Another Celebration...

Congratulations to Sam and Tivian!

It was great to see Tivian walk down the aisle this past Saturday. As I saw her in a wedding dress, I thought to myself, "Wow, she is all grown up! She is definitely a gem." Tivian, it's been great to see how much you've grown ever since I first met you in high school. You have a beautiful heart, a beautiful personality, and a beautiful spirit. I still can't believe you're married! But I'm so glad you have married a great quality fella, Mr. Sam Nguyen. Sam, you're a man of God who seeks the Lord with all your heart, so I know that you will love and lead Tivian well. I'm excited for you two! You two are a testimony of how love is patient. I believe you have exemplified that attribute of love to the utmost in the midst of difficult trials. Thanks for allowing me to serve you with your wedding. It's been an honor to help you out. May God bless your life together with His abundance of love, grace, and joy. Congrats!

Some things I'm looking forward to while in Japan...

Sushiro - 105 yen sushi


And Sushiro pudding. I can't forget that.


Ah yes...Haagan Dazs Tiramisu, how I miss thee.


Never been to Nagano in the winter...


So hopefully I'm looking forward to some of this in Nagano!


The last time I went to Tama Zoo, I only could go for one hour. This time I hope to have more than one hour to see all the animals. I hope they aren't hibernating.


Okonomiyaki is delicious.


Riding the Shinkansen. One of the coolest trains invented.


Kirin draft beer. Japanese beer tastes so much better on tap.


Ichiran - aka "Peep Show Ramen"


Seeing my Japanese friends and Tokyo staff team.


Last, but not least, spending quality time with this wonderful gal, Joanna!

Japan, here I come! Yatta!!!

A Month Recap...

I know, I know. I haven't updated my blog since October 8. Here's a little recap of the past month in my busy life.


Every year, the Sunland Navigators have a Road Rally. The purpose is to "Go somewhere with some friends and do something for someone else." This year, we went back to Las Vegas again and helped several non-profit organizations. Even though University of Arizona and Arizona State University didn't participate with us, the California schools (UCI, UCLA, UCSD, SDSU, CSULB, and Cal Poly SLO) had a blast serving the Las Vegas community.

Most of the UCLA students and 1 CSULB student served New Life Christian Center. We helped them shampoo the carpets, mop the floors, organize many shelves and storage rooms, dust, vacuum, clean the kitchen, pick up trash, and the list goes on. Even though some students expected to help feed the homeless, I was encouraged by their attitudes in serving this local church by doing some "fall cleaning."

We all slept in a local church's worship center. The guys slept on one side, the girls on the other. It's a Navigator event, we gotta make sure we regulate. =)

Masashi is a UCLA foreign exchange student from Japan. He's been coming out to Navigators and he really enjoys meeting new people. I was encouraged that he wanted to come to Las Vegas. He said even though he didn't help the homeless, which he really wanted to do, he had a great time meeting new people from different schools. I really enjoy his friendship and I hope we will continue to know each other better.

James Tsang is the fearless UCLA campus director. He has been stretched so much in taking on this new role as campus director, yet I trust that the Lord is teaching him how to lead well. One day, we so happened to wear similar clothing. Yuck.


Peter (left) and Cody (right) had their first experience in eating Korean BBQ. Even though Cody has a serious face, he really did enjoy his meat feast. I know I did. Meat is good.



I was in St. Louis for a week for my Edge Summit and the Navigators National Conference from Oct 29 - Nov 5. Of course I saw the infamous 630 ft. Arch.



The first couple of days, I had my Edge Summit and it was good to see my fellow Edge classmates. Can you find me?


While being in the Midwest, I finally realized that Southern California lacks seasons, especially fall. I never saw such beautiful colors from tree leaves. All I see are green or brown leaves in Southern California. But in the Midwest, I see not only green, but red, orange, and yellow. I miss the Midwest/East because of its fall colors.



Keigo and Ayumi came to visit California this past week and it was fun to see them. Unfortunately, I only got to spend time with them on Monday and the weekend. I wished I could have hung out with them the whole week, but I had a busy schedule at UCLA. We're at Coffee Bean early in the morning before going to LAX on Sunday. They are currently in Arizona, hoping to see the Grand Canyon. Then they're visiting New York for several days.

Not only did Keigo and Ayumi visit, but also some Arizona friends. Ariel, Mike, and Meaghan. It was good to see them as well. Ariel and Meaghan were on my SIJ team for the summer in Japan and these two are quality women. I'm glad they have quality boyfriends who know how to lead and pursue them well. Mike went to Japan last summer with SIJ as well. He's a quality guy too.


