More Words to Live by: 2013

Finding priorities

"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." 2 Timothy 2:3-7

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:28-34

2013 Resolution

2013: Maturity

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:11

2012: Integrity

Swirling Thoughts

The magnificence of reality is that the world turns in roughly the same orbit each year, yet humanity grows and changes in permanence. Yes, we have achieved great measures, but for what? People applaud for accomplishments of extraordinary men, but hearts are moved when ordinary people exceed their limits.

Hey, listen. We haven’t got much time for it all. You know what you have. Just run with it. 

Precious

There is nothing more precious than old promises being kept.
No such beauty exists, as eyes radiate with allure unmatched.
None are more cherished than you. None ever so dear.
Of sacrifices, keeping none for own.

To all those in pain and suffering, 

may God’s love materialize and bring comfort until the long awaited.

In Times of Trouble

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:6-8

Never lose your cool. Spearhead the way. Be serious.
The silent partner.

Merry Christmas!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:8-14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQeKdvXliIU

What's Christmas? Probably the Bible and some Charlie Brown :P

Collab: ReClaim/Mayfly, Part 1

Collab: ReClaim, Mayfly 
Tunes from "I Decide" - Heritage 

슬픔과 기쁨과 고난과 행복 
희노애락 가득해도 난 언제나 만족 
능력 주는 자 안에서 모든 것이 가능해 
눈 떠보니 구원 흰옷을 입었네 
주의 사랑 새벽 공기 맺힌 이슬 같이 
달콤한 단비 마음을 녹여 
매일같이 새롭게 주의 사랑 고백해 

No longer blind and bound to the past 
No more slave to sins so vast 
Sick and tired of any old ways 
Ready to move on do what God says 
Why dread tomorrow when God says follow? 
Today's the day the Lord has made 
I'll be walking forward chainless

"Jesus wept." John 11:35

World and the Spirit

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7

 

“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its head. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who ‘will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.’ And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.” Revelations 12:1-6

 

There is something about morning prayer sermons that I especially enjoy. It could be the brevity. It definitely could be the brevity. It seems pastors may be conflicted in preaching in this time of the year. One can certainly preach on about the nativity, as it is a timeless story for us to engrave in our hearts. Another can feel pressured to invoke new life in an old story.

 

Why not both? As one pastor connected the nativity scene to that in Revelations, I saw how blind I was to the spiritual realm. This may be nothing new to anyone else, but I found it fascinating. There was Jesus lying quietly in a manger, while strangers came to celebrate. On the other side, a great battle, the biggest suspense in all of history was occurring.

 

The fate of the souls of humanity was being decided, while mankind slept peacefully in their homes.

Hear Hear no Fear

Why do I dread tomorrow

if God's telling me to follow?

Today is the day the Lord has made.

Don't let life fade,

away with the restless,

come to him shameless

“And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:6-8

Rowing Along the River

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

One of the best memories I have is from St. Croix. As part of a summer program held by the high school, bunch of us students joined together to learn about science in nature. The first night, as always, was tough. With the heavy rainstorm, I woke up to seeing the window fall on me. Luckily the window was a hopper type, so I did not have to decorate myself with glass shards and stitches the rest of the camp. All sarcasm aside, the weather was actually wonderful the rest of the days.

I especially remember the rowing trip down the river. My good friend Dieter and I got on a boat, and we were to simply row along and enjoy the scenery. There certainly is something about water that calms the spirit. At times forceful, at times serene, the river would gently pull us towards, while other times, we would force ourselves against the current. At one point, we were just rowing like crazy that we missed a deer sighting. We got yelled at for not paying attention, but it was okay. We were having so much fun anyways.

Nearly half way around the trip, the water suddenly went shallow. We got to get out and walk along side the boat. The trees would at times provide cover. The rocks were certinaly one great percussion group. We also got to see a turtle. They sure were fast in water.

We eventually ended up covered in sunburn, but everything was just completely worth it. Memories like these brings gratitude in my heart, realizing there is a greater world outside our civilization.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun." Psalm 19:1-4

Collab: AzuraChang, Part 1

You got your suit on, feeling like a king looking down on a pawn.

You and your office, on top of a palace,

sipping on wine, talking about "what's life?"

