out of the darkness...

jail time used well

2012-01-16T20:12:00.001-05:00

took some time to learn about an important slice of American history today and really enjoyed listening to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (April 16th 1963).

brilliant use of rhetoric, painting an all-too-colourful picture of the plight of African-Americans less than 50 years ago. we humans have evil rooted so deeply in us. although he only used Jesus and other biblical/theological/intellectual references here as weapons fighting against racial segregation, i'm thankful that God used this man's life to accomplish great good and correct ugly injustices.

44:37 onwards marks a timeless call to every church - stand up and FIGHT for true freedom!

"More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God..."

[full text available here]

yet another reason this gospel of grace is so beautiful

2011-11-26T13:46:00.004-05:00

"Some of us–whether we have experienced real unfairness or not–look at all of life through this lens of fairness. We are always assessing what we really deserve. We are always aware of other people’s successes or failures. We are always cognizant of whether we get recognized or ignored. We see the whole world and experience all of life through this lens of fairness—always sizing up, always calculating, always feeling like we are owed something by our friends, by our family, and by God.

But there’s another way to look at the world, another way to experience life, and that’s through the lens of grace. With these glasses on you’ll reckon that most days are a whole lot better than you deserve. And on the really hard days, you’ll fight to believe that God is working even this for good. With the glasses of grace, you’ll smile when other people succeed. Instead of experiencing life as a series of disappointments and occasions where you were not given the treatment you deserve, you’ll experience life as a gift. You’ll see grace all around you. You’ll celebrate the grace you see in someone else or given to someone else. It’s a profoundly different way of viewing the world.

When you look at life with nothing but fairness goggles, you will constantly feel like you’ve been put in last place when you deserved to be first. But when life is seen through the glasses of grace, you’ll learn the joy of feeling like you’ve been put first even when you know you are last."

- Kevin DeYoung, Nov.25, 2011

grandeur

2011-07-11T17:13:00.003-04:00

Have you climbed to the top and looked over the ridge of your knowledge at the endless mountain ranges of God? Breathtaking.

- John Piper
(July 1, 2011 - even his tweets are thought-provoking!)

love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, strength

2011-05-30T00:36:00.003-04:00

so simple! but, because we love sin, so complex.
so impossible! but, because God loves us, so possible.

"Love the oppressed and marginalized neighbor … but on the foundation of robust, theological thinking. Love God with all the mind … but turn the pages of books with hands calloused from serving our neighbors."

(from article: Is Christianity Anti-Intellectual?)

the truth & the lie

2011-03-14T10:33:00.003-04:00

They said: "We are God's children; the proof is that we were born into God-fearing families. Who are you to tell us otherwise??"

Jesus replied: "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God."

******
Jesus said: "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind."

They said: "Are we also blind?"

Jesus replied: "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains."

-- from John chapters 8 & 9

what do you fight for?

2011-03-09T22:30:00.009-05:00

i was never that into video games, but i do remember spending mindless hours playing skifree in junior high. that is a thousand times sorrier than most games which actually involve strategy and more intensive finger movements! also dozens of hours a week sinking into fantasy books with castles & kingdoms & battles ...

so many of us are captured by these subversive forms of "entertainment" and don't even know we are turning into dull blobs, until reality slaps us unexpectedly or someone comes right out and SAYS it.

it is not that all (or specific) forms of leisure are not to be enjoyed. but we are so often lulled into believing there is no real war going on, and therefore we lavish our energies on satisfying ourselves ... or fighting for things that will satisfy ourselves... and that is all.

oh, i have been there and how i need this wake-up call, even now...

You fight differently
when you fight for the ones you love,
a Kingdom,
and a King.

repentence = turnaround

2011-02-25T17:40:00.006-05:00

we are not only rescued from a journey that ends in everlasting death,
but also set on a journey that ends in everlasting LIFE!

united with CHRIST

2011-02-14T16:41:00.004-05:00

To be Christian is to live one's life not merely in obedience to God, nor merely in dependence on God, nor even merely for the sake of God; it is to stand in conscious, reciprocal fellowship with God, to be identified with Him in thought and purpose and work, to receive from Him and give back to Him in the ceaseless interplay of spiritual forces...

-- Geerhardus Vos

tapestry

2011-02-06T00:07:00.004-05:00

almost 2 whole years ago, i was sitting in a Taiwanese cafe (donutes!) listening to this incredible song for the first time. it floored me - the lyrics, the music, the violins, the instrumentation, the violins, the video, and THE VIOLINS!!! i've never heard of a Christian rock group that incorporates violin duels into their pieces. i read that they were from philadelphia, and remember thinking, "well that's nice, but ha - not like i'll ever go there!"

fastforward
2 years... i heard about this concert just a few hours before it happened, because a brother from my church here was guest-performing with them. God gave me the opportunity to chat with Noele, the keyboardist/vocalist/violinist, afterwards...and we were both just so in awe that such things happen. that God would bring "sunlight" to Taiwan through their music. that the same God would lead me here, and bring us together even just briefly, so we can share about & delight in His awesomeness.

memory captured.

what a God we serve. makes me all the more eager for heaven, when these crazy connections & conversations are just going to abound...and we'll see really clearly just how much His hand surrounds every bit of our lives.

survival recipe #3: Denise's quick shepherd's pie

2011-01-23T20:33:00.004-05:00

this contribution must've come out of memories from the times we made shepherd's pies together in kingston. :) this recipe is indeed a much quicker version of the ones we baked... perhaps because it calls for instant potatoes instead of mashing a whole bunch of them ourselves...hehe~

It is hard to believe that you are leaving in such a few short weeks, and will be gone for two whole years! But if we were apart for five years in university, I think we can handle another two years as work life begins.

How about another additional three?? :( but i am so so thankful that this is one of those friendships that just refuses to fade no matter the distance or time apart. thankful for how God has grown us during our times apart and thankful for how we get to catch up about that every time we can meet together again, no matter how briefly. precious moments! (to go along with the theme of the stationery you used...which apparently i gave you, but i have no recollection of it. ^^")

survival recipe #2: Stephie's triple-corn spoon bread

2011-01-22T17:47:00.006-05:00

now THIS had a real american flavour to it. i hadn't even heard of corn bread until thanksgiving here! now i learn that it exists with triple the corniness! :D

it is yummy. was it supposed to rise more, though, like a loaf? it seemed a little squashed.

here are some great words from steph's page.

In this day and age when it's so easy for generations to become disconnected, times when we can come together to share knowledge and moments are so precious. This recipe, one that I made with my aunt when I was in Seattle, embodies this intergenerational sharing for me. There's just something so nostalgic yet timeless about learning skills (especially home-making skills) from older women that I just love and treasure! I hope that you'll enjoy the bread as much as I do (I hope you like corn...it's not one of those foods that you have a strange aversion to, is it?).....and that finding the ingredients in Taiwan will be easier than finding cheese in China.

no worries, i love corn! and alas, i could not find cans of no-salt-added, whole-kernel corn/no-salt-added, cream-style corn, and corn muffin mix in Taiwan. here, however, no problemo. :)

trials

2011-01-18T21:51:00.005-05:00

learning much about them right now
summarized in this beautifully simple poem from the heart of a younger sister who loves God
and is in His presence today

There's substance that's casting these shadows
There's reason behind all this pain
All gold is made pure by refining
And plants cannot grow without rain

He's promised to hold you and keep you
He's told you that he's always there
His Word says He'll never forsake you
Or test you past what you can bear

So trust in Him all through this darkness
Hold fast to the truth of His Word
Be certain of His gracious promise
And rest in Christ Jesus our Lord

For one day all pain shall be broken
Renewed shall be joy that was lost
All death, pain and fear have been conquered
Because of His death on the cross

~Amy Calderone, 19 years old

survival recipe #1: the Yips' tasty shrimp fried rice

2011-01-15T23:12:00.002-05:00

tonight just felt like a fried rice night.
so, with the help of this lovely page, it became one! :D

An excerpt from their insightful "tips" section --

"Carry around an extra drink or snack just in case you get hungry." - R
that is definitely a good idea, but i discovered that in Taiwan, drinks and snacks actually await you on every corner of every road :P

"Always be polite. Always trust in God." - E
haha - great reminders. i tried both to the best of my ability!

"When you're down remember all the trials you have been through and that God is with you." - M
amen!

"Use my HSBC if you need some money." - A & A
does that offer still stand today? :D

survival recipes & thrival notes

2011-01-09T21:34:00.008-05:00

when i left for Taiwan 2.5 years ago, some dear friends put together a scrapbook for me to take along the journey. every page overflowed with art (well... the girls' mostly ^^) and thought (all!), with one special recipe and one note of encouragement filling up every blank square. in the end, it was compiled by my mom and packed into my suitcase the night before i flew out!

i read all the notes on the flight, of course. and cried. and those words have been really helpful to look back on throughout the two years i was there, especially when the going got rough, which was often. even now, though i am in a different place altogether, those messages are a blessing. they encourage me to no end. i am taught not just how to survive, but to thrive.

and i must also admit that i used almost none of those recipes the whole time i was in Taiwan.* :P the 3 main reasons being --

no oven available (all those delicious baking recipes... goodbye)
couldn't find the right ingredients (due to everything being labeled in chinese - why would they do that?! - or unavailability/outrageous pricing of products like cottage cheese, sour cream, icing sugar, creamed corn, etc.)
take-out was too delicious/cheap/convenient/fast to pass up. on almost every single meal. :D

in my present circumstances, however.... all 3 of those reasons have melted away faster than provolone on a hot cheesesteak.

so i will show my deep appreciation for all the hard work that went into putting this gift together by actually USING all the recipes!!!
(shocking, i know)

and, naturally, i will consume them too. shared with friends when possible. ;) they will help me survive quite well this coming semester. and, depending on how well i execute the recipes and how nutritious they are, i might thrive on them too.

the most powerful way God has used this gift so far, though, was definitely on a warm summer's evening this past June, a few weeks before i left Taiwan. i had invited a friend over; she was from China as an exchange student and had been regularly attending our English Bible studies but was not a believer.

upon entering my room, she spied the large scrapbook on my bookshelf and asked to see it. so i went through it with her and showed her all the different pages with your designs and notes and recipes on them. i explained that it was not an expensive item, but one of great value because it was given to me out of love from my church family, whom i in turn loved very much.

as she continued flipping through the pages, her eyes filled with tears. after a few more flips, she put the book down and wept openly, telling me that she wished she had people in her life who showed her the same kind of love, and whom she loved like that in return. she explained that she was a very cold and unloving person before coming to Taiwan for the exchange, and that she had hurt many people with her past actions. during her six months in Taiwan, she felt that God had given her a second chance to learn about love - how to love others and to be loved. at our Tuesday night Bible study gatherings, she explained, she started experiencing a rich kind of love beyond anything she had known before. she always looked forward to coming out, not just for the fun and learning, but especially for the fellowship.

sadly, she told me, since her time in Taiwan was over and she had to return home in two days, she was deeply afraid of losing what she'd found during her six months with us. in her hometown, she didn't know of any church or Christian gathering where she could find family and fellowship. that night, we prayed together for God to continue guiding her even in a different land and to provide for her emotional/spiritual nourishment in the days and months to come. when i asked her directly, though, she said that she did not want to become a Christian yet. we parted with still-heavy hearts, but hopeful spirits.

it has been 7 months now. i have emailed her to ask about finding a church, but she hasn't replied directly about that, and seems to be pouring her life into school. it is somewhat disappointing to see that whatever was sparked in Taiwan has seemingly not been sustained. but God is not done with her; of that, i am deeply certain. seeds have been planted. join me in praying that they will be watered, and that in time, God will give the growth. pray that the dry well of spirituality in China will drive many billions more onto their knees in worship & gratefulness before our holy, loving God.

so thank you again for your scrapbook contributions. they have reached farther than i bet you ever imagined. :)

_______________

*the two exceptions were Josh & Shelly's recipe, and Karen's. more details to come!

