Top Ten Subjects

It's about time for another top ten, right?

How about my top ten school subjects. We'll leave out college courses for now.


1. Consumer Math. This should be a required course. So many people don't know how to handle money or do simple arithmetic. Even with calculators, people are at the mercy of banks. Learn to do your own taxes!

2. Geometry. It's not about theorems and finding the surface area of a bowling ball. It's about learning logic. And boy, everyone needs that!


3. Comparative World Views. Why is the Bible different than Islam? What does secular humanism really mean? This is a practical, enjoyable class.

4. World History. Sadly, the achievement tests that our kids take seem to think that world history = American history. I love American history (see below), but it's more fascinating to see the whole world in scope.


5. Algebra. Yes, there's a lot of math here. But I just enjoy watching equations come together in an orderly fashion, and that begins in this class.

6. Any math class that includes statistics. I love stats, and while few high school classes zone in on them specifically, it's great when they devote a chapter or two to them.


7. Old Testament Survey. Let's explore the history of the Bible. There are great stories there, but it's also good to look at WHY we read about those stories.

8. Grammar and Composition. I'm no great writer, but it's important that everyone run, RUN from this internet jibber jabber that is turning people into illiterate fools.

9. US History. Man, it's amazing what we've managed to cram in 233 years of history (yes, yes, there are 300 years before that, I know). While not as neat as looking at the whole world, it's still great to learn about.


10. Speech and Debate. Like to argue? The rules and regulations keep this class fascinating.

Big News

Hello again from Korea!

We've been in Korea for nine years, and quite a bit has happened in that time frame. Five of our six girls were born here, I became pastor of Uijongbu Baptist Church, and my wife and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary.

God has been good to us during our time here. From Clara's time at the hospital this year, to the triumphs and tragedies at school at church, we have constantly seen the faithfulness of God.

At this point in time, we have, through prayerful consideration, decided to leave Uijongbu Baptist Church, and Korea. This hasn't been an easy decision for us, and was one that was made after much prayer and discussion.

It's not because we are having problems here - on the contrary, things have gone really well. We love Korea and the folk who live here, and have really enjoyed the past nine years. There have been "down" moments, but the wonderful moments outweight them greatly.

I feel that God has called me to work with children and teens at a local church, and that's not really possible in my current situation. We also are looking for a bit of a "furlough", having been here for many years.

So where are we going? Who knows!! We are praying about this - but we do know that we are willing to go anywhere. We will be staying in Korea until June/July 2010 - so we will spend the next months looking and praying about where God wants us next.

And you can help!

1.) PRAY for us. Pray that God shows us exactly what He wants us to do.

2.) If you know a local Bible-believing church that needs help, let us know! I'm willing to go anywhere, really!

3.) Our moving expenses for this are going to be quite large, I'm sure. We need to raise probably $15,000 when you factor in airplane tickets, shipping, and setup expenses. We're pinching pennies here, but if you'd like to get involved - let us know! Ask God if he would have you get involved in this. The easiest way to support us would be via Paypal at tomvasel@gmail.com, but there are other ways - if you're interested, just let me know!

4.) Pray for us. I know I mentioned that in # 1, but it's vital. Pray that God shows us where to go, that we find a good ministry to be part of, and that our financial needs are met.

Thank you to everyone who supported us via prayers and love while here in Korea, but for now - I'm still here in Korea, working at school and church - and don't plan to leave yet! But we do need to start making preparations now! I'll keep you informed over the coming months.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Would be funnier if it wasn't true...

This is a post for everyone who has computer problems. It's true.



see more Funny Graphs

Update on the Vasel

Quite a bit has happened since our last post. Let me explain.

No, there is too much. Let me 'sum up.

- Clara had a bout of seizures at the beginning of June. After some serious worries, and several trips to one of the biggest hospitals in Korea, we found out she has absence seizures - something that can be contained by medicine. She is doing okay - just had a checkup today, and seems to be doing fine.

- The summer was fairly uneventful, although I kept busy at church.

- A gaggle of new teachers showed up in August, and school started again. Holly started kindergarten.

- Melody has started learning to play the clarinet.

- Laura and I are taking a trip to Germany in two weeks. Ruby is coming, the others are staying with friends while we go.

- I performed my first wedding. And not my last! Another is coming up in a month.

There you go - a summary of all the posts I should have made. More will come.

Graduation Charge

OK, it's been a long time since I posted, but now that graduation is over, I should have slightly more time.

The seniors asked me to speak at their graduation, and I was very happy to do so. I usually do speeches from a short outline, but I wrote this one out. I'd thought I'd post it here if anyone was interested.

I’ve had the fortune (yes, I mean that) to teach this class five out of the last six years. As I prepared for what to say today, I was taking a trip down Memory lane in my head.

I remember one student single handedly winning us a class competition by putting a stocking over their head and pulling it off to great effect.

