Currently Reading The Magnificent Defeat By Frederick Buechner see related

Wow.  It's been a long time since I last updated.  I miss the xanga days.  It's nice to be back.

How bout them Lakers huh?!?  I was listening to the game on KLAC570 with Mychal Thomsen and Spiro something.  I realized I miss Chick Hearn a lot.  I mean the Lakers announcers are great but Chicky is missed.  And i'm very happy that spring training has started.  Hope springs eternal!  Go Blue.  And Richfield and I are trying to go that Dodger game against the Red Sox at the LA Coliseum.  They say close to 115,000 people will be there.  Man.  That would be so fun.

We just ended our 8th week at Fuller.  I had one of those days today at Fuller where it reaffirmed why seminary is so good.  Often times I'm struggling to keep up with the reading or writing them stinking papers and even just getting to class on time and navigating the 605 and 210 freeways.  I also struggle with feelings of inadequacy and feeling overwhelmed and that i'm out of my leagues.  I also struggle with wondering if i should get 1 or 2 carne asada tacos from King Taco along with the combination carne asada burrito but that's another update for another day.  But today was a good day (and i didn't even have to use my A-K).

I'm taking a class called Worship Ministry on the Lord's Day and right now we're studying about the communion or eucharist.  It really makes it come alive for me because at Faith Community we celebrate communion every first Sunday of the month.  I get the awesome privilege of serving the elements (sounds like a hip hop concert) and even once in awhile praying for the bread or the wine or most often Welch's Grape Juice.  I love communion service.  And I love it even more after our studies on it.  We celebrate the eternal Jesus Christ though the symbolic litugry of the bread and wine.  It is a celebration reminding us how we were once lost, and now we are found.  It is a reminder for us of God's sweet mercy.  "Oh Taste and see that the Lord is good."  It is a reminder of how we all deserved the bitter cup of wrath and death and now we drink from the living water.  And i love it how our church serves Hawaiian bread.  I love hawaiian bread.  And I also love it, when i'm serving the bread, i can see each person coming up and i like to encourage them and speak to each person personally..."Hyun this is the body of CHrist... Allan this is the body of Christ... Alex Won this is the body of Christ... even for you." 

And in our Worship class, each student, gets to join a group and lead a 15-minute prayer devotional.  Today was awesome.  The group took us to the prayer garden and it was actually my first time there.  You realize also how much place and space affect worship.  It was so nice to be in there.  And we did this exercise where we confessed our sins and placed it in a bag that was underneath a cross.  This is a type of activity that we usually do in our youth ministry.  But it was so nice doing it today.  Sharing this space with my fellow classmates who before I would see them simply as classmates.  But today we were worshipping together in Jesus Christ.  It was a blessing to say the least.  We get to lead the class on March 11 and i'm looking forward to that.

Then we had our foundations class.  Normally this class feels like a waste of time for me but today it spoke to me very clearly.  Our guest lecturers were Kara Powerll and a guy named Curt Gibson, which sounded a lot like Kirk Gibson of Los Angeles Dodgers lore.  Kara Powell is a youth ministry guru.  Her and Chap Clark are doing amazing things in Youth Ministry.  Interestingly enough, i bought her book at the Core Youth Conference this past Saturday.  Anyway they were both sharing how important it was to be a mentor and to surround kids with positive people in their lives.  Curt shared about his experiences mentoring at-risk kids in the Pasadena area.  It immediately got my attention to my time spent at Green Pastures.  If i could sum up his 30min lecture I would simply say this: Build relationships.  These kids can spot you a mile away if you have your own agenda.  You can't fake the funk.  "Game recognize game."  It was no wonder that the friends I brought from OKC/FAith Community had a positive impact on the kids.  We didn't have any crazy gang background but we were real and they saw that we came to help and to serve.  We weren't trying to serve our own needs.  Just simply there to help.  You know what's crazy?  My GP kids probably met Pastor Jae twice in their lives and they didn't really talk to him that long or even at all.  But whenever they ask about our church, they almost always ask about Pastor Jae.  They saw his heart a mile away and that his heart was there to love and serve.  "Real recognize real."  They often ask me about Dr. Mark Bai, or DJ, or Arnold, and they always ask me about Earl.  Building trust and relationships.  I was so proud of that.