2011

2011-01-06T22:59:00.008-05:00

our God always maintains a big-picture view, yet he cares deeply for the tiniest details in the picture.

(how is this possible? i have asked & been asked. what is man that you are mindful of him?)
(i don't know. He is God!)

these last few years, i have been made increasingly aware of the world as a whole... not just my own little circles in my own little corner of the earth. so it took a few decades, but by His grace, i am finally starting to see beyond myself. looking at the big picture reminds me that i am certainly not at the center of everything (and neither is my country!). both will pass away, along with the rest of this earth...

now, to work on the second half -- truly caring for the individuals that make up this big world.
that lesson may take me many more decades.

Lord, do not let me live my life centered on the wrong things!

**********
a great little video:

and a great long post:

The Year Ahead: 2011

Posted on December 31, 2010 by dwsweeting

We are at the threshold of a new year. What does it hold? How do you view it—with fear or with confidence? At the end of each year I like to peek ahead based on accelerating trends in our world, and based on planned events or anniversaries coming our way. This is by no means comprehensive, but it is suggestive and may help you think wisely about the coming year.

World population approaches 7 billion Toward the end of the year we officially hit the 7b mark and there will be growing worry about an increasingly crowded planet with more demands on resources.

Globalization The pace of globalization continues as evidenced by an ever more complex interconnectedness among the nations. Some say we are in a transition from the economic phase of globalization to the political phase where blocks and regions are working together more. For Christians, we have entered what I call “the partnership century” of missions where a new world missionary force and global ministry teams will increasingly work together.

Urbanization In 2010 our world became officially more urban than rural. Just over half of the world now lives in cities. This trend will continue with the growth of mega cities and an expected 70% of the world being urban in 2050. Urban ministry is more important than ever.

A wave of belt tightening and rethinking government A host of economies are adopting “austerity” as their watchword in the wake of “the Great Recession.” Nations and states face deep economic woes forcing new cutbacks. 2011 will be the year when spending cuts begin to hurt. Governments must get smaller and work better. The scope of the bloated welfare state in the West will begin to shrink. States cannot borrow as they have. These changes will not come without battles, changes and challenges to economic recovery.

Economic recovery in the US falls short of expectations Unemployment, home foreclosures, long term uncertainty, lead many to predict a less than robust economy in 2011 with growth falling short of 2010 levels. Churches and ministries will feel the effect of this.

Economic development spreads Beyond the emerging markets of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), economists are now talking about emerging markets in….. Africa!

China’s influence continues to grow In 2011 it overtakes the US as the biggest manufacturing nation, and the second largest national source of scientific papers in the world. This year China will launch the first part of their own space station. They are planning moon missions by the end of the decade. Also, for the first time a Chinese city (Shanghai) ranked number 1 in the world’s most recognized standardized test for 15 year old students (the 65 country Pisa Test run by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). (In reading comprehension the US ranked 17^th, and in math 31^st)

The electrification of transport Trying to become free from petroleum and to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, China and Israel have taken the lead as nations to accelerate the move to powering cars without oil.

Facebook and social media go global In less than seven years, one tenth of humanity is now wired into a single network called Facebook. It is a new connective tissue for a massive number of people and will reach the billion mark sometime in 2012.

So much for traditional authority What do Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Apple founder Steve Jobs and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange have in common? Recent articles on all three all highlight that they are incredible innovators, but none of them have a whole lot of veneration for traditional authority, of any kind. Evidence that the West is still in a heightened phase of anti-authoritarianism?

Christianophobia in Europe This is how the growing hostility and prejudice against Christianity in Western Europe is being described. This trend is starting to be seen in the US. More evidence?

Persecution of Christians around the world The top ten persecuting nations (in no particular order) are Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, India, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, China, Vietnam, Eritrea.

US Election 2012 is underway While political gridlock will most likely characterize the relationship between the White House and Congress, the campaign season has unofficially begun.

Electronic reading grows in popularity Some say there will be a growing move away from the written word in companies (fewer emails, more youtube messages). If 2010 was the year of the e-reader and tablet computer, 2011 will see the transformation of the content of books.

The withering of discipleship in the American church Many note that whole life discipleship appears to be in decline. Barna reported in his year-end report that the Christian church in America is becoming less theologically literate, more ingrown, less outreach-oriented, and more pragmatic. While he noted that Christians are more interested in participating in community social action, he also said that the “postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian church.”

Wildcards and questions of 2011 The world is still filled with trouble spots. North Korea remains unpredictable. The move to further spread nuclear weapons is growing in the Middle East. Venezuela appears bent on regional domination. Sudan may be split in two. A covert war is being waged between Iran and the United States and Israel. Islamofascist terror remains a constant threat. Cyber terrorism, micro terrorism, biological or electronic pandemics are worries the experts talk about. Meanwhile….all creation groans and the gospel remains the best news ever.

Many other questions remain What will unemployment be? What will the economy do? Will Obama keep moving to the middle or veer back? Who will be the Republican front runner? Who will win the World Series (okay….I am a baseball fan, so this matters)? Will we be alive next December 31^st? Will Christ return in 2011?

Anniversaries and special events this year Wikipedia celebrates its 10^th anniversary in January, Twitter is five years old in March, and there is a royal wedding in April. May 2 marks the 400^th anniversary of the King James Bible. June marks the 100^th birthday of IBM and people will be talking about resilient, agile companies that reinvent themselves. July is when Obama said America would start bringing home troops from Afghanistan. September 9 marks the last Oprah show, while two days later mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11. In November the world’s population is supposed to officially hit the seven billion mark, and that is also when the largest statue of Jesus in the world is supposed to be completed in Poland—a statue of the crowned Christ.

What else the year holds, I do not know. What does it hold for you? The truth is, we really can only guess at all these things. For we do not know what the new year holds, but we do know who holds the new year. And perhaps that is why ending with a note about the crowned Christ is appropriate. For whatever else might change, the Scriptures give us ample grounds for moving into this new year with confidence. Hebrews 13 puts it this way:
God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

Then it adds that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

the One who came & is coming again

2010-12-12T21:07:00.015-05:00

it is early evening and i am sitting at my desk listening to the church bells down the road ringing out "o holy night"... and as it echoes through the streets, i am reminded what a blessing it is to live in a place where this significant piece of history is more well known than it is in many other places around the world. and oh, how much more i prefer these sounds to the dissonance of clanging temple gongs at 4am in dashe. that is about the one thing i really do not miss :)
may the truth ring out loud & clear over there too, one day...

***

here is a passage to dwell on. try reading it aloud. pretty awesome.

"...And even any good that could be thought or desired is found in this Jesus Christ alone.

For He humbled Himself to exalt us; He made Himself a slave to set us free; He became poor to enrich us; He was sold to redeem us, captive to deliver us, condemned to absolve us; He was made malediction for our benediction, oblation of sins for our justice; He was disfigured to re-figure us; He died for our life, in such manner that by Him harshness is softened, wrath appeased, darkness enlightened, iniquity justified, weakness is made strength, affliction is consoled, sin is impeached, despite is despised, dread is emboldened, debt is acquitted, labor is lightened, sorrow turned into joy, misfortune into fortune, difficulty is made easy, disorder made ordered, division united, ignominy is ennobled, rebellion subjected, threat is threatened, ambushes are driven out, assaults assailed, striving is overpowered, combat is combated, war is warred, vengeance is avenged, torment tormented, damnation damned, abyss is thrown into the abyss, hell is helled, death is dead, mortality immortality.

In short, mercy has swallowed up all misery, and goodness all wretchedness."

-- John Calvin, preface to the Geneva Bible, 1550

This is the One we have waited for!

incredible

2010-11-21T23:47:00.006-05:00

"Tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims pray inside the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010." (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) -- see more pictures here

such devotion ... beautiful, in a terribly sad way.

some of my classmates, including one older man from Jordan and one younger girl who spent the last 2 years in Iraq, have a HUGE heart for seeing Muslims reached with the gospel. i love hearing their perspectives and comments on all sorts of discussions we have. i definitely need to learn from them, and increase my awareness & compassion for this lost group too...

if only Handel were still around

2010-11-18T00:10:00.002-05:00

...i wonder what he would've thought of this?

i bet he would've liked to be there to experience it LIVE. :D
yeah, me too!!!
i love that such a thing can happen in such a place.
it'll definitely be even better in the future, though!

a beautiful map of a brilliant world

2010-11-01T16:07:00.009-04:00

a friend reminded me today about what a privilege i have to be studying this map "full-time" right now. it's getting challenging (-- it is a very huge and detailed map!). on the one hand, that can be frustrating, but on the other, that can lead to worship, because our God is infinitely great and incomprehensible! and He even lets His creatures know Him...perhaps not thoroughly, but definitely sufficiently. who am i, who are we, that He should do such a thing?
right now, i am constantly needing & asking God to bring me to the latter [worship] instead of the former [complaint].

(thanks jonlam for typing out everything below ^^)

p.s. if you are looking for an introduction to the study of this map, i think Dug Down Deep is a great place to start, and Doctrine is a great way to continue.

Mere Christianity (Book 4, Chapter 1) -- by C.S. Lewis

Everyone has warned me not to tell you what I am going to tell you in this last book. They all say "the ordinary reader does not want Theology; give him plain practical religion." I have rejected their advice. I do not think the ordinary reader is such a fool. Theology means "the science of God," and I think any man who wants to think about God at all would like to have the clearest and most accurate ideas about Him which are available. You are not children: why should you be treated like children?

In a way I quite understand why some people are put off by Theology. I remember once when I had been giving a talk to the R.A.F., an old, hard-bitten officer got up and said, "I've no use for all that stuff. But, mind you, I'm a religious man too. I know there's a God. I've felt Him: out alone in the desert at night: the tremendous mystery. And that's just why I don't believe all your neat little dogmas and formulas about Him. To anyone who's met the real thing they all seem so petty and pedantic and unreal!"

Now in a sense I quite agreed with that man. I think he had probably had a real experience of God in the desert. And when he turned from that experience to the Christian creeds, I think he really was turning from something real to something less real. In the same way, if a man has once looked at the Atlantic from the beach, and then goes and looks at a map of the Atlantic, he also will be turning from something real to something less real: turning from real waves to a bit of coloured paper. But here comes the point. The map is admittedly only coloured paper, but there are two things you have to remember about it. In the first place, it is based on what hundreds and thousands of people have found out by sailing the real Atlantic. In that way it has behind it masses of experience just as real as the one you could have from the beach; only, while yours would be a single isolated glimpse, the map fits all those different experiences together. In the second place, if you want to go anywhere, the map is absolutely necessary. As long as you are content with walks on the beach, your own glimpses are far more fun than looking at a map. But the map is going to be more use than walks on the beach if you want to get to America.

