Retreating to my personal journal, I have neglected this blog and it has become antiquated.
I am about to enter the weekend preceding week 8 of winter quarter. I feel as though I have resorted to my attitude of quarters prior to the last one with the addition of a more diverse group of experiences. My continued study of chaos theory, conspicuous consumption, market externalities, separation of ownership and control, and more is utterly captivating.
Earlier today I met up with my friend Daniel and we updated each other on what's going on in each others' lives in order to encourage. With continued study at Chicago and Harvard Law School, Daniel's plans thrilled and excited me all the more. As we discussed what I have planned, we became more and more excited. Every year has more and more blessings in store, and I cannot thank God enough for what is and what is to come. If it is God's will, there will be many avenues that facilitate the goals I have placed in front of me. I am a recipient of God's grace. Not of myself, but greater strength in him through me.
Anxious and nervous, I will be interning for a reputable financial firm next quarter that specializes in high wealth management. What I am more excited about is that in the office, there are a multitude of different specialties housed within seconds of each other. Examining and working in this high powered environment, I hope to establish healthy relationships that will continue after the internship.
This post is being utilized as a short update on what is going through my mind at the moment regarding some experiences to come. Due to my aversion to divulging many things I have planned, I will direct attention to what matters most in my life.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
I am realizing more and more how I have been provided for in times of need. This assists my grasp of why I cannot be knowledgeable of all I have learned. A particular sermon here and there, or even a conversation, is placed perfectly in my life so that I may assist a brother/sister/myself at that particular moment.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without approach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting...the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 1,3
From the divided-self to the assumption of being above-average, all these phenomenons give glory to God.
I am a mere servant, seeking to "be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1).
The embodiment of imperfection, yet in pursuit of a Holy God.
Discipline. Vision. Decision.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
Comfort
There is a dormant disease within me, propagating itself in all my surroundings. As I sleep on my comfortable bed, eat nutritious meals, watch highlights of NBA games, listen to lectures, and live my daily life, this disease incubates itself to the point that I forget its existence.
Comfort.
I despise, yet cuddle thee in my arms. You are a parasite to my soul, engendering apathy and a banal perspective.
My response is not my own. Less of me, more of you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Comfort.
I despise, yet cuddle thee in my arms. You are a parasite to my soul, engendering apathy and a banal perspective.
My response is not my own. Less of me, more of you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Lake Piru
Before I moved back into UCLA, my family took a trip to visit Lake Piru.
Renting a motor boat, we steered our way around the lake and had a little picnic near the mountain banks. At one point, the boat was caught by the reeds in the water, and we were stuck for around 30 minutes. After that scary episode, we made it out alive and continued our trek around the lake. I'm a bit tired at the moment so I'll stop here.
Cheers
Monday, September 15, 2008
Obsession
It appears as though some people think I am obsessed with test scores and grades. This assumption may stem from my serious attitude towards my studies and my enjoyment of school. Please allow me the opportunity to trivialize this assumption.
I could care less what your grades or test scores are. They do little to show me who you are as an individual and what experiences you have been through. Friends, I care about who you are, not what your GPA is. A little favor I would ask of people is that they not constantly ask me my grades or my grade point average. Instead, I would love for people to ask whether I am learning and what I am being exposed to through my classes and opportunities outside of the classroom. In addition, my choice to major in economics is not a means to an end. So please stop asking what I am going to do with my major and whether I am going to go into business (the term "business" is so vague...in fact, we are ALL going into business by way of exchanging dollars for goods and services, etc etc). I am studying economics because I love what the subject entails with respects to a systems approach towards problems and resources. I understand that many students look at college as a means to a higher salary and better career prospects. We are all placed in different circumstances and face different pressures from within and family support.
Proverbs 27:1
"Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth."
I pray that my plans are in tune with God's plan to use me as a tool.
Life may not turn out the way you wanted it to churn out...but isn't that the exciting part?