I remember a female Ghengis Khan coming into the classroom, giving a rousing speech, and then promptly losing their beard.

I remember a few students who had the set goal to distract me from whatever I was teaching by getting me to go down rabbit trails.

I remember a student who got Mr. Olling to click the electric pen not once, but twice in front of the student body.

I remember five of you trying to push me back onto the boat in Maylasia.

I seem to have forgotten a lot, though – and I often find that I’m having trouble remembering what happened last week.

That’s why I’m glad we have yearbooks. They preserve many of these memories for posterity. As it’s been ten years since I’ve graduated from college, I still can go back to the yearbooks, and recall things and people from college – good memories.

Not all memories are good.

I remember the fun times that we’ve had, I remember the crazy things that have happened in class, I remember the times where I’ve been proud as all get out because one of you stepped up to the plate either in a spiritual or academic way. But I also remember when some of you messed up, when some of you ended up visiting Pastor Weaver, when some of you disappointed us in a variety of ways.

That goes both ways. I’m sure you can remember some really good times with the teachers, and things that you’ve learned; but you probably can point out boring times, or times when teachers didn’t live up to your expectations.

But this is it. After this week, many of us won’t meet again, or rarely. And what do we have left? Our memories.

That’s why, when I decide to cull my book collection, to lose some of my books – getting rid of yearbooks is one of the last things I do. I treasure those memories, and sometimes it’s nice just to sit in a chair and reminisce about years gone.
For the past six years, you and I have both looked forward to this day. A day of commencement – the beginning of the rest of your life, but the end of your time here. And all we’ll have is the memories.

As time goes by, we’ll forget some things. You likely won’t remember how exactly the Pythagorean principle is applied in every situation, what happened in chapter 7 of The Scarlet Letter, and why dissecting a frog was important. You’ll find out that many of the things we’ve taught you DO have an actual use in real life, but when you have your own high schoolers some day, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve forgotten. (Although I suspect some of you have forgotten it already).

But there are some things we don’t want you to forget.

In II Timothy, chapter one, Paul is talking to a young Timothy, and talks about his mother

when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also

Here he talks about how Timothy had a godly heritage as he was raised.

Later on, in chapter 4, he gives Timothy a charge

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

He wanted Timothy to remember the things that he had learned. He wanted Timothy to remember the Bible which he had been taught by his mother.

We’re a Christian school here, and over the years you’ve been taught the Bible – not only in Bible class, but in your other classes, whether they be History, Math, Literature, etc. You’ve been taught truths in chapels once a week, you’ve been through a “Spiritual Emphasis” week twice a year. You’ve been taught much about God’s Word.

And I say to you – remember it. Remember it.

I told you just a few days ago, that much of my Bible memorization when I was your age was done by me speed memorizing minutes before the quiz. Some of those verses I still know until this day. But it’s not because of my speedy memorization those days – it’s because I have gone over those verses countless times since. I’ve read them so much, used them so many times, that I know them. I remember them.
When you learn a subject, you have to keep studying it, keep spending time in it, or eventually it will become a faded memory. We don’t want the Biblical truths that we’ve taught you to become distant memories. We want them to be things that you remember.

So whether you go to college in America, or China, or stay right here in Uijongbu – you may leave us teachers behind, but we encourage you to remember God’s Word. No matter where you go – take your Bible, spend time in it – remember it.

In Ephesians 1, Paul talks to them, mentioning this
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Paul prayed constantly for the Ephesians. So I say to you,

Remember to pray.

And remember to pray for one another, and for us.

Many of you are good friends, and so part of today is a bit of an unhappy time, as some of you are travelling far, and won’t see each other for a while, if ever. Are you good friends? Then remember to pray for one another.

Two days ago you gave me a quiz to see how many of your Korean names I knew. The answer was: not too many.

But when I pray to God for you guys, making mention of you in my prayers, He knows who I am talking about. And I will do my best to continue to pray for each and every one of you. You are the first class I’ve taught here at ICS-Uijongbu, and I’ve always felt a special fondness for you – more than any other class. I’ve been praying for you, that God would use you, that God would take you all and do great and mighty things with your lives.

Remember that. I’m not alone here on staff – many of us pray for you, and will continue to do so.

There have been unhappy times in the past years. Times that some of you are trying to forget, and I understand. Today is a happy day. It’s a day of achievement. You’ve made it! You’ve survived through boring lectures, difficult processes, and countless pages of homework.

Some of you have bounced around from school to school, ending up here at the end, while a few of you have been here for a LONG time.

But we all have memories. Despite all of the things that have happened that I haven’t enjoyed, despite me pulling my hair out over some of the choice you have made, I love you all, and I will not forget you.

But knowing this class, I’m sure some of you will hunt me down when I’m eighty, to ask me what your name is, and probably I won’t know at that point. (OK, maybe this will happen at 50, the way I’m going). But I serve and follow a God Who will never forget you, Who will never leave you, and Who will never forsake you.

