Rejoice Always Period April 30, 2002
Posted by yuling in Journey.2 comments
In the span of two days, I think I've experienced two of the most traumatic experiences in my life. In my previous blog, I mentioned my involvement in a car accident. A total loss of control with far reaching consequences: good and bad. Luckily the rates on my insurance will not go up, however, I will have to pay for most of the damages (minus the deductible). In spite of the monetary distress, the true concern is geared towards the question of meaning. What meaning was there to that accident? How can I find joy in such situations? (Phillians 4:4-7)
The first day of school begins tomorrow and already I see signs of slacking… I only have one class in the morning (the temptation to skip is just so great!). Again, I'm repeatedly asking myself such questions like: "How I can live a joyful, worshipful life?", and "Why does it take such a dreadful event to wake me up from my christian-life slumber?" In any case, I thank God that I'm still alive and that I can live out my life with a spirit that reflects his love. God Is Good. All The Time.
"When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is clean."
- Leviticus 13:40
Well now, I have explained the first traumatic experience in the past two days… however, the second one is a little more light-hearted. Yes…. I shaved my head. I let Clara shave my head monday night (she says "hi") and it's actually a decent job too (as far as shaving heads go..). This whole escapade started off last year when the two of us made a bet: She would let her hair grow for a year and I would have to shave my own hair. True to my word, as she didn't cut her hair (except for light trims now and then), I was willing to let her make a monk out of me.
I truly feared for my life that night. I have let other friends cut my hair before, so I'm generally comfortable in trusting others to do a decent job of cutting my hair. Clara on the other hand, was giggling so uncontrollably that I was afraid she would stab me with the scissors. What is a little anxiety between friends? =)
Now, in going through the bible… looking for verses of consolation, I came across Leviticus 13:40. Typing the word hair in Bible Gateway generates an abundant amount of verses (mostly in Levitius). In finding this verse, I was happy enough to actually find an admirable quality that is tied in to being bald. (Just don't ask about the context… chapter title – Regulations About Infectious Skin Diseases… haha. Remember, therse should be one interpretation of the verses, while there are many applications)
Cleanliness is next to Godliness. This proverb is known to many, however, when do we truly think about it's relevance? To be a clean christian, I believe we should rid ourselves from the pollutants of the world. There are many worldly things that will infect our minds and our hearts. I'm not saying that we should rid ourselves of everything that can possibly lead to polluted thoughts, however, it is worth considering what worldly things can make you especially easy to tainted ideals. I believe that we can do our part by filtering the unclealiness of the world out of our minds and to actively stay away from the harmful behaviours of the world.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is?his good, pleasing and perfect will."
- Romans 12:2
Tune in tomorrow for the first day of school as I try to explain the finer points of collecting DVDs.
When Life throws you Lemons, make Lemonade April 29, 2002
Posted by yuling in Journey.1 comment so far
I have failed again to update my blog on a daily basis. Another one of my goals slowly deteriorating into a state of procrastinated goo. Well, that being said, I have a rather legit reason why I didn't make Sunday's post…. I was involved in a car accident.
Yes, if you had listened to 680 news on sunday around 5-9 pm, there was a five car collision on the express just west of Keele. I was the last car in that accident. Luckily, no one was hurt. Let me set up the situation for you.
It's quarter past five and I'm in the fast lane on the express heading towards Brampton (dinner at Ken's house). The rain was coming down pretty hard and the traffic was moving rather slowly (I was in fourth gear on my VW Golf… moving at approx. 80 km). Suddenly, the car in front of me tried to break. I could see that something was wrong because he was slipping all over the place and then he swerved to the curb. I attempted to break yet I just kept on sliding. Trying to turn my car would not work either, and eventually my car slammed into the one in front of me.
In driving a VW Golf, I had the great fortune to hit a Ford Expedition. That car's bumper is so high that it's around the height of the top of my hood. Because of that, the front part of my car is literally totalled. The body should be intact but the hood (and possibly the radiator) will need a complete overhaul. The car shop estimates the damage to be at least three-four thousand dollars. And that's not including the damage on the Expedition (although there was hardly a scratch on that car, go figure).
You know, I don't think I had ever experienced such a total loss of control in my life. I mean, I honestly tried everything to avoid the crash. I even had plenty of room between me and the car in front, and yet the road was so slippery that no matter what I did, I just ended up slamming into that car.
