B e u l o g r a p h y

Having a whale of a time trying to figure out how my twitter, tumblr and Facebook are connected....

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Having a whale of a time trying to figure out how my twitter, tumblr and Facebook are connected. Would love to learn how to say something on one and not have it do a viscious circle of death back and forth.

KIRSTaaaaaaY!!!!! (Taken with Instagram)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:17:17 +0100

KIRSTaaaaaaY!!!!! (Taken with Instagram)

So I’ve been doing this Beth Moore Bible study over the...

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:46:00 +0100

So I’ve been doing this Beth Moore Bible study over the past couple of months with women who I met through an alpha course a couple of years ago. It’s been great. We’ve been studying the tabernacle in detail and tonight Karen (whose home the study was held in) went to town on creating our own tabernacle. There was the table, the oil burning lamp to represent the Holy Spirit, bread to represent the bread of life, incense burning, fruit (because the fruit of the spirit was also mentioned in the study). Gold trim around the table and gold plates. The atmosphere was class and she really put us in the mood for getting stuck into learning more about the tabernacle in Exodus and how it connects to the Garden of Eden in Genesis, and stuff in Revelation too. It got heavy. Beth Moore fairly knows how to suck you into a detailed study. I could talk forever but I’m only on my iPhone and my eyes are turning square trying to type this but safe to say it was a really special night. God and Karen partnered together to bring new meaning to the gift of hospitality. She also gave us gifts that represented the fruits of the spirit. Outstanding!

Climb, boys climb!!! (Taken with Instagram)

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:22:39 +0100

Climb, boys climb!!! (Taken with Instagram)

Revelation

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:05:32 +0100

Just reminiscently read through my old short stories and poems tonight. Why on earth have I been limiting myself to songs when I love all forms of writing AND I tend to struggle with new chord progressions anyway? Man alive… I’ve been wasting a lot of time thinking that the only useful outlet for thoughts and ideas could possibly be music. I’m not going to stop writing tunes, lyrics and playing guitar because I have and always (feel like) I will enjoy it immensely. But I think that from now on I need to realise that there’s more to myself than making and appreciating music.

While I was at Uni, I read several fiction books a week and from what my computer files tell me, those three years of intense reading also encouraged a writing peek. The time when I wrote the most was when I was reading the most. It was also the time when I had deadlines and professors challenging me if I couldn’t comment on the last few chapters of ‘The Folded Leaf’ or something written by Kerouac or Mosley. I’m 24, and I’ve been lazy. I’m 2 years out of Uni and although I have about 8 months worth of travelling under my belt, for the leftover 17 months I only have a handful of worship songs, an even smaller handful of self indulgent same-chord strummy songs and a rare poem here or there. I used to write a short story every two weeks and even at that point I remember feeling like I could have done more. I spend a lot of time chilling, watching tv, hanging out with friends, listening to bad music (and great music), going running, eating and showering. Writing songs comes in waves, but the art of writing stories has been dormant in me for too long. I think I miss it. I definitely miss the challenge. And I’m going to be fairly rusty because I’m so out of the way of it all. But I’d like to get back to being a tad more driven and ambitious, both in reading and writing.

I start a youth internship scheme in Carnmoney Church come September this year which I am very excited about. At the same time I’ll be working a part time job to keep the money flowing (this I am less excited about, but money is money and the people I work with are lovely so I can’t complain). With the internship and the job on the go, I’ll have a lot less time to faff around and look at blank screens hoping words will type themselves. The lack of time could pull me away from writing altogether, or it could push me into making the most of the precious free time I have. Who knows?

I’ve prayed about all these things; some as recently as today while other prayers haven’t been as fresh. These things I do know: I love God, I love working with young people, I love writing, I love being creative and I love be able to appreciate other peoples’ creativity. Only God knows what He plans to do with all this stuff. I’m on a strictly need to know basis and I struggle with that sometimes. But it’s better if I don’t know the plan, otherwise I’d do my best to control it, fight to change things, and ruin the good that God intends for me and those around me through the passions and gifts He has placed in me. Anything I do accomplish this year is by His glory and for His glory. I can’t create a gift, all I can do is use what He has given me. I’m thankful that I have so many things to love. It’s exciting waiting to see which ones He wants me to zone in on this year (and the year after that etc.). I only hope that I don’t lose sight of what is important and that my perspective isn’t narrowed into thinking that the things I enjoy are mine to keep.