I’ve forgotten a lot of things over the past decade, and I often struggle to remember many of the concepts that I’ve learned in school. I can still diagram a sentence and solve a formula, but I can’t remember my physics formulas and what exactly happened at Owl Creek.

But I do have memories, and I will always strive to remember God’s Word.

The bad parts of school will fade away.

Did you ever think about how funny memories can be?

Noah’s ark – I see cute paintings of it in nurseries and children’s bedrooms. Did you ever think how odd that is? I mean, the whole earth died except for eight people and two of every kind of animal. But we don’t do that, we don’t paint the people drowning on the walls of kids’ bedrooms – unless you’re a bit of a psycho. Instead, we remember God’s goodness, and all that He did to save that family from the flood.

Remember that – remember all the good times when we saw God work here at school, and remember that as you go off to colleges and the work force, and remember what He did here.

So I leave you with this, on a day that will hopefully become one of your pleasant memories.

Our staff and faculty have been praying for you, and we will continue to do so. We – I – love you guys, and we hope that you continue to remember the truths that we’ve taught you while here.

We have holidays to remember things – whether they are soldiers in war, or great people, or even people’s birthdays.

Today we honor you. Today, we remember you. I’ve had six wonderful years interacting with you. Thanks for the memories.

And may God bless you as you continue on. Remember us, and remember Him.
- Tom Vasel, May 30, 2009 - Commencement address, ICS - Uijongbu

Who uses crutches?

I know this is true, because every time a student comes to school on crutches, I don't think I ever see them use them. But their friends? 24/7


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Top Ten Soups / Stews

As a kid, I was really keen on eating soup or stew. I didn't dislike soups, but I always felt like they were a side dish, or something you ate when a "real" meal wasn't available.

After college, however, I found myself eating more and more soup. Soup is especially awesome for lunch - and even better when you are slightly sick. I'm constantly wanting to eat it more and more. So I figured that I would list my top ten favorite soups and stews. And for the record, I'm still confused what exactly the difference is between a stew and a soup. I still say that they are the same thing. So I'm including them on the same list. You can argue in the comments.


10.) Chicken Noodle Soup - Okay, is this a bland addition or what? Everyone in the world eats this stuff, or reads incredibly sappy books that use it as a title. But when you are sick, there is NOTHING better. Now, the chunkier it is, the better, and it absolutely needs celery. I don't eat this often, but when I do get a chance, I relish every moment. It also probably has the best "drink" when you are done. And oddly, I like it with white meat. I need a bit more chewy-ness in my soup.


9.) Split Pea Soup - I know that a lot of people don't like this soup, and it does have one of the nastiest colors in existence. But this soup - which needs to be thick and delicious, can be simply amazing. Now, it's almost required that you put in chunks of ham - and directly off the bone is probably the best way. It does have the worst after effects of any soup I know (except for the deadly 16 bean soup), but I say it's worth it. Needs a drop or two of Tabasco to be perfect.


8.) Beef Stew - Now this one is subjective. Beef stew is good. Dinty Moore is not. I like beef stew, but it needs to taste at least slightly fresh, not like it's been sitting on a shelf for twenty years. Sadly, I've seen many people who seem to aspire to having their stew emulate the taste and texture of Dinty Moore. I want to chew my beef and potatoes, not slurp them through a straw, thank you.


7.) Mulligan Stew - This is what I prefer to eating beef stew, actually, simply because I like my own homebrewed brand. But while the basic gist of this soup is "put whatever is on the kitchen counter in it", I still enjoy it. I add in my secret ingredients - some would likely suprise you - and make about 100 servings of this once each year. And then I eat them for the next several weeks. And I'm happy.

6.) Ham and Potato Soup - Now this may seem similar to the split pea soup mentioned above, I enjoy this one more because of the potatoes. However, much as I love the picture to the right, I love a variation without the cream. Simply boil ham, potatoes, and green beans in a broth, and then add copious amounts of vinegar. That, my friends, is heaven.


5.) Chili - Yes, I know. This could be a whole category in itself. But three things are important to note here. First of all, while rice is optional - Saltine crackers are a MUST. Secondly, the amount of meat needs to be at part with the beans, and the meat must be in chewable chunks. And finally, while I don't need to blow my brains out with spiciness, it better have a zing. This is one thing us Yankees can't get - to make our foods that serious five alarm hotness.


4.) New England Clam Chowder - This soup is found at almost every buffet I've ever gone to. However, don't these people realize that you actually have to put more than one clam in per soup bowl. Lots of clams are needed, and then you also need a good amount of bacon and cheddar cheese. Then you can sit back and be simply happy as you eat one of the best dishes in existence.


3.) Mandu Guk - What? A soup you haven't heard of? That's because it's native to Korea, and it's one of the best soups in existence. Made from mandu (basically dumplings filled with meat), rice cakes, onions, and seaweed - it tastes much better than it sounds. I ask for this soup on a continual basis, and given the vast different amounts of mandu that are available - I think the variations are tremendous.


