We found a family spot to kick it
Where we can drink liquor and no one bickers over trick sh*t
A spot where we can smoke in peace, and even though we G's
We still visualize places, that we can roll in peace
And in my mind's eye I see this place, the players go in fast
I got a spot for us all, so we can ball, at thug's mansion
-2pac

Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin
Imagine going to court with no trial
Lifestyle cruising blue behind my waters
No welfare supporters more conscious of the way we raise our daughters...
Imagine everybody flashin, fashion
Designer clothes, lacing your click up with diamond vogues
Your people holdin dough, no parole
No rubbers, go in raw imagine law with no undercovers
-Nas

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
-John Lennon

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side...
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine...
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son...
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
-MercyMe

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
-MercyMe

¹Then I saw^A)">(A) a new heaven and a new earth, for^B)">(B) the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ²And I saw^C)">(C) the holy city,^D)">(D) new Jerusalem,^E)">(E) coming down out of heaven from God,^F)">(F) prepared^G)">(G) as a bride adorned for her husband. ³And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold,^H)">(H) the dwelling place^a]">[a] of God is with man. He will^I)">(I) dwell with them, and they will be his people,^b]">[b] and God himself will be with them as their God.^c]">[c] ⁴^J)">(J) He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and^K)">(K) death shall be no more,^L)">(L) neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." ⁵And^M)">(M) he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I^N)">(N) am making all things new."
-Apostle John

People get ready Jesus is comin
Soon we'll be going home
People get ready Jesus is coming
To take from the world His own
-Crystal Lewis

Thought of the Day: Happy Birthday, Zen!
Song of the Day: Elvis Presley-Hound Dog

I always brush my teeth before I take a shower in the morning and evening. Tonight, as I began to brush my teeth, I couldn't help but notice that my toothbrush was already wet before I had even started the first few brushes. Just to make sure, I asked my dad which toothbrush he used-clear or purple. So it turns out that my dad and I had been sharing the same toothbrush for the past couple of weeks. My dad's teeth are nasty too. Dangit.

Thought of the Day: Keys
Song of the Day: Buzz-나에게로 떠나는 여행

This week's persecuted church: India
Hindutva extremists dragged a pastor to the police station where they lodged a false compliant against the pastor alleging that he urinated on the idols of a nearby temple. It is suspected that these men are activists who earlier had warned the pastors against having any prayer meetings in the area. They even threatened the pastors saying if they conducted any worship services there would be a repeat of an incident where pastors were beaten, women were abused (including pregnant women), and Christian literature was destroyed. phones, among other items.
On October 25, 1955, Park Chong Boon entered the world. She came to know the Lord in her elementary school years at her mission school. Despite the persecution she faced from her Buddhist family, she still snuck out of the house to attend church services and activities. In 1978, she met her non-Christian husband, Chung Im Chul, through an army friend of his. Upon hearing her sing the hymn, "How Great Thou Art," the unbelieving man began to go to church to listen to the choir. In 1980, the couple was married. In 1982, they immigrated to the United States. In 1984, their first son was born. In 1989, their second son was born. Both sons know the Lord. The husband knows the Lord as well. Amazing what one birth can bring about. Happy Birthday, 마!

Thought of the Day: 노량진
Song of the Day: Sweetpea-Kiss Kiss

A good friend of mine recently told me that I used to be a heartbreaker in college. Of course, I was completely oblivious to this and still find it to be rather incredible. We made a joke about how the friend would change their Facebook profile to "Phil is really sorry" since I don't have Facebook. But for the record, if I ever broke your heart, I am very sorry. And if it makes you feel any better, my heart has been ripped into pieces all throughout my time in Korea.

Last week, I was going through some of my oldest emails in my inbox and was surprised to find one from Lisa Crawford. In the email, she had reminded me that I was supposed to find a wife in Korea because if I didn't, then that meant that I had to go on missions for life. I had TOTALLY forgotten about that pact that I had made in college. And apparently, I had totally forgotten to ever write back to her for the past 2.5 years. What in the world is wrong with me?

So the original reason why I had gone through some of my oldest emails was because I was searching for the link to free Tim Keller sermons that Jae had sent to me. (http://sermons.redeemer.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=11&CFID=1263022&CFTOKEN=48593258) I was very surprised and happy to find that they had added so many more sermons within the past two years. One reason that sparked this sudden interest was because I had run out of sermons to listen to on my ipod and remembered thinking that I had to go back and relisten to a lot of the Tim Keller ones because I had slept through most of them on the way to my church in 산본. Anyway, that link that is a freakin' gold mine. Almost every sermon causes me to sigh and repent in my heart as I'm walking to my students' homes. I also realized that I'd been wasting so much time just listening to music while I could have been listening to some stuff really worth listening to. Just in case you don't plan to listen to any of his sermons, I just want to let you know that I was particularly happy to find on the website the one sermon that ever brought me to tears when I was in high school entitled "Praying Our Tears."
I played with these twins so much that I'm now having withdrawal. I'll see you when I see you.

