pira330's Xanga

THRILLER - Jake Shimabukuro Ukelele Cover

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:53:06 GMT

Matthew 10:28
"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

“The Jeffrey Thing”

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:01:05 GMT

A Best Man Tribute Speech by Pira Tritasavit to Jeffrey & Kristin Lue on their wedding day, November 8, 2008

You told me on my wedding day, just do “my Pira thing”
Don’t worry Jeff, I didn’t write a song, so for you I will not sing
Instead I’ve written you this tribute speech in poetry no less
I hope you won’t regret choosing this man to be your best

I’ve known Kristin since ‘93 in the halls of Lowell High
In San Jose ‘96 we met as freshmen guys
You almost went a different road than this one we now walk
I’m grateful God has crossed our paths from that first all-night talk

You asked me questions about life and heard me out that night
We laughed and talked through deeper thoughts until the morning light
We hit the court for racquetball and kept our friendship growing
But soon we moved off campus; who knew where this was going?

Then junior year, we moved into the house on South 12th street
With Jimmy, Bo, and Jon and Cal, five church boys…and Jeffrey
We studied like good Chinese boys and played our video games
But you watched closely just to see’if our faith was strong or lame
You used to mock me, that’s ok, I thought you were still cool
You thought our Bible, church and prayer were only just for fools

Then Billy Graham came rolling by with a message just for you
You prayed with tears when we walked down, and it was then I knew
That Jesus called you to Himself, redeemed you from your sin
No longer just as roommates, but as brothers to the end

We started studying every week God’s word with guys who pray
He’s grown you up into the man of God you are today
Sometimes we still don’t know what’s going on inside your head
Do you ever get excited? “Look, I’m excited!” you said

“How did we become friends?” you ask, and only God knows why
Others say we’re polar opposites, two totally different guys
Some say we’re Bert and Ernie, or Balky and Larry Appleton
Like Carlton Banks and Cousin Will, or Pedro and Napoleon

Because I’m kind-of-a loud mouth and you’re the mellow type
You’re the usher in the back, and I’m up front in the spot light
I’m a real mess, and a slob, and my wife knows this is a fact
And you’re the organized and tidy one, so Kristin rest assured, it’s no act

He folds his clothes, and brushes his teeth with discipline and skill
He exercises, keeps in shape, no wonder he’s never ill
He’s worked a hundred different jobs and ministered to youth
He’s swung a bat and danced the swing, to serve the Lord in truth

The Proverbs tell us of a friend who’s closer than a brother
And you, Jeffrey, are that to me, my brother from another mother
Dear Kristin, you’ve picked a winner in Jeff, he’s truly one of a kind
He’ll care for you completely, body, heart, and soul, and mind
He’s now your roommate, today and onward, to start each day and end
Together as a bride and groom…and don’t forget best friends

Keep JESUS first in all you do, in prayer, and word and deed
And glorify our God in Christ, He is your greatest need
Hold tightly to each other’s hands each day as you do now
And I will be reminding you to live up to your vows

So raise your glass to toast with me these two who now are one
And praise our God who’s given us His precious Holy Son!
Together let us walk with Jeff and Kristin and rejoice
Instead of Cheers, let’s shout aloud HALLELUJAH in one voice!

Month 11 of Marriage! Woot Woot!

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:26:26 GMT

June 8 marks the 11 month of marriage for Venus and myself and we have been completely overwhelmed by the love and support of our families, mentors, new friends, the body of Christ and prayer warriors! Hallelujah! I love my Bride.

Last weekend, we got to attend a family camp near Santa Cruz (Boulder Creek, CA) called Camp Hammer. I've been preaching at CCCAC (Hayward) and they go to Camp Hammer every year for a weekend retreat, so this year I got to speak on 3 messages based on the theme "Devoted to Prayer and the Ministry of the Word". For each message, we did an Inductive Bible Study based on the SOIL method (Scripture, Observation, Interpretation, Life Application) and we walked through Acts 6, Matthew 6, and Deuteronomy 6.

My father came with us, too, which is always a blessing to be able to give him a clear presentation of the Gospel and for him to continue interacting with Christians around his age. Dad is close, and he's open to learning, and I'm praying that he'll continue to hear the Truth and respond as God leads him. Here are some pictures from the weekend retreat!

