juicedogg's Xanga

Friday, February 29, 2008

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:42:17 GMT

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.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 07:39:28 GMT

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.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 05:30:06 GMT

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.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:06:56 GMT

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.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:36:29 GMT

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.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 05:39:10 GMT

What my summer looks like so far:

Starbucks and The Word. (Has anyone ever noticed how good starbucks water tastes? I swear they must spike it with something. I heard salt. But who knows?!?)

These kiddos

VBS

A lot of time with these brothers. Faith Community Korean Thunder. We play in a softball league with EV Free. Very very fun. We are in the semifinals in two weeks. I'm the coach/GM. And i love sunflower seeds. Teddy is not pictured. We also played in a tourney last Saturday. We went 1-0 against a church (Berean) and 0-2 versus... ummm... sort of churches but not really (Black Sheep and Tree of Life who incidentally played each other in the finals). We lost to Black Sheep 8-7. Game was called after two innings. That sucked. Tree of Life beat us 9-4. It was Alex Won's fault.

What I will be doing the rest of the summer:

beSTILL 2007. August 18-21. Can't can't wait.

Speaking at retreats. Veritas 8/18-21. Pastor David Chong's Santa Barbara Youth group 8/22-8/24. TFPC 8/24-8/26. Please pray for me.

Cheering for the Dodger Blue

Getting my knee fixed. My meniscus and ACL. Surgery is set for Fri August 31.

And spending time with this little booger. She's walking around everywhere now. Man I miss maddy like mad.

So there's my summer in a nutshell in case anyone was even remotely interested.

Welcome back to our Ecuador team. Great to have you back home.

Is it just me or am i the only one who thinks there's no new good music out these days.

I want to watch Transfomers again. And I can't wait till "Balls of Fury." Movie about Ping Pong. Good times.

I want to read Tony Dungy's book. I heard it's awesome.

USC football started already. The Joe McKnight era begins.

Raiders still haven't signed JaMarcus Russell. Retards.

Welcome home to good friends.

A Hunger for God by John Piper is good stuff.

We need to pray continually for our missionary brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. Enough is enough.

A verse that has encouraged me a lot these days: "For God satisfies the thirsty and the hungry He shall fill with what is good." - Psalm 107:9. Amen.

I start school in about one month. I miss King Taco near Old Town. I even miss studying. Who knew?

The Wire on HBO is an awesome show. I need to find season 4. And does anyone else watch this show? I need to talk to someone about it.

Goodbye for now. Have a nice day!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:59:48 GMT

A few random thoughts on my mind.

Please pray and help support our Ecuador Team. They are leaving tomorrow morning. This summer I am a "sender." I'm enjoying this role. I do miss going out on the "field" but God has allowed me to serve in this capacity. This is the first time in a long time that I will home this summer. That means I will be getting all baseball trades first and sending the news to Hyun in Ecuador. Sorry for that digression.

But I am so proud and excited for our team. It is a joy to serve them in prayer, support, and encouragement. "Blessed are the hands and feet of those who bring good news!"

One of the biggest joys of missions is seeing the team understand a little more about God and His heart for the people. That never grow old. I will miss that. But I praise God in advance for what He will do and show in the lives of our team. But I can't lie. I will miss seeing my buddies in Ecuador. If anyone on the Ecuador team is reading this, please say hi to Angel, Carlos, Rudy, Julio in Guayaquil and give my best to Sixto, Monica, Roberto and Malena in Quito.

This is Angel. He is my brother and my friend. And he's sporting the OKC gear! He serves as the Director for Compassion International in Guayaquil. His part of Guayaquil is called Guasmos. Toughest and unsafest part of the city. He serves and labors for God's kingdom. I am proud to call him my friend. I am proud to call him a co-laborer of Christ.

This is Carlos and his wife Alexandria. They are like family to me. They also live in the Guasmos part of Guayaquil. Ecuador Team 2007, please say hi to my friends for me!

Here is the team. Pray for them. July 16-August 2. For the Kingdom!

I also want to welcome back our Mexico team! Got a chance to visit them on Monday and Tuesday. Dale and I bought the team tacosfor dinner. 90 of them. The blessings of ministry! They worked and served and labored and ministered and read His word and prayed and ate and fellowshipped for the glory and Kingdom of God.

Good to have you home Mexico team.

Moving along...

I really enjoyed church today. From the beginning at our Veritas staff meeting to our service to leading small groups to eating kim-chee kook-bbap to EM service with praise led by Teddis and the sermon by Pastor Jae to playing softball afterwards and actually hitting a few and then eating sushi dinner with a few of the fellas. Good times.

