I thank God for people who keep me in check and remind me of what's really important. Last night I was talking to Lauren on the phone and she was my great encourager this time around. Apparently, she read some of the stuff on this blog... and she points out the August 7th entry, the one about my big picture lesson from the book of Daniel in the Bible. Last night was the night of the 30th here in Japan. So, she talks about how that particular entry was an encouragement to her, and I feel like a total fool. You see, that was my big lesson from my reading of the book of Daniel, and I followed that up with about a good week of obedience to that lesson. The entry was made 23 days prior to the conversation. 23 days! It wasn't that long ago, and it was like I completely forgot that I learned that lesson. I wasn't a total hypocrite... I mean, for a week I did what i learned. But it was a week. Not exactly a length of time that shows commitment or real learning. After that, who knows what happened in my mind. And last night, I hear that those exact words helped someone out. There was no way I could respond in any way to that. Everybody has an "ugly face" that comes around when you don't know what's going on or are completely dumbfounded. My "ugly face" looks like I'm about to sneeze. Don't ask me why... it just does. Yeah. I can't see my own face without a mirror, but at that point in time, i'm sure i looked like i was about to sneeze.
Anyway, i was re-encouraged, to pray as I "learned" from Daniel, by God's messenger, Lauren. Much thanks.

So, today, I check up on the statistics on this blog. I put up a counter on the page in mid June this year. Since then, this page has gotten 177 hits. I was surprised. That's about the same number of hits I got in the same span on my main webpage, if not, even more. Wow.

Thanks to Ben and Kyle for your responses. They've given hope to many Japanese people around me. Especially when compared to Yoko Ono, the evil one who broke up the Beatles. Keep posting your answers if you've got em... and I'll pass the answers along. It seems that Japanese people are interested as to how Americans see them.
Anyway... so as I was surfing the web just right now... I came up on this article from Christianity Today. I think it's a bit fun and kind of interesting. Just a quick rundown of the article, it's reporting on a conversation the magazine did with an IM bot. Basically, the magazine people evangelized (talked about how someone can become a Christian) the Austin Powers IM bot... yes, the one that's publicizing the Goldmember movie (a movie that hasn't made it out here yet). I think the article's a bit interesting for both Christians and non-Christians alike. I'm interested to hear what you all think about the article.

Apparently, on Japanese radio, it was announced that in the UK, a survey was done asking to name a person who embodies the UK. That is, British people were asked, "When you think of the UK, who's the first person to pop into your mind?" The results were compiled and a top 10 list was made. Of course, Winston Churchill was number one. Followed by a list of others that I've forgotten since.
Anyway, this prompted a discussion after an English class today, asking, "When you think of Japan, who's the first person to pop into your mind?" At first, the names were flying, but I knew none of them. I dunno, but I'd want the person who embodies my own nation to be known internationally. And for the US, we have a bunch of internationally known people who embody the US. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, James Dean, even Michael Jordan were mentioned in the classroom today. But for Japan, when put under the condition that they should be internationally known, the only name that popped up was Yoko Ono. This left everybody in the room kinda depressed. When i started thinking about it, when somebody thinks of Japan, they don't think of a singular person, but groups of people. I know that when I think "Japan" i think of a bunch of companies: Sony, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi to name a few. It's funny, I know that each of these companies have founders and president/CEOs but I can't name one. When i think of Japan in terms of people, i think of groups.
So I figured, because we weren't able to think of a singular person better than Yoko Ono, I'd post the problem up on the web and ask you to respond through your comments! So, when you think "Japan," who do you think of? The condition for you all is that it be a singular person... who actually lived (that is nonfictional... so no Pokemon!).
To comment, just click the link that says "comment" and there'll be a pop up that's pretty self explanatory.

Oops... well, looks like some of the links don't work. Thought Yahoo! briefcase would allow me to share those files if they were linked directly to this page. I guess I was wrong. Apparently, they don't allow public sharing of files and full sized pictures. I'll think of something, but right now, it's just too late... and I can't think straight. I'll take care of it later. Just giving a heads up for the links to the entries on the 19th and 26th. I'll post something up saying when and if I find a solution.

