MOORE of my thoughts and pictures

September 2009

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:01:00 +0000

(PRAISE JESUS FOR AUTO SAVE! If you ever have typed a blog and thought you lost it all by some dumb mistake you made just hit control D to recover it!)
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Don't you love that blog title? It's so creative and original... HA!

As is my usual habit, it's been months since I blogged last. It looks like my last blog post was on July 4th. At the time I was concerned because my time at home was dwindling. Now I've been back in Korea for 7 weeks. It's crazy how time flies!

This year already seem to be easier, while we still have our concerns and busy-ness, there is definitely less spiritual darkness. It seems as if our new teachers are all excited to serve and overall there seems to be a like mind among the staff. Hopefully, they (the new teachers) are finally feeling a little more comfortable in their classrooms and are adjusting into life in Korea.

Every year that I return to ICS, change is in my face. Change has always been a struggle for me. However, I think over the years I've adapted to it pretty well. I still don't like it, but I know there is a purpose in all of it. Thankfully, the Lord has been gracious enough to allow me grace and strength to handle it.

This school year has proven to be as busy (if not busier) as all the rest. I'm teaching my usual load of 5 classes (but this year I have two new groups of students, usually I only have one).
I'm coaching girls volleyball alone, which is turning into quite the task. However, the harder the task, is the more I learn from it.
I'm still the class sponsor for this year's senior class. (The hard, teeth pulling-like job of getting the seniors to work to raise money for their senior trip will be worth it in April, when I'm sitting by a pool in the hot sun, that is overlooking the ocean!)
I'm planning on starting my first master's classes in October (scary! Start praying for me now!) and I am leading a retreat for 9th and 10th grade girls at our school. Thankfully I've got a group of ladies that are excited about helping out with this retreat. My prayer is that as we work together to make this happen, that God will be glorified in our lives and in the lives of the girls who will attend.
I'm still singing with the praise team at my church, but have taken on the task of selecting the music (I enjoy this so much - although it is hard to choose just 8 songs...)

On top of all of this, I've decided that it's time to make some changes in my life, starting with my weight. I haven't shared this with many people, but the few that I have felt comfortable enough to share this with have been super supportive and encouraging.

My new sister in law shared with me this summer about her weight loss and how it only happened through prayer. Since I have made the decision to lose weight, my sister in laws words have been an encouragement to me. When I find it hard to choose to exercise at night or when I wake up. I remember her words and then start praying.
You might be thinking about my reason for choosing to lose weight. It wasn't because of what Elaine told me. It was the fact that turned 29 this summer and it freaked me out that I'll be 30 next year. A lot of the people I know say things like, "Oh, but you are still a young girl!" or "30 is not old!" It may be true when my 88 year old grandmother or my 65 year old mom (or is it 66? sorry - at least you don't look like it Momma!) say it, but it has really freaked me out.

I think almost being 30 scares me, because I kind of expected certain things to have happened by this point in my life. God has had other plans and I accept that, but I do need to change the things that I can, and really my weight loss is about the only thing I can change.

I've never been a small girl (except maybe when I was like 5...) and I don't intend to get "skinny", I just want to be healthy and not be the largest person in Korea.

So there you have it, my life in one long blog post. If you've read this far, thanks, I could really use your prayers, too. I'm used to being busy, but I think I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, God has been showing me that I can stay busy, if I am focused on Him first. He's teaching me about grace and prayer. Hopefully, the lessons I learn will stick.

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Today is July 4th, it is also the first day since I have been back in the states that I didn't do anything. Well I did go to a friends for lunch to celebrate, but ended up coming home at about 4:30 with a toothache that still hasn't gone away. Dentist on Monday? Maybe.

I haven't opened my blogger since my last post, if you scroll down you will see that was in March. Please excuse me, being a teacher, inevitably means that from about March to June your life is super busy, so that is my excuse for now posting anything until now. This past school year was quite a struggle, so I looked forward to this summer break for a bit of rest, but that hasn't really happened yet. It's okay though, my summer has been filled with some pretty incredible things. Here is a short list of what I've done since I got home:
1. Arrived in Memphis June 12
2. On the 15th, my friend came for a visit, we ate well and saw some pretty sights ;)
3. Flew out of Memphis June 17 to Orlando (my brother got married)
4. On the 18th went to Disney World with my Grandmother who was 87 years old, my parents, and my brother and his fiance.
5. On the 19th was the rehearsal dinner
6. On the 20th was the wedding
7. On the 21st went to church, big lunch, to see The Proposal, then had a great dinner (steaks and potatoes anyone)
8. On the 22nd flew back to Memphis, drove to C'ville, got my stuff, drove back to Southaven for the first night of PFO, then drove home afterwards to a visitiation for a dear friend who had just passed away.
9. Stayed at PFO from the 23rd - 3rd, with 10 4, 5, 6 year old children who will be leaving with their parents to go work as teachers in many different countries.