2.) Manhatten Clam Chowder - Why yes, I do enjoy me some clam chowder, how could you tell? I like the creamy flavor of New England, but tomato trumps milk, in my opinion. I get this one less often, because it requires more ingredients, but that just makes it better when I do get to eat it.

1.) Kimchee Chigae - And my favorite is yet another Korean soup. It's made of the kimchee - the most famous Korean dish in existence, and it's spicy as all get out. Now you can have it with spam and tuna, but it's at its best with pork. I love it, and think I could eat it every day. I never thought I would be keen on eating tofu, but this dish just makes it delectable. Wonderful. Wonderful. And wonderful.


Think I'm wrong? Got some better soups/stews? Tell me in the comments!

The dishes

Laura is laid up, so I'm doing the dishes while she takes a much deserved break. How often do i do them?

Well....

More baby pictures.

I know that all babies look the same to disinterested parties. But some people get a kick out of seeing the babies time and time again.

By the way, I had fun trooping into the hospital with five girls in tow. People everywhere were stopping to stare. I can say for certain that at the Shin's Woman's Hospital in Uijongbu, I am the only American who has had their sixth girl there.

Ah, perhaps I can write "Cheaper by the Dozen: the Vasel version" in ten years. I sincerely doubt "cheaper" will be in the title, though.

Ruby Rose Vasel

Ruby Rose Vasel was born today at 11:41 AM, March 18, 2009.

She was 3.33 kg (which is about 6 pounds, 10 ounces).

Both the baby and Mom are doing fine.


Six girls! Hooray!

Enough is enough!

I'm joining this guy's campaign.

Someone I hate.

See this guy? I hate him.

All right, perhaps hate isn't the right word. Maybe "loathe" or "detest" or "wish he would fall off a tall mountain" would be a better descriptor.

Yes, I know we shouldn't hate people. Jesus certainly taught against that in the Bible. But I feel no shame in this regard, and that's because this gentleman isn't real. He's part of the Wii Fit program, something I bought last week in an effort to lower my weight. I've already cut my eating habits, cutting my daily consumption by at least 40%, but I knew that dieting is only half the battle, so I wanted something that was fun.

Because for me, exercising isn't really that enjoyable. The only exercise that I've found fun was climbing up the mountains - and then only because of the awesome views from the top. And I've always wanted to prove people wrong who insisted that video games made you fat and lazy.

Now I know that the Wii Fit is not the ultimate training program, and that I could go to the gym or some other program for something better. But the Wii Fit is fun, and more importantly - the only person who watches me wobble around and gasp for air is my wife, daughters, and the Wii trainer.

Speaking of which, I'm convinced that the main feature of the Wii Fit is entertainment. Not for the person who is actually working out, but for the folks who watch the person working out. When doing the balancing excersises, as I topple over I could continually hear the peals of laughter from my wife behind me. It's good encouragement, believe you me! And Violet and Clara, the youngest (until tomorrow!) come and stare at me wide eyed as I look at them sadly as I'm gasping and grunting. Everyone gets a kick out it, I guess.

But let's get back to the Wii Trainer. He's calm, he's peaceful, and I want to silence him as he continually in a nice way reminds me of how fat I am. Thanks, Wii guy, I hadn't realized that. He'll say "you aren't very good at this excersise, are you", while smiling at me condescendingly. Thanks a lot, that's why I'm doing it in the first place!

And yet I still do it every day. I wake up early, and for one week - at least, I've spent thirty or so minutes a day stretching, running, boxing, and other strange poses for the system. Have I lost weight? Well, not really - maybe a pound or two. Do I feel more in shape? This is a higher possibility, although the first couple of days I hobbled around as my leg muscles cursed me for using them for once.

I wake up early, and grab the balance board and get to work. I'm determined to do this for at least two months straight, to see what happens. I wake up early, and even though I don't feel like it - I get up and run, walk, and stretch. My motivation is currently strong, and I want to please the Wii trainer, electronic dictator that he might be.

I bet some of you see where I'm going with this.

I want to be less fat. I want to be in shape, so I wake up early to excercise.

I could say I had no time. I could say that it's too hard. I could say that it's just not a high priority. But I've made time, I work despite the struggles, and I've made it a priority.

Do I do the same with reading the Bible? Do I make time each day to do that? I can use the same excuses that I just wrote - and many of us do - and yet am I willing to put more effort into my physical body than my spiritual one?

I really don't hate the Wii trainer, and I'm feeling better about myself - because I'm starting to see some progress in my muscles - and only after a week! The excersises are getting harder, and I'm determined to get better at them.

May I apply this same determination to my time in the Word of God.

