Be a Part of the Future

Last week was New Hope Oahu's 2013 Doing Church as a Team (DCAT) Conference. This was my first time attending the conference and was really blessed, encouraged, and challenged. One of the themes of the conference was 'passing the baton' well and investing in the future of the Church through our youth. The youth is the church of tomorrow and future ambassadors of Christ, future salts and lights in the world. Below is a video that was shown at the conference, which includes a live performance by our church's youth. They were amazing!

Doesn't matter if your 18 or 81, we can all invest something into those younger than us. An encouraging word, sharing a cup of coffee, a prayer, a hug, a smile, a godly example for them to follow... The reward may not be immediate, but it will be that much more rewarding!

I often wonder how different today's world may have been if more youth had been invested in that way. The world can conceivably be changed in 1 generation just by the way we interact with our youth...not just by what we say and do for them, but more so by what we SHOW them. Let's live lives of excellence, not just for today, but for the future as well!

:)  #agreatreminder  #innocence #hope #DCAT2013 #proverbs22:6

Sara and Eric!

Les Miserables

Last night a couple of friends and I went to go watch Les Miserables and walked out speechless. I had heard some songs before and a lot about how great of a musical (and book) it is, but I had never actually seen the production or heard anything about the storyline.  I remember my old high school choir director saying it was his favorite musical and after watching it myself, I can see why.

Yes, I have to admit, at 2 hours and 38 minutes, it was a bit long for a movie (without an intermission) and they could have cut some songs short (a LOT of singing). Nevertheless, it was the quality and richness of the story that impressed me. The musical production is actually based on a classic french novel written in the 1800s. Even though written over 100 years ago and set back during the French revolution, the themes, issues, and message are just as relevant for us today. It is a story of brokenness and injustice finding HOPE, REDEMPTION and VICTORY in the love of God experienced through the grace and mercy of others who have been there before.  Yes, that is a loaded sentence, but it really is THAT rich. And you don't just get drama, you also get action, suspense, and even a love story for the ladies.

I know most people aren't fans of musicals, but if you can get past the singing (especially when Russel Crowe sings), I recommend you watch this film. The story alone is worth it and I can't imagine anyone who couldn't relate to it at some level. It is one of those movies that helps remind the viewers of what's really important in life. Plus Wolverine is pretty stinken awesome in this movie. Hugh Jackman is the man. You also get the Gladiator.

Below is a link to the trailer

Call Me, Maybe? (long overdue update & new blog title!)

A LOT has changed since my last post. A lot I hadn't expected, a lot I hadn't planned.

John Steinbeck once wrote, "A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip, a trip takes us."

Many people have ideas of what they think is the best path, the best route, the most 'successful' path to 'success.' But if you really think about it, Steinbeck was right, no two person's journey are alike. They may have similar milestones (i.e. college, grad school, job, marriage...etc.) and goals, but ultimately its the life you live 'in-between' that defines you, that shapes you, that characterizes your journey...and its in those 'in-betweens' that you really become who you want to be.

I had 'planned' to go back to California and enroll in grad school after returning from my 'brief' trip to Hawaii.  The church I was attending back in California offers an internship program which I was 'certain' that God was leading me to. It was the 'perfect' plan for someone who wanted to be a pastor. I could attend seminary, all while interning, serving, and working at a church where I had fallen in love with, with people I had a heart to minister to. So. I. Thought.

Long story short...doors were closed in California, doors opened in Hawaii, and now I'm eligible for kama'aina again, living back in Hawaii and working as a Project Engineer for a local contractor. WHAT?!?

Now that its been about several months since I started my new job, I can sense that I am exactly where I should be and where God wants me to be. Even though engineering may seem very random, I can see habits and skills that I'm 'forced' to develop now (i.e. waking up at 5am) and how beneficial they will be for me in the future when I lead my future church, my future family, with much weightier responsibilities. God knows me so well and knows that most times it takes the circumstances surrounding me to push me into action.

