Posts
Seeing is believing
When you desperately need something, but days have gone by, nothing indicated its coming. How do you feel? I know I will automatically go into the panic mode and try to have some remedies using my own strength.
Seeing is believing. I have to hold it in my hands otherwise I will not trust I have it.
But God seems to ask to shift the equation, believing is seeing.
22"Have[f] faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."[g]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Experimental
I really need an experimental. I already laid down things and gave Him what He asks for, why He did not hand me over an experimental section or a recipe that I can follow.
Where is my step 1?
Experimental = passive faith
But God want us to have an active faith with Him. Do things together with Him. Collect and evaluate data, provide analysis, form opinions and come to conclusions with Him together. Consulting Him on the way, we grow because we are experiencing the situations and Him together.
An experimental seems to be a more predictable path but we do not get to participate in the design. We are just a pair of hands. Next time around, we almost could not remember about last experiment and have to start from step 0.
God enjoys more about the process, the mistakes and progress we made in that we grow and remember. But we, as human beings, tend to focus more or only about the results. At least I was.
Where is my step 1?
Experimental = passive faith
But God want us to have an active faith with Him. Do things together with Him. Collect and evaluate data, provide analysis, form opinions and come to conclusions with Him together. Consulting Him on the way, we grow because we are experiencing the situations and Him together.
An experimental seems to be a more predictable path but we do not get to participate in the design. We are just a pair of hands. Next time around, we almost could not remember about last experiment and have to start from step 0.
God enjoys more about the process, the mistakes and progress we made in that we grow and remember. But we, as human beings, tend to focus more or only about the results. At least I was.
God guarantees to save me
Step 2:
The only time we really grow=in the midst of tribulation
Tension comes from contrast between what God promises and what is going in my experience
Pressure on to use old familiar methods of flesh to deal with situation: with this particular type of pressure may be tempted to depression and falling apart, fly into action on my own , anger
Lord’s way often seems crazy or suicidal
e.g. anger→ patience and grace
Step 3: “Tomb time”: Hanging in there, trusting and obeying Him no matter what
Rom 5:9: God guarantees to save me from all the mess of my life.
The only time we really grow=in the midst of tribulation
Tension comes from contrast between what God promises and what is going in my experience
Pressure on to use old familiar methods of flesh to deal with situation: with this particular type of pressure may be tempted to depression and falling apart, fly into action on my own , anger
Lord’s way often seems crazy or suicidal
e.g. anger→ patience and grace
Step 3: “Tomb time”: Hanging in there, trusting and obeying Him no matter what
Rom 5:9: God guarantees to save me from all the mess of my life.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A prayer list
This morning, a whisper came to me: “Write down a list of prayers”. I stopped writing down prayer requests or really earnestly pray for specific things for a while. Not because of I do not have one, but because I know my present situation is by God’s design to grow me. I learned not to relentlessly fight but to obey.
“Write a list.” The whisper continued. “Do you remember your list on the piece of blue paper? They all came true.”
I suddenly remembered about 7 years ago, I had one. There was a prayer for a sister to get pregnant, and another sister to know God and have God to bless her marriage….” Now the first sister’s son is 4.5 years old and the second sister has transitioned with a light speed from a single, to a wife with a very sincere husband and a proud mom of two boys.
“Write the requests down. They will come true.”
“If everything I ask for will come true, what shall I write? Are you really going to give me everything I write down?”
“God, Guide me”.
I hope magically the pen moves by itself as in movies. But as I was doing so in a faithful heart, tears came down. Because God seems to remember the things I had forgotten or lost heart to. I prayed earlier this year to won one specific proposal so that I may have about x0K compensation pre-tax, then my husband can have a new car as his current commute car really needs a fix. It did not come true and our already tight budget will not allow this.
I saw an item that in areas of relationships, that I did realize there need a difference but God cares so deeply what the heart longs for.
