Movies, Music, & Video Games: Helping Our Children Be Spiritually Discerning

My favorite comedy, which happens to be based on a true story, is Nacho Libre. Any Nacho Libre lovers out there? It's a fairly clean underdog movie that was released in 2006 (rated PG). Nacho Libre is about a Catholic monastery monk in Mexico who is a wrestler at night so he can buy better food for the orphans in his care. It is filled with cheesy humor and a happy ending, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. If you have a middle school boy, I highly recommend watching Nacho Libre with him. Some notable quotes from Nacho include:

• "My life is good. Really good. I get to wake up at 5 AM every morning and make soup." 
• "They may have the appearance of riches, but beneath the clothes, we find a man... and beneath a man, we find his nucleus."
• "Get that corn outta my face!"

There are more quotes I like; however, they aren't exactly what I want our elementary students to be quoting (e.g., how much Nacho knows about the gospel). :-)

Recently, my family enjoyed watching the Michael Jackson biopic (rated PG-13) on a flight to Korea. This led my teenage son, Josiah Lee, and me to examine some of Michael Jackson's song lyrics. Some of Michael Jackson's lyrics are great ("I said if you're thinkin' of being my brother, it don't matter if you're black or white"), and some of his lyrics are not so great ("You can't hurt me; I found peace within myself"). Hee hee. Ow!

It can be hard to navigate our entertainment-driven culture, but if we want our children to grow closer to Christ, we must actively disciple our kids. If we don't, the world will influence them in ways that don't honor God. As our children make choices about what they watch, listen to, and play, how can we protect them, help them be wise, and encourage them to think critically? Below are five points to consider.

1. Remember what Scripture says and share it with your children REGULARLY. We are to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful and build up (1 Corinthians 10:23). The Holy Spirit is our guide into all the truth (John 16:13). 

2. Use http://pluggedin.com/ to help discern the good, the bad, and the ugly. This Focus on the Family website has been extremely helpful to us, providing detailed information about movies, music, video games, and more.

3. Ask yourself and your children: 

• How does the movie, music, or video game affect my heart and others? 
• Does it glamorize wealth, drug use, and fame? Does it demean women? 
• Is it biblical? 
• Does the movie, music, or video game help my child positively connect with others? 
• Can they learn anything from the movie, music, or video game? 
• What time constraints should I put on my child? Is my child completing their schoolwork and chores?

4. Pray with your children REGULARLY, and don't ignore your conscience (Romans 9:1). The prayer of a righteous person has great power (James 5:16)!

5. Look at the MPA and ESRB ratings and take notice of the parental advisory labels, but be the parent. Hollywood and New York City aren't Christian meccas, so don't be surprised when that PG-13 movie contains some nudity and foul language.

These guiding principles, tips, and questions have helped Megan and me teach and train our three children to grow in discernment. Mistakes will be made, but major growth and maturity can happen if holiness is pursued. 

What suggestions do you have in helping your children grow in discernment? Post a comment or drop me a line. I would love to hear what has worked for you and your family!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Beatitude 6: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Pure in Heart?

Follow your heart. Sounds like pretty good advice, right? It's probably something you've heard a million times. World-class athletes say it, you'll hear it in Hollywood movies and pop songs, and you're sure to find it on trendy canvas prints and photo books at Michaels and Wally World.  

What does the Bible say about our hearts? Should we be following our hearts? Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" Matthew 15:18-19 says, "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." Ouch. It doesn't sound like we should follow our hearts. You don't need to be a Christian, though, to understand that following your heart is BAD advice. 

When little kids follow their hearts, they often complain about their food, don't share their toys, hit their siblings, and lie about what they did. If you think this is an inaccurate representation of children, you've never been a parent. Stubborn hearts are also found in adults. I would love to tell you that my heart is always in the right place. It's not. I can give a beautiful gospel presentation, watch someone proclaim Christ as their Lord and Savior, then get in my sweet Dodge Caravan and get upset at someone who drives like an idiot. Sometimes I forget I'm the idiot. 

