Ever since I moved to California, I've had to make some lifestyle changes. Not going out as much, dressing appropriately to weather differences, and saving more money. One notable area is that I do not regularly go the dentist.
Now before you all freak out about how nasty my teeth must be like, fear not. I have always prided myself on my dental hygiene. As a matter of fact, I've never had a cavity nor needed braces in my entire life! I brush and floss religiously (in a good way). After all, I always believed that maintaining the positivity of your smile is like taking care of your reputation.
Back on point, as I was done whitening my teeth with some strips, I decided to actual brush my teeth last night in front of the mirror. I prefer to multi-task, and so I usually make my bed or check my email as I brush my teeth to conserve time and energy as I prepare for bed. Well, the sight wasn't that pretty. When I opened my mouth, all I could see is the yellow in my teeth! Man, I mean it looked like there were small chunks of raw butter on top of my teeth. I became extremely self conscious because, again, I thought of my teeth to have a disarmingly healthy shade of white. I was wrong.
Why am I blogging about this phenomenon? I felt super convicted that many of us Christians today pride ourselves in how well we compare our "teeth" in relation to our appearance. Mainly, we feel as if our teeth is white enough to go out. But when it comes to the truth and we do our daily washing, we fail to realize how inadequately dirty we truly are.
Now I am not trying to demoralize the genuine efforts of Christians who attempt to change and purify themselves, but what totally convicted me was my next thought: Why do we even brush our teeth? (For some, this question doesn't even pop in their mind as they don't adapt this habit into their daily routine!). The simple answer is to keep our teeth healthy. If that's the case, why am I so worked up about how "white" my teeth appear?
And that's the grandiose question: if ultimately what matters is our spiritual health of our relationship with God, why do we care so much about appearing so holy and righteous in front of others? Why do we bother putting up so many rituals to look composed and gathered?
It's because the fear of man has seized the church everywhere today. Not dressing formally (i.e. wearing hats, sandals, etc.), tattoos, piercings in odd places--the list is endless on how we judge others. There is also spiritual judging such as the religious scrutiny of others' church attendance or discipline.
Let us set aside these "whitening" practices and focus on what truly keeps our spiritual "teeth" healthy: the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12), active prayer (1 Thess 5:17), fiery evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20), and a passionate love for God (Psalm 27:4).
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
4 Ways to Enter His Presence
Psalm 15 [NIV] (BibleGateway.com)
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.
------
I've been convicted more and more of how I am so quick to leave God's presence. I don't mean viewing His presence as a place, such as a worship service or even my devotion time. I'm talking about walking WITH the presence of God. Treating it as a coat of blessing, as it says in Psalm 56.
Just imagine: everywhere you go, the presence of God follows you. My goodness. What power. You will never stumble (v5), you will experience joy and favor unending (Psalm 68), and signs and wonders follow you (Pretty much most of the chapters in Acts)! This is just a short list of the countless promises of God. If you've encountered the presence, then you know what I'm talking about. If not, that's okay--keep searching for it!
So I ask myself, how may I keep God's presence on me? Well, I must first be able to enter His presence, shouldn't I? How am I supposed to carry it as a mantle if I cannot even access it in the first place?
Here are some ways:
1. (v2) Righteousness
We must get in an attitude of constant repentance to cleanse ourselves. Christians today are so easily offended when they are corrected by other brothers/sisters. I'm not encouraging false repentance, such as stating "FINE! SORRY! Goodness." and storm away frustrated. Repentance is not about whether we are right or wrong; rather it is about your heart. We forget that when we pray for God to help improve our character to become more godly, he sends us other people to do it.
2. (v3) Compassion
Simply put, if we protected other people's integrity and well-being, the church would be a place where people would want to go. After all, who loves being slandered by insults and hurt by others? On the other hand, I don't want Christians to be fake. Being honest with each other is not trying to harm them, but there is a time, place, and manner to do so. Continuing off my previous point, let us be slow to speak and quick to repent. I do not want us to become passive, however. To summarize: when it comes to talking, as it says in James 3, use your discernment and tame your tongue. All words--whether its rejection, neutral statements, or affirmation--have power.
3. (v4) Fear of the Lord
I could spend all day on this topic. One of the main reasons we don't have power as Christians because we do not fear God. At conferences, retreats, and conventions, I often see way too many overeager Christians who make ambitious covenants and promises to God. Purity, radical lifestyles, and life commitments are often the big sharks here. It is no fault to the pastor/speaker, the worship team, and the church itself, but to our own recklessness in how we deal with sin. We love to dine with angels and demons. Sometimes, even simultaneously. We do not honor that fear of the Lord. Read more on Charles Finney if you're interested on this subject. It's powerful stuff.
