly request, I just really need some added strength for my heart at this present moment.
Speaking of my heart, my physical beating heart, there is something that I haven't mentioned but probably should have before now for prayer. I have been having heart palpitations for a while now. And this week they seem even worse. I don't get them when I am doing physical activity like walking up these hills, climbing the Great Wall in China, or working out. I have been getting them when I am laying down trying to fall asleep at night and when I am at rest. My heart has been racing much faster the past couple of days and for a longer amount of time than usual, and tonight walking home from church I felt a definite shortness in my breathing.
We have Thursday off, I most likely will go to the doctor here then, but I have to admit that I am scared about going to a doctor in a foreign country. I feel this is more of a spiritual attack than anything else. The only other time I experienced something like this was back in Tennessee while working for Dr. Gaither, it was because of medication I was taking. The problem stopped after a couple of days and I have NEVER felt anything like this ever since, at least not until after being in Korea a couple of months.
I am sorry this is long, but I could really use some added prayers at the moment. You all who know me know how I get when I am fighting feelings........I know God is right here with His loving arms wrapped around me, but it sure would be nice to have His arms in a physical way right now. This is when I hate being single.
May this find you wrapped in HIS loving arms as you seize the moments HE places before you to meet HIM in.
In Christ alone, Kimie
I returned from China on Sunday to walk into an apartment that was like being in a sauna, no better yet I think I may have walked into the fiery pit of hell. You'd have to be here to know that there maybe more truth to that than you can imagine.
Anyways, since the end of my China trip and so far this week,especially tonight my heart is longing and ready to be home. I guess I feel more homesick right now than I have thus far here. But it feels weird at the same time because I have been so present in the moments placed before me. In China, God did some awesome things and even put me through a huge test. And I always meet the Risen Christ with my class every day. Even tonight I went to a women's function at church and saw God in a powerful way........but on my walk home I just wanted to cry, my heart wants to come home.
I know I just need a big touch from God right now at this moment and I do know that many of you continue to pray for me....trust me I really know this because without your prayers and God Himself I would not be making it. It has truly given me the strength I need. And though it seems like a silly request, I just really need some added strength for my heart at this present moment.
Speaking of my heart, my physical beating heart, there is something that I haven't mentioned but probably should have before now for prayer. I have been having heart palpitations for a while now. And this week they seem even worse. I don't get them when I am doing physical activity like walking up these hills, climbing the Great Wall in China, or working out. I have been getting them when I am laying down trying to fall asleep at night and when I am at rest. My heart has been racing much faster the past couple of days and for a longer amount of time than usual, and tonight walking home from church I felt a definite shortness in my breathing.
We have Thursday off, I most likely will go to the doctor here then, but I have to admit that I am scared about going to a doctor in a foreign country. I feel this is more of a spiritual attack than anything else. The only other time I experienced something like this was back in Tennessee while working for Dr. Gaither, it was because of medication I was taking. The problem stopped after a couple of days and I have NEVER felt anything like this ever since, at least not until after being in Korea a couple of months.
I am sorry this is long, but I could really use some added prayers at the moment. You all who know me know how I get when I am fighting feelings........I know God is right here with His loving arms wrapped around me, but it sure would be nice to have His arms in a physical way right now. This is when I hate being single.
May this find you wrapped in HIS loving arms as you seize the moments HE places before you to meet HIM in.
In Christ alone, Kimie
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day
We have no obligations towards life.
Our only obligation is happiness.
Didn't you know that we are all born to me happy?
This was on an envelope that was given to me with a note by a very precious 1st grader. I did not make a error in the typing....that is exactly how it is written. The envelope also had the following poem on it by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Today is devoted to the praise of love. Let us not forget that God gave us His perfect love in giving us His Son. (John 3:16) God is Love (1 John 4:16), so let our hearts be filled with love, so by His power, we may witness the transforming power of love. Also, look at 1 Corinthians 13:13.