But do you know who I'm really excited to see in December for two weeks? This silly girl. Yep, I'm gonna go to Japan and visit Joanna during the winter break. I'm pretty pumped about it. I can't wait! You can call me crazy for flying to Japan to see her, but Joanna is worth it. She has truly been a blessing in my life and I can't tell you how wonderful she is. I've never met someone so gracious, thoughtful, considerate, and understanding as she is. God definitely hooked me up with a sweet gift that I don't deserve. Joanna, you rock my socks off!


That's my update, and hopefully it doesn't take me another month or so to update again. If it does, then sorry in advance. =)

Jesus, I Come to Thee

Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into thy freedom, gladness and light,
Jesus, I come to thee.
Out of my sickness into thy health,
Out of my wanting and into thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into thyself,
Jesus, I come to thee.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into the glorious gain of thy cross,
Jesus, I come to thee.
Out of earth's sorrows into thy balm,
Out of life's storms and into thy calm,
Out of distress into jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to thee.
Out of myself to dwell in thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward forever on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come; Jesus I come.
Into the joy and light of thy home
Jesus, I come to thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of thy sheltering fold,
Ever thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to thee.

I heard this hymn in church this past Sunday and initially I was excited cause it was hymn. I've been liking hymns a lot more these days. I liked this hymn so much that I was trying to find a recording of the song so that I wouldn't forget the tune. Fortunately I found a sample recording. When it comes to music, I generally listen to the music first, then the lyrics. Some people look for lyrics first when it comes to music. For me, the tune is something that attracts me first.

But after hearing this song over and over, I realized that the lyrics were more beautiful to me than the music (granted I think the music is great). This hymn beautifully portrays the truth that there is freedom in coming to Jesus. I'm free from performance, free from making myself look good, free from cleaning myself up. I don't need to prove anything to Jesus. I never did. He just asks me to come and He'll take care of the rest. Only when I come into Jesus with brokenness and humility, will I ever experience the true freedom He graciously lavishes upon me.

Jesus, I come to Thee...

A Good Reminder

During my senior in high school, my friend (Justin) and I were student aides for the special education class. I got to know one student named Sasan, who's in the picture above. Couple days ago, I was walking towards Office Depot and I saw Sasan out of the corner of my eye. I glanced at him for awhile just to make sure it was him. It definitely was. I remember thinking if I should go out of my way and say hi to him or not. I almost gave into what most people would do; just notice someone they know, then just walk away. But, I'm really glad that I was able to give up what I was doing and say hi to Sasan. I was really surprised that he actually remembered me. Just seeing him smile made me smile as well. I remember feeling like I was valued by him cause he asked questions about me. He was relational. He was genuine. He was real.

I wonder how many people walk by him and think he's under-privileged, physically challenged, or sadly to say, mentally-retarded? I am convicted of how I can be that person, how I can be quick to judge someone by "the cover of his/her book." Sasan was a reminder for me that some of the coolest, most genuine people are those I immediately cast judgment or brush away cause either they look differently, act differently, or think differently than me.

I am so glad I saw Sasan. It was good to see him. I remember walking away filled with joy. I was satisfied. I could tell that his physical condition didn't slow him down or discourage him. He's 22 wanting to pursue art, photography, and travel at the same time. So possibly he wants to work for National Geographic. He's definitely enjoying life.

Thanks Sasan for teaching and reminding me of these valuable lessons in life.

I give you...

The Planet Earth Groupie

Anybody is welcomed to join.
The more, the merrier.
Come join the fun.

Everything's Right - Matt Wertz

This song I've been playing non-stop and definitely a car song. I don't think I'll ever get sick of it. It's so beautifully composed and all the instruments gel together. The electric guitar and drums are not too overpowering. The keys dance lightly in the background. The bass gives the deep richness. The background vocals fill in the gaps. The clapping keeps the groovy beat goin'. Indeed,

Everything's Right

Windows down as the night blows in
Tap the beat on the wheel as the tires spin
Until we're there crank the radio
We'll join in with the songs we know
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Smiles light up as we walk in
Old conversations begin again
Nostalgia's thick as the August air
It takes us back to a time when we didn't care, we didn't care
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Oh, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Everything's right...

