Blessings

Counting My Blessings
September 20, 2008
A great fresh beginning to the day after. As promised every new days begins with the past buried; the only thing that springs up from yesterday's buried events are the flowers that bloom from the wind blown seeds buried unnoticed in the busy shovels of earth that made yesterday's grave yard. The first most important habit (a personal corporeal rhythm that finds a special syncopation and harmony with the eternal moment) I must develop is that of keeping a record of all the good things that have and are happening to me. Put simply, I must Count My Blessings. I'm thankful for: Walking to the top of a small mountain in a torrential down pour; getting drenched completely yet walking fast enough to generate enough heat to make it wonderful. Rediscovering the awe, healing, strength, wonder and power there is in the Light of The Sun. Waking once again to peace. Discovering that there are much healther things to do than fly around the earth in 4 days. Learning that always looking for the Light in every moment bring peace and joy. Having a wife who is gentle, thrifty, honors her husband and thrusts him for support and love, is always by his side and conservative in her public demeanor always concerned for how her actions affect others; loves and honors her family. A beautiful time sharing a meal with my wife and working with the same children. Hearing the voice of an American man on the phone at the US Embassy in Seoul Korea tell me that he was sending my US passport to me by DHL express mail. Enjoying a glass of ice cold green tea on a patio overlooking a tempestuous ocean covered in typhoon driven white capped waves. Finding a bright orange Coast Guard grade life-jacket that just happened to be laying on the big rock that stood before the on coming 10 foot seas before I tried to find some relief from the sweltering 95F temperature and humidity. Seeing 5 little first grade girls singing and dancing for almost 1 hour with joyful smiles on their faces that shined the Light of Jesus' Love so clearly. Being blessed to tears. On my list of blessings I mentioned a little first grade girl who gave me a big hug while standing with her mother some years ago (Blessing #77). I know it was before my surgery somewhere just after October 9, 2006. I will never forget her love and kindness. However, today I had an appointment to meet with some 4th and 5th graders at the front of a large department store in the new town I live in. The five students all came running up to me, waving and jumping saying "Hi Michael teacher! We waited so long to meet you. Let's go and play!" Out of the small group of students jumping all around me one student gave me a big hug. I looked down into the face of the student who was holding her arms around me and suddenly recognized that she looked so familiar; then it dawned on me that this little girl was the very same little girl who gave me a hug with her mother when she was in the first grade (Blessing #77) two and a half years before during a time when I worked far away in another town. I have been twice blessed as her love and warmth has not changed in the two and half years that have passed; and now she is in one of my classes. Working all afternoon with my friends in a classroom that over looks the mountains, islands and Pacific Ocean and finally enjoying a warm shower heated from the. 080524 ‡ 080525‡ Seeing a "V" formation of beautiful white birds flying over the harbor full of fishing boats decorated with many colorful flags. Discovering that my ability to speak Korean has made my life among these people feel like I'm really at home here in this little Asian country. Seeing the warm happy smile of a Haenyeo as she carried a days catch from the bottom of the ocean. Seeing two men relaxing with their fishing poles in a small boat enjoying a great day on a peaceful sea. The joy of zooming down a steep hill at close to 40 mph (64 kph) on my racing bike and seeing the vast Pacific Ocean spread out before me. Seeing one student return after a month of being in a class for advanced studies on the other side of the island. The joy of discovering that I can trust my older students to pick out a very interesting movie without first previewing it for content. Laying under a perfectly clear blue sky and noting for the first time in 57 years of life that the area at the zenith is a darker blue than every other area near the horizon. Walking down the street with one first grade boy and a second grade girl as we traveled the same journey. Feeling the vibration of enormous concrete blocks as ocean breakers impact them followed by refreshing spray. Meeting a little boy down by the ocean who introduced me to his parents from the mainland of Korea. Finding an earthly communion that far transcends any physical relationship. Seeing the shining faces of those who have waited so long to behold the power of the Almighty fulfill their long held prayers. One special day in every four years because on this day (February 29, 2008) I experienced the dawning of the sun on a beauty of life I have never before seen in 56 years which began with the touch of another divinely created human followed by a glorious light that filled every event including the shape and light upon the waves of the great ocean before the turning of the sun gave light to a mountain path and a restful contemplation of a day's wonderful pleasure punctuated one hour before midnight with the realization that this special day was ending on a calendar deserving of a memorial and commemoration which placed a sacred day beyond the reach of idolatry by the simple fact that man has not found a way to evenly reconcile his mark upon the clock of time in a way that finds equal grace and harmony among the ticking of stars and atoms. 071229 ‡ Sitting and holding my wife on the 6th floor roof top at 07:17 local time (GMT+9) to watch the deep crimson sun rise into a beautiful warm bright red orb. Recently helping Lee find hope and mercy form God for our brother in law who just passed away. Dreams of helping a little child find freedom from a wheel chair during his 5th year of life. Finally discovering there are three kinds of tears! True Christmas Presents Feeling less lonely in the most distant wilderness than in the midst of a city. Finding a way to insure the protection of little children until the moon fails to shed it's light. 071217 ‡ Enjoying a cup of coffee with my true friend Mr. Kim on a cool evening at a local espresso house. Despite the rudeness of this world's love, God has kept for me a warm and sacred place where the embracing of His own presence is entered into; something only the sons of God could possibly know. A beauty and brightness that can shape words but no words can shape. A little girl named Leith in Montana asked her father Cyrus if she could see comet Holmes. .I saw the comet this morning here on Jeju Island Korea. It is beautiful! Getting a gift sheet of Korean stamps from a kind young lady at the post office, a lollypop and peppero chocolate stick from a student and now a chance to ride my bike to the top of mountain. The fact that the most worth while and beautiful things worth experiencing in life are absolutely free and if not free, are certainly available to those who honestly have no money at no cost. Finding healing rest in the simple act of catching that first large wave of peace which flows on the first ray of morning's earliest light. Brisk winds blowing across a rock curved perfectly like a hammock and warmed to body temperature by the sun as the rhythmic sound of the soothing surf gave me hours of completely painless moments under a brilliant blue sky in a world few if any in this hurried world will ever find. Teaching again as I stand on titanium tip toes touching tantalizing tones of tasty warmth filled with fragrant moments that will help the light of ten billion suns burst into spherical silence leaving absolutely no shadow to be found. Sitting again by the scintillating sea as four haenyo swam into the brilliance of the setting sun. Seeing the first lady carrying a rather large catch of shell fish I continued to enjoy the cool ocean breeze while two other haenyo swam together chatting together as if they were friends sitting on a porch of some house. Realizing that there is a possibility that other people may be reading what I write here. The amazing ability to ride my racing bike to the ocean and back up a steep hill, to the sparkling warm ocean light; to have a bike that recently brought me to the shores of heaven when just two years ago it was the very instrument that ended my life. To ride it now is to soar into heavenly realms in the awesome fear of God. To have friends in China, Japan and Korea with a pure hearts enough to share their lives