Apple's Blog

Post The Thirty-Second

2010-08-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 29:1-14 (New International Version)

Jeremiah 29
A Letter to the Exiles
1 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin [a] and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said:

4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." 8 Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD.

10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

Michelle Kang
ID: 1239515
November 4, 2007

The Prophets: Jeremiah 29:1-14

Observations:

By whom was this written?
This passage was written by the prophet Jeremiah.

To whom?
This passage was written to the people of Jerusalem in Judah, to all the surviving elders among the exiles, to the priests, the prophets, and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Where does this fall in Israel’s history? What do we know about what’s happening in Israel?
In Israel’s history, this letter is written at a time when King Nebuchadnezzar has taken captives from Jerusalem and brought them to Babylon. This is said to have taken place between 605 B.C. and 516 B.C.
We know that Israel has been taken over by Babylon and it is a time of weakness for Israel.

How would you describe the tone of this passage – rebuke, exhortation, comfort, woe-to-you, etc.?
The tone of this passage is best described as exhortation. Jeremiah is clearly encouraging the people of Israel by reminding them of God’s promises for the nation of Israel.

What does it reveal about Israel?
We know that Israel is falling further and further away from God and distancing in their relationship with God, and that it is Israel’s sin that is pushing them farther and farther away. The passage also reveals that Israel can seek deliverance and hope if they seek first, the Lord.

What does it reveal about God?
This passage reveals that God has plans for the nation of Israel. It shows that God knows exactly what is going on with the whole Babylon ordeal and He has plans to prosper to Israel, but first he wants Israel to come back to Him. It reveals the mercy that God has toward His people despite the sin that has separated Israel from Him. It shows that he has a special covenant with Israel and promises to deliver them. The passage reveals the love that God has for His people.

Interpretation: (What would the original audience understand as they heard this passage? Specifically with the Prophets, what does this passage tell us about Israel’s behavior in her covenantal relationship with God and about God’s response to His people?)

The original audience would understand that God has plans in store for them and that they have hope in Him. The passage tells us that Israel has fallen away from God and failed miserably in her covenantal relationship with God. This passage shows that God still loves His people and seeks to provide for the nation of Israel.

What is God correcting or reproving in this passage?
God is correcting Israel for the sins that they have committed. He has banished them from Jerusalem, but has given them the hope of prosperity. He is making the paths of the people of His nation straight, that they may be ready for His blessings when the time is right. He is teaching the people of Jerusalem to depend on Him, and to keep sight of the glory that is to be revealed, instead of fearing or hating the Babylonians as the Israelites are being held captive by them.

What is God teaching/revealing about Himself in this passage?
God is showing that He truly cares for His nation. He cares for His people so much that He is disciplining them by allowing them to be taken under by the Babylonians. He is also showing His grace and persistency as He promises to be with them and provide a future for them. The way that he reassures His nation of these plans shows that the purpose for this is so that the nation of Israel could prosper, and that His name would be made known to all the nations. God makes a promise to His people, and this passage is showing God’s care.

What ought to change based upon the truth of this passage in the nation of Israel? Behavior? Thinking? Perspective?
Israel should change the way they behave by following God’s command to settle and increase. They shouldn’t be discouraged, and they shouldn’t curse the Babylonians. God tells Israel to be optimistic and look toward the prosperity that is to come. God also calls Israel to be holy. He calls them behave accordingly and change from their sinful ways. God’s very promise to provide them a prosperous future shows that He wants to use Israel to represent Himself to all the nations, that He may be known. This means Israel shouldn’t take this lightly, nor should they be discouraged. Rather, they should rejoice because God is on their side, and they should be charged to change and represent the Kingdom of God.

Application:

In the prophetic genre, in what ways might we be susceptible to what God is addressing in Israel?
We should look at our sins and see that they are what distance us from God. Also, we shouldn’t be discouraged if we are going through difficult times. We should look to God and see that there are bigger plans for our future. We could see that things happen in His time, not ours, and that the struggles we may be going through could be that God is training us for His glory to be revealed through us. We can also be encouraged by the promise that God made to be found by us if we seek Him with all our hearts. We should be encouraged to set our paths straight and seek God.

Post the Thirty-First

2010-08-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Michelle Kang ID# 1239515 – 6 ‘o clock class
Professor Steve Osborn
Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation
10 December 2007

Historical Narratives: Genesis 40:1-23

Observations:

Contextual

General Purpose of the Genesis:
The purpose of Genesis is to record God’s creation of the world including the creation of humankind, the fall of man and the separation by sin, and God’s desire to have a people set apart to worship Him (Israel).
Date of Genesis:
The book of Genesis was written from about 1450 B.C. to 1410 B.C. The time period that the material in the book covers starts at creation and ends around 1805 B.C. It starts at creation and ends with the death of Joseph.
Relation to Israel’s Development as a Nation:
Genesis presents the early history of the nation of Israel as God’s chosen people. It includes all the events leading up to the death of Joseph. The book tells of how God uses the descendents of Jacob to create His nation of Israel. This passage is specifically important in pointing out how God uses the circumstances that Joseph is put in to begin His nation.

Key Players and Events of God’s plan in the development of Israel in the book of Genesis:
Adam and Eve
God created the first humans, Adam and Eve. He made man in His own image, in the likeness of Him who created them. He loved them, but sin separated man from God. We learn from Adam and Eve that sin is destructive and has consequences.
Noah
Noah was faithful to God. He and his family were spared from the flood because he obeyed God and built the ark. God protected Noah, and protects those who obey him.
Abraham and Sarah
God promised early on to Abram that he would be the father of all the nations. Abram was discouraged because he was old and couldn’t bear a child, but God kept His COVENANT with Abram, later Abraham, and gave him a son, Isaac with his wife, Sarah. God told Abraham to give his son up as an offering, and Abraham was faithful and willing, but God blessed Abraham’s faithfulness and told him that his descendants would be “as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore”. This marks the beginning of the promises for the nation of Israel to multiply and be prosperous.

Isaac and Rebekah
Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that he would have a child. He’s also the first descendant in fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. Isaac received as his wife, the Rebekah, who others chose to be his wife for him. He put God’s will above his own, and gave total submission to God. Through Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob was born.