Yesterday was a jam packed day. Started with speaking at the church because the pastor's on vacation. Here's the message I gave (don't worry, the document is in English). Of course, I had to give it in Japanese. I mean, I'm in Japan. They speak Japanese here. So thanks to my mom's translating, I was able to do it. But because my Japanese isn't up to a level to give a message off of notes, I had to write it scripted so that my mom could translate word for word... or something like that. If I have to script a talk, I just feel like robot. It's just so hard to do. Anyway, from the feedback i got, it seemed like people enjoyed and got a lot out of it. I'm glad.
So then, right after Sunday service, I rushed with some Gospel choir people to the nearby city to sing some Gospel music for a 15 minute performance as part of a jazz festival. And right after performing, we went to a nearby church to practice for the next 3 hours. My voice was practically gone by the time we finished. Then 4 of us decided to go back to the jazz festival to listen to some pro performers do their thing. It was fun. A lot of fun. But by the time i got home, I was so exhausted. I got winded walking up the three flights of stairs to my apartment room. Needless, to say, I slept well last night.

UPDATE 9/3: Can't find a way for you to access the message, so if you're still interested just email me or better yet leave a comment at the comment box saying that you want it. It's a small file in an MS Word format.

Oh so, going back to the Costco subject. I'm gonna finally write what I wanted to write at the very beginning. Somehow, hot dogs got me all jumpin around. So, by now, most Costcos don't just just have a hot dog stand, but they have a full on menu with pizza, pretzels, churros, and chicken bakes. It's these chicken bakes I've always wondered about. I've had 4 to date. And they're good... they're filling, all around, it's a winner. But I only have one problem. Because of all the cheese and stuff in there, it tastes too creamy. It needs something to contrast it with.
When I had my first chicken bake, I thought about what was missing... and I came up with something. Pizza sauce! If you could buy some additional pizza dipping sauce it would be absolutely awesome. Just dip the chicken into the pizza sauce and eat! And because Costco sells pizzas in addition to the chicken bakes, pizza sauce is in no short supply. And it wouldn't be any hassle at all. Works great right?
So, I walk back up to the counter with my chicken bake in hand, and ask for a dipping cup with pizza sauce in it. They say, "Sorry we can't do that." I say, "Why not? I know you guys have pizza sauce back there. You make pizzas. I'll pay for some pizza sauce." To which they respond, "Sorry, that hasn't been done before... we can't do that." And that was the end of the conversation. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't get something because nobody's asked for it. To me it seemed stupid.
Like i said before, i've had 4 chicken bakes... each of them in different Costcos hoping that I'd be able to get some pizza sauce to go with it. All four... denied. Maybe I should just shut up and eat my hot dog with craut.... ooooh craut.

After reading this article from the New York Times, I started wondering about America's current foreign policies. Ever since September 11, America's been dealing very harshly with other countries for the sake of "homeland security." Terrorist state this, states harboring or funding terrorist groups. The term "terrorist" has become too loosely used. Because the United States, the lone superpower in the world, has begun the finger pointing, other countries followed suit... like Israel, labelling the PLO as a terrorist state. And by doing so, Israel expected the United States (their big buddy) to join their efforts in ousting the Palestinians by force.
Anyway, as I read the article, I saw the list of countries labeled as "terrorist countries": Iraq, Libya, Syria, Cuba, North Korea. And because Russia is trading with these countries, America's ties to Russia are seemingly deteriorating. Now, I look at these countries... and sure they are doing some questionable things, but terrorist countries? Doesn't it seem like the definition of a terrorist country is loosening? I'd rather label those 5 countries as countries America doesn't like. Iraq, North Korea, and Cuba for obvious and similar reasons. Before Sept 11, these countries with the possible exception of Libya, weren't labeled as being terrorist by nature. They were just countries who didn't listen and still do not listen to what the United States says. In fact, they're countries that openly share that they hate America, and laugh afterwards about saying such a thing. But after the whole bin Laden thing, suddenly their status changes? I dunno about that.
To me, this whole thing looks like playground politics. The big kid on the block (America) ruled the playground until some small kid (bin Laden) punched him hard, knocking him down to the ground. Of course, everybody on the playground sees everything. Some people are shocked. Kids who didn't like the big kid to begin with (the labeled "terrorist nations"), point and laugh at the big kid who is now on the ground. The big kid being completely embarrased about the whole thing, now goes around the playground saying that anybody not with him is against him. He especially points out people he just doesn't like, and tells everyone to hate them.
This may very well be the death of the last superpower. If it does happen, some people will look at Sept 11, the initial punch, and say that that day showed the world that even the superpower is vulnerable. But really, if real life works like the playground, the turning point will be how America responded to the attack. And at this point right now, it doesn't look good. Strong arming nations and telling them who they can associate with, ultimately will cause nations to lose respect for America. Noboby really likes being told who they can talk to, do business with.
The reason why America is a superpower isn't the money, the military might, or the culture, although they all contribute to the reason. The reason is because the world at large respects America and its power. Respect isn't lost from one embarrasing incident. Respect is lost through something more long lasting. Respect is lost through its own relations with others. And at this point, America is losing the respect of countries around the world because of its restricting policies with non-terrorist states.