with me. To find love great enough in Korea through my Korean wife and older brother to surgically lift a 30 year old cross placed on my back by people who look like me. I've been looking for home for 56 years and finally found it on the other side of the world. Being without pain for the first time in 30 years! The miracle of flying through the breeze next to the ocean just 3 weeks after my spine surgery riding the very racing bike that took me to the end of my life in 2005 . God is so GOOD!! Standard recovery times are at least 1 year. Unquestionable intervention by God as He wakes me early with a cheerful reassuring call from my sister Joanie in Florida followed almost immediately by a call from my great friend and adopted "God-Mother" Diane who is diabetic, hemipelagic left side totally paralyzed, blind, wheel chair bound, alone and waiting for our dream to come true and that is to arrive on her door step for a hot cup of coffee and a blue berry muffin. They are on the other side of the planet from me and as spinal healing continues the reality of meeting them appears to be a real possibility. The fact that I can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. I didn't seen the mysterious hand that caused more than 200 people from arriving at a place in time that all expected to take place. A force that caused the sun to set sooner than expected at an altitude where there isn't enough oxygen to survive the subzero temperatures associated with that distance above earth. To have endured open spinal surgery under local anesthetic for 2 hours and currently being in a hospital in the one city in the world I hate the most yet being totally at peace with the idea that I couldn't think of a better place I'd like to be than where I am in the present moment in my little hospital room with my bed, fan and 100 Mbps Internet connection to my lap top computer on a cool evening in October. Wow man the Lord is so cool! The sweet smile of a Korean nurse who says in English "Good Night" just after she removes the unseen pain. Being alive more than ever after facing my greatest fear. Speaking with my sister for the first time in 25 years thus breaking trough a barrier built by planetary distances, time and sources of communication that have been wholly inaccurate. What a joy, truth and love can bring! A formidable luminary force assumes formation as ancient shadows try in vain to obscure a stellar source which vaporizes the most base of cosmic dust. Knowing that the One who holds my hand and guides me onto this mysterious ship in an unseen peaceful stream is the same One who created and gives light to the stars above. My list of trustworthy friends who have never once failed me; They all happen to be students I had at one time or another but they are the collection of earthly beings whom I consider true friends and not one time in the 38 years I have been teaching have they ever let me down. Now that is down right cool and awesome makes me think there is some hope for this world. The ability of science and technology to accurately pin point the location of a typhoon's eye as well as its arrival time. More amazingly is to hear the first drops of rain as I slipped into a sleep that deepened with the onslaught of winds so fierce as to shake a 6 story high reinforced concrete apartment building, rip trees from the ground which had provided shade for our patio for more than 10 years, turned an underground parking lot into what looked like a harbor for sunken cars, tore huge signs from buildings and left the inhabitants of this island without power and water for 12 hours. Being able to sleep through this whole event and waking late enough to not notice the loss of power or water. To visit a mountain spring at night to collect water to shower in and arrive home to find a formally darkened apartment complex bright with new power. Not needing to use the spring water to shower in but used it anyway out of the simple pleasure of celebrating God's miraculous timing of a sleep that passed through the savage winds of a typhoon to open my eyes in the peace and calm of a sunny typhoon eye. A victorious faith whispering to me words of hope from a time beyond my own proving to me that whether my pendulum swings between sun and shadows I can never lose sight of heaven in the dance. Standing on a hill with ethereal breezes blowing under a starry night by a starry sea listening to cheerful tunes floating through the air from a pagoda played by a friend from a world eternal. This fact: Growing Old is not a Problem but Simply a Process of Maturing. Learning that when you get hurt in the playground it is always good to get up fast and keep on having fun. If it really hurts, you can always count on Dad to be right there to help. I'm still alive after what only God should know. Hearing God speak to me in my native tongue of English through my wife as she requested time to pray as well as hearing His voice so frequently through the voice of my student who once sat on my knee in kindergarten years ago. Living long enough yet never having any children of my own yet seeing youngsters just learning English as their second language growing old enough to be my counsel from God is pretty wonderful. Seeing the tiny predictive power God has given man to view the future conditions of the ocean a week in advance then standing in the awesome fury among the waves a week later. The system of communication built to preserve human knowledge and civilization after a hydrogen bomb based nuclear exchange between two super powers has turned into a super highway to convey the smallest of secrets of one mind to an entire planet. The relationship between the purity of one's faith and the pressure and depth of a single breath ocean dive. The coolness of the ocean deeps, many little radiant blue fish peacefully swimming to and fro against the back drop of orange and brown sea weed and discovering that the art of holding your breath in stillness can attract an audience of beautiful sea life too many to number. Being heavy with tears in the midst of a typhoon east wind; I raise my eyes to heaven and close them as a million tons of ocean water hit the huge bolder upon which I lay sending vibrations through what I thought unmovable. With each gigantic wave the vibrations reached on up to penetrate the body within I reside. Suddenly all was peace as the eye of the great typhoon closed and the surge of tears ended. I opened my eyes to the shining stars of heaven above. Being able to move into the midst of a typhoons eye to see the beauty of the single cosmos flower that survived. Walking up a hill where a tree grew by a tall rock, I saw the sun was low and the tree and rock cast long shadows down the valley. My shadow was cast between them while realizing how doing the wrong things in life can cause pain and sorry in the hearts of people in this world. Deep within my heart I felt the grief. I cast my eyes downward feeling tears. I could not control the sadness as a tear fell to the ground. The tear drop formed a small dark spot on the ground at my feet then quickly evaporated. I looked up and much to my amazement the shadow between the rock and tree had vanished! Reaching the quintessential day of birth following my father-in-law's safe passage home as the crest of the storms last wave rushes onto a silent shore. June 26, 2007 Playing two cycles of birds songs ending to beginning in a room scientifically designed to vanquish every mosquito in the cooling breezes of a summer's night. A little physics with a little biological study topped by a glass of super cooled deep chocolate milk makes for a morning of peaceful dreams. Eating well. Listening to music that brings glory to Jesus Christ. Ending my day with a hopeful plan that considers death in this world of sorrows with birth in a world with a vocabulary that can use the word "sorrow" to convey eternal joy. Standing at the threshold of heaven and feeling the deeply indescribable rest drifting in on the gentle winds that pass through the gate. Touch and holding a welcome hand and then asking for a chance to try one more time to find others to take with me the next time I go. Having to return to a broken body full of pain but strengthened with the knowledge that the gate is still open when I "choose" to return. It sure is quite amazing to have been there and feel the warm welcome and also the loving option to delay my entry upon choice. Sure it hurts and the pain makes going back to where relief from pain waits along with that deep rest that words can't describe. I don't understand much of what is happening these days but I do know the way back to the Gate. Something is happening..something wonderful. The beauty is evidenced by something I can't see with my eyes but have trusted time after time to