Now, Theology is like the map. Merely learning and thinking about the Christian doctrines, if you stop there, is less real and less exciting than the sort of thing my friend got in the desert. Doctrines are not God: they are only a kind of map. But that map is based on the experience of hundreds of people who really were in touch with God -- experiences compared with which any thrills or pious feelings you and I are likely to get on our own are very elementary and very confused. And secondly, if you want to get any further, you must use the map. You see, what happened to that man in the desert may have been real, and was certainly exciting, but nothing comes of it. It leads nowhere. There is nothing to do about it. In fact, that is just why a vague religion -- all about feeling God in nature, and so on -- is so attractive. It is all thrills and no work: like watching the waves from the beach. But you will not get to Newfoundland by studying the Atlantic that way, and you will not get eternal life by simply feeling the presence of God in flowers or music. Neither will you get anywhere by looking at maps without going to sea. Nor will you be very safe if you go to sea without a map....."

role model

2010-10-22T00:03:00.008-04:00

how much energy & time & money & emotions & etc. are wasted in striving to be like people who are not worth striving to be like?

after reading this brief biography, i am reminded of the kinds of people (especially women) that are truly worth emulating, and of what it means to live well - even if that life is a short one.

among many other things, she raised children who wrote books that God used to change lives - including mine.

inspired!

with all the reading i have to do, maybe i should invest in one of these

2010-10-04T22:23:00.002-04:00

it's nice to know there are others out there who think along these lines too. and then put their thought into action. :)

holy, holy, holy

2010-08-19T15:23:00.008-04:00

A few days ago, I came across this quotation from a book by R.C. Sproul ("The Holiness of God") --

Only once in sacred Scripture is an attribute of God elevated to the third degree. Only once is a characteristic of God mentioned three times in succession. The Bible says that God is holy, holy, holy. Not that He is merely holy, or even holy, holy. He is holy, holy, holy. The Bible never says that God is love, love, love; or mercy, mercy, mercy; or wrath, wrath, wrath; or justice, justice, justice. It does say that he is holy, holy, holy, and that the whole earth is full of His glory.

And then in the car the other day, a song came on over the radio which I haven't heard for many, many years ... but listening now, I have a whole new appreciation for the lyrics. Here's how the songwriters describe it:

This song captures the moment of looking up into Heaven, peeling back the curtain of eternity so we can peek in. If you keep your eyes on the Dow Jones or nuclear weapons in North Korea, you’ll always be nervous. Look to the awesomeness of God instead.

(Phillips, Craig & Dean @ http://www.myspace.com/phillipscraiganddean)

I always gain a better perspective on things when I really take time to think about the holiness of God. It enlarges Him to a being who is actually worthy of ALL our worship, ALL our lives, ALL our hearts. I used to imagine that saying "holy, holy, holy" in heaven all the time would be boring. But, in my saner moments, I know now that there's nothing I'd look forward to more.

What is the right response to this awesomeness, even in our lives here and now?

The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.
- Isaiah (Isaiah 8:13)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
- Solomon (Proverbs 1:7)

Now therefore fear the LORD
and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness.
Put away the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt,
and serve the LORD.
- Joshua (Joshua 24:14)

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
- David (Psalm 29:2)

you know you're back in Canada when...

2010-08-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

first commercial sign I see in this country

you know you've been in Taiwan too long when...

2010-04-21T11:17:00.006-04:00

email from my brother (i just love my family's emails) --

Carmen, I will actually be coming to Hong Kong next month (May) so I can visit you then, and it would probably not be too practical for me to fly over to China again in July!

My immediate first response (in my head when reading, then through my fingers when replying) --

we are NOT in China!!!

O.O!! => ^___^

2010-03-11T07:18:00.013-05:00

That was my face after reading the following email from my mom:

I just finished reading C.J. Mahaney's book "The Cross Centered Life"...... and I am checking at Amazon.ca, itching to buy a few more ..... "The Cross of Christ" by John Stott, "The Discipline of Grace" by Jerry Bridges, "The Cross & Christian Ministry" by D.A. Carson.....etc. Actually for now my next one to be finished reading is "Dug Down Deep" (Josh Harris).

I LOVE that my mom is getting into the same gospel-centered, richly edifying, God-exalting literature that I discovered, by God's grace, a few years back!
I didn't even mention most of these titles to her, but they have all been on my to-read list for some time. And now I might not have to buy my own copies. :D

[EDIT: I had a paragraph here before about how God has really opened my eyes to see who He is these past few years... my thankfulness for that and my hope that many others can experience the same, by the power of the Spirit. But upon reflection and re-reading, I think that part was poorly written, with an air of arrogance that didn't match my intent but which was there anyway. So I've deleted it, and instead, you can read the words of Micah, regarding some things I still need to learn --

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Seemingly so simple, but I've a long way to go~ O God...continue to teach me!]

looking back & looking ahead

2010-02-01T09:20:00.003-05:00

A beautiful prayer I came across, summarizing the first 21 resolutions Jonathan Edward made... almost 400 years ago... when he was 19 years old!

A thousand "amens".

Lord God Almighty,
I understand that I am unable to do anything without your help,
so I ask you to enable me by your grace to fulfill your will.

Give me grace to do whatever brings most glory and honor to you,
pleasure and profit to me,
and life and love to others.

Help me to number my days,
spending my time wisely,
living my life with all my might while I still have breath.

Humble me in the knowledge that I am chief of sinners;
when I hear of the sins of others,
help me to not look upon them with pride,
but to look upon myself with shame,
confessing my own sins to you.

When I go through difficulties and trials,
remind me of the pains of hell
from which you have already delivered me.

Place people in my path who need my help,
and give me a compassionate and generous spirit.

Fill my heart with such love
that I would never do anything out of a spirit of revenge,
nor lose my temper with those around me.
Hold my tongue when I am tempted to speak evil of others.

Thank you for the gospel and for the hope of glory.
Help me to live in light of these truths every day of my life,
so that when the time of my death arrives,
I will rest assuredly in you,
and you will be most glorified in me.

In Christ’s name…

- Trevin Wax (adapted from the first 21 of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions)

words of wisdom

2009-11-14T04:02:00.005-05:00

Christians often talk about God's will like it's the rare and elusive
Blue-Tailed Eastern Moon Moth that might suddenly flit out of the forest the
moment they set their nets down, and escape them forever.

We wish God would just speak audibly to us. "Go to art school and become an
Abstract Expressionist," "Move to Mozambique," or "Marry Lou Lou." We want signs
in the sky or in the grease stain on the driveway.

But if we pray and trust him, God promises to guide us.

-- excerpt from Mark Altrogge's post: Discovering God's Deep, Dark, Mysterious Will @ The Blazing Center

These ones have also been helpful:
Overcoming the Paralysis of Indecision
What If I Don't Feel Peace?

So thankful for these reminders. I forget way too easily & start to let anxiety set in.

something I'm learning

2009-10-18T09:27:00.004-04:00

This quotation really just captures it all. I've never ever been so outwardly busy before (I always say that, yeah. This time it's TRUE! Yeah, I always say that too).
Inwardly, however, there is quietness... for which I am so grateful.
But I know there can be much more, because I am not spending at all enough time in prayer these days. Long way to go, Carmen...

"The quest for a contemplative life can actually be self-absorbed, focused on my quiet and me. If we love people and have the power to help, then we are going to be busy. Learning to pray doesn't offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart. In the midst of outer busyness we can develop an inner quiet. Because we are less hectic on the inside, we have a greater capacity to love...and thus to be busy, which in turn drives us even more into a life of prayer. By spending time with our Father in prayer, we integrate our lives with his, with what he is doing in us. Our lives become more coherent. They feel calmer, more ordered, even in the midst of confusion and pressure."
- Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life

[HT: Josh Harris]

rotf...lol [literally]

2009-09-01T09:18:00.017-04:00

Sometimes being here feels just like back at home.... like an afternoon spent decorating my [class]room with friends (thanks guys - cut down 3/4 of my prep time!!), sharing dinner with more good company at Smokey Joe's, followed by 2 rounds of bowling at an old-school alley (Glashan days...). And just like back at home, my bowling is nothing to envy, to put it mildly. This time, however, someone actually gave me a few how-to lessons. Unfortunately, I only remembered to coordinate everything well a few times and the others were all losses. Also unfortunately, this individual's style (will remain unnamed for dignity reasons), while mind-bogglingly intense, did not always have the desired effect.
Anyway, in the end the other two members of our team totally pulled through and we're expecting some free ice cream any day now!! :D

I am SO thankful for the gift of laughter. I think lots of people were staring at our gang in that crowded alley. But I hope we were communicating well what it means to live a life that permeates joy. Even when things don't always go your way... ^^"

My amazing housemate has put together this memorable video collage.

How is your life being spent?

2009-08-05T23:06:00.006-04:00

It's been one year since I read John Piper's excellent book, Don't Waste Your Life (available online for free!) and was able to share some of my thoughts on it with other brothers & sisters in Ottawa. So much has happened in one year!

And it's been a few months since I came across this video, sung by rapper Lecrae ... now I am not usually into rap, as you probably know, but that is mostly because the lyrics are often quite vulgar and/or just unintelligible. These words, though are hard to understand at times, are anything but vulgar. Some of the most God-glorifying stuff I've ever heard! And the story shown in the video is pretty crazy good as well, once you understand it (a little confusing the first time through, i thought).

enjoy & consider.

Sabbath

2009-06-13T09:51:00.012-04:00

Thank God for acknowledging, providing for, and even commanding a "day of rest" for His people.

Better yet, between the Jewish & Christian traditions, contemporary western societies (and other followers, such as Taiwan) get 2 days of rest in a row per week! But I do think you also have to factor in the amount of work in a week that people did then versus now. I'm pretty sure we need 2 days to rest properly, at the rate our society spins us. I've worked a few 6-day weeks here, and almost collapsed of exhaustion at the end of the following week.

Anyway, all this to say I am truly thankful to have weekends as a time where God re-focuses my attention on Himself and His big picture. Sometimes in the middle of a work week, it feels as though I'm in mid-jump, looking down at the jagged land below and flailing wildly. I lose track of true priorities and become increasingly self-focused and man-centered. Lots of sin to battle there. Then Saturday/Sunday comes and I land, and recover, and refuel.

This weekend (well, just today so far but tomorrow as well, I anticipate) has been just such a landing. Good times with my Father, good reads, good listens, good company, good conversations. So refreshing!

I was super-excited so many times today. For silly little reasons, a few "no way!" coincidences... all gifts from a God who delights in making His children delighted. Food and water for a weary traveler... reminders that He is sovereign, no matter our situation.

I came across an interesting chapter in Isaiah (44) this morning that I've not noticed before. The holy repugnance of man-made idols is not new to me, but this vivid description .... and wow, I have seen it lifted from the page into reality here in Taiwan, where there are many idol-making/selling shops on the streets.

Bel bows down; Nebo stoops;
their idols are on beasts and livestock;
these things you carry are borne
as burdens on weary beasts.
They stoop; they bow down together;
they cannot save the burden,
but themselves go into captivity.
...
Those who lavish gold from the purse,
and weigh out silver in the scales,
hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god;
then they fall down and worship!
They life it to their shoulders, they carry it,
they set it in its place , and it stands there;
it cannot move from its place.
If one cries to it, it does not answer
or save him from his trouble.
...
Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.

-Isaiah 46:1-2,6-7; 45:22-

To realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm

2009-05-25T06:39:00.004-04:00

Thanks to my mom and dad for sharing. They are my temporary anchors, working alongside my Permanent Anchor.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
and forsake not your mother's teaching,
for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.

language gleanings

2009-05-17T03:26:00.004-04:00

"How're you getting on?" = "How are you doing?"
"It's alright" = "You're welcome"
"It's on special" = "It's on sale"
"That was heaps of fun!" = "That was really fun!"
"The rubbish bin is over there" = "The garbage can is over there"
"I like to use the car park, not the gair-age" = "I like to use the parking lot, not the garage"
"Yesterday, I saw a beer eating a peer!" = "Yesterday, I saw a bear eating a pear!"

*update: thanks Eleasa! These additions come from an even more authentic source: a Canadian living in QLD. I've heard these too, and totally agree with your analysis on being "alright" ;) *

"That's so dodgy" = "That's so sketchy"
"I stuffed up!" = "I messed up!"
"Oh, so you're from Canadia?" = "Oh, so you're from Canada?"

These are just some results of many moments of "I'm sorry? What did you say?" and "You call that what??"

I share them in case any of you ever encounter any Australians/New Zealanders. :)

He has risen; he is not here.

