Dan planned a get-together with his friends of the same age. He created posters and put them up around the street near his house.
Every Tuesday evening, he invited his friends from the neighborhood to gather at the big park.
First, they took their dogs for a walk, and then they sat on the hard benches near the large pond to chat.
During these times, they asked each other simple questions that 14-year-olds usually ask.
All 15 of them shared their thoughts about things like sports, school, and food. It was a great opportunity for them to talk about different topics and share their ideas.
They took turns asking their moms to make snacks for everyone to enjoy together.
One evening, after they finished talking about how to study better, three friends asked Dan why he started this group.
They had heard helpful things from their friends, but they wanted to know why Dan had the idea in the first place.
With a big smile, Dan explained that he reads the Bible every day, just like he always does. He found three verses that really inspired him.
The first verse is from Hebrews 10:24-25, which says, “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.”
The second verse is from Psalms 133:1, which says, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
The third verse is from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.
Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
Dan wrote down these verses in his little notebook and gave each of his friends a page with one verse on it.
He encouraged them to read it at home and remember to treat everyone with kindness.
As they went their separate ways that day, they talked among themselves.
“If God wants us to care about others, even people we don’t know well, then we should really do it.”
From that day on, they decided to be kind to all their friends and classmates in their schools. They also started a habit of reading one Bible verse each day.
This link connects to many other children’s stories.
Others pretend to support only if they can control.
Some just want to manipulate others.
No one knows it all.
Give room for others’ growth.
The life school of God is a journey.
Bible verses about school
Acts 22:3
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. Thus I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
Psalms 78: 5-8
He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their ancestors— a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.
Cause and effect transition words, or consequence transition words, are words that describe the origin and consequence of relationships between two ideas.
Examples
because, since, thus, hence, consequently, therefore, accordingly, and as a result.
How do you use cause-and-effect transition words?
“So” & “Therefore”
These two are used to introduce an effect or result of another idea.
Examples
The players did not perform well, so the coach increased their training hours.
The weather was very bad. Therefore, the airline canceled the flights.
We have to finish cooking before the party starts. Therefore, we need to go to the market now.
“Because” & “Since”
These are used to introduce a cause or reason for another idea.
Example
They resigned because they felt disrespected.
Since, I was on break, I read the novel while drinking tea.
I came late because of the traffic jam.
“Thus” & “Hence”
The cause and effect transition words ‘thus’ and ‘hence’ are used to introduce an effect and reason.
Example
The train’s policy is that every train starts at 8 am. Thus, you will have to use the bus if you don’t want to wait.
You have spent all your allowance before the end of the month. Hence, I cannot give you more money.
“As a Result Of”
As a result of the fight that broke out, the players were suspended.
I couldn’t charge my phone, as a result of the low voltage.
We could easily climb the mountain as a result of the ropes.
“Due to” & “Because of”
Examples
Due to the increase in taxes, many families are struggling financially.
We had to wait in queues at the Post Office because of the population.
Due to his sickness, he was forced to retire early.
Looking to explore Asia? Look no further than South Korea. This highly developed Asian gem offers a plethora of activities to indulge in.
Touching down in Seoul, a prime choice I must say, opens up a world of possibilities.
Amidst the modern skyscrapers and cutting-edge subways that make up this sprawling metropolis, you’ll find a harmonious blend with pop culture.
But Seoul isn’t just about the contemporary – delve into the serene beauty of Buddhist temples and grand palaces, all while treating your taste buds to the delights of Korean street food at bustling street markets.
The Gocheok Sky Dome located in a small neighborhood of Guro-gu in Seoul is a domed baseball stadium.
Baseball is one of the country’s favorite sports, so matches are a high form of entertainment, as fanatics will crowd the arena. Sky Dome is the home ballpark of KBO club Kiwoom Heroes.
Though the big hall-like stadium is completely covered on the top, it is primarily used for baseball and has a capacity for 16,744 spectators.
This beautifully designed structure was opened on 15 September 2015.
Beyond its role as a sports complex, this venue transforms into a concert epicenter, accommodating approximately 25,000 spectators.
In 2016, I had the privilege of participating in a Christian crusade hosted by Korean churches, featuring the esteemed Prophet T.B. Joshua from Nigeria as the keynote speaker.
As I entered, I couldn’t help but marvel at the advanced technology that had been harnessed to construct this colossal, versatile structure.
In the past, this facility has been used to host major events. For example, the first round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, featured host nations Taiwan, South Korea, Netherlands, and Israel.
South Korea sky dome
In 2019, the large Gocheok Dome hosted the opening round of Group C at the 2019 WBSC Premier 12. South Korea, Cuba, Australia and Canada competed in Group C.
Check online to go visit the dome if there are any activities.
Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave stands as South Korea’s premier themed cave park, offering an array of cultural and artistic wonders.
