Walking By Faith

In order to complete my Bachelor's degree, they require a practicum (or "internship").  I am required to gain 300 hours of hands-on experience in my field of study. I was going to do it over the summer, but I felt so confused and lost.  I was literally wandering around in the dark waiting for the Lord to answer my prayers.  Funny thing is, when I finally made a decision (as opposed to waiting) I felt a strong confirmation that I was where I was supposed to be.

As a result, in September I started volunteering at a local domestic violence shelter (as my emphasis is helping families in the community).  What we do is help individuals who have suffered from abuse, by providing a safe place for them to come if they are seeking shelter and counseling onsite that help the client get back on their feet.  I'm amazed at what a great resource this is for my community and I'm proud to be a part of it!  The individuals (staff) who work there are phenomenal!  At first I was terrified at the prospect of being one on one with a client as I asked about their experience.  But the other night (my second check-in shadowing) I had a neat experience:

The client is not native to America, so her English is a bit rough, but clear enough to understand.  The advocate I was shadowing had a hard time hearing her because the client spoke softly, so I was able to help the advocate understand what the client was saying.  Then, once the check-in process was complete, I had the awesome opportunity of showing the client around the shelter.  Her eyes just lit up.  No longer afraid, peace filled her eyes for the first time that night.  She was going to be alright.  And as I took her up to the room she'd be staying in, my heart was so filled with joy at being able to help this individual, it could have burst.  I know that was the Spirit of the Lord.

"I Walk By Faith" by Judy Cooley

You see, for a long while now (since Spring) I have felt completely lost when it came to my future.  I didn't know what I was going to do, where my life was headed, etc.  As you know if you've followed my blog for a while, I had expected to be married, hopefully staying at home with the kids, etc.  My life was not turning out the way I had hoped and it left me feeling like I was walking blind.  The Lord obviously had different plans for my life, but I would have liked to know them!  Then I had a glimmer of revelation when I thought of going to South Korea to teach English.  It gave me hope and excitement.  I knew that would be at least a year away, so what was I going to do for my practicum?  My immediate future?

The feeling I experienced the other night at my Practicum was like a light shining on my dark path.  I came home feeling energized and excited.  It was as if the Lord was telling me, "This is where you are supposed to be right now, Melissa."  I have not given up hope for gong to Korea.  But after the other night, I feel more peace at where I'm currently at in life.  And that feeling is incredible.

And last night I came across the following scripture that really captured my feelings:

"There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know... [But] it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case..."  ~ Alma 40: 3, 5

So even though I still am unsure about my immediate future, knowing that the Lord has a plan for my life brings me peace and hope to carry on walking my current path.

Prayers & Praying

They say to talk to Him as though He's sitting beside you. Tell Him your stories, fears, gratitude...

However, there are times in life when things seem to coast along, and we may become lax in our relationship with God. As a result, when the time comes we really need His help, we won't be close enough to hear His answer. This is not a result of Him pulling away, but rather us pulling away from Him through small, everyday decisions. If this pattern of relationship continues, it's no wonder we may feel like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling.

Where is the heartfelt tale of the day?

What's the pun of that funny joke?

What do you need help with?

All of the above questions I can imagine The Lord asks every time we create distance within that sacred relationship.

So how do you go back to giving your whole heart over to The Lord in prayer? How do you remove the pavilion and look at the heavens more clearly?

Be Believing

Sometimes in life, we wander through periods of wilderness.  Other times we are blessed with a land of promise.  The Lord doesn't always give us what we want, not because we don't deserve it, but rather, He knows we deserve something better.

During our times of wandering, it is important to keep the faith and continue to believe.  The following are a handful of scriptures that I find inspiring and help my faith during these dry times:

"Be not faithless, but believing." {John 20:27} 

"Fear not: believe only." {Luke 8:50} 

"Be not afraid, only believe." {Mark 5:36} 

"Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart..." {Mormon 9:27} 

"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." {Mosiah 4:9} 

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." {John 14:27} 

"Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." {Joshua 1:9}

So whether you are walking through your wilderness or have made it to your Promised Land, it is important to keep in mind that the Lord is always with you and has great plans for your life, no matter where you are at in your journey.

[Image Source]

~ * ~ Fear not, but be believing. ~ * ~

Going Abroad?

Things don't always go the way you plan.

You can have your life all laid out only to have it fall apart.