Like I said, I was busy. Needless to say yesterday I slept about 4 hours once I got home and took a couple of naps today.
These last three weeks have flown by and while I am seeing my time at home slip away, I am thankful for all I have done. It was so fun to watch my Grandmother enjoy herself so much at Disney and to have that time with my family. I am also thankful for the opportunity to serve again at PFO. It sure takes my summer time away, but I think it helps me to get out of my "little world" and gets me focused on to the bigger picture of this world and the need for the Truth to be spread.
I imagine my next 20 days at home will be filled with visits, book reading, catching up on my Mexican food eating, and relishing my time with my family, church family, and my friends - which is starting to seem like less and less each year, but I know that for the time being God has called me to this, so I will have to enjoy each moment I am given with my family and friends.

Basketball, Traveling, Purity... Oh My!

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Wow, my last entry was during final exams in December and now it's already March! Craziness. Since I returned from Christmas Vacation my life has been filled with basketball and traveling. Oh, teaching, too! HA!

We finished our basketball season with an undefeated season in Division II and a championship tourney title. The day after our KAIAC tourney, we left for Iwakuni, Japan for the DODD'S Small School Far East Basketball Tournament. While we didn't win any games in the tournament, the girls were challenged more than they have been in a couple of seasons. It was hard to watch them lose, but it was great to see them playing so well and working so hard. We spent the week on the Marine base in Iwakuni. It was a good time of basketball, fun, and some relaxation for us.

We returned on Saturday afternoon and then on the following Wednesday, I left with 15 of our seniors and two other teachers for the Senior Trip in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It was a wonderful time. Malaysia was beautiful, our resort was grand, and the kids were great. It was so fun to be with these seniors, many of which were in my first homeroom class; 5 years ago! It's hard to believe they are going to be graduating in May.

After 5 funfilled days, I returned to Uijongbu to some very cold temperatures and snow the next morning. It has been hard for me to get back to work, I'd much rather be sitting back by the pool relaxing. I'm sure anyone would agree, but as nice as that would be, I'm really glad to be back in my classroom with my students. I miss them when I'm gone and from what they tell me, they miss me, too. It's nice to come "home" to them.

Tomorrow is our purity seminar, many people (not me -- too busy) have done so much to prepare for this event. I'm thankful that so many of our teachers and some teacher's wives have given of themselves to do this. My prayer is that the student's hearts (and mine) will be willing to listen to and apply what God's word says about living a pure life. It's so easy to be swayed by the things of this world (even the good stuff), it is always a good reminder to live pure lives for our Holy God who is so good and so worthy to be praised!

I'm closing with a few pictures, if you'd like to see more please visit my facebook page. Here