I could care less what your grades or test scores are. They do little to show me who you are as an individual and what experiences you have been through. Friends, I care about who you are, not what your GPA is. A little favor I would ask of people is that they not constantly ask me my grades or my grade point average. Instead, I would love for people to ask whether I am learning and what I am being exposed to through my classes and opportunities outside of the classroom. In addition, my choice to major in economics is not a means to an end. So please stop asking what I am going to do with my major and whether I am going to go into business (the term "business" is so vague...in fact, we are ALL going into business by way of exchanging dollars for goods and services, etc etc). I am studying economics because I love what the subject entails with respects to a systems approach towards problems and resources. I understand that many students look at college as a means to a higher salary and better career prospects. We are all placed in different circumstances and face different pressures from within and family support.
Proverbs 27:1
"Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth."
I pray that my plans are in tune with God's plan to use me as a tool.
Life may not turn out the way you wanted it to churn out...but isn't that the exciting part?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
El Camino Frances
One week ago I finished a journey of a lifetime. As I rest at home, it's hard to imagine that for two weeks I was walking 20 miles a day through the Spanish countryside (mostly the Galicia region) and surviving on bread and cheese.
A little background on the Camino de Santiago:
There are 3 pilgrimages that have been popularized in Christianity, to Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. The Camino de Santiago has a couple different routes for people coming from all over Europe: Camino Norte, Camino Ingles, Camino Frances, Camino Portugues, and I think one more. Basically all these routes end up in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the Apostle James are located. James journeyed to Western Europe to evangelize, and was eventually beheaded under the orders of King Herrod. His remains were then transported to the region where he had feverantly spread the gospel.
I journeyed along the Camino Frances (if you start at the origin, it takes more than a month) for 2 weeks. Life was made so simple to the point that you realize you have too much junk and start throwing stuff away to make your rucksack lighter. Since food was scarce in the countryside, countless meals consisted of bread and cheese. However, these meals were the best I have ever had. Euipped with only a bible and a journal, I spend hours upon hours every day absorbed in who I am becoming and what is really important to me. The simple cafe con leche in the morning lifted my spirits as I woke up at 5:30 every day to begin my walk. Meeting people from Poland, Germany, Belgium, France, Canada, and many other places, I was able to engage in conversation from Putin to how to react to your children's mistakes. Many of the pilgrims were limited in English, so the language barrier was an impediment to prolonged conversation. But sharing....
I just realized it would take way too long to actually express what went on during the Camino, including realizations about people, myself, and God.
Those two weeks helped me realize how little I really do know. Strangely, acknowledging how little I know has actually encouraged me and given me strength.
I embody countless human faults and failures, but that makes me all the more secure. I'm not impressed by fancy cars and pretentious behavior. Every person is special, no matter what occupation, school, family, dreams, etc.
So much happened during this journey, so I'm sorry that I can't provide a one page synopsis of the Camino de Santiago. All I can say is that we are all blessed.
A little background on the Camino de Santiago:
There are 3 pilgrimages that have been popularized in Christianity, to Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. The Camino de Santiago has a couple different routes for people coming from all over Europe: Camino Norte, Camino Ingles, Camino Frances, Camino Portugues, and I think one more. Basically all these routes end up in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the Apostle James are located. James journeyed to Western Europe to evangelize, and was eventually beheaded under the orders of King Herrod. His remains were then transported to the region where he had feverantly spread the gospel.
I journeyed along the Camino Frances (if you start at the origin, it takes more than a month) for 2 weeks. Life was made so simple to the point that you realize you have too much junk and start throwing stuff away to make your rucksack lighter. Since food was scarce in the countryside, countless meals consisted of bread and cheese. However, these meals were the best I have ever had. Euipped with only a bible and a journal, I spend hours upon hours every day absorbed in who I am becoming and what is really important to me. The simple cafe con leche in the morning lifted my spirits as I woke up at 5:30 every day to begin my walk. Meeting people from Poland, Germany, Belgium, France, Canada, and many other places, I was able to engage in conversation from Putin to how to react to your children's mistakes. Many of the pilgrims were limited in English, so the language barrier was an impediment to prolonged conversation. But sharing....
I just realized it would take way too long to actually express what went on during the Camino, including realizations about people, myself, and God.
Those two weeks helped me realize how little I really do know. Strangely, acknowledging how little I know has actually encouraged me and given me strength.
I embody countless human faults and failures, but that makes me all the more secure. I'm not impressed by fancy cars and pretentious behavior. Every person is special, no matter what occupation, school, family, dreams, etc.
So much happened during this journey, so I'm sorry that I can't provide a one page synopsis of the Camino de Santiago. All I can say is that we are all blessed.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Starting my Spanish journey and recognizing a true blessing in my life: my older sister
It's 2 in the morning and I'm waiting for the laundry machine to finish its job so I can start packing up.
In the past few days I have written two lengthy papers, taken 2 back to back final exams, played basketball, ran to Granchester, went to my last formal dinner, tasted superb white wine, ate my last McDonald's apple pie (Cambridge edition), visited numerous colleges, and more. It's been quite sad to say goodbye to so many wonderful people.
In my next entry I will hopefully be able to expand more on what I have learned this summer and how I have been influenced and shaped by the surrounding environment. Until then, I will be completing the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Frances. This pilgrimage of over 200 miles (I'm only doing it for around 2 weeks) means more than just walking for 8 hours a day and soaking in the Spanish countryside. I will be given countless hours to just spend by myself, and meditate on what I plan to do with my life. With my pocket bible at my side, I look forward to the lack of distractions as I complete the Pilgrimage. I will be writing in a notepad every evening, so when I get back I will transcribe a few of my days to this blog. I cannot wait for my flight home back to the states...I'll be back towards the 2nd week of September...then it's time to begin a new school year!
Please pray for my safety and a time inundated in what happened, what is happening, and what is to come.
Before ending this entry, I would like to wish my older sister Julie a happy birthday. If you don't know, I have an older sister who has embodied what a blessing should be. She has always been supportive and encouraging, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for her. I am incredibly thankful for her constant support and love. I really love you, and I hope you enjoy your birthday.
Cheers
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dealing with compensation for work (homeless edition)
Walking around Cambridge, you are bound to encounter people dressed in torn clothes selling the "Big Issue" on countless street corners. For the past 8 weeks I have pondered at whether anyone would ever buy the magazine the people were selling, and how the business is sustainable. Well at dinner, one of the Cambridge students explained to me that the "Big Issue" venture is actually a way for homeless people to retain their dignity by selling a magazine rather than begging. Instead of relevant news, the magazine is filled with short stories, poems, and other literary works of the homeless population. By selling these magazines, the homeless people retain a considerable percentage of the profits. When the locals buy these magazines, they are conscious to the fact that they are in a way "donating" money to these homeless individuals, but receive a tangible product in return. Isn't this interesting? Before I leave Cambridge, I plan to purchase a Big Issue and satiate my desire to help these people as well as have some good reading material while on the toilet.
My question is: Would this work in the states? I doubt it due to barriers of entry that include Americans' preference to drive, perhaps a desire to give without receiving anything, ruthless competition that may exist among the homeless individuals. Without this "Big Issue" venture established as precedent in the states, homeless individuals might react to this idea as idiotic due to the possible higher expected outcome from just begging and no costs of production (printing the magazines, dispersing them, etc). However, the question that remains is how much a person's dignity to refrain from begging is worth in terms of dollars. If this can be figured out (come on econometricians!), then perhaps this venture might work in the states. Purely speculative, but hey you never know!
Cheers!
Update:
When I went to Northern California with some church friends, I was approached by a ragged looking man with a roll of newspapers under his arm. As he was pitching to sell me one, I immediately realized I was buying an American version of the Big Issue! I purchased two, one for me and one for my friend Nikhil who I would see later. As I read through the paper, fond memories of Cambridge entered my mind and I was at peace.
My question is: Would this work in the states? I doubt it due to barriers of entry that include Americans' preference to drive, perhaps a desire to give without receiving anything, ruthless competition that may exist among the homeless individuals. Without this "Big Issue" venture established as precedent in the states, homeless individuals might react to this idea as idiotic due to the possible higher expected outcome from just begging and no costs of production (printing the magazines, dispersing them, etc). However, the question that remains is how much a person's dignity to refrain from begging is worth in terms of dollars. If this can be figured out (come on econometricians!), then perhaps this venture might work in the states. Purely speculative, but hey you never know!
Cheers!
Update:
When I went to Northern California with some church friends, I was approached by a ragged looking man with a roll of newspapers under his arm. As he was pitching to sell me one, I immediately realized I was buying an American version of the Big Issue! I purchased two, one for me and one for my friend Nikhil who I would see later. As I read through the paper, fond memories of Cambridge entered my mind and I was at peace.
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