Adulthood

I believe learning how to cope with loneliness is the final step to adulthood.

Making true lifetime friends after college, after childhood, is genuinely difficult.

Yesterday while attempting to share all the ministry and things I've done in Pittsburgh and in Kansas City, he told me "stop, I don't need to know." I asked him why, since it sounded a little uncaring, but he reminded that these are things between me and God, and that I do these things to "store up treasures in heaven." So I just told him, "God has been using me well" and left it at that.

I wonder how often I have used this blog (and my tumblr) to "practice my righteousness in front of men?"
I also wonder if it is okay to share in detail how God has used me with my brothers and sisters in Christ?

Today I was feeling out of it. But then I got two hugs! Praise the Lord!

A Mother's Sacrifice

Today I learned something new about Francis Chan: his mother died giving birth to him. She had the choice to abort him, but she chose not to because she believed in God’s plan. The doctors told her, “you don’t understand, you will die if you continue on with your pregnancy.” She told them, “so be it.” She chose to die so that Francis could live. Not unlike how Christ died for us, so that we may live.

My mother also made the same decision with me. Three doctors, not one but three, told her that I had a zero chance of survival, and that her life was in danger too. She also made the decision to trust God and hope for a miracle. What started out as a C-section quickly became a surgery for tumor removal. I lived. My mother lived too. A miracle happened.

Francis’s mom died. Francis lived. I lived. My mom lived. Who decided all these things? God decided all these things. This story is why I believe in God, why my faith is so deeply rooted even in the times when I hated God. There might be times why we ask God why He chooses to let some die and others live. I ask that question too sometimes. I’ve even asked once why He let me survive, and not spare me the pain of living. I know why God wanted Francis Chan to live though. Through his mother’s sacrifice, God was able to use him to reach many and tell them that they have a Father in heaven who has this crazy love for His children. I hope one day God can use me like that, and not let the life He chose to save go to waste.

Devo Post #3

Isaiah 1:13-15

Stop bringing meaningless offerings!

   Your incense is detestable to me.

New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—

   I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.

14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals

   I hate with all my being.

They have become a burden to me;

   I am weary of bearing them.

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,

   I hide my eyes from you;

even when you offer many prayers,

   I am not listening.

Here the prophet Isaiah talks a little about legalism, and more on disobedience. The people are doing what God has asked, but God refuses their offerings because their hearts are not in the right place. They pray and offer sacrifices to the Lord for their own gain. They also disobey God by neglecting the poor and the powerless, and fight each other within the Body.

How often does our churches and fellowships resemble this scenario. Just like in the old days people paid way too much attention on formality and presentation, like during “New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations,” we too do that as well in our church events. We try to make them most “seeker friendly” and streamlined. Our praise teams much have the best equipment, are most talented musicians out there, and only play songs that induce the most “feels” in the congregation. We fight each other over secondary theological points, and refuse to call each other brothers or sisters in Christ if their doctrine is only slightly confused.

We ought to look at each other’s hearts, and bring each other closer to God. We ought to love each other, and those God has called us to work with. We are to go out and help the poor and the powerless, as the Bible repeats this phrase throughout the Old and New Testament over a thousand times.

Hosea 4:6-7

“Because you have rejected knowledge,

   I also reject you as my priests;

because you have ignored the law of your God,

   I also will ignore your children.

7 The more priests there were,

   the more they sinned against me;

   they exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful.

Hosea here talks about how the Israelites have forsaken God’s teachings of doing the right thing. This disobedience has led God to reject them as His. The application here, as Paul sent this to me, is that I shouldn’t forget to obey God’s commands. It isn’t legalism if I follow what the Bible teaches closely (that has to do with the heart, see devotion right after), but to not follow the Bible closely leads to rebellion and rejection of God in our life. We shouldn’t, as Christians, ever compromise on the Word, for doing so leads to (Spiritual and sometimes physical) death. You see it with Saul. You see it with Samson. You see it almost happen to Moses. You see it happen to the Israelites and those in Judah. You also see how God rewards those who do obey, like Job, Amos, and Abraham. They feared the Lord (their hearts did) and they also obeyed fully (kinda).