Vaselology

OK, I've never done one of these before in my life. I think they're stupid. But yet, my sisters haven't proven themselves to be stupid, and they both did it, so maybe I'll do one and see what happens. But I'll also be nice and not tag anyone. For those of you lucky enough to have never read one of these, it's a bunch of random questions that people answer so that others may learn more about them.

They start with something like this:" Tag- You're it!!! Let others know a little more about yourself by re-posting and tagging your friends. Repost note as your name "ology"

Hmm, "Tomology" sounds dumb, so we'll go with "Vaselology" I'm one of the last Vasels in existence, anyway - and with my slight tendency to having girls, will probably stay that way.


What is your salad dressing of choice?
Well, whatever I'm in the mood for at any given point. Tie me down, and it's probably Red Wine and Vinegar. I am partial to good creamy Ranch, though.

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Anyone who has ever been to Shady Maple does not ask this question. There is honestly no competition. Shady Maple is the best - period.

What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?
I once would have said tacos, but now I think I'll say nothing. I love tacos, but probably would get tired of them after the tenth day.

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Taco topping (thank you CiCis!), but of the "normal" toppings - jalepeno peppers, cheddar cheese, and chicken. Although shrimp, scallops, and squid is a good combo. And what about bacon, cheddar, and onions? More than one topping, that's for sure.

What do you like to put on your toast?
Garlic salt and a special blend of spices I have.

How many televisions are in your house?
One, and that's probably one too many.

What color cell phone do you have?
Black, and who cares?

Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Happily, I'm right handed. Since most stuff in the world is geared towards those who are right handed, I'm happy to be in the majority.

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A mole. But it grew back. A mole. But it grew back. A mole. (I'm about to give up)

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
My gigantic body on and off the Wii Fit.

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
No. Probably plenty of people have thought about it, though!

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
Would I live differently? I hope not - I want to serve Jesus Christ every day, and if I acted differently knowing the day I would die - I would be a hypocrite.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Tom is a cool name, and Vasel (other than the myriad of people who spell it wrong) is pretty nice. Le Hatte de Vanache is pretty cool, but I don't think my wife would go for that.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
Pish posh. I'd do it for $50. (As long as we're talking normal hot sauce).

Last run-in with the cops?
I keep out of their hair.

Last person you talked to?
In person - my wife. I try to make this a general habit. And what did we talk about? When the baby is coming, of course!

Last person you hugged?
My wife. This is going to be my answer 70% of the time. The other 30% is spread amongst my girls.

Favorite Season?
Summer. By far. Then I like Fall and Spring. Winter I hate. And despise. And hate.

Holiday?
Christmas, because of the wonderful cheerfulness that is in the air. But Easter is really the best holiday - I wish it got the same treatment as Christmas.

Day of the week?
Sunday, although I'm partial to Mondays, as I catch a quick break after a busy Sunday.

Month?
June.

First place you went this morning?
In the house - to the stupid Wii Fit.
Out of the house - to school.
Boy, this is exciting - aren't you glad you're reading this?

What's the last movie you saw?
Hmmm, not sure, really. A Walk to Remember, probably.

Do you smile often?
I do quite often. But not very much at the Wii Fit.

Do you always answer your phone?
Yes. It's rude to ignore people calling, and you never know when it's an emergency!

It's four in the morning and you get a text message who is it?
Someone from church.

If you could change your eye color what would it be?
Fluorescent lime, or perhaps rainbow. Or again, who cares?

What flavor drink do you get at Sonic??
What is this Sonics you speak of?

Do you own a digital camera?
Now days, only the Amish don't.

Have you ever had a pet fish?
Had? How about have? I think we have about 16 right now, all of which have lasted almost two years!

Favorite Christmas song?
Joseph's Lullaby

What's on your wish list for your birthday?
Nothing. Why make a wish list when no one buys for you? But if I'm pretending, I need to get a new iPod to replace the one that was stolen. About 100 good Christian books would be nice, also.

Can you do push ups?
None of your business! Only me and the Wii Fit know.

Can you do a chin up?
See last question, except for the Wii part.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
It depends what we are talking about

Do you have any saved texts?
I delete them all (I hate texts!!!), but I do keep one with a password on it.

Ever been in a car wreck?
No, praise the Lord.

Do you have an accent?
Everyone has an accent. Mine is mostly PA Dutch, but I have picked up a few Southern bits, and a few Oriental twangs, also.

What is the last song to make you cry?
A really bad rendition of Happy Birthday. But maybe they were tears of laughter.

Plans tonight?
Setting up a new computer, and cleaning a room, and playing with my kids.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
I have. But Jesus is always there, and it's not that bad.

Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Computer, Hard Drive, Flowers. I gave one of these three things to my wife. You guess which.

Have you ever been given roses?
I have! It seems odd, but all teacher's get flowers on Teacher's Day here in Korea.

Current worry?
Will the Wii Fit trainer make fun of me tomorrow?