This topic was so pertinent because earlier in the week i called one of my former students, Edward, to meet up and eat dinner at Wako's in Ktown.  Now I have been stood up a million times by my Ktown kids.  Even to the point where i touch base with them every hour or so just to make sure their coming.  I talked to Edward last at 3pm to confirm.  He said he was down.  I get out of class at 6 and head to Ktown.  I call.  No answer.  I call and txt.  No answer.  I call again.  No answer.  After that I knew it wasn't going to happen.  you can't fool a fool.  I think since i left GP, this is at least the 10th time this has happened to me with the kids.  But you know what... I will still call them and try and meet up with them.  It's the least I can do.  This kid Edward.  Let's just say he's no wanna-be wangsta.  He's the real deal holyfield.  But I love him like my younger brother.  And anytime I need someone to do some dirty work.. i can call him!  Haha.  J/k.  But not really.

In our class, they also talked about the challenges of working with suburban, churched kids.  Kids who have a lot.  Kids who are so busy with this and that.  Kids who have been through the "machine of church."  And they were saying this can be a harder ministry.  I agree.  But you know what... I will keep serving.  Keep teaching and preaching.  Keep training.  Keep loving.  Keep encouraging.  Keep rebuking.  I will keep meeting up with them at Amerige Starbucks and Back of Barnes and ALbertson's gas station.  This is my vision from God.

I realized also that everytime we take our kids to Mexico, what an amazing and privileged opportunity it is.  Missions is not going to Mexico.  Missions is life and it just happens its in Mexico this time.  We went to Mexico two weeks ago.  I know i say this all the time but it was stinking awesome!  We learned about all this things at school: creating dialog; being holistic; cross-cultural ministry; contextualizing the gospel; and this all took place in the context of our time spent in Mexico.  Shoot who needs seminary?!?  I love going to Mexico.  I love seeing the "serving light" turn on in the eyes of our students.  I love ordering hundreds of tacos.  I love driving all crazy in Mexico because you know... "do as the Romans do."  I love watching the Mexican children and their parents when they are watching a drama for the first time and seeing them grasp and understand the message of the gospel and how truly good the news of His grace is. 

One of the last things we shared with our students upon leaving Mexico was that though our trip and time in Mexico was over, our mission in life is never done.  The Mexico chapter may be closed for a bit, but there's a whole world out there that needs the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Life is Missions.  May we serve whereve He leads us.

Man.  I wrote a lot. 

Oh and my knee is getting better and better.  I'm hoping to play ball by the end of March which means it'll be exactly a year since I last ran on a basketball court.  I tore my ACL and meniscus on Sunday April 1 2007 (Palm Sunday as a matter of fact.. not that means anything liturgically).  I got major reconstructive surgery on Friday August 31 2007.  Today is February 28, 2008.  It's exactly 6 months post surgery.  I am itttttttttching to play ball like you would not believe.  But I am scared to jump and cut.  Good thing my game wasn't above the rim to begin with.  More like above the padding of the backboard.  But I will be super nervous to play again.  Hope it's like riding a bike.

I've actually been working out a bit.  I've been going on the elliptical.  Shooting for one hour on that thing.  The most i've done so far is 45mins. 

At the end of March i'm going up to the Bay area to see my sister's family.  Maddy will be two on March 17.  Crazy.  And Alicia is getting bigger and bigger.  I can't wait to see them.

Well I shall close this diatribe with this passage.  It's a passage that I meditated a lot when I had my knee surgery and i had all the time in the world.  I heard again today during our prayer devotional.

 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
       and in his word I put my hope.  - Psalm 130:5

Life is waiting.  While we wait, we remember what God has done and we walk humbly and faithfully with our God.  The Lord is good and His steadfast love endures forever.  Amen.

Currently Listening The Anthology By A Tribe Called Quest see related

I'm going to the Bay to visit these little girls.

Say hello to Alicia and her older sister Madeline.