lead me into a beauty that seeps into this world through a small Spring of Pure Water hidden in a rocky crag in a place on the side of a mountain, deep in the woods where only the sure footed steps of faith can lead you there and back alive. I have had my share of the forgiving few times when letting go of the Hand that leads me has left me with bloody scars to remind me that access to such places are sacred and guarded by the demand of skillful rock climbing that a single slip could be your last. At 33 degrees north latitude in an isolated dark secret place on Jeju Island I lay there to night and to my amazement I witnessed two light green rapidly flickering bands of light in the sky which I quickly identified as the Aurora Borealis, very rare at this latitude unless an unusual geomagnetic storm is occurring. Just like in Alaska they danced and shimmered faded and reappeared just before the great Yellow Moon rose silently out of the sea to fill the starry sky, The surf was pounding in it's full lunar high tide and all was simply too beautiful to believe I was in this world. Discovering that the beautiful memories of one's family when they were young have been replaced with happy realizations that they have matured into beautiful young adults who have grown strong through the tough times they have been victorious through. Knowing that I have a Friend who walks with me with greater faithfulness than my own flesh, who guides me each day teaching me to follow a silent voice, showing me a place to sit hewn to my shape before man walk this earth, to lay and rest in a holy purity that nourishes my bones and adds strength to my days, who leads me to a place of rest in the secret parts of an island born of fire and now sleeps in calm caresses by an ocean that bears the dust of stars that gave form to a father whose love floats all around me. Discovering that only in the moment does my salvation having its being. Walking tonight to discover the connection between something I heard while going to sleep last night that made me long to discover the origin of such a beautiful sound and the source of that sound tonight. Now the source of the beautiful sound is inescapable, and much more gratifying than anything a wife could ever hope to share with her husband. However, the source of this experience being greater than anything a wife could ever hope to give a husband in the same manner is far more sacred than a wife. Just like a wife, it's not something you want to share with others. However, like a wife, the depth of beauty would be reduced to pornography if any attempt were made to share in words, for words could never do justice to such a sacred relationship; but words can be shaped by the source of this sacred experience and as long as I follow the edge over which I draw each breath, I will endeavor to do this until the breeze which passes over that edge meets the stillness of the starry night. Discovering the mystery, power and magic that is found when one realizes the difference between their conception of personal relationships and the reality of those relationships. The beauty is multiplied times the number of personal relationships you have with other human beings in this world for it is natural for all other human beings to perceive you as something less than the source of your being. I can easily return to a very simple life being very thankful for "just enough" daily food, safe rest, great exercise despite a broken back and most importantly support from family. True Family who are comprised of those people in this world who possess the understanding of our Mutual Sacred Genesis. True Family is made beautiful by the fact of our varied external appearance and blood lines. The experience of having walked across the Sonoran Desert and learning (now relearning) that God's Almighty Hand of providence can and does reach out and guide me, from a place without water in the midst of the desert's parching hot sunny brilliance to a place of unimaginable refreshment "IF" I would just get up from my prayer for water and take a single guided step, after step until I just finished a drink from Asia's most famed deep mountain spring at Halla Volcano and type these words before my baptism in His waters that will quench my deepest thirst. Children here enjoy playing in the snow and making snowmen while others have fun hurling snow balls at each other. The air is fresh and crisp with a northerly wind which brings back fond memories of my Alaska home land. The students I teach now reflect a Light that holds a bright future for their country and world. The writing from their hearts bring tears to my eyes and assures me that I'm right where I need to be. Wonderfully delicious meals courtesies of Love's guidance as I realized that few men are blessed with the culinary skills afforded me by a childhood raised by my mother who taught me how to cook, sew, wash dishes and cloths, mend and make clothing, clean house; I would even venture to say that I would be the best wife in the world if I could give birth and had better looks..Ha! Basically thankful that out of all a woman could have, I missed out on the two least important things: bearing children and good looks. Yet lately I realized that I can give birth to an idea and they can possess immortality because of Who givens them to me and good looks are a matter of Spirit not body. Meeting one of my first grade students as I walked home a few minutes ago and with her mother next to her she greeted me with a big hug saying in Korean, "Let go to my home together. Please come to our home now. Please don't go teacher, please come with us now." Though very short she held to me tightly with a big smile full of love. How much more can one be blessed. I am so thankful for answered prayer. Humanities future is determined by the fertility of the fields found in young minds of children with whom we are responsible to plant the good seed. Rest in the knowledge that I need not blast away at stayed fast unmovable mental mind sets. Walking and resting without pain, even though my back is broken in a way that western and eastern doctors have reacted in alarm, An early interest in science, particularly physics when I was six years old. The fact that even though my mother and other elementary school teachers thought I belong in a school for the mentally challenged, I did graduate second in my class from High School after attending 2 and a half years of supplemental studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Optical Physics Department doing experimental studies in holographic techniques. The fact that even though I was raised in the blasphemous anti-Christian atmosphere of Boston 's Catholic community, True Love found me in California in 1976 and had never left me for a moment since that time. A love of being with children my age at six years old; but as my body grew older my love and mental attitude has never changed. Knowing my earthly father long enough to discover the love he had for my mother that brought me and my siblings into this world. (Joanie is a little peep, deedle-bump-de-boo). A father who imparted a love for nature, art and exploration along with the most precious seed of how Eternal Love reaches for us. Being a pilot in California and enjoyed flying and exploring the length of the San Andreas Fault . Beginning a walk in 1978 that began in the Pacific Ocean in California and ended on the US east coast after acrossing the Sonoran Desert with my backpack, tent and sleeping bag. Walked 346 miles (over 500 km) in the first month. Slept in the desert, washed in whatever water I could find but most of all depended upon Eternal Love to provide my daily water, food, shelter from the sun, beautiful sun rises and sun sets, friendly creature of the desert night but most mysteriously Love's Guiding Hand. Seeing every state in the United States except for Hawaii (too hot and popular) and finally to live in the most mysterious and beautiful state of Alaska after recalling my father's love for the arctic after he went home to the Ocean of Love. Working many jobs from McDonalds counter help, shoe salesman, upholster, hotel chef, bus driver for the disabled, bus driver for elementary school, electronics technician, high school teacher, children's educational exploration team leader, youth pastor for Korean church in Anchorage Alaska, used car detailer, car contract courier, emergency radio message relay team worker, elementary school teacher, language teacher in Korea and now the great discoverer of the profound and mysterious land of the playground down the street. Going for on a walk along the coast of Asia's most beautiful sub-tropical island to see the snow capped summit of Halla Volcano and get a hot bowl of Korean Beef Stew!! Right Now.
My Life and Times Home