Thought of the Day: Ginseng
Song of the Day: Plingmin-今, 君へ

This week's persecuted church: Pakistan
A bedridden 11-year-old was severely beaten by her teacher for saying that she was a Pakistani Christian. She says, " Our teacher was teaching us about the culture of Pakistan and Pakistani people and quoted a sentence from the text book saying 'We are Pakistani and all of us are Muslims.' At this point, I interrupted and said: "Madam, I am also a Pakistani, but not a Muslim. Instead I am a Christian. [The teacher] got furious and grabbed a bamboo stick and started thrashing in a barbarian way and kept saying all Pakistanis are Muslim, you are not a Pakistani but a Christian. Your home land is some where in Europe or America." Classmates said the girl briefly became unconscious, but was eventually brought home. The girl's father said he did not go to local police and stated, "I am an impoverished Christian man and am busy working for a daily wage to feed my family. However I have taken her to the doctor and we believe that her injuries will be healed and she will be able to return to her school."

I teach seven classes tomorrow. Never been done.

Thought of the Day: 가을남자
Song of the Day: 가을방학-가을방학

"During the night a change awakened him and he lay with his eyes open in the dark until he realized that a breeze had come up and that the temperature was rising and the hard-bite cold was gone and there would probably be some snow coming. He didn't care. He missed summer and the short fall that had followed but in some ways he liked winter better. He hadn't, he thought, smiling as he went to sleep, seen a mosquito in months..."
-Brian's Winter

I usually hate winter. I don't like how my skin dries up and itches all over. I don't like how my ipod turns off because the battery gets too cold while I'm waiting for the bus. I hate how stiff my neck gets from hunching my shoulders for so long while walking to my next student's house. I hate how I can't ball anymore. I usually hate winter, but this year, I look forward to having NO MOSQUITOES!

I think this year was an all time worst. These days, I literally wake up at least two times in the middle of the night because I have AT LEAST two mosquitoes that take turns feeding on me. Last night, one little monster turned my face into Rocky Balboa. Seriously, can somebody turn the 모기 machine off already?!

One of the best things about living in Korea for me has been the many travels that I've been on. Every summer or winter, I manage to go somewhere new.

Winter '07-태백 with dad
Summer '07-all over the south with dad
Winter '08-China to visit Dinko
Summer '08-제주 with dad
Winter '09-Thailand to visit Brian
Summer '09-Mongolia with church
Winter '10-???

Where will the Lord send me this time?

I'm rewatching Pulp Fiction these days. After not watching it for so long, I was reminded of why I considered it to be my favorite movie.

It's not for everyone, but it's certainly for me!

By the way, Brian's Winter wasn't that great.

Thought of the Day: Wrestling
Song of the Day: Epik High-Wannabe

This week's persecuted church: China
On September 13, around 400 uniformed police and civilians carrying shovels, batons, bricks, iron hooks, and other weapons beat members of the church who were sleeping at the nearly finished factory building used as a worship site. China Aid President said, "Military police now guard the building and the surrounding areas around the clock. More than 30 daughter churches in nearby townships have been prohibited from gathering to worship in their churches and homes." Nine church leaders were arrested without a warrant and held in a secret location. Other church leaders and members have been placed under house arrest and are now under constant surveillance. Local authorities confiscated all church computers, TVs and other valuables as "illegal materials." Government-led mobs attacked and took money, Bibles, clothes, and cell phones, among other items.This morning, North Korea took over South Korea in the middle of a baseball game. All South Koreans were required to wear orange jumpsuits in the prison camps. We all lined up to get either our throats or wrists slit. My executioner didn't slit my wrists deep enough, and I found myself running. At this point, I ran out to an opening where other prisoners were held. There was some disruption and many started running frantically. I saw the front gate and saw one young boy following right behind me. I held out my hand to help him run faster but decided against it fearing that he would slow me down. I climbed over the wooden fence but never saw the boy make it over. At this point, the dream turned black and white. I can't believe I didn't help the boy escape with me. So this is what it must feel like to be a North Korean. Intense.Yesterday, I started receiving free counseling from a seminary student who is under training. Whenever I watched scenes of movies or television shows where people went into to talk to a therapist or counselor, I thought it would be so cool to be able to talk about all of your problems and have someone analyze your issues. But as soon as we started our session, I didn't know what to say. It's all so one-sided. I talk. She listens. She asks questions. I talk some more. The focus is all on me. I'm so used to having reciprocation or just listening to other people talk. But these counseling sessions are all just for me and about me. I wonder what my counselor thinks of me. If anyone wants free counseling, I can hook you up with that. It's pretty cool actually.Lately, I've been thinking a lot about church. I go through different seasons with our ministry. These days, church feels like a wasteland. An utterly dry desert. I hear about five people singing. About two or three people clapping. The sermons feel long. 75% of the congregation disappears right after the benediction. I can't remember the last time we had small groups. A handful of regulars are no longer regular. In a nutshell, our church is blatantly imperfect. If I were a newcomer, I'd say that this church sucks.