4. (v5) Extravagant Generosity
Christianity was based upon the principles of giving. Think about the most well known verses, such as John 3:16. For God loved the world that he gave. Jesus too gave his life. Yes, in verse 5, it is talking about monetary giving. But the context of David's psalms are always a reflection upon life. We must give our lives without "interest" (usury), meaning we should not expect anything in return! Wow! And the best part is this: we must do cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7. Ohhhhhhh boy. This is what gets most Christians right here. Many times me and my friends see homeless people and we often attempt to AVOID them. When by chance they grab our attention, we reluctantly pull some change out and give it to them. I want to challenge ourselves to look deeper into what we give and to do it with joy. Jesus did not sacrifice himself with a frown and a whining voice. He did it, with all his heart, cheerfully.
1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.
------
I've been convicted more and more of how I am so quick to leave God's presence. I don't mean viewing His presence as a place, such as a worship service or even my devotion time. I'm talking about walking WITH the presence of God. Treating it as a coat of blessing, as it says in Psalm 56.
Just imagine: everywhere you go, the presence of God follows you. My goodness. What power. You will never stumble (v5), you will experience joy and favor unending (Psalm 68), and signs and wonders follow you (Pretty much most of the chapters in Acts)! This is just a short list of the countless promises of God. If you've encountered the presence, then you know what I'm talking about. If not, that's okay--keep searching for it!
So I ask myself, how may I keep God's presence on me? Well, I must first be able to enter His presence, shouldn't I? How am I supposed to carry it as a mantle if I cannot even access it in the first place?
Here are some ways:
1. (v2) Righteousness
We must get in an attitude of constant repentance to cleanse ourselves. Christians today are so easily offended when they are corrected by other brothers/sisters. I'm not encouraging false repentance, such as stating "FINE! SORRY! Goodness." and storm away frustrated. Repentance is not about whether we are right or wrong; rather it is about your heart. We forget that when we pray for God to help improve our character to become more godly, he sends us other people to do it.
2. (v3) Compassion
Simply put, if we protected other people's integrity and well-being, the church would be a place where people would want to go. After all, who loves being slandered by insults and hurt by others? On the other hand, I don't want Christians to be fake. Being honest with each other is not trying to harm them, but there is a time, place, and manner to do so. Continuing off my previous point, let us be slow to speak and quick to repent. I do not want us to become passive, however. To summarize: when it comes to talking, as it says in James 3, use your discernment and tame your tongue. All words--whether its rejection, neutral statements, or affirmation--have power.
3. (v4) Fear of the Lord
I could spend all day on this topic. One of the main reasons we don't have power as Christians because we do not fear God. At conferences, retreats, and conventions, I often see way too many overeager Christians who make ambitious covenants and promises to God. Purity, radical lifestyles, and life commitments are often the big sharks here. It is no fault to the pastor/speaker, the worship team, and the church itself, but to our own recklessness in how we deal with sin. We love to dine with angels and demons. Sometimes, even simultaneously. We do not honor that fear of the Lord. Read more on Charles Finney if you're interested on this subject. It's powerful stuff.
4. (v5) Extravagant Generosity
Christianity was based upon the principles of giving. Think about the most well known verses, such as John 3:16. For God loved the world that he gave. Jesus too gave his life. Yes, in verse 5, it is talking about monetary giving. But the context of David's psalms are always a reflection upon life. We must give our lives without "interest" (usury), meaning we should not expect anything in return! Wow! And the best part is this: we must do cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7. Ohhhhhhh boy. This is what gets most Christians right here. Many times me and my friends see homeless people and we often attempt to AVOID them. When by chance they grab our attention, we reluctantly pull some change out and give it to them. I want to challenge ourselves to look deeper into what we give and to do it with joy. Jesus did not sacrifice himself with a frown and a whining voice. He did it, with all his heart, cheerfully.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Perfection
In his book, "The 7 Longings of the Human Heart," Mike Bickle writes that as members of the human race, it is natural for us to want to be great.
Let's be real here--I have never met one person who truthfully admitted that they DESIRE to be awful in every area of life. Some clever folk might try to say, "Well, Dan, I don't mind being weak in everything so that the strength of Christ shines through me." While this statement is a great way to be profound and impress your local bible study buddies, the truth is that God wants you to love yourself as well! Why do you think Jesus also stated "Love your neighbor [as] yourself." He doesn't want you to serve others, yet suffer from low self-esteem. Read Psalms 139 if you want more proof.