Favorite Image

So I finally finished the whole series of Planet Earth and there were so many quality images and videos. But my favorite one is this:



This is a Great White Shark hunting for a seal and usually the attack only lasts for a second. I watched the diaries section how the camera man was able to delay the Great White Shark's one second attack. He used a special camera that would explode the one second attack into 40 seconds. I could see everything: the shark jumping out of the water, the water splashing, the shark widening its mouth, the seal flying in the air, the shark catching the hopeless seal with its jaws, the shark diving back into the water, the water splashing again. This was probably the best film footage of the whole series cause everything was slow-mo, which depicted every detail in one second. How cool is that!


Last Saturday I helped my Mom with her sale to the public. If you don't know, she's been in the silk flower business for about 20 years. (www.jennysilks.com) She's a trooper. I met one of her employees and his name is also Mike/Michael. So, my Mom doesn't call me Mikey, she calls me Michael. Since we both had the same names, she asks Michael (not me) if he has other nicknames. He said people call him Mickey, but only family. Then my Mom decides to call him Mickey out of the blue. I look at him, he has a smirk, then I start laughing. I guess my Mom decided for herself that she is family as well. So everytime my Mom would call for "Mickey," I would laugh. I forget that my Mom can be hilarious at times, especially when she doesn't mean to be funny. Those are the best.


I got to know Mike a little bit and I found out that he snowboards. So we talked about that for awhile and he goes to Big Bear for snowboarding. I shared with him about how I worked there part time for the past 2 seasons and mentioned he should do it. I hope to snowboard with him, that would be fun. But after talking with him about snowboarding, I've been longing for snow in the midst of this hot weather. I've been longing to go on the slopes and just shred the mountains. I told Mike, "Man, you make me wanna go snowboarding now."

Eagerly waiting....

Nature Boy At Heart

I've always loved nature. There's something about nature that connects you with the supernatural. Yet ever since I got back from Japan, I've been more in tuned with nature than ever before. I've been wanting to buy the dvd series of Planet Earth. So as I was waiting for my pictures to be developed at Costco, I started browsing around inside. And there she was:


I ended up buying the dvd series and I've been blown away of how beautiful and how rich the earth is. It's AMAZING. God is such a unique and talented Creator. He is SO creative. There are places that I'd never imagine existed and so many, I mean so many cool looking animals that make me say, "WOW, no way!" and "Yea, Evolutionists, try explaining this animal!"

Even though the dvd series cost me $51.99, it was worth every penny. If you're looking to invest in something, then invest in this dvd series. If you don't, then I guarantee you'll regret it. If you're a visual person like me, then without a doubt, you'll love this beautiful documentary of the earth. It's breath-taking.


Speaking of nature, I saw this beautiful sunset as I was driving back home from Costco. I had to take pictures of it cause sunsets like these don't happen everyday. (That's why I always take my camera with me cause I don't like missing opportunities of capturing/savoring the moment) So I parked my car on the side of the road with my hazards on and stood on the sidewalk watching the bright orange-yellow sun slowly disappear into the horizon until the sun was no more. Simply captivating...

Kids

Something that I'm starting to do is to writing down highlights of my day. It helps me remember the good memories.


I thought I'd share one highlight from last Friday.


Today as I was spending time with the Lord and journaling, I remembered Allison Lee at Beracah and Rachel's wedding. After the ceremony, everyone was hanging around. I was sitting in the front row talking with my friend, Janet, about Japan and out of my peripheral vision, I see Allison on the stage. She grabs the communion cup on the mantle, but she doesn't realize there's white grape juice in it. So she totally spills white grape juice all over her white dress. I immediately go over and look around for a towel. Good thing there was a small white towel on the mantle. As I was helping her dry off I said to her, "Yea Allison, you didn't know there was grape juice inside huh?" She looked at me and said slowly with a smile, "I like grape juice." I chuckled a little. That just made my day. I don't know if she said that cause she knew she might have been in trouble or if I was going to correct her. Regardless, it was cute.


I think I'm coming to like kids between the ages of 3-5 more cause they say the funniest things at the right times or when most needed. Though kids can be annoying or irritating at times, they are so precious. Kids make me remember how Jesus loves little children and I wonder why? Why does Jesus say little children will inherit the kingdom of heaven? Why does Jesus say that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all? I have some thoughts, but I'm curious to know what others think about this. I'm all ears.

One Wedding Down....One More to Go...

Congratulations to Rachel and Beracah!!!