The Proud Parents

Alicia Pak

Maddy with Eugene's mom and baby Alicia

Maddy and mommy looking at Alicia

Can't wait to see the whole family.  My mom is up there now and my pops is coming on Saturday.  I'm driving with Truman and David's parents tomorrow night straight from Pasadena.  Can't wait for the fun conversations during the 5 1/2 hr drive.

When I get back it's crunch time.  New Testament 2 Mid-Term on Tuesday.  Systematics Theology 10-page research paper due on Thursday.  Harvest Festival on Wednesday.  Sermon on Sunday.  Therapy twice a week now.  First Mexico mission training on Saturday.  See of our Homecoming kids on Saturday also.  And Lakers opening game on Tuesday.  Busy busy busy.

Today I finished my 3-page paper for Systematics.  Wasn't too bad.  Had help from an editor and the wonders of FUNCTION/F7.

And I also went shopping today for Maddy and Alicia.  I found myself saying stuff like "that's cute" and "that's cuter."  What these little nieces are doing to the juicedogg.

I finished the book of Psalms for my devotions.  Now I'm reading Proverbs.  This nugget of truth really resonated within my soul and mind: Proverbs 2

1 My son, if you accept my words
       and store up my commands within you,

 2 turning your ear to wisdom
       and applying your heart to understanding,

 3 and if you call out for insight
       and cry aloud for understanding,

 4 and if you look for it as for silver
       and search for it as for hidden treasure,

 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
       and find the knowledge of God.

 6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
       and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

 7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
       he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

 8 for he guards the course of the just
       and protects the way of his faithful ones.

 9 Then you will understand what is right and just
       and fair—every good path.

 10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
       and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

God's wisdom and truth has been searching my heart as I have been seeking to know Him more.  It has been so very pleasant to my soul.  Good stuff.  Good stuff indeed.

Off to the Bay Area I go.  Faith, Hope, and Love. 

Currently Listening Echoes Silence Patience & Grace By Foo Fighters see related

Good things come in "threeeee's."  I turned 33 last week.  As the esteemed philosopher and theologian Richardfield Song woud say, "the same age our Lord and Savior Christ died on the cross."

33.  Same number as Larry "White Jesus" Bird not to be confused with Tim "White Jesus" Keller. 

33 years ago was 1974.  I'm not old.  Just older.  And I love where my life is right now.  Thank You God.

This verse has been speaking to me: Isaiah 43:18-19.

18^(A) "Remember not the former things,
   nor consider the things of old.
19^(B) Behold, I am doing a new thing;
   now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
^(C) I will make a way in the wilderness
   ^(D) and rivers in the desert.

I am learning to let go.  God is doing a new thing in my life.  I am growing.  I stand tall by staying grounded in His word; down on my knees; in prayer;  lifting my eyes to Him, and washing the feet of others. 

The best present and gift that I have is salvation and grace in Christ Jesus.  I am a sinner saved by His overwhelming grace, mercy and love. 

Another verse that's been the vision of my soul:  Psalm 130:5.

5I^(A) wait for the LORD,^(B) my soul waits,
   and^(C) in his word I hope;

I've really been enjoying my time in His word.  It has been my refuge and peace.

Last verse: Psalm 138:8

8The LORD will^(A) fulfill his purpose for me;
   ^(B) your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
   Do not forsake^(C) the work of your hands.

The word STEADFAST means committed.  Deeply commited.  Greek equivalent of the word is "agape" which means extraordinary love.  That's the love that God has for you and me both.  That's some good poo poo right there.

Alright here are some pics of the fun times last week and also coming back to church finally.

First Sunday I came back and kids (carlene, christopher, and james) praying for me before I speak.  It looks like their sad that I'm back.

Bday pics.

Breakfast at Brownstone's with MIANGELA.

Bday dinner at Heroes.

Bday cake from Chunky (Eugene).  It was very good.  Thanks again Chunk.