Its origins as a former gold mine, where precious metals like gold, silver, and bronze were once extracted, added a layer of astonishment to my visit.
Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, this space has been ingeniously transformed, inviting both local Koreans and international tourists to immerse themselves in its offerings.
Within this expansive underground expanse, the Wine Cave and Cave Aqua World beckon visitors to partake in novel experiences.
From Gold Falls to Gold Road, Gold Palace to Horror Experience, and from Cave Basement World to Underground Lake, the attractions unfold one after another.
Notably, the largest dragon sculpture in the nation stands here as well.
While many caves remain shrouded in darkness, Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave defies the norm.
Bright LED lights adorn its path, guiding visitors from the entrance to the depths of the subterranean realm.
And that’s not all; every weekend, a captivating Black Light Performance unfolds, captivating all in attendance.
It’s said that this distinctive cave isn’t just an attraction but a place of healing.
As you wander through its corridors, you’ll encounter numerous spots thought to hold healing energy, providing solace and rejuvenation for the mind.
Gwangmyeong Cave
Though I visited in 2015 when it was opened, this cave became one of Korea’s 100 top destinations between 2017-2018.
Ensure to plan a trip within the week. This is because from Tuesdays to weekends because it is closed on Mondays.
The tour inside is 30-40mins but could be a satisfying life experience.
Facilities for eating at the cave
The indoor cave Café is at Upcycle Art Center (2F). The menu varies with Korean meals and drinks, but you can only visit between 9 am-6 pm within open days – Inquiries: +82-2-2612-7710
There is also a small outdoor café located near the Cave Ticketing Booth No. 1. Here, there are Western meals like oven-baked pizza, hot dog, snack, drinks, etc. It is equally opened only from 9 am to 6 pm on days when the cave is open. – Inquiries: +82-70-4277-8907
Are you a shopaholic? Or would you want to buy a souvenir? There is a small Gift Shop beside the Cave Ticketing Booth No. 1. It opens and closes at the same time as the other places above. – Inquiries: +82-70-4451-3192
If you didn’t have lunch before going there, then the Maru de Cave Restaurant is open from 11:30-14:30 / 18:00-21:00. Despite its irregular plan, it is certain you can relax here to eat after reserving at least 3 days before visiting via phone. (+82-70-4277-8908)
I was able to watch a concert performance by a violinist. The place was crowded that Saturday, but I recommend visiting during weekdays
How much are the fees?
Facilities and Services:
Parking: Available for a fee.
Suitability: Suitable for all age groups.
Entrance Fees:
Adults: 5,000 won
Teenagers: 2,500 won
Children: 1,500 won
Discounts:
Groups and Gwangmyeong residents eligible for discounts.
Additional fees might apply for specific programs.
Free admission for infants (aged 3 & below) and seniors (ages 65 & over).
Facilities Available:
Convenient Facilities: Walking path, trekking path, nursing room, medical care room, etc.
Who designed and made the famous South Korea statue?
Kim Yeong-won designed the statue. He is a carving and modeling professor at Hongik University. The sitting King Sejong was designed after a chosen competitive bet between a shortlist of artists recommended by the Korean Fine Arts Association and universities.
This grand statue commemorates the 563rd anniversary of the inception of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong.
Specifications and Impression:
In terms of structure and composition, the statue stands as a mighty golden figure, spanning a height ranging from 6.2 to 9.5 meters and boasting a weight of 20 tons.
When I stood beside it, I couldn’t help but feel dwarfed, akin to a tiny ant in its presence.
On sunny days, gazing up at its pinnacle requires quite a neck stretch.
The statue portrays King Sejong with one hand raised and the other gripping a book, a representation that honors his pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Koreans.
King Sejong’s Reverence:
Koreans hold King Sejong in profound esteem, a sentiment I came to understand during my studies at the Sunmoon Language Institute. His enduring legacy in the educational realm stands as a testament to this admiration.
Inscription Display:
Dominating the expansive side walls of the statue’s pillar are displays showcasing the entire Hangul alphabet characters, offering a tangible celebration of linguistic innovation.
South Korea King Sejong statue
Still as a memorial of his unique influence in Korea, in front of the statue there are small models of a celestial globe, a rain gauge, and a sundial, some of his traditional inventions.
I was surprised to know he was involved in the promotion of agriculture, literature, science and technology, as well as Confucian philosophy, in Korea
4. Visit a tourist Korean village settlement
Amidst the bustling expanse of Seoul, where towering skyscrapers and meticulously designed apartment complexes dominate the landscape, there exist pockets of neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into the past.
These enclaves boast ancient Korean-designed houses, each meticulously crafted in the distinctive and time-honored traditional style.
The structure of the Korean traditional house called a hanok consists of a wooden framework consisting of columns, crossbeams, purlins, rafters and various types of supports and connectors.
Hanok is also common in North Korea and China. It was first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon dynasty.
