According to wikipedia, a blizzard ain't a blizzard until:
1. There is snow or ice precipitation
2. Visibility must be reduced to 1/4 mile (400 km)
3. Wind speed must be at least 35 mph (56 kph)
Here's footage of a blizzard happening outside my door right now. [blizzard movie]
UIUC never closes because of snow, but today, classes are canceled and movement is down to almost nil. The snow ploughs are working over time and the snow just keeps coming and coming...estimated about a foot or more of snow by the end of today.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Joseph's life as an example of Christ
I just discovered for myself this amazing message in the story of Joseph. Joseph was most favored, and also was "worshiped" by his brothers and father in his dreams. Joseph was then betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt. Just as Jesus was crucified at the hands of men, His brothers, and took on our sins, and also became limited from His divinity during His time on earth, a sort of Egypt. While Egypt is rich and has comforts and wonders, it is temporary and it worships false gods. That is, they stop short of the ultimate reality. The true God. Instead, they attribute the wonders they see to half-way icons, idols. Just like here on earth. That is what we do.
But Joseph, even though he was in Egypt, he prospered it. He established it. In fact, if you read carefully, it was Joseph who brought Egypt and Canaan under Pharoah's control, and its seemed as if Pharaoh and the other Egyptians weren't doing much at all. It seemed that Joseph brought the lands and servants under Pharoah using economic superiority and also established a 20% tax system (the first national tax ever with priests exempt? at least the first mentioned in the bible - Moses might have later taken this up in the 10% tithe to God, and the Levite concept). We think we do great things on earth. Might it be that it is the Creator of the earth that actually knows how it really works that does these great things for us?
And later, Joseph is instrumental in saving his brothers and father from the famine as he is revealed to them, and also in sharing all that he has in Egypt (the world) with them. How he was once dead but is alive again! And more than alive, he brings his family with him into prosperity. In return, they are to take care of livestock, use their skill to prosper Egypt in kind. Sound familiar? It sounds like Christians, being blessed to bless in return, being saved by Christ in a "foreign land".
Note though, that there is a sense that Egypt is not the final destination for Israel. There is an even greater finality. And that is played out in layers upon layers, cycle upon cycles of biblical records. Moses, David, Judges, prophets, Abraham, Isaac, Joshua amongst others and finally the ultimate reality all these are pointing to - Jesus. Note also that this story of Joseph was probably written by Moses. And he probably had access to some historical records in Egypt to investigate how things turned out they way they did at that time. In faith then, he wrote this down, and we now have the benefit of the the revelation of Jesus to see how when Moses wrote this down, it was truly the Holy Spirit writing in him to tell us of Jesus that is to come. Who He is and what He does. Also, we see how God uses human knowledge to reveal a little of His plans to us. And even more so, we see how those who did not yet have a change to know Jesus at that time, since He had not come yet, could still hope in God through these themes of God's deliverance, and that is credited to them as righteousness through their faith and His faithfulness.
But Joseph, even though he was in Egypt, he prospered it. He established it. In fact, if you read carefully, it was Joseph who brought Egypt and Canaan under Pharoah's control, and its seemed as if Pharaoh and the other Egyptians weren't doing much at all. It seemed that Joseph brought the lands and servants under Pharoah using economic superiority and also established a 20% tax system (the first national tax ever with priests exempt? at least the first mentioned in the bible - Moses might have later taken this up in the 10% tithe to God, and the Levite concept). We think we do great things on earth. Might it be that it is the Creator of the earth that actually knows how it really works that does these great things for us?
And later, Joseph is instrumental in saving his brothers and father from the famine as he is revealed to them, and also in sharing all that he has in Egypt (the world) with them. How he was once dead but is alive again! And more than alive, he brings his family with him into prosperity. In return, they are to take care of livestock, use their skill to prosper Egypt in kind. Sound familiar? It sounds like Christians, being blessed to bless in return, being saved by Christ in a "foreign land".
