To take some time to forget the current happenings of the world, I googled my name and found that there is another person by the same name as me. Apparently, he's pretty good in running and other sport marathon type things.
Things going on are just the need to pray a lot and this translation, which I really don't want to do anymore. But I got to and time is ticking by and the person I volunteered to do it for is still waiting. So many things are going on.
Anyway, I really think that I need to stop drinking coffee in the morning. For the past couple of nights, I've been staying up late and have been drinking some coffee to stay up late. However, last night, my body told me that I need to go to sleep. I wake up feeling refreshed, but my heart rate does not seem to be slowing down when I'm sleeping. (I drank some coffee to stay up later.) Anyway, stimulants don't stop the effects of tiredness, they seem to make it worse.
I guess you could say that I am typing on this blog to relieve stress and voice some of my frustrations and maybe feel like I am actually talking to someone who wants to listen to what I have to say. I admit that writing stuff down makes me feel better. Anyway, I don't want to get too personal, so I'll end here.
Friday, January 28, 2005
I really don't want to talk about politics. No matter what it is, it always seems like Republicans are against Democrats, and Democrats are against Republicans. Does anybody vote for what they truly think anymore? Does anyone truly listen to their own conscience anymore?
A proverb in Japan is, "the nail that sticks out gets hammered back down." Meaning, the person who sticks out from the rest, will get hammered back down by the system of everyone else.
I guess it's true here in America too in some respects. Politicians want to get re-elected and want to have a career. If you don't follow the unwritten rules, then you'll be on the black list.
I must say if we don't stand up for what we believe in, then what will we stand up for? Something we don't believe in? Something that we're afraid to speak out against for fear of being knocked around?
I guess that's the key word. FEAR. If you live in fear, then are you truly living?
A proverb in Japan is, "the nail that sticks out gets hammered back down." Meaning, the person who sticks out from the rest, will get hammered back down by the system of everyone else.
I guess it's true here in America too in some respects. Politicians want to get re-elected and want to have a career. If you don't follow the unwritten rules, then you'll be on the black list.
I must say if we don't stand up for what we believe in, then what will we stand up for? Something we don't believe in? Something that we're afraid to speak out against for fear of being knocked around?
I guess that's the key word. FEAR. If you live in fear, then are you truly living?
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Currently, I'm translating an article about internment. I have no idea if this article is going to be used for good purposes, but I'm guessing so. I just hope that it will be used for good and that I won't be a cause for many people to hate someone.
Anyway, need to do a good job so there won't be any misunderstandings. But yeah, if there's anything wrong or any misunderstandings between the two sides, then I'm in for a great deal of heat. It will probably have to do with a mistake that I made in the translation or a word choice of one word over another. Anyway, I just need to do a good job, or else.
I took this volunteer position because I was interested in the article, but I'm wondering if I will be the cause of something good to be lost. It could be the other way around. I could be the one to help something good be saved. What, I don't know. But I've just got to do this and get it over with.
Anyway, need to do a good job so there won't be any misunderstandings. But yeah, if there's anything wrong or any misunderstandings between the two sides, then I'm in for a great deal of heat. It will probably have to do with a mistake that I made in the translation or a word choice of one word over another. Anyway, I just need to do a good job, or else.
I took this volunteer position because I was interested in the article, but I'm wondering if I will be the cause of something good to be lost. It could be the other way around. I could be the one to help something good be saved. What, I don't know. But I've just got to do this and get it over with.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Doing what I'm supposed to do
I got back into translating an article that I was supposed to do awhile ago. I just didn't want to be responsible for causing ill will between Japan and America, especially in a place where the people fought against internment.
Anyway, I translated it a little better, so it makes more sense. The article is not saying that internment was right. It was saying that there is a controversy over someone saying that internment was right.
I mistranslated a portion of it and thought that it said something that it didn't, so I got really angry and put it away. But after looking at it again, I found that it said something different. So now, I'm interested in what it has to say.
Basically, the article compared the US after 9-11 and the Japanese internment. They compared the treatment of followers of Islam to how the Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps. It also talked about a special class that was being taught about internment and how someone was angry that this class was being taught.
The person thought that it was an anti-western propaganda class. Can you believe that? The West does so many things wrong. We in America only hear the things we do right. Is it a wonder why we don't know why the rest of the world hates us? We don't know what our country does!
(deleted)
I'm not saying that our country does bad all the time, it's just that we don't hear about what goes on all the time. History can be written in someone's point of view and not in what actually happened. Use your best judgment when going through things, and don't believe everything that you read or hear. Listen to it, give it consideration and determine if it is true or not. The most important word is "listen".
I got back into translating an article that I was supposed to do awhile ago. I just didn't want to be responsible for causing ill will between Japan and America, especially in a place where the people fought against internment.
Anyway, I translated it a little better, so it makes more sense. The article is not saying that internment was right. It was saying that there is a controversy over someone saying that internment was right.
I mistranslated a portion of it and thought that it said something that it didn't, so I got really angry and put it away. But after looking at it again, I found that it said something different. So now, I'm interested in what it has to say.
Basically, the article compared the US after 9-11 and the Japanese internment. They compared the treatment of followers of Islam to how the Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps. It also talked about a special class that was being taught about internment and how someone was angry that this class was being taught.
The person thought that it was an anti-western propaganda class. Can you believe that? The West does so many things wrong. We in America only hear the things we do right. Is it a wonder why we don't know why the rest of the world hates us? We don't know what our country does!