Current hate right now?
Wii Fit trainer

Met someone who changed your life?
The pat answer (and the correct one, really) is Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate life changer. Other than that, Laura, Rex, Rich, Joe, Sam, Matt, and Rod have all been big influences. And pastors - Pastor Kelley and Pastor Sliger especially.

How did you bring in the New Year?
The same way I always do. With a board game. Time's Up this year.

What song represents you?
Only a Sinner, Saved by Grace

Name three people who might complete this?
People who have WAY too much time.

What were you doing 12 AM last night?
snoring.

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
Is the Wii Fit trainer going to be annoyed at me?


Hmmm, maybe a lot of Wii Fit talk here. I think that will be my next post. OK, I've finally done one of these lists. Hopefully that should please people for the next 5 years.

Top Ten things I saw in Malaysia

Well, it's been a while since I posted - which is due to two things. One, I went on a trip to Malaysia, and two, I was sick for a week or so after the trip.

On the trip back, I was just starting to get sick, so I foolishly checked my carry-on onto the plane. On it was my digital camera and my iPod, and both were "mysteriously" missing when I got back.

So gone are the 800 or so pictures and videos that I took while there. But I wanted to tell about my trip anyway, so I figured I would do so in the form of a top ten list.

We went to Kota Kinabalu, in the island of Borneo in Malaysia. Malaysia is still my favorite country to visit, because it's a whirlwind of colors, languages, cultures, and more. Not only that, but there is a very high class city feel, right next to the jungle. Beauty and more. I love going there for so many reasons. This time I was going as the sponsor of the senior class at our school. While it was fun going with the kids, I really am looking forward to going there with my family sometime. So what did I enjoy?

10.) Banana Boat: I've not ridden one of these before, but it wasn't that expensive, and everyone assured me it was a lot of fun. So me and five of the boys loaded up and off we went! And everyone was right - it was a tremendous amount of fun. I sat in the middle, confident in my life jacket until suddenly a swift turn by the boat driver landed all of us in the water. This was actually pretty funny (except for the two boys behind me who suddenly had 250 pounds of man fly right through them). Then I realized that we were out in the bay, and I had to climb back on the stupid banana boat. So eventually (after a great deal of tugging and pushing by the boys) I got back on. The jerk of a driver dumped us once again in the shallows, where it was easier to get on board, and then once again out in the middle of the bay. The third time I was literally screaming at him to not be a jerk and dump us again. Falling was fun, climbing in was not! And the third time, I just could not get back on the banana boat. This is certainly a tip that I need to go on a diet (which I'm on for ten days now!), but also that I should improve my upper body strength. Everyone was good sports about it - except for the evil driver, who laughed and laughed - and this picture shows us right after we got back to shore (I road in the boat on the way back).

9.) Fireflies: As a kid, I loved to stay out after dark and chase the fireflies (or lightning bugs). On the last day of our trip, we road a boat down a river to look at monkeys in the trees. This was pretty neat, and I had a good time. But the best part was after dark, when they drove us down the river at night. Fireflies landed in the trees by the thousands, providing natural Christmas lights. It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen, and I'm certainly glad we went. It was a bit odd travelling down a dark river with no lights on the boats, and my mind wandered to thinking about snakes and more. But nothing happened. Maybe next time someone will get swallowed, and then I'll have a story to tell!



8.) Board Games: I can already hear some of you screaming about my playing board games while in one of the most beautiful places on earth. But first of all, I only did it for a few hours, and secondly, I love meeting boardgamers from all over the world. The folks at CarcaSean (an obvious play on Carcassonne) were very friendly and nice - they knew who I was, and we even managed to trade a few games. It was a great time, and I plan to go back and visit them next time I'm in Kota Kinabalu.

Games played included Time is Money, A Castle for all Seasons, and Dominion. I won only one game, but had a blast - and everyone was excellent in both attitude and strategy.

7.) Shopping: While I don't consider myself a shopper (although this is NOT true when I have money and am in the Youngsan Electronics Market), I do like to find unusual and interesting things to buy - and Malaysia is full of them. Although I vacated one open market when I saw rats that were the size of cats (I kicked at a cat I saw for not doing it's God-given job), I had a great time hunting around. I bought a lot of spices, but I'm most impressed with the Malaysian teas - they have a very good flavor.

6.) Orangutan: I had to look this up to see if I spelled it correctly, and I didn't. Big shocker there, but I did have a great time hunting these fellows down (in my camera's viewfinder, people!) The resort we stayed at had an attached Orangutan reserve, and I spent an hour or so looking at them eat and swing through the trees. It was very neat, and I was impressed by the keepers telling me honestly that it was the best job they had ever had - some of them had been there for twenty years.

5.) Sea Diving: I road in some kind of "Scubadoo" device that allowed us to go around one of the reefs and check out the fish. It certainly looks dorky (and isn't cheap!) and I was very undecided as to whether I should use it or not. But once I was down there, with literally tens of thousands of fish swimming around me, I couldn't believe that I had hesitated. One of the neatest experiences of my life - this was absolutely amazing, and I'm glad I went. Feeding the fish, seeing the "real" Nemo, and doing almost no work in the process, this was incredible.

