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Taken in Dallas, TX on 06.06.09
It is good to be back to Dallas and visiting my roots. I was afraid that it was going to be scorching hot since the summer months are the hottest. It has been six years since I have been back to Dallas and what I remember the most is how blazing hot it was in Texas. Although, for the past few days it is not as hot as I remembered it. I think it is because I have experienced even hotter climates when I lived in the Middle East and Thailand, which are very near the equator. While living there I would have to wear two shirts to hide all the sweat and take three showers each day. Here in Texas, it is mere dry heat with low humidity...paradise compared to before.
Sometimes in life I think times are tough but then later I go through even tougher times which makes the previous "rough times" appear to be Disney World. I think of people in the Bible who went through extreme tough times (e.g. Job, Paul, Peter) and think I should measure my "struggles" against theirs next time I am tempted to complain. Everything is a matter of perspective. Get the right perspective and life could be a joy. |
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Taken on 12/26/08 at the Fern Grotto on Kauai
Lately I have been getting really excited about our new journey to Korea. The unknown that awaits us in Seoul teases me with anticipation as I try to guess what is around the corner. I know people around me in Hawaii who have been at the same job for twenty years and they tell me how jealous they are that I get to experience this new journey. I tell them that if they know English and don’t mind teaching it, they can get a job anywhere in Asia and most parts of the world and make a difference in the lives of others. Their excuse is usually, “I’m too old” – “I don’t have money” - “I have never left the island” - I then spend the next five minutes trying to convince them otherwise.
Experiencing other cultures, learning languages, and meeting diverse people expands your horizons and gives you a more appropriate perspective on life. Being a foreigner from America in Asia gives you many unique opportunities and privileges that locals do not have. With those opportunities you can make a difference, impact lives, and help others grow. |
Taken on 12/28/08 in Hawaii
On the way to work this morning, I was listening to Francis Chan explain how people teach and live out the Bible. He was discussing how many people today read the Bible and teach topically rather than exegetically. You can choose any topic, even various forms of immorality, and segregate certain verses in the Bible to prove your point about the topic. Instead, we should read the passage of Scripture and discern what it is trying to teach. Many times, we have our own agenda and bias interpretation and are quick to conclude while passing our views to others.
As an analogy, in my last blog post I inserted my photograph of the beach and green shrubs and wrote on the message of the scene (exegesis) and today I wanted to talk about exegesis learning and teaching so I wrote this blurb and after, I chose this palm tree photograph to compliment it. For a blog...the method does not matter but when teaching the Bible...there is a big difference. |
taken in Hawaii on 12/29/08
Some time ago I was riding on a bus with my students on a beach/hiking field trip to the North Shore of Hawaii (e.g. photo above) when I saw this crazy plane wreckage on the beach! I was alarmed until I was told they were filming a new TV series, Lost. My wife and I saw an episode last night and it showed the character background of Miles, the young Japanese guy. Miles sometimes reminds me of myself in terms of his selfish ambitions and punk style. In this episode he was being recruited by Whitmore to go to the island for over a million dollars. Then this other guy comes and tells him that Whitmore is a bad guy and to work for him instead. Miles response was, "I'll work for you if you double my money." The guy told Miles his heart was in the wrong place and he was on the wrong side; "We are the good guys."
It got me thinking...I know I chose the right side, God's...but am I trying to live on the right side? Often times this world temps, distracts, and tricks me into doing actions for the other side. I must remember that everyday is a battle and in the end, we win. "And whatever you do, whether by speech or action, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 |
Taken on Kauai on 12/25/2008
After taking a second look at this picture I took, it reminded me that we are all have different personalities and interests. Some of our outward appearances and actions stand out more like bright colors, although we can still find common ground in our belief in Christ when you least expect it. So many times people judge one another based on appearances and forget that God has created us all differently with no cookie cutter.
The real question is, "Are we glorifying God through our unique diversity?"
"Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; verily, I have made him." Is 43:7 |
Taken at HNL airport on 12/22/2008
When the funds come in, we will soon be purchasing our plane tickets as we move to Seoul, Korea. It has been almost a year since moving from Thailand to Hawaii but now God is moving us to the mission's field again, earlier than expected. It is fun being in the will of God, although it really tries your faith. We has been praying for five months for God to provide a position for next year. To be honest, I was losing all hope and found myself wanting to doubt that God would come through and try to take things into my own hands. But God came through! Again! And now I feel shame for doubting.
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14 |
Taken on 12/16/08 in Kuaui
 Last night after I watched the Steelers hijack a victory away from the Cardinals, who I was vigorously cheering for, in the last seconds of the game…I suggested to everyone we play our favorite card game, trumps, to take our minds off the defeat. It made me realize that sometimes we try to distract ourselves from reality.
I was notified a couple months ago that my department at studio I work would be cut at the end of the school year due to budget cuts and lack of funding. After hearing devastating news like this I was in disbelief and denial. I tried to ignore it and distract myself. It wasn’t working. But after talking to my friend who was in a similar position, I was encouraged. He had such a positive perspective about his situation and believed God had something better waiting for him around the corner. I adapted this outlook as my own and now trusting God to the max these days. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6
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Taken on Kuaui on 12/20/08
When I see all these negative changes whirling around me and doors closing, it beckons me to reconsider my current geographic location. I know God wanted us in Hawaii for a time but not sure how long. I don’t want to jump to conclusions but I am beginning to think the doors are closing around me in Hawaii for a reason. I just need to wait and see what doors open as I investigate both here and overseas. Life changing decisions are tough but in the past, they have always rocked my world for the better. It’s all about obedience.
The Hebrew word for obedience is shama - "to hear, listen, obey." No matter if I like it or not…I hear the noise but to listen I have to keep in tune and translate the message. Then to obey! That is the difference maker and hard to do…especially when I don’t like the message.
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Mon 26 Jan 2009 |
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Personal Economy Infliction |
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Taken on Kuaui on 12/22/08
If I did not have a solid anchor in my life I would totally lose it in times like these. --
One of my jobs is a photographer at a studio in Honolulu but last week at a staff meeting, we all were given the discouraging news that the studio would be closing at the location because of the poor economy. I had been enjoying photographing couples, families, and fashion while learning a lot about studio lighting and composition. I definitely want to continue to pursue photography but need to brainstorm my next step. It has been frustrating because this is the second time over the past few months that I lost a job because of the recession. Proverbs 2:5 is my anchor and keeps me tied securely to the foundation:
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!" |
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Malia's Blog
Not only do we need to be reminded of God's gift of grace to us unworthy sinners, we also need to extend that grace to others in our lives. This isn't new news, but we too often forget it nonetheless. |
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