Folks, when our hearts are impure, selfish, judgmental, and dishonest, we will not see God. To be pure in heart, clean, clear, and blameless, we must receive Christ and believe in His name. We need to follow Jesus, not our hearts (Matthew 4:19). Our hearts can't save us, but Jesus can save us from our hearts. Only Jesus can make our hearts pure so we can be in a relationship with God. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." And Ezekiel 36:26 says, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." We don't ask Jesus into our hearts; He gives us new hearts. 

When Jesus does a cleansing work in us and makes our hearts pure, we pursue lives of purity and uprightness. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches producing good fruit that glorifies God (John 15:5). We have a heart for God and want to honor Him in all that we think, say, and do. We aren't Pharisees who emphasize external ritual purity; we have an internal purity of the soul that people see as real and genuine. We actually enJOY Jesus and want others to know His love. We are true born-again believers, not fake Christians whose words and deeds show hypocrisy and cunning deception. 

So how are we doing in teaching our kids to be pure in heart? Do our children clearly see Christ in us? Are we poor in spirit, mourning our sins and the sins of the world, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being meek and merciful? Let's pursue Christ and a life of purity. Let's set our minds on things above and let Christ do His sanctifying work in our lives!

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Beatitude 3: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Meek?

When I was a wee student, I used to think dodgeball was the best game. Even when I became a teacher and principal, I found great delight in hurling a blazing ball at an athletic kid and showing the students that they should have a healthy fear of Mr. Wick. I also found great delight when students ganged up on me and got me out. I'm sure that was the first thing mentioned when the students saw their parents after school. :-) 

Although my 51-year-old body can't do what it did decades ago, if I were in a dodgeball game with a bunch of 1st graders, I could totally dominate that court! Imagine if I went all out and threw the dodgeballs at full force against kids who I outweigh by over 100 pounds! I'm sure I would get a few phone calls from some irate parents. But what adult wants to flex their muscles against youngsters who still pick their noses and eat their boogers? Is this what would show Christlike character, meekness, or is it the win-at-all-costs attitude that the world teaches? My example might be extreme, but our society, whether it be the corporate world, sports culture, or the media and entertainment industry, honors those who win big, even if people get hurt, and cheating is involved. Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing, right?

When my girls were little, I read them the first book written and published in the Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We also watched Disney's cinematic adaptation of the book. In this seven-book children's fantasy series by C.S. Lewis, there is a lion, Aslan, who is the creator and king of a world known as Narnia. Aslan serves as an allegorical figure for Jesus Christ. Early in the story, we are introduced to the eldest sister of the Pevensie family, Susan. She has a conversation with Mr. Beaver and learns that Aslan is a lion. 

Susan asks, "Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe?... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." I love these lines. They are key to understanding who Aslan is.

Aslan isn't safe. He's a lion. We all know lions are big and strong. They are also heavy (males can be 330 to 550 pounds), have roars that can be heard up to five miles away, and can run as fast as 50 MPH. Lions have sharp retractable claws, and their bite strength can crush bone. It's safe to say that we shouldn't mess with lions. 

Aslan is no ordinary lion, though. Lions are symbolically known as the kings of the jungle, but Aslan is the king of the entire world of Narnia. He has a power like no other, and all should have a healthy fear of him, showing him the utmost respect and honor. Although Aslan is capable of ripping everyone to shreds, He is also kind, compassionate, and lovingly committed to his creation, Narnia. In the later chapters of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan leads armies and fights battles. He also allows Susan and her sister Lucy to ride him. Aslan is the definition of meek. Aslan has the power to run over everyone, but instead, he humbly serves those weaker than him. He has the right and power to do whatever He wants, but he often shows a spirit of gentleness, patience, and love. Aslan could dominate every dodgeball match, but he delights in helping others find success. 