(deleted)
I'm not saying that our country does bad all the time, it's just that we don't hear about what goes on all the time. History can be written in someone's point of view and not in what actually happened. Use your best judgment when going through things, and don't believe everything that you read or hear. Listen to it, give it consideration and determine if it is true or not. The most important word is "listen".
Monday, January 24, 2005
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Sometimes, it's just out of our hands
My friend has something wrong with him. I'm not talking about anything other than his legs. Nobody knows why he has this problem, but he can't walk that well.
While we were talking the other night, I told him that he's just going to have to accept it. He replied, "How can I accept it? I used to be able to run and now I can't even walk." I had no answer.
But it did remind me just now of the people who were told that they'd never walk again. One who was told that won a gold medal in the Olympics for sprinting after fighting so hard to regain his walking ability. Before that he was told that he wouldn't last the night. Both times, he determined that he wouldn't let himself accept the fate that others told him, and he proved them wrong. The story can be found in Chicken Soup for the Soul. My High school teacher read us a story from that book every Friday. It was in 1998 when I heard that story. Miracles do happen.
I wonder if my friend will walk to his former ability. Something is wrong with his body, but his heart...I'm not sure where his heart is right now being so frustrated. But we did pray before he left and he does have a strong faith. I was encouraged by his prayer.
All I can do is do what I can for him and pray and ask others to pray. He is struggling and he needs help. I just hope that God will lead him to something good. I can't imagine what is wrong with him, but I know that some things don't work out the way we want them to. Maybe I'm weak in faith, but I know that sometimes, regardless of how much we pray, it doesn't happen. Sometimes they're painful, and sometimes we don't understand why. I guess I'll never understand why, until I can ask Him myself when I die.
I believe that not everything is in God's will, but people disagree with me on that. I say this, because if you look at all the wrong in the world...is this God's will? Does God want this? I believe no. It's the things that we have created. But then again, people disagree with me, so I'm unsure of this.
I will never understand everything in this world. There's a lot that I don't understand. And there's a lot that I don't want to understand. But regardless of the bad things in life, God is still present and He is still there. He's the only person that understands what my friend is going through. It's out of my hands, but there are still things that I can do.
My friend has something wrong with him. I'm not talking about anything other than his legs. Nobody knows why he has this problem, but he can't walk that well.
While we were talking the other night, I told him that he's just going to have to accept it. He replied, "How can I accept it? I used to be able to run and now I can't even walk." I had no answer.
But it did remind me just now of the people who were told that they'd never walk again. One who was told that won a gold medal in the Olympics for sprinting after fighting so hard to regain his walking ability. Before that he was told that he wouldn't last the night. Both times, he determined that he wouldn't let himself accept the fate that others told him, and he proved them wrong. The story can be found in Chicken Soup for the Soul. My High school teacher read us a story from that book every Friday. It was in 1998 when I heard that story. Miracles do happen.
I wonder if my friend will walk to his former ability. Something is wrong with his body, but his heart...I'm not sure where his heart is right now being so frustrated. But we did pray before he left and he does have a strong faith. I was encouraged by his prayer.
All I can do is do what I can for him and pray and ask others to pray. He is struggling and he needs help. I just hope that God will lead him to something good. I can't imagine what is wrong with him, but I know that some things don't work out the way we want them to. Maybe I'm weak in faith, but I know that sometimes, regardless of how much we pray, it doesn't happen. Sometimes they're painful, and sometimes we don't understand why. I guess I'll never understand why, until I can ask Him myself when I die.
I believe that not everything is in God's will, but people disagree with me on that. I say this, because if you look at all the wrong in the world...is this God's will? Does God want this? I believe no. It's the things that we have created. But then again, people disagree with me, so I'm unsure of this.
I will never understand everything in this world. There's a lot that I don't understand. And there's a lot that I don't want to understand. But regardless of the bad things in life, God is still present and He is still there. He's the only person that understands what my friend is going through. It's out of my hands, but there are still things that I can do.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
About the last post...
Yeah, I was kind of angry at some of the things that I read. Maybe I was thinking irrationally, but I do feel that sometimes we make this world into a harsher place. I can't help what people think and I really try not to care what other people think. But sometimes things just make me angry. And I don't get angry that often.
Anyway, I believe that all people have worth. Even though some may do terrible things, they have worth and can change. I believe that God can do anything, but He does not do everything that we want Him to do. He sees farther ahead than I do and maybe things happen this way for a reason. Whatever it may be, I don't have the ability to see the future.
Anyway, I meant what I said in the previous post and maybe I was acting on emotion, but yeah, I did mean that stuff, even though harsh and sometimes naive.
Future
Well, I got turned down for a job. It was a job that demanded long term commitment and I wasn't sure if I really wanted to stay there that long. But I guess maybe this is for the better, because if I had been offered that job, I would have taken it, and I'm not sure if that would be what God wanted me to do.
But I know that things work in accordance to God's plan. I'm sort of glad that I didn't get the job, but kind of sad. I'm thinking that maybe a headhunter company is not the way to go. Everyone wants long term commitment. heh
Anyway, I know that jobs will come and go and they're really not the whole world. I'm starting to think that it was God that stopped me from getting that job. Whether it was or not, I can only say that I think that this is for the best.
Maybe teaching English through JET is something that I should pursue. I always wanted to improve my Japanese. I always wanted to go back to Japan. I always want to grow. There is some good things ahead of me and I know that this is for the best.