Jacob
Jacob was a man of consistency. He worked for Laban for more than fourteen years and even wrestled with God. He wrestled with God until daybreak, seeking to be blessed! Jacob was the third in the Abrahamic line of God’s plan. He was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. God promised to be with Jacob and to watch over him.

Joseph
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and thrown into prison unjustly. He suffered so much. Still yet, he depended on God, and God refined him and raised him up to be second in command of Egypt. He was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. God revealed Himself to Joseph and through Joseph.

Key Events Before and After the Passage of Genesis 40:1-23
Joseph was the most beloved son of Israel (formerly Jacob). Israel gave him a robe and it made his brothers very jealous. They felt much hated toward Joseph. His brothers took him and sold him to the Midianites. The Midianites sold Joseph to Potiphar in Egypt, one of the Pharaoh’s officials. God blessed Joseph while he was in the Potiphar’s house. Potiphar ’s wife wanted to sleep with Joseph, but he refused, so she accused him of trying to sleep wither her. He got put into prison, but even then, the Lord was with Joseph.
In Genesis 40, Joseph briefly encounters the chief cupbearer and chief baker to the pharaoh and interprets their dreams. He asks the cupbearer to remember him when he gets out of prison; however, the cupbearer does not remember him.
After Genesis 40, two years pass, and Pharaoh has a dream no one can interpret. It is then, that the cupbearer remembers Joseph. Joseph is called to interpret the dream, and the Pharaoh is so pleased he puts Joseph second in command, in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Jacob sends his sons, Joseph’s brothers, to Egypt to get grain during the famine. They bow before him and it is later revealed who Joseph really is. The brothers went back to report that Joseph was alive, and Joseph had his family move to Egypt where they were blessed and multiplied. This marked the beginning of the history of Israel as God’s selected people. Since there was great famine in all the land, Joseph had the most power. People came to him asking him for food. He was ruler of the food distribution, and everyone depended on him.
Finally, the Egyptians offered themselves up to servitude and along with their land in exchange for food. Meanwhile, the people of Israel continued to multiply, and God blessed them greatly.

Literary (special circumstances/details; points of drama/tension; questions to answer)
Special Circumstances:

Misfortune?
We look at Joseph and the circumstances he was placed in. His father loved him the most, and consequently, his brothers hated him. When we read that he was taken and sold as a slave, we can immediately allow ourselves to feel angry about the injustice. Further on, we read that as a high ruler entrusted him with all things, he was unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. We can frown upon learning this, seeing that Joseph chose to resist temptation so that he might not sin against God. Finally, he accurately interprets his cellmates’ dreams, and still yet, they do not remember him when they have recovered to their position. Joseph is left to wait in prison, serving time and facing suffering for things he did not do. It is easy to inquire what the deal was! Joseph, a man upright before the Lord, faced so much injustice and suffering!

Points of drama/tension
One of the biggest points of tension was when Joseph was accused of trying to lay with Potiphar’s wife when Joseph himself is the one that chose not to sin. It really catches the reader off guard when we find that he was thrown into prison for something he didn’t do.
Another point of tension was when Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him. As the cupbearer and baker are released and the dream unfolds, the cupbearer forgets about Joseph! The suspense in finding what will happen to Joseph after the Pharaoh finds out about the truth is extremely upsetting when we find that the cupbearer forgot. Furthermore, we see that Joseph is left in prison for two additional years.

Questions to answer
What is the accurate account of Joseph’s reaction to the seduction by Potiphar’s wife?
Joseph replied that he understood how much Potiphar left Joseph in charge with. However, Joseph did not rationalize his refusal by thinking about disgracing Potiphar or Potiphar’s wife. However, he immediately addressed that laying with her would be to sin against God, and because of his strong belief in this, he was able to stand firm on his decision not to lay with her. This shows the integrity of Joseph’s character as well as a firm understanding of who God in relation to himself.
What was Joseph’s attitude during the time he was imprisoned for his unjustly accused act?
The Lord took care of Joseph during his time in prison. Joseph remained faithful to God by being responsible, even in prison. He was even promoted to prison ward. Joseph was not bitter at God for the situation he was placed in. Rather, he delighted in the Lord, and God showed him much favor.

Who did Joseph give credit to for interpreting the Pharaoh’s dream in verse 16?
Joseph gave all the credit to God for his ability to interpret. Rather than trying to justify himself or right the injustice that had stormed upon him, Joseph made it known that God was the source of this interpretation. He glorified God in this way, humbling himself in selfless submission to God who gave him power.
Big Idea: (one sentence that describes the main thrust of the passage)
God does things in His own time according to His own, perfect will.
Interpretation (Observation work in hand, what did God want the original audience to understand? What might they have “heard” in this episode? Why, of all that could have been written, did God through the author include this?)
The original audience for this historical narrative was the people of Israel. God wanted His people to know how the nation of Israel came to be. More importantly, He wanted to show His nation that His hand was upon them. In the same way that God oversaw every single circumstance in Joseph’s life, He looked over the people of Israel. Joseph desperately feared the Lord, and God expected the same attitude and behavior as Joseph. He wanted them to understand that He was a God who blesses those who obey Him and remain faithful and fearful of Him who created all people.
Top Level – The eternal, universal plan of God
God is a God of power and glory. He knows all things. He has power and does things in His own time according to His own will! God may allow us to suffer, but it is all for His glory.

Middle Level – the story of God’s people
God gave them this book to encourage them to trust in Him. Israel was God’s chosen people, and they as a nation were called to bear the image of God and proclaim His name to all the nations of the world. The Israelites needed to understand their beginnings and foundation as a nation to understand their importance in carrying out the will of God. This passage was definitely meant to be eye opening.

Lowest Level – the stories of individuals
Joseph was a good man who followed God regardless of the troubles he went through. We can understand that God rewards those who are faithful to Him. Joseph’s story from home to the deliverance of the first people of Israel from famine and destruction is a powerful message, but to miss that God was behind all of this is neglecting the bigger picture. God is sovereign and knows all things.