2009-04-12T07:19:00.000-04:00

everywhere i see evidences of Your grace.
thank You.

worth spending a speck of your speck to consider

2009-03-30T10:48:00.004-04:00

***copied & pasted from Shaun Groves' blog -- too good of a reminder not to share***

This is a diagram of my life.

It began in 1973 and it will never end. A speck of my life will be lived before I die. And an eternity will be lived after that day. Do we believe that?

On your first day on the other side of the grave, do you think you’ll look back on this life and be flooded with gratitude for hours spent watching episodes of American Idol and Lost? Will you wish you’d done more of that? Do you think you’ll look back fondly on the effort and money spent remodeling the kitchen? Will you wish you’d had a nicer home? Do you think you’ll be glad you were up-to-date on the juicy details of celebrity lives? Will you wish you’d read more magazines? Will you regret not spending more time at the office? Will you wish you’d logged just a few more hours every week at work? Will you miss your blog or Facebook? WIll you wish you’d just had a couple hundred more readers, just a few more “friends?”

Me neither.

We’re in the red speck. Right. Now.

I’m asking myself: How much of what I’m doing today will really matter when the speck is over?

tendrils

2009-03-21T05:22:00.007-04:00

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray or you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for your in heaven.
Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing -- as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth...
- Paul, letter to the Colossians, the Bible

Recently, I've had the joy of getting many glimpses of the gospel working its way through and around people, transforming lives, changing families, touching nations. What an amazing message it is, and truly the only one worth living & dying for.

I don't think I really started to understand the gospel until only a few years ago. Ever since then, with every deepened understanding, the precious value of it has exponentially increased!
Articles and other resources via the internet have in fact greatly aided in deepening my understanding. And so I have finally put up some links on the side, that you may delve into these rich corners of webspace yourself. Please do :)

view from our balcony = mission field! what's yours?

sometimes, the world is too big

2009-02-14T10:50:00.006-05:00

Ever since my first close friends moved away to a different city (age 10??), I've carried within me this longing to be able to split myself in 2, or more, and just be there to hang out with those friends, share their experiences, live life together.

As my own life has progressed and I myself have moved (far!) away, this longing has only grown and intensified. Now it is not just for 2 or 3 friends, but many, spread around the world. And family! The more I get to know both my immediate & extended family, the more I wish I could have known them better, earlier, or be able to see them more often right now. And church families! Beloved brothers & sisters in Ottawa and in Kingston.

There have been so many significant happenings in the last few months alone in the lives of some close friends, and I feel so badly to have completely missed out on them. All I can do in response is email, or at most talk through Skype (which I am so grateful for, but you know... it's not the same).

Dear friends & family whom I am not very good at keeping in constant contact with, know that you are never far from my mind and heart and prayers. Those whom the Lord picked to walk alongside me at some point in the past, I have not forgotten. I am sorry that I cannot physically be there with you or for you, as life is lived and things happen. In the stead of that, I bring your lives and joys and challenges before the Throne of God, who is omnipresent and able to walk alongside everyone all the time. May He be your most faithful friend, protector, provider, guide, comforter, and Father. If you do not yet know Him, may He transform your life by showing you the darkness and taking you into the light. I pray all the more urgently for you.

Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. -- 2 John 12

Apparently I am not the only nor first person to feel this sort of longing.
Thank you, God, for the unchanging beauty & eternal relevance of your Word!

the year in 40 seconds

2009-01-03T20:09:00.003-05:00

seriously, that's how fast it felt.

praise God for being the Rock amidst all the change.

as I type this on Sunday morning before the first service of the year, there is a temple parade marching outside on the street. the clashing and clanging is so dissonant. God, loosen them from their bondage in this year of 2009, and bring them to find freedom in the One who created them!

One year in 40 seconds from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.
(HT: Josh Harris)

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all.
When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
- Psalm 104:24, 30, 33-34

Why is there suffering in the world?

2008-10-22T08:49:00.006-04:00

Heavy question, but so often asked...

There are many facets of possible exploration. One of them begins with another common query:
Why does God allow His children, those whom He has already saved, to continue experiencing hardships and suffering?

It's so easy (sometimes) to:
1a. hide from the painful reality of hardships and suffering behind comfortable settings and material pleasures
2a. forget the answers, when the hardships & suffering do come

I have stood guilty as charged, on both counts.
But, with my recent sinkage into the depths of (2a), the Lord is good to remind me:

1b. we must never forget the state from which we were saved
2b. we must always remember the state in which we will end up, when all is said and done
3b. we must prioritize our lives with the understanding the so many, many people live without the hope of (2b).

********************
This post is weirdly analytical. I think my brain is crying out for some semblance of order and logic amidst all this chaos.

Now to close with a bit of David's poetry

-- order & art & life & truth, intricately woven.

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name
for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
...
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 138

Giving thanks in all circumstances!

2008-10-12T22:33:00.002-04:00

Ok, so my previous post was a little wonky... my bedtime is now around 10:30, that's my excuse :P

Here is a prayer which was written down many decades ago, which I read a few months ago, and which has come to my attention once more via today's challies.com post. How brilliantly it captures the way God's children are drawn to Himself!

So although there is no official thanksgiving celebrated here, I count the following lines to be an expression of personal gratitude to the Lord who created, chose, and keeps me. Amen!

O My God,

You fairest, greatest, first of all objects,

My heart admires, adores, loves You,

For my little vessel is as full as it can be,

And I would pour out all that fullness before You in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with You

Ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,

Ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,

Ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,

Crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless You for the soul You have created,

For adorning it, for sanctifying it,

Though it is fixed in barren soil;

For the body You have given me,

For preserving its strength and vigor,

For providing senses to enjoy delights,

For the ease and freedom of limbs,

For hands, eyes, ears that do Your bidding;

For Your royal bounty providing my daily support,

For a full table and overflowing cup,

For appetite, taste, sweetness,

For social joys of relatives and friends,

For ability to serve others,

For a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,

For a mind to care for my fellow-men,

For opportunities of spreading happiness around,

For loved ones in the joys of heaven,

For my own expectation of seeing You clearly.

I love You above the powers of language to express,

For what You are to Your creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

ai carumba!

2008-10-12T10:58:00.003-04:00

it's been a long time since I've dropped by. Sorry, readers (if there are any left). I am starting to see ants crawl across this screen (a sure sign, in Taiwan, that it's time to tidy things up a bit. A sign I am unfortunately all too familiar with.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <-- Yep, that's exactly what they look like.

Well, the ants can linger a while because it's back to planning at the moment! I will teach from a text about corn -- its history and trade. Do you know the title of the book is?

.
.
. <-- more ants
.
.

"Pretty Corny"!!!!! :D
I love it.

toodledo! Until further notice. . . .

hungry for His leading

2008-01-17T23:44:00.000-05:00

“So we fast at present, since Jesus is no longer with us in his physical presence. Now we experience the pain and fallenness of this world in full measure and cry out to God in the midst of our pain and doubt. But this world is not the ultimate measure of reality. A day is coming when we will no longer fast. When Jesus comes back there will be no more fasting, as well as no more crying, and no more pain. There will be feasting forever in the presence of the King for all of the King’s redeemed people. And then, at last, we shall share in his glory and taste the fullness of his goodness.”

-- Iain Daguid, via girltalk

...Lord, (has) save(d) me.

...Lord, (is) show(ing) me.

...Lord, (will always) satisfy me.

What marvelous promises. I wait in joyful anticipation!

2007-12-24T17:41:00.000-05:00

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need;

to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King!

Before Him lowly bend.

Behold your King, Behold -

He is the King!

ceruleansanctum strikes again

2007-12-10T22:57:00.000-05:00

a powerful chord this time.

did you know that it is spelled "vocal cord," not "vocal chord"?

anyway. in this season of gifts, giving, and stuff, let's pause to think about stuff for a moment.

if i were such a skilled writer and were 30 years older (and male, with a wife), then i do think a post like this just might have been written by my own hand. it resonates hugely with my current thoughts on stuff, and explains it much more eloquently than i ever have, even in my own head.

so... please read and ponder -- which wavelength are you on? :)

sin had left a crimson stain ... He washed it white as snow!

2007-11-23T00:17:00.000-05:00

What a crazy past couple of days. It's been one of those times where "Life happens." And that's all there may be to it, for most schmoes ... but somehow, that's just too inconclusive for me. I can't help but see Him behind everything, through everything, in everything. Life has happened, but there is definitely a reason for the way things have happened, a much grander reason than I could ever comprehend. Though it's thrilling to get glimpses of comprehension once in a while. :)

In human terms, the biggest thing that has happened in this schmoe's life recently was that my laptop died on me, thus casting away 4.5 years' worth of pictures, music, links, papers, and other documents ... in the literal blink of an eye. Yeah ... remember to back up your stuff. :P Also, when I was attempting to change a few things on this blog layout, I accidentally deleted the old layout, along with all the associated links on the sidebar. :S

I'll admit, I was QUITE tempted to get discouraged about all this, especially since I had a big responsibility to uphold the following Sunday and it had to be done with some resources I once had on my computer. Well, God being God ... He knows the best time for me to say "goodbye." :) There was no big assignment that got erased, everything I needed to hand in had already been printed off. The responsibility I had was carried out smoothly because others stepped in to aid the cause and provided the necessary resources. My mind is blessed with a memory that, while slightly deficient with short-term items (!), is pretty good with the long-term stuff. And I am not without the means to purchase another computer, therefore I have done so with discernment, trusting that my allocation of monetary resources is pleasing in the eyes of God. I always despise the need to make big purchases, because I feel that the opportunity cost of something so consumerist is oftentimes just too high. There are so many other areas that could be using such funds... nevertheless, my current lifestyle is sadly unsustainable without this device, and so I've invested into this new machine. I ask God to lead me in using it only for His glory, and to take it away from me if I don't. One day, I hope to cast off my dependence on these tools. The "need" for them is cleverly contrived.

So this will be an opportunity to start afresh, and rebuild my electronic storehouse, choosing to sort & include only what is of utmost importance, separating wheat from chaff. No more shady downloads of pirated programs and no more music in my collection that hasn't been properly paid for. It IS possible to survive without those things, I am sure of it. I suppose I'm finally beginning to realize that to start compromising with those societal go-aheads is to fall into blatant hypocrisy. It's not a case of ticking off boxes for santa's "being good" list, but a matter of living out the reality of depending on God alone for meeting my needs. If I don't have the money to spend on expensive programs and pricey music (and when you think about the situation of so many many many others... who does?), then so be it! None shall pass...

And how was I encouraged even today in my quest to begin anew?

The first snowfall of the year.

Magical, as always.

A hush over the town.

A layer of glittering snowflakes, sparkling in the night air.

All ugliness & brokenness, covered up.

Over the next few months, there will be healing and rebirth!

Lord, you are an Artist indeed.

I'm sorry my piddly picture doesn't do your work any justice. But there it is, my little view of the world!

*******************************************

On another note, Best Gr.2 quote of the year:

(said to my mom from her Sunday School student)

"Auntie Salina, you know what? All year long, I tell ALL my Chinese friends at school that Jesus loves them!"

"Oh really! That's great!! But how come only your Chinese friends?"

"Well, most of my friends are Chinese. And also, when the teacher heard me telling them at first, she told me I wasn't allowed to say that at school because it might make others feel uncomfortable."

"Oh dear. What did you do about that?"

"Well.... I still tell my friends that Jesus loves them. But I tell them in Mandarin!!"

*heeheehee*

tell me on a Sunday, please

2007-10-28T12:47:00.001-04:00

Lately, I've been learning that theology isn't such a scary thing. It is, in fact, absolutely essential to the growing Christian. "Theos + logos" -- the treatment [as in, study] of God! Isn't that what we all must do, if we claim to be disciples of Christ.