Typically enough, as soon as I hit that car, I experience different levels of anger, anxiety, fear, and depression. Yet, when my head finally cleared from these emotions, I only thought about one thing…. the sermon that was given the same day. Strange, however, rather appropriate. The sermon was aptly titled Rejoice Always.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:4-7
The message was to find joy in the Lord in everything that we do. In any situation, in any circumstance, to remain joyful in the Lord. What a way to get my attention eh? All things considered, I'm thankful for what happened. With the new term starting, I was very tempted to drag on with the same attitude in socializing, studying, and serving. I believe this was very much a wake up call… a call to get my act in gear.
Well, awe-inspiring situations aside, my new found troubles with insurance, etc. will cause a great headache for quite some time. To make matters worst, I'll be seeing a doctor tomorrow morning… I'm feeling sore in certain places and I really hope it's nothing serious. Please pray that I can overcome this burden and that I can be renewed in serving Christ.
Good Ol’ Malt Shop Memories April 28, 2002
Posted by yuling in Music.1 comment so far
I thought I would be the only person writing a musical blog today… but it seems that Lydia beat me to the punch with her citing lyrics from The Turtle's So Happy Together. That's okay, I'll just add to this musical dialogue.
You know, looking back at my childhood, I find renewed thankfulness in the way that my parents have brought me up… especially when it comes to music. Although I absolutely detested playing both the piano and the violin, I can truly say that I appreciate the musicality of both instruments. My parent are both avid classical music lovers. So, naturally, I was brought up to the pieces of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Yet, my parents being the flower children of the 70s also loved many other types of music aptly named the oldies. Anything from folk-like musicians (ie. Peter, Paul & Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, Bread), 50's tunes (The Platters, The Everly Brothers, Nat King Cole), and many other fondly remembered tunes.
I think my own tastes in music have slowly evolved… as it will until I am an old man I'm sure. Presently I'm finding jazz to be a very wonderful style of music that I'm exploring on the piano. I still listen to the radio (internet radio), keeping up with the new contemporary styles. And yes, I still have a fancy for classical music and the oldies. It's funny, because I have a particular style of oldies music that I keep especially close to my heart… The Malt Shop Memories.
The Malt Shop style isn't very clearly define… however, it tend to be the sweet sounding jukebox-like songs from way back. I'm not too sure exactly when this particular music genre began to creep into my mind, but I can say that I absolutely love it! Songs like Dream Lover (Bobby Darin), Earth Angel (The Penguins), and Sixteen Reasons (Connie Stevens) can always put a smile on my face. Perhaps that is why I enjoy the malt shop style so much. It's a type of song that makes you feel like you're looking out the window on a clear spring day and just having such a huge sense of goodness well up inside of you.
Sigh… like I told some people before, I was meant for the 50s (of course I would have to be a swinging-single white guy to enjoy it… much like the Fonz). Man, I'm only 21 and already I'm feeling nostalgic about a time that I had never witness.
On a totally new topic, last night was fun. Good times, good movie, good friends. Too bad there wasn't any noodle salad. Waking up this morning and heading to the CC worship practice was rather taxing on the body… but enjoyable nonetheless. Everything's coming together and I encourage you guys to keep CC in your prayers.
Tune in tomorrow when I will describe the great love a man has for his hair.
An Open Letter to Girls April 26, 2002
Posted by yuling in Confession, Relationships.1 comment so far
Carolyn Burham: Are you trying to look unattractive?
Jane: Yes.
Carolyn Burnham: Well, congratulations. You've succeeded admirably.
- American Beauty
Ah… the eyes post number two. I just can't get away from these type of issues =). In a previous blog, I mentioned why it's inappropriate to even look at a girl with sexual intentions. As men, this is truly one the hardest disciplines to keep. Yet, we can reap great rewards if we maintain this form of sexual purity. I am certain that our worship, devotions, and fellowship can only deepen in the Lord if we refrain from such actions (Remember Job 31). However, in this scankified world, how can we not help but notice the visions of loveliness swaggering around in front of us.
It's certainly hard to be a godly man in this day and age. It's even harder for such a man to defy the norm and will make a convenant with his eyes, not to look lustfully at a girl. Now take such a man, who has dared to make such a promise, and put him in our culture today where even the sistas from his church are dressing more provocatively. What an uphill battle this man must overcome.