Yeah, I was kind of angry at some of the things that I read. Maybe I was thinking irrationally, but I do feel that sometimes we make this world into a harsher place. I can't help what people think and I really try not to care what other people think. But sometimes things just make me angry. And I don't get angry that often.
Anyway, I believe that all people have worth. Even though some may do terrible things, they have worth and can change. I believe that God can do anything, but He does not do everything that we want Him to do. He sees farther ahead than I do and maybe things happen this way for a reason. Whatever it may be, I don't have the ability to see the future.
Anyway, I meant what I said in the previous post and maybe I was acting on emotion, but yeah, I did mean that stuff, even though harsh and sometimes naive.
Future
Well, I got turned down for a job. It was a job that demanded long term commitment and I wasn't sure if I really wanted to stay there that long. But I guess maybe this is for the better, because if I had been offered that job, I would have taken it, and I'm not sure if that would be what God wanted me to do.
But I know that things work in accordance to God's plan. I'm sort of glad that I didn't get the job, but kind of sad. I'm thinking that maybe a headhunter company is not the way to go. Everyone wants long term commitment. heh
Anyway, I know that jobs will come and go and they're really not the whole world. I'm starting to think that it was God that stopped me from getting that job. Whether it was or not, I can only say that I think that this is for the best.
Maybe teaching English through JET is something that I should pursue. I always wanted to improve my Japanese. I always wanted to go back to Japan. I always want to grow. There is some good things ahead of me and I know that this is for the best.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
History reborn
The person who said that, "if we don't learn from the past, history is doomed to repeat itself." Well, what he said is true. But, one thing that I must say is, unless we learn it correctly and not in our dehumanizing stereotypes or discrimination, then we're on a good track.
However, I've come across something that has disturbed me. It's very recent and I can only say that it is due to ignorance.
More about that later, but right now, I must say that people really need to stop looking at people as enemies and look at people as people. If we continue with dehumanizing people, then we're just going to let the whole world go to Hell.
The War on Terror on both sides seems to not be going well. People are dying and lives are being shattered. I say both sides, because violence seems to be growing on the Terrorists side and lots of people are dying because of them and the terrorists themselves are dying too. I say on our side, because War is destroying our troops and it is destroying the Iraqis. Really, war is a no win situation. As one person put it, "war is a failure on both sides...because we had to resort to war to handle the situation. Both sides failed to do things rationally." But, I guess sometimes it's necessary. Look at WWII. Anyway, I'm not saying anything about the war on terror. I'm not sure what to think of it right now.
If we look at the Terrorists as something other than people, then we have lost already. The Terrorists believe that they're doing the right thing, even though it's wrong. It's being handled in the wrong way if you do it through violence.
But, God loves them too. Is anybody perfect? No. All people make mistakes. Everyone, no matter what you are, is still human. Jesus died for everyone and every person that dies, whether terrorist or not is a loss.
If you look on our side, Graner the head person who was in charge of the prison atrocities in Iraq was asked, "Do you have any regrets?" He said, "no" as he was being led in handcuffs to the prision van after he was sentenced to 10 years. Friends or family said that Graner believed in "treating people the same way he wanted to be treated."
If that's not hypocrisy then I don't know what is. What Graner did is wrong. He believed that he was doing something right. He was, "just following orders," as he put it. And in my opinion, he got off light. I hope that the people who ordered him will get more severe sentences. But I know that they are safe from this.
But, it's so easy to say that "he's such a terrible person." If he is or isn't, he's human and there is worth in him still. God loves him as God loves everybody. Jesus died for him too.
If you don't believe me, look up this passage found here.
So, what I'm trying to say in short is, don't look at people as anything less than human. Even the worst of us is loved by God. I know, because I was one of the worst at a time in my life. But God did some work in my life through many people, people praying for me, and people's actions towards me. God has the power to change people's hearts. He works through those who are willing to be used for His glory.
Yeah, God's love does not excuse us from what we do. We will all be accountable for what we do according to our deeds. But know this, all people have worth. No matter what you think of them, or what you say about them, or what you see them do, all people have worth. Why? Because God says that each person has worth enough for Him to love us and even to die for us.
There is no partiality with God.
One last thing. If you try to help people, then there's always the chance that they will bite you. They may try to hurt you because of many things. Be careful if you try to help others. I'm not saying, don't help others, what I'm saying is, be alert and be wary. Don't be naive.
Jesus tells his disciples, "Be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." His promises that He says after that are true too.
Anyway, I've wrote a long winded post. It just upsets me to see that people just don't understand what being human is all about. We know things from our perspective, yet we don't see things as the truth. You got to realize that we're all imperfect and that we all make mistakes. Yet if we don't see our mistakes, then we and others around us are in trouble. And, if we think that we're somehow better than others, then you've just put your heads up in the clouds and have made yourself to be an idol.
In short, looking down on people, or thinking that you are better than anyone else is practically the same thing.
Yeah, I feel strongly about this. Don't we believe that "all men are created equal." No man is better than the next. God is the judge of all people. We are not qualified to be the judge.
And yes, the recent thing I read really made me angry. People are people, no matter where they're from.
Sometimes I wonder what the future will bring.
The person who said that, "if we don't learn from the past, history is doomed to repeat itself." Well, what he said is true. But, one thing that I must say is, unless we learn it correctly and not in our dehumanizing stereotypes or discrimination, then we're on a good track.
However, I've come across something that has disturbed me. It's very recent and I can only say that it is due to ignorance.
More about that later, but right now, I must say that people really need to stop looking at people as enemies and look at people as people. If we continue with dehumanizing people, then we're just going to let the whole world go to Hell.