Here in Korea today is about 'chocolate'. Yes, chocolate. This basically consists of three days:
Valentine's Day, February 14: females are to give males chocolate
White Day, March 14: males are to give females chocolate
Black Day, April 14: if chocolate wasn't received you are to wear black and eat tchajangmyon, noodles in dark (bean) sauce. Really my friends said; singles get together and drown their sorrows of another year alone.
For the record, I actually got chocolate today, so my class informed me that I didn't have to celebrate Black Day. Like I would have anyways. I may be single in the world's eyes, but in God's eyes I am spoken for!!!!
Our only obligation is happiness.
Didn't you know that we are all born to me happy?
This was on an envelope that was given to me with a note by a very precious 1st grader. I did not make a error in the typing....that is exactly how it is written. The envelope also had the following poem on it by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Today is devoted to the praise of love. Let us not forget that God gave us His perfect love in giving us His Son. (John 3:16) God is Love (1 John 4:16), so let our hearts be filled with love, so by His power, we may witness the transforming power of love. Also, look at 1 Corinthians 13:13.
Here in Korea today is about 'chocolate'. Yes, chocolate. This basically consists of three days:
Valentine's Day, February 14: females are to give males chocolate
White Day, March 14: males are to give females chocolate
Black Day, April 14: if chocolate wasn't received you are to wear black and eat tchajangmyon, noodles in dark (bean) sauce. Really my friends said; singles get together and drown their sorrows of another year alone.
For the record, I actually got chocolate today, so my class informed me that I didn't have to celebrate Black Day. Like I would have anyways. I may be single in the world's eyes, but in God's eyes I am spoken for!!!!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Moved by God
Tonight I watched a 2 1/2 hour homegoing service that so moved in my heart. God has been calling and seeking my heart more than any other time in my life in this place. It has reminded me once again that this journey we are all on is ALL about HIM!!!! Nothing else, plain and simple, everything has to do with HIM!
Truthfully all the memories and thoughts I have had in the past week or so have just been ways God continues to reveal Himself. I am overwhelmed with all of it..........I can't seem to record any of it the way it is being played in my head and heart. All I can do is bask in His love as I seek Him with everything I am. He is everything and this life we live is and should be all about Him.
Truthfully all the memories and thoughts I have had in the past week or so have just been ways God continues to reveal Himself. I am overwhelmed with all of it..........I can't seem to record any of it the way it is being played in my head and heart. All I can do is bask in His love as I seek Him with everything I am. He is everything and this life we live is and should be all about Him.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
It's ALL about HIM
HUGS
During last period on Friday, when my 4th graders are with the 1st graders, one 1st grader said "Miss Morton, you can't leave without a hug". Then the 1st grade teacher said her class had told her that Wilson loved popcorn and Miss Morton loved hugs. It really made my heart smile......... I love that the kids feel comfortable enough to hug me whenever they want. Not many of the teachers hug the kids. For me, our arms are an extension of God's love. My class, especially one boy, gave lots of hugs all week. He would throw his arms around me while waiting in line and at lunch would come and stand behind with arms around me. I guess hugs were much needed this week.
QUESTIONS
I could really feel the presence of God and could actually see the students hearts stirring earlier in the day with the 5th grade. I was asked a question that turned into an amazing God moment. See we were trying to review for their upcoming test, instead of listening to topic I was on they were worried about the next. I decided to seize this moment to share in Matthew 6: 25-34, about worrying. I put a quote on the board: Today after all is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday. That is when one student asked me why I knew so much scripture and used it all the time. Tears came to my eyes as I answered. I told them it was because GOD was the MOST IMPORTANT thing in my life and that the Bible was the breath of Him. I told them I really didn't know much, but my life was going to be spent in scripture. I said since God was everything to me, that included His Word. Therefore, every part of my day should be all about Him. Wow, that doesn't even really begin to tell you what this moment was like.
REFLECTION OR....
That night I went with my friend who is a cheerleading coach to a competition. We spent the night in a bunker on a military base with other squads. I went for support and to judge in her place so she could be with her team. God showed up in many different moments. He also reminded me of how much I miss working with youth. It was just interesting that this opportunity to help came up after a week of me being flooded with memories of my 4 years in Nashville, Tennessee working with the youth at Christ Church. Maybe God is trying to speak to me through this time of reflection and opportunity.
