A journey in ink

Every life is a story written in indelible ink

Author: JIIN

  • Internet, AI, and music ..threat to Christianity?

    I recently stumbled on an interesting video — “He Asked ChatGPT One Question and It Gets Disturbingly Prophetic” by Dennis Gorcea.

    In it, he shares insight about how the development of the internet and AI can be a threat to Christianity.

    As technology advances, people will depend more on it and less on God.

    People will become more isolated, just as social media has already made us.

    This was a wake-up call for me. I had been enjoying the convenience and chose to blind myself to the consequences.

    Take a look at modern music, aka secular music. I used to think of it as just a fun, creative way to express one’s identity. Never did I imagine that music could become a channel for demonic influence. I really didn’t.

    Which was quite foolish of me, if you think about it.

    I sing and listen to Hillsongs every day, hoping that my Lord will hear my worship. And yet, how did it never cross my mind that other songs – songs that glorify everything Jesus died for: hate, jealousy, and curses can be just as spiritually impactful as Hillsong’s songs are?

    I haven’t enjoyed secular music recently, not because I already knew these truths, but because I simply found more fulfillment in worship music. Now I understand why. My spirit was warning me to stay away from doors that demons can open.

    As it is written in the Bible, Satan comes to deceive, kill, and destroy.

    But many of my pastors have told us that God can bring good even out of bad things. We can now listen to Hillsong, access sermons from all over the world, and connect with believers globally. Just as Satan is finding new ways to reach us, so is God.

    And through His mercy and love, Jesus’s love will always prevail.

    With the love of Jesus Christ, I pray for all Christians out there who are being fooled or deceived, even right now. And I humbly ask Jesus to open my eyes to the things I still do not recognize.

  • Alternative job

    Had I not pursued my current career, I would have chosen to become an architect. I have always loved admiring magnificent historical structures such as the Sagrada Família in Spain and the Louvre in Paris. I find the exterior of the Louvre even more captivating than the art within its walls.

    To me, architecture represents the perfect blend of creativity and purpose. It would be an incredible honor to create something that serves and inspires people for centuries. If I were fortunate, I might even design a landmark that becomes part of a city’s identity, leaving behind a legacy that endures for generations.

    In short, it would not only be personally fulfilling but also a meaningful way to preserve and enrich my community.

  • Travel to the moon

    Travel to the moon

    I would pay about the same as the current highest airplane ticket to go to the moon.
    Landing my foot on the moon would surely be a once-in-a-lifetime memory, but I can create equally if not more meaningful memories anywhere on Earth with the right person. So the joy that time on the moon could bring would not exceed the happiness I can find here on Earth.
    Therefore, in terms of worth, defined as the amount I’m willing to spend, I would pay roughly the same as a round-trip flight from Asia to Europe or America.

  • Highest goal in life

    Highest goal in life

    Dream high or go home – I always thought that having the highest goal I could achieve should be a professional one, something that could be evaluated by social and financial values.

    But as I grew older – although it may be a little hasty to judge the meaning of life at this age – I’ve realized that it’s the ordinary things that are actually hard to achieve.

    For me, finding the right person to build a family with seems like the most unattainable goal, especially in this digital era where everything is so easily replaced.

    On top of that, living an “average” life is not so average anymore, especially when the idea of “average happiness” is so exaggerated nowadays.

    It is only through faith -holding on to the belief that a promise is coming, though I don’t know when or how – that I keep myself alive.

  • Computer is my life

    Daily writing prompt
    Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
    View all responses

    I can’t imagine life without a computer. I even carry my laptop on vacations, like I’m doing right now.

    I need to write my thoughts to organize them properly and to see more clearly where I’m heading.

    P.S. October in Vietnam is humid and rainy, but still amazing for walking.

  • Digital detox, but through digital

    Daily writing prompt
    Which topics would you like to be more informed about?
    View all responses

    I’m especially interested in digital mental health, particularly how digital technologies affect our well-being. Many people today feel stressed from the digital world yet find healing in the real world; through food, nature, and simple human experiences.

    It would be wonderful if our phones and laptops weren’t only stress inducers but also tools for healing. Blogging is a good example of this possibility. Instead of passively consuming endless content, we become active participants and creators. We own our space, shape our thoughts, and in the process, activate new “thinking muscles.” This active engagement doesn’t just use energy, it creates it.

  • Endless search

    This Sunday evening, I find myself once again in a cafe, chasing after my dreams. I spent the day writing essays and reflecting on the past five years of my life.

    A friend once asked me how I manage to live without a single day entirely to myself. At times, it does feel as though even twenty four hours are not enough to pursue everything I aspire to accomplish. Yet anyone who has lived through such a season of relentless focus might understand. There is a certain rhythm to being immersed in meaningful work.

    In college, I was surrounded by peers who shared that same rhythm, and being fully engaged required no explanation. After graduation, however, I often met people from different paths who questioned the pace of my life. At times, I caught myself justifying my dedication, though I know there is no need to feel guilty for giving my best.