The War on Terror on both sides seems to not be going well. People are dying and lives are being shattered. I say both sides, because violence seems to be growing on the Terrorists side and lots of people are dying because of them and the terrorists themselves are dying too. I say on our side, because War is destroying our troops and it is destroying the Iraqis. Really, war is a no win situation. As one person put it, "war is a failure on both sides...because we had to resort to war to handle the situation. Both sides failed to do things rationally." But, I guess sometimes it's necessary. Look at WWII. Anyway, I'm not saying anything about the war on terror. I'm not sure what to think of it right now.
If we look at the Terrorists as something other than people, then we have lost already. The Terrorists believe that they're doing the right thing, even though it's wrong. It's being handled in the wrong way if you do it through violence.
But, God loves them too. Is anybody perfect? No. All people make mistakes. Everyone, no matter what you are, is still human. Jesus died for everyone and every person that dies, whether terrorist or not is a loss.
If you look on our side, Graner the head person who was in charge of the prison atrocities in Iraq was asked, "Do you have any regrets?" He said, "no" as he was being led in handcuffs to the prision van after he was sentenced to 10 years. Friends or family said that Graner believed in "treating people the same way he wanted to be treated."
If that's not hypocrisy then I don't know what is. What Graner did is wrong. He believed that he was doing something right. He was, "just following orders," as he put it. And in my opinion, he got off light. I hope that the people who ordered him will get more severe sentences. But I know that they are safe from this.
But, it's so easy to say that "he's such a terrible person." If he is or isn't, he's human and there is worth in him still. God loves him as God loves everybody. Jesus died for him too.
If you don't believe me, look up this passage found here.
So, what I'm trying to say in short is, don't look at people as anything less than human. Even the worst of us is loved by God. I know, because I was one of the worst at a time in my life. But God did some work in my life through many people, people praying for me, and people's actions towards me. God has the power to change people's hearts. He works through those who are willing to be used for His glory.
Yeah, God's love does not excuse us from what we do. We will all be accountable for what we do according to our deeds. But know this, all people have worth. No matter what you think of them, or what you say about them, or what you see them do, all people have worth. Why? Because God says that each person has worth enough for Him to love us and even to die for us.
There is no partiality with God.
One last thing. If you try to help people, then there's always the chance that they will bite you. They may try to hurt you because of many things. Be careful if you try to help others. I'm not saying, don't help others, what I'm saying is, be alert and be wary. Don't be naive.
Jesus tells his disciples, "Be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." His promises that He says after that are true too.
Anyway, I've wrote a long winded post. It just upsets me to see that people just don't understand what being human is all about. We know things from our perspective, yet we don't see things as the truth. You got to realize that we're all imperfect and that we all make mistakes. Yet if we don't see our mistakes, then we and others around us are in trouble. And, if we think that we're somehow better than others, then you've just put your heads up in the clouds and have made yourself to be an idol.
In short, looking down on people, or thinking that you are better than anyone else is practically the same thing.
Yeah, I feel strongly about this. Don't we believe that "all men are created equal." No man is better than the next. God is the judge of all people. We are not qualified to be the judge.
And yes, the recent thing I read really made me angry. People are people, no matter where they're from.
Sometimes I wonder what the future will bring.
Thoughts
Some things come to mind as I am contemplating my life. "Are you doing what you need to do?" "Are you making things happen?" "Are you being a good steward of what you have?"
To all three I say no. I'm coming to think that when the time comes for me to do something that I'll be unprepared.
Got to pick up where I left off and start again. You may ask what I'm talking about...I'm talking about fate.
Okay, end the blog and start now. =)
Some things come to mind as I am contemplating my life. "Are you doing what you need to do?" "Are you making things happen?" "Are you being a good steward of what you have?"
To all three I say no. I'm coming to think that when the time comes for me to do something that I'll be unprepared.
Got to pick up where I left off and start again. You may ask what I'm talking about...I'm talking about fate.
Okay, end the blog and start now. =)
Friday, January 14, 2005
Days go by...
I'm starting to think that I'm not going to get a call back from the head hunter company. I'm thinking that I need to check out the newspaper again.
Just one thing that came to mind yesterday. About the test that they were going to do on me, I'm wondering if it was a drug test. If it was so, then I probably should have went through with it on the same day. But yeah, just for the record, I'm not on drugs. If it was a drug test, then I can only imagine, unless I am actually tested.
To pass the time, I've started watching Smallville from the 2nd season. I plan on buying the first season once I get a job. I like the series because it deals a lot with human emotions and personalities. Plus, something strange and weird happens every episode. It always ends with some sort of lesson at the end about relationships. It's fun and entertaining, so I'd recommend this series to anyone who likes watching dramas.
Also, I've taken up a volunteer translation thing, so I'll see what they think about my work. But it's only one article about the Japanese American internment, so I'm interested in what this newspaper has to say. It's a Japanese newspaper that's writing about this. The article was published in October 2004.
Anyway, there's things that I need to do, so I'll end here.
I'm starting to think that I'm not going to get a call back from the head hunter company. I'm thinking that I need to check out the newspaper again.
Just one thing that came to mind yesterday. About the test that they were going to do on me, I'm wondering if it was a drug test. If it was so, then I probably should have went through with it on the same day. But yeah, just for the record, I'm not on drugs. If it was a drug test, then I can only imagine, unless I am actually tested.