Note though, that there is a sense that Egypt is not the final destination for Israel. There is an even greater finality. And that is played out in layers upon layers, cycle upon cycles of biblical records. Moses, David, Judges, prophets, Abraham, Isaac, Joshua amongst others and finally the ultimate reality all these are pointing to - Jesus. Note also that this story of Joseph was probably written by Moses. And he probably had access to some historical records in Egypt to investigate how things turned out they way they did at that time. In faith then, he wrote this down, and we now have the benefit of the the revelation of Jesus to see how when Moses wrote this down, it was truly the Holy Spirit writing in him to tell us of Jesus that is to come. Who He is and what He does. Also, we see how God uses human knowledge to reveal a little of His plans to us. And even more so, we see how those who did not yet have a change to know Jesus at that time, since He had not come yet, could still hope in God through these themes of God's deliverance, and that is credited to them as righteousness through their faith and His faithfulness.
John 3:1-21
Nicodemus, Pharisee, ruler of the Jews...
This event occured while Jesus was in Jerusalem, after He has cleared the temple. Nicodemus' question shows that he has been considering Jesus for quite some time, along with others. And this reflects a certain contemporary thought at the time: that the Jews were expecting the Messiah to come and deliver. Jesus seemed to be a suspected candidate, but the things He did did not square with a lot of their conceptions about what Messiah would be like. And there, they were tripped up in all their thinking, even as Pharisees.
Note how Jesus begins the conversation. It has nothing to do with Nicodemus' statement. But Jesus knows his heart even before his mouth spoke and started the conversation immediately on what is important for Pharisees to know: the idea of being born again, to be saved.
"The wind blows where it wishes..."
Somethings happen, we experience it, and we believe that it is there. The wind. And we do not question it. How is it that we cannot bring that same faith into spiritual matters? That is the point in Jesus' declaration here about being born in the spirit. To be born again means to be born in of water and the spirit. Baptism? This is linked with John the author's references to baptisms before and after this passage.
"We know and testify what We have seen..."
Simply this, the only way to really know, is to believe the testimony of the one to whom true knowledge is found. We can try to increase knowledge through observing for our own, to believe only when we see things or experience things. But how often, even though the truth is before our very eyes, we still refuse to believe, but choose to explain it away by other "theories" or worse, ignore it. So then, perhaps this is something to consider with respect to philosophy of knowledge, perhaps the only true knowledge can only be obtained by faith in another. And this Another is the ultimate Another, who has seen what is the truth. So we can rest assured in His testimony.
"For God so loved the world..."
The famous verse. The only hope we have. Note, how we cannot do anything to have everlasting life other than to believe. And how this all stems from one point only. God's love. Love that saves, but also, love for which the rejection of is unimagineable.
Jesus' pleads here are entirely logical and reasonable. He who does truth comes to the light. Why then do people still not believe in the One? Choosing other alternatives? If they truly do what is true? What is their thinking and answer to Christ's words here?
This event occured while Jesus was in Jerusalem, after He has cleared the temple. Nicodemus' question shows that he has been considering Jesus for quite some time, along with others. And this reflects a certain contemporary thought at the time: that the Jews were expecting the Messiah to come and deliver. Jesus seemed to be a suspected candidate, but the things He did did not square with a lot of their conceptions about what Messiah would be like. And there, they were tripped up in all their thinking, even as Pharisees.
Note how Jesus begins the conversation. It has nothing to do with Nicodemus' statement. But Jesus knows his heart even before his mouth spoke and started the conversation immediately on what is important for Pharisees to know: the idea of being born again, to be saved.
"The wind blows where it wishes..."
Somethings happen, we experience it, and we believe that it is there. The wind. And we do not question it. How is it that we cannot bring that same faith into spiritual matters? That is the point in Jesus' declaration here about being born in the spirit. To be born again means to be born in of water and the spirit. Baptism? This is linked with John the author's references to baptisms before and after this passage.
"We know and testify what We have seen..."
Simply this, the only way to really know, is to believe the testimony of the one to whom true knowledge is found. We can try to increase knowledge through observing for our own, to believe only when we see things or experience things. But how often, even though the truth is before our very eyes, we still refuse to believe, but choose to explain it away by other "theories" or worse, ignore it. So then, perhaps this is something to consider with respect to philosophy of knowledge, perhaps the only true knowledge can only be obtained by faith in another. And this Another is the ultimate Another, who has seen what is the truth. So we can rest assured in His testimony.
"For God so loved the world..."
The famous verse. The only hope we have. Note, how we cannot do anything to have everlasting life other than to believe. And how this all stems from one point only. God's love. Love that saves, but also, love for which the rejection of is unimagineable.
