Jeju Day 3-Hamdeok Beach

It's a beautiful morning at Hamdeok Beach. I took a 30 minute bus ride last night to reach this gorgeous place. I came hoping to find a campsite. I heard there was another beach secluded from the more crowded side. I walked towards the other direction and was blessed to find a campsite right by the beach.



It didn't rain last night so my things are dry. Right next to the beach is this scenic mountain. I headed towards the middle and found a pagoda. And then you look out and just see the vastness of beauty. Takes your breath away. I brought a jeju makkeoli and sang praises to God. Songs that reminded me of His kindness and love.


"Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10

A simple reminder

Practicing the Presence
Written by Max Lucado
July 29, 2011

How do I live in God’s presence? How do I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and his inaudible voice in my ear? A sheep grows familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into his presence. I have a friend who makes it a habit to roll out of his bed onto his knees and begin his day in prayer. Personally, I don’t get that far. With my head still on the pillow and my eyes still closed, I offer God the first seconds of my day. The prayer is not lengthy and far from formal. Depending on how much sleep I got, it may not even be intelligible. Often it’s nothing more than “Thank you for a night’s rest. I belong to you today.”

Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with him in silence. The mature married couple has learned the treasure of shared silence; they don’t need to fill the air with constant chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being silent with God. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Awareness of God is a fruit of stillness before God.

Give God your whispering thoughts. Through the centuries Christians have learned the value of brief sentence prayers, prayers that can be whispered anywhere, in any setting.

Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God. By giving God your whispering thoughts, the common becomes uncommon. Simple phrases such as “Thank you, Father,” “Be sovereign in this hour, O Lord,” “You are my resting place, Jesus” can turn a commute into a pilgrimage. You needn’t leave your office or kneel in your kitchen. Just pray where you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral or the classroom a chapel. Give God your whispering thoughts.

And last, give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God. Thank him for the good parts. Question him about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his strength. And as you close your eyes, take assurance in the promise: “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). If you fall asleep as you pray, don’t worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your Father.

From Just Like Jesus
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1998, 2001) Max Lucado
Used by permission

Questions: Have you given all you have over to God lately? What have you been holding back?

Halla Mountain Climb, Jeju Island

Day1/2 Gwaneumsa Campsite-Halla Mountain
It's 5:30 and I wake up by the songs of crows, insects and songbirds. It's quite a chorus of praise. Last night was calm and silent. It was as if they knew when to rest. I'm reminded this morning in Psalms 33:6 "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. Their starry host by the breath of His mouth." As I head up the mountain may I be in awe of the beauty of your creation. May it strengthen my muscles to press forward and climb on. May I be thankful for the many blessings of grace and kindness poured on me daily. May I truly seek my heart today and know the One who knows me by my name.

"May your unfailing love be with us as we put our hope in you." Psalms 33:22


Finally accomplished my hike up Mt. Halla. Gwaneumsa Trail was difficult especially with a 20 pound backpack. But four and a half hours later, I reached the peak. One of my favorite scenes in this trail was a majestic mountain. It was cloudy when I arrived at the shelter. But the clouds rolled back and I had the opportunity to see its grandeur and majesty. Wow! What a site! My energy regained. I'm ready to reach the top.

Backpacking in Jeju Island, South Korea

I was very blessed to travel in Jeju. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It can also be the cheapest place to travel as I have discovered. So enjoy the sites and my thoughts as we venture into Jeju Island's charm.

El Camino de Santiago

I've recently been watching videos on a pilgrimage route in Spain. My mind just wonders at the thought of walking for a whole month. What an adventure. What an opportunity to commune with God in a special way. Just the thought of it intrigues me...What a sweet time it would be. Maybe someday...

My Heart

Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a sinful heart. Please cleanse me from my wicked ways. I thank you for your grace. That keeps me going day after day. Where would I be without your grace. Lord, help me to surrender every part of my life. I know in my heart and mind that there is nothing that satisfies but you alone. Help me grasp what that truly means. I find it so difficult sometimes. When I am alone. Help me to be disciplined in my spiritual walk. Lord now that facebook is out, now it seems like I am back to the TV. Help me discipline myself to read more often. Show me what to do so I follow through with this. Lord, you know my heart’s desires and my struggles. Help me Lord, to face this burden in my heart. Give me the courage to fight through these battles. Show me your ways Oh God. I long for you in all my ways. How I feel so burdened when I fall astray. Lead me O Lord. How I feel so down when I disobey. Help me to truly seek you. Give me wisdom to face such trials. Lord as I continue through this day, may you give me insight and understanding. Help me to do the things that should take first priority. May I use my time wisely knowing that days are evil and have many worries. I love you so much.
In your name I pray with sincere heart.
Amen

And then December Came

Looking back I just can't fathom how 2010 just passed us all by so quickly. It was just exactly a year ago when i started the waiting game for this job in Korea. I still can't believe I'm actually here one year later.

I grew as a teacher and I hope to strive for better and more effective ways to teach next year. I've learned that my students are one of the best in my region. Although at times they just don't have the energy to sit still.

I'll definitely remember all the delicious food I've eaten and can't wait for the new discoveries of authentic Korean cuisine in the year to come. I hope to use more Korean words and just be more Korean in how I live my day to day.

So thankful for the church I found in the city. They have been such a great blessing to me. I've now helped out with their music ministry and even attempted to practice with the Men's Choir group at the church. I think my reading skills improved because of all the Korean songs.

Overall, I give God thanks for this wonderful opportunity to live out my life and still acknowledge HIM in everything. I think that's what makes my faith in the LORD Jesus Christ so sweet. It's because our relationship just doesn't start and end in the church pews...Our time together is just getting started...

Happy New Year to all of you.