To pass the time, I've started watching Smallville from the 2nd season. I plan on buying the first season once I get a job. I like the series because it deals a lot with human emotions and personalities. Plus, something strange and weird happens every episode. It always ends with some sort of lesson at the end about relationships. It's fun and entertaining, so I'd recommend this series to anyone who likes watching dramas.
Also, I've taken up a volunteer translation thing, so I'll see what they think about my work. But it's only one article about the Japanese American internment, so I'm interested in what this newspaper has to say. It's a Japanese newspaper that's writing about this. The article was published in October 2004.
Anyway, there's things that I need to do, so I'll end here.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
They're going to test me. In what I don't know. I should have asked, but I didn't want it to sound like I was going to cram before it. Anyway, I'm guessing it's in Japanese, or word processing and 10 key. Anyway, the only thing that I really don't know well is Excel. The other things, I should have no problem with.
I went in today to a head hunter company. If you don't know what those are, they submit your resume to employers who pay them to find potential employees. I've had a run in with a head hunter company before, and was offered a job, but I didn't take it. The commute was really long...say about 1 hour 45 minutes in traffic one way. Anyway, I'm not sure if I'll be so lucky this time. My friend tells me that I should have taken the job. Well...I'm starting to think that he is right.
Anyway, with more practice, I'll be successful. I might not get the job that I really really want, but hey, I just got to put food on the table. I'm hopeful that I will do well.
This situation reminds me of a Japanese drama about a successful businessman who really has no love for people. And the people who are in a poor neighborhood about to be torn down by this businessman, who really have love for each other, but no success in the business world.
Anyway, if you can guess already, they impact one another and they all change for the better. The twists and turns in the drama make it a very interesting one to watch, but it has some culture that you might not understand. Some things are sentimental to Japanese people, whereas it might not be to others. But, in all respects, it's a touching drama, even though it's not developed really well.
The ending shows how they all changed because of each other, the businessman, and the community of people. And don't worry, it's a positive ending.
Anyway, I'm sure that things will work out fine. I have hope, and I'm not going to give up so easily.
You may be asking how the drama fits into this post. Lets say that it fits more in the process of my life.
I went in today to a head hunter company. If you don't know what those are, they submit your resume to employers who pay them to find potential employees. I've had a run in with a head hunter company before, and was offered a job, but I didn't take it. The commute was really long...say about 1 hour 45 minutes in traffic one way. Anyway, I'm not sure if I'll be so lucky this time. My friend tells me that I should have taken the job. Well...I'm starting to think that he is right.
Anyway, with more practice, I'll be successful. I might not get the job that I really really want, but hey, I just got to put food on the table. I'm hopeful that I will do well.
This situation reminds me of a Japanese drama about a successful businessman who really has no love for people. And the people who are in a poor neighborhood about to be torn down by this businessman, who really have love for each other, but no success in the business world.
Anyway, if you can guess already, they impact one another and they all change for the better. The twists and turns in the drama make it a very interesting one to watch, but it has some culture that you might not understand. Some things are sentimental to Japanese people, whereas it might not be to others. But, in all respects, it's a touching drama, even though it's not developed really well.
The ending shows how they all changed because of each other, the businessman, and the community of people. And don't worry, it's a positive ending.
Anyway, I'm sure that things will work out fine. I have hope, and I'm not going to give up so easily.
You may be asking how the drama fits into this post. Lets say that it fits more in the process of my life.
Monday, January 10, 2005
I took a chance and it's paying off. I might have a job soon. But, I have no idea which company it is for. Anyway, if things go right, then I'll be earning a little dough.
My plan is to get a job in the meantime, and earn some income. Then, after work, study Japanese. Simple plan, right? All I can say is that it's going to take some conscious effort to get this done.
My plan is to get a job in the meantime, and earn some income. Then, after work, study Japanese. Simple plan, right? All I can say is that it's going to take some conscious effort to get this done.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Another Sunday, another opportunity missed...
My alarm went off playing some beautiful music. Apparently they were advertising this guy over national radio. He was playing the violin pretty wickedly and that helped me to be content with keeping my eyes closed.
I went back to sleep after my radio turned off an hour later. I wake up and see that it's 11am. Service is over already. For all the times that I've gone late, I didn't feel like going late again and hearing some comment about how late I am. I guess my church family doesn't know that I took it personally, but I don't hold it against them. I know that it is my fault for not going to sleep early enough, and part of it isn't my fault. However, I'd rather not post why it's not my fault and reveal more than I want to.
Anyway, a good speaker was supposed to be speaking today at service. A man I really respect. For some reason, it seems like I miss all the good services due to oversleeping and the fact that I really don't want to hear some comments from people that are supposed to be my family.
I know that it's important to go to church every Sunday and learn, be in community, and help others who need help. Regardless of me knowing these things, I often find that I just go to church and not learn anything at all. Why? I don't reflect on the message; I don't try to change. Sometimes sundays are just filled with so much stuff, that I really just don't want to get out of bed and do all those things. Depression? Maybe...
Anyway, I plan to go to church next week. I know that going to church is better than not going to church. It's better because something good can happen, whereas if you don't go, then nothing happens. Taking a chance on anything, there is a possibility that something could go wrong. But, for some reason, whenever I go, I find that my week is much better, I feel more alive, and sometimes, just sometimes, I try to apply something that I learned on Sunday.
I feel like I'm stuck in a rut right now as I've been going to church almost every sunday of 2004. But, I know that I can change this if I want to. I have a plan, and I'm going to work on it.
