The Victory is Won

While reading my homework assignment, I was enlightened...

The one subject I've been running from seems to fit my personality perfectly. It's funny how God just shows me when I've found what He's designed me for...anyhow, while reading my entrepreneurship book, I had a crazy question. I asked myself, "Why, do you suppose, God placed Koreans in two of my three classes? Was it an accident?"

Then I just started laughing out loud...you know WHY?

God doesn't make accidents. He never says "Oops." I don't think God would have me experience that which I experienced while in Korea, only to have me let it go to waste. I am reminded of the day I had the interview for the study abroad trip. When it had finished and I was driving home, I literally started sobbing. God had placed such a desire in me to go, that I knew I just HAD to go! Every ounce of me knew I had to go! I had no idea why, but I was sure of the fact I needed to go. Now, I remember when I received the phone call that I was going. I was with my friend Kelly and we were upstairs sitting/studying before class. Beth told me I was going, because Hansung provided a scholarship for everyone to go...but I still had a lot of work ahead of me! When I hung up the phone, I cried, because something I felt so strong about was literally about to happen.

Never in my life have ever experienced the amount of obstacles I had in preparation for my study abroad trip. Nonetheless, I kept on pushing, kept working my butt of just to do what I knew God was calling me to do. I didn't know how I would get there, but I knew that if God was calling me, He'd make it happen.

Now, on the opposite side (after my trip), I'm evaluating my time, my effort, and my new-found interest in the Korean culture. I truly believe God is calling me to return some day, and I must work toward the goal of returning. I didn't have the opportunity to take Korean this semester, so I must study the language on my own. God knew what He was doing and knew that I would come home with the calling to go back to Korea. Why else would there be Koreans in my classes? God is helping equip me with the people I need to help grow me and teach me; I just simply need to reach out.

Don't get me wrong...I'm still bombarded with obstacles that I never dreamed of, but it only tells me that the devil is simply trying to hinder God's plan for my life...but you know what? I know that the victory is won, and Christ is the victor. God's plan is the one that stands. If God wants me in Korea, you better believe He's going to get me there! I'm so thankful that God's ways and thoughts are higher than my own.

To my friends in Korea...see you soon (even though soon doesn't seem soon enough)!

Road Less Traveled vs. Path of Least Resistance

We all come to a fork in the road some time or another in life. I'm anticipating one, so I started to ask myself, which one would I choose? The road less traveled or the path of least resistance? Thankfully, God loves me enough to only have me ponder it for about a week. :) Today, I was greatly encouraged and was reminded of a book that helped to awaken my soul. Allow me to share parts of Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul with you:


Leaders of integrity don't simply lead by example; they lead by essense. These leaders call others only to choose a life they have already chosen. They don't point the way down a certain path; they pave the way where no path exists. They inspire others not only by their words and actions, but by the promise of the kind of people we can become. A person of integrity never lies about the journey. He acknowledges in humility where he came from, who he is, and where he hopes to go. His accomplishments, as great as they may be, never overshadow his character.

From beginning to end, we will be called to make courageous decisions even when we find ourselves gripped with fear.

God calls you to dream great dream great dreams and to have the courage to live them. Great dreams require great courage.

Only when you embrace God's calling on your life will you need God-inspired courage.

There is something God wants you to do--not to sit back and watch Him do or passively wait for Him to do, but a calling that God waits for you to embrace, pursue, and fulfill.

Joshua was afraid to lead, but he would have to face his fear if he was to step into his future.

...when we are defined by truth, when our lives are shaped by the heart of God, we are able to respond without hesitation when the moment calls for courage.

...we must come to the place where God's calling becomes more important to us than even our own lives.

...I must not be afraid to enjoy the life God has given me.

The search for wholeness is counterintuitive and requires us to let go of what we so long to take hold of and to begin a pilgrimage that leads us to an entirely different path. Wholeness is not found through receiving, but through giving. This is why wholeness and generosity are inseparably linked.

When we are whole, we are nurtured by what is invested in us, and at the same time, freely give of ourselves to others.

All that said, God is inviting us to focus on loving rather than on being loved. God knows that only when our hearts are in this position are we able to experience the love we long for. Are you willing to love God with all of your being, love others, and trust that you will not be left wanting? If you pursue loving God and loving others, love will pursue and find you.




I pray you are encouraged as much as I have been encouraged.

Habits Die Hard

I have been meeting with friends (after sleeping in to beat jetlag) ever since I've returned. I'm meeting someone almost everyday this week! I love it, because I love people--especially my friends!

The one habit that I truly loved while in Korea was coffee after every meal. While we don't have amazing beverages like coffee milk, I'm doing the best I can. My friend Kelly and I met up and went to Starbucks so I could tell her all about my trip! She wants to go to S.Korea now, so we're going to work on saving up money to go (I can't wait to go back)!

I've already started being an ambassador for S.Korea. I love it so much, and I miss it just as much...not to mention all my friends! Since I made friends from both Taiwan and Malaysia, I've got a travel wish list started now! I am so thankful for the opportunity God provided for me to visit S.Korea. I could never express in words how much it means to me.

This weekend, I will be attending my co-worker's wedding. It's going to be outside on a farm, so I'm sure it's going to be beautiful!

Until next time, God Bless!