My Christmas Blessing

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:08:00 +0000

Tomorrow I will give my last exam for 2008. I can't believe we are at the end of another semester. Although I'm shocked at how quickly this time has arrived, I am very aware that it couldn't be at a better time. This semester has been difficult, but I know that difficult times help us to rely more on our God and strengthen our faith in Him.
I had originally planned to stay in Korea for the break for several reasons, finances being the first. I went through a roller coaster of emotions considering this, but in the end had accepted that I would stay here and do a lot of relaxing. My parents were also struggling with the thought of me not coming home, trying to prepare themselves for that - I really don't think I make that much of a difference, I spend alot of money and complain alot, it's hard to think that they really miss me so much. A co-worker of my mom's reminded my mother that God can work miracles and told my mom to ask God for a way to get me home.
So back in October my mom and dad started praying. I have to be honest here, I didn't pray as much as they did. Even though I knew it would be hard, I felt like I would be okay staying, so I just accepted that if God wanted me to go home He would provide the way and left it at that.
A couple of months passed and I started to get more homesick, but I was just trying to deal with the thought of not going home.
Then a few weeks ago I was at church and as I walked out the door, I noticed on the "Secret Sister gift table" an envelope with my name on it. I thought, "That's odd, I already got my gift today." I picked it up and thought what a weird gift, my roommate suggested that it might be socks, but I had a suspicion that this envelope had more than socks in it. I opened up the end of it and what I saw was amazing it was a HUGE stack of money (when I say huge, I mean it, the largest Korean currency is a manwon --think $10.00 bill) and a note that said, "Kristen, Use this if you want to go home for Christmas, if not give it to someone in need."
I was shocked. I showed my roommates who were also shocked, so we quietly slipped out of the door and walked to go get lunch. Obviously as we ate I only had one thing in mind. I finished quickly then hopped on the scooter to get home and call my parents before it was too late.
I called and told them both to get on the phone, so they got the other phone and then I said I have some news..."I'm getting married." They laughed (I've used that line before -- I'm hoping I'm like the boy who cried wolf) and then I went on to tell them the news. After lots of crying, praising, laughing I told them I had to be certain. I wasn't sure if I needed to give the money away or if I was supposed to come home. I told them we need to pray about this, so we did. I told them I'd check airline tickets and see if there was anything available and if there was a good deal.
So, I checked and then decided later that I needed to go home. Tickets were amazingly cheap, I had about 300,000 Won left over, so I would be able to help someone in need with that money.
Later I called home and told my parents they needed to be at the airport waiting. My dad said, "We'll be there, waiting!" When I think about him saying that I can picture he and my mom (maybe my Grandmother, too) front and center of the crowd in Memphis waiting for me to walk down that terminal. My dad is taller than many people, so I'll see him first. As soon as I come into view, they both will start crying while I'll fight back to the urge to take off sprinting toward them trying with all my might not to let them see me cry, too.
I can't wait to go home.
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Thank you Lord for your amazing provision. Thank for you for providing what is best. I pray that as I share my Christmas Story your light will be reflected and others will see what this Christmas season is all about.
~Kristen

I love Fall!

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:23:00 +0000

This afternoon Kim and I took at ride on scoot to go take pictures of the fall foliage. It was such a beautiful day and the trees are amazingly vivid. It was nice to just take a ride out into the "country" (Yangju) and do a little exploration. While we didn't climb up any mountain trails, we did discover some very pretty tree line places. My pictures really don't do it any justice, but I like them anyway. Enjoy!

Psalm 62:5-8

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:24:00 +0000

This year in my Thursday night prayer group we agreed to learn verses and recite them each week. We're using John Piper's Fighter Verses. This time to memorize and share verses has been an encouragement to me. It seems like the verses are very timely and a reminder to me to be focused on Who is most important.
This past week for me was very emotional and I was a bit depressed, thankfully the Fighter Verse for this week was just what I needed to hear. I thought I'd share it here.
Psalm 62: 5 - 8
"In God Alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times O people, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."

Meditating on this verse strengthened me this week. I hope it can be to someone else, too. When I wait in silence for Him and pour out my heart to Him, His peace sustains me.

~Kristen

Time flies...

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:36:00 +0000

I can't believe I just finished the fourth week of my fifth year here at ICS. It seems like it was yesterday that I was boarding the plane to come to Korea for the first time. I was so scared then, I had no clue what to expect. My initial thoughts were to stay two years and then go back to the states and get a "real" job. HA! Now I can't even imagine doing anything different.

Sometimes it is very difficult to be here, so far away from my family. Other times, I don't even notice the distance. I can't begin to describe how blessed I am to be here.
Life in this community is not always easy, but it is something special that God has granted to us here. We are a very close bunch of people, yes we have our own lives and we have our own families, but we all share several common bonds that keep us together. We definitely are a family, of sorts.

My prayer is that I'll not neglect to remember how special this is, because I know when I move on from this place (I have no clue when that will be) I will be longing for this kind of closeness.

In this type of close environment, I am constantly being reminded of the need to love others. What I've discovered, is that I'm not good at it. I love those who love me, because that is easy. If it takes extra work and less pride to love someone, I have a terrible tendency to run away.

This tendency has been pointed out to me in a variety of ways over the past month. I have to quit. I should love because God is love - unending, perfect love. As a Christian, I should be becoming more like God. I should love like Him, but I can't do it on my own. I must look to Him as my example and offer my heart completely to Him. He will restore it and enable me to love as He loves.

This means that when something gets hard and I find it difficult to be loving to another person, for whatever the reason, I can't run away. I must get over myself, look to Him and love that person.

This may never be an easy task, but God has been showing me that this is of utmost importance.

If you are reading this, please pray for me and with me to love regardless and to not give up.

~Kristen

Pictures from the last few weeks:

Chillaxin'

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +0000

I spent the day yesterday at the Gapyeong River. It was so beautiful! The water was clean, clear, and cold. I love being back in Korea, when I actually have time to explore and see the beautiful nature that surround me! Here are some pictures!