I sincerely regret not sticking my face in this

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:31:32 +0100

I sincerely regret not sticking my face in this

was dosed with the cold… worshipped God instead of feeling...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

was dosed with the cold… worshipped God instead of feeling sorry for myself, and although I’m still dosed… I’m feeling pretty great.

Yogurt on a cat

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:25:41 +0000

Yogurt on a cat

Pukey, Cookie’s slutty cousin

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:33:33 +0000

Pukey, Cookie’s slutty cousin

Cookie, our dog

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:32:42 +0000

Cookie, our dog

Cold

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:59:49 +0000

Last time I was this cold, Ben built this

Short Stories and Novels

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:09:16 +0000

Every few months I think about writing short stories and novels. Always. I love writing but I never seem to get past the 20,000 word proverbial wall. It’s frustrating and disheartening. But nobody said it was easy (Coldplay lyrics… I do love Coldplay). So this year, again, I’m going to spend the year attempting to write stuff and even if I give up now and again (which is a likelihood). Or even when I choose a cinema and coffee catch up over a self inflicted deadline, I’m not going to beat myself up about it. I’ll come back to my trusty stories and keep ‘em coming as thick and fast as physically possible for a lazy and not very ambitious person. I’ll keep you updated on how it’s going. But don’t be surprised if you don’t hear much for a while. I’d love to get past the 50,000 mark though. I’d be over the moon if I could write 50,000 words of information that connects and blends into a decent story. That’d be nice.

Talk to y’all soon.

Oh yeah, and happy new year.

AYO!

Another evotional gem

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:23:00 +0000

Trust God

TODAY’S VERSE ”Praise the LORD! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” Psalms 28:6-8 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT It is hard to relax. I mean really relax. Why is it? We say we have faith and yet we are wound up tighter than a spring ready to snap at the next bit of pressure. Perhaps it is because when it comes to living life on our own, we are way over our head. We try, but life is so complicated. There are so many variables. But the truth is, God never intended us to live life all by ourself. He wants us to depend on Him. He wants us to live with His love and mercy helping us along the way. This is where fellowship with God is born. When we acknowledge that He is God, that He loves us and we begin to communicate with Him and share our inner struggles and needs, He hears us and gives us the help we need. God is pleased. And so are we. David knew this and proclaimed, “I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” Today, relax, give it all to Him. Trust God, He will have mercy and help you.

TODAY’S PRAYER Father God, I come and bring all my burdens to You. I am so tired of trying to fix everything myself. I need You. I ask You for mercy. Please help me today, I pray. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

Read this today.

Home

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:42:53 +0000

Soon it’ll be tomorrow today. But not for you. Just for the Koreans (and me). I’m hitting the dusty trail home, and by ‘dusty trail’ I obviously mean snow-cloud filled skies. I’m really excited if I’m being honest. I do love it here, but the way of life isn’t my way of life. Not by a long shot. It’s been fantastic and there have been highs and lows. Speaking of which, I found the courage to eat the baby squid (lynsey lloyd); definitely a low for me but photos will follow after my return. Promise.

Although the airports seem to be closing left, right and centre and my suitcase weighs heavier than an obese walrus (family), I will be back soon. Very soon, if all the travel plans go as well as they say they will on my booking confirmation print out. In a day or two I’ll be back. It’s a surreal thought as I’m sitting here in my dorm-like room in the middle of nowhere, Korea. But soon I will be back to where the sun only shines twice a year. Back to where the people say ‘excuse me’ or ‘sorry’ when they bump into one another in the street (except sometimes when they’re stressed at Christmas). Back to where McDs is round the corner instead of a 15 minute bus + a 30 minute train journey away. Back to where I can drink water straight from the tap if I want to. Back to where I can go for a walk and not get weird looks from every passing stranger. Back to a house where I don’t have to wear slippers in the bathroom because of (always) wet floors (from open plan showers NOT urine). Back to a comfortable couch instead of hard wood floors. Back to watching jakeandamir with Ben and Roo until I can’t see through the (laughter) tears. Back to our tiny, (constantly) barking dog Cookie and our maow-less cat Alley. Back to Mike Echo the Gekko, Phoenix, Kazooi and Zeus. Back to the boring turtles that I still don’t know the names of (although I think they were either named after Jet Lee and Jackie Chan OR two of the Dudesons). Back to a place that builds up to Christmas. Back to a Greenwich Mean Timezone. Back to mates’ gigs and enjoyable church evening services. Back to using my phone that has been gathering dust for a good few weeks now. Back to my own bed. Back to Tescos. Back to dinner where the side dishes are one of two options: something potato-y or salad. Back to my ipod speakers (I’ve missed you so). Back to my guitar. Back to friends, family and fellowship. Back to the culture, country and community God blessed me to be born into. I’m coming home soon guys. Hope you didn’t miss me too much. AYO!

