In need of peace? (Ephesians 2)

Realized that we are often bombarded by many difficulties in life and are desperately in need of peace.

Perhaps we've done everything to find this peace, but remained frustrated, hopeless, and chronically dissatisfied with life.

Look no further. According to Ephesians 2: 14 ~18 - "For he (God) himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one spirit"

I think it's AMAZING that God offers this peace to those who were far away and those who were near. In addition, ALL of us have access to the Father!

So often I have a miniscule view of God... reminds me of a quote from Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest: "... his (spiritual saint) aim is to secure the realization of Jesus Christ in every set of circumstances he is in"...

My aim: that I may know Him in all aspects of my life...

I think verses 21 - 22 are really encouraging/challenging. A church being a "holy temple in the Lord". Also, the idea of God dwelling amongst us ...

Mezquita (Cordoba) (Day 2)

After checking into our hotel in Granada, we traveled to Cordoba on a whim. We took a 2 hour bus ride to see Cordoba's Mezquita (Mosque). This amazing now a cathedral (originally a muslim mosque) was built between the 8th and 10th centuries.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathleenkwon/sets/72157623164281990/

Granada, Spain (Day 2)

Took a 1.5 hour flight from Barcelona to Granada. With much anticipation of seeing abundance of orange trees in the south of Spain, I encountered this colorful tree soon as I got off the bus from the airport. I find out after the trip that people do not normally pick the oranges off the tree, because they are known to be very sour & bitter. They may be unpleasant to the palate, but exude a sweet, fruity aroma that makes south of Spain so unique & charming...

We were so happy to see Paseo De La Sabeca, a street where our hotel was located. However, we weren't so thrilled soon after finding out that there is a steep hill we had to climb before we reached our final destination for the day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathleenkwon/sets/72157623038520655 <- click for more Granada pictures

Barcelona (Day 1)

Spain 2009 - Layover @ CDG Airport

<-- An American traveler, who was waiting behind me in line, graciously paid for my first authentic French baguette because the cashier lady would not break my 20 Euro bill... (first of many act of kindness encountered during this trip)

*Killed time chilling at cafes...

*Thank you Hyde Park Library for the Spain books.

Spain 2009 - Flight to Paris

I left nasty natti' on Christmas to fly to Paris, where I had my 5 hour layover to Barcelona.

2009 Christmas dinner menu - airplane food! :)