Juice and Hyoonslice.  Probably laughing at stinking Dodgers "highlights."  We are colaborers for the Kingdom of God.  YaHeard!  Speaking of the Blue Crew.  Yes they sucked it up at the end.  But I'm a Dodger fan tried and true.  And another reason why I'm wearing the hat is because these pictures were taken when I could only take a shower like every other day.  I was having crazy problems with my hair.  That is all.  Fin.

Hanna the esteemed reporter for LBC.

St.Eve and HyoonSlice.

Sus and Juice.

Lloyd and Rachel.  Both serving Veritas for the first time.  So proud of them.

Angela, Sars, Leslie (doesn't she look like Iris?) and Diane.

So the staff never fails to bless me.  They hooked me up with a Pioneer head unit for my car.  It's freaking dope.  I can finally listen to my iPOD now and control it through the head unit.  Thanks again guys!  And the senior ladies got me bose stinking headphones.  All the music in my life right now is booming.

"Pioneers speakers bumping...."  Anyone know where that song is from?

Father's Office.  The next day we went to Santa Monica and grubbed at Father's Office.  Best Burgers ever!

The fellas minus Joe Lu. 

Oh yea.  Meet my homie, Baron Davis.

Stinking sat right next to him.  We talked about our ACL stories.  You know... two ballers sharing their war stories.  I asked him to take it easy on the Lakers.  He said he can't.  But other than that he was super cool and chill.  Was really dope just shooting the breeze with him.  He's skinnier than on TV.  I've been a big fan of him since UCLA.  He could've of been a Laker.  Freaking Buss and Kupchak.  Aaaaaagh!  When he left he said bye to our whole table.  I thought that was cool.

Babies are coming!

Lu and I at her baby shower in freaking Rancho Cucamonga.  She is due in like 3 weeks.  So happy for her.  Can't wait for to be a mommy and Allan to be an uncle.  She looks great btw. 

The Maddy and her mommy.

My sister is having her 2nd baby next week on Tuesday October 9.  Please keep her in your prayers.  2nd one is a girl and they haven't decided on a name yet.  I'm hoping for Johnnay.  I go up there at the end of the month.  I get to spend time with this little girl.

Freak look how big she is now.  I need to brainwash her that weekend so she remembers me till the next time I see her.

Well that is all.  I've started school and it's good to be back in the swing of things.  My knee is getting stronger and stronger.  I can now walk around without crutches but i go very, very slow..  Still going to therapy/Rehab 3X's a week.  It's a grind but its been really good for me.

It's been fun.  See you when I see you.

Sheesh.  What a crazy few weeks it has been.  But before I get into the whole surgery stuff, wanted to share some pics from our retreats.

I should've done this right after but was caught up with extreme busyness.  Well here it is.

beSTILL.  2007. 

Retreat Groups

Bodyguards

Team Rock

Ice Cubes

San Sans

Homies

Homies Jr.

Sophomore sisters

Group pic

Earl and Kevin (Alanzo and Karlos)

Awesome staff

Johnny's bodyguard

Sisters sarah, andrea and susan at the swimming poo

Ash

Sarah and Animal

91West Crew minus Allan and Connie

Telemundo and Johnny

Crazy girls in my car

beSTILL was simply beAWESOME.  Everything from the journal/meditation time to the games to our amazing worship times led by Facedown, to the bible studies and food and fellowship and super fun.  I was amazingly blessed.  I've been to close to 80 retreats in my lifetime.  It never grows old.  But there was something so different and refreshing about this one.  Thank you Lord.

Next I went to the Oaks near Magic Mt. to speak for Santa Barbara Presbyterian Church.  It was short but I had a great time.  It was also real nice catching up with the Chong family.

Group Pic

The Chongs

Then it was off to Thousand Pines to speak at TFPC.  I really had a great time here.  I spoke 6 times- 3 for the elementary kids and 3 for the youth.  My heart goes out to TFPC.  Going throug a lot but even in the midst of it all they are growing in Him.  THanks for the invite TFPC!

Johnny eating lunch with the little kids

Group Pic with elementary kids

Alright so 12 days ago I finally had my surgery for my left ACL.  It was a trip.  I remember going into the OR and the nurses and doctors talking to me and comforting me.  Then i remember the nurse telling me to relax and that she'll see me when its all done.  Next thing I know its done.  God bless them anesthesiologists.