p.s. I went to Everland this week and bumped into Michael and Sam!

AND I went to the north-south Korean border today. The border was deserted because apparently they were test firing at something. Everyone over here is so sketchy and vague when it comes to giving details. Anyway, I’ve got a goodbye breakfast first thing tomorrow before I hit the air traffic, pray I don’t barf kimchi on the flights home. Also pray that the flights home actually occur. Thanks a million boyos. See y’all soon!

Blogfession time

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:23:52 +0000

Okay, so I’m not a very committed blogger. I don’t think I ever said I was a committed blogger, but still. Once you start a blog you (and other people) assume you’ll continue to update it from time to time, so apologies for anyone who’s been sitting at the edge of their seat awaiting another blog update from me. Although, what with you having your own lives etc. I hope all of you have moved past the anticipation, anger and upset of blog lack-age (not to be mistaken with ‘blog leak-age’). It’s been nearly a week since my last blog. Sorry, but I can’t help but think of all the priest-filled movies I’ve watched in the past, “forgive me readers for I have sinned, it’s been nearly a week since my last blogfession”. Okay I’ll stop.

So how are you lovely people doing? I hear there’s a lot of snowing going on in Northern Ireland. It’s always the same, it snows for two days and everyone is ecstatic but if it snows for over a week tensions rise until people start admitting “snow isn’t that cool” (pardon the terrible pun). I’m not a huge fan of snow. Especially Newtownabbey snow. Sure, it makes for a good photograph but it’s slushy, misleading and dangerous. And I don’t mind saying that I hope it’s all gone by the time I get home. Or better still… I hope it goes days/weeks before I get home so my flights will all be in order and there’ll be none of this ‘delayed’ business that’s going on.

I’m three and a half weeks into this strange adventure and I can safely say the novelty of being a foreigner in a far away land has worn off. Don’t worry I’m still enjoying myself and I definitely feel like God is teaching me and stretching my faith. But I’m past the point of taking photographs of everything sign that displays bad or unnecessary English (there’s way to many to photograph).

‘The ole’…ball and chain? ‘The ole’ days? ‘The ole’ nine yards? Maybe not completely past it.

She’s what?! The Korean’s like to leave you guessing, obviously.

The first couple of weeks were absolutely mental, I was getting taxis to one place, getting taken out for lunch, taking the subway to another place, getting taken out for dinner, meeting family, meeting church people… it was basically a big blur of greeting, meeting, eating and commeeting (‘commuting’… I really wanted it all to rhyme). This past week and a half has been a bigger culture shock. It’s been really cold out here (probably not as cold as back home but still pretty cold), and aside from a few bus and train trips to town, the days are getting pretty quiet and uneventful. Let’s just say, what I’ve got up to recently doesn’t make for good blogging material. Regardless, I’ll show you a few photos of some things I’ve done.

We made a years supply of kimchi. Not even kidding… the supply is intended to last all year round. A FREAKING YEARS SUPPLY!

I’ve had a good few coffees on the roof.

I’ve had manys-a-skype videocall. This is me and Rachel waking Mike from his beauty sleep.

Look at the dirt of my screen! Disgusting.

Visited some more temples and towers

This is one of their national treasures. So they keep it in glass box. I’d have kept in it a museum or a high security building guarded by the real Jackie Chan, but sure. At least everyone gets to see it out here in the park.

This is a fortune teller and palm reader’s booth.

We passed about six of these booths on the one street. Dodgy like.

Oh and we did some much needed shopping. There was a point when all we had was eggs and a radish. I made them the best way I knew how… but they smelt revolting so I threw them out.

Never again.