Walking to the top of a small mountain in a torrential down pour; getting drenched completely yet walking fast enough to generate enough heat to make it wonderful.
Rediscovering the awe, healing, strength, wonder and power there is in the Light of The Sun.
Waking once again to peace.
Discovering that there are much healther things to do than fly around the earth in 4 days.
Learning that always looking for the Light in every moment bring peace and joy.
Having a wife who is gentle, thrifty, honors her husband and thrusts him for support and love, is always by his side and conservative in her public demeanor always concerned for how her actions affect others; loves and honors her family.
A beautiful time sharing a meal with my wife and working with the same children.
Hearing the voice of an American man on the phone at the US Embassy in Seoul Korea tell me that he was sending my US passport to me by DHL express mail.
Enjoying a glass of ice cold green tea on a patio overlooking a tempestuous ocean covered in typhoon driven white capped waves.
Finding a bright orange Coast Guard grade life-jacket that just happened to be laying on the big rock that stood before the on coming 10 foot seas before I tried to find some relief from the sweltering 95F temperature and humidity.
Seeing 5 little first grade girls singing and dancing for almost 1 hour with joyful smiles on their faces that shined the Light of Jesus' Love so clearly.
Being blessed to tears. On my list of blessings I mentioned a little first grade girl who gave me a big hug while standing with her mother some years ago (Blessing #77). I know it was before my surgery somewhere just after October 9, 2006. I will never forget her love and kindness. However, today I had an appointment to meet with some 4th and 5th graders at the front of a large department store in the new town I live in. The five students all came running up to me, waving and jumping saying "Hi Michael teacher! We waited so long to meet you. Let's go and play!" Out of the small group of students jumping all around me one student gave me a big hug. I looked down into the face of the student who was holding her arms around me and suddenly recognized that she looked so familiar; then it dawned on me that this little girl was the very same little girl who gave me a hug with her mother when she was in the first grade (Blessing #77) two and a half years before during a time when I worked far away in another town. I have been twice blessed as her love and warmth has not changed in the two and half years that have passed; and now she is in one of my classes.
Working all afternoon with my friends in a classroom that over looks the mountains, islands and Pacific Ocean and finally enjoying a warm shower heated from the. 080524 ‡ 080525‡

