Silence ended....

As I stated earlier this week, GOD seems to be quiet in my life lately. I mean, after all, HE has been very present and very loud over the past year or so of my life. Don't get me wrong, HE has been here in every moment since I have returned to the States, it just has been in the ordinary, everyday things and just hasn't seemed as bold as while I was in Korea. HE has been in each smile, each email, each phone call, each blue sky, etc.........I could go on and on. He has been here, it just seems very quiet to me and so different than it has been.

That was of course until yesterday, HE finally spoke through the circumstances of my day. The moments I had, as well as through 'God Calling' and 'Our Daily Bread'. I haven't heard HIM through those books in a while.

I went on an interview yesterday that was so refreshing. It was awesome to see GOD working and moving in a place. Actually, both my interviews this week were like that. In both schools it was so obvious that the presence of the LORD was there. You could feel HIM. Plus, with yesterday, the principal had read my blog.............it was amazing and so GOD to me to hear him tell me about what he learned about me from my writing................PRAISE JESUS is all that I can say. What a moment and opportunity to see HIM in.

Last night I saw GOD again in a couple of different ways. I was reminded of a great girl's Bible study I use to be a part of. I got to celebrate the Birthday of a friend whom I have known my whole time in Denver, we were asked how we met and it was just awesome to see how GOD's hand was a part of it. Then personally, I got complemented in a few different ways, it would take me a long time to explain this one.........so you will just have to trust me, that for me, it was a GOD MOMENT. Thank you LORD for the hug and the reminder.

Then I came home and read from 'God Calling'.............It has not been in vain this training and teaching time. The time of suppression, repression, depression is changed now into a time of glorious expression. Life is flooded through and through with Joy and Gladness. Indeed I have prepared a table of delights, a feast of all good things for you. Indeed your cup runneth over and you can feel from the very depth of your heart. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

It just spoke volumes to my heart and was exactly what I needed to hear. And then since I didn't get a chance in the morning to read 'Our Daily Bread' for June 28th.........I read that as well. It was about Flexibility and used James 4:13-17.

Bill Crowder wrote...Life has an element of unpredictability for which flexibility is the best response....While it is wise to plan for the future, we must do so with the recognition that God's purposes might be different from ours....The adventure of following Christ is one that rests in His perfect plans- and flexibility helps us to be prepared for wherever His purposes might take us. I think of Proverbs 19:21.

TODAY's 'God Calling' just added on to this. "My Will-Your Joy" Our Lord and our God. Lead us, we beseech Thee. Lead us and keep us. You can never go beyond My Love and Care. Remember that. No evil can befall you. Circumstances I bless and use must be the right ones for you. But I know always that the first step is to lay your will before Me as an offering, ready that I shall do what is best, sure that, if you trust Me, what I do for you will be best. Your second step is to be sure, and to tell me so, that I am Powerful enough to do everything, that no miracle is impossible with me. Then leave all with Me. Glad to leave all your affairs in a Master Hand. Sure of safety and protection. Remember you cannot see the future. I can. You could not bear it. So only little by little can I reveal it to you. Accept My Will and it will bring you joy.

Ok, wow....I don't know what I was thinking. You have no idea how many different things in my life these things speak directly to and about..........so many more things that I can not even begin to share here (though a few of you may know what that is- isn't it perfect words from HIM). I just can't say enough how awesome GOD is and how wonderful HE is, as well as how excited I am to hear HIM presently here in Colorado. I can't wait to see how the future will all unfold. So much is happening and being processed in and through me right now, and HE spoke so loud and clear in these words. Again and again, THANK YOU LORD!

He does not lead me year by year,

Nor even day by day;

But step by step my path unfolds;

My Lord directs my way.

-Ryberg

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

PRAISE JESUS!!