So for a day or two I sat around feeling sorry for myself and beginning to miss home. Things are much more fun when you’ve got someone to enjoy them with and I was starting to wish I’d brought someone on this adventure with me. Thanks to emails from friends, some odd skype voicemails (for anyone who doesn’t know already, Kirsty Dowey wants a Hippopotamus for Christmas) and A LOT of prayer, I’m starting to get used to all this time. It’s that cold out that without direction there’s no point in leaving the centre. When we have the car or the bus timetable is on our side we’ll go and do some random stuff as promised; I still intend on eating the live octopus and cooked baby squid (you sickos). But until then I’m going to spend as much time as physically possible reading, writing and watching online sermons. I’ve been studying (and by ‘studying’ I mean ‘taking frantic notes while watching’) Pete Greig’s sermons on Prayer through the Holy Trinity Brompton website. The ‘Contemplation’ and ‘Spiritual Warfare’ sermons are great. If you’re struggling to just read your Bible, why not mix things up with a few random sermons. It won’t hurt and the chances are you’ll learn something new about the God who loves us and has a purpose for us. I know I have.

Oh and another thing… When I was back home I used to always pray that I could just disappear from life for a while. Do you ever feel like you want to get away from life? Well these days, my dad’s at work and Josep’s family are moving house so there’s not much people banter up for grabs. Right now it’s just me and God. It’s nice.

Who knows when you’ll hear from me next. If I were you, I wouldn’t count on it being tomorrow; I’ve proven myself to be a tad unreliable blog-wise. But no doubt I’ll blog to you soon. Keep it Christmassy until my return. AYO!

Be encouraged AND Be encouraging!

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 06:41:00 +0000

So I mentioned Ron Ovitt’s ‘Moment in the Word’ on my blog the other day and I got an email entitled ‘Thanks for the Link’ today saying this:

Beulah,

Someone came to my devotional as a result of your link. I like to look at who is mentioning our devotionals. Thanks for doing that. I like your blog. I trust that you will have a wonderful Holiday and again thanks. God bless you as you continue to serve Him.

Ron Ovitt

If only we all went out of our way a little more to give people some encouragement. I think that’s one thing God is teaching me from day to day; be encouraging. And I think encouragement is something Carnmoney is making more use of daily which is fantastic to see and even better to be involved in. If you’re reading this, I challenge you to think of someone who has positively influenced your walk with Christ, contact them by the end of the day let them know. I did this recently because of one of Andy Flannigan’s devotions in his book “God 360”. Great book, but it’s not for the faint hearted. There’s a challenge with each devotion. I’m only a couple of devotions in but God has really blessed me. He didn’t just push me to encourage my influences… but most of them encouraged me right back. I made my way through a huge list of people who I needed to thank for a bajillion reasons and God still reminds me of people I need to thank daily!. When I was doing the devotional I remember thinking to myself “If I spent more time encouraging people when they’d impacted me then I wouldn’t have such a backlog of people I have to thank”.

In his book Andy mentions how we need to push past the “pain barriers” of what people will think and what people might say. The misconception of whose judgement is important is what the devil will manipulate, and it will cripple us if we let it. So the best course of action is to quickly realise that no other opinion matters except for our Creator’s. So go on your way and be encouragers for Christ. And then if you want to take it a step further… tell people how you got on. It’s encouraging when you feel encouraged… it’s even more encouraging when you share your encouragement.

AYO!

p.s. How man times did I use variations of ‘encourage’ in my blog?!

p.p.s. (encourage)

I haven’t blogged in depth for a while. So here’s a...

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:53:45 +0000

I haven’t blogged in depth for a while. So here’s a little video blog for anyone who’s interested. It’s a little cringey but suck it up. LIFE IS CRINGEY!

Louise...and things to come.

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:37:00 +0000

Louise left me a message on tumblr saying that there was no need for those (gorgeous) skype photos to be posted. She’s just a little annoyed because every time someone googles ‘louise’s face’, they’ll catch a glimpse of her precious natural poses. Ahahahaha… my plan has worked!

ALSO… For anyone who cares to procrastinate online for a few minutes tomorrow, I have a cringey (but nice) wee video about Korea coming your way. I haven’t blogged in the past day or two because our internet has been on the jip and I’ve been out on the town. Not in the clubbing sense of the phrase (if you know me at all, that would be the last sense of the phrase you’d be jumping to); no no, just seeing more of the crazy country that I’m residing in for now. It snowed yesterday so the centre is foundering. We’re surviving obviously. I think all the food they’ve fed me up until now has prepared me for hibernation. Maybe that’s why I’m so tired. I should really go to bed though. See y’all in the spring… AYO!