Two persons names came up. I tried and prayed for them earnest in the summer and walked through the difficult time in their lives with them but one or two words from them hurt me. I stopped praying for them. But God still remembers them. And me.
…..
God knows me better than I know myself.
What would you write down if anything you ask for will become true?
“Write a list.” The whisper continued. “Do you remember your list on the piece of blue paper? They all came true.”
I suddenly remembered about 7 years ago, I had one. There was a prayer for a sister to get pregnant, and another sister to know God and have God to bless her marriage….” Now the first sister’s son is 4.5 years old and the second sister has transitioned with a light speed from a single, to a wife with a very sincere husband and a proud mom of two boys.
“Write the requests down. They will come true.”
“If everything I ask for will come true, what shall I write? Are you really going to give me everything I write down?”
“God, Guide me”.
I hope magically the pen moves by itself as in movies. But as I was doing so in a faithful heart, tears came down. Because God seems to remember the things I had forgotten or lost heart to. I prayed earlier this year to won one specific proposal so that I may have about x0K compensation pre-tax, then my husband can have a new car as his current commute car really needs a fix. It did not come true and our already tight budget will not allow this.
I saw an item that in areas of relationships, that I did realize there need a difference but God cares so deeply what the heart longs for.
Two persons names came up. I tried and prayed for them earnest in the summer and walked through the difficult time in their lives with them but one or two words from them hurt me. I stopped praying for them. But God still remembers them. And me.
…..
God knows me better than I know myself.
What would you write down if anything you ask for will become true?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
An elderly lady
I heard this on the radio today while driving.
An lady, sounds really old, called in with her story. She wanted to devoice with her husband because she can not wall anymore and she does not want her husband taking care of her the rest of his life. Her husband is not going to have a devoice with her....
what a contrast to this selfish era, people constantly asking what in there for me.
An lady, sounds really old, called in with her story. She wanted to devoice with her husband because she can not wall anymore and she does not want her husband taking care of her the rest of his life. Her husband is not going to have a devoice with her....
what a contrast to this selfish era, people constantly asking what in there for me.
Holiday gift
We gave our teacher a holiday gift today. She is in her 60s. When we presented our gift to her, she smiled making her eyes into two lines and asked: "Can we open the gift now or we should wait until Christmas?"
I was shocked.
We demand "Now" so granted, forget there is another choice--- joyful "wait".
I was shocked.
We demand "Now" so granted, forget there is another choice--- joyful "wait".
Takeaways and thoughts
Some recent take-aways from class and my own thoughts:
1. God’s grace and forgiveness
Dwell in peace with the Lord’s presence b/c Jesus Christ. Always go to the Lord and thank His grace and forgiveness, its amazingly true.
We grow older in our lives, we are more desperately in our lives to need the Lord. There are areas in our lives, we repeatedly failed. Instead of running away to hide and stop reading the bible thinking how God could possibly forgive for what we did, we can come back to the Lord, have confidence that His grace is bigger and we can thank Him for Jesus and His forgiveness. The repeated failures do not block us from the Lord’s presence. No matter what our past is, we can still dwell in peace with the Lord, in God’s favor, because of Jesus Christ, which has already be done.
Law crashes us for it measures degree of failures. Grace, on the other hand, measures great success. The reference point for grace is dead flat zero. Grace celebrates each success.
When babies first learn how to walk, they fall repeatedly. In the process, they may start to hold a little longer before they fall but they soon fall again. You never see a baby crying I will never learn to walk. When the parents watching the babies, they celebrate each little progresses babies make and firmly believe they will be able to walk. Just like how the Lord watching us for areas of our lives.
2. What is hope
When we try to define a human being, we define them by thoughts, action, ……but when we look at babies, they do not have any of those characters. But we still clearly call them human beings. Why? Because we will have confidence that they will grow into the characters of a human being.
This is just like God and us. God see us who will grow bearing His characters.
Hope is not a mind game.