Job Search

Well, I have been taking lots of phone calls and very busy trying to find a teaching job for the following school year. It has been exciting watching GOD unfold HIS plan............I am enjoying searching at the moment. I just don't want to miss HIS voice in all of it. HE has been speaking very loudly for say the past almost 20 or so months of my life............and right now, HE seems much more quiet than HE has been. Plus, I feel HE is giving me a little choice in it this time.

Two months ago I had inquired with 27 schools in the Denver area. As of today, I have heard from all of them but 7. That is pretty cool.

Since returning to the States, I have been on three interviews, and presently have 4 more applications to fill out. Oh, I have even been offered a job at one school. However, I felt I needed to turn it down. It is too far away from where I am living presently.....and even farther from where my condo is, when and if I move back into that after this next year. Plus, I must add the salary wasn't that great of an offer..........so considering that along with the distance and gas prices. I felt led by the Lord to say no. Plus, I have a few other possibilities in the works.

The thing about this whole process is having the Peace that I do at the moment. I know that GOD called me back home and spoke so loud and clear that particular day in Bali.............I can't doubt. I know that I will be teaching............I just don't know where yet. And I have to keep in mind, that I am looking at the situation considering the 'Present', but GOD also knows my 'Tomorrow'..............so all I can do is to keep taking the steps and TRUST HIM!!

But you all can still pray for me..............I'd really like to teach 3rd Grade, but I am actually open to being where the LORD would want me............that includes any grade as well. And remember, I did write that I have a feeling that at some point I will be working with youth again.........so, I can't rule out high school either.

GOD sure does know what HE is doing. Hope you are finding the Risen Christ in the moments of your days as well.

Hair Cut.....

Yesterday I cut my hair to donate to 'Locks of Love' again. I donated it in Judy Franke's name, but also in memory of Noah Steven Graves.

So 11 inches came off my head, and my hair is still at my shoulders.............that was a Praise Jesus. I even did something a little more fun this time.

I can't tell you how awesome it feels to know that by growing your hair out, then cutting it off, you can bless the life of someone else. My hair can benefit someone. I know this is what I will continue to do.........let my hair grow out and then cut it, grow it again, cut it again, etc.......

To know somewhere some little girl is going to be given back something just by the tiny little act of cutting your hair is an amazing thing.

This time I must add after being gone and coming back, feeling changed and needing change.........well, this is an easy thing to do and I got to cut off all the pollution and junk from my hair. It feels new and fresh...........if that makes any sense to anyone.

I feel that I can have a little more fun and be a bit more flirtatious at the moment..............so watch out and beware.

Oh, I gotta add that it was cool stopping by the place that carries the conditioner I like to buy. It is the only place I have found that carries it. Anyways, the last time I was in there was a year ago. When I checked to day, the owner was there and said, "Aren't you the one who went to Korea? How was it?". I was shocked, yet overwhelmed that she would remember me. Seriously, it has been a year since I went and bought enough conditioner to last me during my time in Korea. Just an awesome opportunity and moment to meet the Risen Christ in.

Faces FULL of Smiles!

I went to Elitch's yesterday after church for a Birthday Party...... I must say there are some very interesting people who are walking around there. I felt like I was in a different country....or maybe it is really what most of America is like....and I am different, as well as, the people whom I am surrounded by. I don't think we are the norm, so to speak.

The best part was seeing the smiles on the kids faces having so much fun. It was a beautiful, very hot day to see the love of Christ reflected in them.

One highlight for me was riding on 'The Twister 2' with Jackson. What made it soooo special was it was his first time to ride a big roller coaster. He was now tall enough and I got to experience it with him. After the first (little) hill he leaned over and said this is fun.....but then the next three came along with an "oh", fearful look, and "I don't like this, Kimie". However, by the end he said it was ok, but didn't want to ride it again. It was an awesome moment I was glad I got to experience with him.