So I was talking to my friend Bob for I while... and somehow I started talking about the food I'm looking forward to eating again in America. Naturally, one of them is the Costco hot dog. Kinda surprised him i think. But can't go high class everytime! Besides, it's a good hot dog! Cheap... and it comes with a drink. All the condiments I can pile on top of that thing... especially relish and sauercraut! Oooh craut! The closest thing I have to a hot dog of any kind is... well, this is a story!
So I go to the supermarket one day... and I spot these huge sausages. I think my eyes got as big as the sausages when I saw them. I mean, they're kinda hard to come by around here. The closest thing are those breakfast/cocktail sausages. And they've got plenty of those around. But I just get myself desperate enough to make little mini buns for those sausages. And besides that, I can't find those beloved condiments anyway! Immediately, I stuff a package of the humong-o sausages into my basket and start walking.
I take it home, open the packages and since i don't have a grill, I decide to put it on a frying pan. Well, after a few minutes, it kinda smells weird, and starts to get this glossy gold-like color on the outside. I figure it's the teflon from the new frying pan... or i dunno. After a while, the glossy color gets all over the sausage and i figure that there's no way i'm gonna eat it, cuz it's probably toxic or something by now. Well, as soon as I pick it up, i realize that the outside is really crispy. Go figure, just like in Germany or something, there's plastic wrapping around the sausage in addition to the plastic packaging all the sausages came in.
Well, that sausage is gone... but thankfully there are a buncha others so this time i know what to do, make it right, and put it on a piece of toast. Can't find hot dog buns! As soon as I bite in, I realize that this is no kosher beef sausage. The taste was all different. I don't think about it too much though... and finish it off.
Later, I ask around about the sausage after an English class. Japanese sausage. You can probably figure out what kind of sausage it was. Go figure, fish sausage... colored red so that it looks like a regular sausage.
I WANT A COSTCO DOG. And maybe for a few more dollars, I'll upgrade to a Top Dog Hot Link... ooh those are good.

For a while now, on the side, I've been reading Dallas Willard's The Divine Conspiracy. Seems like it's been forever and I'm only a little passed half-way. Sure it's kind of a hefty book. But I always read a little right before going to bed, and lately, I've just been too tired to take the extra time to read an "aside book." Anyway, as I was reading it yesterday, I started thinking that a lot of the conclusions Dallas Willard makes in the book are kind of "No, duh." That's not to say that the book doesn't make me think as I read it! It's just that I learned a lot of the statements he makes... previously. Now, that could be because the book itself has already influenced the church and a number of people i've talked to along the way. Thus, I just naturally learned the things from my surroundings. And that very well could be true. I know a lot of the stuff the book presents.
But then, when I started really thinking about it, in terms of application, I don't know a lot of what the book presents. And naturally, this is the troubling point. The book focuses on the understanding of Jesus' big sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. Being a Christian, knowing and doing the stuff Jesus says is kind of important.
How much I know, and how much I KNOW know, has been the point of reflection for much of my time here in Japan. I mean, at first, when I really couldn't speak Japanese, I couldn't say nice, flowery, "deep" things about the Christian faith, Jesus, or my personal life with Jesus. I had to rely on my doing. And people being able to naturally see what I'm doing that shows that I have deep relationship with Jesus. Of course, I don't want to be obnoxious and call everybody's attention when I'm doing something that Jesus would want me to do. Besides that would go against Jesus' own teachings! So, that period of time served really as a gauge for me, to see if I'm really living and have been living a life led by Jesus. I mean I couldn't hide any shortcomings because I couldn't make people believe i'm this "spiritual guy" by my words.
The thing is that, as time went on, I realized that before I came to Japan, my "spiritually deep" words weren't necessarily for people to believe that I'm this "spiritual guy" but for me to believe that I'm this "spiritual guy." That was the primary focus. Maybe for the sake of self-image I dunno... but I had a felt need to believe that I am a better follower of Jesus than I really am.
Of course, I'm working through this. It's not like, I realized what i was doing and then, boom, I'm a changed person. But then it's not like I'm in it alone. It's been a process... but I'm grateful that the Holy Spirit, through my linguistically difficult times showed me how I could grow. This has been especially difficult because I've been getting more and more proficient in the Japanese language as time goes on... but that's not reason to stop learning Japanese! I just need to work on my mind and heart... and this is a process that is definitely far from over.

