December 14, 2024

On Friday, I celebrated my seven years of running by going for a 7 mile run. It was 4 degrees outside and it was cold. I made sure to layer up and protect myself from the weather. I have run in colder conditions for many winters so I knew this would be enough. The sky was crisp clear and thankfully there was no wind.

The trail was clean for about the first half mile of the run and soon I saw a thin layer of snow on the trail. The sheet of snow wasn’t icy or slippery. It was just right amount to run on. Every step on the snow sounded like biting into a crunchy chocolate chip and the rhythmical sound of the steps calmed my mind. I noticed there were many other footsteps of people running and walking and dog footsteps, too. The longer I ran on the trail, the number of footsteps on the snow decreased until there was only one other set of footsteps left. From the pattern of the tread, I could tell it was a runner’s footsteps. Due to the cold weather, only a couple of us made it out this far.

I remember reading about sea turtles laying up to 100 eggs in the sand. During the incubation period in the sand, animals would dig up the sand and some of the eggs get eaten up. When the eggs are hatched, the hatchlings would rush to the ocean but during those moments, birds and other four legged animals would come and snatch the baby sea turtles. And for the sea turtles that do make it to the ocean, some of them would get eaten by big fish. Out of a 100, only a few actually survive to grow up in the wild.

Jesus talks about the ‘narrow way’ in Matthew and Luke. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are a few who find it.” Matthew 7:13,14. Even with all the people out there labeled as ‘Christians,’ only a few will make it into the kingdom of God. The Bible warns us about all the temptations of the Devil. The key is to look straight forward to Jesus only and trust that He will guide you all the way through to the end.

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November 30, 2024

I was discharged from the Korean Army on October 15, 2005. It was a day to celebrate and it was the Sabbath. On my last morning in the military, I dressed up in my battle dress uniform for the last time, and with a few other buddies that were getting discharged together, we went to the regional commander’s office to report. Oh, it was a great day.

After that, I hopped on a train to Seoul and went straight to church. Most of the young adults knew me very well and congratulated me on my military service. Once the church service was over, church young adults and I hung out together and celebrated until late into the evening. It was around 9 pm when my father called me. He sounded upset and asked where I was. It was late and I had to return home. I think it was after 10 pm when I arrived home. To my surprise, my parents were waiting for me with a cake. In fact, they were waiting for me all afternoon to celebrate with me. 

I regretted my actions and was grateful for my parents. I knew about their support and sacrifice for me during those years and I took that for granted. I got to understand this better once I became a parent. As a parent I could now understand what it took for my parents to support me and provide for me all those years of growing up. Once I realized this, it was in a deeper sense whenever I expressed my gratitude to my parents.

We also have a Father who gave us everything and we often forget that. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, may we remember to thank our Father for all His blessings poured upon us.

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November 23, 2024

“So do you like the gift?” Ron asked over the phone on Thursday afternoon.

I replied, “What gift?”

“Snow!”

Many of you know that I enjoy the winter season and snow. I was waiting for it and we finally had our first snow on Thursday. I have to say, it’s not just Winter but I actually enjoy all four seasons. I like the variety that the seasons give and the balance to experiencing all of them is quite the joy for me.

During the Spring and the Fall, it’s not just the views and colors, but they provide perfect weather for running and racing. The cool breeze that passes by me when I run is like a refreshing oasis that I look forward to each day of those seasons. When summer hits, it’s the best time to enjoy water adventures out on the lake. I love swimming across the body of water with a buoy on my back and I would feel like I am flying in the water.

When these seasons pass by and the colors of the leaves change, we know winter is coming. As the leaves fall off the trees, then we know that winter is really close. And I would dearly wait for the snow to fall so that I can play in the snow with my family. Typically I would see snow late October or early November here in Wisconsin. But this year, there was a delay. I was waiting, and waiting, and waiting for it to snow for the past month and it finally snowed on Thursday. As soon as I brought the girls back home from school, we got changed, went out and made a snowman! The delay was worth the wait. And it was fun.

Matthew 25 talks about the ten virgins waiting for the groom to arrive to pick up the bride. Verse 5 mentions, “But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.” We see the signs that Jesus is coming soon, and we all eagerly wait for His second coming. There is a delay. But we know that He is coming for sure. Perhaps the delay is for more people to accept Jesus. Or maybe it’s because He wants all of us to be well prepared. Whatever the reason is, He is still coming very soon. Therefore let us be prepared and enjoy the feast when Jesus returns.

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