Seeing a "V" formation of beautiful white birds flying over the harbor full of fishing boats decorated with many colorful flags.
Discovering that my ability to speak Korean has made my life among these people feel like I'm really at home here in this little Asian country.
Seeing the warm happy smile of a Haenyeo as she carried a days catch from the bottom of the ocean.
Seeing two men relaxing with their fishing poles in a small boat enjoying a great day on a peaceful sea.
The joy of zooming down a steep hill at close to 40 mph (64 kph) on my racing bike and seeing the vast Pacific Ocean spread out before me.
Seeing one student return after a month of being in a class for advanced studies on the other side of the island.
The joy of discovering that I can trust my older students to pick out a very interesting movie without first previewing it for content.
Laying under a perfectly clear blue sky and noting for the first time in 57 years of life that the area at the zenith is a darker blue than every other area near the horizon.
Walking down the street with one first grade boy and a second grade girl as we traveled the same journey.
Feeling the vibration of enormous concrete blocks as ocean breakers impact them followed by refreshing spray.
Meeting a little boy down by the ocean who introduced me to his parents from the mainland of Korea.
Finding an earthly communion that far transcends any physical relationship.
Seeing the shining faces of those who have waited so long to behold the power of the Almighty fulfill their long held prayers.
One special day in every four years because on this day (February 29, 2008) I experienced the dawning of the sun on a beauty of life I have never before seen in 56 years which began with the touch of another divinely created human followed by a glorious light that filled every event including the shape and light upon the waves of the great ocean before the turning of the sun gave light to a mountain path and a restful contemplation of a day's wonderful pleasure punctuated one hour before midnight with the realization that this special day was ending on a calendar deserving of a memorial and commemoration which placed a sacred day beyond the reach of idolatry by the simple fact that man has not found a way to evenly reconcile his mark upon the clock of time in a way that finds equal grace and harmony among the ticking of stars and atoms. 071229 ‡
Sitting and holding my wife on the 6th floor roof top at 07:17 local time (GMT+9) to watch the deep crimson sun rise into a beautiful warm bright red orb.
Recently helping Lee find hope and mercy form God for our brother in law who just passed away.
Dreams of helping a little child find freedom from a wheel chair during his 5th year of life.
Finally discovering there are three kinds of tears!
True Christmas Presents
Feeling less lonely in the most distant wilderness than in the midst of a city.
Finding a way to insure the protection of little children until the moon fails to shed it's light. 071217 ‡
Enjoying a cup of coffee with my true friend Mr. Kim on a cool evening at a local espresso house.
Despite the rudeness of this world's love, God has kept for me a warm and sacred place where the embracing of His own presence is entered into; something only the sons of God could possibly know.
A beauty and brightness that can shape words but no words can shape.
A little girl named Leith in Montana asked her father Cyrus if she could see comet Holmes. .I saw the comet this morning here on Jeju Island Korea. It is beautiful!
Getting a gift sheet of Korean stamps from a kind young lady at the post office, a lollypop and peppero chocolate stick from a student and now a chance to ride my bike to the top of mountain.
The fact that the most worth while and beautiful things worth experiencing in life are absolutely free and if not free, are certainly available to those who honestly have no money at no cost.
Finding healing rest in the simple act of catching that first large wave of peace which flows on the first ray of morning's earliest light.
Brisk winds blowing across a rock curved perfectly like a hammock and warmed to body temperature by the sun as the rhythmic sound of the soothing surf gave me hours of completely painless moments under a brilliant blue sky in a world few if any in this hurried world will ever find.
Teaching again as I stand on titanium tip toes touching tantalizing tones of tasty warmth filled with fragrant moments that will help the light of ten billion suns burst into spherical silence leaving absolutely no shadow to be found.
Sitting again by the scintillating sea as four haenyo swam into the brilliance of the setting sun. Seeing the first lady carrying a rather large catch of shell fish I continued to enjoy the cool ocean breeze while two other haenyo swam together chatting together as if they were friends sitting on a porch of some house. Realizing that there is a possibility that other people may be reading what I write here.
The amazing ability to ride my racing bike to the ocean and back up a steep hill, to the sparkling warm ocean light; to have a bike that recently brought me to the shores of heaven when just two years ago it was the very instrument that ended my life. To ride it now is to soar into heavenly realms in the awesome fear of God.
To have friends in China, Japan and Korea with a pure hearts enough to share their lives with me. To find love great enough in Korea through my Korean wife and older brother to surgically lift a 30 year old cross placed on my back by people who look like me. I've been looking for home for 56 years and finally found it on the other side of the world.
Being without pain for the first time in 30 years!
The miracle of flying through the breeze next to the ocean just 3 weeks after my spine surgery riding the very racing bike that took me to the end of my life in 2005 . God is so GOOD!! Standard recovery times are at least 1 year.
Unquestionable intervention by God as He wakes me early with a cheerful reassuring call from my sister Joanie in Florida followed almost immediately by a call from my great friend and adopted "God-Mother" Diane who is diabetic, hemipelagic left side totally paralyzed, blind, wheel chair bound, alone and waiting for our dream to come true and that is to arrive on her door step for a hot cup of coffee and a blue berry muffin. They are on the other side of the planet from me and as spinal healing continues the reality of meeting them appears to be a real possibility.
The fact that I can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. I didn't seen the mysterious hand that caused more than 200 people from arriving at a place in time that all expected to take place. A force that caused the sun to set sooner than expected at an altitude where there isn't enough oxygen to survive the subzero temperatures associated with that distance above earth.
To have endured open spinal surgery under local anesthetic for 2 hours and currently being in a hospital in the one city in the world I hate the most yet being totally at peace with the idea that I couldn't think of a better place I'd like to be than where I am in the present moment in my little hospital room with my bed, fan and 100 Mbps Internet connection to my lap top computer on a cool evening in October. Wow man the Lord is so cool!
The sweet smile of a Korean nurse who says in English "Good Night" just after she removes the unseen pain.
Being alive more than ever after facing my greatest fear.
Speaking with my sister for the first time in 25 years thus breaking trough a barrier built by planetary distances, time and sources of communication that have been wholly inaccurate. What a joy, truth and love can bring! A formidable luminary force assumes formation as ancient shadows try in vain to obscure a stellar source which vaporizes the most base of cosmic dust.
Knowing that the One who holds my hand and guides me onto this mysterious ship in an unseen peaceful stream is the same One who created and gives light to the stars above.
My list of trustworthy friends who have never once failed me; They all happen to be students I had at one time or another but they are the collection of earthly beings whom I consider true friends and not one time in the 38 years I have been teaching have they ever let me down. Now that is down right cool and awesome makes me think there is some hope for this world.
The ability of science and technology to accurately pin point the location of a typhoon's eye as well as its arrival time. More amazingly is to hear the first drops of rain as I slipped into a sleep that deepened with the onslaught of winds so fierce as to shake a 6 story high reinforced concrete apartment building, rip trees from the ground which had provided shade for our patio for more than 10 years, turned an underground parking lot into what looked like a harbor for sunken cars, tore huge signs from buildings and left the inhabitants of this island without power and water for 12 hours. Being able to sleep through this whole event and waking late enough to not notice the loss of power or water. To visit a mountain spring at night to collect water to shower in and arrive home to find a formally darkened apartment complex bright with new power. Not needing to use the spring water to shower in but used it anyway out of the simple pleasure of celebrating God's miraculous timing of a sleep that passed through the savage winds of a typhoon to open my eyes in the peace and calm of a sunny typhoon eye.
A victorious faith whispering to me words of hope from a time beyond my own proving to me that whether my pendulum swings between sun and shadows I can never lose sight of heaven in the dance.
Standing on a hill with ethereal breezes blowing under a starry night by a starry sea listening to cheerful tunes floating through the air from a pagoda played by a friend from a world eternal.
This fact: Growing Old is not a Problem but Simply a Process of Maturing.
Learning that when you get hurt in the playground it is always good to get up fast and keep on having fun. If it really hurts, you can always count on Dad to be right there to help.
I'm still alive after what only God should know.
Hearing God speak to me in my native tongue of English through my wife as she requested time to pray as well as hearing His voice so frequently through the voice of my student who once sat on my knee in kindergarten years ago. Living long enough yet never having any children of my own yet seeing youngsters just learning English as their second language growing old enough to be my counsel from God is pretty wonderful.
Seeing the tiny predictive power God has given man to view the future conditions of the ocean a week in advance then standing in the awesome fury among the waves a week later.
The system of communication built to preserve human knowledge and civilization after a hydrogen bomb based nuclear exchange between two super powers has turned into a super highway to convey the smallest of secrets of one mind to an entire planet.
The relationship between the purity of one's faith and the pressure and depth of a single breath ocean dive.
The coolness of the ocean deeps, many little radiant blue fish peacefully swimming to and fro against the back drop of orange and brown sea weed and discovering that the art of holding your breath in stillness can attract an audience of beautiful sea life too many to number.
