Pastor Jisun narrates how preparing for family gatherings can weigh heavily on one member of the family, and, how a family visit can become burdensome on the host. These are situations that can lead to conflict, defensiveness, hurt feelings and blame when one person expresses their exhaustion. But if people choose to pause and listen instead of arguing or attacking, the family can begin working together. Conflict is often resolved when people choose understanding over winning

On Mothers' Day we think of love, sacrifice, nurturing, care, in our moms and mother figures who have helped shape us throughout the years, who have encouraged us, prayed for us, fed us, comforted us and stayed with us through different seasons of life. But, motherhood and family relationships are rarely simple or perfect - they are complicated. People who shape us the most are sometimes far from perfect but are ordinary people who carry both love and brokenness. That is why

Pastor Jisun proclaims that we'd rather stay where things are familiar, where we know people, where life makes sense. But life does not always go as planned, relationships shift and sometimes we find ourselves in places we never expected to be. Sometimes we have to let go of our dreams. Maybe it was a life changing event that made us start over - losing a job, moving away, becoming a parent, becoming an empty nester, retiring, a serious illness or injury - and disrupted our s

Pastor Jisun asks. "Have you come home exhausted after a long and difficult day, disappointed, tired, wondering what next? When you feel abandoned and there is no one there to help you". She recounts the scripture passage of the day which deals with two disciples leaving Jerusalem and walking to Emmaus after feeling abandoned by their teacher and leader who had died on the cross. They were disappointed and in despair. Along the way they were joined by a stranger who talked wi

Pastor Jisun reflects about nicknames which can be hurtful to you. As a freckle-faced girl she was called a cabbage patch doll by her classmates. For some time she resented the nickname, but then gradually came to accept it. We do not make our own nicknames - they are given by others who perceive something about us. We can accept them or we can try to correct them. During this time of Eastertide, Pastor Jisun brings up the nickname "Doubting Thomas" given to Thomas the Apost

DNA Testing has become something that ordinary people can use to trace their family history. It is simple to obtain and affordable. 20% - 40% of American adults have taken a DNA test. Why is this ? It is because we all want to know "Who am I ? Where do I come from? Where do I belong? What happens after life? Where is my true home?". Easter speaks to these questions. Easter tells us that death is not the end. Our story does not end in darkness because Jesus is risen. After the

Pastor Jisun reflects on the many ways to celebrate Palm Sunday, involving the waving of palm branches and shouts of Hosanna (save us)! In the gospels we are told that the people laid down their cloaks to make a carpet for the king - the messiah who would deliver them from Roman occupation. They expected a crown of power but Jesus chose a crown of thorns, and rode a donkey, not a war horse, showing humility, not military power. Pastor Jisun asks: What does Jesus mean to me?

Pastor Jisun reflects on how from a young age we learn the world through contrast - big and small, fast and slow, good and bad. We try to understand who we are by measuring ourselves against others. Where do I stand ? And that leads us to the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In this parable a Pharisee and a tax collector go to the temple to pray. The Pharisee thanks God that he is better than others who are evildoers like the tax collector. The tax collector sta

Jesus said "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move a mountain". The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that grows into a huge tree. In order for a seed to grow it needs sunlight, water, soil and time. In order for children to grow and achieve their full potential they have to be nurtured and encouraged. God sees potential in every one of us. There are people who invest in us, who nurture us and help us grow. Pastor Jisun talked about her childhood, growi

The longest journey you will ever make is the journey from the head to the heart! Pastor Jisun narrates the story of the Good Samaritan - what transpired on the steep and dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho that drops from an elevation of 2400 feet above sea level to 825 feet below sea level - and the lesson learned from it: Who is my neighbor? Jesus expanded the concept of neighbor far beyond proximity, ethnicity or social boundaries. Our neighbors are not only the peop

Pastor Jisun relates a humorous story about trusting her GPS too much and landing up at a Turkish restaurant instead of a retail store because of a mistyped address. Pastor Jisun declares that our destination is the Kingdom of God. She explains Jesus' parable that the Kingdom of God is like a pearl of great price sought by a merchant, who when he finds it, sells all he has in order to obtain it. Pastor Jisun weaves in her own experiences with career paths to illustrate the ch

Pastor Jisun reflects on the stories of The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin and The Lost Son (Prodigal Son). In the parable of the Lost Sheep the good shepherd leaves 99 sheep behind and searches for the lost sheep in the wilderness. And when the lost sheep is found, the shepherd invites friends and neighbors to celebrate. Jesus says that there is more rejoicing in heaven over the repentance of one sinner than over 99 righteous people. In the parable of the Lost Coin, a woman who h

Returning To The Heart - Lent As A Journey Inward Pastor Jisun reflects on the power of positive reinforcement: encouraging certain behavior with a reward. Positive reinforcement can build up and be powerful, but it can also magnify unhealthy behavior. If we only praise people on stage, we might unintentionally teach that being seen matters more than working behind the scenes. If we clap only for a big achievement, especially for children, we may overlook the time and effort

Pastor Jisun describes the Transfiguration of Jesus and what the disciples saw: the amazing transformation of his human body into that of a supernatural being. The pastor shared the joys and sorrows of her trip to Korea to visit her mother and family; joy that her baby son got to meet his grandparents and other family members, sorrow over the pain and suffering that her mother was going through and joy that her mother got to hold her grandson before she makes the beautiful tr

As we head towards the season of Lent, we think of fasting and penance. Fasting does not mean giving up your favorite food or going hungry. Fasting can be giving up the things of this world, living Jesus’ ministry, thinking more of others and less about ourselves, and focusing our eyes on Jesus while giving back. Fast in the service of others, volunteering at the church, volunteering in our communities and looking to help and serve. Spend this month looking for the truth not