P.S. I’m still coming back at Christmas time… that last sentence was just a little seasonal humour for y’all to enjoy!

P.P.S. I’m still not quite getting to grips with this tumblr business. Someone give me a tumblr lesson when I return home. OR facebook/email/tumblr me me everything you know about tumblr NOW! (thanks).

Skype

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:54:12 +0000

Hello and how are you all this fine evening? It’s crisp, (freezing) cold and clear in Korea, but I hear it’s a winter wonderland back in N.I.? I’ve seen the white photos on blogs and facebook (Joy Dickinson and Harris…yes you Andrew Harris). Jealous of the coldness paying off but happy I’ve avoided falling on my ass in public due to ice slippage.

Just a few photos of my most recent Skype conversations. One classic video call with the gorgeous Lou (long time friend) and one very unique video call with Rachel and Mike as they set up their Christmas tree, talked about snow, showed me the snow and their precious (giant) Bailey.

This is Lou. For anyone who doesn’t know her, she’s not normally this red in person. I think she was using dim lighting to romanticise our first video call.

This is her normal everyday face. Sure her hands get tired and her eyes dry up from time to time, but ‘judge lest yee be judged’. I’m almost positive that part of the Bible was commenting on this particular example in life.

This is Rachel and Bailey. Aren’t they just made for each other?!

This is Mike.

This is also Mike. Aren’t they just made for each other?!

I call this one ‘Snow…Over There by Beulah Kim’

The Skype conversations were both completely unplanned which made them extra unexpected and nice. I got to catch up with Lou who I normally see at least once every week, so the withdrawal symptoms have been soothed significantly. Rachel and Mike let me join in with their Yule tide banter which was great because I’ll be missing out on the tree decorating/tinsel draping this year (not that I was much for helping so much as I just sat there and watched).

Thanks to everyone who keeps in contact with me through Skype while I’m away. Or for anyone who keeps in contact through any other media. Every time I hear a voice from N.I. it’s like I’m right back in the country with you, miles and miles away from the weirdness of North Korean attack. Thanks for all the prayers while I’m out here too, it’s all (necessary and) very much appreciated!

Also… I have some cool(ish) photos of what I got up to today but because I have so much to tell you and I’m sure you’re sick of seeing the same ole blog with the same ole format (photos + lots of words + more photos + lots more words = yawnfest)… I’m currently trying to think of a creative and non boring way to tell you my banter. Leave it with me sure…

Until I blog you next…AYO!

Today's Moment in the Word

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 02:43:45 +0000

TODAY’S VERSE ”Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT I love how the peace of Christ and thankfulness go together. Ever have someone, meaning well of course, try to get you to cheer up over something you weren’t ready to thank God for? People get uncomfortable around heartache and try to make the person suffering feel better. This is well intentioned, but not always successful. Perhaps that is why Paul wrote what he did. He knew from being in prison, shipwrecked, starving, stoned, left for dead and hunted down like a criminal that it was through the peace of knowing Christ and all His love and power that he was able to come to any semblance of giving thanks. And why did it matter? Because giving thanks is the key to returning to joy from painful emotions and circumstances. It is handing over the steering wheel to someone else more capable then us to drive when we are under so much duress. And so today, come to Christ. Come to Him who is able to give you peace even when thanksgiving seems so far away. His peace will comfort. His peace will sustain. His peace will return you to joy and a thankful heart.

TODAY’S PRAYER Father, it is hard to give thanks in all things. I need Your peace, that passes all understanding, to rule in my heart. Come in the power of Your Holy Spirit and fill me now, fill me where I cannot fill myself. Bring peace and love to my heart even now and with that, I give You thanks, my God and my Lord. AMEN

Now, more than ever I’ve realised I have NOTHING to complain about. Thank you again Ron Ovitt for your wonderful words of wisdom. Go here if you want to get Moment in the Word emails straight to your inbox daily, once you click on my ‘here’ you’ll need to click another ‘click here’ icon to sign up. Well worth the second click though. They’re decent like.

Hope you are all well and having a banterful day as of yet. Keep it real folks. AYO!