Jesus' pleads here are entirely logical and reasonable. He who does truth comes to the light. Why then do people still not believe in the One? Choosing other alternatives? If they truly do what is true? What is their thinking and answer to Christ's words here?
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Japan House Winter Tea



Atsunobu, Charlene and I take a short walk in the Japane House, Arboriteum area in Urbana, IL. We also stop for some hoji cha and make some snow angels. Check out the movie Snow Angels: [click here for movie]. The temperature is 11F (feels like -1F). The hot tea in the hut warms you up, and feels good in contrast to the cold environment. The brown tea contrasts with the white snow. We also had cookies and some rice crackers. Some people were cross-country skiing and sledding down the hills, the highest natural point in Urbana. Highly recommended!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Guess what this is in the Beckman?
Ugli Fruit
Breaking News: SNOW!!!!


So its finally here. Today, temperature is -13C (-6F). And its snowing and snowing all day...these two pics from left to right, Beckman Institute, and The Boneyard Creek. Here are some clips as I walk from Psychology to the Beckman.
Snow1, Snow2, Snow3, Snow4, Snow5.
And here's one from Starbucks at Green Street: Snow6.
As you can see, plenty of the white white thing. About 6 to 8 inches maybe!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Olive Oil Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:
Spaghetti
Mushrooms
Chicken
Parsley flakes
Garlic
Shallots
Asparagus
Pepper, salt, chilli powder
Olive oil
White wine
Method:
Slice mushrooms and chicken into bite size pieces. Cut asparagus bottoms off. Mince garlic, and slice shallots. Boil spaghetti in seperate pot first. When done, rinse with cold water to stop cooking and set aside. Fry garlic and shallots in olive oil until golden brown. Add chicken, asparagus and stir fry until chicken starts to turn white. Add spaghetti, mushrooms, pepper, salt to taste, a little chilli powder. Stir to mix and fully cook the chicken. Add white wine and let mixture simmer a little. Add more olive oil and parsley flakes and mix it in. Ready to serve! Serve with tomato soup and Beringer White Zinfandel recommended.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Breaking Arctic Blast Newses!
As if in answer to the warmer than normal December, today's temperature went down to a feels-like of -8F! Flurries all day, and tomorrow. Little snow powder falling down all day long.
Another news, Bill Meier said he would step down this July, to move on to another ministry. Kinda sad. He is a good man and pastor. He shared that he felt that he had completed all that God had led him to do at TCBC. And this was God's calling for him to move on. May the peace of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit go with him.
The Wii is sold out at Target and Meijer's. It is supposed to be selling at $250 USD. Hopefully it will be in stock again in a couple of months. In the meantime, save up.
Another news, Bill Meier said he would step down this July, to move on to another ministry. Kinda sad. He is a good man and pastor. He shared that he felt that he had completed all that God had led him to do at TCBC. And this was God's calling for him to move on. May the peace of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit go with him.
The Wii is sold out at Target and Meijer's. It is supposed to be selling at $250 USD. Hopefully it will be in stock again in a couple of months. In the meantime, save up.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
What is this thing at the back of the Beckman?
Winter Shots of Champaign
Birthday 2007

Photos not I take one, but I got them and put them on my photo site anyway, see them here.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
What is consciousness = What am I?
I am a wave of existence/influence in the medium of space and time. I have a defined peak and full-width-at-half-maximum. I change the medium through my existence in it, as it, in turn, limits me.
Walk through Champaign in the snow

[Download movie]
John 2:13-25
"Zeal for Your house has eaten me up". "Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise".
These events occured after the water to wine miracle in Cana. Thus, we assume that Jesus and His disciple made another trip back to Jerusalem for this Passover, but this was before His final trip to Jerusalem for His crucifixion.
During the Passover, a sacrifice was made. This was the Passover lamb that was eaten in remembrance of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. The lamb symbolized a few things: substitution of the object of judgment on sin (the lamb for the Israelites), forgiveness of sins, identification with God, protection (from God's judgment), grace, providence, cleansing, and probably many other wonderful things. It is therefore interesting to see how Jesus is the complete fulfillment of all these symbols, as the actual thing rather than just a symbol. Back to the passage, a sacrifice was made during the Passover, and therefore, since not all were farmers, and not all could afford lambs, and also, because there were other types of sacrifices to be made at the temple other than the Passover sacrifice, people bought animals from others, conveniently around the temple at Jerusalem.