3. From external
Early on in our lives, we prayed for cars, jobs, God provided our external needs. Then He invited us to grow. Unfortunately there is only one way we will grow. ONLY ONE WAY. Tough times, the stuff we will never sign up for, are the opportunities for us to grow. Paul knows the process, exalted in the mist of practical life, and so should we. None of us like pressure, difficulties, narrow areas, but that’s how we grow the fastest, and deepest to a relationship with the Lord.
Difficulties are an invitation from the Lord, going in partnership together with Him. When situation and or temptation is up, instead of screaming it is enough already, we can be thankful, like Paul, knowing the process, God is helping us and we are moving forward together. Be open to what God is teaching me now…
4. Tune time
We trusted the Lord to do the new way. However there are tune times. We set aside the old, but not see the new yet. Lord, you are working in me. Develop a habit of trusting in the Lord, we are going through and hanging in here together. “I will hang in there. I will see what will happen”.
5. Voice
If we succeed once and failed three times, we are still in God’s favor. However, our voices can be either like God’s: "great, I know you will succeed” or Satan's: "I know the Word, but you, forget it, it will never happen.”
Which one do you choose?
6. Internal
God changes us in a helical process. Our success rate will be higher and higher and the level of temptation will be bigger and bigger and we grow into a deeper and deeper relationship with God.
Like peeling an onion, layer by layer, tears on the way.
Some areas are repeatedly come back, each time with a different scope and intensity.
7. Kindness leads to repentance
Repentance= change of mind
We repent because of God's gental grace, not because of persuasion and law. we want others to repent, what shall we us? God's way or our way?
8. Blood=life
Our physical bodies reflect how our spiritual bodies work. Blood represent the life, blood provide nutrition and cleansing to other parts of the organs. Heart drives the blood, going through the lung, obtaining from the nature and to the organs. Spirit resides in the heart.
9. Why to pray out loud?
God does not require us praying out loud but it is for our own benefit. Sometimes it is to make our will yield to what we are praying. Sometimes is to make us confident that we are communicating with God not just going through things in our minds.
........................................................................................................
Enjoy the opportunities that you will grow with the Lord!
...........................................................................................................
1. God’s grace and forgiveness
Dwell in peace with the Lord’s presence b/c Jesus Christ. Always go to the Lord and thank His grace and forgiveness, its amazingly true.
We grow older in our lives, we are more desperately in our lives to need the Lord. There are areas in our lives, we repeatedly failed. Instead of running away to hide and stop reading the bible thinking how God could possibly forgive for what we did, we can come back to the Lord, have confidence that His grace is bigger and we can thank Him for Jesus and His forgiveness. The repeated failures do not block us from the Lord’s presence. No matter what our past is, we can still dwell in peace with the Lord, in God’s favor, because of Jesus Christ, which has already be done.
Law crashes us for it measures degree of failures. Grace, on the other hand, measures great success. The reference point for grace is dead flat zero. Grace celebrates each success.
When babies first learn how to walk, they fall repeatedly. In the process, they may start to hold a little longer before they fall but they soon fall again. You never see a baby crying I will never learn to walk. When the parents watching the babies, they celebrate each little progresses babies make and firmly believe they will be able to walk. Just like how the Lord watching us for areas of our lives.
2. What is hope
When we try to define a human being, we define them by thoughts, action, ……but when we look at babies, they do not have any of those characters. But we still clearly call them human beings. Why? Because we will have confidence that they will grow into the characters of a human being.
This is just like God and us. God see us who will grow bearing His characters.
Hope is not a mind game.
3. From external
Early on in our lives, we prayed for cars, jobs, God provided our external needs. Then He invited us to grow. Unfortunately there is only one way we will grow. ONLY ONE WAY. Tough times, the stuff we will never sign up for, are the opportunities for us to grow. Paul knows the process, exalted in the mist of practical life, and so should we. None of us like pressure, difficulties, narrow areas, but that’s how we grow the fastest, and deepest to a relationship with the Lord.