It's not something that you do only on Sundays, but something that you should do everyday. Sunday is a special day of the week. But, for me, it's hard. I guess for me, dealing with people has never been easy. But, to me, this is what makes life worth living. God, and the people in your life.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
My alarm went off playing some beautiful music. Apparently they were advertising this guy over national radio. He was playing the violin pretty wickedly and that helped me to be content with keeping my eyes closed.
I went back to sleep after my radio turned off an hour later. I wake up and see that it's 11am. Service is over already. For all the times that I've gone late, I didn't feel like going late again and hearing some comment about how late I am. I guess my church family doesn't know that I took it personally, but I don't hold it against them. I know that it is my fault for not going to sleep early enough, and part of it isn't my fault. However, I'd rather not post why it's not my fault and reveal more than I want to.
Anyway, a good speaker was supposed to be speaking today at service. A man I really respect. For some reason, it seems like I miss all the good services due to oversleeping and the fact that I really don't want to hear some comments from people that are supposed to be my family.
I know that it's important to go to church every Sunday and learn, be in community, and help others who need help. Regardless of me knowing these things, I often find that I just go to church and not learn anything at all. Why? I don't reflect on the message; I don't try to change. Sometimes sundays are just filled with so much stuff, that I really just don't want to get out of bed and do all those things. Depression? Maybe...
Anyway, I plan to go to church next week. I know that going to church is better than not going to church. It's better because something good can happen, whereas if you don't go, then nothing happens. Taking a chance on anything, there is a possibility that something could go wrong. But, for some reason, whenever I go, I find that my week is much better, I feel more alive, and sometimes, just sometimes, I try to apply something that I learned on Sunday.
I feel like I'm stuck in a rut right now as I've been going to church almost every sunday of 2004. But, I know that I can change this if I want to. I have a plan, and I'm going to work on it.
It's not something that you do only on Sundays, but something that you should do everyday. Sunday is a special day of the week. But, for me, it's hard. I guess for me, dealing with people has never been easy. But, to me, this is what makes life worth living. God, and the people in your life.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31
Friday, January 07, 2005
If I thought of myself as ignorant, I couldn't have thought that more after reading Noam Chomsky's article on G Chan's website. You can find it here.
Click on Noam Chomsky and also check out the website that it's on. The website has some info about what is actually happening that isn't covered by the regular media.
I now remember why I was angry at America in 1999. Things haven't changed. America is not better than it was 100 years ago. Even 50 years ago, if you still compare it, things haven't changed. All we do is see what good America does. We're always kept in the dark about the things that are bad that America does.
That, is why I really don't want to work for the American Gov.
Click on Noam Chomsky and also check out the website that it's on. The website has some info about what is actually happening that isn't covered by the regular media.
I now remember why I was angry at America in 1999. Things haven't changed. America is not better than it was 100 years ago. Even 50 years ago, if you still compare it, things haven't changed. All we do is see what good America does. We're always kept in the dark about the things that are bad that America does.
That, is why I really don't want to work for the American Gov.
Things work out
Okay, so yesterday it was snowing while I was walking the dog. It couldn't have been any worse of a time. I had to drop my brother off at the airport and I also had to mail out some medicine to my dad. Being that my dad forgot his medicine before he went out and needed it soon. So he requested it be shipped overnight.
I came home and went to sleep and lo and behold when I wake up, it's gone. The one time that sleeping my problems away worked. No, I'm just kidding.
Well, things worked out.
On another note, I got turned down from a southside job agency. Apparently they didn't have any jobs for me. But, even though I probably won't get a good job right away, I'm still hopeful that I could earn enough to live on. My parents like having me home and I enjoy their company also. All I need to pay for is some expenses and save up money. I just need any type of job right now...well, actually, I won't do anything, but yeah, any decent job will do.
I'm hopeful that I'll get a good job later on. My Japanese skills aren't the best right now, but with some practice everyday, then I'm sure that it will become a lot better. In the meantime I have a Japanese newspaper to read. I've been kind of been taking a break from Japanese after the test. So getting back in the habit of reading will be a very good thing.
I wonder what the future holds for me. I'm hopeful that there will be some good things in there. But I know that it all can't be good. What I keep telling myself is that I need to rely on God the most and just not worry about what is coming. I know that I'm not prepared to face what is to come. I know that it will come like a ton of bricks and if I'm not strong enough to hold up under it, it'll crush me.
But, even if I am unprepared, I know that things will be alright. Life is harsh, and reality will not be the best, but still, there will be some good out there trying to make right what is wrong.
I guess I'm optimistic about the future. No sense worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. The one thing that I have is God, and despite what happens, God will always be there.
One thing that my brother told me was that, "you need to be a good steward of what you have. Your skills, your money, your time, your possessions that God has given to you. Sometimes, you'll receive good things because you've taken such good care of the things that you have." He got a scholarship, because he worked hard on his skills and it has made life a little better. Anyway, it might be hard to understand what I'm talking about. But yeah, you'll never know what will come, you can only do what you can now and if you invest well, then you might get something back. My brother would never have gotten that scholarship if he didn't work on his skills everyday. He didn't even ask for it, his teacher recommended him for this scholarship, because he was doing very well.
So, with that said, work hard and invest your time wisely. You'll never know what is coming. You might be rewarded for the good that you do, or you might not. But, you'll never know how things will work out if you didn't have the right things at the right time.
Okay, so yesterday it was snowing while I was walking the dog. It couldn't have been any worse of a time. I had to drop my brother off at the airport and I also had to mail out some medicine to my dad. Being that my dad forgot his medicine before he went out and needed it soon. So he requested it be shipped overnight.