Man, life isn't a topic discussing with a straight face

it's of smiles and trials, tears to tears

it's about what's down here, cuz boy you are nowhere

think straight, find fate, live life and live love

Restlessness

알고 있어
하지만 포기할 수 없는 걸

Tigers, Ladies and Probabilities

In a reading assignment, I came across an interesting adaptation to a short story, and it goes like this:

The young man could open either door he pleased. If he opened the one, there came out of it a hungry tiger, the fiercest and most cruel that could be procured, which would immediately tear him to pieces. But if he opened the other door, there came forth from it a lady; the most suitable to his years and station that His majesty could select among this fair subjects. So I leave it to you, which door to open?

The first man refused to take the chance. He lived safe and died chaste.

The second man hired risk assessment consultants. He collected all the available data on lady and tiger populations. He brought in sophisticated technology to listen for growling and detect the faintest whiff of perfume. He completed checklists. He developed a utility function and assess his risk averseness. Finally, sensing that in a few more years he would be in no condition to enjoy the lady anyway, he opened the optimal door. And was eaten by a low probability tiger.

The third man took a course in tiger taming. He opened a door at random and was eaten by the lady.

Adaptation by William C. Clark, Original story by Frank Stockton

The original story is just as good. It's a bit long for a blog, so here is the link:

http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/LadyTige.shtml

Christos

감사와 겸손. 경건한 사람, 거룩한 신자. 계시에 따른 순종,

이어지는 고난의 시간. 기억나는 순간 그래서 기도하는 삶.

가슴 속 깊은 곳에서 외치는 세상을 향한 사랑.

Locked In

I visited the Youth Group lock-in couple nights ago. The seniors came earlier to make dinner for the rest of the students, maybe twenty some kids. After bowling and some games, I left to go home, while the students were to watch a movie before going to bed. Everyone seemed to have fun, so I left in good spirit.

On my way home, I thought about my past. My mother had asked that I go to the youth group in the Korean church she attended, since they were few in number. Being the foolish rebellious kid then, I had put up a bit of fight, but soon, I did as I was told.

The group got together every Friday night and learned about the Bible. Afterwards, they would hang out around the church. The group consisted of three other students and a teacher. It was not that there was a problem to the group. It was just that there were not a lot of Koreans around the neighborhood. Nonetheless, I felt like I deserved better. I had this notion that being small meant to be poor in quality. Even though I had great fun just being there, I stopped attending after several weeks.

God poured out such blessings, but I too often walked away from them. I especially felt my heart tug away at me when I thought about my teacher. She probably got nothing but stress from us, no appreciation whatsoever. I think it was from the gratitude for my teacher, for God, that I started attending youth group as a teacher myself. This group has nearly 30 students, and the church prepares appreciation meals every so often. God provides for me abundantly. How can I ever fall astray? Yet, oh, how I lack love. I guess this is the debt of love that we are to bear.

6 Years Old

He said I would remember this day for the rest of my life, and I have so far. It has been six years. I guess I’m still a child if you ask me, a child in a body of a growing man, new life in an old body.

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is the finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24

Happy Birthday; may I live with more patience in endurance.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Life in the Bible

After a hundred some posts, I can’t remember what I talked about and what I have not.

 

Thanks to a friend of mine, I traveled over to Philadelphia this past Thanksgiving break. It was a 5-6 hour drive, which I guess wasn’t too bad. The issue I had was that I could not fall asleep. Ever since I got into an accident way back in Argentina, I have been having trouble sleeping in cars.

 

Long story short, the driver lost control of the vehicle, fell into a ditch, ultimately turning the car over. It happened so quickly, yet it felt like time had slowed down. Luckily no one got hurt, but the pastor that was with us gently came up to me and said, “You should probably stop praying for that miracle now.” He was indeed joking at the time, since I had been praying for something supernatural, but this was not quite what I had expected.

 

What I had wanted was the experiencing of God, something majestic, something brighter than Las Vegas, something more dynamic than Hollywood. I don’t think God really enjoys that fancy, though. Yes, there could be signs and miracles, maybe even prophetic messages, but the majority of the experience simply seemed to come from the mundane beauty of life. The sun rises and sets each and every day, just like the grace of God. He hears us and is with us. The messages of the Bible come to life, as if he announces it in the speakers, or even sometimes whispers it.