Difficulties are an invitation from the Lord, going in partnership together with Him. When situation and or temptation is up, instead of screaming it is enough already, we can be thankful, like Paul, knowing the process, God is helping us and we are moving forward together. Be open to what God is teaching me now…
4. Tune time
We trusted the Lord to do the new way. However there are tune times. We set aside the old, but not see the new yet. Lord, you are working in me. Develop a habit of trusting in the Lord, we are going through and hanging in here together. “I will hang in there. I will see what will happen”.
5. Voice
If we succeed once and failed three times, we are still in God’s favor. However, our voices can be either like God’s: "great, I know you will succeed” or Satan's: "I know the Word, but you, forget it, it will never happen.”
Which one do you choose?
6. Internal
God changes us in a helical process. Our success rate will be higher and higher and the level of temptation will be bigger and bigger and we grow into a deeper and deeper relationship with God.
Like peeling an onion, layer by layer, tears on the way.
Some areas are repeatedly come back, each time with a different scope and intensity.
7. Kindness leads to repentance
Repentance= change of mind
We repent because of God's gental grace, not because of persuasion and law. we want others to repent, what shall we us? God's way or our way?
8. Blood=life
Our physical bodies reflect how our spiritual bodies work. Blood represent the life, blood provide nutrition and cleansing to other parts of the organs. Heart drives the blood, going through the lung, obtaining from the nature and to the organs. Spirit resides in the heart.
9. Why to pray out loud?
God does not require us praying out loud but it is for our own benefit. Sometimes it is to make our will yield to what we are praying. Sometimes is to make us confident that we are communicating with God not just going through things in our minds.
........................................................................................................
Enjoy the opportunities that you will grow with the Lord!
...........................................................................................................
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Practical faith
Walking out of my class today, I wished I had known this earlier. I pray that it is not too late now.
Credit goes to my teacher Erica.
…………………………………………..
Faith does not mean not to look at the reality, but to appreciate the magnitude of God’s wonder. When God promised Abraham a child, neither he nor his wife was capable of producing a child biologically. He took a hard look of the reality and had two choices. #1 it is too much a gap from the reality, empty promise and forget about it. #2 there is an enormous leap from the reality but that is how much I am going to see God. I am going to trust God for what He says, trusting Him whatever He promises and He will fulfill. I make my steps in Him. Let’s go.
Sometimes God calls us to do things radical different from the reality. But there is a greater reality, we can delightful accept the call and see God bridging the huge gap.
We all have growth areas in our lives. Some are even areas have been dead for a long time. If we trust our God, then it is just like to ask Him to make Jesus’ resurrection in our lives again. He has done it before and He is capable of doing it. We just ask Him to do it again in our lives, in our history.
Let’s go.
……………………………………………
P.S. This message came to me at the right time as I start to feel discouraged in pursuing His calling. Did I really hear Him correctly? I wish I had some sort of emails, voice mails or videos that allow me to review, analyze and confirm. But now I realized God’s calling did not start because of what I did, it is not going to depend on me to continue, the end results are certainly out of my hands. It only depends on me to act on it to receive the benefits of the process. Walking in Him and to Him, let’s go.
Credit goes to my teacher Erica.
…………………………………………..
Faith does not mean not to look at the reality, but to appreciate the magnitude of God’s wonder. When God promised Abraham a child, neither he nor his wife was capable of producing a child biologically. He took a hard look of the reality and had two choices. #1 it is too much a gap from the reality, empty promise and forget about it. #2 there is an enormous leap from the reality but that is how much I am going to see God. I am going to trust God for what He says, trusting Him whatever He promises and He will fulfill. I make my steps in Him. Let’s go.
Sometimes God calls us to do things radical different from the reality. But there is a greater reality, we can delightful accept the call and see God bridging the huge gap.
We all have growth areas in our lives. Some are even areas have been dead for a long time. If we trust our God, then it is just like to ask Him to make Jesus’ resurrection in our lives again. He has done it before and He is capable of doing it. We just ask Him to do it again in our lives, in our history.