Being heavy with tears in the midst of a typhoon east wind; I raise my eyes to heaven and close them as a million tons of ocean water hit the huge bolder upon which I lay sending vibrations through what I thought unmovable. With each gigantic wave the vibrations reached on up to penetrate the body within I reside. Suddenly all was peace as the eye of the great typhoon closed and the surge of tears ended. I opened my eyes to the shining stars of heaven above.
Being able to move into the midst of a typhoons eye to see the beauty of the single cosmos flower that survived.
Walking up a hill where a tree grew by a tall rock, I saw the sun was low and the tree and rock cast long shadows down the valley. My shadow was cast between them while realizing how doing the wrong things in life can cause pain and sorry in the hearts of people in this world. Deep within my heart I felt the grief. I cast my eyes downward feeling tears. I could not control the sadness as a tear fell to the ground. The tear drop formed a small dark spot on the ground at my feet then quickly evaporated. I looked up and much to my amazement the shadow between the rock and tree had vanished!
Reaching the quintessential day of birth following my father-in-law's safe passage home as the crest of the storms last wave rushes onto a silent shore. June 26, 2007
Playing two cycles of birds songs ending to beginning in a room scientifically designed to vanquish every mosquito in the cooling breezes of a summer's night. A little physics with a little biological study topped by a glass of super cooled deep chocolate milk makes for a morning of peaceful dreams.
Eating well. Listening to music that brings glory to Jesus Christ. Ending my day with a hopeful plan that considers death in this world of sorrows with birth in a world with a vocabulary that can use the word "sorrow" to convey eternal joy.
Standing at the threshold of heaven and feeling the deeply indescribable rest drifting in on the gentle winds that pass through the gate. Touch and holding a welcome hand and then asking for a chance to try one more time to find others to take with me the next time I go. Having to return to a broken body full of pain but strengthened with the knowledge that the gate is still open when I "choose" to return. It sure is quite amazing to have been there and feel the warm welcome and also the loving option to delay my entry upon choice. Sure it hurts and the pain makes going back to where relief from pain waits along with that deep rest that words can't describe. I don't understand much of what is happening these days but I do know the way back to the Gate.
Something is happening..something wonderful. The beauty is evidenced by something I can't see with my eyes but have trusted time after time to lead me into a beauty that seeps into this world through a small Spring of Pure Water hidden in a rocky crag in a place on the side of a mountain, deep in the woods where only the sure footed steps of faith can lead you there and back alive. I have had my share of the forgiving few times when letting go of the Hand that leads me has left me with bloody scars to remind me that access to such places are sacred and guarded by the demand of skillful rock climbing that a single slip could be your last.
At 33 degrees north latitude in an isolated dark secret place on Jeju Island I lay there to night and to my amazement I witnessed two light green rapidly flickering bands of light in the sky which I quickly identified as the Aurora Borealis, very rare at this latitude unless an unusual geomagnetic storm is occurring. Just like in Alaska they danced and shimmered faded and reappeared just before the great Yellow Moon rose silently out of the sea to fill the starry sky, The surf was pounding in it's full lunar high tide and all was simply too beautiful to believe I was in this world.
Discovering that the beautiful memories of one's family when they were young have been replaced with happy realizations that they have matured into beautiful young adults who have grown strong through the tough times they have been victorious through.
Knowing that I have a Friend who walks with me with greater faithfulness than my own flesh, who guides me each day teaching me to follow a silent voice, showing me a place to sit hewn to my shape before man walk this earth, to lay and rest in a holy purity that nourishes my bones and adds strength to my days, who leads me to a place of rest in the secret parts of an island born of fire and now sleeps in calm caresses by an ocean that bears the dust of stars that gave form to a father whose love floats all around me.
Discovering that only in the moment does my salvation having its being.
Walking tonight to discover the connection between something I heard while going to sleep last night that made me long to discover the origin of such a beautiful sound and the source of that sound tonight. Now the source of the beautiful sound is inescapable, and much more gratifying than anything a wife could ever hope to share with her husband. However, the source of this experience being greater than anything a wife could ever hope to give a husband in the same manner is far more sacred than a wife. Just like a wife, it's not something you want to share with others. However, like a wife, the depth of beauty would be reduced to pornography if any attempt were made to share in words, for words could never do justice to such a sacred relationship; but words can be shaped by the source of this sacred experience and as long as I follow the edge over which I draw each breath, I will endeavor to do this until the breeze which passes over that edge meets the stillness of the starry night.
Discovering the mystery, power and magic that is found when one realizes the difference between their conception of personal relationships and the reality of those relationships. The beauty is multiplied times the number of personal relationships you have with other human beings in this world for it is natural for all other human beings to perceive you as something less than the source of your being.
I can easily return to a very simple life being very thankful for "just enough" daily food, safe rest, great exercise despite a broken back and most importantly support from family.
True Family who are comprised of those people in this world who possess the understanding of our Mutual Sacred Genesis.
True Family is made beautiful by the fact of our varied external appearance and blood lines.
The experience of having walked across the Sonoran Desert and learning (now relearning) that God's Almighty Hand of providence can and does reach out and guide me, from a place without water in the midst of the desert's parching hot sunny brilliance to a place of unimaginable refreshment "IF" I would just get up from my prayer for water and take a single guided step, after step until I just finished a drink from Asia's most famed deep mountain spring at Halla Volcano and type these words before my baptism in His waters that will quench my deepest thirst.
Children here enjoy playing in the snow and making snowmen while others have fun hurling snow balls at each other. The air is fresh and crisp with a northerly wind which brings back fond memories of my Alaska home land.
The students I teach now reflect a Light that holds a bright future for their country and world. The writing from their hearts bring tears to my eyes and assures me that I'm right where I need to be.
Wonderfully delicious meals courtesies of Love's guidance as I realized that few men are blessed with the culinary skills afforded me by a childhood raised by my mother who taught me how to cook, sew, wash dishes and cloths, mend and make clothing, clean house; I would even venture to say that I would be the best wife in the world if I could give birth and had better looks..Ha! Basically thankful that out of all a woman could have, I missed out on the two least important things: bearing children and good looks. Yet lately I realized that I can give birth to an idea and they can possess immortality because of Who givens them to me and good looks are a matter of Spirit not body.
Meeting one of my first grade students as I walked home a few minutes ago and with her mother next to her she greeted me with a big hug saying in Korean, "Let go to my home together. Please come to our home now. Please don't go teacher, please come with us now." Though very short she held to me tightly with a big smile full of love. How much more can one be blessed. I am so thankful for answered prayer.
Humanities future is determined by the fertility of the fields found in young minds of children with whom we are responsible to plant the good seed.
Rest in the knowledge that I need not blast away at stayed fast unmovable mental mind sets.
Walking and resting without pain, even though my back is broken in a way that western and eastern doctors have reacted in alarm,
An early interest in science, particularly physics when I was six years old.
The fact that even though my mother and other elementary school teachers thought I belong in a school for the mentally challenged, I did graduate second in my class from High School after attending 2 and a half years of supplemental studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Optical Physics Department doing experimental studies in holographic techniques.
The fact that even though I was raised in the blasphemous anti-Christian atmosphere of Boston 's Catholic community, True Love found me in California in 1976 and had never left me for a moment since that time.
A love of being with children my age at six years old; but as my body grew older my love and mental attitude has never changed.
Knowing my earthly father long enough to discover the love he had for my mother that brought me and my siblings into this world. (Joanie is a little peep, deedle-bump-de-boo).
A father who imparted a love for nature, art and exploration along with the most precious seed of how Eternal Love reaches for us.
Being a pilot in California and enjoyed flying and exploring the length of the San Andreas Fault .
Beginning a walk in 1978 that began in the Pacific Ocean in California and ended on the US east coast after acrossing the Sonoran Desert with my backpack, tent and sleeping bag. Walked 346 miles (over 500 km) in the first month. Slept in the desert, washed in whatever water I could find but most of all depended upon Eternal Love to provide my daily water, food, shelter from the sun, beautiful sun rises and sun sets, friendly creature of the desert night but most mysteriously Love's Guiding Hand.
Seeing every state in the United States except for Hawaii (too hot and popular) and finally to live in the most mysterious and beautiful state of Alaska after recalling my father's love for the arctic after he went home to the Ocean of Love.
Working many jobs from McDonalds counter help, shoe salesman, upholster, hotel chef, bus driver for the disabled, bus driver for elementary school, electronics technician, high school teacher, children's educational exploration team leader, youth pastor for Korean church in Anchorage Alaska, used car detailer, car contract courier, emergency radio message relay team worker, elementary school teacher, language teacher in Korea and now the great discoverer of the profound and mysterious land of the playground down the street.
Going for on a walk along the coast of Asia's most beautiful sub-tropical island to see the snow capped summit of Halla Volcano and get a hot bowl of Korean Beef Stew!! Right Now.