Wow! And here we are, sulking in an attempt to display a false form of humility so that people would not think we are proud. While we can deceive man, we cannot deceive the Lord. He knows our intentions and ambitions.
Anyhow, now that we have established that we should enjoy how we're created in the image of God, I would like to make another point: we as humans only have one life to live. To live for ourselves is simply against the commandments of the Bible (Matthew 28:19-20, Micah 6:8, James 2:15-17, the list goes on). Thus, we must live for more than our own wishes and continually to improve our character. Cool. But as we all know, writing down all those New Year's resolutions seem overwhelmingly difficult. What then shall we do? As the economist says, we simplify and isolate. We must have one simple goal and focus on that one vision. One aspiration.
No, I'm not promoting IHOP-KC's One Thing conferences.
Rather, our goal, as Christians, is to bear the resemblance and likeness of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
However, back to the analogy of the New Year's Resolutions, it seems far too naive to simply put "Be a better person in 20xx" to replace every resolution on the list. After all, we're asked to not just be better citizens, friends, and family members, but we're asked, as it says in Matthew 5 to be perfect because Jesus is perfect.
Perfection?! But nobody's perfect! Is God setting us up for failure?
Not quite.
In the Greek translation, perfectus is not defined to be without flaw. Alternatively, it means "a finishing" or, to be more grammatically sound, "finished." Furthermore, the word has various contextual implications, such as:
- to be complete with all requisite parts
- to be so good that nothing can be compared as better
- to attain its purpose
Great Scott!! This whole time, we have been under the impression that every move we make has God angered on his mighty throne in heaven because we're not like his perfect son, Jesus. Nonsense! Jesus was stating in Matthew that we have to become COMPLETE like Him. God wants for us to achieve our destiny (attain purpose) by obtaining all the characteristics (requisite parts). As in says in James 1, God simply seeks for us to become mature, so that we're lacking nothing.
The amazing thing is that above all else, God delights in us so much for who we are. He understands that its a process! That's why God calls upon us to wait upon Him, because the procedure of abiding takes time. Even when we accomplish the greatest feat of human history or become the scum of the earth, Jesus thinks that there's no one better than you!
Let's be real here--I have never met one person who truthfully admitted that they DESIRE to be awful in every area of life. Some clever folk might try to say, "Well, Dan, I don't mind being weak in everything so that the strength of Christ shines through me." While this statement is a great way to be profound and impress your local bible study buddies, the truth is that God wants you to love yourself as well! Why do you think Jesus also stated "Love your neighbor [as] yourself." He doesn't want you to serve others, yet suffer from low self-esteem. Read Psalms 139 if you want more proof.
Wow! And here we are, sulking in an attempt to display a false form of humility so that people would not think we are proud. While we can deceive man, we cannot deceive the Lord. He knows our intentions and ambitions.
Anyhow, now that we have established that we should enjoy how we're created in the image of God, I would like to make another point: we as humans only have one life to live. To live for ourselves is simply against the commandments of the Bible (Matthew 28:19-20, Micah 6:8, James 2:15-17, the list goes on). Thus, we must live for more than our own wishes and continually to improve our character. Cool. But as we all know, writing down all those New Year's resolutions seem overwhelmingly difficult. What then shall we do? As the economist says, we simplify and isolate. We must have one simple goal and focus on that one vision. One aspiration.
No, I'm not promoting IHOP-KC's One Thing conferences.
Rather, our goal, as Christians, is to bear the resemblance and likeness of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
However, back to the analogy of the New Year's Resolutions, it seems far too naive to simply put "Be a better person in 20xx" to replace every resolution on the list. After all, we're asked to not just be better citizens, friends, and family members, but we're asked, as it says in Matthew 5 to be perfect because Jesus is perfect.
Perfection?! But nobody's perfect! Is God setting us up for failure?
Not quite.
In the Greek translation, perfectus is not defined to be without flaw. Alternatively, it means "a finishing" or, to be more grammatically sound, "finished." Furthermore, the word has various contextual implications, such as:
- to be complete with all requisite parts
- to be so good that nothing can be compared as better
- to attain its purpose
Great Scott!! This whole time, we have been under the impression that every move we make has God angered on his mighty throne in heaven because we're not like his perfect son, Jesus. Nonsense! Jesus was stating in Matthew that we have to become COMPLETE like Him. God wants for us to achieve our destiny (attain purpose) by obtaining all the characteristics (requisite parts). As in says in James 1, God simply seeks for us to become mature, so that we're lacking nothing.