Application (meaning for the original audience,contemporary applications) In the Old Testament historical narratives, Dr. Russell states on p. 112:

“What does this passage tell us about God (the Hero), His plan, or the role that His people should be playing in His plan?”
This passage tells us that God is faithful. God is powerful, and God is intentional. His plan was for a leader, Joseph, to contribute to the creation of His chosen nation. God’s plan is to bring glory to Himself through His creation. He does this by revealing Himself in awesome and mighty ways, unfathomable, and WAY beyond anything we could ever imagine. We see how much Joseph went through, not knowing what God’s plans for him were. Still yet, he trusted in the Lord to take care of Him. He remained faithful to God, even when circumstances were trivial.
Through his devotion, God was pleased, and blessed Joseph greatly. Joseph went from being a slave, to becoming the most highly regarded man of the land of Egypt, and the lands that surrounded. God gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams! Even then, Joseph gave all glory to God, and through this, Joseph was able to foretell the famine that was to occur in the land. Every one came to Joseph for food. He had all the power in the land.
God used the trivial circumstances Joseph went through to refine him and shape him so that he would be one of the greatest and most powerful people in all the land. Without these things, God’s plan for Joseph to rule would not have been fulfilled. This shows that the role God’s people should be playing in His plan is to trust in God regardless of the circumstances.
God is far above any understanding we have of Him or His will. Thus, God promises His blessings if we, as His chosen and beloved people, would unconditionally continue to love and seek Him. God desires for us to desire Him. His plan is to reveal His glory by using us, but this cannot be fulfilled if we are overcome by difficulties we can’t understand if we lose the patience to trust God.

“What positive or negative model might this passage be setting before us to teach us about trusting God in the midst of His plan?”
This passage provides a positive model for us to remain obedient to God. Joseph became one of the greatest men of His time because of his faithfulness to God and fear of God’s plan for Him. We might therefore be encouraged to let God take charge of any situation we are placed in, and allow Him to refine us and process us into someone who is more like Him. God loves us, and ultimately, He cares for us. His plan is for us to be great, and promises us His blessings. However, we must obey His commandments and trust in Him completely.

Post the Thirtieth

2010-06-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

10 Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership
by Kent Keith

1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love and trust them anyway.

2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

7. People favor underdogs but follow top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

9. People really need help but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.

10. Give the world the best you have, and you may get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world your best anyway.

Post the Twenty-Ninth

2010-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pastor Dave, (of All Nations Church College Group) once said in a sermon, "You are not discerning if you are only discerning about what you perceive. You must be discerning about what you SAY".

Here, here!

How many times have you assumed discernment without realizing that where you truly practice discernment should be your mouth?

Experience explains for itself that we have a tendency to say things that would best be left unspoken. How true is it that harnessing our words is one major application of "good judgment"?

I need more discernment in the way I speak, that's for sure. And I really do admire people with eloquence. I respect the people who make haste with patient listening, and reserve their words for an articulate, balanced response.

May the love of Christ alone compel me to practice love by being discerning in the way I speak to others.

Adieu.

Post the Twenty-Eighth

2010-04-07T01:26:00.001-07:00

Every time I click on the bookmark to my blog I'm utterly embarrassed of my previous posts. ignore them COMPLETELY.

Two things have compelled to write at this time: 1) Spring Hiatus 2) Boredom.

I've been packing ice on my left cheek for the past two days and downing amoxicillin like Easter jelly beans. Pray for the infection in my face please. Ah.

Let's see...

Maybe I should I write about the conversation I had with my brother last night. We were aimlessly driving around West LA after dropping Mom off at the airport. We stopped by Diddy Riese for some ice cream-cookie sandwiches. We started talking about college and how I wish I studied harder in high school. He didn't hesitate to tell me that I definitely should've tried harder...and that I'm now facing the consequences of laziness.

It felt like a slap in the face to be told that I couldn't redo high school. I know I can't redo high school and I hated high school. I would never redo it. Still yet, I was pretty offended by the fact that he was pretty much telling me I should've gotten my act together sooner. I agree, I mean, my 2.9 cumulative can't say much to justify my intelligence, but I couldn't help feeling like a flippin' retard. He went on to say I'm not the type of person that's interested in real literature and books and scholarly, academic things. He even expressed his concern for me when he found out I wanted to become a doctor, because he believed I was being overzealous in light of my "capacity". Thanks.

I know this doesn't make me a better person, but I'd just like to say that I'm pretty sure I have a higher GPA than 80% of the people at my school, and 95% of the people in my major (Biochemistry).

So I'm not exploding with orgasms at the thought of reading Moby Dick or Anna Karenina or the latest British Literature Anthology...

I still have my gifts in studying science and loving what I learn there. Anyway, the point of writing this is for me to conclude for myself that my brother is an arrogant, self-absorbed snob who really IS as smart as he thinks he is. I know he's smart. I guess it just really makes me mad that I learned last night that he has pretty much undermined me his whole life and is obviously relentless about expressing it.

Okay, so you're smart. You're still an asshole.

Post the Twenty-Seventh

2010-02-21T23:20:00.000-08:00

A Prayer by Robert Chang

For the week of Sunday, February 21, 2009.

Lord.. give us a calm and peaceful heart
let us not stress over the little things in this world
but rather think of You our almighty father
who is always there watching us and protecting us
you are so good
let us be like John the baptist
who set the path for Jesus and glorfied You till the end
and let us always think of you during our busy weeks
with school/church/friends/tests/pretty people
and keep you as our number one priority
let us not lose sight of you
thank you for always guiding us
and loving us
when we feel like we dont deserve it most
you maintain us
thank you jesus
amen!
SUCK ON THAT SATAN

Post the Twenty-Sixth

2010-01-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

List of things that bother me:
1. When my extremities get very cold.
2. When people chew with their mouths open. SO ANNOYING.
3. When drivers are honk happy.
4. My bad posture when I sit in front of the computer.
5. Getting sick.
6. My half-broken cell phone.
7. When people sneeze or cough without covering up.
8. When my back starts hurting.
9. When I see other people getting left out.
10. When I get too shy to be nice to people...and end up being mean instead. SO STUPID I KNOW.