Now, I recognize that the issue at hand is the desire to lust. However, this blog is a general plead to women for understanding. A man has a hard enough time with attraction and lust… sigh, and sexy outfits can only aggravate the situation. Please understand that when you dress up to get noticed… guys WILL notice. However, the attention you're getting is short-lived, and based solely on physical attraction. Look at what Peter has to say:
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
- 1 Peter 3:3,4
My prayer is that we can all be loved for our inner beauty instead of being lusted for our outer attraction. There's a tendency for men and women to dress to impress. Some people will understand the folly of this thinking, and later on in life will gravitate towards a better understanding of these issues. Yet for now, while in the midst of university, we should all be on guard and to deal with temptation appropriately. Whether that temptation is "just to look", or "just to look nice", I hope we understand what is the proper thing to do.
I'll leave off with this letter from the six guys of the girl-fronted pop/punk band Superchic[k]. It ran in Campus Life last year, and it offers a truly awesome view as to what a guy really wants:
An Open Letter to Girls from the Boys of Superchic[k]
I'm sure most of you have figured out that the sexier you dress, the more attention you get. But even though that attention can feel good, it's really not good for you. Everyone deserves to be loved, not lusted over. When you dress to impress, guys notice, but when you try to live a life that's honoring to Christ, a whole different set of guys notice. You just can't tell, cause they're not going to look you up and down. Instead of thinking about you with no clothes on, they're thinking about you in your wedding dress. Instead of one night of sex, they're thinking about what it would be like to grow old with you. Instead of wondering if you're a cheap date, they wonder if you're gonna be a good mom.So if you're feeling left out cause you don't show off your body, you don't date yet, or if you're thinking about taking it a little easier on us guys by dressing a touch more conservatively, I promise you're going to get noticed. In fact, I can name at least five skateboarding, guitar playing, skydiving, motorcycle riding, snowboarding, rock climbing guys in this band who are going to think you're the bomb.
That's an attitude I truly admire. A mentality I would like to pursue. Knowledge from a pop band. Insight given by God =).
Tune in tomorrow when work is officially over and the Michael Bay movie marathon is just getting started!
Evil Knievel April 25, 2002
Posted by yuling in Theology.add a comment
I haven't had time to even fix up by guestbook and already Emily has posed a rather intriguing question =). And to think I was going to write another manly slanted view about life's little quirks. Her question has to do with evil… whether I believe that man is inherently good (like I mentioned in my previous entry), or that we are inherently bad yet it would be nice to be born good. Interesting… no?
If we go to Genesis chapter 2:9, we can see the word evil for the very first time in the bible.
And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground-trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
There are many questions that I have asked myself regarding this passage. Does this passage imply that we as human beings were created by God to have no knowledge of good or evil? Yet, in the eating from that tree of knowledge, we are now plagued by the problem of evil? So how can Eve have been tempted if she possessed no evil intentions? This is a rather vicious circular argument… and I'm sure that the person with the best philosophical and/or english education can out-argue the rest of us.
I'm trying not to ask questions such as "Why would a loving God allow evil to enter our world in this way", or "Did God create evil". These type of questions are certainly very interesting… and theologically important to understand. However, I truly wonder about the motive behind such questions. Why do we truly want to know whether men are inherently good or evil? Why do we want to know why God allows evil to run rampant across the world? I think we tend to ask these questions in order to trap each other and thus have a right to accuse one another of falsehood.
John 8:6 "They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him."
I pray that we have enough faith to trust in God to answer these questions. Answers that may help our fellow brothers and sisters who are struggling with these questions. Answers that may be given to the seekers. Have faith that He will provide. So now, in my own roundabout way, I have actually totally ignored the question posed by Emily =).
Here's my straight up answer. I believe that God created everything to be good. However, when he created human beings, being a truly loving God, he gave us the gift of free will. By having free will, we can choose to love Him, or to run away. This gift of free will is truly remarkable because our Lord has dared to bestow a quality in us that might lead to a direct defiance of His will.
Basically, he created us… and it was good. Yet, we possess the capacity to defy God. By defying God, we are choosing to become evil. And that is where evil has come to haunt our lives.
Wow… definitely a topic that merits discussion. Tune in tomorrow where we talk about lighter things… like pretty stories that takes place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Good times. Noodle salad. =)
It’s Groundhog Day! April 24, 2002
Posted by yuling in Movies.add a comment
Well, my parents are official on a plane to the Mediterranean. They should be taking the 3 pm flight to Barcelona (I think), and then they and the many other uncles/aunties will be pampered royally on a cruise ship for 11 days (all expenses paid trip, drinks not included). As you can imagine, last nite was rather hectic… so I was unable to post my thoughts.