A brother over at ceruleansanctum.com has compiled a list of 100 truths he has learned in the past 30 years since his re-birth-day. I find these nuggets to be extremely affirming, edifying, and, well, truthful. Much of what's been on my mind lately is summed up in his words.

*************
1. Love God. Love people. It’s that simple.

2. Anytime we interact with another person, we should ask the Lord, In what ways can I help this person grow closer to You?

3. Christians who take time to observe the world around them see God and gain wisdom.

4. The most worthy lessons of the Kingdom take the entirety of one’s life to fully learn.

5. You are never more alone than in an unfriendly church.

6. God could directly feed the widows and the orphans with manna from heaven, but He instead chose us in the Church to bake the bread through the resources He’s already given us and then distribute it.

7. The world is tired of hearing Christians talk about the Gospel; they want to see it actually lived.

8. In the end, nothing in life satisfies but Jesus.

9. It’s a terrible indictment against men and young people in the American Church that old women are praying most of the intercessory prayers.

10. Always lead with love. Love should precede every act we perform in the name of Christ and love should be the finale.

11. Small home groups are fantastic for relationship-building, prayer, and sharing, but usually not the best venue for serious Bible study (especially if they’re co-ed).

12. Admonish an adult once, perhaps twice, then turn the issue over to the Lord in prayer. Never hound people.

13. We won’t find ourselves transformed, much less change the world, if we pray less than an hour a day.

14. Most Evangelicals have little or no understanding of the Holy Spirit.

15. The American Church needs to learn a truth Ben Franklin uttered at the signing of the Declaration of Independence: “We must all hang together, gentlemen…else, we shall most assuredly hang separately.”

16. Too many Evangelicals long to see Jesus thrash those they view as heretics rather than help them come to a better understanding of truth.

17. One of the most easily seen fruits in mature Christians is that they pray for people who oppose them rather than complain about them.

18. A simple truth we constantly forget: Do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

19. If all other aspects of Sunday meetings were removed, prayer would be the one untouchable, yet we spend less time doing it in our meetings than anything else.

20. The mature Christian is more concerned with being loving all the time than being correct all the time.

21. Each of use should know our neighbors’ names and the names of their children. We should also know their birthdays, if possible, because the card we send might be the only one they receive. And that’s a powerful witness.

22. It is a sign of our trustworthiness as Christians that other people seek us out when they need help. If that’s not the case, then something is wrong with our witness.

23. There is no shame in confessing a need, especially before fellow believers. That’s one reason why the Church exists.

24. Many of Evangelicalism’s most intractable problems would vanish if we adopted the confessional booth.

25. We must start seeing discipleship in terms of an entire lifespan and not what we can accomplish in the moment.

26. Preaching is most effective when it’s lived by the preacher.

27. We do a great disservice to families in our churches when we split them up the second they hit the lobby.

28. If we wish to see the American Church be all She can be, then let’s welcome persecution.

29. A youth minister’s primary responsibility isn’t to teens directly but to their parents. A good youth minister teaches parents how to teach their own teens, leaving the bulk of the responsibility to them.

30. The way we so easily judge people offends the One who said, “He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.”

31. We are too obsessed with heretics and not concerned enough with understanding what their heresy says about our own shortcomings and failures.

32. It costs us nothing to judge others, but an enormous amount to walk beside them and help them grow.

33. Bible study works best when led by highly-trained, Scripturally-knowledgeable people who have lived what they believe.

34. Busyness is crippling the effectiveness of the American Church, but no one wants to fix the root causes because doing so would call into question the very nature of our modern society.

35. True love is laying down our plans and schedules to help a person in need.

36. One of the worst things a Christian can be is unteachable.

37. God never rescinded His first command to Man: Steward the Earth.

38. The man who recognizes the goodness of God in nature and sees Christ in the stranger has the more complete theology.

39. A man is only as deep as his prayer life.

40. A message every church in America should learn: You never have to advertise a fire.

41. The more we restrict God in what He can and will do, the more He’ll honor that restriction.

42. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman; He only shows up where He’s gratefully invited.

43. Our neighbors should know that our houses are always open to them.
44. Love truly does cover a multitude of sins.

45. If we haven’t died at the cross, we’re worthless to the Kingdom.

46. Who we are in secret is a better gauge of our spiritual maturity than who we are in public.

47. Not seeng results in prayer? Better check how grateful we are to God for the little things He gives us.

48. We never know enough of someone else’s story to judge them perfectly. Better to listen carefully, then admonish…carefully.

49. No great, wise saint of God started out that way. We never know at what stage we meet one of those future saints, so we must always be gracious when interacting with others.

50. The perfect recipe for helping someone grow in Christ: Six parts love to every one part admonition.

51. God makes all things beautiful in His time, not ours.

52. If there were no people, there would be no reason for the Gospel.

53. If we are unwilling to help others work through the admonitions we give them, we should instead remain silent.

54. On Judgment Day, God will be far less concerned with how well we knew the Scriptures than how we practiced what we knew.

55. Too much of what we supposedly do for the Kingdom comes from the arm of flesh, not from the power of the Spirit.

56. There’s no reason each of us can’t lead at least one person a year to Christ.

57. Most churches never once consider what it feels like to be an outsider, which is why so few visitors take root.

58. Most of the West has heard about Jesus (even if they’ve heard incorrectly), which is why our practice of our message is as vital as our pronouncement of it.

59. A person may have perfect doctrine and a form of religion, but if he doesn’t care about his neighbor, it’s all for naught.

60. The reason we learn the Scriptures is to be equipped for every good work.

61. The more tender my heart is toward the least of these, the more tender it is toward God—and vice versa.

62. We minister best from the overflow of our Spirit-filled hearts, not from being poured out until empty.

63. For some reason, we stopped making heaven the ultimate destination.

64. Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labor in vain.

65. We make an idol of the nuclear family if we raise it above the needs of the household of Faith.

66. If a fellow Christian has a financial need, forget about buying that plasma TV. And remember this: someone is always in need.

67. The first thing the new Church did after being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was to see that no one among them lacked for anything.

68. Fear drives almost all human failings. The opposite of fear is love.

69. You can tell the effectiveness of a church’s discipling program by noting how many of the leadership staff came from within.

70. A king’s ambassador, when sojourning in a foreign land, is the full representative of the king and wields his complete power and authority. Never forget that we are Christ’s ambassadors.

71. We perpetually underestimate Satan’s wiles; at the same time, we underestimate our authority over him in Christ.

72. Most lost people aren’t consciously looking for ways to sin; they’re only trying to get by.

73. You and I have benefitted greatly from the prayers of others, but most people have never had someone pray for them.

74. Because our God is a God of beauty and truth, we Christians need to honor our artists and intellectuals as much as our pastors and preachers.

75. Most of the Lord’s finest servants labor in obscurity.

76. We Christians should spend every day working to depopulate hell.

77. We may know what it means to be a sinner, but few of us have appropriated what it means to be a saint.

78. Our communion meals should be feasts as big as we eat on Thanksgiving Day.

79. Wine is the drink of celebration, not Welch’s.

80. A church-hopper is a carrier of dissension.

81. We need to treat our pastors as imperfect fellow laborers, not as Grand Exalted Poobahs.

82. Without the Lord, we can do nothing.

83. If we Christians stopped worrying about what others think of us, the Church would be transformed and the world along with us.

84. We spend too much time trying to keep our youth from sleeping with each other and not enough time teaching them to be husbands and wives.

85. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.

86. We were all born to serve.

87. American Christians are more concerned about what’s in their bank accounts than in their treasure chests in heaven.

88. Joy can only well up in a grateful heart.

89. Gossip destroys anyone it touches.

90. In Christ, there is no shame or guilt.

91. Christians who pray prayers with enormous faith get enormous results.

92. If we don’t reach people with the Gospel before they are 21, most will never come to Christ.

93. We have not because we ask not.

94. It is best to think of the Scriptures not as what we can read through in a year, but as what we can read through in an entire lifetime.

95. We come to Christ full of holes. Whatever hole we forbid Christ to fill will instead be filled by the world.

96. If we’re discipling correctly, no Christian in a church should be irreplaceable.

97. A community of Christians is only as strong as its weakest members.

98. If our lives are filled with everything but Christ, then we are impoverished indeed.

99. We are all dust.

100. God is always nearer to us than we believe Him to be.

breathe.

2007-09-23T23:00:00.001-04:00

the weeks have flown by.

i have been stretched!

sometimes it hurt.

but in time i could feel the strength building.

God revealed more of Himself to me,

when i stepped out into the unknown

...as He always does.

it was more majestic than i could ever imagine.

He is beautiful, glorious.

the work of the Spirit was so evident where i journeyed.

while i journey.

it is beautiful, glorious.

one evening in Zhaojue, i was playing soccer in the field nestled between our living quarters and our classrooms.

exhausted after all the activities, yet thankful for a day well-invested.

running barefoot through a carpet of lush, green grass.

Kim, thoughtful as always, brought out a tray of watermelon slices for us.

hot and thirsty, we eagerly grabbed a piece each and bit in, tasting the juicy sweetness, letting it slide down our throats.

after two or three slices, i had cooled down enough to feel & enjoy the light breeze on my skin.

i turned around in the middle of the field to face the empty half, deserted by the other watermelon-seekers: my fellow teachers, 2 of our young students, and one other guy who was hanging around the Youth Center.

i heard their laughter and chatter behind me.

for once, the wind was blowing against our neighbour, the iron factory.

so i inhaled deeply, with juice still dripping down my face, and took in breath after breath of fresh mountain air.

in that moment, the Creator whispered in my ear a phrase that rang so true:

"This is Life!"

it was brief; it was fleeting.

it was a reminder i will never forget.

not because of the grass, the fruit, the breeze, the laughter, the air, the day's end.

but because of His presence.

what does it mean to truly be able to rest in His love, in His peace, in His joy?

to know that His grace covers you, His mercy is upon you, His might is on your side?

what i would give to share that assurance with all who cross my path.

what would you give?

do you know?

i love them. i miss them. i learn so much from them. i thank the Lord for them.

(for a visual summary, click here and download onto your computer for full screen view.)

now the world is spinning back at its normal pace.

my summer workplace. my co-workers. my boss. my friends. what a time it has been with you, 3 summers of blessings. goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

h2o, CCCO, prayer meetings, summer outings. precious encounters, struggles and triumphs, time to leave again.

new house, new housemates, same landlord. new side of landlord.

new year, new program, new classmates, new perspectives, new challenges.

my mind explodes. it's awesome.

international students, global villages, English tutoring, Mandarin learning, guitar lessons, baking cakes, & pulse.

my brother, here with me! like many first-years, he faces important struggles. remember him.

in search of something to parch an unrelenting thirst for deep teaching through the Word.

my grandma, soon to leave this world. my family, not all of whom are close to Him.

so many people. so many doors.

this is all i can say for now.

words seem inadequate. or at least, i'm finding myself at a loss for words...

time is limited. Life is precious.

He is good.

upwards & onwards!