Counting My Blessings

Walking to the top of a small mountain in a torrential down pour; getting drenched completely yet walking fast enough to generate enough heat to make it wonderful.

Rediscovering the awe, healing, strength, wonder and power there is in the Light of The Sun.

Waking once again to peace.

Discovering that there are much healther things to do than fly around the earth in 4 days.

Learning that always looking for the Light in every moment bring peace and joy.

Having a wife who is gentle, thrifty, honors her husband and thrusts him for support and love, is always by his side and conservative in her public demeanor always concerned for how her actions affect others; loves and honors her family.

A beautiful time sharing a meal with my wife and working with the same children.

Hearing the voice of an American man on the phone at the US Embassy in Seoul Korea tell me that he was sending my US passport to me by DHL express mail.

Enjoying a glass of ice cold green tea on a patio overlooking a tempestuous ocean covered in typhoon driven white capped waves.

Finding a bright orange Coast Guard grade life-jacket that just happened to be laying on the big rock that stood before the on coming 10 foot seas before I tried to find some relief from the sweltering 95F temperature and humidity.

Seeing 5 little first grade girls singing and dancing for almost 1 hour with joyful smiles on their faces that shined the Light of Jesus' Love so clearly.

Working all afternoon with my friends in a classroom that over looks the mountains, islands and Pacific Ocean and finally enjoying a warm shower heated from the. 080524 ‡ 080525‡

Seeing a "V" formation of beautiful white birds flying over the harbor full of fishing boats decorated with many colorful flags.

Discovering that my ability to speak Korean has made my life among these people feel like I'm really at home here in this little Asian country.

Seeing the warm happy smile of a Haenyeo as she carried a days catch from the bottom of the ocean.

Seeing two men relaxing with their fishing poles in a small boat enjoying a great day on a peaceful sea.

The joy of zooming down a steep hill at close to 40 mph (64 kph) on my racing bike and seeing the vast Pacific Ocean spread out before me.

Seeing one student return after a month of being in a class for advanced studies on the other side of the island.

The joy of discovering that I can trust my older students to pick out a very interesting movie without first previewing it for content.

Laying under a perfectly clear blue sky and noting for the first time in 57 years of life that the area at the zenith is a darker blue than every other area near the horizon.

Walking down the street with one first grade boy and a second grade girl as we traveled the same journey.

Feeling the vibration of enormous concrete blocks as ocean breakers impact them followed by refreshing spray.

Meeting a little boy down by the ocean who introduced me to his parents from the mainland of Korea.

Finding an earthly communion that far transcends any physical relationship.

Seeing the shining faces of those who have waited so long to behold the power of the Almighty fulfill their long held prayers.

Sitting and holding my wife on the 6th floor roof top at 07:17 local time (GMT+9) to watch the deep crimson sun rise into a beautiful warm bright red orb.