Let me not be afraid to stand up for my beliefs, but also never forget that I obey God because I fear and love God, not because its “the right thing to do” or for my own glory.

Walking to the Sky

I remember the very first time I saw this on CMU campus on August 12th 2013. I immediately thought "arrogant." Today at the prayer walk, our leader jokingly said "hey, it is the Tower of Babel." In reality, it kind of symbolizes what the Tower of Babel did in Genesis: the success and glory of men, and how we wanted to reach the sky where God dwells (and dethrone Him).

Now the artwork probably symbolizes how we much pursue our dreams and keep moving forward in life to achieve success, and that is a good thing. There are people that only CEOs of companies will meet, or patients that only their doctor will meet, or just co-workers that you will only be able to meet. These are all mission fields.

What I do have a problem is we put all these dreams and worldly achievements before pointing people to God's glory. We also lack the time and effort to really really discern what our calling is, or the conviction of how important it really is in our life. We strive after idols that seek to dethrone God in our hearts.

This is my prayer for the people of America, especially college students across all campuses who are falling off the plan God wants for them.

"It is better to take one step in the right direction than run a mile in the opposite direction."

“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road.” - C.S. Lewis

Edit: I like the original motivation for the art piece:

The piece was inspired by a story that Borofsky's father used to tell him when he was a child about a friendly giant who lived in the sky. In each tale, father and son would travel up to the sky to talk to the giant about what needed to be done for everyone back on earth.

I do not like the followup:

"a celebration of the human potential for discovering who we are and where we need to go."

Discovering who we are and where we need to go are two good things in life, but the source isn't human potential. It is the infinite potential of God. We need to never forget that, us who were created for His glory.

Big Fish: maybe it depends on how you define a leader
Little Fish: fine
Little Fish: true
Big Fish: hmmm i guess in this sense, the leader is the one who initiates, sets an example
Big Fish: the one who is willing to move towards the other person first
Big Fish: the one who is willing to take the risk first
Big Fish: cuz relationships are a big risk for girls
Big Fish: heh...the epitome of cheese is my next statement
Big Fish: the most precious thing in existence is a girl's heart
Little Fish: oh my
Little Fish: i laughed out loud on that one
Big Fish: i know
Little Fish: can i quote you on that?
Big Fish: lol
Big Fish: if you want...
Little Fish: give me a "permission granted" plz
Little Fish: yosh
Big Fish: i. am. not. ashamed!
Big Fish: lol jk i so ashamed
Big Fish's wife: Maybe even more precious is the man who seeks not only to protect or to cherish (or even to hold) but also to encourage that heart to grow in the only way that really matters--into the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

Oh how we are all still learning what Love is.

Interesting how I've changed in four years. I also noted the "love and be loved" trait is scarily low on the list, and I realize that it is not due to me not loving others, but allowing others to love me back. It always seems I am contributing to the relationship more than the other party, which is dangerous and creates skewed relationships. These are never healthy in the long-term. (reminds me of the relationship of the boy and the giving tree, except in real life as revised here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2013/02/28/the-giving-tree-revised/) http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx VIA strengths test 3/25/14 Your Top Strength

Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

Your Second Strength

Kindness and generosity You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.

Your Third Strength

Caution, prudence, and discretion You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.

Your Fourth Strength

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Your Fifth Strength

Leadership You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.

Strength#6

Modesty and humility You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.

Strength#7

Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.

Strength#8

Fairness, equity, and justice Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

Strength#9

Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.

Strength#10

Bravery and valor You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

Strength#11

Gratitude You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

Strength#12

Perspective (wisdom) Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.