2007-07-10T19:17:00.000-04:00

well thank you to all of you who made your suggestions on my last post! it has proven to be a full summer indeed, replete with myriads of text streaming across my eyes (yours too, perhaps?). in fact, i have read so much that my right eye has gotten worse :( and my new glasses, which i picked up today in hopes of bringing them to China with me, are SO thick that i simply cannot wear them because they are too heavy!! hopefully the shop can thin the lenses better...but no time for that now, because it's up, up, and away tomorrow morning. ^^

while this webspace will continue to entertain tumbleweed, check out http://www.putawaythebasket.blogspot.com/ & drop us a comment!

i leave you with a beautiful song i first heard a few weeks ago. what gorgeous, gorgeous lyrics!

noah's ark

2007-04-28T17:54:00.000-04:00

this is too cool. and to think, the real thing was 5 TIMES BIGGER!

reflections while hanging off a cliff

2007-04-27T19:45:00.001-04:00

hmm...originally i had a lot more reflections written up, but they accidentally got deleted. oops... oh well.

the bottom line is as follows: i have finally completed my undergrad degree (whee!). an occasion for joy indeed. ^^

BUT -- i wouldn't have gotten through any of it (especially this last batch of exams) without the Lord, my God. i don't say that lightly, as a hasty shout-out to some higher power or to smiling Fate... i literally shudder to think where i would have run off to long ago had He not brought me to my knees over & over again these past 4 years. on the outside, i may not look like the rebellious type (far from it, apparently!), but this heart of mine...it can be pretty ugly stuff i tell ya.

the bottom of the bottom line is as follows: this degree belongs to God alone, and thus i will put it to use for His purposes only. keep me accountable on that one, please.

oh, and the hanging off a cliff refers to the fact that i have one itty bitty (not really) psych assignment left to complete. one more string to cut before i can FREEFALL into my next stage of life. (here's to hoping that the ground is soft..)

i'd better get to it! *snip snip*

an excellent article.

2007-04-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

get to know me even a little bit and you will realize that I LOVE TO READ!
also, i love to get others to read. :)
this article is a good reminder (or, for some, explanation) of why our literacy skills can be glorifying to God. and if you're reading this, you have literacy skills. this article seems to be directed mostly towards preachers reading books by Christian authors, but i think most of it can be applied to any Christian with just about any book.

read it.

****************************************************************
Reasons for Reading
By Tony Carter on April 16th, 2007

Those in my generation might recall the campaign RIF or Reading is Fundamental. It was the governments way of encouraging young and old people in the erstwhile pursuit of reading. It insisted that at the heart of a well rounded education was the desire, even the love, for reading. We can all agree that the old Uncle Sam got this one right. Reading is fundamental. And it is no where more fundamental than in the gospel ministry.

You show me a preacher who is not regularly reading or at least listening to others read, and I will show you a preacher who has little to nothing to preach. Give him a bucket and let him retire to the beach. Those who would be faithful in their discharge of duties will find a regular and growing appetite for books, beginning with the Bible. Here are six reasons I believe all Christians, particularly preachers, should be avid readers:

Six Reasons Why Christians (preachers) Should Be Avid Readers

1. It is the primary means through which God has chosen to communicate to his people.
The fact that the principle revelation of God to his people is the written word should not be lost to us. It reveals not only that we are intellectual beings, expected to reason and rationally assess logically communicated data, but it also demonstrates the primacy of written communication. Reading demonstrates our God given ability to reason and puts us in a better mind to access the Word of God. Not only is the special revelation (Bible) of God better understood through reading, so too is general revelation (nature) better understood through reading those who have written on the natural order of things.

2. It broadens our perspective. Reading tends to make us more rounded.
One of the most dangerous tendencies among conservative Christians is to become intellectually ingrown. That is, we tend to read only that with which we are comfortable - that which confirms our beliefs. While this is good, we must see the value of openly assessing other opinions and allowing ourselves to be stretched intellectually. And while we are not called to agree with our enemies, we are called to love our enemies. Loving our enemies entails understanding them. Furthermore, since all truth is God's truth, we should not be afraid of the truth wherever it may be found.

3. It encourages our creativity.
More so than anyone else, Christians should be people given to creative expression. Unfortunately, we are usually lagging behind in creative ventures. Yet, our God is a creative God. All around us is evidence of the beauty and pleasure with which God created the worlds. An appreciation for creative beauty in art, music, and literature is an expression of God himself. Subsequently, when we expose ourselves to creative literature we not only gain an appreciation for God's common grace, but it will also give us inspiration to express the legitimate use of our God-glorifying imaginations. The adage continues to be true, "If you want to write better, become a better reader."

4. It strengthens our confidence.
Too often Christians are discouraged from engaging in the exchange of ideas because we do no feel confident in addressing varying subjects. Yet, Christians should be the most diverse. Again, since all truth is God's truth, we must seek to engage the truth wherever it may be had. Indeed, we are to speak the truth in love, but we should also speak it boldly because we have the confidence of being versed in a variety of subjects through the knowledge acquired through varied readings. Confidence comes with knowledge. Therefore, Christians should be the most confident because our Lord is the source of all knowledge.

5. It gives us a sense of accomplishment.
One of the greatest benefits to seeing a task through to completion is the satisfaction of knowing that an assignment is finished. We are reminded that whatever we do in word or deed, we are to do it "wholeheartedly" unto the Lord. Most of us are aware when we have done something wholeheartedly or not. A task wholeheartedly completed not only gives us satisfaction, it glorifies God. Subsequently, reading a book to completion not only gives us the full range of information intended by the author, it more importantly glorifies God.

6. It heightens our communion of the saints.
One of the lost treasures of modern Christianity is its connection with the past. If our faith is a mile wide and an inch deep, it is largely due to our inadequate understanding of the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. Yet, if we would become readers of the Christian classics and embrace the reflections of those who walked with God in times past, it would enhance our present sojourn because we would be more aware that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.

passage of the week (or, of the exam period)

2007-04-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

I love how God's word is not just static text on paper, but an active minister to those who deign to listen!

Isaiah 40 has come up so often throughout this week, in totally unconnected situations. Earlier this week, when my brain felt completely saturated and I was just staring blankly into space, my Bible cover caught my eye --Isaiah 40:31 is embroidered on it. I was able to push on. During fellowship on Friday, Ivan read out Isaiah 40, the entire chapter. Awesome. I decided to read it myself when I got back home. On Sunday, Isaiah 40:29-31 was the passage around which Mimi's amazing testimony was centered. What an encouragement. Then, just now, as I sat here chugging Neo-Citran, popping Tylenol, and feeling sorry for my own sick state, I decided to turn on klove. The first thing that came out of the speakers was Chris Tomlin's "Everlasting God." At the end of the song, a child's voice read out --you guessed it-- Isaiah 40:28-31.

man! Thanks, Father. Although my body doesn't really show it right now, my spirit is rejuvenated. I am refreshed. Forward, march!

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary,

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:28-31

worthy investments

2007-04-08T16:35:00.000-04:00

it was a wonderful Easter, full of evidence that Jesus is alive, & He walks beside us still!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Christianity simply cannot be a Christmas-Easter thing...

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

B.C. & Wizard of Id cartoonist Johnny Hart passed away on April 7, 2007. it's cool that he brought God-issues into the quite un-God-friendly world of comics. i wasn't the biggest fan of his comic strips (nothing wrong with them, just not my style), but this one really got me:

(click here for a clearer image)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

here's an excerpt from a lovely letter i received from Ruth, a little girl supported through Compassion Canada. i was talking to a friend the other day about the concept of donating financial resources to organizations without witnessing firsthand exactly where the money goes. i do think it's important to check out an organization's motives, history, and general integrity. for me, Compassion Canada passes all those checkpoints and provides a tangible way to "to look after orphans and widows in their distress" while we are completing what God wants us to do here in a land of plenty. there is, of course, a small chance that this whole helping-kids-in-need thing is a big scam, and (suckers!) --you're actually supporting criminals. well, as in many life scenarios, i'd rather be an optimist than a cynic. it seems to increase the overall quality of life. ^^

one day, i hope to actually be "out there" actively serving & learning from those in need. until then, this is a real two-way treasure. i heartily encourage you, my dear reader, to re-check your investments -- conversations, knowledge, time, talents, energy. use wisely. :)

(click here for larger image)

testimonies

2007-04-03T18:11:00.000-04:00

A few months after I was baptized in 2000, I remember someone from my church asking me, "So what testimony has God given you to share with others lately?" My response was probably confusion, because I remember thinking, "Testimony? I already shared my testimony with you. Go get the December 2000 bulletin, I spent a long time writing it up and it was printed out for you to read!" :P

Oh, me! Since then, I have come to understand more fully the meaning of a powerful testimony. Just because you are not serial-killer-turned-Christian does NOT mean you don't have anything others will be interested in hearing (although those stories are pretty cool, I must say).

A powerful testimony is any personal story which tells others of God's grace at work in your everyday life. It truthfully admits to the drudgery of living on this side of heaven, and shows its listeners that there is so much more to live for than the wonders and woes of this world. It can be a seemingly trivial thing, such as how you got through the week, but in the right ears, to the right eyes, it provides a light where darkness dominates. A powerful testimony is one that people will remember not just as "your" story, but as one that influences and inspires their own lives.

Anyways, I got started thinking about testimonies because of all the celebrations happening this Sunday. Dearest Emily & Andrew & James & Eric, I wish I could be in 2 places at once...you guys are living proof that it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. May you be blessed as you make your proclamations on April 8, 2007! After church last week, I had the random opportunity to talk to Will about his reasons for getting baptized at KCAC. Lily's decision to publically commit is a great encouragement too. The coolest thing about these upcoming baptisms is that these people aren't doing it just because "everyone does it" or "all my friends are doing it this round." Quite the opposite--indeed, for many, it was a real struggle to arrive at this particular week. Their journeys are inspiring...incredible testimonies. :) Here are two who have posted their stories up on the web: Jenny & Sean.

The tongue and the pen can be used as destructive weapons both against and amongst God's people.
But tools can always change allegiances.
In Sean's words, "What is a better weapon to silence Satan than God's people's testimonies?"

--I cannot WAIT until Sunday! :D

...this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

He who has the Son has life;

he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

--1 John 5:11-12

what does it mean to give up something for lent? and, do you see yourself in this article?

2007-03-29T12:43:00.000-04:00

just some food for thought..

Students give up social networks for Lent
POSTED: 9:39 a.m. EDT, March 29, 2007
By Katie Hawkins
... "People are realizing that reality involves people, not pixels."

another sweet read

2007-03-20T16:55:00.000-04:00

sweet ['swEt] –adjective
* having the taste or flavor characteristic of sugar, honey, etc.
* not rancid or stale; fresh
* pleasing to the ear; making a delicate, pleasant, or agreeable sound; musical.
* pleasing or agreeable; delightful.
* amiable; kind or gracious, as a person, action, etc.
* dear; beloved; precious.
* free from odor, staleness, excess humidity, noxious gases, etc.
* free from acidity or sourness

I have had the privilege of getting to know Mel a little more this year --ironically, the year after she has graduated from Queen's. :P It is always inspiring to hear what she has to share, whether good or bad, because it is so obvious that God is the Love of her life no matter what her circumstances. Recently, I was so excited to hear that she has decided to partner up with a fellow God-Lover --for life! I was even more excited that they posted their love story online! No, it's not gag-mushy or soap-operatic. Just a great testimony. :) In a world where you hear about broken hearts every day, it is refreshing to hear instead a (very true) story about what happens when God is factored into the heart equation.

So, with her permission, I will share a link to this sweet read.