Recently helping Lee find hope and mercy form God for our brother in law who just passed away.

Dreams of helping a little child find freedom from a wheel chair during his 5th year of life.

Finally discovering there are three kinds of tears!

True Christmas Presents

Feeling less lonely in the most distant wilderness than in the midst of a city.

Finding a way to insure the protection of little children until the moon fails to shed it's light. 071217 ‡

Enjoying a cup of coffee with my true friend Mr. Kim on a cool evening at a local espresso house.

Despite the rudeness of this world's love, God has kept for me a warm and sacred place where the embracing of His own presence is entered into; something only the sons of God could possibly know.

A beauty and brightness that can shape words but no words can shape.

A little girl named Leith in Montana asked her father Cyrus if she could see comet Holmes. .I saw the comet this morning here on Jeju Island Korea. It is beautiful!

Getting a gift sheet of Korean stamps from a kind young lady at the post office, a lollypop and peppero chocolate stick from a student and now a chance to ride my bike to the top of mountain.

The fact that the most worth while and beautiful things worth experiencing in life are absolutely free and if not free, are certainly available to those who honestly have no money at no cost.

Finding healing rest in the simple act of catching that first large wave of peace which flows on the first ray of morning's earliest light.

Brisk winds blowing across a rock curved perfectly like a hammock and warmed to body temperature by the sun as the rhythmic sound of the soothing surf gave me hours of completely painless moments under a brilliant blue sky in a world few if any in this hurried world will ever find.

Teaching again as I stand on titanium tip toes touching tantalizing tones of tasty warmth filled with fragrant moments that will help the light of ten billion suns burst into spherical silence leaving absolutely no shadow to be found.

Being without pain for the first time in 30 years!

The miracle of flying through the breeze next to the ocean just 3 weeks after my spine surgery riding the very racing bike that took me to the end of my life in 2005 . God is so GOOD!! Standard recovery times are at least 1 year.

The sweet smile of a Korean nurse who says in English "Good Night" just after she removes the unseen pain.

Being alive more than ever after facing my greatest fear.

Knowing that the One who holds my hand and guides me onto this mysterious ship in an unseen peaceful stream is the same One who created and gives light to the stars above.

A victorious faith whispering to me words of hope from a time beyond my own proving to me that whether my pendulum swings between sun and shadows I can never lose sight of heaven in the dance.

Standing on a hill with ethereal breezes blowing under a starry night by a starry sea listening to cheerful tunes floating through the air from a pagoda played by a friend from a world eternal.

This fact: Growing Old is not a Problem but Simply a Process of Maturing.

Learning that when you get hurt in the playground it is always good to get up fast and keep on having fun. If it really hurts, you can always count on Dad to be right there to help.

I'm still alive after what only God should know.

Seeing the tiny predictive power God has given man to view the future conditions of the ocean a week in advance then standing in the awesome fury among the waves a week later.

The system of communication built to preserve human knowledge and civilization after a hydrogen bomb based nuclear exchange between two super powers has turned into a super highway to convey the smallest of secrets of one mind to an entire planet.

The relationship between the purity of one's faith and the pressure and depth of a single breath ocean dive.

The coolness of the ocean deeps, many little radiant blue fish peacefully swimming to and fro against the back drop of orange and brown sea weed and discovering that the art of holding your breath in stillness can attract an audience of beautiful sea life too many to number.

Being able to move into the midst of a typhoons eye to see the beauty of the single cosmos flower that survived.

Reaching the quintessential day of birth following my father-in-law's safe passage home as the crest of the storms last wave rushes onto a silent shore. June 26, 2007

Eating well. Listening to music that brings glory to Jesus Christ. Ending my day with a hopeful plan that considers death in this world of sorrows with birth in a world with a vocabulary that can use the word "sorrow" to convey eternal joy.

Discovering that the beautiful memories of one's family when they were young have been replaced with happy realizations that they have matured into beautiful young adults who have grown strong through the tough times they have been victorious through.

Discovering that only in the moment does my salvation having its being.

I can easily return to a very simple life being very thankful for "just enough" daily food, safe rest, great exercise despite a broken back and most importantly support from family.

True Family who are comprised of those people in this world who possess the understanding of our Mutual Sacred Genesis.

True Family is made beautiful by the fact of our varied external appearance and blood lines.

Children here enjoy playing in the snow and making snowmen while others have fun hurling snow balls at each other. The air is fresh and crisp with a northerly wind which brings back fond memories of my Alaska home land.

The students I teach now reflect a Light that holds a bright future for their country and world. The writing from their hearts bring tears to my eyes and assures me that I'm right where I need to be.

Humanities future is determined by the fertility of the fields found in young minds of children with whom we are responsible to plant the good seed.

Rest in the knowledge that I need not blast away at stayed fast unmovable mental mind sets.

Walking and resting without pain, even though my back is broken in a way that western and eastern doctors have reacted in alarm,

An early interest in science, particularly physics when I was six years old.

The fact that even though I was raised in the blasphemous anti-Christian atmosphere of Boston 's Catholic community, True Love found me in California in 1976 and had never left me for a moment since that time.

A love of being with children my age at six years old; but as my body grew older my love and mental attitude has never changed.

Knowing my earthly father long enough to discover the love he had for my mother that brought me and my siblings into this world. (Joanie is a little peep, deedle-bump-de-boo).

A father who imparted a love for nature, art and exploration along with the most precious seed of how Eternal Love reaches for us.

Being a pilot in California and enjoyed flying and exploring the length of the San Andreas Fault .

Seeing every state in the United States except for Hawaii (too hot and popular) and finally to live in the most mysterious and beautiful state of Alaska after recalling my father's love for the arctic after he went home to the Ocean of Love.

Going for on a walk along the coast of Asia's most beautiful sub-tropical island to see the snow capped summit of Halla Volcano and get a hot bowl of Korean Beef Stew!! Right Now.

My Life and Times

Home

Working all afternoon with my friends in a classroom that over looks the mountains, islands and Pacific Ocean and finally enjoying a warm shower heated from the. 080524 ‡ 080525‡

Finding a way to insure the protection of little children until the moon fails to shed it's light. 071217 ‡