Another moment, was when Catie wanted to ride the balloons (around the world in 80 seconds)....kind of like the spinning tea cups at Disney World, yet went up and down as well.....her brothers wanted to ride something else, so I told her mom I would stay with her. You gotta know its love, she begged me to ride it with her. She just kept spinning that thing around and around.............I think I am getting to old for those kind of rides, for they make me sick. I closed my eyes while we were spinning, especially after she asked me to spin us faster. I just couldn't say no. In that moment to see the smile upon her face and to hear her laughter........well, it was priceless.

Later Allyson and I were sitting watching three of the kids on a ride together............watching Jack especially. I know I don't have the words to express the smile and laughter we saw. It brought tears to my eyes............and to think about the missed moments by so many who have ignored the call that GOD has placed upon on their lives to maybe adopt. To see what we saw in that moment, what an amazing gift and smile from GOD.

The last thing was when we left the park and went to eat at Chipotle. I was with two families whom are very special to me. As I was getting ready to leave and go outside where the six kids were. I man walked by and said, "that is some group of kids".....or something to that fact. He was making a VERY POSITIVE statement about them. My response was "they sure are." I smiled knowing how very special I felt to have such wonderful little ones in my life.........whom I love so very much, but yet, for some reason I have done something for them to return that love back to me even more.

Praise Jesus for these precious faces so full of smiles and love!!

Blue Skies....

I just love being outside walking with the kids and just Praising Jesus for EVERYTHING!!!!

That is what we did today..........we Thanked and Praised HIM for everything we could think of.

As I was Praising HIM again for the Blue sky, I got thinking about what the word "blue" means in our language. And well, it isn't really a happy thing now is it. Yet, at this moment in my life...........'blue' is an amazing word for me because it makes me think about the BEAUTIFUL BLUE SKY that I have been seeing everyday since I have been back.

The BLUE sky, plus the amazing SUNSETS I have seen each night since my return to the States has been an amazing reminder of just how awesome GOD truly is.

Makes me want to throw up my arms in the air and say "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."

You know I think you can find those words in Psalm 106:1............and maybe even a few other places in the Bible.

Thank you Lord, for Your constant love and reminders each and every day.

Father's Day

Stir up the gift of God which is in you

through the laying on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6

God gives us children for a time

To nuture and to love,

To give them our encouragement,

With wisdon from above.

- Sper

The greatest gift a father can give his children is himself.

I love AMERICA...

Today I walked up to the Bank with Catie and Jack. Afterwards we decided to go and treat ourselves to Starbucks. I do need to make up for all those months of not drinking what I LIKE.

Anyways, I just loved the walk up there. To see the mountains GOD created, to see the blue sky and white clouds. To hear the laughter of the children I was with. Just amazing. Praise GOD!!

But then also, to have people wave at me whom I don't know. Not stare at me because I look different, but to give a friendly wave. And every time we had to cross a street the cars let us go first. This is just SOOOO DIFFERENT from what I am use to the past 10 months of my life, but what an awesome reminder from GOD as to how wonderful a place I get to call home is.

Everything around me is just feeling normal. Now I just wish I could feel like myself again. That is the one thing that doesn't feel right yet, ME! But I know and trust GOD, HE'll have me where HE wants me in no time at all. And until that time, I am just going to enjoy the process that HE is taking me through.

After all, this still is ALL ABOUT HIM!!

HOME!!

It is good to be home.

I was very thankful that the Sullivan's hung out at the airport with me for a little while having coffee before I left Seoul. It made it not seem as long.

My original flight had already been delayed 20 minutes when I checked in in the morning, but by the time it was all said and done and I was on the plane, it was more like an hour delay from the scheduled flight. This normally wouldn't have been a problem, but knowing how ready I was to come home............well, it seemed liked forever.

I didn't get to sleep on the plane as much as I was hoping.........I even pulled my neck during my last round of sleep from Seoul to LA, and then my heavy bags were no help to this problem.