Home Sweet Home in Korea

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:40:00 +0000

I got back into Korea on Friday night. It was rainy and hot, but I was glad to finally make it back. Flying sure takes it out of me. I guess it's because I'm so old now.
I really enjoyed my time at home. It felt shorter than usual and I didn't see some people that I wanted, but overall it was a pleasant summer. I really enjoyed my time with my family - even bickering with my dad - and was encouraged by some contact with several of my nephews. I also shared lots of laughs with friends and was renewed and refreshed by my time at church. My pastor was gone for most of the summer, but I was able to hear him preach a couple of times and then I got to hear some other amazing men of God share God's word and how He is using them in their various places.
My mom and I shared about our "missions" at a small church in Hughes. I have to say it was an exciting visit, those people really know how to worship and pray. I've never been one to pray so fervently and so powerfully, I should learn a thing or two from those people.
Along with such a pleasant summer, I experienced some hardship, too. One of my dear friends, who has lent me her car for two summers in a row is now on her death bed. She along with her daughter and granddaughters have included me as one of their own. My heart aches for my friends during this time. My prayer is that they will be drawn closer to Christ through this difficult circumstance. I wish I knew how to convey the love and gratitude I feel for them, but all I can really do at this point is pray, like I promised. I'm asking those of you who are reading this, to also pray for my friends as well.

As I came back into Korea, I met a girl who was in Korea for the first time ever on her first trip outside of the States. She was coming to Korea to work at a summer camp and really had no idea what to do as she came through customs. It was interesting to me to see someone who has adventured out on their own, not really certain of what was going on. I can't say I was in that situation as I knew who to look for and had people here I knew. Thankfully, we found her bag and a sign posted with her name on it for someone to pick her up. She contacted me again, so hopefully I'll be able to be helpful to her during her few months in Korea.

For some reason today is signalling to me that new and good things are happening. God has been revealing some of the idols I've placed in my life over Him and I am trusting that by His power they will be destroyed. I'm looking forward to growing closer to Him through this process.

Some other things I am looking forward to this year:
Having Annalisa as a new roommate
Hanging out with my new buddy from Pyongtaek - Cheryl - she rocks my face off!
Seeing my students again and meeting new students
Getting my back fixed. We've been working on it in the states, hopefully I'll find the time, money, and energy to continue with my treatments in Seoul.
Having only 3 preps for classes, this will be the first time ever. Also getting to have a smartboard in my classroom! So fun!
Serving as youth Sunday school teacher and on the praise team at UCC.

Who knows what else is in store, I just feel like new things are coming. My prayer is that I'll remain grateful for each new gift and that I'll keep my focus on Christ as He breaks my heart of stone and molds it into one that beats only for Him.

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:17:00 +0000

I just finished two intense weeks of PFO (Pre-field Orientation). Rather than being a participant my self, I taught the 4, 5, and 6 year olds, whose families are moving to another country to teach in a NICS/OASIS school. While, I am completely exhausted I am also completely blessed from my time with those kids.
The lessons that we used were pretty simple, but they left profound messages in their minds and hearts. I think the entirety of the two weeks of lessons can be summed up in this statement. "God knows me, because He created me. He is always with us, where ever we go. He can use all of our bodies to serve Him. Our feet are beautiful when we share good news. Hands can do things to help others. Mouths can be used to praise Him. Ears can listen and obey. Eyes can be healed and can see the beauty that He created in this world. God is good and everything He calls us to is best. Sometimes we'll have to say goodbye to our favorite things, but God always provides what we need."

It's amazing to me just how much I learned during this time as well. It's like God took those lessons I was teaching the kids and added to them through other sermson and such to speak to me.
The lessons that I learned can be summed up into one statement as well. "God knows me, because He made me. He knows my weaknesses and will use them to glorify Himself. I should continue to serve Him and enjoy Him, even when I fail. I can't run away from Him, so why try. I need to listen and obey. I also need to allow others to get close, even if sometimes it hurts, like when saying goodbye."

While I'm thankful that PFO is over, b/c I'm exhausted, I am also sad, because I already got attached to those wonderful children. I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach them!
Here are a few pictures of my kids.