Or, in some ways, come together.

Never have I traveled.  The farthest away from "home" I have gone is an eight hour drive (one-way).  But towards the end of my schooling career (a few months ago) I had the strongest desire to travel.  I was finishing school and I wasn't romantically involved with anyone, allowing me "freedom" to do whatever I dreamed about.  But I couldn't figure out where this sudden desire to travel the world came from.

I have always wanted to go to Asia and, if I believed in reincarnation, I would swear I was Asian in a previous life.  Everything from the language to the music to the entertainment I find fascinating.  I will admit, like a fair amount of Americans, anime was my introduction to Japan (and Asia in general).  But then I started listening to music and quickly fell in love with the language.  For years, I listened to Japanese music (mostly Visual Kei, Jpop, and some solo artists).  However, it became more and more difficult to find, much less obtain.

And then I saw SHINee's "Lucifer" and my world changed.

The editor in me was blown away with their timing in regards to dance and video editing.  It wasn't just SHINee's videos either, but several artists' videos.  Then I realized how broadly advertised this "kpop" was on YouTube.  BILLIONS of views on thousands of videos.  And the best part?  I could legally purchase the music from iTunes and support the artists that I love (like Super Junior).

Music unites us and makes us realize that underneath all the external differences, our internal heart feels the same.  We experience similar emotions: we cry when we're hurt, laugh when we're happy, and smile when we're in love.

And I have fallen in love with a country all over again.

It's not that I don't love Japan any less, but I love South Korea just as much and my desire to go to both countries skyrocketed.

I saw a teaching opportunity to go to Seoul, South Korea and teach English to children at the beginning of the summer.  Asian children are ADORABLE!!!  (If you don't believe me, go watch this YouTube video).  When I saw the offer, I had one of those instant gut reactions: "Yes!  I want to do this!"  And it has stayed in the back of my mind ever since.  Going abroad would be a HUGE change for me, but it would be an absolutely incredible experience; one I would cherish for the rest of my life.

The more I think about going to Seoul, the more I want to go to Seoul.

[Image Source: JeffreyHolldender.com]

In anticipation of living my dream, I have begun seriously studying a foreign language for the first time in years.  안녕하세요!  As excited as I am to know at some point I want to travel abroad, I admit I don't want (or plan) to make the trip alone.  It would be so nice to take a friend or a travel buddy, as sharing the journey with another person is a crucial part of the experience (in my opinion).  Not to mention the safety it provides.

Maybe I should just sit back, save, and dream.  Then, in a few years, I'll have learned enough Korean to get me around and perhaps I will have a travel buddy lined up...like a *cough*husband*cough* I think an Asian tour would make for an amazing Honeymoon, don't you?

 네!!!!
(YES!!!!)

...Maybe I would even get to attend a few kpop concerts. ;)

~ * ~ * ~ Reader Involvement ~ * ~ * ~

Where would you go and travel if money and time were not a problem?  Why do you want to visit that country?  Comment below!

SuJu

I have a confession to make.

I haven't willingly listened to English music in over a month.

Super Junior is by far my favorite group and I own over 6 hours 
of their music alone with a total of over 10 hours of KPOP music 
on my iPod constantly playing.

Kyuhyun is my favorite.  

[Beautiful artwork of Kyuhyun done by Coyote777 on deviantArt.com]

I first fell in love with his amazing voice...

[At the very least, go to 3:50 and watch 20 seconds.  It'll take your breath away.]

But then I discovered his personality. 

Though Kyuhyun is my favorite, I love all the members and they 
continue to grow on me as I learn more about each of them.  

[Beautiful art done by lvr94clan on deviantArt.com]

The Pledge of an ELF

I

PROM15E

TO

13ELIEVE

10VE

PROT3CT

AND

NEVER F0RGET!

If you do not understand the above, let me break it down for you: 

ELF stands for Everlasting Friend and is 
what fans of Super Junior are called

PROM15E to love all 15 members

13ELIEVE in the 13

10VE the remaining 10

PROT3CT the missing 3

NEVER F0RGET any of them

The last line I saw on a random site 
but I changed the "O" to a zero (0) 
because I don't plan to ever forget.

The following video makes my heart beat with joy.  

I am proud to be an Everlasting Friend of Super Junior!! 

Paint the World
 Pearl Sapphire Blue 

~ * ~ Welcome to the Fandom ~ * ~