I've Seen Love

Yes, Love is Patient.

And I Know That Love is Kind.

For I Have Seen It.

Love is Sacrifice.

And Its Putting Others First.

Yes, I Have Felt It.

Love. 

I know what LOVE is.

I’ve seen it.  I’ve experienced it.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.”

Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life and suffered so much for us.  For me.

My church loved me so much that they helped send my parents to me when I needed them in China.

My parents loved me so much that they dropped everything to come and care for me across the world.

Oops, I said “loved.” I meant “love” The all LOVE me so much…

I have seen their love for me. They have shown me what love is. Love is many things.  Love is caring.  Love is putting them first. Love is sacrifice. I will spend the rest of my life trying to show my love. To everyone. 

Just so you know--I LOVE YOU. 

Church 8-28-11

Not only the Good
But through the Bad Times as well
We must look to Him. 

One of the symptoms that I’ve been exhibiting is forgetfulness.  Oh, and sometimes its bad. Sometimes its funny.  To deal with that, the doctors advised me to write things down.  I figure since God is the most important thing in this world that writing what I thought about or learned in church would be a good start. 

As strange as it may seem, the two things that stuck with me the most this week  came from other people than the preacher. 

First of all, a member of the church gave an inspired speech to the congregation.  He spoke of the importance of us to be Christ-like in all things, even taxes and work.  I’ve always liked my jobs, from construction to restaurants to teaching, but I have experienced those moments that I just didn’t feel like being there.  That is the time when we need to get our strength from the Lord and work as if we are working for him.  Almost everybody has a good attitude during the good times, but we can tell so much about people through the times when it is rough.  This time, more than ever, is when we need God.  He should be shining to all those watching.  When people looks at us, they should see God.

Secondly, Rocky’s (the preacher) sister gave her testimony.  It is quite amazing what she has gone through.  Her ups and her downs.  Once she fell down some stairs and broke her hip.  She said she could give many reasons why it happened, but only God truly knows why.  This may sound simple, but it is important to me now because “Why?” is a big question to me now.  What if I had just done this different…?  I sometimes think about the things I might have done different--taken s certain job, gone to Taiwan like I planned, went home at a different time--there are so many things I could have changed to avoid the fall that has forever changed my life.  I cannot focus on why it happened, only know that it did happen and think about how I can make the most of the situation.  Did God have a purpose for me falling?  Does He have a purpose for saving my life? 

God has blessed me; I want to spend the rest of my life praising Him and sharing His love with other people.

New Blog/Old Posts

Hey!  This is kinda my divider here.  Anything put on here today is going to be older (before now), something I had on file.  I think 9 posts from 2009.  Here on out, I will probably stick to new posts.  Thank you for caring enough to take a look.  Hopefully it will be interesting enough for you to come back. 

Please feel free to leave comments; I appreciate them. Btw, the poems on a lot of the posts, mostly at the beginning, are haiku, the style and patttern (5, 7, 5 syllables to line). I like their simplicity and directness at times.

My Kind of Beautiful

My kind of beautiful
Is not found on the cover of the magazine
Slender frames
And bony hips
Forgotten feminine curves

My kind of beautiful
May not draw every man's gaze
Simple and sweet
No need to flaunt
Capturing this beholder's eyes

My kind of beautiful
Glows through a joyful smile
Created from within
From a loving soul
True beauty shines humble and proud

(2009)

I Thought of You Today

I thought of you today

As I woke to the sun so bright.

Fresh Starts and possibilities

Dancing in its light.

I thought about your smile

And the way that it shines.

My doubts and disappointments

All get left behind.

I thought of you today

As I glimpsed a blooming rose.

Growing from the concrete

Rebelling as it grows.

I thought of  your compassion

Your kind soul and fiery mind.

Teaching to the children

That situations cannot bind.

I thought of you today

As I watched a child play.

Road of opportunity

Waiting to be paved.

I thought about the future

And the story still untold.

The love and adventure

The wonders ours may hold.

I thought of you today

As my friends and I all dined.

The stories kept on flowing

Just like the sweet red wine.

I thought of all the memories

And [ray they never fade.

So many lay before us

Just waiting to be made.

I thought of you today

As day turned into night.

The stars came out to play

The moon gave its gentle light.

I thought about our romance

So understated and sincere.

Each day ends with a smile

Thank God that you're here.

I thought of you today

In every sight and situation.

Though you're far, I feel you here

In every smile and each elation.

I thought of your warm  arms

As I lay my head to dream.

I pray as you live your day

You take time to think of me.

(2009)

Breakfast is Better Together

It's the simple things,

TOAST, AVOCADO, and EGGS,

That I miss the most.

In a world that sometimes feels like a dream, it's the simple realities that have the most meaning. You can talk all you want about walks on the beach and candlelit dinners, but nothing compares to the little things.

Waking up slowly in a lover's arms. Good morning kisses bring back life.

Stumble into the kitchen. A new day and a tasty breakfast await.

You fry the eggs, I'll toast the bread. How about some tea? Slice an avocado. Throw it all together and we're ready to go. Ready to eat. Ready to start the day right. Nutritious and delicious. A psychological boost to what can be nothing but a great day.

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day!



     

(2009)

Just Relax

Her bright eyes did not need the silver eye liner that redundantly drew attention their way. Their energy was refreshing, but stood strangely in contrast to her shy smile below. In her gentle touch, I found the confidence her smile lacked. Fingers running through my hair, her hands moved with a certainty and strength that was comforting. It was obvious she had done this many times before. No words were spoken; none were needed. Wandering thoughts followed by falling consciousness. I gave into the calming feeling. She was in control; I just needed to relax.

With a clean head of hair, she quietly, but politely led me to my next stop: the chair. Silently, we let our eyes say goodbye.

Before long, he approached. A simple jacket and hat, he appeared all too ordinary. Immediately, he began his work. His large, gentle hands juxtaposed in my mind to the small, strong hands of the girl. Like a painter, his every move was filled with a purpose.

I love being pampered at the hair salon.

(2009)

The ART of Making Friends

I can tell she is an artist by the way she looks at the painting.  Close at first, then real close in order to observe the brush strokes. Finally stepping back to admire it from afar--taking it in as a whole.

Her mouth stands stoically on her face-no smiles, no frowns-but her eyes reveal all.  Speaking with such detail her every thought on the art before her.

Its Thursday afternoon; we are alone in the gallery. My eyes roam back and forth from the paintings to this intriguing character.  In the same way I do, she kneels in front of the art; eyes scanning every detail, analyzing every stroke, noting every subtle color change.  The camera dangling from her shoulder, now rests inches from the ground.  Quality and wear speak of her photographic passion.  Moving from one painting to the next, our eyes meet.  Neither takes the effort to hide it or expand on it.  Back to the art.

A willow near the water catches my gaze.  The serene painting sweeps me up.  For ten, maybe fifteen, minutes my mind is home once again; relaxing on the shore of the creek.  I can hear the water gently moving against the stubborn rock; singing its song on its quest for freedom.  The wind chimes in with its harmony echoing through the thin willow branches.  Taking off my shoes, I slowly dip my feet into the cold, but inviting water.  So refreshing, so pure, so perfect.  As I snap back into reality--from the country back to the city.  I miss home, but I do not dwell on it.

As I enter the next exhibit, she is already there.  The tone is completely different.  Interactive digital art.  The graphics on the wall dance with our every move and sound.  Finally, a smile breaks across her face like it had been waiting for its chance to shine.  Still no words, but we have connected.  Smiles turn to laughs as we move through the rest of the exhibit.

Now walking next to each other, we head upstairs for the main gallery.  The silence is broken as she asks, "American?"  I nod and ask "Korean?"  She confirms with a smile.

Nearly two more hours we spend observing, analyzing, and discussing art.  Quickly reaching a point where silence is not awkward somehow allows for a deeper connection and appreciation for each other and the art.  Words are few, but meaningful when spoken.  We separate at times, but always come back.

As we reach the end, we talk for a bit in the lobby.  Telling brief summaries of our lives and interests.  She asks, "By the way, what is your name?"  We both laugh at the exclusion of such basic information.  She tells me her name in Korean, but I only remember her English name, Sarah.  Her two friends are waiting on her so we bid each other farewell, without the exchange of phone numbers or email addresses, knowing we will never see each other again.

Another soon-to-be forgotten friend.  Another beautiful experience.

(2009)

Snowy Luck in China

Arriving in China to a snow-filled greeting. It is lucky, they say. The streets of Dalian alive with excitement. The university still quiet, awaiting the pending rush that Monday morning will bring. This is my home now.

Crazy Taxis, Crowded Buses, Getting Lost.
Pork Dumplings, Chocolate Filled Crackers, Pineapple on a Stick.
Eating Squid, Jelly Fish, And What is That???
Smiling Faces, Giggly Girls, New Friends.
Pi Jiu (Beer), Pu Tao Jiu (Wine), Bai Jiu (Don’t Even Ask)
Yoga, Tai Qi, and Kung Fu!!!
Fun, Excitement…Adventure.

Caught up in the excitement of living in a new, big city. Purpose has fled. Reality ungraspable. But life does not wait. Classes begin tomorrow.

Back to the world of academia. Back to the life of text books, laptops, and coffee. Lectures, pop quizzes, and study guides. There’s something refreshing about being in the business of knowledge--something comforting about this fortress of theories and ideas. Its Safe. Pure. The university, though surrounded, still maintains a blessed disconnect from the real world, fighting off the impending evils of practicality and production.

Met my students today. Learning will ensue. For me. For them.
Cultural and language barriers loom ahead of me. Thought I might feel like a foreigner searching for a home. But I feel like I belong. People accept me. Not as one of them, but as one that belongs here. Smiles everywhere.

I miss my family. My friends. My baby’s sweet kiss. Glad I’m here. Just want to share the experience with those I love. Explore together. Learn together. Laugh together.

Visited an orphanage. Lost my heart. The kids stole it. They can have it. Ge Ge, they call me: big brother. See my babies again soon!

Its lucky, they say.
Must be true. Blessed Snow!

(2009)

Hip Hop and Country

As day is to night,
Not whole without the other--
Two people in love.

Day and Night. Dark and Light. Different, but oddly the same. In the symmetry of a well-written haiku. A Yin to its Yang. Opposite, but fulfilling, completing. HER HAND IN MINE. It fits. SHE FITS. City Girl and Country Boy.

Sensual and Sweet. Sexy and Smart. Almond eyes saying exactly what I want to hear. Freckled face like a starry night. Scrunched-up nose to break the gaze. Rewarded with a smile and a gentle squeeze. A whispered sweet nothing--feels like something…special. Gentle kiss on the neck. A moment, just another moment. Another amazing moment. Hot chocolate in hand. No need for conversation.

Captivated, Intrigued, and Aroused. Heart and Mind concur. Falling, definitely falling. Head over heels. Sounds crazy, but feels right. Could this be love?

Cruel fate awaits along with the plane. Finally found, now must separate. Chinese Adventure. Bittersweet Goodbye.

Given just a taste,
A feeling so sweet and pure.
Left thirsting for more.


(2009)

Grand Humbling

What an amazing hike down deep into the Grand Canyon. The Colorado River winding, the canyon walls towering--it sure makes a man feel small. ITS TRULY ENOUGH TO TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY! Which is quite unfortunate because I really needed that breath to get back up.

The steep winding path looms seemingly endless ahead of us. We crack a joke in good humor about the climb ahead. At this point, no real worries. A few hundred feet, another joke. This time it is cloaked in truth and weariness. We reach the halfway point--maintaining our last ounce of humor we laugh out of despair and exhaustion. Soon there is no laughing, no talking, no picture taking…just walking, climbing. LEFT. RIGHT. LEFT.

I realize that I have officially hiked too far when I no longer avoid the mule piss and crap that cover the trail--even more so, when in all my sweatiness, I realize that I smell worse than said mule piss and crap. NO. LEGS. LEFT. I look over the edge of the cliff, I silently think, “If I fall, that means I don’t have to walk the rest of the way up.” After some serious consideration, I decide I have a little more fight left in me. I march on, LEFT. RIGHT. LEFT.  I see snow on the ground, but I swear I am about to die from heat exhaustion.  As the last ember of my hope is extinguished, we round a bend. The end, though a couple hundred feet up, is visible. I would have cried if I weren’t so dehydrated. Filled with renewed hope, I fight through the last 30 minutes of hiking. As we reach the top, I think this could be the happiest moment of my life, but there is no smile. No energy left for smiling.

What a great hike! What a great experience! Next time, I am taking the damn mules!

(2009)

Only in America!

Cowboy comes to town.

Looks and acts like he belongs.

But still a cowboy.

LAS VEGAS!!!

Caesar's Palace, Italian, right? Restaurant, Chinois: French for "Chinese." Easting sushi (Japanese), Indian spiced pumpkin soup, and green Thai curry chicken.

What???  Only in America!

First of all, great, great food/good  service/chill atmosphere...Go there!  Secondly, Mmmm...LOVE sushi! Its spicy tuna tonight, one of my favorites. Me. Thinking. Counting 3 Sushi places in Caesar's Palace: Hyakumi, Sushi Roku, and Chinois.

Number of places to get sushi back in my hometown: ZERO.

In my whole county: NIL.

In this one building in Vegas: THREE.

(2009)