Leaning Heavily

"But maybe good is more than the absence of bad." - Calvin and Hobbes

I’m no special, and it’s quite alright
All the more reason to rely on God
Bliss between reality is so bittersweet
I’m banking on your grace desperately

Angry at Myself

I hate what I am becoming.
I need a punching bag.
And patience.

A Resolution

Resolute. Last and the First

R: How many times are you being reborn?
G: Everyday, if I have to.

Cherry Blossom

The Spirit fills the soul like petals of cherry blossom in the wind,

leaving scents of grace, wiping tears off of my visage

The breeze gently welcomes new life, never in a hurry, singing ever so slowly.

An Answer

"Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy."
"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy" 

for "...You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 

Psalm 28:6, Psalm 30:11, Matthew 16:16b

Gather Together

I really can't do this alone.
It's tough, but it'll be worth it.
He promised.

Change Who?

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1-3

Be with someone that loves

Walking and Walking

Thirsting for justice, yet fearful as I am far from righteousness

I hungered to be like King David, building a city of God within this world

Leading men of integrity, one step closer to the Kingdom of Heaven

Where am I now? Maybe a step further or two steps closer.

Dude, Where's My Car?

I met a nice old lady down by the apartment parking lot. She seemed rather lost. It was a bit chilly that night, so I decided to ask if she needed anything. She told me that she was looking for her car, a light blue Oldsmobile. She had come to see a friend in the seventh floor and was about to leave when she realized that she just couldn’t remember where she parked. The parking lot wasn’t so big, so I thought it was a little odd of her to forget where she parked. I quickly brushed off my senses since she was old, and even I tend to forget. After a while of walking around, I decided to simply call the securities as I have seen the management tow cars away that do not have permits. A man picked up the phone and said that everything has been taken care of, that the lady was taken home. It turns out that she never had a car in the first place. She lived on the seventh floor, and I guess this wasn’t the first time.

 

It was a small happening, nothing too wild, but I was again reminded of human frailty. We’re all growing old, growing weak. It wasn’t that I got depressed from seeing this, but I was gently reminded of the limits of time. I wanted the assurance from God that I will be taken care of when I lose myself.

Life of the Thief

Born destitute, he probably did not have much to eat. Dad rarely came home, mom was always crying. His innocence probably broke on the day he met kids his age. The difference between those with power and those without was too much to cover simply from similarities. His first rejection probably came from the rabbis saying he was not holy enough. Without guidance, how could he learn to be a part of society? Into the shadows, his steps led. In the darkness, questions were left unanswered. Only the cries of hunger fueled him. It was only small loaves of bread, occasional pieces of fig fruit that he stole. Though his poverty never could justify his actions, it was a means to survive, not so much for himself, but for his mother. That of course, did not last long. His last innocence shattered the day his mother passed away. With such helpless, meaningless words of apology, his mother was left to dissipate into the ground. Yet, not a soul was there to care for his sorrows. Last scent of humanity now blurred, he probably became swift in his crimes: gathering a crew, stealing in an organized fashion, bringing terror to the local communities. One fateful night, an accident, a bystander had gotten in the way. He panicked. Now death was no longer a stranger, and soon became a close friend. How low could a man go? I guess that depends on how fast he could run. The shadows could no longer hide him. Days and nights, he would be in flight. What was justice anyways? Seemed like bunch of rules and regulations so that those who have can have more, or at least keep what they have. Still, thoughts faded with each passing field. Feeling so small and weak, it was only a body that was in action. As he continued on clear across a hill, sights of people caught his eyes. Myriads of people sat so attentively. A presence. It was the first time to have ever felt such intimacy. He was not alone. Each step towards the speaker was so difficult, yet, he had to get closer.

 

Immanuel.

 

That was the first and the last word he heard until his iniquities caught up to him. Sentence of death on a cross was no surprise, but something was different. Thirst overpowered him. His mind was stretching ever so into humility. He was no longer alone. With each nail piercing his flesh, fear gradually turned into awe. He was now at peace, though only in spirit.

 

“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” Luke 23:42

Visitors

Always good to see family.
Plus Laura. Almost 10 years old, still running long distances.
If I had the money, I would probably buy another Corolla.

Dream Sequence: Hopeful Waters

A dream: Drifting away in the ocean was I and a man. He was sleeping tied to a bed. No strength in his legs, no hope in his heart. As the bed turned to wake the man up, he sees a ring, a reminder of his sister. Purpose. I suddenly become the man, as I pull myself up out of the waters, taking a step onto solid ground.