Just wanted to throw out an impromptu list before the day ended so I can write a new one tomorrow.

Post the Twenty-Fifth

2010-01-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

2010 - A Year for Lists!!!!

I was chatting with Hudson about how he recently purchased three skinny Moleskine journals for $7. A sweet deal for pocket sanity if you'll ask me. I remember purchasing my first Moleskine last semester for the sake of preserving my sanity. Literally. And personally, I've found quite a bit of release and freedom in writing stuff down. Nevertheless, Hudson and I came upon the topic of lists. It sparked a ridiculous idea in my head to blog lists. Though I'm sure millions of people all over the world have blogged lists, I would still like to partake in this list-creating experience in 2010, and see where it leads me in the world of writing.

Without further delay, my first list of 2010: New Year's Resolutions List

1. Exercise 30 minutes a day no matter how busy I get. (Exceptions on sick days)
2. Read the Bible in a year.
-I'm not following a Bible-reading track, but I still feel I will finish the Bible this year because I plan on reading it every day.
3. Look to GOD as the source of my strength, wisdom, salvation, love, and encouragement. (A list within a list...I likey...)
4. Cut down on caffeine intake.
5. Sleep 8 hours a day.
6. Blog once a week.
7. Spend time outside, basking in God's creation for at least 15 minutes a week.
8. Cook once a week.
9. Work more on evangelizing to my non-Christian friends.
10. Pray more frequently and earnestly for God to sustain all areas of my life, relationships, studies, family, and future.

So a New Year's Resolution list isn't what one would prefer to call "creative", but I definitely think this list is necessary to a certain degree.

Happy New Year!

Post the Twenty-Fourth

2009-12-22T16:01:00.001-08:00

Christmas Carol - Paul Lawrence Dunbar (1872-1906)

Ring out, ye bells!
All Nature swells
With gladness at the wondrous story,
The world was lorn,
But Christ is born
To change our sadness into glory.

Sing, earthlings, sing!
To-night a King
Hath come from heaven's high throne to bless us.
The outstretched hand
O'er all the land
Is raised in pity to caress us.

Come at his call;
Be joyful all;
Away with mourning and With sadness!
The heavenly choir
With holy fire
Their voices raise in songs of gladness.

The darkness breaks,
And Dawn awakes,
Her cheeks suffused with youthful blushes.
The rocks and stones
In holy tones
Are singing sweeter than the thrushes.

Then why should we
In silence be,
When Nature lends her voice to praises;
When heaven and earth
Proclaim the truth
Of Him for whom that lone star blazes?

No, be not still,
But with a will
Strike all your harps and set them ringing;
On hill and heath
Let every breath
Throw all its power into singing!

Post the Twenty-Third

2009-12-22T15:56:00.001-08:00

My Secular Winter Break To-Do List

1. Get over my ex-boyfriend.
2. Finish my physics and cell bio papers (sigh)
3. Make my own peppermint bark
4. Have a bitchin', jolly ol' time.
5. Finish my LSU assignments
6. Start MCAT prep.
7. Start volunteering at Whittier Medical.
8. Celebrate Amy's 21st birthday in La Jolla, CA.
9. Watch Avatar: 3-D
10. Get over my santaclaustrophobia: fear of too many santa clauses.

I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
Henry W. Longfellow, 1864.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Post the Twenty-Second

2009-12-22T13:38:00.000-08:00

1 Grande Christmas Blend
1 Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte
1 Paper-grading Father
1 Macbook

I'm at the Silverlake Library, enjoying a piping hot cup of coffee. Why am I here?

I came to write my cell biology paper that was due a week ago...but I haven't started writing it yet because I realized that there is something SO nice about being at a library without needing to do work. I know that's totally contradictory because I actually came here to do work. However, as long as I sit here NOT doing my work, I am enjoying the library without having to do work. Peace on earth.

So anyway, here's a Christmas poem I found by Emily Dickinson in the library just now.

The Savior Must Have Been A Docile Gentleman
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

The Savior must have been
A docile Gentleman—
To come so far so cold a Day
For little Fellowmen—

The Road to Bethlehem
Since He and I were Boys
Was leveled, but for that 'twould be
A rugged Billion Miles—

Post the Twenty-First

2009-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

I was REALLY blessed by today's Living Life devotion.

Ironically, I haven't really supported Living Life because I've often dismissed it as a Bible-reading "crutch", with its oversimplified Biblical analyses and its over-drawn applications. You can't forget the cheesier than my dad's 7-cheese macaroni ending prayer called "A Letter to God", either.

STILL YET, something compelled me to click the link that's conveniently provided by the All Nations Church College Group website, ANC College Group Website

The link to the Devotion I'd like to talk about is here, as well.
2 Chronicles 33:10~25

One thing God has really been opening my eyes to is "inner-healing". Now, I'll define what inner healing is according to my father's 200-page dissertation I have here on my desk next to me at this moment:

"A ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit aimed at bringing healing to the whole person" (Kang 5)

Here's the background:
I began harboring deep unforgiveness ever since something of my former boyfriend's past was brought to the light. It's irrelevant to discuss specifics, but the underlying issue is that I existed as a pathetic, hurting, bitter creature for quite some time. I needed release from this judgment I pressed not only on him, but on my family, my friends, my colleagues. I needed healing.

Here's where the Living Life devotion comes in...

"People show mercy only when it is warranted or earned, and even then not every time.
Manasseh was without question one of the most wicked kings of Judah. He corrupted an entire generation so thoroughly that even when he tried to make reforms, people were stuck in their wicked ways (v. 17)."

I learned only briefly about King Manasseh's transformation in my Old Testament Survey class my Freshman year at Biola. He was an evil king that made laws for people to worship God, but he turned from his evil ways, sought forgiveness from God, and GOD HEARD HIM. From that point on, King Manasseh sought to undo evil to make the glory of God known.

What a loving smack in the face by God himself!!!!!! He forgave Manasseh, God can forgive ME. Who am I to play with my cards so that only certain people in my life receive the forgiveness I exhibit only with earned, merited favor? I'm pathetic. God's love is never-ending, boundless, limitless, powerful, redemptive, life-saving, perfect, graceful, captivating, everything we could ever hope for or even imagine...and there I was...