But today, we unexpectedly had communion. And as I was partaking in the elements, I was reminded that Christ lived and died for this imperfect church. Even though the people are half-hearted and have little or no joy in the benefits of our salvation, Christ still really loves and delights in his church. Some day, the bride will be pure and blameless. But when, God, when?
On the ground floor of my building, sometimes I can hear a band playing music when I'm in the bathroom. They sound like your typical garage band with their own unique vocals and songs. Last night, I downloaded this one album by an indie group called Wounded Fly. And would you believe it? It turns out that Wounded Fly practices in my building!
"I spend most of my time with non-christians..."
-Tseggy

Looks like Joe and I are going back to Mongolia this winter!

Thought of the Day: Argentina
Song of the Day: Wounded Fly-So Sad Song

When I first heard this song, I thought the lyrics were pretty dirty and provocative. But the more that I listened to it, I started to misinterpret the words and began thinking of specific foods I wanted to eat.

"What I will do to you I fear it and it’s scaring me
Like I’ve become some kind of demon in the night
You look so tasty and I could eat you up alive...

...I wanna take you to my room (I’ll eat you up)
Wanna take you to my room"

Lately, I've developed a habit of giving into midnight snack cravings. I eat hard-boiled eggs, cereal, cereal bars, or chocopie. Man, why are eggs so good?

Whenever I eat at home, there's a particular bowl that I like to use. When I used to live in 홍대, I once ordered 짜짱면 from home but the delivery guy never came back to pick up the bowl for many days. So I decided to wash it and keep it forever. It still has some 짜짱 stains, but I love how it's so wide all around. I am always aware whenever my dad chooses it over the other stupid bowls.

But it's interesting how rarely I'll order food now. Ever since I moved into my current place, I've only had delivery once, and it was only because I was super sick. Actually even the restaurants that I eat at have changed a lot too. I used to be an avid fan of 김밥천국 and 영우동, but now I've become a regular at Homeplus foodcourt. Even my love for the world famous 삼겹살 place has died down a lot. It just isn't what it used to be, man. I'm sorry. Things change.

For a long time, I didn't really miss home that much. But these days, the thought of visiting is becoming more and more appealing. Boy do I miss them burritos.

I recently rewatched Office Space, one of my favorite comedies. Here is an awesome scene that many of you office workers may fantasize about.

Gotta love Michael Bolton

Thought of the Day: 파스타
Song of the Day: Lee Seung Gi-결혼해 줄래

"With every fall, she'll rise higher."
"Life is an ice-cream. Enjoy it before it melts."

Thought of the Day: Black
Song of the Day: Ingrid Michaelson-The Way I Am

Today, I went hiking to 도봉산 with my dad. Before we got started, we came upon this drinking house. I guess they just wanted to be clear just in case people were curious what they were about. My dad and I had a good chuckle after he told me to get into the picture.
It had been a year since I went hiking, but it was good as always. Mountains and hiking have so many life analogies. One cool experience I had was when I had to climb down some super steep areas. The interesting thing was that I had to go down backwards in order to get some stable footing without knowing what I would step on. It wasn't about "leaps of faith"; rather, it was all about slow, careful steps.

I feel like my life events have been really similar. Slow. Careful. No progress with this. No results with that. I feel like I've been climbing for a long long time. I know there's a peak somewhere, but I still haven't seen any hints of it. So and so has reached their peak or so and so has gotten pretty high up. But me, I'm still stepping over stones. I guess even the peaks of our lives are only shadows of the ultimate mountain we'll stand upon one day. Let's keep climbing, y'all. I'm right there with you.

Thought of the Day: Office Space
Song of the Day: 6kies-기사도