GOD DOES IT AGAIN
Then to concluded this entry with today. Yes, once again God used Pastor Tim to speak exactly what was on my heart. Since the middle of the week all my thoughts with each moment of meeting the Risen Christ has been that it's ALL about HIM. I can't explain how powerful it has been now to be sitting in service having a thought flood your mind and having those exact thoughts be what you are left with at the end of worship.
God gave me a moment with Robin at the end of service to share some things with. I find it very easy to open up and talk to her, and since I was a flood of emotions it was very comforting.
God is sooooo amazing and this journey we are all on is truly ALL about HIM!
During last period on Friday, when my 4th graders are with the 1st graders, one 1st grader said "Miss Morton, you can't leave without a hug". Then the 1st grade teacher said her class had told her that Wilson loved popcorn and Miss Morton loved hugs. It really made my heart smile......... I love that the kids feel comfortable enough to hug me whenever they want. Not many of the teachers hug the kids. For me, our arms are an extension of God's love. My class, especially one boy, gave lots of hugs all week. He would throw his arms around me while waiting in line and at lunch would come and stand behind with arms around me. I guess hugs were much needed this week.
QUESTIONS
I could really feel the presence of God and could actually see the students hearts stirring earlier in the day with the 5th grade. I was asked a question that turned into an amazing God moment. See we were trying to review for their upcoming test, instead of listening to topic I was on they were worried about the next. I decided to seize this moment to share in Matthew 6: 25-34, about worrying. I put a quote on the board: Today after all is the Tomorrow you worried about Yesterday. That is when one student asked me why I knew so much scripture and used it all the time. Tears came to my eyes as I answered. I told them it was because GOD was the MOST IMPORTANT thing in my life and that the Bible was the breath of Him. I told them I really didn't know much, but my life was going to be spent in scripture. I said since God was everything to me, that included His Word. Therefore, every part of my day should be all about Him. Wow, that doesn't even really begin to tell you what this moment was like.
REFLECTION OR....
That night I went with my friend who is a cheerleading coach to a competition. We spent the night in a bunker on a military base with other squads. I went for support and to judge in her place so she could be with her team. God showed up in many different moments. He also reminded me of how much I miss working with youth. It was just interesting that this opportunity to help came up after a week of me being flooded with memories of my 4 years in Nashville, Tennessee working with the youth at Christ Church. Maybe God is trying to speak to me through this time of reflection and opportunity.
GOD DOES IT AGAIN
Then to concluded this entry with today. Yes, once again God used Pastor Tim to speak exactly what was on my heart. Since the middle of the week all my thoughts with each moment of meeting the Risen Christ has been that it's ALL about HIM. I can't explain how powerful it has been now to be sitting in service having a thought flood your mind and having those exact thoughts be what you are left with at the end of worship.
God gave me a moment with Robin at the end of service to share some things with. I find it very easy to open up and talk to her, and since I was a flood of emotions it was very comforting.
God is sooooo amazing and this journey we are all on is truly ALL about HIM!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Joy in Mourning
I have received emails saying please pray before reading and I hope you are not alone when you read this. I have prayed but physically have been alone, though I know God has been right by my side.
Many tears have poured from my eyes and my mind has been a flood of memories over the past few days. My heart longs to be in Nashville, Tennessee at Christ Church saying good-bye to two friends. Saying good-bye with family - my church/youth staff family. Being able to share memories together. I still feel like I am going to wake up and this will all be a dream.
The memories have brought the tears to my eyes, but it has been with a joyful and smiling heart. So many memories, so much growth, so much love................the memories have reminded me of wonderful time in my journey and all the amazing hearts that were on it with me. So many people who mean a lot to me, who hold a place in my heart, who I love and miss dearly.
I have been reminded of the last two times I was back in Nashville. The last time was for Eric's wedding almost 3 years ago. And the time before that was for my dear friend, Laura's wedding. Both times which Eric and Emmy were a part of. And both times my church/youth staff family was together. We should have a reunion......I don't know if I can wait for the one when we all get to Heaven.