There I was, xhibiting the symptoms of serious ailment, sulking in depression, delighting in other's failures, beaming with bitterness, all because of my own inability to perceive how wide and encapsulating the grace of GOD is to cover ALL.

Well, my point in this post is not to justify Living Life as the "end-all-be-all survivor guide/ the minimum you can do for God to release favor upon you". It's rather to discuss the power of God's word in this book to supplement HIS divine hands working in my life. It started with my dad counseling me last night when I was hanging out in his room. He literally asked God to release all bound emotions, all bound memories, and to return it back. He asked for healing, that I would find complete fulfillment and satisfaction in Christ alone, and that I would be heart-healthy. My dad was asking so easily that I almost thought he didn't HEAR or UNDERSTAND what I was telling him. But I was wrong. My dad was praying because he knew the truth that God listened, and that God heals.

"The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.
11
So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.
12
In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.
13
And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. "

THE LORD HEARD MANASSEH! He hears me.

I'm tired so I've really got to stop writing soon..but I just want to end this post claiming that I'm encouraged, and that I'm walking with hope that God is healing me every single day, and depending and trusting on God to heal me and release me is the best thing I've done for myself in the past couple days. I can't even explain it.

Goodnight. Sorry if this is all jumbled and doesn't make sense.

Post the Twentieth

2009-11-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

Due to the unpopular demand by a certain individual, I shall start posting again. Namely, Yohan Yoon.

I'm currently in a state of restful solitude. I have been put here by God. I shall document my journey, or at the least, the beginning of it...in hopes that you will hold me accountable in transcribing the evolution of my heart as God works faithfully in me.

Here we go...

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts [a] ;
you teach [b] me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are [c] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Jon Foreman's Winter EP has been playing on repeat. Pathetic enough, this has been made possible only by the sharing of music libraries via Stewart's LAN. Thank goodness for iTunes. Lately, I've been obsessed with "White As Snow". Jon Foreman perfects the embodiment of Christian-inspired "indie" in this song. He nails it. Neverthless, the lyrics are drawn stark from Psalm 51. I did not know this until last night while rummaging through old ANCCG jubo's.

What should easily have been overlooked and tossed in the trash became a neatly cut rectangle glued to my journal page. For those of who you don't know, I invested $20 at the Biola Bookstore in a Moleskine notebook...for the sake of my own sanity. Blogging made me impatient and want to delete everything I'd ever written. Thus, I figured writing in something more concrete made it harder for me to delete...since ripping pages out of a $20 journal is just plain violent and a complete display of disrespect toward the brains of the past who used Moleskines. I digress.

Upon reading this rectangle of words, I shouted, "EUREKA!!!" I thought He'd done it again. The good Lord had spoken to me. I grabbed the nearest book which quite nicely happened to be my Bible, split it open in equal portions, and quickly found myself at Psalm 51. I felt an urgent need to start reading from the beginning, since this rectangle humbly quoted only verses 15-17.

I read the first line and started breaking out into song. Duh.

Is it as plain to you as it was to me last night? God put that song in my heart weeks prior to remind me that it was all in His will for Him to speak to me through this very Psalm today! This whimsical discovery was, at the heart, God clearly speaking to me. How do I know? I've grown a leap in faith.

There's something about faith in God that I've been reminded of...

Faith in God seems to grow when you realize more of God's faithfulness. Think about it. when you start forgetting about God's faithfulness in your life, you start losing faith. There must be SOMETHING about God's faithfulness then that I still believe in Him, that I'm still grasping onto Him, that I haven't been led astray.

Perhaps I can't elaborate on the actual practicality of this Psalm in my current situation...but all I want to say is that. It hit me like a train. God is good. I apologize for leaving a blinking cursor at the end of this post. | <-should appear to blink if you look very closely.

Post the Nineteenth

2009-07-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

I really want an iPod so I can listen to music on-the-go.

My friend Christine Jung recommended that I enter the FML: Pull your nuttiest face! Contest where the only requirement is to hold a picture of the FML book cover or the real book and make a crazy face for people to vote on.

Initially, entering the contest didn't cross my mind even for a second, even if the grand prize was a yellow iPod with FML inscription. But after curiously browsing what others may have come up with, I completely changed my mind.

I must say, this inspires me.

Post the Seventeenth

2009-06-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

A depressing thought about this blog has just dawned on me.

I have no focus. There is nothing quirky about this blog that could possibly appeal to the masses that lurk the internet each moment of the day. I need a focus. What can I direct my writing to? What is it that I am passionate about? Well, I thought about that.

I would like to write about science. However, seeing that I don't even have a scrawny B.S. degree in Biochemistry, I have no credibility whatsoever! I am not a researcher with a doctorate degree in anything to be able to write important anythings. I am merely a college kid who loves science-y stuff. I think I want to start writing about Darwinism, Christianity, Evolution, Naturalism, Christian theology, and scientific findings that support the Christian worldview.

The idea is still brewing. I hope I can come across something interesting for this blog. I really want to be challenged to write stuff like this, too, even if it's difficult.

No more rambling on this blog about unimportant anythings! (Well, maybe once in a great while.)

Post the Sixteenth

2009-06-22T20:06:00.001-07:00

Generally consuming thought of the day: Boredom is killing me.

I wish I had a ceiling fan so I can race it with my head. You may think that is quite possibly the least entertaining thing I can do. However, at this point in time, I can't think of anything else I'd want to do more than to race a ceiling fan with my head.

Conclusion: I wish I had a ceiling fan so I can race it with my head.

Post the Fifteenth

2009-06-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

I want to write more in my blog but I'm completely embarrassed of my previous posts. They are so petty and stupid, but instead of indulging my urge to go and delete them, I will push forward and try to write better from now on. I suppose it'll be nice to look back and see how I've developed and grown in my thought process.

At this very moment, I'm videochatting with Shawn and he hasn't a clue what I am doing right now. He is quite busy singing "Fly Me To The Moon" by Frank Sinatra. We don't always engage in steamy debates or dense conversation every time we videochat, but sometimes we just do whatever we normally would do, but we see each other. It's nice because it's each other's presence that we enjoy. It seems like he's right here in front of me. I like it. Of course this doesn't replace actually having him here but it's pretty nice to be able to do even this.

I don't really have a thesis or argument for this post. I just want to get back into writing, and I hope this gives me a little motivation to write about something cool next time, maybe something science-y, since I tend to really dig that kind of stuff.

Back to staring at Shawn while he serenades the screen, and perhaps quite possibly even me,

Michelle

Post the Fourteenth

2009-06-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

i'm listening to
enya - only time
whos that haha
DUDE
listen to it
lol why
i like it hahah
it's soothing..
i dont know much about the lyrics
but the music is soothing
one you'd listen to in a bath..
it's the one
they played
in friends
when chandler takes a bath
lol ok
lol
ok
do you know what episode i'm talking about
lol i dont want friends
you dont want friends???
lol
watch
AHAPDFSlkjas;lkdjf;laksdjflkajsdf

Post the Thirteenth

2009-06-02T00:30:00.001-07:00

Post the Twelfth - Abortion

2009-01-25T02:41:00.000-08:00

From Brian McClaren’s blog: Why I am voting for Barack Obama Reason #5

Some of my friends and relatives have been reading my reasons for voting for Barack Obama, but the issue of abortion is a major roadblock for them. They believe that a vote for Obama is a vote for abortion, and a vote for McCain is a vote against abortion. They are surprised to learn that I believe an Obama presidency could actually take us farther in reducing abortion than a McCain presidency, and it could do so through a wiser, less-divisive, more effective strategy. Here’s why.

Again and again over the last 30 years, Republican presidents and other politicians have used the issue of abortion to get elected and raise funds, but then, once in office, they have said little about abortion and done even less. Some say that their silence doesn’t matter, because the only way abortion can be reduced is by electing presidents who will appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn Roe vs. Wade. This strategy is being quietly pursued, they say, so the plan is working. But there are good reasons to question this logic.

First, even if McCain were to win the election and appoint Supreme Court justices who would in fact overturn Roe vs. Wade, this move will not outlaw abortion, contrary to what many believe. It will only return the decision to the states, which raises this question: how many states lean toward criminalization? The answer: only sixteen states have at least 45% support for criminalizing abortion.

What would the impact of criminalization be in these sixteen states? Only ten percent of abortions occur in these states, and women desiring abortions would still be able to travel easily to a nearby state for an abortion. So even with a best-case scenario, there would be less than a ten percent reduction in abortions nationwide, not counting the likelihood of abortions still being performed illegally in the sixteen states in question.

Would sincere and intelligent Evangelical and Catholic Christians have given such extraordinary and largely uncritical political loyalty to Religious Right/Republican leaders for all these years if they had been told from the start that their efforts would eventually achieve only a ten percent reduction in abortion? How would they respond to the knowledge that we could likely achieve more than a ten percent reduction in abortions by providing increased economic assistance and social support for pregnant women who are poor, since women in poverty have abortions at four times the rate of higher-income women?

The chosen strategy of the anti-abortion movement, in this light, depends on an untested assumption: that criminalizing abortion is the best way to reduce abortion rates. If we look at other nations, this assumption is highly questionable.

For example, Western European nations, where abortion is legal and available, have the lowest abortion rates in the free world, with less than 10 abortions per 1000 women of reproductive age. In contrast, in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, there are between 29 and 31 abortions per 1000 women of reproductive age – in spite of the fact that abortion laws are highly restrictive there. So it’s clear that in free societies, poverty and a lack of services are more likely to lead to high abortion rates than whether or not abortion is legal.

The issue isn’t simply whether people are for or against abortion, because even among people labeled “pro-choice,” most would agree that abortion is a sad, even tragic, moral choice. The real issue is whether criminalization is the best way to reduce the number of abortions.

When I share these facts and reflections with my friends, many are surprised. For over thirty years, they’ve been told that voting Republican means voting out abortion. Many begin to wonder if we Christians have been manipulated by clever but cynical political operatives who have used the issue of abortion to win elections, without ever really intending to make a significant difference.

Some anti-abortion voters have told me that they agree with me in this diagnosis, but they feel their vote for McCain is a symbolic protest against the generally low moral conditions in our society. I respect their desire to cast their vote on the side of morality and family values. But it's clear - from both positive and negative examples in both parties - that neither party can lay claim to being the exclusive champion of strong marriages and dedicated parenting. In this election, voters have in Barack Obama and Joe Biden faithful husbands and dedicated fathers who exemplify in their marriages and families exactly the personal family values we hope more people will follow. If voters are truly looking for a symbolic affirmation of strong families, Obama and Biden can't be eliminated for partisan reasons.

In my book Everything Must Change, I shared my personal belief that a high abortion rate is a symptom of a deeper and complex societal disease. It is one expression of what I call the "covert curriculum" - a "framing story" that also fuels the current economic crisis, environmental crisis, and security crisis that together threaten our future. Until we unite to acknowledge and address that deeper disease and dysfunction, thus dealing with our symptoms in a systemic way, we will stay stuck in polarized paralysis, fighting divisive and ineffective culture wars while our moral health continues to deteriorate.

In this light, if we really care about seeing fewer pregnancies ending in abortion, a greater concern for "the least of these" - demonstrated through better health care, more vigorous job creation, better education, and other needed initiatives for people in poverty - could bring us greater results than a strategy of criminalization. And Senator Obama is the stronger candidate in these areas.

During this election, more and more of us who consider life sacred are losing confidence in the simplistic one-or-two issue voting habits that some vocal religious leaders and broadcasters have urged upon us for decades. We are beginning to see through the unhelpfully-framed arguments that have dominated both our religious and political discourse for too long. We’re looking for wiser and better means to wiser and better ends.

We aren’t so naïve as to believe that electing Barack Obama will solve all of our problems. But in regards to abortion along with many other issues, we are convinced – firmly, thoughtfully, and enthusiastically convinced – that casting our vote for Obama is a step in the right direction, fully consistent with our desire to celebrate the sacredness of life and improve the moral health of our nation and world.

[For more information, see Matthew 25.org. See the Guttmacher Institute, "An Overview of Abortion in The United States" and "An Overview of Abortion in The United States." See also the Catholics United study "Reducing Abortion in America: Beyond Roe v. Wade,” and Joseph Wright and Michael Bailey, "Reducing Abortion in America : The Effect of Economic and Social Supports."]
catholics-united.org

Post the Eleventh

2009-01-19T23:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.newsweek.com/id/180037

A Fence Can’t Stop the Future

America can either flourish or fade in the new global economy. It all depends on what we do about the fastest-growing segment of the country's population.

By Henry Cisneros | NEWSWEEK

Published Jan 17, 2009

From the magazine issue dated Jan 26, 2009

America has long been the envy of the rest of the world, and for good reason. Over the past century, the United States has harnessed its economic, scientific, cultural and educational resources to produce remarkable achievements in every field of human endeavor. But with nations like China and India emerging as major powers, many argue that U.S. dominance will soon be eclipsed, and what is known as the American Century will soon be over. Our fate is far from sealed, though. Whether America surmounts its challenges or slides to the middle of the pack will likely depend on its fastest-growing segment: the Latino community.

If demographics is destiny, consider this: there are roughly eight Latino births for every death, whereas white births and deaths are nearly even. While more-homogenous developed countries like Japan, Italy, France and Germany are aging rapidly, this Latino baby boom could be a major engine of growth for the United States. Young Latinos could bolster our workforce, increase the size of our markets, support Social Security and revitalize our communities. According to the most recent Census Bureau projections, about 60 percent of total U.S. growth will come from the Latino population — that's almost 100 million additional people. One in four Americans will be Latino. This holds true even if the border fence that Congress and the Bush administration authorized proves impenetrable—which is highly unlikely.

The law of large numbers guarantees that Latinos will move the national averages in almost every measurable area of American life. The question is how. If current trends continue, Latino growthcould actually speed our national decline. Need a cautionary tale? In California, the underperformance of Latino students has pushed the state to the bottom of the heap—45th among 50 states in educational attainment. On the other hand, if we investin services that lift Latinos into the middle class, they could become the dynamic heart of a continuing American success story.

Even during the 1950s, when U.S. industry was a powerhouse, progressive policies were what spurred the expansion of the middle class—through the GI Bill, commitment to homeownership and the passage of the minimum wage. Those same initiatives created a more just society, which in turn helped foster the civil-rights movement, the women's movement and the environmental movement. America's future vibrancy depends on renewing those commitments for Latinos.

There's much work to be done. Adult Latinos often wait years to be admitted to English classes. Services in America's cities—where the bulk of Latinos live, work and spend their money—have deteriorated over the past eight years. Local governments will be even more hamstrung by the current economic crisis. The new administration will need to focus on chipping away at these roadblocks to the middle class.

Of course, Latinos must also take advantage of the opportunities that do exist, and invest in American society. Immigrants must do whatever they can to master English. They must prepare themselves to succeed in the workplace, and to guide their children through the school system. They must save to buy their own homes, and work to provide their families with a health plan, retirement plan and savings account. They should participate enthusiastically in civic, community and religious activities. And they should strive for full citizenship.

It's important to remember we can do all this without losing our heritage. We can learn English without forgetting Spanish, adopt American social practices in the workplace without having to denigrate our native traditions, and follow American laws without ignoring our obligations to family and community. In fact, being bilingual and bicultural are competitive advantages that will only be more important in the future.

America's Latinos on the whole are a community of strivers. We understand that striving is at the core of American culture. And we know that the American Dream, while far from foolproof, represents the right to strive with the best chance of reward. This is the basis for a hopeful America whose best days are still ahead. If Latinos succeed, so will America.

Cisneros, Former secretary of Housing and Urban Development and mayor of San Antonio, is editor of “Latinos and the Nation’s Future,” published this month by Arte Público Press of the University of Houston.

Post the Tenth

2009-01-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

What not to wear...

I can't think of a show I dislike more than TLC's What Not To Wear.

Stacy and Clinton are pretty brutal when it comes to critiquing people's fashion styles. For one thing, is it just me or does Clinton seem to wear a variation of the same outfit on every single episode of the show? Fitted white dress shirt with sweater vest and slim grey or black dress pants. And Stacy...she dresses beautifully but does anyone ever get the idea that they don't dress themselves, but that the wardrobe people who work for the show pick out their outfits to make sure they don't look retarded giving fashion advice on television?

So maybe they do dress themselves and maybe they do have their own show on how to dress people but c'monnnnnnnnnnnnnn they're BRUTAL!!!!!

If I was ever on What Not To Wear, I'd punch both of them out if it weren't for the $5,000 I get from hearing them talk smack about my style. Maybe that's why no one else does what I swear I'd do...because of the $5,000 dollars.

Post the Depressing Ninth

2009-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

I know why people tend to act fake or superficial.

Sure, we can reason that it's a result of our own insecurities and a refusal to acknowledge any inadequacies in gusty persona, but seriously...people act fake because other people like it more.

Sometimes we might bicker, I might bicker, about someone acting fluffy toward me but why should I complain? The truth is, no one wants to be around a grumpy, depressed, angry, mood-kill type person. I mean...DO YOU? It's more fun to be around bubbly people, even if it means they really think that vintage skirt of yours is absolutely hideous. So don't act mad or depressed even if you are because PEOPLE DON'T CARE. They just want you to stop ruining the happy atmosphere. And even if they seem like they care, it's only because they want you to stop ruining the happy atmosphere.

In other words, if it's going to save others the torment of your own imposed, awkward vibe...save it for your corner and slap a big smile on your face. It makes the world a better place.

Post the Eighth

2008-12-31T18:36:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of the year and I think the number one thing that's flooding blogs all around the net is a list of New Year's Resolutions.

I'll tell you my first couple.

1) Write in my blog more
2) Exercise more
3) Eat healthier
4) Learn more about God

As sadly normal as those resolutions are, I am going to try my best to make some changes.

The end. Happy New Year!

Post the Seventh

2008-12-22T02:07:00.001-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleonasm

I stumbled across this while reading about the La Brea Tar Pits since I recently visited the LACMA (the LA County Museum of Art). The La Brea Tar Pits is a prime example of pleonasm.

The La Brea Tar Pits, "La Brea" meaning 'The Tar" in Spanish, translates to The The Tar Tar Pits.

Sounds ridiculous, but really, we use pleonasm all the time. Click the link and read about it. I like grammar, so maybe I'm the only one who finds it even remotely interesting. Still yet, someone else on this planet had to have found it interesting enough to write about it. Right?

Have fun, grammar buffs!

Post the Sixth

2008-11-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

I didn't skip post five, it's still incubating...I haven't fully processed those thoughts so I'll come back to that later and publish it.

For now, I just want to talk about Twilight, because it seems to be the biggest thing right now, after the zit on face that is.

I liked it. You, as a reader and a moviegoer have every right to criticize or glorify the movie in any way you want. However, I think for those of you who are more on the "haters" side, you should ease up a bit. Despite its cheesiness, it was still a fun movie to watch, and that's what matters.

Ok. Now that I've said that...I think SOME people in this country have gone wayyyyy overboard with this whole twilight thing.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/28/twilight.whats.next/index.html

Post the Fourth

2008-09-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

God and Physics

I was able to manipulate my Physics professor into letting me take the midterm on Wednesday instead of today, and here I am, doing everything I possibly can EXCEPT study for my Physics midterm. I'm so ill-prepared it's ridiculous, and even silently asking to pass this midterm is out of the question. So instead I'll ask God for something else.

God created the physical universe, right? I hope that as I study for this midterm, my intuition for understanding the physical realm wouldn't be the only thing that grows. I just want to be able to soak everything in and reflect on how creative God is for even creating Smufma and Smuver.

(Sum of Forces = Mass x Acceleration and Sum of forces = Mass x Velocity-squared over the Radius of the revolution)

I just get so frustrated because it's so hard for me to understand Physics. My only hope is that I could understand it so that I could understand more of what God created!!! It's annoying knowing God invented Physics and struggling with concepts. I just want to get it.

So that's that. If I can't identify unknowns to fill out a stupid equation for a not-so-stupid exam, then at the least, I would like to go to sleep at the end of the day knowing F still equals m x a. You know what I mean? I feel like I reject that God even invented Physics just because I don't get it easily (which I understand is completely irrational) but HEY, that's just what I'm dealing with right now.

The end.

Post the Third

2008-09-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

These (in Hebrews 11) were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may shore in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Post the Second

2008-08-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

All right. The second I made this blog I bookmarked it. I clicked on it religiously, admiring how terse I must have seemed to all who read my cute, short paragraph of an entry. To those of you who have stumbled upon my page and thought just that...I'm sorry. I ramble on for hours, and ever-so-inconsistently I might add. Anyway, I've clicked and clicked and clicked on my blog, secretly thinking that doing that would somehow stir up some inspiration to start writing. One word: blegh!

Am I a tortured artist? I find myself thinking about what I'm going to write for my next entry about 9-10 times a day, and here I am, with only one post to show for. I'm pathetic. :/

Now down to real business...

Since everyone seems to be going crazy over the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, I will write what I feel has been really pressing on my heart. Have you stopped to think about just how talented these Olympians really are? I'm sure you have because I think about it every damn second I watch an aired game. I mean, holy moly! I couldn't even walk across a balance beam without falling off and breaking my neck. I couldn't swim half the length of an olympic-sized swimming pool without giving up and wading off to the side. Long jumping for me would be jumping over 1 meter, and these guys bounce over 8 meters of earth! These people are simply amazing.

It's obvious that the Olympics are a time of true excitement for all peoples of all nations. I mean, representation of your home country, competition, and just pure love for the game are all reasons why we might get excited over watching a game or race. But do you ever wonder what else there is to be excited for? After watching game after game, race after race, don't you ever feel that something is missing? I find myself excited for US wins, sad over US losses, but all at the same time, I feel like my excitement does not adhesively stick to the win. It vanishes.

I think the reason for this is discredit. In essence, there's a lack of accreditation to the One who invented the reason for having the Olympics. It's actually heartbreaking to witness a heroic US victory and see all the glory be thrown to themselves. Watch Phelps win another medal. His expression is EPIC. But still yet, you don't sense an ounce of modesty. You don't see it in any of their faces. Runner, race-walker, long jumper, archer, swimmer, gymnast, ping ponger, you don't see it. All you see is me me me memememe yay for me. Okay, maybe the one time they might be acting slightly modest is when they're playing a team sport in which case they say, "Yay us, WE did it!"

I'm not trying to point out all the Olympians who failed to publicly thank God for giving them the opportunity to take the title and consequently, strip away their own glory. That's not it at all. I just think it's a bit disheartening to see such hard work and talent put into winning a gold medal, and seeing that it's all for something as temporary as a Summer Olympics title in a special event. It all seems so fleeting! Somewhere down the road, someone even faster than Phelps will compete in the summer olympics somewhere in the world and break all of his world records. It's inevitable. Nothing is ever set in stone, even world records. Your name will be forgotten and will only be pulled out by a sports commentator as a reference...to reference what the next Phelps just achieved compared to the previous Phelps.

Is it worth it? Is it worth it to be praised by everyone around you for bringing home that good ol' gold medal dangling around your neck only to be remembered four summers later as the loser who's too old and inflexible to do fifteen back handsprings without flying out of bounds? Maybe I'm bashing too much on Olympians, as all the hard work they do to represent the USA gives us a sense of pride. Even then, I'm sad, because I think God should be glorified for all human achievement. He's the one who created us, and any human accomplishment we deem amazing should be refracted toward God. God is amazing. And just note, if God was an Olympian, He would pwn everyone!!!!! (yes, even Phelps)

Post the First

2008-08-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

It is two in the morning and I just made a blog. But don't get me wrong! I haven't created this on impulse. This is something I've been meaning to do for quite some time now, as xanga has proven to be insufficient. I'm hoping that with a new blog server, I can process fresh ideas and produce better writing than I did years before when I had my amateur blog. Okay, I think I'll sleep now and write later. Goodnight, world! I'm just letting ya'll know I'm out here.