It is apparent from Jesus' reaction, that this practice of buying animals for the sacrifice was being abused. What was the main problem of buying and selling animals at the temple, since sacrifices were needed? Note, there were also money changers doing business! The sacrifice was a ritual that was to bring about remembrance and worship of God. But in elevating and playing off the role of money, the sacrifice came to be ironically cheapened. It no longer became about God, but about money and men profiting off a holy ritual. Consider this, a family tradition such as a reunion dinner, and the commercialism that surrounds the food required for the dinner, how that affects the meaning of the actual dinner and tradition if we are not careful. Case in point, think about Christmas and Easter, and New Year celebrations.
Futhermore, the temple of Jerusalem is the footstool of God, and the house of prayer, God's house. God of the universe. The Most High. Do you sell and change money for profit in the house of such a being? How atrocious. Men substitute the most holy and meaningful of all things that has intrinisic value, with value of something else that is in fact meaningless, money. What is money that we should want it so much at the expense of the real thing, God? What is any other value in life that we should want it so much at the expense of the ultimate creator and source of all true values, God?
Jesus' anger is obvious and reminiscent of how God chases and drives out the inhabitants of a land who's sin has disgusted Him. Recall, the Israelites war on the Canaanites, driving them out from the Promised Land because of the sins of the Canaanites. Recall, the Babylonians and Assyrians driving Israel out from the Promised Land because of the sins of the Israelites. Now, Jesus drives out the people from the temple. The place is made holy because of God. Unholy men with their deeds have no place there.
And as if they thought they Jesus' actions were unjustified, they had the gall to challenge Him for a sign to appease them since He has done these things! John uses this to illustrate the blindness of the people (the Light has come, but the world did not know Him), and mentions this later on in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. For they did not understand His sign of the raising the temple in three days, nor did they see who He truly was (since He kept Himself from them, v24) even though He performed many signs while in Jerusalem at this time.
How many times, when we are going on with our daily profiteering, as subtle as it can be, we are being in stark opposition to the holy purposes of God? And how often we refuse to believe because we are too proud to acknowledge the higher and most valuable of values, that God has put into place.
These events occured after the water to wine miracle in Cana. Thus, we assume that Jesus and His disciple made another trip back to Jerusalem for this Passover, but this was before His final trip to Jerusalem for His crucifixion.
During the Passover, a sacrifice was made. This was the Passover lamb that was eaten in remembrance of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. The lamb symbolized a few things: substitution of the object of judgment on sin (the lamb for the Israelites), forgiveness of sins, identification with God, protection (from God's judgment), grace, providence, cleansing, and probably many other wonderful things. It is therefore interesting to see how Jesus is the complete fulfillment of all these symbols, as the actual thing rather than just a symbol. Back to the passage, a sacrifice was made during the Passover, and therefore, since not all were farmers, and not all could afford lambs, and also, because there were other types of sacrifices to be made at the temple other than the Passover sacrifice, people bought animals from others, conveniently around the temple at Jerusalem.
It is apparent from Jesus' reaction, that this practice of buying animals for the sacrifice was being abused. What was the main problem of buying and selling animals at the temple, since sacrifices were needed? Note, there were also money changers doing business! The sacrifice was a ritual that was to bring about remembrance and worship of God. But in elevating and playing off the role of money, the sacrifice came to be ironically cheapened. It no longer became about God, but about money and men profiting off a holy ritual. Consider this, a family tradition such as a reunion dinner, and the commercialism that surrounds the food required for the dinner, how that affects the meaning of the actual dinner and tradition if we are not careful. Case in point, think about Christmas and Easter, and New Year celebrations.
Futhermore, the temple of Jerusalem is the footstool of God, and the house of prayer, God's house. God of the universe. The Most High. Do you sell and change money for profit in the house of such a being? How atrocious. Men substitute the most holy and meaningful of all things that has intrinisic value, with value of something else that is in fact meaningless, money. What is money that we should want it so much at the expense of the real thing, God? What is any other value in life that we should want it so much at the expense of the ultimate creator and source of all true values, God?
Jesus' anger is obvious and reminiscent of how God chases and drives out the inhabitants of a land who's sin has disgusted Him. Recall, the Israelites war on the Canaanites, driving them out from the Promised Land because of the sins of the Canaanites. Recall, the Babylonians and Assyrians driving Israel out from the Promised Land because of the sins of the Israelites. Now, Jesus drives out the people from the temple. The place is made holy because of God. Unholy men with their deeds have no place there.