Alright, so I arrived back in America August 7 and I knew I was playing music in Beracah and Rachel's Wedding on August 10. I was told that I was playing with Beracah's friend, Jesse Davy, but I never met him or practiced with him before. So, with that said, I was feeling a little eerie if the music was going to flow well on the wedding day.

I met Jesse, a fellow Nebraskan, on Thursday (August 9) for the wedding rehearsal and I remember saying, "Well, shall we practice a little?" And the moment we began to play guitar and sing together, it was bliss. Man, Jesse was a gift from God. I never felt so refreshed musically in a long, long time. It was just fun jamming with him. We had this groove connection that words can't really describe or explain. Only the music can. I almost thought of asking him to quit his job and we should pair up and perform in weddings. Ha, it's crazy that I even thought of it. For meeting Jesse this first time on Thursday and performing music with him the next day, I was very impressed. Thanks Jesse for being a refreshment to my soul. You were very much needed.


Then how can I forget my good friend Justin Wong, the violinst. It was good playing with him again; it reminded me of the good ole times playing together at Sunland Navigator Conferences. I've learned to appreciate the violin cause it adds this soothing aroma to music. I regret not continuing with the violin cause I thought it wasn't cool.


The songs Jesse, Justin, and I played were: For the Love of God (we had some sweet harmony,) I Will Not Take My Love Away, Your Love Is Deep, and In Christ Alone.

It was my first time in awhile seeing the Lee kiddos. When I saw Abby, I couldn't believe my eyes. She grew up FAST. I looked at her and thought, wow, I'm getting old cause Abby's all grown up. But, Abby Lee reminded me of Abbie Rood. I miss the Rood kiddos. I hope Abby and Abbie will meet one day face to face.

I like this picture of Allison aka Allie. She looks like she just took a bunch of Dramamine.

The reception took place in Balboa Park at the Japanese Friendship Tea Garden. I thought it was ironic that I came back from Japan and now I'm in some Japanese Tea Garden. It didn't look like Japan though, that's for sure. It could never capture the beauty of Japan. But I'll give an E for effort to whoever designed this garden. I saw some water and thought there was an onsen. Turns out it was a pond full of fat Koi fish. I still wanted to jump in though.









As I was leaving the reception, I took this picture and for some reason, I think it captures where I am at the moment. Since being back, I feel like this white linen-clothed table. I feel like not spending the energy to initiate with people. I just want to be alone some times. Everything around me seems so black, so foreign, so different. I find myself so quick to judge the American culture or people around me cause I've been used to the Japanese culture and people. Right now I'm not feeling excited to go back to LA. Right now I'm not feeling excited about UCLA ministry. Right now I'm not feeling excited about fundraising. I hope my attitude will change soon, Lord willing. I wish my excitement for UCLA and fundraising would change right now as I type, but that's not most likely going to happen. If you remember, please pray that I will adjust to life here in California smoothly and quickly. If you have been praying, then thanks. I appreciate them a lot.

I'm back in California...

but it feels so weird. I feel like I'm visiting LA, then going back to Japan in a couple of days. I miss my Japanese friends, my team, the staff. I miss everyone right now.

John Lee

As I reflect back on my Ooshima trip last weekend, I am completely encouraged. On Saturday night, we had the opportunity to share anything about John Lee. I felt that I learned more about John from what other people shared than what I shared, especially the Japanese students who witnessed John's death. But in particular, I enjoyed what Ariel shared. Why? Because even though she never met or talked with John before, she felt like she knew him through a good friend. I was encouraged, probably more impressed by the fact that John influenced Ariel through a mutual friend. And that got me thinking of how I want my life to be like that. For me, a full life is of many things, such as being with Jesus, living out His Kingdom, cultivating good relationships and friendship, and taking risks. But I think there is another important value I am continually growing in, and that is to be influential or impactful towards other people, to have influence in people's lives, to speak into people's lives. As I think about John, I believe he lived that life, a life of influence. When I see John, I see Jesus and the Kingdom of God displayed. I'm not expecting to be like John, and I don't want to. There will only be one John Lee, but there are things I can learn from him, such as servanthood, generosity, and chivalry. John Lee was indeed a good man. I sure do miss him. I miss being around him, enjoying his company, eating Katsu curry at his home, snowboarding together, fishing together. John just knew how to have a good time. But, he is at a better place now. He is dwelling with the God of the Universe forever. He is forever protected from the Enemy. He is made complete. His joy is fulfilled. I long to see him soon one day.