Let’s go.
……………………………………………
P.S. This message came to me at the right time as I start to feel discouraged in pursuing His calling. Did I really hear Him correctly? I wish I had some sort of emails, voice mails or videos that allow me to review, analyze and confirm. But now I realized God’s calling did not start because of what I did, it is not going to depend on me to continue, the end results are certainly out of my hands. It only depends on me to act on it to receive the benefits of the process. Walking in Him and to Him, let’s go.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Turkey jokes
The pastor at our church mentioned three jokes at our Thanksgiving service:
1. Which side of the turkey has the most feather?
Outside.
2. What will a turkey say before going to the oven?
Oh, I am stuffed.
3. What would a space turkey say?
Habo habo.
1. Which side of the turkey has the most feather?
Outside.
2. What will a turkey say before going to the oven?
Oh, I am stuffed.
3. What would a space turkey say?
Habo habo.
A letter to someone God hold Dear to His heart
In the worst possible time in my life that I could be a testimony to the living God, He whispered to me a new acquaintance name. In about 7 consecutive days, every morning I woke up, it is her name. God is so persistant that I give up: OK. I will tell her about you, NOW.
Later on when I know her and her life a bit more, I wrote the following letter to her.
If you are reading this letter, I'd say it is also for you because God loves you.
......................................................................................................................................................................
Dear Lorie:
There are a few words I want to share with you for a long time. First start with my life. If someone told me last year I’d had no job for a while I will laugh and tell him I shall not live without a job. Yes that was me, define myself by what I do. If you know the past me, you would think that was a joke. God is working on me to let me see life by its true nature is very beautiful and if I walk along the course I designed for myself I don’t know what I will miss.
While this does not mean it is not painful and I am willingly to accept and enjoy the progress in the heart. I still feel the strong agony, lonely and unfairness. Only prayers lead me through day by day.
Trials come to our lives in various shapes and sizes, may variety in intensity and all produce enormous pain. They come because God sees us as gold that are incredibly valuable. He is refining our lives and strengthening our faith. He is teaching us depend more and more on Him. Trials fuel the furnace that God uses to reshape us from the inside out.
Trail is inevitable. Suffering is part of human living in a broken world. Who doesn’t have it? Pain is universal and inescapable. It seems unrelenting and unbearable right now.
But it is temporal not eternal. Suffering is painful to bear. Trials are torturously difficult to endure. We need not to get incurably discouraged or grow hopelessly weary. (I am waiting you here hope God will meet you here and lead you forward, a baby belongs to your future, not your past).
God let us suffer is not to destroy us but give us life and future. He created you and will create your baby. He has saved you once and will save you again.
His strength is adequate, His grace is sufficient and his plan is perfect even when we don’t fully comprehend.
Life is precious, for ourselves, for the people we love and who love us. As long as God is living, we have hope.
Blessings.
Later on when I know her and her life a bit more, I wrote the following letter to her.
If you are reading this letter, I'd say it is also for you because God loves you.
......................................................................................................................................................................
Dear Lorie:
There are a few words I want to share with you for a long time. First start with my life. If someone told me last year I’d had no job for a while I will laugh and tell him I shall not live without a job. Yes that was me, define myself by what I do. If you know the past me, you would think that was a joke. God is working on me to let me see life by its true nature is very beautiful and if I walk along the course I designed for myself I don’t know what I will miss.
While this does not mean it is not painful and I am willingly to accept and enjoy the progress in the heart. I still feel the strong agony, lonely and unfairness. Only prayers lead me through day by day.
Trials come to our lives in various shapes and sizes, may variety in intensity and all produce enormous pain. They come because God sees us as gold that are incredibly valuable. He is refining our lives and strengthening our faith. He is teaching us depend more and more on Him. Trials fuel the furnace that God uses to reshape us from the inside out.