Venus and I will also be heading to China in July/August to do some teaching in Baoding, Hebei province. We're thrilled at the chance to teach university students and revisit some of her former students/colleagues while out there. The Olympics will be in full-swing by the time we return in August, too.

If you're interested in finding out more about where we'll be teaching, what we'll be doing, and how you might partner with is in prayer/financial support, please send me a direct message (via xanga/myspace/facebook or email) with your contact information and I'll get that information to you right away.

I've been meaning to give some props to and plugs for a few awesome people I know.

First of all, my brother Tani has been very successful in his new career venture at Toyota (Geary) in San Francisco along with balancing his Real Estate opportunities with Prime Realty. If you or anyone you know of is interested in buying a Toyota, run on over to 3800 Geary Blvd @ 2nd Ave. (http://www.sftoyota.com/) and ask for TANI and tell him that Pira sent you.

Then there's his bride, my awesome sister-in-law Gloria (Wong) Tritasavit who has been running her own Wedding Design business for the past year. She is an exceptionally gifted designer and planner and was featured recently on ABC 7's View from the Bay, right before Oprah. Watch the segment here: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=view_from_the_bay/everything_else&id=6186249
(she gets a few plugs by name...way to go Gloria!)

Gloria's website is http://sashandsugar.com/ so let any of your engaged friends or soon-to-be engaged couples know about her website and work. She's family!

Finally, as I've got about one month left in my internship, I just wanted to give God major praise and thanks for teaching me all about His grace. Each week my bride would give me very specific feedback and I am so excited about the ministry that God has given us as husband and wife, and as preacher/teacher. We make a great team and love learning and all that comes out in our teaching is just a small sample of the great stuff God continues to teach us every day about Himself, and about one another.

We just wrapped up our 7-part series on AMAZING GRACE today and all of the messages will soon be available for download through the CCCAC website (http://www.cccac.org/sermon.html).

It was an amazing journey through the amazing story of an amazing apostle who experienced the amazing grace of an amazing God! WOW indeed! Jesus is most worthy of our praise and I give Him all the glory. Soli Deo Gloria!

Next weekend: Father's Day! May I encourage you to make it a Father's Week and a ongoing daily Heavenly Father's Day every day! Give Him glory!

Bonus Post: When the World Shouts to the Lord!

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:30:38 GMT

So I missed the live broadcast a few weeks ago, but the American Idol Finalists sang "SHOUT TO THE LORD" twice in a week. The first time, Jesus was conspicuously missing from the first line of the song, but the second time around, he was back in the lyrics.

Here a few of the various possible reactions that the Church (from all ends of the spectrum) might have had to American Idols singing the Hillsong classic praise chorus!

Option 1: How dare these idol-worshipers take such a sacred song and commercialize it! These songs belong to the Church and belong only in the Church!

Option 2: Awesome, I knew this song would be a popular cross-over hit! After all, Time-Life infomercials have been selling it too! When's the remix CD coming out?

Option 3: Truly, this is proof that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Every nation tribe and tongue will know that God is worthy of praise and glory! Hallelujah! Amen! Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:10-12

Option 4: Isn't this American Idol? How come they're singing a song by an Australian composer? And isn't American Idol a spinoff of Pop Idol from England? Where are all the original American ideas?

Option 5: That song is played out anyways; let's see one of the finalists sing a Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman song! Or Jehovah Jireh? Or the Papaya Song?

Option 6: What kind of politically-correct move is this that Fremantle/19 would include this with "Seasons of Love" from Rent? They have nothing in common, shame shame, tsk tsk!

Option 7: When a secular show like American Idol can bring more attention (and money) to the plight of AIDS/Malaria/Hunger/War/Suffering in Africa than my own church can, perhaps we need to stop arguing amongst ourselves and start praying and rolling up our sleeves to live out Matthew 25!

Which reaction did you have? Or did you have a different reaction? Post a comment!

If you missed it, check out both episodes on youtube here.

"Shout to the Lord" (Without Jesus)

"Shout to the Lord" (With Jesus)

"Seasons of Love" (That Archuleta kid messed up the words: "Times that she died"??? sigh)

"All Praise Be to the Creator of the" (earth day)!!!

