MiSURA

It's weird reflecting in the wintertime even though it is literally the end of the year. But I'm so used to reflecting at the end of the school year in May. So this is kinda weird for me. But what the hey. Let's do the old reflection w/ lots of pictures and words. =)

Today, Pastor Michael's sermon emphasized that every time we reflect, we want to reflect with the question, "Am I growing? Is my love for God and my faith stronger, wider, greater than last year?" Looking back at JAN 2007, I definitely admitted that I grew. I KNOW that this year 2007 was full of spiritual growth, too. It's hard to say in words b/c I'm very poor in my vocabulary, which I'm increasing thanks to the wonderful people behind the GREs, but there's just wayyy too much to say.

So I made a simple video presentation as a tribute.
Enjoy ! ((The first 18 seconds is a black screen b/c I want you to focus on the words: LORD, YOU are Good, and Your mercy endures forever!))

off to AF1 tomorrow.
please pray for us !
the students that will be there. 18 churches and over 150 students !
the theme is WAKE UP based off of Romans 13:11-14.
the counselors that we will not tire and love the students even on the ride to the retreat center !
the security that they will be alert like none other and running on God's power.
the speaker that he will be overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit and be able to spill God's words on us.
the admins that they will rely solely on God and be prayerful throughout the retreat.
and everything else you can think of.
thank you in advance and see you all later in a few days. =)

Merry Christmas again !~

From my brother and me.

Man, so good looking. =] haha!

Today's Christmas message was powerful, indeed.
I also watched The Nativity Story and it made Mary and Joseph's experience so real. As the empathetic and emotional person I am, I always wondered how Mary must have felt knowing that she was a virgin and she's with child? And what about Joseph? He must've flipped out. And the Magi making a four month journey, following the star, and finally finding Jesus in a manger. MANNN that was awesome. And especially after hearing the Christmas message.. I realized how God truly came to die for our sins. It's not about Christmas trees, snow on the 25th morn, or giving presents. But about God becoming man to ultimately die for our sins and save us. His love manifested in a baby boy.

By the way... did you know that most people do believe that Jesus was born as a baby boy? But many don't know His ultimate purpose. THAT'S the gospel news.

Remember what Christmas is all about.

Picasso Stolen from Brazil Museum

okay. first of all, how is this possible?!?!?!?!??!
and why these two?
i see in movies how people break into museums whether in broad daylight or during the night to steal. but that's movies. come on. in real life? didn't think it was possible. thaaaaaaaat's crazy.

winter break so far is good. =)
going out for dinner tonight and prayer meeting for AF1. jyeea.

hate it or love it.
wait or dial again.

i am home !
it's AWESOME that chicago's an hour slower than cleveland. so when we got close to chicago, we (joyce and i) got to live another hour. tha was kinda cool.
it wasn't cool when all the snow was delaying us so we spent that extra hour in the snow. but we made it safely thanks to God.
joyce is in the living room just reading and i'm here checking emails, writing, and reading up on the news. it's kinda chilly--just the way i like it. =)
here's something I read @ bbc.com about the Olympics. Ever since I read about the art in Ancient Greece and the story behind Olympia and the Olympics, I'm very very interested in how it's changed, what's still the same, etc. =)

Olympic torch 'going to N Korea'
2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. AHHH that's gonna be crazy ! There's gonna be like double the population in China. CRAZINESS. If you didn't know, the Olympic torch is lit in Olympia, Greece (where the original Olympics were first started) and makes its way to the location for that year. This year it's going to travel across 5 continents and make its way to Beijing. This brief article emphasizes the integration of N Korea into ... the world? Taking one step at a time. S and N Korea are also going to "send a joint team of officials to the Beijing Olympics by train, as part of reconciliation efforts after their 1950-1953 civil war." I wonder what kind of debate and decision-making process this went through.

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I'll definitely update more. ^ ^ I'm here for a whole month !
And there's already snow !~

i'm a slob when it comes to packing.
has anyone ever seen "sword in the stone", the cartoon movie? i remember watching it a suuuper long time ago and there's a scene where merlin is packing his bags and all he does is wave his wand and alllll of his furniture, clothing, potions, fit in this tiny bag ! no organization is necessary because he simply uses magic to get whatever he wants. similar events include mary poppins. =)
i'm a total perfectionist so even when packing, i require perfection. i won't start packing unless i KNOW it will be organized. but that's silly because how will you ever know unless you actually do it? ssooo i will start. soon. b/c i'm leaving in less than 12hours.

i am also obsessed with curling my hair. i bought one for less than $10 and i've been curling my hair everyday. it's a bad and unhealthy (for my hair) obsession ! ohyes, the end result is so lovely and i really like it. but like anything else i do, i cannot do it for other people.

here is a list of things i cannot do for other people b/c i know you're so interested.
1. french braid
2. curl/straighten hair
3. manicure/pedicure
4. makeup
5. teach piano
6. explain ochem
7. recommend books/restaurants/songs/etc.

there's probably a lot more. but that's what first comes to mind.

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just watched I Am Legend.
I could say a lot of bad critiques like the "vampires" looked like every other monster you've seen in horror films; the plot was pretty stupid like the cure for cancer? pretty impossible. although right after i said that i realized how that shows how little faith i have in doctor's hard efforts and lives.

but i don't really care about the effects and stuff unless i expected it. i care more about the content and the message i'm leaving with. if i can gather a good message from saw III, i'm sure i can crank out a message from this movie.