Generally, Korean architecture considers the positioning of the house in relation to its surroundings.
Speaking of the connection to the land and the rhythm of the seasons, the interior of these houses is thoughtfully designed, featuring wooden flooring where residents would gather, sit, and even sleep on cushions or directly on the floor.
In ancient times, an idyllic Korean dwelling was envisioned to have a mountain as its backdrop and a river flowing in front.
This symbiotic relationship with nature was paramount.
For a genuine immersion into Korean architectural nuances, you’ll observe that the forms and styles differ according to the region.
For instance, in the colder northern areas of Korea, houses took on a square layout with a central courtyard, optimizing heat retention.
Conversely, in the southern regions, a more open and L-shaped design was favored, adapting to the local climate.
South Korea native village house visit
At this tour visit, you can enter the house and walk around the courtyard. No one lives here.
There are just guards wearing traditional Korean outfits who show you around and explain a bit of the history.
It was a great experience for me.
5. Attend a South Korea traditional concert
The reverence Koreans hold for their culture is palpable, driving them to earnestly champion its promotion.
Traditional songs resonate throughout the air, becoming an integral part of the city’s tapestry. Regardless of the season, you’ll find melodies echoing along the streets and within dedicated venues.
Concerts are thoughtfully arranged, offering platforms for people to come together, sing, and revel in dance.
These gatherings are infused with an energy that’s nothing short of vibrant, as they brim with a multitude of performances and cultural spectacles that leave an indelible mark.
The spectrum of offerings ranges from music to mesmerizing art displays.
It’s a tranquil antidote to the rigors of daily life, providing a space to shed the weight of work or academic pressures.
What is arirang?
Among the collection of songs, some hold a unique status, collectively known as Arirang.
These compositions bear profound cultural significance, delving into themes of departure and reunion, as well as the spectrum of human emotions encompassing sorrow, joy, and happiness.
The tapestry of Arirang comprises various categories, distinguished by their distinct lyrics and melodies.
Notably, the thirty-six recognized versions of Arirang have undergone a continuous evolution, each contributing to the rich heritage.
On a fortunate occasion, my friends and I were welcomed into a complimentary tour group that culminated in a captivating concert.
I found myself entranced by the exuberant performances that unfolded before us.
Among the delightful showcases, it was the spirited singing and dancing by the young children that left an indelible impression on me.
However, it was the astonishing drumming presentation by the skilled women that truly took my breath away.
south korean arirang concert
Though the arirang songs are not upbeat like the K-Pop famous brands, they can be very solemn and enjoyable. In some cases, it is great to just listen to the musical pitches of the singers.
At the end of the concert, all the foreigners at the event were invited to sing too.
6. Seoul city tour
Among the myriad delights Seoul offers, consider concluding your journey with these recommended destinations:
Riverside Retreat: Immersing yourself in the city’s charm wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the riverside.
The Han River gracefully divides Seoul into two expansive zones, connected by a lengthy concrete bridge.
While the river itself doesn’t invite swimmers, its beaches beckon for leisurely strolls and serene rendezvous with nature.
My experience was amidst a fog-laden, breezy winter day, curtailing my time by the water.
To truly relish this experience, I encourage a visit during the balmy seasons of summer or spring. The vista is singular, and the air carries an invigorating essence.
War Museum Discovery: A pivotal part of our tour led us to a modest war museum.
This repository housed relics from ages past, showcasing a diverse array of ancient war artifacts, from weaponry to historical currency. It proved fascinating to discern the contrasts between bygone coins and notes and the modern currency in circulation.
The resilience of Korea’s history, and its commendable efforts to rebound from the ravages of the Korean War, garners admiration.
These culminating experiences encapsulate the essence of Seoul, offering a blend of natural beauty and a poignant connection to history.
Seoul city
Are you interested to find out other places you can visit in Korea and other countries? Please click here.
Mercy, both a precious gift and a living embodiment, emanates from God’s benevolence, gracing us in countless forms.
Delve into this compilation of verses, spanning the Old and New Testaments, that illuminate the profound essence of divine kindness.
Old Testament Bible verses about mercy
Deuteronomy 7:9– “Know, then, that the Lord, your God, is God: the faithful God who keeps covenant mercy to the thousandth generation toward those who love him and keep his commandments.”
Psalm 25:10– “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth toward those who honor his covenant and decrees.”
Proverbs 28:13– “No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Isaiah 30:18– “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
New Testament verses
Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved.”
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit.”
Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.”
1 Peter 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
The whole Bible is full of verses depicting how merciful God is. Are you merciful to others too?
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with song And magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.
Psalm 95:2
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.
1 Chronicles 13:8
David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, even with songs and with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals and with trumpets.
Exodus 15:1-18
Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and said, “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. “The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him. “The Lord is a warrior; The Lord is His name.
Revelation 15:3
And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!