So here's what my life has been like the past 12 days.

Days 1-4 (Saturday-Tuesday): Pain pain and more pain with of course vicodin.  Good God I had no idea it would hurt this much.  To go to the bathroom was painstaking.  Standing up hurt like no other cuz all the blood rushes to my knee.  I can only move from couch to bathroom which is about 10ft.  No shower taken.  I can't sit up.  Threw up like mad on Saturday cuz all the painlkiller wore off from surgery.  Can barely flex my knees to 30degrees on machine. 

Days 5-8 (Wed-Saturday): Little better.  Dont need vicodin as much.  Watch dodgers lose three times- once to cubs and another to stinking Giants because furcal couldnt turn double play and broxton gives up huge homer.  adds insult to my injury.  Still hurts to go bathroom.  Took first "shower" on wednesday.  More like wiping myself with towel soaked in soap.  But i did wash my hair.  My mom had to help me.  And thank God for my parents.  They have been amazing.  Took first #2 on Wednesday also.  That was an ordeal to say the leat.  Still cant eat much.  Went to see Doctor on Thursday.  That was terrible day.  Getting in and out of the house was torture and in and out of car.  Was dying while waiting for doctor to call me in.  Flexing my knee to 70degrees now.  But everything going according to plan.  Knee still real swollen so taking anti-biotics now.  Starting to eat a little more. FInally can sit up now without being in too much pain.  Sad to miss broomballing with the kids.  But thank God for visitors!

Days 9-12 (Sat-Tuesday): Pain is still there but getting better.  Nice visit from earl, glenn and susan.  Missed church on Sunday.  Watched football.  Got real sick of watching football.  Starting to feel less foggy and queasy.  Mind feels sharper.  Being preparing for sermon for Sunday and working on ministry stuff and emailing.  Feels good to get back to work.  I can finally flex my knee to 90degress on this knee-flexing machine i have to prevent stiffness.  Good sign.  Doctors on tuesday.  Not nearly as painful as last visit.  knee is looking good.  I can start rehab/therapy next week.  Now i'm getting very restless mentally.  Want to get out of house.  My mom's bday today.  Feel bad that I can't do much.  I can move a lot more freely now.  Took 2nd "shower" on monday.  I went upstairs for first time today on crutches.  Was quite scary but was fun.  Still need crutches but getting better.

DVD's I've seen so far: Tombstone, Gladiator and Garden State.  For some reason, i dont have this desire to watch movies.  But I liked Garden State a lot.  First time watching it.  Thanks biggie.

Books I've read or reading now: Weight of GLory C.S. Lewis.  Read In THe Name of Jesus Henri Nouwen again.  Great book.  Reading Spiritual Leadership J. Oswald Sanders.  Good way to start the new school year for ministry.  The Bible.  Finished Psalm 119. 

TV shows i watch: I dont have cable.  My tv is super old.  Only channels 7-13 come out.  Watch channel 7 news a lot.  I like David Ono and Dallas Raines and Rob Fuguzaki and Michelle Tuzee and Ellen Leyva and Lisa Hernandez.  Watched Oprah.  Almost cried.  Saw the one where Bill Clinton was on and talking about his book.  Watched some All My Children and General Hospital.  But not too much tv watching.

Time has gone by relatively fast.  Besides the last few days of feeling very restless it's been good.  Good to rest.  Good to catch up.  Good to beSTILL.  But I'm ready to get out.

Thanks for all the phone calls, txts, emails, comments and prayers.  I know that they are with me.

A verse that I have been meditating over and over again.  "My soul clings to Thee.  Thy right hand upholds me."  - Psalm 63:8.  God has been with me every step of the way.

Well I will be at church this Sunday thank God!  Can't wait to see everyone.  Have a great rest of the week and I leave you with my junglelicious beard.

The King is dead.  Long Live the King!  My ode to the Mighty Tacoma. 

