Nehemiah One

::::::In the previous post, I said I would reveal more details going on in our lives. This post isn't exactly what I had in mind. Instead, I am inspired to write down my thoughts about Nehemiah 1. Hopefully next post with be an update of things that have been going on (with pictures!!)::::::

NDE and I are studying Nehemiah independently/together right now. We read some days by ourselves, then discuss or we read together, then discuss. We went through a study on Nehemiah a few years back in our church. NDE has amazed me with all the background knowledge he retained from the study. He has the intellectual mind and I have the analytical mind. Makes for good pair when studying the word....at least I think so! :)

Today I was thinking back to the first chapter on Nehemiah and still blown away by Nehemiah's response to finding out about the damage to Jerusalem and its people people. 

"So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

He didn't complain or "see who could fix this problem". He immediately did what he know he could do - PRAY & SEEK GOD in this situation. I see that the Lord did a great work in Nehemiah's heart for him to respond in such passion. I see God had ordained Nehemiah to respond intensely to this situation. I can't help but desire to have that same response. I look up to Nehemiah. He was wealthy man with great political connections and he didn't let things of the world conquer him. He turned to God with intense passion no matter what cost it might be.

Just has Nehemiah did later in his prayer to God, I must humble myself. I confess I am weak in praying passionately, in responding intensely, and always living deeply. I will wait upon you to build this in me. Prayer will give me strength; when I wait on God in prayer, He will renew my strength (Isaiah 40:31). I doubt myself to be able to accomplish any of this Abba Father. Only you can accomplish this with in my heart. :) 


Thankful thought:

We attended a Valentines banquet put on by our new church.There was a great speaker and we were encouraged by his message of passionate love. We spent most of the night laughing and learning new things about each other. Oh and I didn't have to cook dinner (always a plus for me --- the not-so-good-cook!) 

a lot can change

It has been over 2 weeks since I last wrote....a lot can change in two weeks. When I last wrote, I was realizing living in Korea was hard on me. I needed to cling to the Lord more. Just be faithful to believe in His promises. He has been so completely gracious to me. I mean seriously gracious. My heart has been easily distracted to escape rather than run to His open arms. I am a foolish child. Why do I seem to always come back this problem of not being faithful in the small?? Yet Abba Father has graciously loved on me unconditionally and He is faithful to bring glory to His name. (I'm in tears just even writing this) He has led me to a group of deep, honest women that I can fellowship with each with week (wow what a gift!). My heart is overjoyed to study the word and worship with these women. I know they will become my family during my time in Korea.   

I have become excited about a few other opportunities forming as well. My application just got processed to begin volunteering for Red Cross which will hopefully put me in contact with a lot people I can just love and serve. I found out there is an orphanage in our city and I am just itching to visit it!! Our friend, Ben, is becoming a really dear friend. His family (wife and 3 boys) will hopefully be joining us in Korea soon and I am so ready to dive into a deep friendship with them. I also have a few relationships forming with Korean women at our Realtor's office. Maybe some day soon, we can actually hang out! 

Another big life event that happened in the past two weeks... we grieved a death of a brother in our homegroup back in Texas. Cancer is UGLY. I like how Neva said "For some reason, Nick could not stay with us forever.  I can't stop thinking about all he is seeing right now.  I keep telling him in my mind “told you so!  You knew heaven would blow your mind!” Better things have happened for him.  And those who love Jesus as our Lord and Savior and have surrendered our will to Him will reunite with Nick in God‟s appointed time." My heart now prays daily for Andi, his wife. She is a hero to many as she let everyone (who wanted to) walk beside them in their fight against cancer. I love her.

We also have some other big news, but I will wait until the next post to update you :) 

Here are some pictures of our latest adventure: