After a prolonged absence (mostly because I didn't really have much to say and got lazy), I'm officially back.
My daily routine now is that of a (as I call it) multi-part-timer. So everyday I wake up around 7:20 and head to the appropriate work place as needed and get home around 7ish. Then I have dinner, watch No Regrets, make cards/cross-stitch as required, tutor if necessary and study lsat (because, unfortunately, I'm retaking it in December at Everett since all the Vancouver spots are filled up).
Recently, I've been thinking about the things I pray about. Usually I start of with "Thank God today for _____________" and then I list some stuff that happened today that I'm thankful for. Then I go on into a long list of needs (recently it's been better LSAT scores (preferably 165), getting along with coworkers at new jobs, ability to save money, divine inspiration for upcoming music-related what-nots, church, motivation to read more and love people around me, etc).
But last week I some how came across the idea of trying to pray just praises to God. So I'm going to try that for a week starting today.
And already the first problem I can see is to differentiate between thanksgiving and praises.
Showing posts with label the Almighty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Almighty. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Micah 6:6-8
How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God?
Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with the yearling calves?
Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil?
Would He be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
But He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple:
Do what is fair and just to your neighbour,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously -
take God seriously.
Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with the yearling calves?
Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil?
Would He be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
But He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple:
Do what is fair and just to your neighbour,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously -
take God seriously.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
A Time to Do My Best
On my graduation day back in May, I've decided that if God ever gave me a second chance and let me go back to school next year or what not, I'll give it my 100%. I will no longer procrastinate. I will no longer trust in luck or my ability to bullshit. I will no longer assume that everything will turn out fine in the end. I will work hard and not take things for granted. I will give it my all because I want to be able to say that I am proud of what I've accomplished and that I have ran a good race.
But, as I research through potential law schools, I think I've come to the realization that God wants me to adopt this attitude now because without this attitude and such work habits, I might not be able to go back to school next year =(
But, as I research through potential law schools, I think I've come to the realization that God wants me to adopt this attitude now because without this attitude and such work habits, I might not be able to go back to school next year =(
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Love from China
God must've heard my complaints of missing China because today He sent a very good friend that I met in China to talk to me on MSN (China people are RARELY on MSN): tons of reminiscing and all-around good chat with beloved friend and sister in Christ.
I am so thankful that I went on exchange to China.
I am so thankful that I went on exchange to China.
Monday, May 10, 2010
And can it be that I should gain
To be very honest (and hopefully not offend anyone out there), it is very difficult to for me to find Christian songs/hymns that I like. It seems like all the ones in Hymns of Life sound the same, all the ones from Streams of Praise sounds the same and all the "contemporary" Cantonese ones sounds the same too. To be fair, I don't listen to "christian" music outside of church either (Chris Tomlin fan? no not really.) I am also kinda picky with "Christian hymns" too because I don't like songs that are "unsingable" and lyrics that are cliches so it's rather annoying.
But occasionally, I do find hymns that I really like: where the melody is comfortable and the lyrics are genuine and true. This song is one of them.
But occasionally, I do find hymns that I really like: where the melody is comfortable and the lyrics are genuine and true. This song is one of them.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
團訓
Every Friday night, Joshua fellowship goes through the usual "ritual" (please allow me to use this word because I don't know what other word to use) of reciting our theme verse:
這 律 法 書 不 可 離 開 你 的 口 ， 總 要 晝 夜 思 想 ， 好 使 你 謹 守 遵 行 這 書 上 所 寫 的 一 切 話 。 如 此 ， 你 的 道 路 就 可 以 亨 通 ， 凡 事 順 利 。
我 豈 沒 有 吩 咐 你 麼 ？ 你 當 剛 強 壯 膽 ！ 不 要 懼 怕 ， 也 不 要 驚 惶 ； 因 為 你 無 論 往 那 裡 去 ， 耶 和 華 ─ 你 的 神 必 與 你 同 在 。
And even though I've been reciting this verse once a week for almost 2 years, sometimes I don't give much thought to what I am saying (tends to be the case for a lot of church-related stuff eh? songs, verses, creeds...). Until last night, I was doing my devotions and reading from The Message when I came across it in...ENGLISH!
And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.