There are many paths to where you may be headed. Don't be discouraged if its 'unconventional,' far from the 'status quo,' or not what you WANT or expected. Just remember to work hard and live well in what you are given TODAY. Many times we focus so much on where we're headed or where we want to go that we miss out on whats right in front of us. Those 'in-between' moments are what will define how we turn out.

For those of you who are believers, you know that God knows you better than yourself and that He holds your future. Trust him by living your best today and leaving tomorrow to Him.  I'm not disqualifying he importance of planning, but be OPEN to change, open to some 'de-tours,' and open to God's plan for your life.

I'll leave you with pictures of some people and things I'll miss most about LA...(not ALL inclusive)

BTW, if your in California and want to ever just chat or catch up... don't ever hesitate to CALL ME! MAYBE? (or FaceTime or text or Facebook)...praying for you all.

Aaron.

Yes, I will start with her...my mom.

The GVBC Ohana!

ALL the students at GVBC!

These guys. Good Times.

Yoshidas!

Crazy Biolans!

More Crazy Biolans!

And even more!

And of course the food and COFFEE in LA!

Ho Brah! Long time ah! (Translation: "Wow, its been a long time")

Yes, it has been a VERY long time since my last post. A lot has happened since then...I went to Korea (had an amazing time), went back to Los Angeles, got a new job, quit my job (long story), came back to Hawaii and am now about to start a whole new 'season'! (details to come soon)

Honestly, it has been a very challenging season...there were many instances where I wanted to give up and give in. We've all had or will have seasons in life where we just want to escape, where the problems seem to never end and resolutions seem so distant or even nonexistent. Uncertainty and/or a sense of meaninglessness cloud over us. In other words, it sucks!

BUT, I realized that those seasons are so very necessary and unfortunately inevitable for everybody. Imagine if everything was fine, all the time! A person would never grow into their full potential! It is in our times of suffering where we grow the most. Its in those times that we do things we would never do on our own because now we HAVE to...it pushes us to sacrifice and prioritize...it brings things into perspective. However, most people, including myself, would still rather not go through a tough season and spend their entire lives trying to avoid it. But we all know, no one is exempt from difficulties. Even the richest people, with all they have, still have their own drama. They go through things personally that may not mean much to another, but to them may mean the world. In a imperfect world with imperfect people, there will always be pain and suffering.

I know everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY, if their truly honest with themselves and take time to reflect, can relate to this. Pain and suffering is universal, whether its in the form of poverty or a teenager's high school drama. People in different walks and stages of their life all have their problems.

So WHY AM I SHARING THIS??

Well, because I know the only way I truly got through this past season and am still going is because of my faith in God and Jesus Christ. There are things in the Bible and about Christianity that if you're truly honest with yourself, really make sense of our lives and our world. I'm not talking about scientifically, but something more fundamental...the human condition. I know there will be people reading this who aren't Christian or may even really dislike Christianity. I'll be the first to tell you there are so many people that call themselves 'Christians' that aren't very good representatives... BUT don't look at people. God is the one who ultimately changes lives. Even the 'holiest' person you know will eventually let you down. Church is for the broken and fallen, not the perfect. Do you know anyone who is perfect?

All that to say, if you are already a believer, I encourage you to continue to seek God in everything and make the most out of your season of suffering because there is a reason God has allowed it. Don't waste it :) As for my non-Christian friends, all I want to say is, don't totally disregard God or Christianity...be open, know that He loves you and will always be there to run to, not matter how much crap you've done. His door is always open and there is no entrance fee but your willingness to trust in Him.


Below are some recent pictures that pretty much sums up the current season :) (in HAWAII)

Sara and Eric...the two cutest kids I've ever met...no wonder they related to me ;)

My Grandma and my dad...sometimes can't live with them, but can't live without them either!  

My friends in Hawaii...good times :D

The local food! Poke counter at Foodland...so ono!

New Hope!

My summer job as a construction worker...lol.