Trail is inevitable. Suffering is part of human living in a broken world. Who doesn’t have it? Pain is universal and inescapable. It seems unrelenting and unbearable right now.
But it is temporal not eternal. Suffering is painful to bear. Trials are torturously difficult to endure. We need not to get incurably discouraged or grow hopelessly weary. (I am waiting you here hope God will meet you here and lead you forward, a baby belongs to your future, not your past).
God let us suffer is not to destroy us but give us life and future. He created you and will create your baby. He has saved you once and will save you again.
His strength is adequate, His grace is sufficient and his plan is perfect even when we don’t fully comprehend.
Life is precious, for ourselves, for the people we love and who love us. As long as God is living, we have hope.
Blessings.
Hope ( A letter from a friend)
Happy Sunday,
You have been through a lot this past year, and your blog shows emotion as well as hope. The word "hope" in the Bible is not a good translation of the original word, which has more of a connotation of guarantee. When we follow Him, we don't just have a hope but a guarantee.
Count your blessings.
You have been through a lot this past year, and your blog shows emotion as well as hope. The word "hope" in the Bible is not a good translation of the original word, which has more of a connotation of guarantee. When we follow Him, we don't just have a hope but a guarantee.
Count your blessings.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
How close to death (August 2009)
How close to death
I am in my early 30s, perfect healthy with a loving caring husband and strong marriage. Yet twice in the last week, I had the feeling that life does not worth to live anymore.
Death does not have real meaning to me until 5 years ago that my dear grandfather who brought me up passed away. It took me sometime to accept it was real. I was in tears almost every night in the first couple of months and deeply in pain for the following 5 years until God healed me using the Father’s love.
Death knocked on me again. It is hard to believe that I do not have a regular job for so long and yet living a joyful life and still encouraging others. I know deeply that is impossible if I don’t have Jesus or He is not living and working today.
But death was so inviting, as often I don’t feel I can bear the pain, loneliness and uncertainty for the future anymore. The attractive way to stop all these is to accept death’s invitation. How close was I to death? Hours ago, my husband and I were going through the bible, trying to find a boy or girl’s name. Now, the cloud of death over ruled everything.
Death was so close. I can even smell it’s approaching. Its arm offers a seemingly quick and effective way to get away from current pain but leads to eternal death.
“1 Peter 4: 12Dear friend, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. 19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful creator and continues to do good.”
I always thought the suffering in text refers to people in the missions or die due to prosecutions, but surprisingly now it is also meaningful to me and applicable in my current situation.
“1 Peter 1: 6 …though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
How close am I to death. Less than a hair away.
But Jesus is living and so shall I. I thank God for giving me this unique experience and my faith was refined again by the deadly fire. “I have not seen him but I love him; and even though I do not see him now, I believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for I am receiving the goal of my faith, the salvation of my soul.”(1 Peter 1:8)
I am in my early 30s, perfect healthy with a loving caring husband and strong marriage. Yet twice in the last week, I had the feeling that life does not worth to live anymore.
Death does not have real meaning to me until 5 years ago that my dear grandfather who brought me up passed away. It took me sometime to accept it was real. I was in tears almost every night in the first couple of months and deeply in pain for the following 5 years until God healed me using the Father’s love.
Death knocked on me again. It is hard to believe that I do not have a regular job for so long and yet living a joyful life and still encouraging others. I know deeply that is impossible if I don’t have Jesus or He is not living and working today.
But death was so inviting, as often I don’t feel I can bear the pain, loneliness and uncertainty for the future anymore. The attractive way to stop all these is to accept death’s invitation. How close was I to death? Hours ago, my husband and I were going through the bible, trying to find a boy or girl’s name. Now, the cloud of death over ruled everything.
Death was so close. I can even smell it’s approaching. Its arm offers a seemingly quick and effective way to get away from current pain but leads to eternal death.
“1 Peter 4: 12Dear friend, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. 19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful creator and continues to do good.”