“At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.” Jeremiah 31:26

Tiramisu

Another breath passes my lungs

When did you enter in my life?

So soft and sweet is your presence

Life in itself became a present

Miss Tiramisu, I gently miss you

Filling the notes with poorly drawn hearts

Jotting down the words, I love you

Let my heart never grow cold

Let my strength never grow faint

In you I find comfort, in you I find rest

Miss Tiramisu, in my soul, I carry you

Haircuts

“Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, ‘Samson, the Philistines are upon you!’ He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

 

Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.” Judges 16:19-22

 

Story of Samson is definitely one of my favorites. Aside from the gruesome violence (as I was too young to realize such brutality the first time I read it), it speaks of redemption. Rarely do we though realize the time sequence within the stories of the bible. With each passing word, days and years could be past. When I first read this story, I thought Samson’s hair miraculously grew overnight, but I don’t see such haste in the text any longer. How long had he been in prison? He could have spent his age over just to have his hair grow back the way it was. How fast exactly does hair grow anyways? How long did God’s redemption take? Days, weeks, months, years? I certainly hope it was of a monthly matter, but I guess we would never know for sure.

 

How long do I need to meditate on my sins that I may never commit such mistakes again?

The Until then Girl (feat. Nakamura)

The start of a Friday sounds of a brand new life

Got no plans but no worries neither

Either, I’ll be relaxing in a hot tub called the city of Seoul

or out there running with the crowd, begin the drum roll

Words flow twice as fast with the magic pill abbreviated TG and IF

 

It’s the Friday on fire, tonight we inspire

Looking for the one, stop, and I’m gone

 

Whoever you are, I’ll be patiently waiting

Because today feels like just another day

Wishes and hopes precipitate like crystal clear

Don’t assume just another one night stand

I’m a forever for sure, a modern day cure

All fidelity here, full onslaught integrity everywhere

Until then, girl, I’ll be standing right here

Dancing Around

“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all this might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” 2 Samuel 6:14-15

I feel like I’m losing the ability to carry out conversations. It’s either that, or I never really learned how to listen. As much as I find it difficult to accept and embrace, I do admire small conversations, in that, they can change our thoughts significantly. I was reminded of the times my friends and I decided to make a fool of ourselves. It’s not that we rarely acted in foolishness, but just that this was towards a greater audience.

 

When I say foolishness, I do not mean the type that brings regret, but the type that brings laughter. It is the smiles everywhere, no worries to down the mood, strangers becoming friends type of foolishness, the complete embrace of human imperfection and dependence toward God. We danced around crazy, like David before the LORD.

Here and Now

As I learn more about businesses and policies, I am made aware of the inherent uncertainty to life and the daring attempts to foresee them. Who can see the future but God? How much intellect is there in learning how to walk in a dark room? Could I not ask God to simply turn the lights on? Then again, he has allowed us to develop critical thinking, for us to do our best in understanding what is present. I guess I am still struggling with figures of ideality that is shown in the Bible to the limited reality of now. I sincerely hope this isn’t all there is to the world. I know what is to come, but I do not live in the future. What is it that I should do now?

Calling

Like a baby crying for the mother, like a boyfriend waving his arms as he greets his girlfriend, like a friend joking around with his buddies, like a student asking questions to a professor, like a grandfather gathering the family together one last time…

 

“for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:13

On Histories

Histories and tragedies, making marks in people’s minds without remedies

Scarred bruised and beat like some mince meat

Ready, set go, time to fly low, no longer taking it slow

Communication at its worst, just sad this is not the first

So I stop here before I steer clear

Where’s my destination, probably not here

"I Am Not Yours" By Sara Teasdale

"I Am Not Yours" By Sara Teasdale

I am not yours, not lost in you,
Not lost, although I long to be
Lost as a candle lit at noon,
Lost as a snowflake in the sea.

You love me, and I find you still
A spirit beautiful and bright,
Yet I am I, who long to be
Lost as a light is lost in light.

Oh plunge me deep in love -- put out
My senses, leave me deaf and blind,
Swept by the tempest of your love,
A taper in a rushing wind.

Keeping Promises

It has been nearly a year. I was gently reminded of a promise I had made.