(p.s. for those people, like me, who don't have a clue what "bowflex" is, it's some kind of workout machine. :P)

truly natural talent

2007-03-14T00:49:00.000-04:00

it gives me immense joy to discover the blog of a person with a great sense of humour. not the sarcastic kind, not the arrogant kind, and definitely not the dirty kind ... just the ability to reflect on one's own life, or life in general, and laugh at the absurdities that plague mankind.

what really engages me is the additional discovery that such bloggers are not "trained" writers or published humourists; they could be your next-door neighbour...literally! or, they live in california. or, they are amazing cellists who make debuts at NYC's Carnegie Hall.

i believe that all subjective writing (i.e. a piece that expresses your own perspective, unlike a lab write-up or data-entry report) reveals a part of who you are, whether or not you intend it to. and so, it's refreshing to come across writers who reveal themselves to be true lovers of Life -- it can be seen through the way they relate the most mundane matters.

alas, i am not so gifted...i think my writing is wobbly --sometimes solemn, sometimes trivial -- reflecting the fragmented contents of my not-so-brilliant mind at the point of composition.

thank God there are those who are blessed otherwise, and decide use the internet as a tool for spreading His overflowing goodness through the language of laughter! the best i can do is share some of the links to a few personal favourite cheek-aching entries with you:

dre - (you should've known this was coming. they're all amusing, but i especially adore Well-behaved Children)

mileschen - (totally random discovery today-he was featured on the xanga homepage cuz his post generated so many comments [around 650??]. interestingly enough, it totally ties in with our recent cell group discussions...!)

adrianfungonthe.net - (check out the first post on this page. i have never laughed so hard while reading someone's journal entries. i'm glad he started posting again!)

Bored Meeting?

2007-03-12T02:12:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, I attended my first Board Meeting ever. MAN, it was so weird to consider my presence at such an event during the days leading up to it. I've never been one to sit on committees of any sort, though I do see the need & wisdom in group brainstorming, discussion, collaboration, etc in many arenas of Life Outside School. So I agreed to attend the Board Meeting and introduce myself & the Sunday School ministry in general to the other Board Members. A learning experience awaited...

Growing up in a church with Boards and hearing about Boards from other similarly-structured churches, I harboured the stereotypical impression that while Board Members are compassionate, kindly individuals, Board Meetings imply nothing less than circular, insufferably long debates over trivialities laced with politics.

Perhaps that is indeed how some experience it, unfortuately. But oh, how ignorant I was to make my own assumptions based on hearsay.

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding

but delights in airing his own opinions.

-Proverbs 18:2

Granted, today's meeting lasted over 4 hours ... granted, 75% of it was in Mandarin (me being the only 1 out of 11 who couldn't understand) ... granted, many of the issues discussed did not have any direct bearing on my personal spiritual life or on the Sunday School ministry. I guess I could've left halfway through, when I finished presenting my report.

I didn't, and was rewarded with some precious epiphanies; nothing brilliant, just clarifications for my own wee brain:

- A Board Meeting does not necessarily mean a hodgepodge collection of frumpy old men & women sitting around with nothing better to do than argue away a Sunday afternoon. Au contraire! They are extremely passionate individuals who desire to see God's good and perfect will carried out in the specific areas they are passionate about. Sometimes, disagreements arise due to differing personalities and points of view, but nothing to get passionately upset about. Thank the Creator we are not all the same! Love & respect for every single servant-leader is of utmost importance.

- Board Meetings seem to cast Board Members in an intimidating light...but in fact, they are extraordinarily ordinary, with strengths and weaknesses just like the rest of us. It was news to me that most of the Board Members care deeply about the children's SS ministry because they have a kid in it! At least one kid per class has a parent on the Board. One of the challenges facing many Chinese churches is a communication/generation gap. It is easy to ignore the "other" congregation, and hard to initiate conversation with "others," especially when there are no set times to meet & chill. So (for us English CBC's), unless we have parents who are very involved on the Chinese side, or vice versa, the "others" often remain a nebulous mystery. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to get to know these Board Members (all in the Chinese congregation) as PEOPLE. Over the course of the afternoon, I became acquainted with, among others, a cancer research health scientist & father of 2 who used to live in Ottawa, a grad student in military history with a heart for the residents of John Orr and An Clachan, and a Ph.D. candidate who immigrated from China and is without his wife for a few weeks while she returns to China. All are very busy with loads of legitimate cares & concerns --but what is truly admirable is their heart for serving the Lord and the sacrifices they make to do so.

- You can laugh in a Board Meeting. While not everything is fun and games, a meeting does not have to be silent and sombre as a wake! There were good laughs with each other and at each other. Most of the time the jokes went over my head (my incentive for learning Mandarin is growing daily..), but then they would laugh at how I didn't understand! Not in a mean way, of course; the laughs were followed by genuine encouragement & offers of help to learn "Gwo Yu." :)

All in all, I was definitely not Bored at the Meeting. Of course, perfect agreements were not always reached. There are still many (many!) wrinkles to be ironed out of the Bride's dress. But I believe that being on this journey together, working/sharing/growing together, will mean that we get farther along, together.

"...God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,

so that there should be no division

in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern

for each other.

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it;

if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

-1 Corinthians 12:24-26

I blab on in hopes of shedding light into the dark & mysterious West Wing of "the Board Meeting." Hopefully, you are compelled to do away with simple misconceptions. Change any critical attitudes. Get to know your leaders; encourage them and pray for them --pastors, chairmen, teachers, committee members, cell group leaders, mentors, ... -- because "they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

life's potpourri

2007-02-27T18:50:00.000-05:00

oops, sorry for keeping up the suspense for so long. i can't believe so many of you read it without me knowing. :P well, for those of you who have been suffering the pain of chewed-down nails from the dramatic cliff-hanger ending of my previous post (kinda like the Grey's Anatomy/Sens-Sabres night don't you think?) ---- the concert was AWESOME!!! Mr. Stiff (see right) was just fine and he sang beautifully ("You Are My Heart's Delight"... *swoon!* just kidding...it's on youtube but only in German). did he get sick after the performances? i dunno. meh.

hehehe, no i don't mean that. i hope he was ok!

~~there aren't any good pictures of this year i can find, but there are some floating around of the 2005 Night in Vienna, so here's a splash!~~

Actually I have just found some on this website/article.

Good shot of the dancers...i think they were the most stunning. my mom and dad each got dragged away by a professional dancer during separate waltzes :D

"reading" week found me running around montreal, ottawa, toronto, then back to kingston...woohoo! it was good times -- valuable times -- belt-expanding times -- with dear friends & family. i try never to take them or those times for granted. over the past week i also felt the frailty of life & of the human spirit ... we can never know, really ... but i'm glad i don't have to worry about things i can't control.

also, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA was just ..... BRILLIANT!!! wow, everything was JUST as i expected & hoped for. no, better! best of all.....CHRISTINE WASN'T BLONDE!!! yessssss. (nothing against blondes, but Christine simply MUST be brunette. my friend told me that she was a blonde the time she went to see it, and it ruined her enjoyment of said classic :S) So if you are planning on seeing it, by all means, go!! the cheapest seats are actually great for the view, you just have to get over the fact that they are fold-up chairs! an excellent performance awaits.

finally, may i just say that GOD has been SO faithful as the devoted Watchman over my life...He arranges everything perfectly. after weeks of anticipation, the outline of my summer is solidifying at last. and it looks exciting. thank you Father for the doors you close and the windows you open!

DUDE

2007-02-08T15:54:00.000-05:00

the cool news: tomorrow night & Saturday night will be A Night in Vienna. i've been pretty sick (Andrea describes it pretty well...sorry man! next time i'll quarantine myself), but by God's grace, i am much recovered today. also, i was Very Scared at first for having to play a short (but high, high, high) solo during one of the pieces. thankfully again, it turns out there will be an amazing tenor singing the same melody line so i won't be as exposed. :) THEN i find out he is Tim Stiff -- a well-known vocalist who is really only back here because he's a Queen's alumni. WHAT'S MORE --- HE'S SUNG WITH PHANTOM OF THE OPERA FOR 7 YEARS!!!
oh gosh! now i am Very Scared again. hopefully i will do his voice at least some justice.

the not-so-cool news: after our first run-through together yesterday night, Tim sticks out his hand to shake mine. smiling absentmindedly, i accept the handshake and refocus my attention on the next piece. as he walks away through the door, however, my eyes widen in shock as i slowly bring my right hand up before my face. a slow-motion film whirs in my mind as i relive the moment between finishing the piece and shaking his hand; while he bowed to the applause, i had unthinkingly placed the full surface area of my palm up to my mouth to catch the brunt force of 3 heaving, hacking coughs!

"wait!" i want to call out to his retreating back, "sanitize your hands...!"
but of course it is too late.

alas, alas...if he gets sick anytime in the next 3 days, i will shrivel up and DIE.

to the fullest!

2007-02-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

much has come up recently about living a FULL-filling life. not in terms of being as happy as possible, or cramming as much "stuff" into your day as possible...but making every hour, every action, COUNT.

there have been times in my life where i lived by "going with the flow"... studying for whatever is coming up the soonest, spend a workday just trying to get through the piles, watch some tv to run off an afternoon, hanging out or reading if there's nothing else to do. i still have some days (or parts of days) like that, and that's cool ... i'm not aspiring to be the super-structured/no-wasted-muscle-movement type. but i HAVE become more aware of the importance of spending time wisely & effectively. the question arises: how can i live an abundant life -- how does my life become abundant -- if i keep neglecting to get on board with what God wants me to do, right here, right now?

that's why it's very unwise to keep saying, "not just now, Father --maybe i'll try it later" for want of a good excuse (oxymoron?). NOW is the time to do, to try! infuse your days with purpose & drive, whether it's in periods of rest or periods of activity...don't let either dribble away for no reason (or, bad reasons).

a lot of this thinking has culminated over this weekend, which has consisted of great chunks of time chilling & encouraging & sharing with other bros and sisters who are on this journey with me. very fulfilling. :) and best of all has been witnessing the body of Christ GROW these past few days...seeing new faces, hearing about (re)births, facing new challenges...these things didn't come about spontaneously, but were a result of God answering prayers, honouring past sacrifices which were made with a certain attitude and purpose in mind.

He was, is, will always be faithful!

think about this conundrum: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

**********

& here's one more read for good measure. i got it from browsing through Girltalk -- very solid (in)site on "biblical womanhood and other fun stuff" :D the posts are written by a mother (wife of C.J. Mahaney) and their 3 daughters. it's a wonderful example of the power of the net used for His glory.

although it's not very logical to join the 5:00 club if you're a uni student (they are talking from the wife/mother POV), the following is still something to consider. maybe a 7:00 club. :) i just realized that my mom is an inadvertent member of the 5:00 club. she awakens around the same time for the very same reasons, although i highly doubt she's ever read Girltalk before! how inspiring. there is hope!

The 5:00 Club

think of the possibilities...

2007-01-24T21:05:00.000-05:00

if THIS can get a bird onto late-night TV shows, there's no stopping Sally! how many birds have YOU met that respond (appropriately) to a command in Chinese: "poopoo!"

i thought not. excellent...all i need now is to make a video recording. 15 minutes, here we come! :P

attitude of gratitude

2007-01-23T23:08:00.000-05:00

Here dies another day,
during which I have had eyes, ears, hands,
and the great world round me.
And with tomorrow begins another.
Why am I allowed two?

G.K. Chesterton

2006-12-25T00:21:00.000-05:00

O holy night,

the stars are brightly shining

-- it is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world

in sin and error pining

'til He appeared

and the Soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope;

the weary world rejoices!

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh, hear the angel voices!

Oh night divine...

the night when Christ was born.

Oh night

Oh holy night!

Oh night...