I always thought the suffering in text refers to people in the missions or die due to prosecutions, but surprisingly now it is also meaningful to me and applicable in my current situation.
“1 Peter 1: 6 …though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
How close am I to death. Less than a hair away.
But Jesus is living and so shall I. I thank God for giving me this unique experience and my faith was refined again by the deadly fire. “I have not seen him but I love him; and even though I do not see him now, I believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for I am receiving the goal of my faith, the salvation of my soul.”(1 Peter 1:8)
What is the richness in this world? (August 2009)
The Christians I personally know are generous people but not rich by worldly standards. Being a pastor is not as attractive as being a doctor, lawyer or cooperate executive as a profession. Being a Christian equals to being poor?
Some says the richest person is not one who has the most, but is the one who needs the least. Others say the richest person is who understands the meaning of enough. Intellectually I agree with both. But they do not bring any power to me. I continued to ask God. He seemed to answer “Take joy in the Lord”. There is clearly a gap between the question and answer.
Recently, I was very nervous about something and asked a lot of people to pray for me. Some of them have full-time challenging jobs, some of them have new-borns and hardly get enough sleep everyday, and still some of them are juggling through different life responsibilities. I did not expect all them will remember because I lost track who I have requested prayers except a few. But surprisingly many emailed or called me after the interview and they really dropped off their lives and prayed for me.
When I was replying back, one by one, I suddenly felt I am the richest person in the world. The job itself does not matter any more. The feeling of being loved, remembered, surrounded and protected overwhelmed me. That is all that I need in this world. This experience brings level of satisfaction to my heart as God’s love penetrates through his people.
This little emotional experience fills in the gaps between “being rich” and “take joy in Lord”. It makes two statements about enough and needs very real to me.
What is the richness in this world? Everyone has different answers. I had a moment I felt I am really rich. No matter what and how much you have but you never experience the deep rich feeling, then I am sure you are really poor.
Some says the richest person is not one who has the most, but is the one who needs the least. Others say the richest person is who understands the meaning of enough. Intellectually I agree with both. But they do not bring any power to me. I continued to ask God. He seemed to answer “Take joy in the Lord”. There is clearly a gap between the question and answer.
Recently, I was very nervous about something and asked a lot of people to pray for me. Some of them have full-time challenging jobs, some of them have new-borns and hardly get enough sleep everyday, and still some of them are juggling through different life responsibilities. I did not expect all them will remember because I lost track who I have requested prayers except a few. But surprisingly many emailed or called me after the interview and they really dropped off their lives and prayed for me.
When I was replying back, one by one, I suddenly felt I am the richest person in the world. The job itself does not matter any more. The feeling of being loved, remembered, surrounded and protected overwhelmed me. That is all that I need in this world. This experience brings level of satisfaction to my heart as God’s love penetrates through his people.
This little emotional experience fills in the gaps between “being rich” and “take joy in Lord”. It makes two statements about enough and needs very real to me.
What is the richness in this world? Everyone has different answers. I had a moment I felt I am really rich. No matter what and how much you have but you never experience the deep rich feeling, then I am sure you are really poor.
My questions to God ( June 2009)
Why do we live?
-To give and receive love.
What do we need in God’s kingdom growth?
-Love not money or resources
What do we need when we are in difficulties?
-Hope. The Hope for the trustworthy Lord not our own strength and abilities
Why everything has a process (take time)?
-The process makes the results more precious and valuable. The waiting cultivates a deeper relationship and sufficient preparation.
Why do we have dark periods in our lives?
-Our normal easy-going life routine, to a certain point, is a barrier preventing us receiving God’s best gift and being thirsty to know Him more. We have to be forced to shut down and withdraw from the physical world to have quiet time and seek HIM only.
Why our lives are not run through a fixed course that we planned or anticipated?
-Because running through our own course will miss significant life adventures. We, not matter how visionary are, make short-term decisions. God always focus on the long term. Sometimes the fruit takes a few generations to show up. The only long-term decision we can make is to obey HIM.