***SPOILER COMING UP........ ***

the best part was the ending. will smith encounters a woman and her sun while attempting to kill himself after losing his dog, Sam. she saves his life and he ends up saving theirs. and she said that she was led to will smith's character, robert neville, because of God. she took risks to come to the middle of new york city to find this guy. even though he's a complete stranger and he was being attacked by all those "vampires", she risked her life to save his. and in the end, robert neville listens to God's plan and sacrifices his life so that the woman and her son can move on to save others..oh because he found the cure for the "cure for cancer" that's really a virus. haha. sorry that was confusing. but i'm too tired to edit/proofread.

but basically, what i'm trying to say is.............even to the death, he lived out his purpose.

i'm always reminded about Hebrews 11:20-22 about Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph's faith. They were commended for their faith because even at the end of their lives, they blessed their children. Why? B/c they knew that even though God did not bring the Messiah then, He would in His time.

our visions and focus need to be longer, farther, and farsighted. we can't be so nearsighted and focus on what's in our hands, our strength, our capabilities. but look farther to the horizon, to the things we can't touch, to the things we have HOPE in. we know that Jesus will come again. we know that there will be rejoicing and times of refreshing. we know that there will be peace and love. it's been thousands of years and each generation looks to the next. not in bitterness or worry, but in anticipation and hope and faith beacuse we know that God is faithful. we will live our purpose even to the death.

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other random things:
1. i bought a box of christmas cards (32 to be exact) for only a dollar ! HAH ! Beat that.....
2. i dunno the geography of the middle east. i know about 5-6 countries and the rest i have no idea.
3. i'm not falling asleep as easily as i used to when i read.
4. i forgot to pick up my pieces for jewelry to take home. so now i don't have a xmas present for my best friend or mom. =(
5. my tamagotchi is 7yrs old.
6. i have watched the first three seasons of csi to the fullest.
7. i caught up a littl bit on my Bible Reading Plan !


i reeally need to pack now. =) Have a great weekend and I'll write more when I arrive in... CHICAGO !~ ^_____^;;

MAN, it went by so slow ! haha you thought i'd say fast. gotcha!

But it was a blast ! classes were a breeze and we ended on an awesome note with a praise night with Koinonia. For those who wanted to see the slideshow, I've uploaded it on a site so just click HERE. So that you don't get confused, when you click the link, look to the right and you'll see a three-lettered code. Enter the code and click download. There are so many ads and random stuff that it's kinda confusing. And you probably can't hear the song that was playing during the slideshow, so I've uploaded it for you to download so you can listen to it. just click HERE.

I'm studying for my arth101 final right now, buuut I reeeally wanna take a break. I'm trying to memorize about 10 chapters worth of material and half of them are practically the same thing because they're all churches and depictions of the Virgin and Child. Some of the buildings I actually recognize because I visited there with my daddy and brother two summer ago. Sooo thaaat's cool. Otherwise, I'm definitely going to be seeing churches pop up in my head every now and then.

I'm also auditioning for case concert choir tomorrow. Wish me luck ! I'm worried I'm going to get sick.

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On a different note, this past weekend was yoon's birthday ! I made him a lovely scrapbook and although it was only three pages, I promised that I'd keep on adding pages when big days like 1yr anniversary, birthdays, special events came up. So soon that scrapbook will be so big that we'll need a second one !

I also made a bunch of cards and you know what? I reeally enjoyed them. Next time, I should limit like just to my class or just the underclassmen. I tried to do all the girls in Koinonia and there were just too many to count. And even though the materials are a bit pricey, the end result is quite rewarding. I like making things and I like working with my hands. I don't like getting them dirty, but as long as the end result is what I had envisioned, then I have no problem. It's interesting how a ribbon can enhance a page. How colors can make you go, "WOW". There are so many cute things ! AHHH !

Lastly, I am going home in just FOUR DAYS ! I must pack soon.

This was a bunch of random stuff. But that's my thought process right now, otherwise I'd be writing churches, florence, santa costanza, milan, marcus aurelius, and cross about 100 times. So that's it. Study hard for finals ! And I will write more later. =)

I'm gonna go take pictures of my favorite family, the Gobezies !
In about... an hour I will be going to their house. They have the 3 most BEAUTIFUL children and I just wanna hug 'em to death ! So I'm sssooo excited. Their mom is my mentor and I'm having a blast seeing how she interacts with her children, how she disciplines them, what a wife does each day.. things like that. I get the inside scoop on the Gobezie family. haha.

It's SUNNY out. Hardly windy. And the snow's not too deep but not so thin that the grass is shooting through. AHHH, I just can't wait !

Gotta get off the computer so I can go back to my room and get ready !

s... is for the way you smile at me
n... is for the .... haha okay that's enough.

it snowed and it stuck ! yknow when there's flurries but doesn't really go anywhere.
we had some CRAZY winds and finally it's settled down and it's sooo beautiful out.
i'm gonna go take some pictures later. hopefully i'll get to before it gets too dark.
that's the only bad thing about winter. getting dark too early.

i've learned that i really enjoy scrapbooking. i'll probably make some tips list again about scrapbooking, but for now i'll leave it at that. even if it's little cards, i really enjoy them. i just wish i had enough money to explore more deeply and to learn harder stuff. everything's with money ! argg.

i think i'm going home on ... dec. 15th. final on the 11th for arth101. and then i might take one of my suitemates to chicago with me and her final's on the 13th. so gotta wait for her and pack. =)

i dunno what else to say.
i should finish up my homework and get going to class.