Collab: MayFly, Part 1

A world filled with strangers, nothing but sights of dangers

Trying to breathe against the heavy smoke clouds of weed

 

A life full of obstacles, people giving up, sucking popsicles

Trying to succeed but don’t know where to plant the seed

 

Digging dirt with hands and knees

All seems to no avail, just as no wind to set sail

 

Spitting daggers to one another, ears closed like whatever

Living life like I’m the master, but boy that’s just a huge blunder

 

What’s with all the talk when you’re trying to walk?

Nonetheless, simply two cents for all you gents

Spokesman

“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers - would you now return to me?” Jeremiah 3:1

“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes” Jeremiah 5:7

I hate that those I love are prostituting themselves to worthless matters of the world, crying and begging for what is of no value. Nevertheless, this includes me. It is as if we are on our knees in front of our enemies that seek nothing but destruction. How shall we regain dignity?

“Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.’” Jeremiah 15:19

Stand tall, gather yourself. You are nobility, a royal family! Death before honor, integrity in love, faithfulness to the end. I will, once again, be a voice of God, proclaiming truth, living with strength and glory.

What's in a Word?

I don't consider myself an avid reader. I have found ways to get out of reading books throughout high school and college (Sparknotes, my beloved friend!). I noticed this was not uncommon. To a certain degree, I feel as though reading is becoming a lost art. In that sense, I guess this could be the devil's next greatest trick, having people oblivious to what is written in the Bible.

In another aspect, I noticed facts and figures have lost its meaning among people as well. Too many times, emotions have become the deciding factor, the guiding light, rather than looking into what truly is happening. Veritas, some would say. 

I guess it's about the great balancing act yet again.

Next Best

My soul desperately yearns to sing praises to God with all of my family and friends, reminding me this world is not all. Until then, guess I'll settle for some Chipotle.

Life 100

Hundred posts! I feel as though I have written much empty words. I had started with thoughts of only writing for God and for myself, but it seems I had strayed quite a bit. Giving just to God, to a crowd of one.

Dream Concert Stupidity

I had to tell a friend of mine a story. Since bits of personal memories are the most amusing, I went through my own memory folder. I had forgotten how much fun it was digging through my mind.

 

In the process, I was reminded of the incident back in fifth grade. I was in Korea then, and I remember an idol group called H.O.T. They were, at least to the elementary eyes of mine, one of the biggest sensations of the time. In any case, I distantly remember how the group was taking a break from media. Whatever the reason, they were not participating in any regular events at the time. There was, however, one big concert called the Dream Concert where all kinds of idols and celebrities came to perform. It was to be held in Jamshil Stadium, and there was rumor that H.O.T. was going to be there. Three girls from my class asked three boys, including me, to join them in their journey to see the concert. I used the word “journey” because Jamshil was on the other side of Seoul as to where we were. For six fifth graders to get on the subway and travel on for more than an hour in the evening was probably not the best idea. The girl I really liked was not part of the three, so I was hesitant to go, but the other two must have had some interest in teh girls, as they pressured me into going with them.

 

None of us knew the order of the performance, so we had planned to leave as soon as we got to see H.O.T. As any stories unravel, we sat through the entire concert, way past our intended time of leave. The idol group, being the most popular, performed at the very end. Near the end of their song, we rushed out. We thought we had gotten out early, but the exit was already packed with a mass crowd. It had not really mattered anyways, because the subway was already closed for the night.

 

There we were with pocket change, enough to buy us subway tickets, but none more. The rest of the kids decided to make phone calls to their parents, while I thought it was stupid of them. I figured we should do our best to save our money to at least get somewhere close to home by getting on a taxi. Another kid decided he was hungry, and started buying street snacks. I am not sure if I was just that much more mature or my friend was really hungry, but I was just getting frustrated by their lack of awareness of the situation.

 

In retrospect, I must admit I did overreact to the situation. Simply because we got home pretty easily. As my friend was eating food, some other kids must have told the vendor about our misfortune for the sake of whining. The lady, however, was nice enough to get a taxi to have all six of us ride. She also paid the driver for us, so we got home safe and sound, though just late.

 

As for me, my personal stupidity did not end there. Instead of heading home, I went to my friend’s house to sleep over. I had promised my friend about that, and I even got permission for it. Unfortunately, I did not have the common sense in communication, and had complete neglected calling my parents. After a short while at my friend's house, the friend’s mother passed on the phone to me, and I was told to come home immediately. I had no idea I was in trouble as my mother told me to simply go to bed as I arrived home. Later, I found out my father had been beyond the point of anger. It was the first time I did not get punished for being stupid. It certainly had its effects as well, since I remember it so well. The irony of all this was that we were so far behind in the stadium that all we could see of the concert were the stage lights.