Enough of the boring plane ride...........it was great landing in LA..........wow, everywhere I looked there was so much diversity. I just kept saying "Praise Jesus". The guy at customs asked me a question and I responded that I was so glad to be home that I could jump over this wall and give him a big hug and kiss..............and do you know what he actually did? He leaned over and gave me a huge hug. What a welcome home. I couldn't help but smile everywhere I went. I had over 3 hours to just sit and watch people, thanking God every minute for the country I am from. Praise the Lord.

The first thing I treated myself to (thanks to Luke's gift card) was a 'venti, decaf, sugar-free vanilla, breve latte' from the Starbucks right by my gate. The best I think I have ever had.

I slept most of the flight from LA to Denver............especially because my neck was in soooo much pain. Though right as we were getting ready to land the plane began to turn around and the pilot said that due to a thunder storm that had just gone through we would be held up in landing for a few minutes. Ok, this is when I lost it and began tearing up. The poor man next to me asked if I was ok, I just told him that I had been gone for the past 10 months and just didn't want to wait any longer to get home. He then asked me a whole bunch more questions about my experience and it was a really nice moment given by God to speak to this man. Plus, it made the wait go by fast.

When I finally arrived I again teared up on the train to the main terminal. I was just so excited and anxious about the faces I was about to see. I saw Craig first as I was coming up the escalator and then at the top he guided me to a very large white sign held by three awesome girlfriends (Allyson, Sheli, and Claire)..............and then I was GREETED BY 8 OF THE MOST AMAZING KIDS EVER....Caroline, Catie, Katherine, Jack, Jack, Calvin, Curtis, and Zac. Once I got those smiles and hugs.................EVERYTHING was OK!!!!

By the time we got my bags and got in the car and headed out for my third treat of my return to Chipotle, the three adults in the car felt like it was normal for me to be there, as if 10 months hadn't past. It was very cool. The only difference from say a normal Sunday in the car with this family, was that 4 of them kept trying to talk and keep my attention at the same time. But hey, we do have a few months to catch up on.

I can just say, "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 106:1...............and PRAISE JESUS I am HOME!!

It is Finished....

Today was my last day, it was very hard to say good-bye to my students. I wanted to say so much..........but as soon as I started I was crying. I pretty much told them that I loved them, would miss them, and was proud of them. Then through tears I said you can pack up and go now. I had planned on saying more..............but couldn't.

Our Daily Bread was PERFECT for today. God knows that is what we read for our devotions every morning as a class, and though this one was written way before today it was a GOD ending to a very rough and beautiful year with the amazing class I had.

It was titled 'Thanksgiving All Year' and used the scripture reference 1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 23-34. Verse 34 says, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His love endures forever."

How perfect is that for an ending..............knowing that we made our class verse Psalms 106:1, Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.

I want to share the letter I wrote to my class, which was used in the year book. I wanted to use the words that we had hidden in our hearts. It is how I feel and how I wanted them to remember this year. Praise Jesus!! for them and with them. My heart will not be the same after these precious children of His have touched it.

Dear Class,
You bless me daily by not only loving with words or tongue, but with your actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). I love the way you ALL show love each day. Your love, by giving your hearts, has been evident praying for Baby Noah and his family; remaining “present” in the moments God gives us daily; and sharing “JOY” everyday. You have not only hidden the Word in your hearts (Psalm 119:11), but you have done your best to present yourselves to God as ones approved, whom aren't ashamed to handle the word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His comparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:15-19)

I want you to remember, whatever happens, always conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27), and don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example in all you do. Be diligent and watch your life. Preserve, so you will save both yourselves and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4: 12, 15-16). Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all you heart, considering all He has done (1 Samuel 12:24). Wilson said to remind you to always raise your arms and say “PRAISE JESUS” no matter how dark it gets.

I love you ALL with all of my heart. May the God of peace equip you for doing His will (Hebrews 13:21). I pray that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in all you do, growing in the knowledge of Him (Colossians 1:10).