And having finally finished reading the first five books of the Bible (i've actually never done that...I always get stuck halfway through Exodus), this verse suddenly makes a lot more sense in terms of its context and the amount of "meat" that it has. And having finally digested it instead of just licking the surface of it once a week, I think I finally understand why someone decided to pick this verse to be our theme verse.
這 律 法 書 不 可 離 開 你 的 口 ， 總 要 晝 夜 思 想 ， 好 使 你 謹 守 遵 行 這 書 上 所 寫 的 一 切 話 。 如 此 ， 你 的 道 路 就 可 以 亨 通 ， 凡 事 順 利 。
我 豈 沒 有 吩 咐 你 麼 ？ 你 當 剛 強 壯 膽 ！ 不 要 懼 怕 ， 也 不 要 驚 惶 ； 因 為 你 無 論 往 那 裡 去 ， 耶 和 華 ─ 你 的 神 必 與 你 同 在 。
And even though I've been reciting this verse once a week for almost 2 years, sometimes I don't give much thought to what I am saying (tends to be the case for a lot of church-related stuff eh? songs, verses, creeds...). Until last night, I was doing my devotions and reading from The Message when I came across it in...ENGLISH!
And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.
And having finally finished reading the first five books of the Bible (i've actually never done that...I always get stuck halfway through Exodus), this verse suddenly makes a lot more sense in terms of its context and the amount of "meat" that it has. And having finally digested it instead of just licking the surface of it once a week, I think I finally understand why someone decided to pick this verse to be our theme verse.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dear God
So, when You want me to do something or go somewhere, You will use whatever possible way to grab my attention and make me know that that is what You want, right?
Okay God. I need a huge sign. Call me, text me, msn me, email me, facebook me, tell me. I will even visit Twitter more often so that You will have the option of tweeting me, okay? I need a sign so big that I will not be able to make an excuse or a reason to doubt it. And You know how good I am at making excuses so You really need to think of a good sign. And when You show me this sign, make sure I know for sure that it's for me and no one else. Make sure You make me understand that this is my road and that no one else can walk it for me. Oh, and make sure that You remind me that if I don't do Your will, no matter how difficult it might look, my own paths will always be more difficult.
And for my part, I will be extra attentive. I will pay attention to everything that happens around me and everything that the people around me say in case You're trying to reach me. I will pray extra hard and read my Bible more often. I will pay more attention in Sunday school, Joshua and worship. I will pay attention to the lyrics of the song that we sing at Church. I will even memorize Bible verses.
Okay, so we got a deal, eh? I know You want me to do Your will, so You really gotta tell me, aite?
And so my waiting begins.
Okay God. I need a huge sign. Call me, text me, msn me, email me, facebook me, tell me. I will even visit Twitter more often so that You will have the option of tweeting me, okay? I need a sign so big that I will not be able to make an excuse or a reason to doubt it. And You know how good I am at making excuses so You really need to think of a good sign. And when You show me this sign, make sure I know for sure that it's for me and no one else. Make sure You make me understand that this is my road and that no one else can walk it for me. Oh, and make sure that You remind me that if I don't do Your will, no matter how difficult it might look, my own paths will always be more difficult.
And for my part, I will be extra attentive. I will pay attention to everything that happens around me and everything that the people around me say in case You're trying to reach me. I will pray extra hard and read my Bible more often. I will pay more attention in Sunday school, Joshua and worship. I will pay attention to the lyrics of the song that we sing at Church. I will even memorize Bible verses.
Okay, so we got a deal, eh? I know You want me to do Your will, so You really gotta tell me, aite?
And so my waiting begins.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 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.
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.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 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.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
A Bitter Rant (?)
i've always been incapable of expressing extreme emotions, particularly sadness, rage or disappointment. I had previously tried to express them through comprehensible words and sentences (written or verbal) but always somehow manage to descend into a mad rant or unintelligible rambling of some sort. For someone who, (no fake Chinese humility here) has a bit of talent in writing academic papers, I can't write something that truly expresses my feelings even if my life depended on it. The true question is, perhaps, what's the point of knowing how to read and write when one can't even express one's own feelings?
I am so sad that I do not think I experience such sadness frequently. But at the same time, Jesus is reminding me right now that my sadness is not even a faction of what He's feeling right now. It is because He was the one who died on that cross for His church, not me. It was because the church represents Him on this earth until He returns and yet we always manage to make a mess out of it, through our own selfish ambitions, our self-righteous acts, our sinful nature, our vulnerability to Satan, our poor decisions and, ultimately, our distance from the true Head of the Church.
Yet, God allows all things to happen for a reason. He doesn't make us go through things for vain nor does He allow bad things to happen because He takes pleasure in them. And it is at times like these that all the teaching that i've collected for the past twenty years come into play: to maintain my faith in God and not in the church, to continue to praise God despite the lack of olives and grapes and cows and lambs or whatever else that might be missing, to see beyond this and pray for healing, reconciliation and God's will to be done.
I actually thought this was going to be a bitter, negative rant when I started typing those first few words. But once again, God has managed to turn my tears into something positive. In a matter of five minutes and less than four paragraphs.
I am so sad that I do not think I experience such sadness frequently. But at the same time, Jesus is reminding me right now that my sadness is not even a faction of what He's feeling right now. It is because He was the one who died on that cross for His church, not me. It was because the church represents Him on this earth until He returns and yet we always manage to make a mess out of it, through our own selfish ambitions, our self-righteous acts, our sinful nature, our vulnerability to Satan, our poor decisions and, ultimately, our distance from the true Head of the Church.
Yet, God allows all things to happen for a reason. He doesn't make us go through things for vain nor does He allow bad things to happen because He takes pleasure in them. And it is at times like these that all the teaching that i've collected for the past twenty years come into play: to maintain my faith in God and not in the church, to continue to praise God despite the lack of olives and grapes and cows and lambs or whatever else that might be missing, to see beyond this and pray for healing, reconciliation and God's will to be done.
I actually thought this was going to be a bitter, negative rant when I started typing those first few words. But once again, God has managed to turn my tears into something positive. In a matter of five minutes and less than four paragraphs.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
哈巴谷書 3:17-19 之 第二回
雖 然 無 花 果 樹 不 發 旺 ，
葡 萄 樹 不 結 果 ，
橄 欖 樹 也 不 效 力 ，
田 地 不 出 糧 食 ，
圈 中 絕 了 羊 ，
棚 內 也 沒 有 牛 ；
然 而 ， 我 要 因 耶 和 華 歡 欣 ，
因 救 我 的 神 喜 樂 。
我以前已經把這句聖經放在這裡 (albeit in English) but this verse speaks to me anew every time I see it. The context of the entire book is the Kingdom of Judah bracing for an imminent attack from the militarily stronger Babylons (actually my Near Eastern Studies - History of Ancient Mesopotamia class talked about the Babylonian/Chaldean invasion of Judah). Although the first few chapters are filled with gloom, despair and the questioning of God's wisdom, Habakkuk ends his work with a song of praise to God. In the end, it is our God who is "our strength; making our feet like the feet of a deer, enabling us to go on the heights".
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thank you, Jesus
Thank you Jesus, because You've reminded that it is through trials that I can see more of You.
Thank you Jesus, because through what is going on, You've allowed me to grow stronger in You.
Thank you Jesus, because You have told me that I am blessed when I am at the end of my rope: with less of me there is more of You and Your rule
Thank you Jesus, because You have given me enough wisdom to be able to tell what I should and should not do.
Thank you Jesus, because You haven't given me too much wisdom so that I only rely on myself and not on You.
Thank you Jesus, because You have prepared me to handle this.
Thank you Jesus, because You have surrounded me with people that support and help me handle this.
Thank you Jesus, because You have reminded me also to not place my trust in people, or leaders, or institutions but in You and only You.
Thank you Jesus, because I know that through this we can be more unified.
Thank you Jesus, because You won't let us fight this battle alone.
Thank you Jesus, because You have given me hope.
Thank you Jesus, because You remind me that, in the end, this is all about You.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how heartbreaking this gets, You will never forsake me.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how disappointing this gets, You never disappoint.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how hopeless this looks, Your ways are still far greater than ours.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how much harder this gets, Your grace is still sufficient.
Thank you Jesus, because on the cross I saw love and sorrow mingled down.
Thank you Jesus, because through that hymn today, I realized that in the midst of sorrow, there can still be love.
Thank you Jesus, because through what has happened, I have developed a greater thirst for You.
Thank you Jesus, because through this, You have forced me to seriously contemplate why I choose to serve.
Thank you Jesus, because You have taught me that serving is not always easy.
Thank you Jesus, because I see people around me that are going through the same sorrow and yet they still love.
Thank you Jesus, because You've reassured me that You will be in charge of tomorrow.
Thank you Jesus, because You're in charge of today, right now.
Thank you Jesus, because this is a valuable lesson that I must learn.
Thank you Jesus, because You've forgiven my sins.
Thank you Jesus, because You understand how I feel.
Thank you Jesus, because You care.
Thank you Jesus, because it is You who give me the strength to still wake up every Sunday morning at 7am.
Thank you Jesus, because You haven't allowed me to be numbed by all the words and emails of the past two months.
Thank you Jesus, because I see more clearly than ever because of this.
Thank you Jesus, because You look into our hearts, not our actions.
Thank you Jesus, because in my deepest sorrow, You still comfort.
Thank you Jesus, because You've called Your own servants to lead and mediate during this difficult time.
Thank you Jesus, because You have reassured me that You're still working through PMPGMBC.
Thank you Jesus, because in Your word, I know that if we are willing to turn back to You, You will listen and take us back.
Thank you Jesus, because all this is not for nothing.
Thank you Jesus, because through what is going on, You've allowed me to grow stronger in You.
Thank you Jesus, because You have told me that I am blessed when I am at the end of my rope: with less of me there is more of You and Your rule
Thank you Jesus, because You have given me enough wisdom to be able to tell what I should and should not do.
Thank you Jesus, because You haven't given me too much wisdom so that I only rely on myself and not on You.
Thank you Jesus, because You have prepared me to handle this.
Thank you Jesus, because You have surrounded me with people that support and help me handle this.
Thank you Jesus, because You have reminded me also to not place my trust in people, or leaders, or institutions but in You and only You.
Thank you Jesus, because I know that through this we can be more unified.
Thank you Jesus, because You won't let us fight this battle alone.
Thank you Jesus, because You have given me hope.
Thank you Jesus, because You remind me that, in the end, this is all about You.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how heartbreaking this gets, You will never forsake me.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how disappointing this gets, You never disappoint.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how hopeless this looks, Your ways are still far greater than ours.
Thank you Jesus, because no matter how much harder this gets, Your grace is still sufficient.
Thank you Jesus, because on the cross I saw love and sorrow mingled down.
Thank you Jesus, because through that hymn today, I realized that in the midst of sorrow, there can still be love.
Thank you Jesus, because through what has happened, I have developed a greater thirst for You.
Thank you Jesus, because through this, You have forced me to seriously contemplate why I choose to serve.
Thank you Jesus, because You have taught me that serving is not always easy.
Thank you Jesus, because I see people around me that are going through the same sorrow and yet they still love.
Thank you Jesus, because You've reassured me that You will be in charge of tomorrow.
Thank you Jesus, because You're in charge of today, right now.
Thank you Jesus, because this is a valuable lesson that I must learn.
Thank you Jesus, because You've forgiven my sins.
Thank you Jesus, because You understand how I feel.
Thank you Jesus, because You care.
Thank you Jesus, because it is You who give me the strength to still wake up every Sunday morning at 7am.
Thank you Jesus, because You haven't allowed me to be numbed by all the words and emails of the past two months.
Thank you Jesus, because I see more clearly than ever because of this.
Thank you Jesus, because You look into our hearts, not our actions.
Thank you Jesus, because in my deepest sorrow, You still comfort.
Thank you Jesus, because You've called Your own servants to lead and mediate during this difficult time.
Thank you Jesus, because You have reassured me that You're still working through PMPGMBC.
Thank you Jesus, because in Your word, I know that if we are willing to turn back to You, You will listen and take us back.
Thank you Jesus, because all this is not for nothing.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Real Tidbits of Life
I really should be more diligent about blogging. How can I ever remember all the things that happen in daily life if I fail to write them down? Perhaps this blog isn't meant to remember all the big things that happen (since if they're that big, I can probably remember them with my own brain) but the smaller tidbits that are important to me today but might as well go un-noticed or become insignificant in the future.
So here it goes.
Yesterday, the doctor told me that the "lump" in my left ovary was but a figment of the ultrasound's imagination and the MRI has proven that I am as normal as normal can be (at least my ovaries are). Phew. Thank God for giving me my health and reminding me that I should never take it for granted. But the doc did say that I should be careful about my spine as it appears to be slightly worse than an average 20-year old spine should be. Okay, time to exercise more.
The status of my diet (day 5?). Ultimate fail. I actually ordered deep fried wontons as "dinner" today after I did a 2 hour stint at Gourmet (Ben took a day off to go see Jay-Z and Elaine was worried that it might be busy, hence I dropped by). How am I going to get the perfect body by my grad pic in less than two weeks?
This Sunday, I have to 領詩. I think I've done it so many times that I no longer am that nervous as I was before. I really should still stay on my toes though. It's too big of a responsibility to 求其.
So here it goes.
Yesterday, the doctor told me that the "lump" in my left ovary was but a figment of the ultrasound's imagination and the MRI has proven that I am as normal as normal can be (at least my ovaries are). Phew. Thank God for giving me my health and reminding me that I should never take it for granted. But the doc did say that I should be careful about my spine as it appears to be slightly worse than an average 20-year old spine should be. Okay, time to exercise more.
The status of my diet (day 5?). Ultimate fail. I actually ordered deep fried wontons as "dinner" today after I did a 2 hour stint at Gourmet (Ben took a day off to go see Jay-Z and Elaine was worried that it might be busy, hence I dropped by). How am I going to get the perfect body by my grad pic in less than two weeks?
This Sunday, I have to 領詩. I think I've done it so many times that I no longer am that nervous as I was before. I really should still stay on my toes though. It's too big of a responsibility to 求其.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
Although God is the only one who knows exactly what is going on, I will learn to trust Him. Although He is the only one who can right the wrongs that are within me, I will learn to submit myself to His will. I will not worry about any of it because it is all in His hands.
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
Although God is the only one who knows exactly what is going on, I will learn to trust Him. Although He is the only one who can right the wrongs that are within me, I will learn to submit myself to His will. I will not worry about any of it because it is all in His hands.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Beatitudes
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
Matthew 5:3-10 The Message Bible
Thanks Cheryl for this awesome 20th birthday gift.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
Matthew 5:3-10 The Message Bible
Thanks Cheryl for this awesome 20th birthday gift.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Mere Christianity
Never was a fan of reading religious works but am currently reading C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity thanks to the copy that Rollie gave Karen for her graduation. And here, hopefully, commences my journey to experience God logically and rationally.
Friday, August 14, 2009
我願意
God must've known that I haven't been seriously singing in too long so upon coming back He decides to thrust to me a lot of singing "projects" and opportunities that I had no idea would be coming. GM@Chicago and Charles' wedding I expected but worship leading THIS Sunday?
God, sometimes I think You overestimate my ability to multitask. but it's all for You and I count it my honour to be able to bring worship and praise to You in any way and wherever possible. Thank You for entrusting me with all You have given me.
Currently listening: 我願意-王菲
God, sometimes I think You overestimate my ability to multitask. but it's all for You and I count it my honour to be able to bring worship and praise to You in any way and wherever possible. Thank You for entrusting me with all You have given me.
Currently listening: 我願意-王菲
Monday, August 10, 2009
tutor kids, accounting, careers and such
now that the biggest thing of 2009 for me is officially over (i.e. my exchange), I start worrying about 2010 - my grad year and I'm not giving myself an easy time either as I find that recently a lot of the conversations I have with friends revolve around "jobs!", "co-op!", "careers!", "grad school!" or "graduation!" (and the occasional "CA!" or "CGA!" or even "CPA!" from my accounting friends). I am so uncertain about my future that I've started giving the answer of "being unemployed" when people ask me my plans after graduation.
But I think after having worked in Hong Kong for a month in July, I realized that it's not too hard to find a good paying job - at least not as hard as finding a job that one loves (or maybe I'm really naive). After having worked in a law firm and observing what real, non-TVB lawyers do, I realize that maybe this really isn't the job for me. This really starts worrying me because if a hefty paycheck is my sole greatest requirement for a dream job, then all I really need to do is work really hard and get myself some sort of license: lawyer, accountant, real estate agent, you name it. But that's not all I want (yes i am greedy). I want a good paying job but also a job where i can wake up everyday and go "wow I can't wait to start working today". I even dare say I prefer the latter over the former if I must choose. If my job is a 9-5 thing, that's already 8 hours - a third of my life dedicated to this cause. It better be something worthwhile.
So I suppose this is my God given theme of the summer as things that have been going on recently seem to be somehow related to this issue too. Having, for the very first time, an opportunity to actually pick and choose kids that I want to tutor for the coming school year, I figure it's not just about the money I can make anymore. More so, I want to tutor kids that I really think I can help and somehow be friends with them beyond the usual English tutor sense. I don't want to take in as many tutor kids as I want to anymore.
And then there's Brian Liu who's heading to Ontario to work with IVCF - someone who graduated and work a job not because it pays well but because it is important to him.
But beyond all this worrying and thinking, I found comfort from a least expected person who told me about his current sufferings working his accounting co-op job. As he told me his grievances and how he isn't really cut out for this kind of a job and it didn't turn out to be what he was expecting, I cannot help but think that less than 3 years ago I was also looking forward to an accounting degree until I almost got kicked out of Commerce and ended up doing IR which I am still doing today and really enjoying.
So why should I worry? God has always watched out for me.
Currently listening: Down to Earth - Peter Gabriel, from Wall-E
Do you feel you've been tricked - by the future you've picked? Well come on down.
But I think after having worked in Hong Kong for a month in July, I realized that it's not too hard to find a good paying job - at least not as hard as finding a job that one loves (or maybe I'm really naive). After having worked in a law firm and observing what real, non-TVB lawyers do, I realize that maybe this really isn't the job for me. This really starts worrying me because if a hefty paycheck is my sole greatest requirement for a dream job, then all I really need to do is work really hard and get myself some sort of license: lawyer, accountant, real estate agent, you name it. But that's not all I want (yes i am greedy). I want a good paying job but also a job where i can wake up everyday and go "wow I can't wait to start working today". I even dare say I prefer the latter over the former if I must choose. If my job is a 9-5 thing, that's already 8 hours - a third of my life dedicated to this cause. It better be something worthwhile.
So I suppose this is my God given theme of the summer as things that have been going on recently seem to be somehow related to this issue too. Having, for the very first time, an opportunity to actually pick and choose kids that I want to tutor for the coming school year, I figure it's not just about the money I can make anymore. More so, I want to tutor kids that I really think I can help and somehow be friends with them beyond the usual English tutor sense. I don't want to take in as many tutor kids as I want to anymore.
And then there's Brian Liu who's heading to Ontario to work with IVCF - someone who graduated and work a job not because it pays well but because it is important to him.
But beyond all this worrying and thinking, I found comfort from a least expected person who told me about his current sufferings working his accounting co-op job. As he told me his grievances and how he isn't really cut out for this kind of a job and it didn't turn out to be what he was expecting, I cannot help but think that less than 3 years ago I was also looking forward to an accounting degree until I almost got kicked out of Commerce and ended up doing IR which I am still doing today and really enjoying.
So why should I worry? God has always watched out for me.
Currently listening: Down to Earth - Peter Gabriel, from Wall-E
Do you feel you've been tricked - by the future you've picked? Well come on down.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
1 Corinthians 13
Recently, Karen told me a simple way to "checklist" myself and see if I really love the people around me. It comes in the form of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:
Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails.
So, everytime I am not doing one of these things, I am not loving the people around me enough.
The plan is, every now and then everyday I'll try to run the list through my head. However, I still haven't managed to memorize the whole passage yet but I guess I don't really need to since I rarely fulfill the first "requirement" of love anyways: patience. Maybe when I get the patience part down, I can finally move on to kindness, etc.
Currently listening: Put on Your Sunday Clothes - Michael Crawford
Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails.
So, everytime I am not doing one of these things, I am not loving the people around me enough.
The plan is, every now and then everyday I'll try to run the list through my head. However, I still haven't managed to memorize the whole passage yet but I guess I don't really need to since I rarely fulfill the first "requirement" of love anyways: patience. Maybe when I get the patience part down, I can finally move on to kindness, etc.