Are we teaching our kids to be meek like this? This is not weakness. This is how to be blessed, to receive favor from God and have a satisfied soul. This is how true Christians will be. We trust Christ in our hardships instead of taking control of matters or manipulating the situations. Our strength is guided by the Spirit under His control instead of us seeking to be in control. And those who submit to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, will receive peace and joy in this challenging life and a perfect eternal home on a new earth. Do you believe this? Do others see this? Let's show others God's work in us and bring Him the glory!

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Seven Ways I Disciple My 7th Grader

Over the years, I've had the honor to disciple men from different walks of life - pastors, masons, and salesmen. I disciple men because God expects Christians to disciple Christians (Matthew 28:19). I'm thankful for the men who have poured into my life, and I want to pray for my younger brothers and help them in this short life. Life can be beautiful, but it can also be downright mean. We need all the help we can get in our marriages, parenting, work, finances, and more. I love it when men want to be discipled, and I love how the men I disciple draw me closer to Christ and help me in my walk with God. 

True disciples grow in Christlikeness by following Jesus' teachings. Jesus is the key to life, and the key to understanding Him is found in the Scriptures. God's Word tells us Jesus discipled ordinary men from diverse backgrounds - fishermen, a tax collector, and perhaps tradesmen. Jesus taught and trained these men to follow Him and live lives that would bring God glory. When I meet with men, it might be individually or in small groups. Sometimes I meet with men for years, and sometimes it's for a shorter season of life. Although we may not have the same occupations and interests, Jesus brings us together. We're adopted sons of God, united in Christ, and living in the Spirit.

As much as I enJOY meeting with different men and speaking truth into their lives, there is one guy I love to disciple more than anyone else - my seventh-grade boy, Josiah Lee. He's my number one disciple. He's my John, the disciple whom I'm closest to and spend the most time with. My greatest desire for Josiah Lee is that he loves Jesus more than anything and shares Jesus with others through his words AND actions. I love watching Josiah Lee drain a three on the court or when he brings home a report card with high marks, but what matters most to me is that he thinks, speaks, and acts like Christ. 

I will stand before God on Judgment Day, and I need Him to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I need my Heavenly Father to say that I discipled my son well. I am Josiah Lee's #1 teacher, so it's crucial that I set a Christlike example for him in all that I think, say, and do. Josiah Lee is watching me, learning from me, and copying me. I must do all I can to point Josiah Lee to Jesus so he can live life in the right way and bring God the glory. Below are seven ways I disciple Josiah Lee that hopefully can help you in your walk and when you disciple others. 

1. I've taught Josiah Lee to feed his soul before he feeds his face. When he hops in our family-friendly minivan with me for our five-minute drive to school, we typically talk about what we read in our Bibles that morning. 

2. When I pick up Josiah Lee from school, I ask him about his school day. Was there anything eventful about the day? Who did you sit with at lunch, and what did you all talk about? I often ask Josiah Lee what he learned in Bible class and chapel.

3. Josiah Lee serves on the tech team and helps with the three-year-olds at our church. When he doesn't have those responsibilities, he might answer sermon questions I provide him on paper during the service. We might also talk about the sermon after church and how we can apply the message in our lives.

4. Typically, Josiah Lee goes to youth group on Wednesdays and Sunday school before the Sunday morning service. He needs other people speaking truth into his life. I trust his teachers, but Josiah Lee and I must talk about the lessons he's learning. Sometimes he teaches me a thing or two. :-)

5. Before and during sporting events, I remind Josiah Lee that complaining is a sin and to be thankful that he gets to use his God-given body to compete and have fun. I remind Josiah Lee about the pain Jesus suffered on the cross and to give God the glory regardless of his playing time, the officiating, and what the opposition and crowd say and do.