I came home and went to sleep and lo and behold when I wake up, it's gone. The one time that sleeping my problems away worked. No, I'm just kidding.
Well, things worked out.
On another note, I got turned down from a southside job agency. Apparently they didn't have any jobs for me. But, even though I probably won't get a good job right away, I'm still hopeful that I could earn enough to live on. My parents like having me home and I enjoy their company also. All I need to pay for is some expenses and save up money. I just need any type of job right now...well, actually, I won't do anything, but yeah, any decent job will do.
I'm hopeful that I'll get a good job later on. My Japanese skills aren't the best right now, but with some practice everyday, then I'm sure that it will become a lot better. In the meantime I have a Japanese newspaper to read. I've been kind of been taking a break from Japanese after the test. So getting back in the habit of reading will be a very good thing.
I wonder what the future holds for me. I'm hopeful that there will be some good things in there. But I know that it all can't be good. What I keep telling myself is that I need to rely on God the most and just not worry about what is coming. I know that I'm not prepared to face what is to come. I know that it will come like a ton of bricks and if I'm not strong enough to hold up under it, it'll crush me.
But, even if I am unprepared, I know that things will be alright. Life is harsh, and reality will not be the best, but still, there will be some good out there trying to make right what is wrong.
I guess I'm optimistic about the future. No sense worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. The one thing that I have is God, and despite what happens, God will always be there.
One thing that my brother told me was that, "you need to be a good steward of what you have. Your skills, your money, your time, your possessions that God has given to you. Sometimes, you'll receive good things because you've taken such good care of the things that you have." He got a scholarship, because he worked hard on his skills and it has made life a little better. Anyway, it might be hard to understand what I'm talking about. But yeah, you'll never know what will come, you can only do what you can now and if you invest well, then you might get something back. My brother would never have gotten that scholarship if he didn't work on his skills everyday. He didn't even ask for it, his teacher recommended him for this scholarship, because he was doing very well.
So, with that said, work hard and invest your time wisely. You'll never know what is coming. You might be rewarded for the good that you do, or you might not. But, you'll never know how things will work out if you didn't have the right things at the right time.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Tsunami news and Reality
My dad was telling me that on CNN today, while they were debating, one guy said that the US should spend the money and build South East Asia a Tsunami warning system. The kid announcer immediately replies, "How much is that going to cost?!"
The guy responds, "10, 15, 20 million." The kid responds, "Why should the US spend so much on another country?! What are we, the world's keeper?"
My dad says, "The obvious answer is, now the US is spending 250 million right now for emegency aid and supplies. How much is 25 million in comparison to 250 million? They're trying to save people's lives with this system."
I found that interesting that the announcer would make a comment that is a biblical reference. But at House of Faith one night, a guy spoke saying, "I think that we are our brother's keeper." I don't remember too much about what he spoke about, only that he said that if we have something against our brother or sister, then we should tell them about it and try to make peace with ourselves and them.
Anyway, this Tsunami is just a wake up call. It could happen again to South East Asia. Since they have little money to build such a system, and we have a lot, wouldn't it be worth it to help out our neighbors and build a little goodwill?
There are people starving and dying out there in countries that have little resources. The US has plenty. While we're getting fat, a whole lot of people are skin and bones. Part of the problem is ourselves and the things we don't do.
That's still not saying that there's no problems in the US either. If you look around in the US also, there is homelessness and people who are capable of doing a job well, just not being able to get back on their feet. Things like Tent Cities give people chances to build up their life again, yet people are angry that these are being made, because some of the people that live there are kind of shady. I can understand why people would protest it, but yeah, this world is broken. If we do nothing, then we'll only let this place go to Hell. If we do something, we'll get criticized, but at least we're making this world a better place.
So, after digressing this far and getting into helping SE Asia and their Tsunami warning system, would you rather do nothing? Or would you rather do something and get criticized for it. It's only 120,000 people dead from the Tsunami. What's 120,000 more? (Note I'm being sarcastic. This is a heck of a lot of people.)
My dad was telling me that on CNN today, while they were debating, one guy said that the US should spend the money and build South East Asia a Tsunami warning system. The kid announcer immediately replies, "How much is that going to cost?!"
The guy responds, "10, 15, 20 million." The kid responds, "Why should the US spend so much on another country?! What are we, the world's keeper?"
My dad says, "The obvious answer is, now the US is spending 250 million right now for emegency aid and supplies. How much is 25 million in comparison to 250 million? They're trying to save people's lives with this system."
I found that interesting that the announcer would make a comment that is a biblical reference. But at House of Faith one night, a guy spoke saying, "I think that we are our brother's keeper." I don't remember too much about what he spoke about, only that he said that if we have something against our brother or sister, then we should tell them about it and try to make peace with ourselves and them.
Anyway, this Tsunami is just a wake up call. It could happen again to South East Asia. Since they have little money to build such a system, and we have a lot, wouldn't it be worth it to help out our neighbors and build a little goodwill?
There are people starving and dying out there in countries that have little resources. The US has plenty. While we're getting fat, a whole lot of people are skin and bones. Part of the problem is ourselves and the things we don't do.
That's still not saying that there's no problems in the US either. If you look around in the US also, there is homelessness and people who are capable of doing a job well, just not being able to get back on their feet. Things like Tent Cities give people chances to build up their life again, yet people are angry that these are being made, because some of the people that live there are kind of shady. I can understand why people would protest it, but yeah, this world is broken. If we do nothing, then we'll only let this place go to Hell. If we do something, we'll get criticized, but at least we're making this world a better place.