Currently listening: Put on Your Sunday Clothes - Michael Crawford
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He is risen indeed!
First time went to a local Chinese church in Ningbo today for Easter service and their praise section of the worship left me a little bit confused. Essentially, they had a "worship leader" who sang one line and then the congregation repeats that line. So, for example...
Leader: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound"
Congregation: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound"
Leader: "That saved a wretch like me"
Congregation: "That saved a wretch like me"
Leader: "I once was lost, but now I'm found"
Congregation: "I once was lost, but now I'm found"
Leader: "Was blind, but now I see"
Congregation: "Was blind, but now I see"
They didn't actually sing "Amazing Grace" but it was a very popular traditional hymn. The hymn actually had 3 verses (and the chorus) and they did that for all of the verses AND all three times of the chorus. When I thought that we could finally sing the song through without repeating, the worship leader said "我們再來一次！" We ended up singing this ONE song for close to 40 minutes.
Things I noticed:
1. 我從來不覺得原來唱歌可以令我那麽累．
2. 我從來不覺得原來唱歌可以令我那麽悶.
3. Even though we've sang the song for the Nth time already, the people were still singing loudly and quite enjoying themselves (except me and my international friends)
4. I wonder what would happen if I led worship like that at PMPGMBC.
I received a very special Easter gift from Gary, my pastor here. It was a gold medallion (imagine an Olympic gold medal) with a cross on one side and five horses on the reverse. It comes with a very special story to remind us that we are messengers of Christ and we're on this earth with a very important message: He is risen.
He is risen indeed.
Leader: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound"
Congregation: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound"
Leader: "That saved a wretch like me"
Congregation: "That saved a wretch like me"
Leader: "I once was lost, but now I'm found"
Congregation: "I once was lost, but now I'm found"
Leader: "Was blind, but now I see"
Congregation: "Was blind, but now I see"
They didn't actually sing "Amazing Grace" but it was a very popular traditional hymn. The hymn actually had 3 verses (and the chorus) and they did that for all of the verses AND all three times of the chorus. When I thought that we could finally sing the song through without repeating, the worship leader said "我們再來一次！" We ended up singing this ONE song for close to 40 minutes.
Things I noticed:
1. 我從來不覺得原來唱歌可以令我那麽累．
2. 我從來不覺得原來唱歌可以令我那麽悶.
3. Even though we've sang the song for the Nth time already, the people were still singing loudly and quite enjoying themselves (except me and my international friends)
4. I wonder what would happen if I led worship like that at PMPGMBC.
I received a very special Easter gift from Gary, my pastor here. It was a gold medallion (imagine an Olympic gold medal) with a cross on one side and five horses on the reverse. It comes with a very special story to remind us that we are messengers of Christ and we're on this earth with a very important message: He is risen.
He is risen indeed.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
茄子與我
樣唔靚但味超正 - 怪味茄子
Here are some interesting facts that you might not have known about our dear friend, the eggplant:
- It originated from India and Sri Lanka
- Before cooking it, you must soak it in salty water for a bit to remove some of the bitterness from its seeds.
- Its seeds are bitter because they contain nicotinoid alkaloids
- And because it contains nicodinoid alkaloids, that makes it a close relative of tobacco
- In fact, it is richer in nicotine than any other edible plant (a whopping 0.01mg/100g)
- However, it still doesn't have enough nicotine to be considered as a form of secondhand smoking.
- 20lbs of eggplant = amount of nicotine in one cigarette (in case you ever wanted to smoke eggplants or something)
- I've always had fears over things that I think I cannot achieve (not getting my IB diploma, not getting into my dream University, getting kicked outa first year BComm, not getting into IR, not getting certain jobs or positions, and now, not being able to fulfill my aspirations). However, I've realized that, most of the time, with the help of God and the support of my loved ones, I've always managed to somehow make it. And even the times that I didn't (i.e. getting into my dream University), God have always had arranged something better for me. So, why worry?
- Thanks to a certain someone's new tattoo, I've been reminded that "fortune favours the brave". You don't know how lucky you can get until you try (I sound like I'm promoting a casino or something).
Currently listening: 如果愛－方大同
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