The amazing thing is that above all else, God delights in us so much for who we are. He understands that its a process! That's why God calls upon us to wait upon Him, because the procedure of abiding takes time. Even when we accomplish the greatest feat of human history or become the scum of the earth, Jesus thinks that there's no one better than you!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Our Goal
As summer is drawing to its last lap of its pleasure-filled race, I would like to comment simply what the Lord has been doing showing to me and what has been happening. I'll begin just what has been happening this week.
On Monday, I got my wisdom teeth pulled out, which was quite painful process despite the numbing and dissolvable stitches. I was require to eat only soft things, such as congie, boiled eggs, dried pork, and TV Dinners. Nevertheless, I thank God for how he healed and is continuing to heal my swollen mouth. When you break a bone, or in my situation, lose the ability to chew with your ferocious molers, isn't there a result of great inefficiency? The same is related to the Body of Christ. As we see in 1 Corinthians 12, the body of believers is the body of Christ, called to be "the fullness of him(Jesus) who fills everything in every way"(Eph. 1:23). We are to be instruments of righteousness, used by the Master to be Good Samaritans and servants of hospitality and love that fight for justice and freedom. Recently, I discovered the truth regarding slavery in our world, and the horrible degree of it. They say that there are more slaves in the world then in any point of history(exoduscry.com for more information). As servants of Jesus, we are called to "love our neighbors as ourselves". Let us strive to meet this, through prayer and action. Let us be committed to have regard for the weak, for in return there will be blessings(Psalm 41:1). Tonight, a rainy yet pleasant night, at JoyWok, Pastor Banji(I believe that is how you spell it) came and shared about how in his high school years, he was captivated and awed at Jesus, of his magnificent mercy and glorious grace. We can follow his example, to strive to fix our eyes on Him, that ultimately, our lives will truly reflect God's glory as we desperately reach out to a lost and dying world.
On Monday, I got my wisdom teeth pulled out, which was quite painful process despite the numbing and dissolvable stitches. I was require to eat only soft things, such as congie, boiled eggs, dried pork, and TV Dinners. Nevertheless, I thank God for how he healed and is continuing to heal my swollen mouth. When you break a bone, or in my situation, lose the ability to chew with your ferocious molers, isn't there a result of great inefficiency? The same is related to the Body of Christ. As we see in 1 Corinthians 12, the body of believers is the body of Christ, called to be "the fullness of him(Jesus) who fills everything in every way"(Eph. 1:23). We are to be instruments of righteousness, used by the Master to be Good Samaritans and servants of hospitality and love that fight for justice and freedom. Recently, I discovered the truth regarding slavery in our world, and the horrible degree of it. They say that there are more slaves in the world then in any point of history(exoduscry.com for more information). As servants of Jesus, we are called to "love our neighbors as ourselves". Let us strive to meet this, through prayer and action. Let us be committed to have regard for the weak, for in return there will be blessings(Psalm 41:1). Tonight, a rainy yet pleasant night, at JoyWok, Pastor Banji(I believe that is how you spell it) came and shared about how in his high school years, he was captivated and awed at Jesus, of his magnificent mercy and glorious grace. We can follow his example, to strive to fix our eyes on Him, that ultimately, our lives will truly reflect God's glory as we desperately reach out to a lost and dying world.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
What happens from here on?
As summer draws to a close and the new school year is creeping upon us, there are thousands of young people all over the nation wondering to themselves, "Well, this summer has been great, but how can I keep the fire going once I start going back to school?"
This question comes up for me nearly every year around the same time and I felt as if I could share some insight. Fortunately enough, our youth website has been able to post up the most recent messages!
Some people might wonder why we should bother listening to audio clips (especially when its over 30 minutes long) rather than read. The answer is this: The universe, assuming you believe in the creation of the world through God, was spoken into existence. Not read, formulated, or materialized through supersonic combustion, but orated by the words of God himself. There are power in words and there is something about having an audible voice declaring words rather than listening to your mind speak it over yourself. Don't get me wrong--I'm not trying to toot my own horn. I'm rather stating that there is a different way, not a better way, to have a blog message posted.