And as if they thought they Jesus' actions were unjustified, they had the gall to challenge Him for a sign to appease them since He has done these things! John uses this to illustrate the blindness of the people (the Light has come, but the world did not know Him), and mentions this later on in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. For they did not understand His sign of the raising the temple in three days, nor did they see who He truly was (since He kept Himself from them, v24) even though He performed many signs while in Jerusalem at this time.
How many times, when we are going on with our daily profiteering, as subtle as it can be, we are being in stark opposition to the holy purposes of God? And how often we refuse to believe because we are too proud to acknowledge the higher and most valuable of values, that God has put into place.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Winter Trip to Starved Rock
Monday, January 15, 2007
Parklab Singapore Trip

Tuesday, January 02, 2007
John 2:1-12
"On the third day... Cana of Galilee..."
The actual location of Cana is not certain, however, we do know that it is situated somewhere around Galilee. Possibly a few kilometers north of Nazereth, Jesus' hometown. Cana is also Nathanael's hometown (John 21:2). In any case, Jesus, His disciples and Mary, His mother, were guests at this wedding, so they must have been at least acquaintences with the wedding party. This event happened the day after Jesus met Philip and Nathanael. So they had made the trip since then.
This is the first miracle sign in John's gospel revealing the divinity of the Christ. The exchange is interesting, almost telling of the relationship between Jesus and Mary as one in which the mother is conversing with her Lord, both familiar and at the same time not. The miracle itself was not made public during the wedding, and unlike other miracles, it was not about healing or a demonstration of authority of nature. Rather, it was simply about providing wine to a party that had run out of it. But this description is still included as a sign that manifested His glory, and that led to belief in the disciples. Perhaps this is related to what Jesus told Nathanael the day before since he is from Cana? Nevertheless, this sign serves as a buttress to testimonials of the identity of Christ.
We are not told what the significance of the six waterpots of stone according to purification manner means. However, John the author states this for the purpose of informing his non-Jewish readers.
Following this wedding, Jesus and His troupe went to Capernaum, a city by the north-west coast of the Sea of Galilee. Interestingly, this was the city of Peter, James, and Andrew (see other gospels), rather than Bethsaida. However, it could be that they moved from place to place around the coast, as these cities were quite close to each other along the northern coast of the sea. Capernaum was the center of Jesus' ministry subsequently, but later on, they rejected Him and He uttered a curse on the city. Note that this city was cursed later, despite the miracle that was done. Consider this for yourself, how quick we are to blind ourselves to what God does right before our eyes.
The actual location of Cana is not certain, however, we do know that it is situated somewhere around Galilee. Possibly a few kilometers north of Nazereth, Jesus' hometown. Cana is also Nathanael's hometown (John 21:2). In any case, Jesus, His disciples and Mary, His mother, were guests at this wedding, so they must have been at least acquaintences with the wedding party. This event happened the day after Jesus met Philip and Nathanael. So they had made the trip since then.
This is the first miracle sign in John's gospel revealing the divinity of the Christ. The exchange is interesting, almost telling of the relationship between Jesus and Mary as one in which the mother is conversing with her Lord, both familiar and at the same time not. The miracle itself was not made public during the wedding, and unlike other miracles, it was not about healing or a demonstration of authority of nature. Rather, it was simply about providing wine to a party that had run out of it. But this description is still included as a sign that manifested His glory, and that led to belief in the disciples. Perhaps this is related to what Jesus told Nathanael the day before since he is from Cana? Nevertheless, this sign serves as a buttress to testimonials of the identity of Christ.
We are not told what the significance of the six waterpots of stone according to purification manner means. However, John the author states this for the purpose of informing his non-Jewish readers.
Following this wedding, Jesus and His troupe went to Capernaum, a city by the north-west coast of the Sea of Galilee. Interestingly, this was the city of Peter, James, and Andrew (see other gospels), rather than Bethsaida. However, it could be that they moved from place to place around the coast, as these cities were quite close to each other along the northern coast of the sea. Capernaum was the center of Jesus' ministry subsequently, but later on, they rejected Him and He uttered a curse on the city. Note that this city was cursed later, despite the miracle that was done. Consider this for yourself, how quick we are to blind ourselves to what God does right before our eyes.
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