6. I regularly talk with Josiah Lee about Jesus, and sometimes we have family devotions in the evenings. Two nights ago at dinnertime, we watched a four-minute video about family and ministry, talked about it, and then prayed.

7. Josiah Lee and I enJOY watching Instagram and TikTok videos on my iPhone. The social media videos we watch can be super serious (e.g., a Christian teacher answering worldview questions on a college campus) or absolutely silly (e.g., a baby eating bacon for the first time), but whatever we watch, we do so from a biblical lens. We enJOY the life God has given us and talk and laugh in a way that honors Him.

So, how do you disciple your children and others? I would love to hear what has worked for you. And let me know if you have questions or if there is anything I can do to help you. To God be the glory!

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Get in the Word and Don't Stop!

I was gifted with a New King James Study Bible when I was baptized in 1996 at a small Southern Baptist church in Central Indiana. It wasn't until early 2001, when I was 27 years old, that I read through that entire Bible. It was the toughest year of my life, so I committed to reading and studying my Bible regularly in a new way. The next year, I moved to South Korea to serve with a Christian organization, and my future mother-in-law gave me a New American Standard Bible. It became my go-to translation for six years until the ESV Study Bible was published in 2008. 

I used to write all 66 books and chapters of the Bible on paper and mark off the chapters when I completed them. I now do it on my Mac and highlight the chapters I've read. Keeping track of what I'm reading has helped ensure I don't neglect any part of God's Word. I have struggled through parts of Old Testament history and prophecy and often forget what I've read, but God's Word has been a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). 

Megan and I expected our three children to be in God's Word seven days a week. They didn't always accomplish the goal, which would result in a healthy talk from yours truly. Grace Noel completed her first reading of the Bible in elementary school, and Rosalie did it as a middle schooler. Josiah Lee, our 7th grader, has completed the New Testament and is now reading the Psalms. Are there parts of the Bible that went over their heads? Absolutely. Welcome to the club. We still wanted them to read every word of the Bible and ask us questions when things got confusing. Seeing my kiddos reading and studying their Bibles has helped me walk more closely with Jesus.

If little kids can read the entire Bible, there is no reason YOU can't do this. We spend so much time on social media, attending sporting events, and watching movies and TV shows. Yet it only takes ten to twenty minutes for the average reader to complete three chapters in their Bible. There are 1189 chapters in the Bible, and reading 3.25 chapters a day is all it takes to have it done in a year. If you don't like reading, then listen to the Bible. This can be done as you enJOY breakfast, complete a household task, drive to work, or before you go to bed. Consistently feeding on God's Word can help us progress toward holiness. It can help us resist accepted sins like complaining about our jobs, showing impatience with our children, and being anxious about our finances. It forms us. 

Consider downloading one of the Bible reading plans here and grow in your relationship with God. Figure out a Bible reading rhythm and let God speak to you in new and exciting ways!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Debunking Eight Common Christmas Misconceptions

Millions enJOY Christmas, but how well do most people know the true Christmas story? If you watch The Nativity Story, The Star, or Christmas With the Chosen: Messengers, can you tell fact from fiction? What is misrepresented in these family-friendly films that should be discussed with your family and friends? Below are some common Christmas misconceptions that might surprise you. If that's the case, let's talk! Most importantly, let's dig into God's Word so we know the true message of Christmas and that Christ is the reason for the season and life. To God be the glory!

1. Writing Merry Xmas is NOT disrespectful. The X has a long history of symbolizing the name of Christ. It involves the first letter of the Greek name for Christ. Christos is the New Testament Greek for Christ, and the first letter of the Greek word Christos is transliterated into our alphabet as an X. 

2. The Bible does NOT say Mary rode into Bethlehem on a donkey on their 65 to 80-mile trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Perhaps this was the case, but it's highly possible that Mary rode in a cart or walked for about a week or so.

