Sunday May 23, 2010

Our plans for Sunday were to attend The Church of Loving People, a Korean church made up of mostly young people. However, at the bus stop, Christina and I had to head back to PLBC because she was rather ill and desperately needed rest. We arrived back safely and after she went to lie down for a while, I headed to my room for some of my own rest and relaxation. I know we both would have loved to attend the church, but I also know it was meant for us to be here.
I was able to talk with my mom and dad, my sister Amanda, my brother Ben, my niece Mikah and nephew Noah, and Claire all because I had to stay behind. It was amazing and much needed! I spent some much needed time in Bible study, read from a few of the books I brought along, and did my laundry.
When the group arrived back at the college, we all just hung out. Some played sand volleyball while others played cards or on their computers.
At 9 PM we headed into the A-Frame for our Sunday night worship. After some wonderful time spent singing, Seth opened up the floor for those of us that may have something to share. Some shared verses and others shared lessons they had recently learned or were still in the process of learning. I decided to share what I had been reminded of that very morning.
During my Bible study that morning I had been reading in Haggai about how the people’s plans were not going as they wanted. God said through Haggai in 1:9, “ ‘You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?’ declares the LORD Almighty. ‘Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.”
I felt God reiterating the point to me that when I try to do things my way and when I want to go by my own agenda, the things I plan will not go as I wished. But if we follow God’s will and do as He commands, He will fulfill our needs and give us our desires. We still shouldn’t do things for God so we can get our way. Instead, we should have the desire to please Him and bring Him glory. I know this, but I guess I need reminding every now and again. :)
Once we finished with worship, I played a few games of Rummy with Marisol and Mike and learned two new card games, Pairs and Polish Poker. All were fun, but I think I managed to lose almost every hand no matter the game haha.
All in all, I am very thankful for the quiet, slow days amidst the hustle and bustle of city life in which I am now immersed.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” ~Psalm 91:1-2