You will ALWAYS be in my heart, when daily I say “PRAISE THE LORD. GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.” Psalm 106:1

Embracing God Moments,
Miss Morton

Actions louder than....

Wow, I could have not chosen better words to share with my class during devotions today. It was the last day completely together. Tomorrow, we will have devotions, but then it is ALL school stuff. So today was my last day to be wrapped in Jesus' arms with them, to get some 'meat' along with our daily bread.

And that is exactly what we read today, Our Daily Bread. It was titled 'Actions Speak Louder' and used scripture from Matthew 9:1-8

It had a quote, "Don't tell me what you're going to do- tell me what you've done." This was perfect in the fact that all year we have been talking about showing and sharing Christ's love without saying anything. Spreading outrageous, contagious JOY. Especially at the end of school..........I don't know how many times I have said, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth "(1 John 3:18 NIV) to them.

ODB concluded with this:
Jesus' actions supported His words, and so should ours. John wrote, "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18). What we say is significant to a watching world only if it's consistent with what we do. As we tell people about Christ's love, those words will communicate powerfully if surrounded by acts of love and kindness. Actions do speak louder!

Verse 6 in Matthew 9 says, "Get up, take your mat and go home." This is the part that spoke to me..........and I don't know how to explain how it did, but at the time I read it it was as if God was saying this exactly to me. I think it spoke volumes when I consider two conversations I have had with other people in regard to this exact scripture in the past year. It was a beautiful moment with Him and a finish for me, it is time to get up and go home. Numerous other things surrounding this week add to why it was perfect for such a time as this. If that makes any sense!?

I want to add that after I read this I remembered that in my Bible I have written: People will listen to you carefully, if they see you living faithfully. This is written by 1 Peter 2:15, "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men."

Thank you Lord, for making one of our last daily breads together be exactly what you have been trying to teach my students all year. And thanks for putting a finish to my time here as well.

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Second Graders Speak.....

I heard and saw GOD tonight through the second grade classes at YISS (Yongsan International School of Seoul).

They did a play called "Psalty's Camping Adventure: Count It All With Joy!" They were going on a camping trip and hiking up a mountain..............they sang many songs about GOD. It touched my heart in many ways.

Comments, like hearing complaints about the hike up the mountain, eating 'GRAP' (for those of you who don't know it means: granola, raisins, and peanuts), and the best one, Fresh Air, made me think about memories from times I have gone backpacking, camping, and hiking in the mountains of the place I call home.

It also made me look ahead to my return home and hopefully some opportunities this summer to do these things..........but, mainly looking forward to being home and fresh air.

It also had me reflect on my time here.........consider the idea of climbing mountains in our walk as a phrase to talk about the challenges we face in our journey. As well as, considering mountain top experiences....

Basically, I was reminded of the past, was reflecting on the present, and was looking ahead to tomorrow with Hope and excitement in returning home. And GOD used 2nd Graders to reveal HIMself in my Heart in these ways tonight.

Praise the Lord!..................................Psalm 106:1

Isaiah 43:5-6

King James says: 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

And NIV says: 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-

As I was sitting in church this morning listening to the testimony of a young man who is a student in Seoul, but from North Korea this scripture came to mind again.

On May 23, the 2nd to 5th Graders took a field trip to Holt Ilsan Center. One of my students noticed an open Bible in a display case. The Bible was opened to Isaiah 43 and the above scripture was highlighted. It made us think of North and South Korea.

Again, this morning it came to my mind and sadden me to think about the things that people continue to make themselves blind to in this world. There is a school here that is reaching out to these North Korean refugees, but it is still so hard to think about the cruelty that is taking place around the world, yet we as Christians are so unaware of.

My heart has just been heavy today thinking about the people of North Korea, and how people are blind to what is going on. I thought about all the refugees in Thailand and the orphans at Holt Center.......AND I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING MORE THAN PRAY!!!!

If only the North would give them up and the South would not hold them back........