Keep it going - Dan Chou (08-09-2009)
Quick points:
1. Don't have the appearance without the substance
- Imitation of traditions and rituals without understanding leaves to dryness
- Also leads to constant comparison/envy
2. Shed the old wineskin, receive the new one
- Conferences, retreats, and other summer activities are great, but only temporary
- Having a "quick fix" to patch up your problems will only make matters worse!
3. Fresh impartation can only go into fresh containers.
- Spoiled containers (think dirty milk carton) will only spoil the contents
- Similarly, if all you gain is more fresh understanding/revelation, but never change, it simply spoils and becomes useless, while poisoning others!
4. Ways to obtain the new wineskin
- Galations 2:20! Crucify your flesh. Pick up your cross.
- What does that mean? Deny yourself and that fleshly desire.
Last notes:
- Message was drawn out of Mark 2
- Raging waters is a water amusement park that our youth went to the following week, incase you wondering about the preface.
- I am still learning my flaws and weaknesses, but I hope you can overlook them; and to not become offended by how it was said, but instead to look at what's been said.
- For future resources and messages, click here.
Blessings.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Monday Tuesday and Wednesday
8/17/09 Monday
Last Monday, I was able to hang out with my sister the whole day. We went to see the doctor for a checkup and afterward went to Costco to buy a gargantuan sized pack of premium protein powder, which when mixed with your favorite liquid becomes a nutritious creamy vanilla thick shake; however, sometimes the powder does not fully dissolve. Nevertheless, I deeply enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my family at home. We later then had dinner, which consisted of a soft wrap burrito stuffed with spiced ground meat mixed with mozzarella cheese and fresh-tasting oregano. That was what it tasted like in my mouth. Soft mouth-watering golden mangoes which were extremely delighting came next! I am so thankful to God for the family he has given me and I give him all the praise for all that He has done. After pondering on this topic, I came to these conclusions. A family most of the times consist of a mom, dad, and two children. In particularly in a home scenario, unity is very important, and it is the same with the Body of Christ(1 Cor. 12:25). In Ephesians 4 it talks about to keeping the unity of the Spirit. Why not commence the tranquil environment God calls us to maintain filled with joyful and caring relationships at home?
8/18/09 Tuesday
The towering hospital stood there, on Madison Avenue at 100th Street, where we sent my sister to Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. My mom drove about 1 hour and 15 minutes to arrive at the swarming metropolis, where we stopped and entered the magnificent university and treatment center. Doctors were blatantly recognized due to their white coats and scholarly sophisticated walking. There was a uncountable number of them on the streets that if you were a giant looking from a bird's eye view, the place would appear to be a strange anthill because the bugs were no longer black and brown, but brightly white, but MD degrees. After examining the Grey's Anatomy environment there, we headed to Flushing to eat lunch and to get my hair cut. Returning to the apartment, I had the chance to read Proverbs 13:13-14: "He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." Here, it emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen which allows us obey commands and instruction, in particularly from the wise. The teaching of the wise will definitely benefit me, leading us towards the One who is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. Yet, I feel listening to even your parents' most intricate directions is vital and rewarding. When an individual gets their mom the hot tea with no sugar but a touch of cinnamon just as she asked, his consideration shines in comparison to a person getting their mom a cold cup of tea when his mom wanted one that was warm. Overall, the lesson is to set our hearts first on obeying God's Word, all of it, whether we like it or not, from honoring our parents(Exodus 20) to being quick to listen(James 1).
Last Monday, I was able to hang out with my sister the whole day. We went to see the doctor for a checkup and afterward went to Costco to buy a gargantuan sized pack of premium protein powder, which when mixed with your favorite liquid becomes a nutritious creamy vanilla thick shake; however, sometimes the powder does not fully dissolve. Nevertheless, I deeply enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my family at home. We later then had dinner, which consisted of a soft wrap burrito stuffed with spiced ground meat mixed with mozzarella cheese and fresh-tasting oregano. That was what it tasted like in my mouth. Soft mouth-watering golden mangoes which were extremely delighting came next! I am so thankful to God for the family he has given me and I give him all the praise for all that He has done. After pondering on this topic, I came to these conclusions. A family most of the times consist of a mom, dad, and two children. In particularly in a home scenario, unity is very important, and it is the same with the Body of Christ(1 Cor. 12:25). In Ephesians 4 it talks about to keeping the unity of the Spirit. Why not commence the tranquil environment God calls us to maintain filled with joyful and caring relationships at home?