Beauty

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:42:00 +0000

I've been challenged lately to see the beauty that this world has to offer. Not to see the beauty so that I'll fall in love with this world, but rather to see the beauty and then immediately praise God for His amazingness.
I am finding that it is easy in some areas to find beautiful things. Some of the examples are listed below:

~An incredibly large sun setting as I drove home (several of these)

~Brilliant clouds

~Amazing lightning storms (You can't beat a good Arkansas storm!)
~Stinking cool but weird animals (gotta love some nature shows! Check out the male angler fish - weird!) Go here and scroll down and read about the male. It's CRAZY!
~Microwaving Ivory Soap in the Microwave! It's NUTS!

~Loving family
~Watching people who are passionate about what they do
~Being able to go serve Christ by being helpful to others

~Laughing with friends when we scare the crap out of ourselves! (CB you know what I mean!)

~People that work hard (my dad is an example - he works so hard and doesn't really have to be asked, he just does.)

I could continue to list things, but these are the ones that have been so prevelant to me lately. I'm also finding that in other areas it is not so easy to see beauty. Of course some of those areas would be seeing suffering, poverty, violence, evil, racism - that's never easy to see. However, the place where I'm finding myself struggle to see beauty the most is in other people. I know this is because of sin in my life, but sometimes I struggle so much. I should see beauty in others, but I am so focused on myself most of the time that it inhibits me from seeing their beauty. How awful! This sin that hinders me from seeing their beauty and beauty in other places in the world affects my relationships and even affects my relationship with God. My prayer is that as I am opening myself up to see the beauty of this world that I will take the focus off of myself and be able to see what beauty lies in the people around me instead of seeing the specks in their eyes and ignoring the plank in mine.

Peace love and chicken grease! :)

Denmark

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:49:00 +0000

The Danes are supposedly the happiest people in the world, according to 60 seconds. It's kind of an interesting topic. My grandmother says that most people are as happy as they choose to be. She says that so many people choose to be unhappy by saying that "things are not right in the world.", but really things are just as not right in Denmark, too.
I love to listen to her thoughts. She's one of my favorite ladies.

The other topic on 60 seconds was about sleep deprivation. I've heard it before and even recognized it in my own life when I was student teaching. Your body really struggles on not enough sleep. I guess this means, we all need to take naps during the daytime. I know some of my kids still need naptime!

We dropped my mom off at the airport for her trip to Ghana. I'm so excited for her. I will miss her, but I know that she will be so blessed by this trip. I leared a new word from my new book(Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell -well now that I think of it maybe I've heard it in a Nooma video.) It's havod - it means weight and significance and it is the greek or hebrew (I can't remember) word that we usually use to describe God's Glory. I think it's neat to think of God's Glory as His weight and significance. It is my prayer for my mom and the others on their trip, that during their trip they will see His weight and significance in all that they do, see, and hear during their time in Ghana. Please be in prayer with me that they will be used in amazing ways and that they will draw closer to God as they serve Him.

Maybe we should pray that for ourselves as well.

Home again...

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:25:00 +0000

It's good to be home for a bit, I haven't had much time to do any processing but I think I've come up with a list of things I've become (or continued to be) a fan of and things that I'm not a fan of... exciting... I know.

Things that I am a fan of @ home:
Family
Mexican Food
Turner Dutch Chocolate Milk
Bookstores (YAY! I got Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell, Jazz Notes: Improvisations on Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, Chronicles of Narnia - my summer reading goal, Sisterchicks go Brit - mom gets that first, she will read it on her way to Ghana!, and another fiction book called Quaker Summer)
Being in the same time zone as friends (haven't actually seen them :( yet)
Church Family
Doctors - Chiropractors - guess what... I've got a "twisted spine" and it is the root of many of the physical ailments I've had this year. Yay for answers and possible fixes!
New clothes
Time with my Grandmother
Driving
Air Conditioner
Lipton Diet Citrus Green TeaNot so diet sweet tea
NOT being the largest person everywhere!
Time to read

Things that I'm not a fan of @ home:
Gas prices, boy do I miss public transportation
Unfriendly people
Friends not living in the same apartment or within 2 minutes of me
Korea being so far away
No -Kimchi bokimbap; Dokmanduguk; Bulgogi Bibimbap; Cheejah dongasu
No space of my own
People not attending church functions, simply because their kids are not in it. A friend said it perfectly yesterday - "it makes me sad that so many of our church members not attending; this is a ministry of the church, everyone should be here to see what is happening."
Chocolate Skittles... maybe they'll grow on me.
Constant news casts on all of the following: high gas prices, presidential campaigns, violence and crime (that's what happens when you live in or near the ghetto!), weather (thanks dad)

Anyway, those are some of the things that I've been thinking about.

New Place!