I wish I had pictures or tapes from Summer Jubilee (which Thom you still owe me) or just had a way to talk with my old family, a little hard being half way around the world.
I am finding peace and comfort in this moment of mourning. I know two souls are free and with their Father in Heaven, ready to help Him in battle for souls here on earth. Just pray for those they left behind. Eric's wife, Amanda. Emmy's parents, Becky and Tommy and her brother, Ben. Also for their other family members. Many lives were touched by the these two faithful followers of Christ. They were loved and will be missed.
Many tears have poured from my eyes and my mind has been a flood of memories over the past few days. My heart longs to be in Nashville, Tennessee at Christ Church saying good-bye to two friends. Saying good-bye with family - my church/youth staff family. Being able to share memories together. I still feel like I am going to wake up and this will all be a dream.
The memories have brought the tears to my eyes, but it has been with a joyful and smiling heart. So many memories, so much growth, so much love................the memories have reminded me of wonderful time in my journey and all the amazing hearts that were on it with me. So many people who mean a lot to me, who hold a place in my heart, who I love and miss dearly.
I have been reminded of the last two times I was back in Nashville. The last time was for Eric's wedding almost 3 years ago. And the time before that was for my dear friend, Laura's wedding. Both times which Eric and Emmy were a part of. And both times my church/youth staff family was together. We should have a reunion......I don't know if I can wait for the one when we all get to Heaven.
I wish I had pictures or tapes from Summer Jubilee (which Thom you still owe me) or just had a way to talk with my old family, a little hard being half way around the world.
I am finding peace and comfort in this moment of mourning. I know two souls are free and with their Father in Heaven, ready to help Him in battle for souls here on earth. Just pray for those they left behind. Eric's wife, Amanda. Emmy's parents, Becky and Tommy and her brother, Ben. Also for their other family members. Many lives were touched by the these two faithful followers of Christ. They were loved and will be missed.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Loss.....
Over the weekend I received some emails filled with shocking news. On February 2, two very dear and special friends went home to be with the Lord. Please pray for the families of Eric Falk and Emmy Scott. Eric and I worked together with the youth at Christ Church and Emmy was one of my youth kids.
Eric's enthusiasm and love for the Lord was infectious. And yes, all his awesome stories of faith. We taught 8th grade Sunday School together. The kids use to say we should marry some day. It became a running joke between the two of us when he was ordained. I told him that now he could really marry me, but as the pastor. It was something I hoped would come true.
Emmy was the sweetest spirit I have ever known. She had a love for others like no one else I have ever met. She was one of those 8th graders. She was never without a smile on her face. She had a deep passion to serve the Lord. And has been a blessing to me a number of times by her words of encouragement, just when I needed them. God used her to bring me His reminder that I was where He wanted me to be, more than once when I was questioning.
God took me to John 6:39-40 in my devotions over the weekend as comforting words. It doesn't seem real, that life here on earth just lost two very faithful and precious souls. However, God has just brought two of His own home whom loved and served Him with all their hearts.....He needs them with Him more than He does here.
Eric's enthusiasm and love for the Lord was infectious. And yes, all his awesome stories of faith. We taught 8th grade Sunday School together. The kids use to say we should marry some day. It became a running joke between the two of us when he was ordained. I told him that now he could really marry me, but as the pastor. It was something I hoped would come true.
Emmy was the sweetest spirit I have ever known. She had a love for others like no one else I have ever met. She was one of those 8th graders. She was never without a smile on her face. She had a deep passion to serve the Lord. And has been a blessing to me a number of times by her words of encouragement, just when I needed them. God used her to bring me His reminder that I was where He wanted me to be, more than once when I was questioning.
God took me to John 6:39-40 in my devotions over the weekend as comforting words. It doesn't seem real, that life here on earth just lost two very faithful and precious souls. However, God has just brought two of His own home whom loved and served Him with all their hearts.....He needs them with Him more than He does here.
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