    Perhaps this post reads like a vent, but in truth, it is not written to build walls. This space has always been about connection. Maybe what I am really seeking is to reconnect with those who understand this pursuit, the people who know what it means to pour themselves wholly into a dream.

    Recently, I was able to reconnect with a long lost college friend who is also chasing a similar path. I was so grateful to find someone in the same boat. We instantly understood each other without needing many words, and we were both willing to help and encourage one another. Isn’t it interesting how finding kindred spirits can make life feel so much lighter, even in the most daunting seasons?

  • Suburban life

    My ideal house would look something like this. I have always fancied American suburban life, and these images come closest to what I imagine.

    It does not need to be massive or filled with luxuries like a pool or a big beautiful garden. What matters most is being part of a community where our kids can grow up surrounded by friends, building childhood memories that last a lifetime.

    I would also appreciate having a nice park nearby, since I love jogging and dream of having pets one day. The house itself would be simple yet alive, with plants filling the interior and bringing warmth into our everyday life.

  • Joy I never dreamed of

    Joy I never dreamed of

    What brings me to tears of joy is the kind of surprise I never imagined, a gift wrapped in the form of unexpected good news.

    In Pirates of the Caribbean, there’s a scene where pirates long to capture a mermaid’s tear. She resists with fear and sadness, but when true joy overcomes her, the tear still falls. That image stays with me, because some joys are too powerful to hold back.

    I felt that recently after one of the biggest challenges of my life: a massive exam. The path was long and lonely, filled with uncertainty. I worked hard to prepare, but never expected the score I received. Even now, I keep checking the results page to believe it’s real. A score is just a number, yet this one feels like an answered prayer.

    Life often surprises us this way. Sometimes we assume the worst about people, only to later discover they cared in ways we didn’t recognize. Not every surprise is good, but some moments feel like pure gifts, blessings that effort alone cannot explain.

    In those moments, I feel closest to my creator, and tears of joy come naturally. My hope is to hold on to that gratitude, even when life pulls me back into chaos.

    And to you reading this, I hope you too experience such genuine joy, the moment so real it moves you to tears.

  • My all time favorite Korean meals

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s your favorite recipe?
    View all responses

    Korean food has taken the world by storm, thanks to K-dramas and K-pop.

    I introduce to you my all-time favorite Korean meals.

    1. 떡볶이(Teokbokki)

    If you’re a K-drama fan, chances are you’ve seen the classic scene: high school girls running to a teokbokki shop after school. But don’t be fooled, this spicy rice cake dish is loved by every generation in Korea.

    Teokbokki comes in many forms; original, rose, mala, cheese, and more. While the classic spicy version is unbeatable, my personal favorite is rose teokbokki, which blends tomato and cream with just a hint of spice. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly addictive.

    No teokbokki experience is complete without sides.

    Popular add-ons include: Kimbap (mini rice rolls), Fries, Sundae (Korean blood sausage), Boiled egg (찜) for extra protein

    My personal go-to brand is 청년다방 (Cheongnyeon Dabang); their rose teokbokki is always a winner.

    2. 낙곱새(Nak gop sae)

    This fiery hotpot combines octopus, beef tripe, and shrimp. 

    A spicy, flavorful stew that pairs perfectly with rice. It’s hearty, satisfying, and exactly what you crave on after a demanding stressful day.

    3. 삼겹살(Samgyeopsal)/ K- Barbecue

    No Korean food list is complete without samgyeopsal, thick slices of pork belly grilled right at your table. The fun part is making your own wraps with lettuce, garlic, kimchi, and ssamjang (spicy paste).

    Now, if you thought of soju while reading this, you’re officially a real Korean.

    4. 닭갈비(Dak Galbi)

    If samgyeopsal is the king of pork, then dak galbi is the ultimate chicken dish. Originating from Chuncheon, this stir-fried specialty is made with marinated chicken, rice cakes, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and gochujang (red chili paste), all sizzling together on a big round pan in the middle of the table.

    It’s spicy, saucy, and absolutely addictive. The best part? When you’re almost done, you add rice to the leftover sauce on the pan and stir-fry it into golden, crispy fried rice. Trust me you do not want to miss this finale.

    5. 냉면 (Naengmyeon)

    After all the barbecue and spicy stews, nothing hits the spot quite like a cold bowl of naengmyeon. This dish features chewy buckwheat noodles served in an icy broth (mul-naengmyeon) or mixed with a spicy sauce (bibim-naengmyeon).

    It’s tangy, refreshing, and often topped with slices of beef, cucumber, pickled radish, and a hard-boiled egg.

    Obviously, there are countless more dishes to explore in Korea. But these are my personal favorites.

    If you’re new to Korean food, I’d say start with teokbokki. It’s simple, iconic, and gives you a real taste of Korean culture. From there, you can develop your own K-food adventure.