A verse hit me today during devotionals: "because it is written, 'You Shall be Holy, for I am Holy." 1 Peter 1:16. We shall. Not a choice or option. But God is calling us to holiness. I am not perfect nor will I ever even be close to it. I am deeply imperfect. I am deeply unrighteous. Like Paul I feel like "chief among sinners." But. I am a sinner saved by His grace. I am the prodigal son whom the Father ran towards. I am the harlot who recognized her sins and could not help to worship and break the alabaster jar before the feet of Jesus. I will strive for Holiness. For He is Holy.

Today in small groups we talso alked about God's love. I asked the kids to spit out some words that come to mind when thinking of God's love. They spit out three. UNCONDITIONAL. HUMBLE. MERCY. We spent time meditating on those words. It really moved and stirred my heart. I was so blessed teaching and serving and leading small group today. I felt that I was the one who was reminded the most. It's been a long time since I lead small groups. I praise and thank God for the opportunity this summer.

Moving more along...

The dodgers swept the evil giants. Praise God.

Big ups to my homie PK. Went to his comedy show/contest on Thursday. He rocked the house. And he won the first place prize. Keep grinding it brother.

It's been way to long since I last saw Maddy. I need to see her soon.

The summer is going by super fast. It's already mid-July.

I have my first Dr.'s appointment in regards to my knee this Tuesday. I'm actually really excited to go. It's time to get this knee healed. I finally got all the insurance stuff worked out.

This summer's retreat theme: Psalm 46:10. August 18-21. BE THERE. BE STILL.

All right. That's it. Faith, hope, and love. Peace like a river.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 05:27:10 GMT

Here we go.

Very busy last couple of weeks. Even busier next couple of weeks. Good good times ahead. Graduations are done. VBS starts next week. Seniors last weekend in Veritas. New 7th graders come up next week. And our missions teams are in full swing with training.

This year I'm a sender and supporter. Feels different and weird. The joy of leading a team full of kids and seeing them know God more and know His heart for the people is an amazing and wonderful thing. And I am fully throwing myself to support the team the very best that I can. Through prayer, finances, little things, big things, and also getting out of the way.

I am super proud and excited for the leaders for the respective teams: Hyun and Earl. The teams are in good good hands. I'm super excited and proud for the staffers that are going. Allan, Biggie, Mia and Angela (A.K.A. MIANGELA) for Ecuador and Brucey, Sarah and Nikki for Mexico.

I am super excited and looking forward to see how God will use and grow our students. Albert, Jason, Timmy, Jonathan, Chunky, Vinsanity, Yejin, Stacy, Joann, Joyce and Alice for the Ecuador team. And Cheese, Fries, Kevin, Cilla, Elle, and Meeshie for Mexico. It's going to be a good summer.

Moving along, if all goes according to plan, I'm hoping to have my surgery by first week of July. So if i rehab diligently I hope to be up and running by March or April. Shawn Livingston feeling you!

I'm also going to summer school at Fuller starting in mid-July. Last time I took summer school, Arnold and I took Algebra II with Ms. Halbauer who later became Mrs. Klein. And umm.. that was like a few years ago.. back in 1991! Holy Crappers!

Dodgers are only 1/2 game out. NL West is super close. GO BLUE!!! And freaaaaaking Kobe. Trade him. Being a big-asteroid baby. Blow it all up and start over again.

Ok that was that. Here are some pics. Enjoy.

Cafe Nite. We raised $1800 on this fine event. EVERYONE worked really, really, really hard.

The MC's

The Super Juniors Featuring Animal

The Raffle Box and the gazillion tickets.

The kitchen homies

The Earl and Gslide in their normal, everyday moments.

Judy Featuring Facedown

So brothers featuring Gslide12. "REMIX!!!"

Teddis and Sean featuring Paul Lee

The Wiinner of the Wii. Boo. Roy Son. MC JUICEDOGG.

Praise team with Dale, Cpyo, Teddis and Glenn

Veritas Family Business

Kitchen crew

PROM 2007.

The brothers in front of the mansion

The group inside of the mansion/estate

Johnny and this guy in front of the mansion/estate/manor

Senior Fun Day on Memorial Day in Los Angeles. Lunch at Philipe's French Dip-Churros at Olvera-Starbucks at Hollywood and Highland-Ice Cream and Diddy Riese-Dinner at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.

Olvera Street and Hollywood and Highland

Big Hat for a Big Head

Mia with "Pirates" dude and "Awax"

Graduations. I went to seven in all. On Thursday my feet and legs were so tired from all the walking and standing. But very happy to see them all celebrate and enjoy the festivities.

Philip at Buena Park Jr. High

Phillip w/family and friend. And why is it in black and white?

Troy Boys

Sunny Hills. Hard to find everyone for picture. Everyone was spread out.

Parks Junior High

JP and Timmy. Go Dodgers.

Susan Hong's Surprise Bday. We got her good.