No matter how much evidence i see showing how incredibly structured Japanese behavior is, I never stop being amazed. I swear that all little kids are brainwashed in preschool into doing the same exact thing in a given situation. It's absolutely amazing. So here's one piece of evidence. It's a picture. Here's the situation, a bunch of us are sitting around eating some chocolate covered almonds. Of course, because we're in Japan, each almond is individually wrapped.
Me, I was the American, so what do i do with the wrapper once I get the chocolate covered almond? Naturally, I crumple it up, or maybe fold it one time, or just leave it as is. The choices are many! The freedom to choose what i want to do with a used wrapper!
Not Japanese people. I looked around the table... and almost everyone (only one exception among 12 people), made the little wrapper bows you see in the picture! I only took a picture with 3 of them so that you'd get an idea of what i'm talking about. 11 of 12. They all folded the garbage in the same way. Why? The answer I got was, "To make it look pretty." I just don't get it. Make garbage look pretty? I just don't get it. Why would anybody bother to make garbage look pretty?

UPDATE 9/3: I'm pretty sure the link to the "one piece of evidence" works now to show a picture. If it doesn't well, leave a comment and I'll try to figure it out.

Word of wisdom: Don't leave mashed potatoes out. I completely forgot about a batch of mashed potatoes I made a few days ago. Today, as I was cleaning the kitchen area, I noticed the pot and wondered what was inside (because the lid was on). Whew! Needless to say, I put that lid back on! I then did one of those... look around for something to put the nasty smelling stuff in and when you find one take a deep breath while you pour the stuff into the throwaway bag and throw that mess away!

Today as I was eating jelly beans in front of this computer, surfing the web, looking at other people's personal webpages and blogs, I was just thinking about how very new this notion is of wanting to share our lives to the world. I mean, 10 years ago, no one would have ever thought of doing a web log. No one would've ever wanted to have a web log page. I'm guessing that no one would've ever wanted to post their daily thoughts, for everyone to see. Privacy was king. Besides, before, it was only those exclusive people who could put together a personal webpage, who were able to share their thoughts and lives with the world. It's important to note, however, that even in the beginnings of the personal webpage era (if it's even an era to speak of), most people would wonder why anyone would be interested in reading about some random person. To have a personal webpage was considered a waste of time and possibly even geeky. Now, it's almost become trendy, well, at least for the younger generations. And with easy to use weblogs like this one here available, nobody has to fiddle around with html code or frustrating webpage builder programs to put their thoughts, their feelings, themselves, to be shared with the world audience.
What's changed in the psyche of young America? Young America has sacrificed its own privacy for something else. This is evident of course from the boom of reality TV shows and all sorts of spin offs from them. Realism has become king. We want something real. We're tired of acts and fake smiley faces. I can't think of anything more annoying or "ahhh" (picture me closing my eyes with a look of anguish while shaking my hand in front of me) than knowing that someone is blatantly being fake with me. I'm guessing based on all the webpages and blogs I see, that I'm not the only one with such values.
This of course, is something that the church must take into consideration. Constantly, many churches are criticized for being the epitome of fakeness. Now more than ever, I believe the church has to be like the early church recorded in Acts who "shared everything they had." I'm guessing that this wasn't limited to just stuff. They shared in each others' lives. But how? What first steps can we take toward that goal?

Surfing through the web and trying to catch up with news around the world, I came upon this story.
As a person who studied this kind of thing, it was kind of interesting. But then, midway through I kinda stopped, wondering whether or not this was for real. I mean, pufferfish? Sharing an evolutionary ancestor with humans? This means that at one time, long long ago, fugu and humans were the same thing. And sharing enough of an evolutionary ancestor so as to be able to find "nearly 1000 new human genes" in its own genome? Am I the only one who thinks this is a stretch? I mean, there's the big picture of a pufferfish... and I look at it, and there is nothing at least on the exterior to make me or anyone to believe that it has anything in common with me. The article somewhat addresses this in saying that some of the commonalities lie in the immune system, something that can't be seen from exteriors.
It is based on this theory, that millions of dollars are being pumped into this project to supposedly research diseases that humans deal with... not fugu. Granted, I don't know much about fugu, in fact, the only thing I know about it, is that they serve it in Japanese sushi restaurants (supposedly a delicacy because it's poisonous, leaving a tingly sensation when you eat it). But when looked at rationally, it seems like a mighty stretch to be putting so much money into. Just my opinion.

Do I stay for another year? That's the question that's been on my mind for the passed 2 or 3 months now. At this point, I'm committed to stay in Japan until the end of September 2003. But I have the option to extend until September 2004 when my visa expires. Basically I have until the end of 2002 to make the decision. I guess I'm just waiting for a burning bush experience... although of course more subtle things would work too.
What are the factors? I can think of three at this point.
#1: I don't know if this church will plant a church within the next three years. That is, I don't know if this church will plant a church during my time here not matter how long I stay. This being the main objective of my stay here, it kind of puts a damper on things. But then, it's still very early to make that assessment. And I doubt that at the end of the year 2002, things will clear up to be able to make a better assessment. By that time, I'd have been in Hokkaido for 8-9 months. Fairly long time I suppose... but to figure out the direction that God wants to lead it? I don't know. We'll see.
#2: I've grown more and more detached from the organization. I've come to realize that in reality I'm independent. I get logistics taken care of by the organization but as for the accountability/mentoring I heard and read so much about... yeah that's not there. I look around though, and see that others are getting that, but for me, it's just not there. It's just disappointing I guess because this factor was one of the main reasons why I felt God wanted me here.
#3: The positive... I like the people of the church here in Date. They're great people. I like working here.
There are other factors too, now that i think about it... but I'll save that for later... I'm running out of time! Gotta go teach a class.

After finishing Daniel, I was struck by a revelation. Probably, throughout Danielís lifetime, the people he lived for, were sinful, misguided people. I donít think any of the people except for Daniel and his three buddies lived for God. They probably forgot about Him or even grumbled about Him because of their exile from their homeland. But time and again, we see that God not only spared Daniel but his people too because of Danielís righteousness. Daniel truly was Judahís savior. He served as the priest in an unknown land, begging God for the forgiveness of not only his own sins but for the sins of his people. Much like how Christ was and is the savior of all who come under His lordship.
Over and over again, in church weíre told and taught to be more and more like Jesus. The problem is that we really donít know what that means. Itís even become such a clichÈ that we donít even stop to think what ìbe more like Jesusî means. Itís become this nebulous thing, a goal or aspiration that we say we desire knowing that itís good, without knowing what it really is. Itís kind of like the mystery prize behind door #1 in some game show. We know that whatever it is, itís gonna be really good. The problem is that ìbe more like Jesusî isnít a prize or goal thatís as easy as saying ìIím gonna take whatís behind door #1.î We have to work towards it with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And itís a near impossibility to realize a goal that we have no comprehension of, when we have to work toward it. Put differently, itís virtually impossible to work toward a goal without knowing what the goal is.
Anyway, here is Daniel. He is being like Jesus, as we are taught in church. And here is one part of Daniel being like Jesus. Daniel is intercessing for his fellow people. Those of us in full time ministry service seem to constantly complain or grumble about the lack of committed people we have in the church. If only we had a few more people who were committed to following and serving Christ, THEN we could make an impact on this community. If only we had a few more people who were committed to following and serving Christ, THEN we would be able to reach more people. Numerically this makes sense. Spiritually, this isnít necessarily the case.
A single righteous man in prayer for himself and his people alone, saved thousands maybe millions of people from sure destruction and death. One man. And so, for those of us in ministry service, after seeing the example set by Daniel, are forced to asking ourselves a single question: Am I going to be that one man for the people under my care? Forget discipleship, forget imparting wisdom, forget recruiting, forget ministry strategies. Theyíre all very good, and wise ministry leaders would also incorporate them. But they are all secondary. There really is power in a single praying righteous man. Daniel is an example of that.

It's now official... well sort of. I got all the approvals for a vacation back home! So I got the oks for a vacation starting the 24th of September until the 8th of October (Japan time). I think it's 2 weeks. So as soon as I'm ok'd I go to the local travel agency to go ahead and book the flight. Turns out that for JAL (the only airline carrier that the travel agency works with) the 24th is the last cut off date for a certain price. On the 25th, the following day, the price drops 10,000 yen (about $85). But the thing is that while the start day for my vacation is adjustable, the end day is not. So, I sat there at the travel agency for a while thinking about whether an additional day in the States is worth $85. 24 hours for $85. A little more than $3 an hour.
The other thing I'm wondering is whether it would be a good idea to go visit Ben Tao in VA. Of course time and money are a concern. Ehh, I'll just go shop around, see what the prices are with other travel agencies and choose from there. No problem. In the meantime, aww yeah, it's time for a homecomin'.