As promised, here's my pseudo review for the movie Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day is a romantic comedy starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and directed by Harold Ramis. Certainly, this is a formulaic romantic comedy: boy meets girl, boy likes girl, boy gets girl. However, the movie does add an unsual twist to the plot. Phil Connors (played by Murray) is a weatherman doomed to repeat the same day over and over again. He falls for his producer Rita (played by MacDowell) and he finds his neverending day to become a living hell where he must literally live the same day forever.
I'm sure we all appreciate a little romance/comedy now and again. I would even dare to say that we crave for such typical genre-based films because we want the couple to fall in love. Although I can usually guess the outcome of such movies, I still find great joy when two people meet and fall in love in these cute little melodramas. I believe that we as people, would like to see good things happen to each other… it's a basic human characteristic to want to do good (much like the other human characteristic… to sin, but I'm not gonna touch that with a 10 foot pole).
Groundhog Day came off as a surprising hit in the early 90s. It has grown in the hearts of audiences everywhere… to the point where many world religions are claiming the movie as their own. Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, etc. have all praise this movie because it suggests a greater truth through it's story. A story about a man of greed, lust and deceit. A story where the man is doomed to struggle with the folly of his ways. A story about how this man must overcome his own transgressions in order to reach a higher state of understanding.
Perhaps I'm reading a little too much into the movie. However, this is the message that speaks to me (as it did to many a critic, and religious leader). I like to think that regardless of our shortcomings as a species, we are all inherently good. Of course, in the end of any movie, I always like to see the guy get the girl =). In case I'm not getting the message across, I do like this movie and I would gladly suggest it as casual viewing material. (Also, the ending had some funky jazz piano… which a plus!)
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
Ecclesiastes 3:12
Tune in tomorrow where the discussion will centre around monkeys and dogs (I'm serious). haha.
The Moulin Rouge Breakdown April 23, 2002
Posted by yuling in Movies, Music.add a comment
Always this ridiculous obsession about love!
-Christian's father, Moulin Rouge
I think under my guise of impassiveness, I am at heart a sentimentalist. Maybe that's why I still enjoy watching movies about two people meeting together and falling in love. Certainly that is one of the many reasons why I like Moulin Rouge. And as Gabe has mentioned in his blog, yes I have watched this movie too many times (twice in the theaters, six times at home and other places, once even with commentary).
A story of love, a labour of love… how can one not appreciate the effort that director Baz Luhrmann put into this movie? A movie that mad me laugh and cry (well, almost).
Growing up in a musical background, I can especially appreciate the medleys that were constructed for this film. I'm sure everyone still remembers the "Elephant Love Medley". I am still amazed at how Luhrmann was able to blend all those songs together. Now, let's look at the song from my movie/audiophile personality…
yes… the following will be the (near) complete lyrics of the Elephant Love Medley WITH… the song names that were used in this arrangement.
All you need is love (A girl's got to eat)
All you need is love (She'll end up on the street)
All you need is love
Love is just a game
All You Need Is love, The Beatles
I was made for loving you baby
You were made for loving me
The only way to love me baby
Is to pay a lovely fee
I Was Made For Lovin' You, KISS
Just one night, give me just one night
There's no way cause you can't pay
One More Night, Phil Collins
In the name of love, one night in the name of love
You crazy fool, I won't give in to you
Pride (In The Name Of Love), U2
Don't leave me this way
I can't survive without your sweet love
Oh baby, don't leave me this way
Don't Leave Me This Way, Thelma Houston
You'd think that people would have had enough of silly love songs
I look around me and see it isn't so
Some people want to fill the world with silly love song
Well what's wrong with that, I'd like to know
Silly Love Songs, Paul McCartney
Cause here I go again
Love lifts us up where we belong
Where eagles fly on a mountain high
Love makes us act like we are fools
Throw our lives away for one happy day
Up Where We Belong, Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
We could be heroes just for one day
(You will be mean, and I'll drink all the time)
We should be lovers, (We can't do that)
We should be lovers and that's a fact
Though nothing will keep us together
We could steal time just for one day
We could be heroes forever and ever
We could be heroes forever and ever
We could be heroes just because
Heroes, David Bowie
I will always love you
I can't help loving you
I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston
How wonderful life is, now you're in the world.
Your Song, Elton John
So there you go. I will definitely write about Groundhog's Day tomorrow.
Countdown to school: 7 days left…
I can’t believe it’s not Summer! April 22, 2002
Posted by yuling in Uncategorized.add a comment
It's the beginning of the end of the beginning… =). Last week at work and school starts next week. Someone please tell me why UofT's spring term starts at the end of May.
