To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

For the past 13 years Miah and I have made a life for our family in the United States. During this time, as always in our lives, God’s gentle guidance led us from church to church in His time. As we moved, each church provided just the right size, character and circumstances we needed at that time.

There was a church in Westland that nurtured us and provided unconditional love as we b...

In the 13^th century, many parts of the world were shocked by the attacks of an unbeatable rising empire. The sudden and unexpected methods used by this new power left countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe helpless against invasion. The Mongol army, led by Genghis Kahn and his sons, was horrifying for the people of the time. Today, this empire which was once the strongest in history is no longer recognized as a dominant force. Historians believe one reason the strength of the ...

If someone should ask me to describe our lives in a few words, I would say life is “The process of continuous waiting.” A popular Korean actress once said the success of actors and actresses is achieved through 30% talent, 30% effort, and 40% patient waiting. No matter where these percentages came from in her life, I agree that patience and waiting is a large part of our lives.

We will soon enter the Advent season.  The word “Advent” is from the Latin word “Adventus” which me...

“Do you love me?” I often ask Grace and Solomon this question. I don't ask this question unsure of the answer. This question is asked based on my trust that they do love me, and with confidence that our relationship will always be valuable.

Jesus also took the same approach before giving Peter the historical mission to lead all Christians after His resurrection and ascension. Jesus asked Peter the same question three times (John 21:15-17), and I am sure this action changed Peter entire...

As the end of the 2008-2009 choir season approaches, I've spent time reflecting on it. The first big event of the year, the Fine Arts concert in November, was a big success. People enjoyed the variety of music programs, including our children’s choir singing “Everyone’s Favorite Melody- Chopsticks” with kazoos. Our worship services and musical concerts were blessed with the dedication of musical group members, and we all felt God’s presence with us time after time through the musi...

Everyone has a favorite season; mine is spring. As I write this, we are in the week following Easter and May is just a couple of weeks away. I enjoy the temperature this time of year with the balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons. In my view, there is no better month in Michigan than the month of May. Ah! But there is one more reason this is such as special month. We will begin the month with the “Music Festival” on Sunday, May 3^rd and end with “Hymn Sing” on Sunday, May 31^st. ...

During our family trip to Grand Rapids and Ypsilanti last month, I experienced many joyful musical moments. Once we arrived in Grand Rapids, the Michigan All State High School Band overwhelmed the audience with their youthful energy and unlimited potential. My heart, mind and soul were filled with extreme happiness because of the top quality of this youth group. The following Sunday we visited First Presbyterian Church in Ypsilanti. The church was having a special worship and Organ Festival C...

Everyone sees life differently, remembering life’s experiences through their own eyes. I remember guests who attended my first piano recital better than those who attended my wedding. For me a wedding ceremony is more than just a moment in time, it is the beginning of a wonderful life long journey.  But a successful concert is an event resulting from long, hard work. When I look back on a concert in which I was involved I remember the event vividly, and the memory brings with it all the exc...

When rehearsing with the church musical groups and my piano students I will often ask them to read music without singing or touching the keyboard. This practice helps them look more closely at the music and discover things they did not see before. When people sing or play instruments, they become so involved in the technical complexity of making music they sometimes miss the message that the composers wanted revealed through their music. 

I believe that we need the same approach to communi...

Do you love the high price of gas?  I read an interesting article in a recent edition of Newsweek written by Jennifer Perrow. She explains that she loves the high price of gas because it’s helped her family stop being so dependent on their cars. I believe that she is not alone in discovering the hidden happiness due to high gas prices these days.  If we ride bikes, arrange to carpool with neighbors, borrow books from friends instead of traveling to the bookstore or the library in a car, we ...

If you think about the last month of every year, what image comes to mind first?  Most likely, the majority would say, “Christmas!”  For both Christians and Non-Christians, Christmas Day is one of the most enjoyable days of the year.  Many people think Christmas is a time of family gathering; children look forward to Christmas and anticipate many presents. Stores take advantage of this big holiday and start advertising their products extremely early to boost their businesses.  We get used...