Mercy, mercy

May I never lose the wonder, oh the wonder of your mercy

May I sing your Hallelujah, Hallelujah Amen

May I never lose the wonder, oh the wonder of your mercy

May I sing your Hallelujah, Hallelujah Amen

Mercy, mercy, as endless as the sea

I'll sing your Hallelujah for all eternity 

I will kneel in the dust at the foot of the cross,
where Mercy paid for me.

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, 
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, 
where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;
 hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. 

Let me learn by paradox 
that the way down is the way up, 
that to be low is to be high, 
that the broken heart is the healed heart, 
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, 
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, 
that to have nothing is to possess all, 
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, 
that to give is to receive, 
that the valley is the place of vision. 

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, 
and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; 
let me find Thy light in my darkness, 
Thy life in my death, 
Thy joy in my sorrow, 
Thy grace in my sin, 
Thy riches in my poverty, 
Thy glory in my valley.

-The Valley of Vision 

Coffee Shop

I never knew just what it was, about this old coffee shop that I love so much...

All of the while I never knew

I never knew just what it was, about this old coffee shop that I love so much

All of the while I never knew 

Fall

Listening to this song, as I watch the leaves fall inevitably. 

Leaves fall, time passes but these words bring comfort and strong assurance...

All flesh is grass,

and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades

when the breath of the Lord blows on it;

surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:6-8

I am rich

Lately, we have had an increasing number of conversations around our cursed, round table (once you sit, you can never leave). One night, we were sharing about how grateful we were to have one another. One sister shared how many have commented on our friendships, wishing for this type of community. She said, "There really is nothing special about us that we would have these friendships. It's not like we're particularly good at being friends, but it is the Lord's overly abundant grace towards us. In future times, where I might ask 'God, where are you?' I will look back on these very moments and be reminded of God's ever-abounding faithfulness in my life." 

Just 3 years ago, in California, I had been praying for good community here at Westminster. I remember journaling about how I hoped and longed for godly sisters to walk with. And as I sat there at the round table, I was moved by the way God has answered those prayers. He has answered beyond what I deserve. These sisters have been the greatest source of comfort, encouragement, and joy these past 3 years. I have learned more about myself and about the Lord through these friendships. They have laughed with me in our silliest of moments. They have cried with me in the hardest moments. They have seen my ugliness and have continued to extend grace and love. They have walked with me in my longest nights. They have carried my heaviest burdens. But most importantly, they have pointed me to our beautiful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And for that, I am eternally grateful. I am truly rich indeed.

Dedicated to the women I want to grow old with. Love you. 

사랑이란...

사랑이란 말이 어울리는 사람
만남이란 말이 나는 너무 좋아

What is man...

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him? 
Psalm 8:3-4

Great is Thy Faithfulness

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 

his mercies never come to an end; 

they are new every morning; 

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Thank you Lord for showing me your covenant faithfulness. That your mercies will never end, but are as certain as the sun rise every morning. Thank you for your faithfulness even in my afflictions, that you call me to remember your steadfast love in the midst of my sufferings. Your steadfast love which has been displayed in your Son. Your Son, who was faithful and humble to the point of the cross. What amazing love! Thank you Lord that you are mindful of my frame, that I am made of dust. And yet, you provide what I need, in a way that is ultimately glorifying to you and good for me. Lord, thank you! You are my good portion, may my soul delight and ever hope in you. So great is Your faithfulness, may that move me to humility and loving adoration to you. 

In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

Goodbye 25...

Today, I say goodbye to 25 and hello to 26. A friend asked me during lunch today, how I would sum up my 25th year. I answered and decided it would be a good thing to reflect more deeply here. 

This past 25th year has been one of acceptance. Accepting who I am, where I am, where I'm going. I entered seminary (23) kicking and screaming. I started my first ministry job, terrified and unsure of what I was doing. It's taken 2 years to adjust and accept joyfully that my lots have fallen in beautiful places (Psalm 16:5-6). 

I've learned to accept where I am. I was so insecure about being in ministry, about who I was and what I was called to do. But I'm certain of this road. I can't see myself doing something else. I love ministry and school. I love serving and walking with the people of God, seeing them grow and mature in the grace and love of Christ. I regret the 2 years that I took for granted, but I know that this tension was one that I need to work through. 

I look back on my life and see evidences of God's faithfulness, goodness, mercy, wisdom, sovereignty, and patience displayed all throughout. I see why God chose to close specific doors and open others. Though I question certain things now, I know that He holds my lot and that He will allow them to fall in pleasant places. This post has been particularly encouraging as I reflect on God's character and the grace He bestows for sinners like me. 

I pray for this next 26th year, Lord willing, that it would be filled with even more revelations of Christ and his Word. I pray that He would fill me with wisdom and love that I might outpour onto others. I pray that He would be my joy and delight, that "when all around my soul gives way, He then will be my hope and stay."

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; 

you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; 

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; 

in the night also my heart instructs me.

I have set the Lord always before me;

because he is at my right hand, 

I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, 

and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure.

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

-Psalm 16:5-11

The best cake ever!!! A taco cake! c/o Quiz

#TBT HOME

It's been exceptionally cold here, making me miss the warm Cali sun. A throwback to my last dinner with friends and family before moving out to Philly. It's been two and a half years already!!! And I'm soon entering into my last semester of year 3 in grad school. 언배리버벌! Missing home, the sun, and the friends. 

Oh! and who would have thought that one of these peeps would soon follow in my footsteps... 2 years later... :D 

Can you spot him/her? 

 

 Though they're far away, I'm so grateful for these brothers and sisters. <3 you and miss you!