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:41:37 GMT

Today is April 22 and the world is saying it's EARTHDAY! Watch out for earth-day worship that honors creation over the Creator! I freely worship the "Creator of the Earth" today and every day! Soli Deo Gloria!

Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

On that note, I just caught Ben Stein's documentary called "EXPELLED" at the Metreon last night. Extremely provocative and eye-opening. Exposing the Darwinian elite (including author of "The God Delusion" Richard Dawkins) and shedding light on the invisible wall that forbids the freedom of inquiry among scientific academia.

Check out the trailer here, especially those of you in high school, college, and science-related careers:

Finally, yesterday April 21 was the one-year marker of the day that my dad asked Venus if she would like to be his daughter in law. We were at Treasure Island on a rainy Saturday night and instead of saying "Yes", she told me "I would love to!" Oh how awesome this miracle and mystery of marriage has been. Thank you Jesus for my precious pearl and beautiful bride!

For those who are married or pursuing God's ideal for marriage, The Weekend to Remember Conference in Burlingame is coming soon (May 16-18).

Sign up right away (and if you want to get in on a discount, get in touch with me soon and I'll hook you up with a group rate).

Mourning & Celebrating - Every Season

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:51:48 GMT

Spring has sprung, and with it, the passage and entry of lives and loves. We mourn with those who mourn. We battle shoulder-to-shoulder with those in this great fight of faith. And we rejoice with those who rejoice! Please join us in prayer along this journey of faith in every season of life.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” ~ Romans 12:15

Mourning & Remembering

Please pray for the family of Matty Won, who went home to Jesus after a brave fight with cancer. Matty was not only the executive director of the Bay Area Asian Sports Dragons Basketball Teams, but he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to some good friends of ours. Certainly his memory and legacy will live on in the many lives that his good work has intersected by one of his love of hoops.

Battling & Interceding

Also, please lift up prayers for another friend (whose name shall remain private by request) who is battling a rare form of cancer called Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma, and has been receiving surgery and treatments in the last few weeks. This is a rare cancer that occurs in only 1% of 1% of all cancer patients annually.

My friend has requested for prayer...not sympathy...as he/she finds peace in God! Let's battle in prayer for a miracle unto the glory of God!

Rejoicing and Celebrating

This weekend will find two couples tying the knot of Covenant Love in Christ: Ivan & Loni (aka “LonIvan”) and Norm & Cindy. May God be glorified as his children testify and commit themselves to a lifetime of holy Oneness and to living out a storybook parable of Christ’s love for His bride and body, the Church.

Last weekend, we also celebrated the birth of Jadon David Lew (son of Brian and Betty) and received the news about Roger and Stacie’s #2 boy; while at Todai, I met Danny & Karen’s #3 boy Timothy (woohoo, like me and my brothers). Babies abounding!

Plus, we also got updates on plenty of soon-to-be-borns: Benson & Erica, Marcia and Jason, Brian and Karen…hang in there y’all!

God reigns over every time and season and in the end of Ecclesiastes, especially when we find ourselves wondering if it’s all meaningless and vain and useless. What is there to hope for?

+++++

Praise God that we have much more than just something to hope for, but Someone to hope in!

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13

+++++

After the Wheel Has Spun...

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:55:27 GMT

It's March already...shoot, it's April now and way too late for New Year's resolutions. Call me a fool, an April Fool, but I'm really glad to be alive in these crazy times!

So what happens now that the hype of Wheel of Fortune has settled down?

(thanks for posting this Eric...Canada rocks the HD!)

Well today, I finished my last day at the UCSF Office of Admission and Registrar. They surprised me with brownies and a funny-rendition of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow". How sweet!

I've also set a few goals just to avoid idleness during the break between now and the next job God leads me to:

1. Get in Shape.
I've gained 11 pounds since the wedding day last July. It's happy-weight! Could you tell from watching Wheel of Fortune? My dad said so. And so did a parent of one of my old students. Am I sad? NO WAY! I earned this happy-weight! But I'd love to get fit and trim to prove to myself that I can still earn a good sweat. So it's back to the lap-swimming and cardio, maybe even some weight-training.