Strength#13

Love of learning You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Strength#14

Capacity to love and be loved You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

Strength#15

Self-control and self-regulation You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.

Strength#16

Social intelligence You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

Strength#17

Appreciation of beauty and excellence You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

Strength#18

Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Strength#19

Humor and playfulness You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

Strength#20

Forgiveness and mercy You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

Strength#21

Industry, diligence, and perseverance You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.

Strength#22

Curiosity and interest in the world You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

Strength#23

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Strength#24

Zest, enthusiasm, and energy Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

Calling of Music

I have resolved this to do this in my life for a long time, but I might as well use blogger to "set it down in stone." I will not use music to impress a girl, and I will not use it to glorify myself (it would seem that these two go hand in hand most of the time).

1) I will only use it to glorify God.

2) I thought it would be really cute and also absolutely necessary to use music in how I am going to raise my family. I hear stories and see living examples of how children grow up not really knowing God. The know Bible knowledge and can recite bible verses and children's worship songs, but deep down in their hearts they don't know Jesus and what he has done from them. How cool would it be to have spontaneous worship and jam sessions with your kids in an attempt to reveal God's love and glory to them on a daily basis? I think its cool, and I think its something I want as a parent. I want to live a life showing my children that I love them, and I love them because God loved me first, and that the most important thing in the Lee family is to use our lives as a living testimony and continuous act of worship of our Living God.

Something...similar to this family :)

生命中你看重什麼？

如何在朋友的情感銀行存款

1.傾聽他想要說的話

2.支持他想要做的事

3.當他有難的時候,幫助他

4.當他犯錯的時候,引導他

5.當他難過的時候,陪伴他

6.思念他的時候,就打個電話告訴他

7.三不五時,關心一下他的近況

8.彼此心靈交流

9.當有快樂好康的事,一定有他的份

10.把自己的喜怒哀樂,與他分享

人生錯綜複雜，

我們都有可能偶爾失控，

傷害了情人、配偶。

避免情感銀行戶頭透支

的最有效辦法是:

平常多多存款，多說感激欣賞的話，

多作體貼關懷的行動。

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veRrjNNZwlU

The Marriage by Darrin Patrick, during an Acts 29 conference for pastors in preparation for ministry. This is the best marriage sermon I have ever listened to hands down (and I've seen at least 50+ on youtube on Vimeo)

Here are my notes (5 whole pages!!!):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N_YKs-grpvJT1kllZf9O8NxH3H2UEEQvGpW9Nh1v-4w/edit?usp=sharing

Other sermons worth noting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKHq3_yJhGQ Selfishness and Dating - Matt Chandler
http://www.thevillagechurch.net/sermon/defining-masculinity Defining Masculinity - Matt Chandler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkbTswsbt6Q Dating - Mark Driscoll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K1M5mNEe8s Sexual Compatibility and a Fist Bump - Mark Driscoll
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06y5Ub9oamE Tim Keller Speaking to Google employees about marriage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21l-9IrDhAk Ten Words of Counsel for Single People - John Piper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37_CbuMDLs8 Love Lies: Love is a Feeling - Darrin Patrick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6cc2aBecE Dating, Courtship, and Marriage - Paul Washer 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqn1kXIkkhw David Platt - Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihRmM0aVADU Christ Centered Relationships - Francis and Lisa Chan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CLrHAoTPZI Love, Marriage, and Stinking Thinking: Dating and Happiness - Mark Gungor

Edit: I've decided that if I have a daughter, and a Godly man comes to me asking for her hand in courtship, I will ask him to watch all of these sermons (I will have saved them on my computer by that time) and have him write a 20 page essay (maybe 10...but hey, mine is 50 pages long) on Biblical Marriage and how to be a man. If he is willing to do this, and his essay beats my essay from now (2014), then I will be confident he knows my daughter is worth it, and will treat her how beloved daughter of God deserves to be treated.

Still...this applies: