Craig Kim

Moai


Death still questions us

As we carve our ancestors faces,

Take our statues, Ocean God

And let the death stop

As heavy rainstorms attack,

Many of us past away

And we create more statues

To let the death go away

Through our statues

We pray to you

Hoping you give us answers

And to show us not to be scared 

Reflection #2- Hindu and Yoga

"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks; he becomes." The quote personally was a stop and think moment for me. As I read this quote several times, I see what Gandhi was stressing over the people of India. He repeatedly tells and shows that if people are constantly thinking of violence, and ways to destroy, their thoughts will soon turn into their actions. What Gandhi was stressing was no violence thoughts results to peace and non-violent acts. This was shown during the movie when Gandhi moved to Ashram to live like the people really signified this quote.

"Action expresses priorities." This quote was how Gandhi used to gain more followers. As he used methods like fasting, he made people feel pressure for the horrid actions (violence) they did. However, things such as the numerous deaths of Indians from the British general, also describes this quote "Action expresses priorities."

Our yoga lesson was one of the best experiences I had. I could still remember the loud, yet hilarious snores coming from Daniel Kwon. The most favorable moment was at the end of our lesson when we laid down on the floor with absolute peace. I felt like I was flying, but at the same time lying on the floor. I also felt I had a real connection between the Hindu people because of so much peace they felt. Lastly, this was one enjoyable experience and I hope we continue to do yoga again.

Reflection #3-Buddhism 

Before the 8-fold meditation and the hike to the Bongwonsa Temple, I never particularly understood what Buddhism was and how it affected you. However through these peaceful experiences, I, now have a good general view of what Buddhism revolves around. Beginning with the 8-fold meditation, this really helped me clear my mind from the stress of tests and quizzes. Although it was extremely difficult to maintain a peaceful meditation, what helped me was to listen to the world and visualize a nonviolent/passive garden full of beautiful flowers. However after stage 3, I realized that the value of a good conversation through one another has stopped. This was because nowadays in the world, humanity refuses to listen; yet only talk on what they believe. Through this I learned that I should listen to others around me and that listening is also an act of peace. However this was not the only experience about Buddhism.

Not only did the meditation help, but the hike to the Bongwonsa Temple was also an enjoyable experience. However during this hike I took the chance to notice the fresh air and the bright green grass that surrounded me. Once we reached our destination, the enormous temple brought astonishment to my face. Never before have I seen a huge temple with 3000 sculptures that had names of each dead person. I thought this was very similar to a graveyard. Although the big temple amazed me, there were groups of people constantly bowing down and praying to their god. Not only were they praying, but they were also pounding a wooden bell to welcome the spirits in. It gave me the chills, but after Ms. James explained the reason why the pound the wooden bell, it showed me that Buddhism is based on respecting the dead ancestors by continuously bowing down to them. These two were very great experiences, although I am not Buddhist I was honored to attend the Bongwonsa Temple.

My God 

Trinity- Three parts; the holy spirit, Jesus, God

Love- 1 John 4:16 “God is Love”.

Infinity- His power is infinite and his Love is infinite.

Almost about to drown in Newport Beach, I felt that all hope was lost, when suddenly out of nowhere two kids with buggy boards saved my life.

My remembrance of God is through the praise music in church. As I sing along, I focus on the lyrics and the heart rather than the quality of singing.

The Shema

You are a infinite God. I see you in three ways, but most importantly your infinite love towards everyone. Since you saved me, I am forever in your debt and I will speak of how powerful you are. I will also recognize you through singing about you. 

The Christmas Carol

The Christmas service at my church was so emotional to many non-christians. Although I am a Christian, I have never been in a atmosphere containing so much passion and spirit for our Lord. During this service, we sang so many wonderful songs of Jesus, but one song in particular questioned me. This song was called, "Away in a Manger". It confused me because of the word placement.

Lyrics: 

Just about to go into the Christmas Service 

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed,                                                                           
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the heavens
Looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing,
The poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus,
No crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus;
Look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle
Till morning is nigh.                                                                          

Be near me, Lord Jesus;
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray!
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care,
And fit us for Heaven
To live with Thee there.

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the heavens
Looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

Done! Had a great time! 

Research:

The song "Away in a Manger" was first published in 1885 in Philadelphia and is still one of widely known English-speaking carol in the world. The first two verses of this song was published by Evangelical Lutheran Sunday School. However after being popular among many people, J.E Clark developed "Away in a Manger" into one of the popular songs in human history. Also by hearing the title, we can already imply that it represents to praise Jesus Christ. As Jesus is born, it gives the perspectives of the surroundings such as the cows, the stars, and many more. Luke 2 portrays this situation clearly in the Scripture. Lastly, Jesus was portrayed as baby, Lord, and his own name Jesus. Since he was born, this song plays a significant role to his life. It is the rebirth of possibly having a new clean world.

Fun Stuff:

Somehow I realized during the service, that God has always set a plan for us. Especially this christmas service. I thought that God planned or naturally led me here because of this homework. Not only have I gotten closer to God, but I spent my Christmas with God instead of staying home doing my hagwon homework.