4.) Snorkling: Now snorkling is not as amazing as going under the sea, but I put it up a point simply because it's free, and therefore I did it longer. Just going out about twenty feet into the water with a bag of bread crumbs will bring hundreds of tropical fish around. It's like swimming in an aquarium. I had a great time doing so, and headed out deeper and deeper, until I felt something nip at my ankles. Screaming like one of my girls, I soon found that it was simply some of the fish, but it was certainly unnerving. It didn't keep me out of the water, but I did dance around like a puppet while feeding the fish. I would gladly do this again.
3.) Pool: Now I will admit that I've scoffed before at the idea of a pool right next to the ocean. Why go swimming in the pool when you can jump into the waves. Now I know. While there's something wonderful about feeling the tidal waves wash over you, water that contains neither sand nor salt is just relaxing. I spent quite a bit of time in the pool, and if my ears are sunburned a bit, I don't care. It was an amazing time, with amazing views. I have been won over to the idea of the resort.



2.) Food: Without a doubt, Shangra La hotels make the best breakfasts in the world. Being able to go to the cook and order a custom double-meat, double-cheese, extra of everything else omelot is one great way to start the day. I never missed breakfast while there, and enjoyed the wide range of foods three or four times a day. Malaysia is amazing because they have restaurants and foods from all over the world, yet for rock bottom prices. A McDonald's Meal, for example, is about $2, and I went to eat at a fancy seafood restaurant with plates and plates of food, for only about $18. I ate and ate and ate and ate. And yet I still think I lost weight, if only from falling off that accursed banana boat!

1.) Speed Boat: I've ridden in boats before, but never a speedboat in bay with the sun beating on my back. We road out to islands, to docks, and more, and if they had refused to allow me to leave the boat, I think I would have been quite content. I can't believe how much fun, and how relaxing it is, to have the spray of the water hit you while driving at 60kmh out on the bay. It's something that I've thought about, and wished I could do again - easily making it my favorite activity. When I retire someday (at age 80, likely), I think I'll get a boat and drive it around every weekend. This is amazingly fun!

And that's about it. I could talk for much longer about the fun we had, and the silly stories that happened from our time there, but why not save those for anecdotes in the future?

Powerpoint

I think Powerpoint is a wonderful thing, useful for both classrooms and lectures. Using it in sermons, however, has both its benefits and disadvantages.

Powerpoint can become a crutch, and you can have people become dependent on the pictures and words on the screen. My biggest concern is the fact that folks will leave their Bibles at home. Why bring a Bible when the verses are up on the screen? Add this to the fact that powerpoints take up a good amount of time (added to normal sermon preperation), and the question might arise - why use them at all?

First of all, I use them because of the cultural mix in my church. Many people who attend church know English as a second language, and it helps them considerably to see the verses and major points on the screen. It's one thing to simply hear English, it's another to both hear and read it at the same time. While this may discourage some from bringing Bibles to church - the advantage of having God's Word easily read by all is one that I cannot ignore.

Secondly, it's not just the Koreans who can use the powerpoints - showing the verses and points on the screen help everyone to focus on what the Bible is saying, rather than what I, as the pastor, am saying. I want people to be swayed and moved by the power of the word of God, not by the power and emotion of my words. Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Thirdly, powerpoint is interesting. It allows you to show video, to insert diagrams, and pictures. I am completely convinced that Jesus would use powerpoint, as He used the typical illustrative manner of his day (telling stories) to get His points across. Let's face it, having a small picture up on the screen can help keep people's attention in this day and age. I know, there is going to be a small group of men who will grumble about how they didn't need no stinkin' pictures to stay awake in their churches when they were kids in 1904. But God has given us this technology, and I believe that we should use it for His glory.

Of course, every new preacher (myself included) attempts to use every feature of powerpoint when they start. Look, a pointless Youtube video with flashing graphics, and moving people, combined with some animated text! This simply isn't worth it - as it will not only consume your time and energy, but it will serve as a distraction - rather than a help.

My biggest problem is finding suitable backgrounds for the sermons. I tried out a few pay-for-use Christian websites that offered powerpoint backgrounds, but I just can't justify spending that kind of money. So I usually look for free ones, or use odd pictures (like the pie above) to put in the background. Anyone know where you can find good pictures?

The point is, as with all technology, one must be careful how they use it. When I'm done preaching, I don't want people to remember the powerpoint. I don't want them to remember the funny story I told halfway through. I want them to remember the Word of God, and what it says.

Top Ten Musical Instruments

Violet sure seems to blow that harmonica like she knows what she's doing, but the noise that comes out is akin to the death wheezes of an aging bagpipe. Still, it's hilarious to watch, and she takes it extremely seriously.