Just in case you were wondering, since I've left for college, this is my first Thanksgiving I'm spending at home ! Last year I stayed at the house of one of the girls from church (Han Madang). It's weird being home. The 7-hr drive wasn't bad. Oh, except it was showering and thunderstorming the whole time, so yeah, it was kinda scary. Especially since I left around 2pm so it got dark by the tmie I got in the middle of Indiana, where, I'll point out, there are no streetlights. And you know how when you're on the highway, the giant trucks release all this steam and fog and unnecessary quantities of water on your windshield? Imagine that for 7 straight hours. It was brutal.

But I'm safe at home, thanks to God. I still went 70+ mph. Probably not a good idea.

So for that..I'm thankful.

Today I also read Mark 13-14. I KNOW.. I'm still horribly behind on my Bible Reading Plan. But now that I'm doing manuscript studies for each passage.. it's taking me even longer. But I can't help it if I like doing manuscript studies ! =) Most of all.... I'm thankful for Jesus and His words. The end of Mark 14 was what got to me the most.

vs53-54 reminded me that that's what many of us, including myself, do so often. We live in a shell. When we're at church, we're comfortable saying, "JESUS" "I LOVE YOU, LORD" "SINNER". But when we are separated from that community of believers and the church... we follow "at a distance" and sit around waiting for the next church time to cmoe around. And when we're discovered at school, workplace, the mall, movie theatre, anywhere that we're a follower of Christ, we outrightly deny it and laugh it off as some sort of joke.. just like Peter. We're reminded again and again of the salvation we have in Jesus. In the previous chapter, Jesus told the disciples what the signs of the age would be. And one of them was persecution. Instead of embracing Jesus words and proclaiming Jesus, he backed out in fear.

I'm no different. Peter was later restored as we see in the Book of John and went on to build a church and write a few books in the New Testament. Little by little, I'm being restored, too. More and more, I am comfortable talking about Jesus in a conversation. Whether it's with inquiring non-christians or straight up atheists. I stlil remember the conversation I had in chem lab about Jesus and how absurd the Bible's authority was... or that was the stance the other girl held. This year, however, I'm not doing so well. I keep on blaming it on the fact that we live on the opposite side of campus where civilization ceases to exist. But it's not true. It's just an excuse.

Just like Peter broke down and wept, I too break down and weep because only Jesus can reveal my sins through His words and only Jesus can restore me with His words. All the more reason to continue reading the Bible !

My family's not so big on EEEVERRRYONE getting together for dinner. We don't even have family in the Chicagoland. Daddy's not even here so it's awkward when we invite all these other families to eat with us.. and plus, many of those families moved back to Korea. So it'll just be a cozy dinner with the three of us. =)

Hope you are all enjoying your Thanksgivings.

Here's my schedule just in case you were wondering, too. ^_____^;;

FRIDAY

1. Shoppingggggggggg.


2. Find out what's so wrong with our phone bill !


3. Errands with mommy


4. Dinner with college group

SATURDAY

1. Haircut in the morning ! I'm still debating of what kind of haircut I wanna get. Mine's so boring. I've got lots of layers and stuff. I don't have enough $$ for a perm so I'll save up for later (winter break?) We'll see. But I definitely want something much different than what I already have.


2. Brunch with Andrea. YAYYYY


3. Art institute... ALL DAY LITERALLY. There's SSSOOO much to see ! I've got homework to do for my Buddhist class, too, so that's why I'm going.


4. Pack up....

SUNDAY

1. Church ! =) Yay Calvary !


2. Leave by 2pm for Clevelaaaaand.
   

for the haircut, what I really wanna get is something like this:

http://www.beauty-box.jp/style/long/207.html and http://www.beauty-box.jp/style/long/176.html

it'll feel light and thin and it won't take as long to dry ! hahahahaaa =)

alright, that's it. enjoy your break !!

i'm not so great at ice skating. i will admit that unashamedly.
but today wasn't that bad ! my thoughts even wandered from trying to keep myself balanced to "who the heck invented ice skating?" so i came back and i wiki-ed it up and this is what it said. back in the day (we're talking 3,000+BC) primitive people used skates to cross "large, icy" areas on animal bone ice skates. how... interesting.

then my thoughts wandered off to... why didn't my parents push me to do other things besides piano? was it because i was so good at piano (bwahha) and i shouldn't divide my focus on other things? was it because i had already tried it and i just forgot the experience? maybe we didn't have enough resources to provide all those ridiculous lessons. now that i'm older, i reeeeeally wish i learned dance (jazz, hiphop, tap, whatever) b/c i know I have rhythm and i'm not uncoordinated. so with a couple lessons and BAM ! i could be on "so you think you can dance?".

my thoughts also thought about all the figure skaters i watch on tv and how much i lovvvve watching figure skating. one of the guys on the rink was definitely twirling around and doing crazy stuff. some of the guys that came with us were hockey players so they could skate backwards and go reeeally fast. i just stayed my pace. but back to figure skating. it's amazing how balanced they are on one foot. i can't even balance on both feet ! but you know how people say that you won't understand unless you've tried, experienced, tasted, fill-in-the-blank it. so every time i watch figure skaters i am in awe... over and over again.