Goodbye to the Almighty Tacoma.  I got into an accident last Wednesday on the 605North.  I had an appoinment with my counselor at Fuller to register for classes.  The meeting was at 2pm.  I wanted to meet Steve up in Pasadena to grab some King Taco.  Next thing I know, I slammed into the back of a Chevy Astro Van.  Thank God no one was hurt.  But my truck.  Well.  It went out in a bang and I'm proud to say it was on its way to King Taco as its last destination.

She has served me the past ten years oh so faithfully.  I got it on October of 97.  Toyota of Cerritos at the Cerritos Auto Square.  It was a Saturday.  That night we all went to a youth rally at TFPC called "Celebration."  George from Solid did a special song and Pastor Charles Oh and Pastor Sam Park spoke.  DP (David Park) was the first person to ride in the extra cab and for the life of me I can't remember who sat in shotgun.

I drove my truck 24,000 miles the first year i had it.  It's been to countless retreat sites all up and down the San Bernadino mountains.  Its gone to Mexico for many mission trips.  It drove all around the mean streets of Ktown for two years.  I let my Green Pastures kids drive it one time and 15 mins later they come back with 10 of their homies all sitting in the bed of my truck. 

I've let many people learn how to drive stick on the super fast tacoma.  All 4-cylinders and 143 horsepowers of it.

This generation of Veritas may not appreciate it as the DP/Dave Cho-Hyun/Peter-Earl/Dale/Susan-Eddy/Bruce/David Wee/Connie generations... i must've talked about my truck in my sermons at least once a month while they were in the youth group.  Every time i go up to retreats to speak, i always mention my truck and it becomes its own little character. 

Not many of the Veritas kids ride in it.  I'm stinking always driving the church mini-van.  But Joyce and Cheese get to ride home in it.  The extra cab is always reserved for Cheese.

I loved taking it to Alfred Rhee's garage and see what stickers I could scrounge from TURBOIMPORTS.COM. 

My truck has also caused some minor drama.  The left side of my front bumper has been dinged up because a DOG HIT ME.  I love dogs.  I would never want to harm any canine creatures.  But once when i was going home and going south on Euclid, these two dogs were chasing one another and the one getting chased didn't see me and died a glorious death.  But fear not, the dog is now in doggy heaven,

I've also been hit up many times by Raiders fans because of my Raiders Sticker on the back.  But i've proved my mettle to the Raider Nation.  I once actually got quized by a raider fan because he thought i didnt know my raider stuff.  Of course I answered correctly.  And of course i was scared beyond belief.  But that's besides the point.  RAIDER NATION FOR LIFE.

My truck has been broken into at least 4 times.  CD's got stolen and one time when it was stolen, someone actually left a Mexican Christmas CD in my car.  Probably Raiders Fans.

And once in awhile I'll have some random trash in my bed.  Someone once poured a whole bag of dog food in the bed of my truck as a prank.  I was not amused.

I've also made a video with my truck for VBS.  We were called they Toyota Viper Team.  We battled against N.W.A.  Nissan With Attitude.

The first time i got my truck, I said a prayer of thanks and also asking God to use this truck for His glory.  Some 178,000 odd miles later, i believe with all my heart that it has fulfilled it's duty.

I never gave my tacoma a name.  It was always either "The almighty Tacoma" or the "super fast tacoma" or the "fastest car in fullerton."

But now it is no more.  Be good to whoever owns you.  I'm sorry if you're now going to be used for spare parts.  I tried my best.  Goodbye Tacoma. 

And Hello Pathfinder!  I have now joined N.W.A. 

So there you have it.  I have a new ride.  And like the Tacoma, I pray that the car will be used for God's glory.  It's a bit surreal but I'm loving the Pathfinder.  I haven't had power windows, keyless entry and a real trunk in ten years! 

Man took me a long time and who knew I had all these pictures of my truck.

Moving along, I want to give a shout-out to the Faith Community Blue Lightning Sisters Softball team.  They scrimmaged on Sunday and they won their game.  Richard Kong and I coached them from the beginning of the summer.  But we have now turned the keys over to coach Phil.  Good luck ladies.  Looking forward to hearing how you guys do.

Last but not least, Veritas... be ready... to beSTILL.