(Pray that I won't drown...)

2. Focus on the Word.
I'll be taking one less class this semester, which brings it to 2 classes: Hebrew 3 and Old Testament 2. With a little bit more time to do homework (it was rare that I had any time at work to do homework...hehe) I should be able to absorb even more than I have in the first two semesters. Also, I'll need the prep-time to get sermons together as I will be starting an internship as a preaching-intern for Christ Community Chinese Alliance Church in Hayward. Pray for me and pray for us!

(What the heck is this?)

3. Re-Ignite the Creativity Flame.
I haven't written too much since Youtopia/Prison Break last year, but have been piquing with interest again, especially after my Old Testament 1 Class. My teacher, Brian Morgan, is a pastor in Cupertino who loves Old Testament poetry and had us write our Jacob Stories as one of the final assignments. We even had to write a poem to be read for the whole class. Not only do I want to get around to writing poems and songs again; I'd like to get some video going again...archiving old footage and even working on new stuff, perhaps even a 5-minute video audition for Deal or No Deal. No joke!

(Marc Chagall, "Jacob's Dream")

Well, that's about it for now. A few links attached below as well as my "Jacob Poem".

Shalom!
Pira

--------

March 9, 2008 Sermon: "Ezekiel 37: The Valley of Dry Bones"

February 10, 2008 Sermon: "Ezekiel 36: God's Love Song"

December 2, 2008 Sermon: "Ezekiel 16: 15-62: God's Crazy Love part 2 (unfortunately this was mysteriously cut-off half-way)

November 25, 2008 Sermon: "Ezekiel 16: 1-15: God's Crazy Love part 1

+++ your feedback is welcome +++

...and here's my Jacob Poem for OT1

My Two Dads: Faith of Our Fathers Pira Tritasavit

If Kiyosaki’s best-seller had its way

I would be a businessman

Not a preacher

I would have real estate of my own

And not dwell under the tents of my in-laws

I would call the shots

And not be slaving for the Man and the Establishment

My inheritance would shine as gold

My eyes would shun poverty

And I would know the tricks of the trade

The tricks…the trade

Nevertheless, I still have two dads

Neither one a rich nor a poor man

Neither one a sage nor a fool

One fathered three sons

This one gave me a home to grow up in

Free from need

Well fed and well bred

The other fathered two daughters

This one gave me his first-born

His precious pearl to call my bride

Both immigrants

Self-made men, strong, sometimes silent

Sacrificial, almost to a fault

In the land of Buddhas and Confucius

They learned to honor ancestors and avoid shame

They learned the importance of family and saving face

They learned to leave home

In the land of Hippies and Capitalism

They learned to speak

They learned to save

They learned to earn

…and they learned to love

Such love is ours, my bride’s and mine

But they were not our chosen tour guides

On this narrow road we’ve sojourned

To the Cross

Yet sovereign grace and divine mercy

Have taken hold of the steering wheel

Now we are the arrows for them

And a little child shall lead them

And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children

And the hearts of the children to their fathers…or else…

Was this dream of theirs for me - for us -

A curse? The deceiver’s kiss?

False skin and hair? A meal we did not prepare? Leading no where?

Or is this lot that I’ve been given - that we’ve been given - a blessing in disguise?

The angel’s touch? A broken hip?

An altered name?

An altar for God’s fame?

So often it’s been sung

About the faith of our fathers

Where is that faith found?

In our accomplishments and glory?

Achieved by merit and prosperity?

Or is the faith of our fathers

Still unraveling in the story

Penned by the Father and Author

The Perfector of faith

Who erases our former names

Even our own fathers’ names

From history’s log

And scrawls our new names into the Lamb’s book of life

....and finally, from Woody Pak (composer of "Making Tracks") is his newest original score for Planet B-Boy, a newly released documentary about the breakdancing phenomenon around the world. I wish I had good knees and enough coolness to dance with this kind of abandon and undignified-ness!

IT IS FINISHED...

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:26:14 GMT

Hi Friends,

After all those months of waiting, the show finally aired and I can say with relief, IT IS FINISHED!

Thanks for tuning in last night. In case you didn't catch it, well, you can read a play-by-play by some unofficial ReCappers who must watch every single episode of Wheel of Fortune. They even rated our show on a scale of 1-10. Way too much time on their hands, but kinda funny.