3. Luke 2:7 says there was no room at the inn for Joseph and Mary. This sounds as if Jesus' parents went to a hotel, but they might have been hoping to stay in a relative's guest room. The Greek word for inn, kataluma, could mean a room on the upper level of a home. 

4. Luke 2:7 also says Jesus was laid in a manger. Since Jesus' parents might have gone to a crowded home for the census, Jesus might have been born on the lower level of a family member's home where animals stayed at night, NOT in a separate barn or stable.

5. Jesus was NOT born on December 25th, 0 A.D. We don't know the exact day Jesus was born, and most Bible scholars say He was born around 6 to 4 B.C. Knowing when Jesus was born isn't a big deal, but knowing Jesus came and who He is is of eternal significance!

6. Maybe more than three wise men (Magi) visited Jesus. Although tradition says three wise men visited Jesus and the Bible says Jesus was given three gifts, the Bible does NOT say there were only three wise men from the East (likely the Middle East).

7. Many nativity scenes have a star over the manger. That's nice, but the star was given to the Magi, not to the shepherds watching the flocks when the angels announced Jesus' birth. Matthew tells us a star led the Magi to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem (days, months, or even years after Jesus' birth).

8. Joy to the World is technically NOT a Christmas song. This is a song about Christ's second coming, not His first. If you want to keep singing Joy to the World during Christmas, wonderful! In fact, sing it during the Christmas season and every season of the year!

What did you already know? What surprised you? Drop a comment to share!

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Ten Ways We've Trained Up Our Kiddos

Being a good parent can sometimes be HARD! We can be a messy bunch, and our communication is sometimes crazy confusing (Man, I hate sin). Can I get an amen? Being a good parent can also be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling work God ever gives us. Can I get an amen?

It's nice when your children do well in the classroom or succeed in the arts, music, or sports; however, this pales in comparison to when your children obey and worship the Lord. Megan and I have made countless parenting mistakes, but our gracious God has made none. The fact that our three kiddos are walking with the Lord is all God’s grace. This is what we care about the most. 

Although we've made our share of mistakes, we've also done a few things right - Thank you, Jesus! Below are ten ways we have TRAINED our children, which I hope can help you. 

1. We expect our kids to read and study God’s Word independently, and I ask them about what they’re learning from time to time. Scripture saves (1 Timothy 4:16), sustains (Matthew 4:4), and sanctifies (helps us become more like Christ). 

2. We often have family devotions in the evenings. Read more here: The Importance of Family Worship. 

3. We worship together on Sunday mornings and typically talk about the sermons during and/or after the service. I quiz my kids, and Megan reminds me not to forget to enJOY God, church services, and the car ride home. :-)

4. Our kiddos usually attend youth group at our church on Wednesdays and sometimes other church youth groups and trips that we think would be good for them. We need help in training our kids to grow in their faith.

5. Rosalie & Grace Noel were discipled by godly women from our church and were part of all-female small groups at ECS. Again, we need help in training our kids to grow in their faith!

6. My kiddos have spent most of their lives in schools where Truth was taught. We are so thankful for the role TIS & ECS played in their lives.

7. We confess our sins to each other. When daddy messes up, I specifically say what I did wrong, what I plan to improve, and ask for forgiveness. When I'm struggling to think in a Christlike way, I let my family know and ask for their prayers. James 5:16

8. I routinely exhort (strongly encourage and urge) my children when I leave the house. I remind them to give God the glory and enJOY Him (from the Westminster Catechisms). I might also tell them to serve their classmates and do what they can to bless those around them.

9. When we watch movies, listen to music, play sports, etc., we talk about Jesus and what the Bible says. We don't live a dualistic life, separating our faith from everyday matters. We want our children to think and act like Jesus, so we try to look at everything through a gospel lens. 

10. When our children display Christ, we try to praise them for the work God is doing in them. When our children are loving, filled with joy, patient, and bearing other good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), we want our children to know that this is far more important than the academic and athletic achievements they accomplish.  