This weather is super freaky… and to think that my entire winter wardrobe is either packed away or at the cleaner's. Today was unexpectantly chaotic and I can't blog for too long.
Quick updates: gradually messing around with the blog template. Also, I've implemented a very basic guestbook.
More blogging later today!
Swearing April 21, 2002
Posted by yuling in Theology.add a comment
Yippee-ki-yay, mother$@#er!!
-John McClane, Die Hard
I've always felt that our North American culture is degenerating. Just take a look at the english language. This internationally spoken dialect is perhaps the most befuddled language in the world today. We have developed various ways of speaking english… ranging from culturally influenced terminologies to the rudest of slang. We are now in a time where we celebrate these differences and we are actually proud to speak "hip hop".
Certainly I have a little of the ghetto in me. Growing up in Scarborough (now referred to as Scarlem), I had been exposed to perverted speech all my life. I have certainly used profanity, and sometimes I will still use words that might even make a Sailor blush. I'm glad to say that I have all but eliminated most of these words from my mouth. It's funny because ever since the beginning of junior high, I already felt that when I began to swear, I was doing something bad. Yet many christians will disagree with me.
A lot of people feel (and I used to feel the same way), that swearing is only a form of self expression and it's only a continued development from our english language. Free speech has become such a sacred right to our country that people will rather spew vulgarity then to rectify their use of slang. Even christians claim to uphold this ideal… that although it's not necessary beneficial to other people (who will get turned off by swearing), it is stil permissible.
To be honest, I do not totally understand their reason for profanity. I can understand the fact that it has become a part of you… yet you understand that it's not exactly a godly quality to have. What I cannot understand is how christians can justify that it's okay to use profanity. Just look at Proverbs 8:13.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Now, I can relate to the people who have a problem with this issue. Although, I have not fully rid myself of certain words, I can safely say that I have dealt with the test of the tongue. Besides the fact that swearing demonstrates a lack of character, it also shows an inability to express oneself, it reduces respect other people have for you, and it certainly is dejected by the Bible.
Hopefully we can all learn to control the fire on our lips.
On a side note, congratulations to all who have finished exams. Hope everything is going well.
Tune in tomorrow when I disclose my dreams about being a transformer.
Armageddon April 20, 2002
Posted by yuling in Movies.add a comment
The United States Government just asked us to save the world. Anyone wanna say no?
-Harry Stamper, Armageddon
I woke up this saturday morning with an urge to watch Armageddon. I had purchased it on DVD (Criterion Collection, I might add) because I just love Michael Bay (the director). Yes, certainly Pearl Harbor was rather sub par, yet I enjoy his popcorn style of directing nonetheless. This movie, being considered a fluff piece by many people still has the power to emotionally charge the audience. I can freely admit that I feel more compelled to let out a tear over this summer blockbuster than even Grave of the Fireflies (great movie), a supposedly sure-fire tearjerker.
Altough the movie IS about the end of the world, about Armageddon; the feelings that are generated can be traced to the relationships in the lives of the characters. (I don't think I have enough knowledge to discuss the end of the world, however, if you're interested in some facts, try this link: Armageddon in Prophesy).
Harry Stamper (played by Bruce Willis) is a 3rd generation oil rigger who must sacrifice his own life to save all of mankind. After watching this final scene in the movie (where he DOES save the whole world), I began to question whether I am capable of this sacrifice. Jesus said "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) I was struck by this verse. Although I do not fear death right now, I did possess that fear before and I'm certain that these anxieties over death will come again. Will it ever come time when I will have to choose between my life and the lives of my loved ones? Can I ever make such a choice?
Looking back at the example of Harry Stamper, I can see that he did a very noble and righteous thing. Everyone in the world acknowledged his sacrifice and he died in a very grand and dignified way. I believe that I would choose to sacrifice my life if I were put in such a predicament.
Now, remember that girl in the Columbine shooting? She died in a very meaningless way. She didn't save the world, she didn't stop the shooters, she didn't even put up a fight. Yet, her death holds more meaning to me. Much like Harry Stamper, she died doing the right thing. She layed down her life for Jesus. This is an act of love that is celebrated across the heavens. One of less significance to the world, yet it is the larger sacrifice… the one that really counts.
I wonder, when it's time for me to be faced in a similar situation… can I sacrifice my life for Jesus? Or will I deny him just one more time in order to do "greater" things in my lifetime?
Sigh… the morbid thoughts come from a lack of preparation for my work report. However, I believe these are important questions to ask oneself. Tune in tomorrow where I explain why Groundhog's Day is such a good movie.