If you get to know me, you'll know that I love making top ten lists, about anything and everything. So I figured I would post them here in this blog at various points. Let's start with my top ten favorite instruments.

10.) Timpani Drums - Okay, this is an odd choice of instruments, but this is the instrument that MAKES the symphony orchestra for me. When you hear the booming of them in the beginning of a piece, it brings such majesty, such power - that I immediately stop and listen.

9.) Xylophone - Yes, "x" is for xylophone - that's my ESL teaching coming out. (and I've always been irritated that this is the example they use). Anyway, I actually prefer duel xylophones, with people banging away on them like crazy. Too bad the instruments are bulky and difficult to move around - I've always wanted to learn how to play them.

8.) Trombone - A brass band needs the trombone, and hearing them do the slide brings shivers when I hear it. Oddly, I'm not as enthused about them when played solo, but I do enjoy them in a group - trumpets alone do not have enough oomph in bands.

7.) Fiddle - Yeah, I said fiddle instead of violin. Are they different? Wikipedia says they're basically the same - and I mean the style of music. A good violinist can make you cry. A good fiddler can make the most stoic of men dance. Crying is good sometimes, but I rather tap my foot, thank you.

6.) French Horn - Such a mellow, rich sound - I wish bands and orchestras give them more solos. When backed up by strings, it's something I can close my eyes and just listen with enjoyment.

5.) Clarinet - I love Dixie music, and a good clarinet player will make me stop and listen - even in the most exciting amusement park in the world (why is that the only place I run into Dixie bands?). The trumpet is louder, and brasher. But the clarinet is the instrument that brings the true melody to the group.

4.) Trumpet - Brash, loud, blaring. Without them, I couldn't stand brass bands. I wouldn't be able to smile as much as I do when I hear Bugler's Holiday by Leroy Anderson. The trumpet IS the orchestra. The leader, the best - and hearing them in God is Good All the Time brings me joy every time.

3.) Accordion - Yeah, I said it. I'm tired of the accordion being associated with polka. Yes, it is the mainstay of that brand of music, but a master of the accordion - and they certainly are rare - is amazing to listen to. Add an accordion to a band, and someone who knows how to wield it, and you have increased it's likeability by 100%.

2.) Piano - The only instrument I know how to play (okay, I know how to play the trumpet - we just haven't worked out any of the kings yet). Still, the pianist is the master of the orchestra, the leader - they don't need anyone else to sound good. And the variety of styles are amazing - from honky tonk to ballads.

1.) Theater Organ - I love the grandeur of the pipe organ, but the theater organ is still my favorite. When I was a kid, I went to an organ maker (forget the name now), and an old man sat down at the organ and played several pieces for us. I was transfixed, and I've never forgotten it. Yes, silent films are dead and gone - and theater organs have been mostly relegated to recordings at ice rinks - but it's still my favorite instrument. Perhaps modern keyboards have replaced them to some degree, but it just isn't the same.

Okay, those are my favorite instruments - the Definitive List of Best Musical Instruments. What's yours?

Time to read.

As a child, I loved to read. I read every book I could find, no matter the subject. I read science books, biographies - but I kept coming back to fiction. I still love to read a good yarn, although I am getting pickier and pickier.

I am glad to see that this reading gene has passed on to Melody. Here she is, with a set of books that Grandma and Grandpa gave her - a set of the classics. Now, they are watered down - which in some cases is good, in other cases I think I might prefer the original book. But either way, I'm glad she is being exposed to them.

She walks around with her nose in a book, manages to get one read in a day, reads at night when she thinks I'm not watching, and loses herself in books.

Now, this can get someone into trouble - I was almost hit by a car while walking and reading at one point - but I still heavily encourage this. TV and movies are everywhere - but there's nothing like a good book. Reading is a tremendous skill, and I want all my kids to do it. Holly pretends to read, Amy reads simple books - I want to see the whole family squashed up on a couch, reading books.

Books - in English - aren't too easy to find here. I finally found a used bookstore in Seoul, but the books are still about $5 each, a far cry from the 25 cent books I can find while in America. But I sill manage to find them, and I keep many bookshelves stocked with them at home.

I can't wait to introduce Melody to Redwall, Little House on the Prairie, and more. The only thing holding us back is time. So many books, so little time.

Now I need something good to read myself. I've run out of books in my own library. Maybe I'll read Melody's.

Welcome - and how to game with all these kids!

Welcome to the blog! I don't plan to make this a place where I give great soliloquies about anything, it may be that this is simply a place to post pictures and videos of my family. I am a pastor in Korea, which occupies a good amount of my time, and I also have a large family, which occupies most of my time.

And in my spare time, I like to play board games. For those of you who don't know, I have a video podcast in which I talk about board games, a hobby I enjoy quite a bit. I'm going to post videos here from that series when they pertain to my family. So here's the latest one - explaining how I work gaming in with all these kids!