ALL IN HAWAII!

Downtown Honolulu

Today, I spent the morning exploring downtown Honolulu with my dad.

First Stop: Hawaii State Art Museum

'One' of dad's favorites...

Dad staring down Prince Kuhio...

One of my favorites...

Stop Numba 2: 'Downtown' (the restaurant) 
To be honest, as interesting as art is...we REALLY came 'down' for the food ;)

 'Downtown' is a restaurant at the 1st floor of the Hawaii State Art Museum and has had pretty good reviews.

They have a take-out bar also...

The food was a bit pricey for lunch, but very good! I could tell they used quality ingredients and take the time to develop the menu. And I won't go into any more detail (since this is NOT a review), but you should try it when you get a chance.

I ordered the Seared Ahi Club Sandwich with Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Wasabi, Arugula on a Multi-Grain  ($12.75) [sorry bout the bite, forgot to take a pic...was so hungry, lol]

My dad got the Soup/Sandwich Combo ($11.50) with an Italian Cured Meat, Olive, Arugula, Provolone Panini & a Beef with Black Beans soup. [and what can I say, like father, like son]

Last Stop: Let Them Eat Cupcakes

Can't go to downtown Honolulu without getting some cupcakes at Let Them Eat Cupcakes! I usually don't like cupcakes, but these are AMAZING. The best cupcakes I have ever had (and at $2.50 to $3 each, they bettah be)!

It was my dad's first time so recommended the safe-bet, everyone's favorite...red velvet.

I, on the other hand, had the Maple Bacon! They had always been out when I went in the past, but today it was calling my name. And yes, not weird at all, but actually pretty good (still like red velvet bettah though).

And if you dine in, they give you free coffee, but only in this mug...lol.

If you've gotten this far down my post, I commend you and thank you. However, there was a point I wanted to make with this post...

    I had a great day with my dad today. Probably like many of you, I don't always get along with my dad. I actually prefer hanging out with friends who are my age, have similar interests, and don't always stress me out! But, we need to remember that our parents need us too. They love us and want to spend time with us, but often just don't know how to ask (especially dads, maybe its an Asian thing, lol). So my challenge to you is to find a day or even part of day to spend some time with your parent(s)...even if it may not be the most enjoyable. If you're away from them, give them a call. In the end, its relationships that last and what relationship is more important than the one between a parent and their children.

Happy Thanksgiving! (추석!)

My grand-aunt from Korea arrived today. I haven't seen her in nearly 8 years. It was great to see her, especially because I have so many fond memories of her visits when I was little.

Because I had to go to the airport...I got to take the day off and spend it with my grandma, dad, and grand aunt. They spent the afternoon sipping coffee, looking through old picture albums, and reminiscing.

I got to sit there listening to their stories...it was an odd, but refreshing feeling. I felt like a little kid again. As I sat there, I realized that I was experiencing something so common, yet often missed. I would usually be bored sitting at home on my afternoon off...but today, I couldn't help but just sit there and listen...

Moreover, today was thanksgiving (choosuk) in Korea. Ironically, the chapter I read today in one of books I'm going through (The Irresistible Church by Wayne Cordeiro) was about 'gratefulness.' What a perfect day to be reminded of everything I should be grateful for.

Life can get busy and distracting, but don't ever forget to slow down, stop and look around often to see how much you have to be 'grateful' for. REAL LIFE often happens in the 'in-betweens of life.' Don't miss out!

Below is an excerpt from today's chapter that really resonated with me:

"Gratefulness differs from thankfulness...Thankfulness is the cordial response to a favor done...Gratefulness, however, is different...It's an attitude, a disposition that we carry and practice whether or not things go our way...regardless of our circumstances...It is the confidence to accept whatever God brings...trust him through the process...God sees the outcome, and God is always good."

Wayne Cordiero in The Irresistible Church (p.59-62)

Sara's New Haircut!

My 4 year old niece Sara got a haircut today...isn't she the cutest little girl you've ever seen!