 

PS: For all of you that are interested, thanks to modern technology, I was able to find some clips from the concert. Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nItSua7uWSo

Secret Whispers

It is well into the season of fall, and the inevitable cold of winter is soon to come. As for me, it seems to get harder and harder to endure the cold. I do enjoy the festivities of winter, Christmas and New Year’s, but as a child, I think snow was one of the most anticipated events: making snowmen, rolling around in the snow, and sliding down with just about anything on a hill. The most satisfying part of seeing snow was, however, seeing school get cancelled early in the morning. Hot chocolate never tasted better. 

It was so much fun waking my brother up to the good news. I wanted to talk to all the students out there. The joy of spreading around the good news was too good. It was like a secret that you were allowed to spread around. Well, there were always a couple of guys that you wish did not hear about the news and went to school. Of course, you wish for him to have just wasted time, but not really get in an accident.

It was so easy sharing secrets and good news to friends when young, but for some reason, sharing got more difficult. It is as if these secrets were keys to staying ahead, making more money than the next guy, as if this was the solutions to staying happy. At the end of the day, though, it never does satisfy completely.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

There are two types of secrets: secret from not knowing and secret from not understanding. Truth will shine light to both.

I thought about the secret of Paul, and I have come to the conclusion that his joy was from knowing that what he was doing, no matter the outcomes, was indeed what God had wanted him to do. It was the blessed assurance coming from the understanding of the Scriptures, of the LORD. It was the truth that set him free, but the truth of God did not stop there.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory” Ephesians 1:13-14

Of Dogs and Men

My first experience with a dog was not a pleasant one. For the dog, I mean. The first pet dog my family ever had was when I was a little kid. Back then, I had no concept of respecting life. I remember how I put the dog in a little net and swung it around. Yes, I know; I was an awful child, but I will have you know, this only happened once.

 

We ended up giving the dog away when moving to the States. My brother seemed to miss it a lot. After a while, he even started volunteering for the humane society in high school. I tagged along and helped him out occasionally. I had to go through several lectures to learn how to train dogs. It was nothing too difficult, but it was amazing how some dogs could be trained to have the utmost loyalty.

 

I do not get to see too many dogs these days. It is probably from having lived in dorms and apartments for many years. Whenever I do get to see one, I really do enjoy its friendliness. Occasionally, I see dogs that are well-behaved, but more often not. There are dogs out in the wilderness starving to death, and yet here are dogs that just do not know who their owners are.

 

Then again, I am humbled as I see how I have no regard for my own Creator. Being loyal seems to be the hardest task. I guess this is why I really enjoyed the “Jurassic Bark” episode from Futurama, seeing a dog that waits patiently for its master outside, sitting quietly, listening intently, and yearning endlessly.

Verses on Isaiah

Here are some verses of Isaiah that I found rather thought provoking.

“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” Isaiah 29:13

“People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.” Isaiah 30:19

“say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’” Isaiah 35:4

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.” Isaiah 35:8

It is very encouraging to see that God has such intimacy in the lives of humanity. He speaks directly into the hearts in doubt. He calls for our reckoning and repentance. He calls for love, he calls. 

Marks the Spot

O, where has love gone?

Gamers Unite!

I'm not sure if I said this before, but I enjoy listening to sermons online. I was listening to a sermon excerpt by Francis Chan just now, and he really got me fired up for God.

In my desire to stay active, I was looking into volunteer opportunities, as it was one of the promises I had made to God when coming back to the States. One that had gotten my attention was called Extra Life. It was basically charity by gamers. They made their website really well, so I'll spare you the details.

In any case, it was really heart warming to have seen such a group. Too many people have the notion that playing video games is a waste of life. I'm sure that may be in some cases, but like all God has made, it had its wonders.

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." 1 Timothy 4:4-5

Tools will be tools. Drugs are medicine in modest dosage. Knives are at the heart of a good cuisine. Money in itself is not evil, just a matter of how we use it.

Our lives are the pipelines through which God pours out his love. I wish to be used in the best possible way imaginable.