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:24:00 +0000

We had to move again, but it's okay. It'll be worth it and it's for a friend. Here is a video of our new place. To those of you who see this on facebook - sorry, I had to post it here, too. So my mom could see it!
Anyway, Enjoy!

Spring Flings...

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:59:00 +0000

Spring has sprung here in Korea. I think for the first time since I've been in Korea (4 years now) this is the first time I've really, really noticed all the cherry blossoms. They are so stinkin' pretty! Today the weather was wonderful and yellow dust free, so Kim and I decided to go for a bike ride today. It took us a while to get going, b/c Kim had to buy her bike first, then we had to get the tires aired up. That was quite the fiasco, but we got it done and took our new (to us) bikes out for a spin. It's been about a year since I rode a bike and before that one day last year I think it has been like 15 years. I'm getting so old. Mostly, it was so fun as I remembered why I used to love riding my bike everwhere as a child. The part that isn't quite as fun was the aching thighs that I have right now. It's okay, I'll get used to it.

I'm so thankful for seasons. I feel sorry for those places that don't get that experience. We talk in 7th grade science about what causes the seasons. Things like the tilt of the earth, the angle of the sun, etc... What they sometimes fail to see in that is the order in the universe and on this earth. I pray that as I continue to teach them I can help them to see just how amazing the planet we live on is. I hope that as they see the amazing creativity and order in the world that they can use that to see and understand where it all came from.
In 8th grade science we're studying Creation/Evolution. It's a daunting task to share my faith and my beliefs about this subject with them. I want them to believe that the earth was Created, that God created it and that He and His creation is amazing.

I've been guilty in the past of not understanding the beauty in somethings like uhhh... snakes, insects, rocks... Each of these "creatures" has been designed for a purpose, EVEN if I don't get it.
Hopefully as I learn more about God, I'll become more in awe of Him and His creation.

Philippines Missions 2008

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:40:00 +0000

I just spent one great week in Manila, Philippines with a group of teachers and students from my school; serving in different capacities helping out a church there. This was my second year on this trip. I'm so thankful that I was able to go there and take the focus off of myself for a week by serving in so many different ways. God used this trip to focus my thoughts and it was so amazing. I generally see my job as a ministry, but it was so good to take a break (even in a servant capacity) and get a view of God's work in other places in the world. It's such an encouragement. I like a global view. It excites me to know that God is at work and it's so amazing to be a part of it. Here are some of my favorite pictures from my trip:

Everything

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:32:00 +0000

I'm leaving for the Philippines in just a few hours. I'm excited and a little anxious - that could be, because I haven't packed. LOL!
My group is doing a worship dance to this song...Everything by Lifehouse. It's such a powerful song and the dance is very, very powerful as well! I am making this song the prayer of my life. I want God to be my everything.
Please be praying for all our groups that are traveling today to Thailand, to the Jungles of the Philippines, and to Manila.

Here are the lyrics:
Find me here
And speak to me
I want to feel You
I need to hear You
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
You are the life
To my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this
(Ahh Yeahhh)
You calm the storms
And You give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You steal my heart
And You take my breath away
Would You take me in
Would You take me deeper, now
And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this
And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this
Cause you're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
Everything, everything...
When how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this
Oh And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better any better than this
And how can I stand here with You
And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this
Would You tell me how could it be
Any better than this....

Click this link to see the video of the dance we're gonna try to do. (HERE)

Resurrection Sunday Thoughts

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 12:26:00 +0000

I read or heard this passage 4 times today:
"What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."
1 Corinthians 15: 42 - 44
For the majority of my life I've understood the point of Easter and why we celebrated it. I believe and trust that the message is true. This year I feel drawn to the power that is in the message.
As I get older, I find myself seeking fulfillment and satisfaction in perishable things; my family, my friends, my students, my work, learning... the list could continue for some time. I also find myself sinning more, constantly battling weakness and dishonor.
That passage and the message of Easter/ Resurrection Sunday gives me hope beyond anything this world could offer. Tonight I was watching a documentary on Heaven and another about Joni Eareckson Tada (if you don't know who she is click here) I was reminded of what it is I am seeking in these earthly things, this longing I have to be fulfilled, to be loved completely, is my hearts desire to to be made perfect by Jesus. I can seek to be filled by things (even the good things of the earth) but will never be even remotely close to being fulfilled.
Through the death and resurrection of Jesus I will be filled. For now my time on earth may be lonely and it may be painful and I may feel empty, but that is my opportunity to suffer as Jesus did. In sufferings and trials, I will be able to truly understand Jesus even better and become more like Him.
Today, my prayer is that I become an amazing woman of God. Not for my own benefit, but that He may be glorified as I become more like Him. I want to lay my sinful pride, my stubborn attitude, my bitterness at His cross and praise Him for every event and non-event of my life - good and bad. His plan is perfect, He is good, His will is best. He is the "Grand Weaver" who is weaving the pattern of my life. I might not understand it now, maybe not for a long time, but I rest assured that it is going to beautiful; only if I trust Him and remember the message of the cross and the message of His resurrection.