There you have it. Of course, if we do everything above in our own power and without love, we are nothing but noisy gongs and gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). We have to constantly pray and trust that God will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). 

If you would like to share something that has worked for you or have a question about anything I shared, let me know! I would love to hear what God has taught you or help in whatever way I can. To God be the glory! 

Do You Have A Biblical Worldview?

Worldview. We throw this word around a lot, but what is a "worldview?" Simply put, a worldview is a system of firmly held beliefs concerning how we see the world and how we are to live in the world. If you're reading this, you have a worldview. 

A biblical worldview is rooted in the Bible, and when you aren't in the Good Book, your worldview will get diluted. You'll allow Hollywood, Netflix, TikTok, The View, Taylor Swift, Jake Paul, Kim Kardashian, Oprah, friends, and everything else to form your worldview. There are many who say they are Christian and can even explain the gospel, but when one lives in a way that isn't Bible-based, he or she doesn't have a biblical worldview. 

You don't need to take a college worldviews class or be part of a small group focused on living a biblical worldview to cultivate a biblical worldview. What you need to do is be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2). Interpret life through the lens of the gospel instead of following the world's ways. Fill your head with God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to form convictions in your heart so you live a God-glorifying life. 

As you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, you'll make decisions pleasing to God concerning what you watch, wear, buy, eat, listen to, and participate in. You'll examine Scripture, pray, and ask yourself if this is the job God wants you to take, the school God wants you to attend, the vehicle God wants you to buy, and the home God wants you to purchase. There are no shortcuts to developing a biblical worldview, but fostering a strong biblical worldview enables us to think more clearly about life in this troubled world. Why anyone wouldn't want that is beyond me.

If you're interested in seeing what kind of worldview you have (e.g., Christian, Marxist, postmodern), you can complete a free worldview checkup at the Summit Ministries site. I recommend filling out the short assessment with family members and discussing your results. If this is something you would like to process, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Remember, the coffee is on me!

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8

"Name That Chip!": Chinese New Year Edition

This evening, I hopped on my mountain bike to make a chip and liquid refreshment run. Almost everything was closed since it was the first day of the Chinese New Year, but the local 7-Eleven had its doors open. I found a few chip flavas that we had never consumed, so I spent the big bucks in order for us to play another game of "Name That Chip!". Prior to watching Woodlawn (which I highly recommend), I introduced mi familia to three new chip flavas: lemon chicken, green tea, and bacon sausage. Megan was the first to figure out the Lay's lemon chicken flava. Chalk it up to her culinary expertise. The Lay's green tea chips were straight up nasty, but somehow Rose was eventually able to decipher the green tea nastiness. I like green tea, but my recent green tea exploration has been quite disappointing. The bacon sausage Pringles were a hit, and Rose was able to taste the crispy, salty, and delicious. I was really surprised to see this flava in the store and hope China will make more porklicious products. Go China. Despite the funkiness of the green tea chips, the lemon chicken and bacon sausage chips made this edition of "Name That Chip!" an enjoyable experience. Xin Nian Kuai le!

Lay's green tea chips are just wrong.

Bacon sausage Pringles make Josiah and me so happy.

China isn't afraid to try new chip flavas. Some are yum while others taste like scum.

13 Ways How I Became More Asian in the Last 13+ Years

On our first date back in the summer of 2000, Megan and I talked about her life in China and a three-week trip I had just taken to Japan. Something I remember from our conversation on Indy's Canal Walk was how Megan said she was more Asian than me. This may seem odd considering she’s white and I’m half Japanese, but her statement was true and is still true in many ways. Several things about me don’t equate to the stereotypical Asian, such as my beloved camo vest, a desire to go bass fishing whenever possible, and my prior ownership of a Chevy Camaro, S-10 Blazer, and Silverado. Because I’ve been living in East Asia since 2002, the Asian in me has grown quite a bit, though. Below are 13 ways I became more Asian in the last 13+ years.

