SPUNK_TASTiC's Xanga

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:53:07 GMT

so, having tina and mizuho at my apt is the best. they are such blessings to me! look at what tina showed me:

Ephesians 2
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

yea basically, jesus rocks.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:31:43 GMT

Source: LA Times

10 Things We Can Do to Perpetuate Homelessness

July 19, 2003

Commentary

By Joel John Roberts

To many people, the world today is upside down. Look at the problem of homelessness, for example. We are the richest and most powerful nation in the world, and yet there are still thousands and thousands of people who sleep on our streets each night.

It doesn't make sense; it is an upside-down reality. But maybe we need to look at homelessness with an upside-down perspective, with an absurd logic that just might illuminate the immensity of this crisis and move us into positive action.

Maybe the utterly absurd conclusion is this: We really want homelessness to exist in the United States.

Maybe homelessness is good for our economy, since doing nothing saves us money. (We avoid paying increased taxes to feed, house and provide the homeless with job training.)

Perhaps it boosts our self-image. (We need to feel positive about our own lives, so it's good to have people worse off than us.)

Homelessness helps our environment since the homeless are great recyclers. (Perhaps homelessness gives us a great reason to clean out the old clothes form our closets.)

It is a good object lesson for our children. (If they don't do their homework or find a job, we threaten that they'll end up like "them!") And what else would we do with our spare change?

Sure, this "logic" sounds ludicrous, but so is the existence of homelessness in affluent America. If there really is an absurdist conspiracy to keep people homeless on our streets, then here are the "Top 10 Ways to Increase Homelessness in Our Community":

10. Keep thinking that the homeless are just lazy and shouldn't be helped.

9. Assume foster kids magically become responsible, self-sufficient adults at age 18.

8. Provide public food programs, but ignore the real reasons people are hungry.

7. Make it hard for the homeless to access services by spreading out services all over the county.

6. Encourage NIMBYism.

5. Let law enforcement deal with it. Outlaw homelessness and throw the homeless in jail.

4. Sweep the homeless into other communities.

3. Eliminate the welfare system.

2. Keep minimum wages at a minimum.

And finally...the No. 1 way to increase homelessness in our community: Reduce the housing stock and eliminate affordable housing.

Sadly, although this Top 10 list might seem outlandish, some in our community encourage such steps. The reality is, if we just do the opposite, we could end homelessness.

It just makes sense that if we take the right steps to end homelessness in our nation, our community and our country become stronger.

Friday, July 06, 2007

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 05:29:13 GMT

every generation needs a revolution. -thomas jefferson

ps. im going to miss nina when she moves out. but don't tell her. it'll get to her head. TRUST ME. concentrate on the quote!!!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 06:03:46 GMT

chip. chip. crack. crack. i guess a smoosh here and there. break.

i wish i had what i needed
to be on my own
cause i feel so defeated
and i'm feeling alone

and it all seems so helpless
and i have no plans
i'm a plane in the sunset
with nowhere to land

and all i see
it could never make me happy
and all my sand castles
spend their time collapsing

let me know that you hear me
let me know your touch
let me know that you love me
let that be enough.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 07:57:38 GMT

father of lights
you delight in your children
every good and perfect gift comes from you
-james 1:17

you know, if you think about it, the word "gift" has two meanings. first, it is like a present; something someone gives you. second, it's like a talent, like something you're abnormally good at, right? and, it's true, God gave each and every single one of us different gifts. he is an extremely creative God. that's why each one of us is so different and so special!

so, in light of these gifts (both meanings applied), i believe that each and every single one of us has a duty to use the unique gifts that God has given us to be unique in the way we serve. i'm talking about: 1) singing your own heart words to jesus, 2) dancing for jesus in whatever way your body wants to move, 3) painting whatever God inspires you to draw, 4) speaking new verses from a poem that was dedicated to the mighty savior, 5) making a meal inspired by jesus' love, etc.

basically, my challenge to you comes threefold. first, use the gifts that you know that you have. use those gifts that you have, and develop them. like if you're good at singing, make your own music. as the spirit leads you in your own quiet time with God, instead of praying to God in speech, speak to him in song. i think it'll be amazing and beautiful. second, discover those gifts that you don't think you have. don't ever restrict yourself! express to God praise in whatever form you want to. finally, third, ask God for gifts. God is a loving father who LOVES, like ADORES his children. he wants to give you gifts. so just ask him!

with these varied gifts, i think we could see that each person is unique and has special gifts that God has lavished them with. so, not all of us can play guitar and sing like angels. but you know what, your gift is different. special. God-given. so use your unique gift to praise him. don't try to fit into a mold of having the "typical" gifts. dare to be different. explore and develop your gifts so you can praise God in crazy ways. cause he deserves it.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:12:13 GMT

if you really wanna love people, walk with them through their hell.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Wed, 16 May 2007 21:39:13 GMT

susie, you're adorable.
thank you my dearest.
she's cute, aint she?

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Tue, 15 May 2007 02:02:36 GMT

this is a song dedicated to YOU. seriously, thanks for making my twentieth birthday special.

you are my sunshine. my only sunshine.
you make me happy when skies are grey.
you never know dear how much i love you
please don't take my sunshine away.

merci beaucoup ex-roomies (mary, lici, and becca) for the wonderful time (there is a pun intended, lici ), especially the fondue!!! je vous aime toujours, mes amies!

thank you now roomies (jane, amy, eunice) for dragging becca and mike. then waiting for forever to surprise me. i will make sure to make you guys stuff with the gifts. haha i love you guys soooooooo much!

thank you becca and mike for waiting and coming. grandpa, thanks for dressing up nicely when you came to surprise me.

thank you RECOMM for the yummay cake and the wonderful birthday wishes. you guys are the apple of my eyes.

thank you to karen, juriah, david, jooeun, brianpark, albertcho, hannah, jason, and the rest of the crew (hopefully, i didn't forget anyone...) for coming up and surprising me. especially to brian for driving. you know it's never a party without you.

thank you for the phone calls and messages, even you ninaki with your singing. happy birthday to you my darling, by the way.

thank you for facebook/text messages! i seriously don't understand how people found out without me posting it anywhere. slick people.

thank you harmonie (yea, you deborah!) and juriah and david for the presents. now my mom thinks i'm popular. hahaha

thank you to my parents and brother, even though they're so weird.

most importantly thank you to God for being my everything. ...everything means nothing if i ain't got you...

hosanna

Tue, 08 May 2007 07:13:17 GMT

please listen to this song. it's absolutely beautiful. especially the chorus. it's so simple, yet, it's like an anthem for when our precious King Jesus will come. can't you just imagine millions of palms waving? hosanna. it's so awesome. this is definitely a heaven song. woot for Jesus.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Wed, 02 May 2007 07:52:28 GMT

purpose of maturity is not independence, but interdependence.

it is for the well-being of the whole body.

different parts have different functions... there needs to be reciprocity.

indispensible? psh. yea right.