The words of this chorus are part of my prayer:
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You
Have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the Highest
~bridge and chorus to Hosanna by Hillsong album Saviour King

Some Things I Learned on My Snow Day

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:42:00 +0000

My friend CB and I love the list format to communicate. I think I'll pass it on to whoever reads this! :) I can see you are thrilled now.

What I learned today:
God has already provided the strength to (fill in the blank) _______________. My part is to use that strength to do what needs to be done.

Part of a new (to me) song I listened to today:
"...I will not let this bitter root grow in me... I am learning the real meaning of forgiveness..."
~Sara Groves

Quotes from the book I am reading today:
"What we fail to see in our own philosophies and psychologies and anthropologies about ourselves, we see in Christ: our own meaning and destiny. He is an x-ray mirror: when we look at Him, we see our own depth.
Christ in the answer to the question, "What is the meaning to life?" "Who are we meant to be?" The answer is that we are destined to be little Christs. The meaning of life is to be Christ."
"Those who become His disciples and are "born again" of the spirit have th same ability to startle the world that Jesus had."
~Peter Kreeft The Philosophy of Jesus

Thoughts I pondered today:
~I used to be an encourager to others, what happened?
~I thought my grandmother didn't have any real teeth... turns out she does... lol. If you want to know more, ask me later.

Reminded

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:35:00 +0000

This morning I was reminded of my own selfishness.
I was on the blogspot homepage and came across this blog, Can of Worms, and the blogger shared about how he had been discouraged, but after meeting two very interesting fellas his thoughts were changed about his life. I like it when that happens, when new encounters change us or at least our thoughts.
I continued to scroll through his blog and his next entry was about this organization (which I found out later that he is a founder of) called Buy Shoes Save Lives. (Side note: Selfish again... I want a pair of those shoes, however my feet may be too big :( and they are kinda expensive, but I could probably forgo another couple of pair of sneakers to get one of these... we'll see.) Buy Shoes. Save Lives. is pretty neat. The shoes they sell are handmade shoes, traditionally worn by the Kurdish people. Basically it takes a group of people many hours to make one pair of shoes. 50% of the cost of the shoe goes toward heart surgeries for Iraqi children whose parents can't afford the huge expense. 50% goes back to the people who spend hours making them. They are cool. We should all get some. :)

Anyway, after reading that blog and checking out that website, I began to think about just how selfishly I live. My focus is always myself. This is a problem. This reminds me of a saying I used to hear in VBS as a child: JOY= Jesus, Others, You. Let's hope that this becomes my relentless pursuit. Jesus first, then others, then myself.

Blushing water...

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:46:00 +0000

(In reference to Jesus changing water into wine) "The conscious water saw its master and blushed." ~ Alexander Pope

I've heard this quote several times when listening to sermons, but it wasn't until today that I truly thought about it. How powerful! It really helped me to look at my response to Jesus. Do I look at my master and blush? Is He the so much the desire of my heart that when I read of Him or hear of Him, that my heart pounds and my face becomes flushed?

O, Jesus, help me to see You today. Touch my life in such a way, that I will desire You above all else.

I've got to... Pray!

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:59:00 +0000

So many people in my life have asked for prayer for many different issues. So many times I say I'll pray, yet I set it aside with the intention to do it, but quickly become focused on other issues that are not more important that communion with God. How easily I become distracted and focused on myself instead of those around me.
Tonight however, as I sat here checking my addiction (Facebook), reading emails and other things, I was overcome with the need to pray. So many people facing so many uncertainties, but how do I begin to pray for each of them? I don't know. Simply asking for someone to get well is good, but what if that isn't the plan that God has intended. Do I just say thy will be done and forget about it? I can't answer those questions, all I know to do is to lay those concerns and those people at the alter and trust that God will provide for each of their needs.
I read over Christmas break that, "Prayer is simply faith. ... Faith accepts the circumstances." That is easily said, but to apply that to our own lives in hard times is difficult. I do hope and pray that everyone will be able to say just that, "Faith accepts the circumstances."
Now my prayer for my friends and family will be:
"Lord You know all and understand all! I pray that my friends and family will trust You. If healing is in Your plan then may Your will be done. If it is not, may Your will be done. I pray for wisdom and strength of faith and character for all that are affected by this situation. You are in control. Lord please comfort and guide my friend."
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