1.     I find the Asian squat to be a comfortable position, and I’m not afraid of using squatty potties.

2.     I eat more fish and shrimp, as in, I occasionally enjoy eating every part of the fish and shrimp.

3.     I prefer picking up my bowl of rice and drinking my soup. Having a beverage at my meals isn’t a requirement.

4.     I like eating fat - not a whole plate of fat, but chunks of the stuff in certain Chinese dishes.

5.     I prefer using chopsticks at Asian restaurants in the States and now know the difference between Chinese, Japanese, and Korean chopsticks.

6.     I have a much stronger liking for spicy food – kimchi, Thai curries, Sichuan, and more!

7.     I’m very comfortable bowing to Koreans and Japanese people.

8.     I know a few words in several Asian languages; I’m not smart enough to be multilingual.

9.     I enjoy eating sunflower seeds like an American baseball player or an old Chinese man at the market.

10.  I watch Asian films that don’t star Godzilla or butt-kicking kung fu artists. I have matured somewhat during my time overseas.

11.  I am the owner of various kinds of long underwear, and I will proudly walk around in an overnight train in just my long undies (I still keep the shirt and shoes on).

12.  I have a home and classroom that is decorated with various Asian items. My homes and classrooms in Indiana definitely had different decor.

13.  I sometimes wear clothes that are clearly from China, Indonesia, Japan, or Thailand, and from time to time I get mistaken for being (fill in the blank with whatever Asian group you want). 

Perhaps I’m more Asian than I think. If you’ve become more Asian over time, I would enjoy hearing about it. Peace!

Joshua Weigel's The Butterfly Circus

This morning, I was told about this award-winning short film that stars motivational speaker Nick Vujicic. I highly recommend spending 20 minutes watching the film. My eyes got a little wet in the closing scenes. I think Tianjin's smog is getting to me.

Most (The Bridge): A Father's Day Film

"KJB: The Book That Changed the World"

This DVD was released a few days ago in honor of the 400th anniversary of the most influential book in the history of the English language: The King James Version of the Bible. The KJV was first published on May 5, 1611, and a copy of the New Testament and the Book of Psalms in this translation sits on my desk at school. Although I rarely read this version of the Bible, the first Bible I ever purchased was a KJV (back in the summer of '89, before my junior year in high school). Regardless of what you may believe, you cannot have a proper understanding of Western culture and English literature without some knowledge of the KJV.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." II Timothy 3:16-17

Reviewing Sherwood Pictures' Flywheel

I picked up this DVD at the TIS school library so I could watch something that both Rose and I could possibly enjoy (Megan and Grace do not return to Tianjin until March 6th). Knowing that Flywheel had amateur actors and lacked a big Hollywood budget, I was not expecting much. However, to my surprise, I give it the thumbs up. There were times I was actually moved, while at other times I found myself laughing out loud. Some might criticize the cookie-cutter ending, but I am a sucker for happy endings. Of course, life on Earth often does not end in the way Flywheel depicts, but I am not a big fan of watching movies that give me the blues. Like many people, I enjoy movies with themes of redemption and transformation. In Flywheel, you have a used car dealer who is a crook and a lousy leader at home. God opens the man's eyes and pierces his heart, and he begins to live a radically new life that gives God all of the glory. If you are looking for Academy Award performances and amazing cinematography, look elsewhere. If you want a family movie that will tug at your heart, I recommend Flywheel.

Running the Race Set Before Us

Nearly three years ago, I read a great book about Eric Liddell by Dave McCasland. The biography interested me because Eric served in Tianjin, China, during the first half of the 20th century, and I thought reading this book would assist me in analyzing the 1981 Oscar Winner for Best Picture, Chariots of Fire. Tim Challies recently posted a couple of short biographies about Eric Liddell that I highly recommend reading. Learn about this Olympic gold medalist who ran for the glory of God.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8