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i'm going home for thanksgiving !
this is my first time ever going home for thanksgiving in college. i also have to drive 6+ hours. but someone will be in the car with me so i guess it's not THAT bad. some things that need to get done while i'm @ home...

1. find out why at&t is charging us so freakin much.....
2. thanksgiving dinner with ccg (yay!)
3. go to art institute of chicago for my buddhist art class.
4. go shopping for winter clothing !!!
5. spend time with my special loves. =)



very random... but i haven't written a song in a while.
i need a vacation.

today, i had to give a tour. there was only one family so i wasn't obligated to walk backwards. but it started hailing and winds were about 15-20mph while walking around outside. i got scratched up on my face a little bit and i wanted to cut off my ears because it was so cold. but i stuck through with it because what else am i supposed to do? just leave the family behind and be like, sorry you drove all this way but i just don't feel like giving a tour today. go back. thanks for visiting. my boss would be angry with me. they would have a reason to hate case and not come and tell all their friends not to come. plus, i wouldn't get paid! that would suck.

i learned an important lesson today. why can't i persevere through my studies or reading the Bible like i do with touring? why can't i read my Bible like my life depended on it (because it certainly does!) no matter what time or circumstance? why can't i take time out to talk with someone even though it's raining or blizzarding? of course there's a safety issue but lately the weather hasn't been THAT BAD. I want to persevere like I did today with everything else in my walk with God. prayer, Bible, and fellowshipping with others.

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In other news, I watched Hairspray twice in the past night. I freakin' love this movie. This song isn't my favorite but it's just a typical song that I would break out and dance to. I don't particularly like Zac Efron or anything either, but the song just makes me wanna liberate myself and dance till I drop.

Zac Efron - Ladies' Choice (from Hairspray Motion Picture Soundtrack) // download HERE




This is also a new schedule for spring08. I posted a potential schedule not too long ago of my spring semester. But looking over it... I'm switching some stuff around and changing a lot. =) Kinda hard to see so I'll explain what's what.



SOCI204: Criminology (MWF 9:30-10:20) // I REEEALLY wanted to take this course last year but it just didn't match up with my schedule but now it does !! So I'm super excited.


ARTH102: Intro to Art History II (MWF 10:30-11:20) // Just a continuation of arth101.

ARTH340: Issues in Non-Western Art (M 2-5pm) // The description of this course was REEEEALLY vague. So I have no idea what to expect. But I need to take more art history 300-level courses. So o well. =) I think it's going to focus on African Art.

CHEM305: Physical Chemistry Lab (TR lab 8:30-11:30am, lecture 1:15-2:30) // Shoot me. The end. I'm never going to wake up for lab. But I gotta since it's LAB. Tues. and Thurs. are going to be lonnnng days. But I gotta take this class to graduate so I better get something out of it.

MUEN382: Case Concert Choir (TR 4:30-5:45) // I took this class freshman year and absolutely enjoyed it ! I haven't been able to do it since then so I hope I can join. Hopefully there are alto spots available. If not... o well.

TOUR GUIDING // I'm not sure when I'll be working next semester but those are the times I'm hoping to work. I hope I can work three next semester like I am now. I get paid a lot ! Hahahaaaa muhahaha okay, greediness.


Next semester will be much more demanding than this semester. But I hope today's lesson will change things around so it won't be so burdensome next year. =)

U2 - Bad (Live) // download HERE // lyrics HERE



Thespeaker showed us a clip of the live concert of this song. She reeeeally likes U2. =) And we watched the video right before we went into a time of prayer... and it says "Let it Go" a couple times in the song. There were a lot of things that I needed to let go of that night such as grudges, anger, and control. I'm not a saint now b/c I've let go of those things, I still struggle with them, but I know that I need to ask for forgiveness from certain people, I need to stop getting angry at the tiniest things, and I want God to control my life.

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So refreshing !
Fall Conference is an InterVarsity retreat that is seriously AWESOMMME.
This year's theme was Insight: Found in the Crowd focusing on Luke 18:35-43 and Luke 19:1-10 about the blind man and Zaccheus.

I'll share some of my favorite moments and things that I learned.

1. Lee Strobel - The Case for Christ
I bought the book ! After so many people talked about it with me... and I saw it on the book table--it was only $5 ! So I had to get it. I've already read about 150 pages and it's really helpful to me b/c I think logically, in some ways. I used to have lots of doubts b/c I would ask such technical questions. Halfway through college I realized that all it takes is faith.. but even the most skeptics need facts and proof.

2. Praise Times
I've never been to a worship session where it was led by an African American person ! But it was so liberating and fun. And then later I attended his seminar about unorthodox praise and worship (which I'll mention later). On Sat. night after the whole night was over.. some of the Case students and I requested that we sing Lord You are Good one last time and we busted out the dance and danced for the next half hour in the presence of God. Not moshing like it's at J-Gen but just purely dancing b/c I want to. I'm not really into moshing (some are, I realize that) but for me dancing is a better of expressing myself.

3. Taboo with Koinonia
A couple people missed out, but most of us went CRAZY until 1:30am or so with the wonderful game of Taboo. It's funny to see people get all heated up trying to describe words like surprise, violin, casket, and swelter. Some phrases that I remember...

• Dood, this is impossible!


• You guys have BAD vocabulary !


• Three nipples?


• Rape, rape, rape ! ...... stab??


• (trying to describe violin) It's .. a device.. that you put on your shoulder ! (someone responds) GUITAR !!!
  

4. Chapter time
For our chapter time, we had a bonfire outside. Thank goodness it wasn't freezing out yet ! We all shared briefly about what we learned and/or praises. A number of people enjoyed the manuscript studies. Manuscript studies is basically inductive Bible studies and in the setting of Fall Conference it's also in cooperation with about 20 other people. I pray that what we've shared will stay with us as long as we live.

5. Seminar: Unorthodox Praise and Worship
It's true that we all have different ways of worshipping. But in the end... I believe that when we've seriously been changed and revolutionized by Jesus Christ.. there's just no way to keep it contained inside. A quote that I acquired says this: Our arms are like antennas. The higher we reach, the better reception we get from God. Like King David danced around in his underwear, totally undignified... we worshipped that Sat. night with no inhibitions. It didn't matter if those next to us were just folding their hands in respect or on their knees. Whatever form of worship, all of us were worshipping as one body.

Praise and worship are two different things: Praise is simply adoration of God for who He is and what He's done and doing and will do. Worship is a lifestyle. Worship is reflected in your behavior and words. Worship is a reflection of what God is doing in your life.

Now time for pictures. =)

There's so much more to think about... but it'll pop up as I continue to write some more later on. ^ ^

note: i don't ALWAYS open my mouth like that.

Whenever I feel down.. whenever I cry.. whenever I feel like giving up.. I just need to look towards HIM. No praise song should be about us... but rather about HIM. I heard this song at J-Gen and I was on a neverending search to find this song and here it finally is ! I had to purchase it through iTunes. Can you believe that. It's like the third song I've ever purchased. But totally worth it. The simple truths about God is displayed through the phrases, "ruler over everything" "wonders of my God and King shines" and "love is neverending". When I can't trust anyone else, when I can't go to anyone else.. He's always there.

"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."
Psalm 9:1-2

every week I come to know Him more and can't ever stop wanting to know Him more and more.

Google is seriously cooooooooool ! I think I remember a long time ago I put up this article about the guy behind all these wonderful graphics. Korean guy, if I remember correctly. He didn't even expect to get this job and it just landed on him. And BAM ! He's making buttloads of $$ and gets to draw all day. How awesome is that. Combining what he loves to do and gets paid for it. That's pretty cool.

On a more important note: Cleveland weather is BEAUTIFUL this week ! And I haven't been able to take many pictures ! I did take a few so those will be uploaded soon.


Watching CSI makes me wonder about all the people that go to jail. And I was thinking what it would be like to be in jail. I've read that some homeless people purposely commit crimes so that they could live in a jail cell where it's warm, food provided, clothing provided, athletic facilities, etc. So much better than being homeless, no? And then I read this on bbc today: Ex-Prisoner Buys His Former Cell.

It's not the fact that he bought it back.... but this part: "But after leaving prison, Mr. Alford turned his life around. He stopped drinking and gambling and became a motivational speaker, writing the top-selling book Never Give Up about his experiences."

Obviously something happened in jail that made him turn his life around. Was it the amount of time that was spent in there and he was able to be counseled by someone? Was it that the time allowed him to reflect? was it that he got used to not drinking and gambling and so when he got out it was just normal not to do it anymore? WHAT HAPPENED IN THERE I guess is my question. And now I really wanna read his book just so I could find out. Aren't you?

Pictures to come laterrrrrrrrr

praise God !

1. I read my Bible.
I'm still terribly behind. But I'm still hanging on b/c the Word never gets old.

2. I had breakfast with my college pastor and his family... !!!
That's right. He came and spoke for Koinonia last night at large group. It was good catching up with them and gaining encouragement, knowing that my discouragements need to be lifted up to God. They are so full of wisdom ! And a wonderful example of a faithful couple. I'm just so thankful they came out despite their schedules.

3. Modern Masters @ the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Clara and I only got through like half of the museum so we're DEFINITELY going back to finish up the exhibition ! But there's still so much more to see ! I came to realize that I really enjoy studying sculptures of people. Maybe b/c they're 3-D and I can see all sides of it whereas in a painting you can only see one side. I can't even see the back of the canvas. Mistakes are easily found in sculptures, too. The emotion of the figure is what gets to me the most. Maybe I'll take a class on sculptures sometime and I can talk about it in a more intellectual fashion. =) But the exhibition is FREEEEE so if you're in the cleveland area... go go go !

4. FEMINARRRR
Koinonia girls.. every year... SO AWESOME !!!!!
Why are we so awesomely blessed ?!

Look how beautiful they are ! Numbers have quite dwindled since last year, but it was still so blessing and powerful. I'm so lucky. really. Each one of these girls are HILARIOUS, TALENTED, UNIQUE, and positively CAPTIVATING. and total maaad props to the freshmen girls, too ! lisa, janet, justeen, and caitlin (who had to leave early, unfortunately). They're so cute and I'm so thankful for their thirst to work at their relationships with God.

We also made brownies for the boys and I took pictures of the presents, but what's important are these girls. I dunno how to explain it. I'm just joyful and I hope that next time we take another feminar picture, there will be more smiling faces. :]

TOMORROW.......

is another day. another story. more blessings. more praises. more struggles.

I have to work tomorrow: 8am-3pm. I can't go to church =( I hope it doesn't rain. I reeeeeally hope and pray it doesn't rain.

I have lots of work to do. The weekend is another world, another dimension. But once Sunday night hits, it's back to work. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not.

But nevertheless, I will sleep soundly tonight, knowing that God heard our prayers. knowing that He is watching over us. knowing that He LOVES us. knowing that when we confess our sins and turn towards Him, He will embrace us again and again. knowing that even if tomorrow doesn't come, it's okay.

I lived today. faithfully.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7056041.stm

interesting indeed. the article reveals that the mona lisa really did have eyebrows.

"Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa originally had eyebrows and eyelashes, a French inventor has claimed after digitally scanning the painting."

i remember seeing the mona lisa at the louvre two summers ago, but there really was no way to be able to tell b/c it was behind a glass wall and there were hundreds of people crowding around it and the painting's small ! i guess you can't always take what other people say about something. there's always room for questions and investigation. that's what i've been learning in my buddhist art class.

speaking of classes.....
here's my potential schedule for next semester.




well most likely, i'm going to get this schedule. the only thing that BLOWS is the chem305 on FRIDAY !!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. SHOOT MEEE. i HATE having classes past noon on Fridays. I'm so busy w/ Koinonia large group and am always running around. Having lab is just going to ruin me. The only other time for the lab is 830-1130 on Tues & Thurs. but there's a class that I really really wanna take and art classes always change each semester so there's no guarantee that there will be a classes like this next year.

arth284 - history of photography all the way from the beginning to present time. How is relates to other art forms, the technology behind it.. etc.
arth102 - second part of intro to art history =) from the renaissance to modern art, i believe.
arth367 - 17th and 18th century FRENCH ART. that's why i reeeeeeally wanna take this class. i love french art. it's not quite up to 19th century, but 17th and 18th centuries are the prof's specialty.
chem305 - physical chemistry lab. enough said. just shoot me.

weather's dreary again. typical cleveland. so i'm feeling gloomy.

i'm also wasting time and not doing much. i'm gonna go to body worship practice and then sweat my head off in the cardio room. i reeeally need to exercise. the tours and badminton isn't enough. it was last year and i lost weight ! oh wait, that's b/c i starved myself last year. yeea i dunno why i didn't eat last year. but this year i'm eating... way too much. and i just bought fluff and peanut butter and bread........ so this is b a d.

AHH well, i'm off. midterms were good. all As and one B as expected. So no worries so far. ^________^;;

my suitemate, JOYCE, is absolutely awesome ! God bless her for her beautiful piano, guitar, smiling, laughing, encouraging, joyful talents !!!

she performed a beeeautiful concert today. here's the program:

1. Bela Bartok - Piano Suite Opus 14
Allegretto
Scherzo
Allegro molto
Sostenuto

2. Claude Debussy - Preludes
Bk. 1 V. Les collines d'Anacapri
Bk. 1 VIII. La fille aux cheveux de lin
Bk. 2 XII. Feux d'Artifice

3. Frederic Chopin
Nocturne Opus 48 Nr. 1 C minor

4. Frederic Chopin
Grande Valse brillante Op. 18 E-flat Major


Unfortunately, classical music isn't the favorite genre of all and some people tend to fall asleep easily. So here are a few tips to keep in mind when going to a classical concert next time. these are just things that i've picked up. no guarantees that this will for sure keep you awake or to enhance your experience next time.... but hopefully it will somehow enlighten your next concert.

1. Wear something that looks dressy, but is also comfortable.
So for the ladies, don't wear something too tight or something that'll make you self-conscious.
And for the guys, don't wear bowties if you feel like it's itching your neck or if it's too tight. don't wear a winter jacket in the summertime. you want to dress comfortably because you don't want to be thinking about anything else besides the music and the performer(s).

2. sit with a good posture.
try to sit up but don't get all rigid that your back muscles start cramping up after 5 minutes. you want to maintain good posture so you don't fall asleep as easily. when you slouch, when you let your head drop on your hand, or when you get too relaxed, you're more likely to fall asleep.

3. don't fidget with the program; instead, fold your hands and place them on your lap.
i like to face the palms up, right hand on top of the left. i used to interlock my fingers, but then i lose sense in them and can't get 'em out of the position. haha !

4. follow the performer's(s') emotions.
usually when it's a soloist, it's easier to follow. when it's a full orchestra, the concertmaster or the majestic arm movements of the conductor usually helps. are they frowning, smiling, concentrating (of course!), closing their eyes, etcetc. watch their body language: do they bend at the knees, crouch over the keys, sway from left to right--the music is somehow moving them. how is it moving you?

5. close your eyes every once in a while, but don't fall asleep !!!!!!
i like to let the imagination take over once in a while. closing my eyes helps b/c then i'm not distracted by the tall person in front of me or even by the performers. just let the music take over for a minute or two.

6. Lastly, CHECK OUT THE MUSIC before you go to the concert.
Usually, the concert program will be posted online somewhere or if it's your friend, then he/she will let you know beforehand, hopefully. Download them, borrow CDs, or read up on the music. KNOW what you're getting yourself into. If you don't like modern music, then stay away from Mahler and Bartok. If you like classical then lean towards Mozart and Beethoven. If you want Romantic and emotional then consider Chopin and Rachmaninoff. There are so many composers to consider ! But take a listen. See if it does intrigue you. If it doesn't, then think twice about purchasing a ticket and risking falling asleep during the concert !



that's it from me.
it's fall break for case. sssoooo i'm totally relaxing. hitting up the gym. and not getting enough sleep, still, ironically.

when i need it, it isn't there.
when i don't need it, it's everywhere.

well i guess there's never a time when you don't "need" it. but when i'm not really thinking about it, i have tons of money to spare.

i currently owe $6000 for my tuition bill for this semester. it was due yesterday. i was stupid and assumed that my financial aid was enough. apparently not.

i have $117.12 in my bank account and by tomorrow there will only be about $60 left because of food and gas.

There's $0.78 on my casecard because of printing, starbucks, and drinks from vending machines.

My piggy bank holds $1.25 for laundry which actually costs $3.00 each time.

My spare change cylinder has just over $1.00 but much of it also goes to waste because of metered parking everywhere on case campus.

i receive about $100.00 (give or take $20.00) every two weeks for my paycheck.

these numbers and dollar signs are killing me. and i don't even pay my own phone bills or anything. imagine what'll happen to me when THAT happens. i need to start learning fast.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7038532.stm At the prayer meeting on Thurs. we prayed for a 14-year old student who committed suicide after shooting two teachers and students. Fortunately, the victims didn't die. i was scared when i heard the virginia tech shooting, but it wasn't anywhere close to where i lived, so like an ignorant person, i slowly forgot about it. but this... happened right here in cleveland. i also heard that this kid was a genius. his family was in shambles. he got suspended from school and maybe that sent him over the edge. whatever it was, i'm urged to pray more. whatever drove him to such anger and hardships that he couldn't handle it anymore is beyond me. i can't even imagine it. i've dwelt on suicide, too, but i came to realize that Jesus really is the only saving grace. if only someone had reached him earlier.

I am VERY VERY VERY behind on my plan (Bible Reading Plan on the right). I'm like 5wks behind. I know. Quite disappointing. But I was going back and reading my very first posts and how excited I was to write. I still write lots of questions and notes and responses, but I'm just doing like two or three passages a WEEK. -___-;; But here is the very first post I wrote on the first day of the plan. =)

"Matthew 1-2 May 20th, 2007
After Chapter Focus Week and taking "Loving God's Story", the genealogy in Mt1 makes a lot of sense and doesn't seem so pointless. How Mary got pregnant is always going to puzzle me but I guess that it's one of those working of God that just can't be explained. After all, God is of wisdom that is beyond all human understanding. v21 says "Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." And in the notes it says that Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua. That's pretty cool. =) I wonder if scholars talk about that. How Joshua from the OT could be like Jesus. Matthew wrote the gospel targeted to the Jews. He says that the word of the Lord fulfilled...blah or that the prophets' words fulfill [insert event]. He wanted to show the Jews that Jesus truly was the Messiah and not just some wise teacher. Looking at the evidence, I don't understand how they still do not believe. Were there some parts in the prophets' words that were contradictory? Was there any prophecy about the Msesiah NOT fulfilled? I like in v9-12 how the wise men are already worshiping Jesus even though he's merely a baby. I wonder what thoughts ran through their head: He's just an ordinary child ! Can He possibly be the Messiah? But the Bible leaves no room for doubt. Therefore, neither should we.
I like carefully reading through the text like this. I'm not quite doing inductive Bible study but at the same time, I'm not just reading and leaving it at that. Personally responding to it is really helpful. I really hope I can stick to the schedule and finish the Bible in the whole year ! ^.^"

Kind of random and stuff. But now I'm kinda doing more Inductive Bible Study ish thing. Going through each verse and really meditating on it. Observing and trying to interpret. Grabbing some application points b/c ALL parts of the Bible are applicable ! =)

Anyway. I just really like reading the BIble. It really does teach you something new about our AWESOME GOD everyday !

as much as i'd like to think that i fare better on my own and that i have no "real" friends. i really do. i really do have people who care. i really do know people who love me. but most of all, i have a God who provided me with all these people.

enough talking. get to the pictures. ^ ^
first of all, on sat. koinonia had the progressive dinner.

and while i'm mindlessly watching tv, people start singing, "happy birthday." i didn't think it was me b/c my birthday wasn't until monday. so i turned around to see who we were singing to, and here comes yoon with a cake towards me ! so that was quite a surprise.

so that was when the celebration all started. On Sunday at church, the youth group also got me a cake and an awesomely decorated card, too. I love my youth group !!!! =D

then Sunday night, Yoon & I went to Melting Pot and took a bunch of pictures...... that Yoon has on his camera. -___-;; and he's kinda slow in getting back to me. So those pictures will be up latersss.

But I do have a bunch of pictures of the roses he got me.

Then on Monday, my actual birthday, my awesome older sister and oppa took me out to "That Place" for lunch. I've never been in there and I always talk about it on my tour so now I can recall a personal story ! =D

thank you urrrrryone. =)

finally 21. but it doesn't feel any different. ^_^;;

ohman.
pictures to come later. =)

Check it out. It's just an article about "Jesus through Buddhist eyes". It's about a Christian man who turned to Buddhism in this early thirties. He just talks about how now that he's a Buddhist, his views about Christianity have changed and in what ways they've changed.

I realize that people turn away from Christianity as well as turn to Christianity. But the part that bothered me the most was the last paragraph on the second page.

So, as the Dalai Lama said: 'Everyone wants to be happy; no one wants to suffer.' Jesus and the Buddha are extraordinary friends and teachers. They can show us the Way, but we can't rely on them to make us happy, or to take away our suffering. That is up to us.

I don't think that it's up to us to find happiness or peace. I think it's actually kind of frustrating if you're trying to attain enlightenment and you never get there. If it's all up to you what kind of solace is that? We are only human. We are only capable of so much. Whereas God.... GOD is capable of ALL THINGS. How can we NOT rely on him to free us from sin and grant salvation?

Yeah, Jesus & Buddha could be teaching similar things but again whose authority is higher? Jesus or Buddha's? Another part that bothered me was that the author, after having converted to Buddhism, saw Jesus as more human than God as if the idea of Jesus' authority was dulled. Does it matter that the image of Jesus is now that of just a human rather than fully man and fully God? YES. It does matter. He specifically says that He is the son of God. He wasn't conceived in a natural but supernatural way. He's not your blood brother or father but rather the son of God who is ordained with all the powers of God. If His authority is higher, then whose words would you believe? Jesus or Buddha?

Buddha can teach how to be more compassionate, how to give generously and willingly, and how to let anger just flow right through you, but what is the ultimate goal of doing these "good" things? Is it to make you feel better about yourself? Is it to make you look good in front of others? Is it to make the world "a better place"? The world is also temporary just like ourselves. So what's the point of making the world "better" when tomorrow the end could come? We need to live for the ETERNAL. Jesus shows us the Way so that we can live eternally with Him and the Father. If we prepare the world for the ETERNAL then that's a much noble cause rather than just striving for the world to be better.

I don't mind like looking at Buddhist art and reading about Buddhism. It's really interesting and more knowledge doesn't hurt one bit. But my faith will not be shaken. There is one purpose for me: To live for the God Almighty and HIS PURPOSE, NOT MY OWN.

@ kelvin smith library. i love that place. so peaceful. i just need my tall iced caramel macchiato, a 20min nap, and books to keep me company. i can go all night. well until 2am that is. ^ ^

1) i was a fashion designer.
i really enjoyed watching project runway and thought i had a good eye...... hahah yea right ! but at the "Golden Age of Couture" exhibition, there are some drop dead gorgeous dresses and designs that make me wish i lived in that time period. You can view some of the images HERE.

2) that i could remember everything.
i remember reading kite runner back in senior year of high school. now they're making the film and i totally can't remember what it was about ! i just remember really liking the book and crying b/c it hit me so personally.

3) that i really was a CSI.
this story disturbed me so much b/c it's just like what i would watch on the show, CSI. a child was abandoned at a train station and her father fled to LA while her mother was found dead at their home. i remember reading yesterday that the child was abandoned and i prayed that the child will be able to find her parents. but i didn't expect something twisted like her father abandoning his family for america. i suppose i shouldn't be surprised.

so i'm getting busy and i haven't been putting up a photo everyday.
aish ! how bout photo weekly? =) that's better than no photos, right?
i'm getting the hang of carrying my camera around w/ me.
now it's a matter of taking it out and being comfortable enough to take photos.
i do have a couple to show. ssssoooo i'll get to those when i can.
bye. =)

i really like reading bbc.com. it gives me the quickies on what's going on around the world. i especially like the "in pictures" feature. If I could, maybe I'll just become a photographer.... =D just joking ! =P

but check it out whenever you have time. for me, photos speak much louder so i like looking at them. plus the colors are amazing and i haven't traveled to everywhere in the world so through bbc.com i get a glimpse.

=====

in my own news, though...
1. tour guide
i am now giving three tours a week ! and i got a raise of $0.25 so i'm making a little more than i did before. in addition, i find out tonight whether or not i got the telecounseling job so i hope i can make more money... for gas, to pay off my camera, food, shoes, yknow.

2. classes
they're going so great ! love love lovvvvvvvve my buddhist art professor. he's exactly the type of professor i want to be. lenient but not passive. concerned but not obsessive. understanding and patient and not angry.

3. sleep
it's SO hard to sleep in my room. i still sleep with my window a little open b/c it does get stuffy after a while. but even if it's opened a crack, i can hear the traffic, ambulance, police cars, and motorcycles. it makes it impossible to sleep. i'm only on the third floor, but being right next to a road doesn't help things.

4. church
i'm using the Bible Study that i completed over the summer. i'm so excited !! we just finished Isaiah so we're starting Jeremiah this study. it's really a simple study. we're going into three specifics about the prophets: 1) who were they? how were they called? what kind of lives did they lead? 2) what did they prophesy? 3) how do they point to Jesus's coming? of COURSE there's SO much more than what i'm covering, but hopefully this will be a comprehensive study rather than an intense Bible Study.


that's all from me ! i'll post a picture later. it's hard to carry my camera around and have enough time to upload it, process it, etcetc. or am i just making excuses. =)