So, after digressing this far and getting into helping SE Asia and their Tsunami warning system, would you rather do nothing? Or would you rather do something and get criticized for it. It's only 120,000 people dead from the Tsunami. What's 120,000 more? (Note I'm being sarcastic. This is a heck of a lot of people.)
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Another Year gone by...Goodbye 2004
Last night, we were asked to share what we learned from God in 2004. Being the last minute person that I am, I didn't prepare for it. I spent too much of my time enjoying my family during the holiday seasons. My sister came up from California with her husband and we spent lots of time playing poker, video games, and just talking. So, with that I didn't make time to really reflect on 2004.
I admit that I'm not good with words, and what came out was not the greatest. I actually ended up telling what I struggled with instead of what God taught me. And what I shared was not exactly reality, but how I perceived things. Well...next year, I'll prepare in advance and write down what God teaches me as I learn it.
Thinking about 2004, I realize that it was a hard year for me. I took more classes than I have ever taken before and I was just exhausted, made little time for God, and invested little in the people around me. Being older than everyone else, I was expected to reach out and not be reached out to. (I guess that's a sign of maturity to reach out and not expect to be reached out to, but I was experiencing need and I just didn't reach out.)
It was tough, but what God taught me was that despite what I or anybody else thinks, I am not important, but important. Let me explain.
I am not important in that I am not necessarily needed here. Nobody really needs me. Even if I were needed, I still wouldn't be that important. But, in God's eyes, I am important. Don't get me wrong, the kingdom will go on without me, but God loves me and cares for me and gives me worth. He cares enough for me that He would die for me. That's true for everyone else too.
I put God off and focused solely on improving my grades and trying to prepare for a good job after college. Both fell through. I saw that my grades are not the most important thing in the world, even though important to finding a job. And I found that a job is just a way to earn money. Even though there is more than that involved sometimes.
What really mattered the most was the two things that I was putting off. God and people. It was a very unfruitful year and I didn't make an impact. Well, not a very big impact.
I felt that things didn't work out very well. I felt like I shrank instead of grow. But the thing that I am still trying to get back into is a personal relationship with God and building friendships with people.
While I was trying to sleep one night, I remembered the two most important things. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. And the second commandment is this, love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31)
I guess I knew it. But sometimes what we actually learn is not what we know or gain in knowledge, but how we live out that knowledge in our life. I'm talking in a context of life change. For example, a person could say that he's learned to control his anger, yet his friends say otherwise. If you actually learn something that is life changing, then you'll be changed by it.
I have a long way to go. 2004 wasn't my greatest year, but it did reaffirm what is important. What I thought I knew. Not saying that grades or a job isn't important. Those are important and you should do them with your best efforts. But, really, in the grandscheme of things, these are only minor, even though a large part of your life.
Goodbye 2004. It was a tough year, but I'll remember what are most important.
Last night, we were asked to share what we learned from God in 2004. Being the last minute person that I am, I didn't prepare for it. I spent too much of my time enjoying my family during the holiday seasons. My sister came up from California with her husband and we spent lots of time playing poker, video games, and just talking. So, with that I didn't make time to really reflect on 2004.
I admit that I'm not good with words, and what came out was not the greatest. I actually ended up telling what I struggled with instead of what God taught me. And what I shared was not exactly reality, but how I perceived things. Well...next year, I'll prepare in advance and write down what God teaches me as I learn it.
Thinking about 2004, I realize that it was a hard year for me. I took more classes than I have ever taken before and I was just exhausted, made little time for God, and invested little in the people around me. Being older than everyone else, I was expected to reach out and not be reached out to. (I guess that's a sign of maturity to reach out and not expect to be reached out to, but I was experiencing need and I just didn't reach out.)
It was tough, but what God taught me was that despite what I or anybody else thinks, I am not important, but important. Let me explain.
I am not important in that I am not necessarily needed here. Nobody really needs me. Even if I were needed, I still wouldn't be that important. But, in God's eyes, I am important. Don't get me wrong, the kingdom will go on without me, but God loves me and cares for me and gives me worth. He cares enough for me that He would die for me. That's true for everyone else too.
I put God off and focused solely on improving my grades and trying to prepare for a good job after college. Both fell through. I saw that my grades are not the most important thing in the world, even though important to finding a job. And I found that a job is just a way to earn money. Even though there is more than that involved sometimes.
What really mattered the most was the two things that I was putting off. God and people. It was a very unfruitful year and I didn't make an impact. Well, not a very big impact.
I felt that things didn't work out very well. I felt like I shrank instead of grow. But the thing that I am still trying to get back into is a personal relationship with God and building friendships with people.
While I was trying to sleep one night, I remembered the two most important things. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. And the second commandment is this, love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31)
I guess I knew it. But sometimes what we actually learn is not what we know or gain in knowledge, but how we live out that knowledge in our life. I'm talking in a context of life change. For example, a person could say that he's learned to control his anger, yet his friends say otherwise. If you actually learn something that is life changing, then you'll be changed by it.
I have a long way to go. 2004 wasn't my greatest year, but it did reaffirm what is important. What I thought I knew. Not saying that grades or a job isn't important. Those are important and you should do them with your best efforts. But, really, in the grandscheme of things, these are only minor, even though a large part of your life.
Goodbye 2004. It was a tough year, but I'll remember what are most important.
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