2008

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:36:00 +0000

2008 reasons why...
Just kidding, I'm not about to type out 2008 reasons for anything. :)
It's a new year, not a new me -- not yet anyway. My prayer for the year is that, I can leave this old self behind. That my focus will be on Jesus, not myself. Pray that with me and for me!

Satisfaction

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 12:05:00 +0000

Seriously I haven't updated since October 22, good thing my blog isn't ever read by anyone other than me or else, someone might've assumed that I had died. In case you secretly do read this, I'm alive. I can see the relief now. :)

Life sure has a way of pulling you to and from a place and then leaving you to feel as if you were upside down. No question about it, in my life there are struggles. Constant struggles. Struggles with health, with desire to be focused on God, with being diligent in my work, struggles to love others.
That list could drone on and on, so I'll stop.

I often feel as if I am such a failure in every area of my life. I fail to study the Word, I fail to love others, even those that I really do love, I fail in being a diligent worker, I fail to pray for those that I should be praying for, I fail to reach out to those in need.

Thankfully though, even in my struggles, even in my failures, my God has never failed me. He is faithful, loving, merciful, and gracious. He knows where the sin is in my life. He knows what a hypocrite I am. He knows what desires are in my heart. He knows when I battle hatefulness. He knows that I need Him. He doesn't let go.

Even in this time of struggle, when I choose myself first, He has yet to let go. Not only that, but He is drawing me back to Him; from the darkness, the unforgiveness, the bitterness in my life. His love is pulling me to Him, gently reminding me that He is my rock, He is my fortress, He is my strength. Reminding me that He alone loves me, He is my savior, my friend, my father. He alone is Wisdom, nothing here can surpass Him. He alone is God, nothing else will satisfy.

Jesus, Hope of the Nations
Jesus, Comfort for all who mourn
You are the Source of Heaven's hope on Earth

Jesus, Light in the Darkness
Jesus, Truth in each circumstance
You are the Source of Heaven's light on Earth

In history You lived and died
You broke the chains
You rose to life

You are the Hope

Living in Us

You are the Rock

In whom we trust

You are light
Shining for all the world to see

YOu rose from the dead
Conquering fear
Our prince of peace
Drawing us near

Title-less blog update... More pictures!

marykristenmoore@hotmail.com (Kristen) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:46:00 +0000

We just finished our first quarter of the school year and now it's time for the dreaded Parent/Teacher conferences. I never have been excited about these. I realize their importance, but that doesn't make me excited about them. That is just part of the job that I've chosen, so I will make the most of the conferences that I can and use the free time to try to get work done.

As I sit here waiting for parents to stop in to discuss their children, I thought I'd take a minute to write a bit about what in the world has been going on. All I can say is that life is crazy busy and I'm about beat. Thankfully though, I've been able to rest on the weekends and even last night I slept for a long 11 hours. (Thank you Nyquil!) I've also been able to get in quite a bit of reading lately, thanks to my long commutes to and from the chiropractor in Seoul. It takes about an hour and a half for each trip, so I get about 3 hours to read each trip. I enjoy that. I also enjoy my back working properly again.

October is always busy and seems to go on forever. This year is no exception. We've had our annual carnival, bonfire, end of the quarter grades, parent teacher conferences, volleyball practices, volleyball games, and cross country meets. Volleyball finishes up next weekend, so I'll have a day to recover, then it will be time for basketball to start. I have enjoyed my time working with the boys volleyball team and will be sad that it is ending, but I am very excited about basketball season. It is definitely my favorite time of year.

Throughout all this business and my laziness, God has been faithful. I am so thankful. He supplies rest and encouragement exactly when it is needed. He has given me wonderful friends and coworkers who daily inspire me to be better and teach me how to live a God-filled, God-focused life. Thank you Lord!

The girls I was teaching to run the scoreboard during the guys game. And the boys volleyball team. It has been so fun to coach them!

With one of my favorite girls, who stops in to visit everyday during 7th period!

At the Carnival with Junior our best soccer customer and my roomie Dawn

At the bonfire with Abby and Joel. Then with Becca, Gracie, and Dawn

Fun times were had by all!