Grace and Money

I walked home today in this horrible weather after class. I checked weather.com and saw that it was around 106 degrees here in LA, and 111 degrees in Cerritos area. But I'm not gonna blog about how hot today was. While I was walking home, I listened to one of Tim Keller's sermons on my iPod. Yes, it was on grace and money.

There were a lot of good points he made in this sermon. In particular, he asked these two question that made me smirk and nod at the same time (don't you love this moments?). First one was about how you can tell someone's a Christian. His answer was that it was the way Christians viewed their economic status and how they viewed their money. How basically our money is not our own and it is God's. How it is only by His grace that we have money. Second one was about how you can tell the difference between a Christian and a nonChristian. He said that Christians have knowledge and experience of His grace. That ultimately makes us actively generous.

I remember listening to one of Pastor Harold's sermons about "generosity" and a Bible Study on "college students and generosity." It motivated me to be all generous and everything. But now that I look back, I was always passively generous. Even as I tithed, I would always think "God will bless me now." At times, I would buy a friend a meal only if he/she was broke or only if he/she asked me. Even when I willingly want to spot someone a meal, it's only because I feel like I should since I'm an upperclassmen now. There are also times when people want to carpool and they want me to drive. On the outside, I'd be all willing and down, but in the inside, I'd just be thinking about gas. Basically, I was always passively generous, or generous when I have to be generous.

Quote by Richard: "I heard from somewhere that we should be generous towards other people to the point where it makes us feel uncomfortable and anxious." Sorry Richard, I kind of butchered that. But seriously, we shouldn't be generous only when we have a surplus. Christ gave us everything, not a surplus. Because He gave up everything, we have everything. Therefore, let us be actively generous. Let's plan on spotting someone a meal today. Let's volunteer to drive so that others don't have to spend money on gas. And let's tithed on Sundays knowing that we're just giving God back what's already His.

-Simon

Snap Out Of It

Ever since I came back from Korea, all I've been doing is reminiscing about how awesome it was and how much I wanted to go back and live there. For two months, I was surrounded by family, good food, a new culture, and new friends. Now what did I come back to? An empty, dirty apartment, no family, unhealthy food, familiar/boring culture, and same boring friends (hehe jk!). I think what I missed most was my family. It had been five years since the four of us were altogether. Coming to America alone was tough, but living alone while my other three family members lived together was even tougher. Especially with all the free time I had doing nothing but unpacking boxes and moving furniture, it only left room for reminiscing and wishful thinking. It didn't help that I lived all the way in LA where most of my friends live in Fullerton or Cerritos.

But it's different now. Joe has moved in. The apartment is clean (well... acceptable), and somewhat furnished. LA friends are back in the dorms or apartments. School has started. I'm beginning to snap out of the past, and starting to look forward to the next school year. I'm excited to see how God is going to stretch me this upcoming school year. I don't really know what the future holds, but all I gotta do is trust in the Lord because He never fails to provide. Things I'm concerned about is my future career, internships... or to better sum it up: post-undergrad. Will I still be in the States? Or will God call me to live with my family in Korea? Will my family even be able to come to America for my graduation? I have so many questions flooding my mind these days. But what can I do? I just need to lay them at His feet and trust that He'll take care of everything.

Basically what I'm trying to say is, I think I'm in a good place right now. I was struggling a bit a few weeks ago, but with the help of Tim Keller's sermons and a fruitful prayer life, I am in a better state now. Seriously, my prayers sound so much better when I'm struggling. Everyone needs a kick in the butt once in a while. I felt like my walk with God was put on hold when I was in Korea. I went to church every Sunday and everything, but my mind and heart wasn't there. It wasn't until I came back to America when I realized how alone and lost I felt without a healthy relationship with God.

Sorry for rambling. But thanks for reading.

-Simon

My Time in Korea

Since my brother's so good at posting blogs and summarizing things, I just copy and pasted my brother's blog entry to mine. :)

Simon's Time in Korea

Although Simon should probably be the one posting up these pictures, these memories are mine just as much as they are his.

These are Simon's first friends that he saw in Korea.

Finally, being able to try Mr. Wow. Best hotdog in the world.

WC reunion.

Favorite sleeping position.

Cambodia Team at 돌돌이.

Best 갈매기 in the world with 계란찜 to go around.

My beloved Snugs.

현백 빙수.

Lots and lots of ball.

Gabriel aka Rocky. My favorite cousin.

First time subwaying with entire family.

감자탕 볶음밥.

My favorite 냉면. Check out my stack of bowls. =D

Everyone's favorite 삼겹.

Funny Koreans.

Doing what I do best.

Simon's two favorite 형s. Our unstoppable basketball team.

Best 오겹 in the world.

Amazing water show at 호수공원.

Does that look similar or does that look similar?

Simon's first time eating 회.

Freaking hiking.

Look how wet he is.

Interestingly enough, our only family picture.

Nasty 아구찜.

Times Square. Best mall in the world.

Valence Burger with family.

Dracula Burger. First time eating a garlic burger. Very satisfying.

BoA paid us a visit, but she couldn't get through to us.

Summer Retreat fun. Nate, our awesome gamemaster and hamburger man.

Small and intimate.

Charis and her mother.

Special guest appearance: Jae Kim.

The only reason why I came to retreat.

Here are some of Nate's awesome pictures

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The EMPCL pastors.

Of course, my dad wanted us to go hiking for his birthday.

I think this was the first time I ever saw my parents holding hands.

Dad's birthday.

The right way.

One more time just father and son.

The last supper.

When I went to bed last night, thoughts of my family and Korea flooded my mind and I became super nostalgic and lonely. This was the first time in a long time that my family's been altogether, and my first time being completely alone in America. It didn't help coming back to a messy apartment. After summer retreat, I've got some cleaning to do.. and some groceries to buy.. and so many other things to do.

-Simon