8/18/09 Tuesday
The towering hospital stood there, on Madison Avenue at 100th Street, where we sent my sister to Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. My mom drove about 1 hour and 15 minutes to arrive at the swarming metropolis, where we stopped and entered the magnificent university and treatment center. Doctors were blatantly recognized due to their white coats and scholarly sophisticated walking. There was a uncountable number of them on the streets that if you were a giant looking from a bird's eye view, the place would appear to be a strange anthill because the bugs were no longer black and brown, but brightly white, but MD degrees. After examining the Grey's Anatomy environment there, we headed to Flushing to eat lunch and to get my hair cut. Returning to the apartment, I had the chance to read Proverbs 13:13-14: "He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." Here, it emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen which allows us obey commands and instruction, in particularly from the wise. The teaching of the wise will definitely benefit me, leading us towards the One who is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. Yet, I feel listening to even your parents' most intricate directions is vital and rewarding. When an individual gets their mom the hot tea with no sugar but a touch of cinnamon just as she asked, his consideration shines in comparison to a person getting their mom a cold cup of tea when his mom wanted one that was warm. Overall, the lesson is to set our hearts first on obeying God's Word, all of it, whether we like it or not, from honoring our parents(Exodus 20) to being quick to listen(James 1).
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Returning Back to America
The Boeing 747 stood there magnificently, like a mighty warrior preparing for battle. The Eva plane had stripes of forest green, gargantuan wings, and many circular windows. The plane began to taxi, gently and slowly, similar to an elder young woman named Auntie Rose driving a 1967 rusty Chevy truck. However, this truck suddenly turned into a 2010 300 horsepower Corvette, racing down the track, and then lifting from the ground with extraordinary force. After 14 hours and 10 minutes, my plane arrived in Newark airport.
I(Richard)left Taiwan on August 12, at 6:30 PM and arrived in America on August 12, at 9:45 PM. That day that I left Taiwan, I treasured every moment that I had with my dad. I woke up that partly cloudy morning practicing Chinese characters. There was much persistence and diligence needed to accomplish the characters I desired to copy, and afterward my dad and I took my luggage and headed to an all you can eat sea food buffet, which may sound absurd, especially since we were carrying two luggages which both feel like there is a car in each of them. We put the bags on the side of the restaurant, and began enjoying our last feast before I headed to Taiwan. I soon left the admirable nation Taiwan and went back home, where I continued on my academic studies. On Friday night, I attended a Summer Festival, which was hosted by JoyWok! There, people from the Herald Gospel Camp mission gave testimonies, regarding how the Lord moved there. I was deeply touched to see how God's grace was sufficient for them, that despite the team's weaknesses and uncomfortable environment, some rebellious kids, during the alter call, a majority of the kids came up to respond. God was truly with them, in a remarkable way.
Chinese is an amazing language, and I'm trying to finish a year's course in the summer, so I can jump to Chinese 3. I spent today, Saturday, mostly doing homework and exercising. Yet, right now I want to exercise my faith. As God's people, we are called to love, and have compassion on people(Luke 9). There was a catastrophic typhoon that hit Taiwan, and I urge myself along with others that we should pray for the victims. May God fill them in this troubling hour with light, hope, truth, and comfort.
I(Richard)left Taiwan on August 12, at 6:30 PM and arrived in America on August 12, at 9:45 PM. That day that I left Taiwan, I treasured every moment that I had with my dad. I woke up that partly cloudy morning practicing Chinese characters. There was much persistence and diligence needed to accomplish the characters I desired to copy, and afterward my dad and I took my luggage and headed to an all you can eat sea food buffet, which may sound absurd, especially since we were carrying two luggages which both feel like there is a car in each of them. We put the bags on the side of the restaurant, and began enjoying our last feast before I headed to Taiwan. I soon left the admirable nation Taiwan and went back home, where I continued on my academic studies. On Friday night, I attended a Summer Festival, which was hosted by JoyWok! There, people from the Herald Gospel Camp mission gave testimonies, regarding how the Lord moved there. I was deeply touched to see how God's grace was sufficient for them, that despite the team's weaknesses and uncomfortable environment, some rebellious kids, during the alter call, a majority of the kids came up to respond. God was truly with them, in a remarkable way.
Chinese is an amazing language, and I'm trying to finish a year's course in the summer, so I can jump to Chinese 3. I spent today, Saturday, mostly doing homework and exercising. Yet, right now I want to exercise my faith. As God's people, we are called to love, and have compassion on people(Luke 9). There was a catastrophic typhoon that hit Taiwan, and I urge myself along with others that we should pray for the victims. May God fill them in this troubling hour with light, hope, truth, and comfort.
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