Oh, night divine!

time,

2006-12-13T14:55:00.001-05:00

during end-of-term seasons, goes all out of whack! yesterday i finally dug deep into my student-identity roots and sat at stauffer from 4pm to 3am. but oddly enough, it mentally felt like a mere afternoon had passed by. even the busyness level on the main floor when i left was comparable to a normal weekday afternoon. if you think about it, really, all we have to keep us in check are our bodies, because they eventually complain, and the big ball of fire in the sky - the primordial measuring device for this phenomenon of time

has been spent on ploughing through material, razing chapter after chapter & seminar after seminar. but hey, there have also been great opportunities for deepening friendships through shared experiences, over food/drink breaks, and by discovering random points of connection. though the days have been full, i think these moments are often the best use of my time

can feel so limited somedays that i just want to cut out the "unnecessaries"...but i'm still learning how to label correctly. yesterday, since i had an exam this morning, i was tempted to spend all day (as in, 8am-12 midnight) planted at a desk with all those sweet details about the Psychology of Reading lying before my eyes. i was precariously close to backing out on my two "big" commitments for the day --daily prayer time in ccf's 24/7 prayer room, and tutoring at my kindergarten class. calculating in all the travel time took me to a total of 4 hours. 4 hours of not-studying, which i could not afford because time had run away on me, again, and i needed every single hour to write up the 8 responses (2 hours per response). plus i would need a nice 8 hours of sleep to be alert today and arrive at my exam on time

is really not mine to control, how many times do i need to relearn this? well, at least this time i responded. God woke me up yesterday morning and said "please do not push me out of the way when you reach panic mode - come and sit at my feet again for a while today." i replied "i'd love to, but i need You to placate my anxious heart!" And He did. So then, while i sat at His feet, i suddenly knew i needed to go to tutoring that afternoon for some reason. still i protested, "Father, i have no time!

is in My hands, child"... ok, i went. and...was i ever glad i did! for i unexpectedly found out that this would be my second-last session with this teacher, whom i have grown to respect quite a bit. she just became a grandma, and that was the go-ahead for her retirement! so the kids will have a new teacher next term. and the teacher said, "don't worry boys and girls...i won't be around anymore, but i know you'll love your new teacher, and Miss Yan will still be around to help you guys out too" -- O man...the way their worried little faces cracked into smiles when she said that! SO adorable. i would've traded 5 failing grades for those smiles! i started off quite wary, even intimidated by this rather strict kindergarten (!) teacher, but i've learned a lot from her since the beginning of the school year. how things can change over time...

was still ticking when i returned to the library to spend the rest of the evening writing up those responses. by midnight i still had some ways to go, so i anticipated no sleep.
then. i walked over to the printers to pick up some pages of rough notes. a girl i've never seen before (apparently she presented her seminar that one time i missed class!) came up and said, "hey are you in PSYC 365?" "yah?" "oh, i thought so...i was wondering if you have the writeup for #9? i'll trade you for #2 and #5?" i looked down at my notes. Ah, #9. The one answer i had perfected. Ah, #2 and #5. The two answers i hadn't touched.
"SURE!"
*bam* 2 responses x 2 hours projected writeup time = that's right, 4 hours of work saved. sweeeet...so i got to go home and grab some sleep after all. He kept me awake this morning while i wrote the exam and now i am still quite alert! Now tell me, really...who has ultimate control over time?

to listen to His voice & obey wholeheartedly. As laid out in 1 Peter 5:6-7 -- "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

2006-12-08T01:51:00.000-05:00

i love it when God shows me how much more there is for me to learn.

*****

international Christian schools. what a brilliant notion. how? such a long shot.
must trust Him to lead me ... to open doors ... to strengthen my many, many weaknesses.

oh excitement!!!

There, it is on the record. Now we wait and see...

my heart/nerves have been racing all day. whee! i am so jittery! it could be from drinking a possibly caffienated product (london fog, dre!), my first in a while, on an empty stomach.

then again, maybe not!!

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO

2006-12-06T00:59:00.000-05:00

there's nothing quite like the first snowfall of winter ... waking up to a world blanketed by pure whiteness ... even if it is a thin blanket! :) fills me with tingly joy, head to toes!

i have so much to thank my ABBA for ... it's incredible ... where to even start!

well, i guess first for getting me through november...! gosh, it was quite the marathon. and thankfully CACA was in on it together! what would i have done without you ladies keeping me company on those late nights...and often staying up even later (and er.. remaining up for another day :P). plus keeping me laughing and sane...what a blessing you are ^^

thank You for Sunday School kiddos who are actually enjoying the songs i taught (quite last-minute) for the presentation this week...i don't see myself as much of an organizing/motivating person, plus i was nervous about how to teach the meaning of the songs and the crowd's potential rowdiness (!) ... but their enthusiasm truly surprised me! and they look soooo adorable in costumes. pictures to come! gratias to see-mold, stephie, jean, & priscilla for being MY actions teacher, and my mommy for the awesome ideas!

thank You for an amazing end to last week, complete with a visit from my dear family (special props to MANS who gallantly risked failing a physics test...heehee!), a lovely evening out with them & precious friends, and a larger-than-life encounter with You as we rolled out the first round of carols for Christmas 2006. thank You for meeting us at Bethel ... those lyrics have taken on whole new meanings for me. When singing of how Jesus reconciled God to man (Hark!), my heart broke (unexpectedly, considering the song) for those who cannot claim that for themselves, those who were not standing next to me shouting out this praise too .........

may i not waste this time You've provided.

thank You for brothers and sisters who teach me how to pray, and show me how to live a life that is FREE and FULL of your light.

finally for now (& YES there's so much more i've not recorded here), thank You for taking me through life one day at a time ... for such a calm assurance: this child can face uncertain days because He lives!

Here's the next step on our journey ... this appeared on yesterday's Google "Quotes of the Day"... oh what a sense of humour You have!

Books to the ceiling,/ Books to the sky,/ My pile of books is a mile high./ How I love them! How I need them!/ I'll have a long beard by the time I read them. - Arnold Lobel

***********************

the end is near!

2006-11-24T19:18:00.000-05:00

At times, writing a paper is like pounding the wrinkles out of hardened cement.

**************************

If only I had Calvin-skills...
that previous intro paragraph would've taken 1/100th of the actual time to write!

(ahh joce...thank God for someone who totally understands :D)

********************

Friday-night edit:

it is just so, SO good to stand in a roomful of bros&sisters, lifting our voices in worship together...

if only it didn't have to end!

oh, wait ... that'd be heaven.

back to Work!

What would I have if I don't have you, Jesus?

What in this life could mean any more?

You are my rock.

You are my glory.

You are the lifter of my head...

sustenance

2006-11-15T04:10:00.000-05:00

i was going to post something but i no longer feel like writing...so to flesh this out, i present my intro paragraph --for your enjoyment, i'm sure. ^^ come join me in my excitement for...*drumroll*... "Romantic Literature: Wordsworth"!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Whether it concerns a theatrical backdrop, a historical account, or a surrounding context, the term “background” is generally associated with such ideas as secondary importance, unobtrusiveness, and inconspicuousness. Although Wordsworth often sets his poems against a background for those basic aforesaid reasons, there are some instances worth noting where Wordsworth places a much greater emphasis on the scenery or the surroundings than usual, forcing his readers to re-evaluate their expectations and assumptions. “The Ruined Cottage,” a work by Wordsworth included in Lyrical Ballads, is one such instance. In this poem, the cottage setting is more than a mere location where the story takes place, and it is neither unobtrusive nor inconspicuous. Rather, it functions as an indispensable complement to the poem’s subject, Margaret, and in the intricate linking of her tale with its setting, Wordsworth implicitly promotes his belief that the evocation of both thought and feeling is necessary to produce a story worth hearing or a poem worth reading.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HOW am i still pretty functional and even (dare i say it) stress-free in the midst of all that is to be done? ... this, then, is a testament to how my Father cares for me; with vigilance, He sustains me and leads me through even the wee-est hours. :)
It is good to praise the Lord, to proclaim His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night.

drainage

2006-11-11T23:04:00.000-05:00

i miss the warmth of these sisters & i miss the warmth of the sunshine...

right now, this is where i'm at (minus the ESPN)...

x4 x2 for the number of papers due in the next 13 7 days :S

when one part hurts...

2006-11-09T16:57:00.000-05:00

The burden for Christian leaders in the US weighs heavy on my heart. No doubt you've heard about the whole Ted Haggard thing, and perhaps even the Dr. Dobson thing ... media has certainly had a field day with the "scandal," and those who have been waiting for a chance to pounce on Evangelical organizations like Focus on the Family are doing so with relish. Mix in the elections results and voila! -- a big brimming stew of nasty attitude ("out-with-the-old-stuffy-hypocrites") towards the values and people who founded & grounded America.

It hurt to see the giddy rush people get out of pointing and laughing at those whom sin has taken down, especially when the pointers are fellow brothers and sisters. Not that his sin is excusable, but what's the good of salivating over his shame?

It hurt that people would be so quick to forget (or worse, never realize) how hard Dr. Dobson and his team have fought for the survival of "The Family" in a country where this foundational block is becoming a rare commodity... instead of supporting his difficult decision, they are quick to judge & criticize his reasons for "bailing out on his so-called brother."

Such deep, deep hatred...my heart broke as I sat in Stauffer this morning reading all the dirt splashed across the headlines and hearing echoes of derisive laughter at our absurd beliefs in an outdated god.

How much more does all this hurt Him?

Continue to pray for the direction of our countries guys...I love N.America, but with the types of leaders taking over, leaders who don't recognize the value of values, it's not a place I'd want to raise the next generation. I see already the reality & consequences of moral depravation in the inner city school I tutor at here in Kingston. It really feels like God is turning His back on our country...? Or maybe we just don't care enough about falling away to take action, as much as we talk and worry about it...

***
I guess reading all those disturbing articles vexed me to the point of absentmindedness again... later this afternoon, this exchange occurs:

RELS 131S FALL-WINTER 2006-07
Dear Students,
We have been informed by Stauffer Library Reserve that a plastic case for one of the Long Search DVDs was returned to the Library today -- minus the DVD.
The missing DVD is: Taoism; Alternative lifestyles in California; Reflections on the Long Search.
If you recently borrowed this DVD would you check your player to see if the DVD might still be there?
Thank you for your assistance.
Wilma Fernetich
Continuing & Distance Studies
Faculty of Arts & Science
Queen's University

Oops...that would be me! I watched it in the library earlier today

and left it in the cd drive of one of the computers on the main floor.

I will go to the library shortly to retrieve & return it to the front desk

-- maybe you can let them know that? Thanks & sorry about the confusion!

Carmen

***

Then I received this email from my prof, which made me feel much better:

Hi, Lianne and Carmen--
I have a hazy recollection that you guys asked me about meeting in advance of your seminar on the sonnets - but I can't remember what happened then--did I promise to get back to you and forget? or worse yet did I stand you up? Please let me know.
Best, Mark Jones

(no, he didn't stand us up...the meeting is tomorrow!)

a few good things

2006-11-02T20:03:00.000-05:00

some readings i came across which totally made me smile today...

sharona & dre & stephie

thanks for sharing :)

and if you are at that part in your walk with God where you are just stuck on trying over and over to be "consistent with your morning devos"...so much so that you can't get away from the feeling that it's a chore no matter how you dress it up...maybe this message will shed some light (the one entitled "Pathways: Off the map, part 1" --though they are all good!). Some of the insights are a little surprising and not what i'm used to hearing...but it's great cud for the mind & heart.

inauguration

2006-11-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new humble abode, as introduced on livejournal! If you have a site and it's not listed on the side, please let me know and I will add it with my newfound linking power. :D

Isn't it funny how we are never satisfied with one thing for long, no matter how good it is at first. I remember being so excited to discover xanga, then getting tired of it pretty fast, then enjoying the goodness of lj, then wanting to move past that too...how long until this one loses its attractiveness as well, or until something "better" comes along?

Over the course of my short life, I have never found something that has kept me constantly satisfied ever since the moment I discovered it. Something better keeps coming out, or it gets more burdensome than exciting, or some part breaks down. A pretty constistent pattern in all man-made/man-powered things, I guess.

But thank goodness that is not the whole picture of my life...thank goodness that Someone has found ME, and allowed me to respond in kind; Someone whom no one can better; Someone who gets more exciting the longer I know Him; Someone who never fails me and catches me when I break down.
Jesus, my first & best love, may whatever I share here act as a small but significant window of light in this web of darkness.

All of this: for You!