Anywho, I've been reflecting on these verses and just know that they have implications for all of us this Wednesday, whatever our lot in life right now.

7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:

8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
       and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
       Or I may become poor and steal,
       and so dishonor the name of my God.

~ Proverbs 30:7-9

...And while the show is now finished, the real FINISHER (the Author and Perfector) of our faith is the One who we truly celebrate as He reminds us from the cross that IT IS FINISHED! He has won!

Blessed to be a blessing,
Pira

Wheel of Fortune Website posted this today...Watch 2Morrow!

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:10:57 GMT

They just posted this today on the Wheel of Fortune website.

<http://www.wheeloffortune.com/contestantsandtickets/contestantdiaries/?PHPSESSID=0977ea8a0158e11577c12177a9bcbc6d>

Pira T

Theme Week:: San Francisco, CA
Contestant:: Pira T
Hometown:: QVC Shopping Spree !
Week of:: March 17, 2008

Can You Spell B-L-E-S-S-I-N-G-S?

It was a dark and stormy night. Really it was. My wife and I had to fly into Los Angeles from San Francisco the night before our show; later, we found out that the Grapevine along Interstate 5 had been shut down, so it was a blessing that we had booked a flight to LA instead of doing the long, dangerous drive in the rain. Just imagine if we had missed our chanceâ€¦this chance of a lifetime!

Our journey to Wheel of Fortune started 8 months before when... (for the full write-up, click on the link)

<http://www.wheeloffortune.com/contestantsandtickets/contestantdiaries/?PHPSESSID=0977ea8a0158e11577c12177a9bcbc6d >

ONE WEEK AWAY - WHEEL OF FORTUNE - Tuesday 3/18/08 (Who's the Yellow Contestant?)

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:04:11 GMT

From an email I blasted to as many people as I could today:

Hi friends, and Happy Tuesday to ya!

Mark your palm pilots, blackberries, and complimentary Year of the Rat Chinese Market Calendars for next Tuesday March 18, 2008 @ 7:30pm.

Pat & Vanna White will challenge my spelling abilities on ABC7 (in the SF Bay Area) and on your local Wheel of Fortune Stations http://www.wheeloffortune.com/showguide/showtimes/

Will Pira win? Or will he fall on the floor like on The Price is Right 8 years ago? Tune in and find out…and try guessing the puzzles before we solve ‘em! And just for kicks, try and guess how many HIGH FIVES go around the contestants!

And if anyone is able to record it on TIVO or DVR, I would love to have a copy (I’m still behind in the VHS world). Please let me know if you can.

PLUS, if you want to catch a close-up of Venus in the audience just before the commercial breaks, tune in on Monday March 17, 2008 (this was the show that taped before mine; and she gets a pretty good close up there, too – can someone help me record the Monday show, too? I’ll be in Hebrew class that night).

Anywho, please tune in next Monday and Tuesday on ABC7 @ 7:30p for an exciting night of Consonants and Vowels and Big Money Spinning round and round!

Blessed beyond belief,

+ Pira, “the Yellow Contestant”

…oh yeah, and they might even be airing a promo-spot during the daytime programming before the show airs, perhaps even around Oprah or the news. They haven’t told me. But I’ll ramble something about “HI, I’M PIRA FROM SAN FRANCISCO! WATCH ME PLAY WHEEL OF FORTUNE ON ABC7” and give a cheesy smile!

++++ Yesterday I submitted a CONTESTANT DIARY to the Wheel of Fortune folks. Not sure if and when it will be posted, but I'll be putting it up on this xanga/myspace/facebook after the show airs, either way.

Food for thought, after eating a "fortune" cookie today at work that said "Be prepared to modify your plans," I got to thinking about the meaning of the word "fortune." Sometimes people will define "fortune" as "luck" or even as a "ton of cash." Then there's the words "fortunate" and "unfortunate" --- like Ursula from the Little Mermaid sang "Poor Unfortunate Souls"

But as Christians, we don't believe in "luck" any more than we would believe in "coincidences." God-incidents is more like it! What are your thoughts about the meaning of "fortune"?