Glenn and Hyun wishing happy bday to susan. "That's classic"

The fellas with Susan

Veritas Youth Ministry. It's been a good year. Hard to believe it's gone so fast. Thank you staff for all the hard work and dedication.

Staff back in October

This is who we are

Alright. Last but not least, must share some Maddy pics. My sister and madeline were going to be down in So Cal this week but decided against it. But my moms is up there so happy for them. I miss Maddy a lot. She's walking now.

Family Picture

Walking Maddy

Dude she looks my what my sister looked like when she was a kid. crazyness.

Well that's it. Took me forever as usual. But twas fun. Have a great weekend everyone. Peace like a river.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Mon, 21 May 2007 06:48:10 GMT

Weddings Galore.

One of my former students, Luana Lee, recently got married. I've known Luana and Allan for quite some time now. I love them like their my own family. Was truly blessed and honored to not only be at Lu's wedding, but to be even a small part of her life. Congats again Lu.

The wedding was up near Big Bear. Felt like we were going to retreat. But not really.

Luana's brother Allan looking bored and upset. Haha.

The beautiful bride.

Luana and Chris

The Jungs: Eddy and Yuree with Allan and JP

One last picture with Lu and Chris.

Yesterday was Mark and Minah's wedding. Fun times. Very fun times. It was crazy DANCE PARTY OKC last night. I told myself and was pretty sure that I wasn't going to dance. But alas, the juicedogg went in. And two hours later, the juicedogg danced to his heart content on one leg.

Some fun things. Some interesting things. The wedding ceremony was great. The reception was good times. MCing was ok. I should of shared a Mark story. But just wanted to make the night as seamless and smooth as possible.

Before I share some pics, some random thoughts while we were all dancing:

- Wow this DJ's name is Josh Macintosh. Darn it he's not Philipino. Wow he's wearing a green vest. Darn it he has no vinyl just cd's. Wow he's really white. Wow everyone is dancing right now. Oh wait is he really playing trance music right now? Dang there's no one on the dance floor now. Dang he stinks. Is he really playing chubby checkers? Did Alex Won really request that? But it makes oh so perfect sense. Chubby Checkers meet Alex Won. Wow is he really playing these oldies from the 50's for like 20 straight minutes. Play that funky music white boy is not in the house tonite. Darn it he's not filipino.

- Dang all this dancing is fun again. Wow Glenn is doing his gslide12 again. Is that really just Glenn and Roy? Is that really just Earl, Bruce and Glenn? Feels like we're at a Veritas retreat minusbVanilla Ice as DJ. Wow lot of our church peeps are dancing. Darn it, the Bai cousins keep bumping into me. Wow David Troy got the moves tonite. Oh so this is the lean like a cholo song. God this song is retarded. Wow Troy is "loosening up his buttons." Is Roy really dancing in the corner all by himself? Man where are pinoy brothers when we need them on the 1's and 2's?!? Wow my leg hurts. Darn ACL. Oh wow the Humpty Dance is on. Darn Bai cousins keep bumping into me. I dont think they ever left the dance floor. Hmm where's Mark and Minah? Wow Alex Won and Debo should battle during Can't touch this. Man I wish i finished my filet.

- Oh wow it's 1030pm. Darn I'm tired. No site of the Bai cousings. Mark and Minah are dancing the last slow dance. Alex Chubby Checkers Won is requesting one more slow song. Wow no one is dancing beside Mark and Minah. Oh Wow, Dale requested the last slow song and it's I'll Make Love to you by Boys to Men. That's when you know the night needs to end.

Alright check out some pics:

Dr. Mark and Minah Bai.

Some of the fellers.

Mas and Juice. Both retired for good from Turkey Bowl. Much props to Thomas for hooking up the Disneyland Tix for our Cafe Nite Raffle.

"Rekindling the flames." Dale, Johnny and Susan.

The fellas.

The good Doctor and his wife with JP.

The Ladies.

Richardfield with his "little lady" Audrey.

Alright enough weddings.

Busy, busy, busy week ahead.

Please come to our Cafe Nite.

We are giving away a Wii for a raffle prize and 4 tix to Disneyland. $5 at the door. All proceeds go towards our Mexico and Ecuador summer missions teams.

We have great performances and acts by our students and special guests.

Silent Auctions such as free stick driving lessons on Paul Lee's brand new NIssan 350z and other great auctions.

Veritas Youth Ministry can't wait to perform and to serve all who attend.

And funnel cake. Starts at 630pm.

And finally.

My sister Helen and The Maddy will be here in less than a month. Can't wait to see them.

Peace like a river everyone and Go Dodgers!

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Sun, 13 May 2007 22:16:43 GMT

Please tell all your friends about our Cafe Nite.

Fun tmes in the city of Fullerton. Please come and support our missions team.

$5 at the door. Hope to see you there. Holla!