Do not manufacture conclusions but be grateful
-God works in ways we do not see. Don’t even think in terms of this is the way things will turn out, especially when we are praying or serving. Be Open and stay calm.
God is the author of our faith. Be grateful if our names are on the book of Lamb.
Do Christians have to be in poverty? Could a Faith Giant, God’s warrior also a millionaire?
-To be answered.
-To give and receive love.
What do we need in God’s kingdom growth?
-Love not money or resources
What do we need when we are in difficulties?
-Hope. The Hope for the trustworthy Lord not our own strength and abilities
Why everything has a process (take time)?
-The process makes the results more precious and valuable. The waiting cultivates a deeper relationship and sufficient preparation.
Why do we have dark periods in our lives?
-Our normal easy-going life routine, to a certain point, is a barrier preventing us receiving God’s best gift and being thirsty to know Him more. We have to be forced to shut down and withdraw from the physical world to have quiet time and seek HIM only.
Why our lives are not run through a fixed course that we planned or anticipated?
-Because running through our own course will miss significant life adventures. We, not matter how visionary are, make short-term decisions. God always focus on the long term. Sometimes the fruit takes a few generations to show up. The only long-term decision we can make is to obey HIM.
Do not manufacture conclusions but be grateful
-God works in ways we do not see. Don’t even think in terms of this is the way things will turn out, especially when we are praying or serving. Be Open and stay calm.
God is the author of our faith. Be grateful if our names are on the book of Lamb.
Do Christians have to be in poverty? Could a Faith Giant, God’s warrior also a millionaire?
-To be answered.
Will we lose our salvation?
This is a popular question among Chinese congregation in one of churches we’ve been to. We don’t know the answer at the time.
The popular answer is once you are saved and you are forever saved. As long as you are baptized once and then you are going to heaven. It is really a convenient answer. But is this really true?
Now, eight years later, my husband listened to a message from a pastor on the radio. Now we have a better understanding.
By God’s mercy we are saved. Do you think this is something we can decide? No, only God got to decide.
Do you know where you are going? How sure are you?
The popular answer is once you are saved and you are forever saved. As long as you are baptized once and then you are going to heaven. It is really a convenient answer. But is this really true?
Now, eight years later, my husband listened to a message from a pastor on the radio. Now we have a better understanding.
By God’s mercy we are saved. Do you think this is something we can decide? No, only God got to decide.
Do you know where you are going? How sure are you?
Who is the selected one?
The urge of writing this down appeared to me several times this year. Now I am doing it in obeying and for the benefit of inspiring others.
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A friend of mine stayed with us for two weeks this year. IMO, He has everything in the physical world except a wife. During the two-week period I tried to persuade him to believe in Jesus and if he chooses to do so, God will definitely give him a wife custom made for him and more beyond his imagination. He sat through all these discussions and concluded: “God selected you to believe and selected me not to believe.”
God really determined who is to believe (and to save) and who is not at the beginning?
One day, a vision occurred to me. There was a lighted fireplace and bunches of branches on the floor next to the fireplace. An elderly person picked up a bunch of branches from the floor, went through them, sets aside a few and threw the rest into the fire. Then he picked up another handful bunch and did the same. I was carefully watching him. Right before he is ready to throw another bunch to the fire, suddenly I realized my friends were in there. The people I just had dinner with the past weekend, the couple who just had a lovely unexpected baby, …I stood up and cried out: “Wait! No!” I cried out to Him: “Lord, you want me to pray? I pray! If my prayers can save them, I pray hard!” I wept and wept because I could not endure the pain seeing the real persons I know were thrown into the fire. This elderly person paused, took out a few from the bunch, and grafted them to a trunk of a bigger tree. The grafted branches started to have life and grow baby branches.
Who is the selected one in the above scene? Can you taste a bit of the Father’s heart? If he is truly being selective, everything is pre-determined, why He needs to call out prayer warriors, pass His burden to His followers?
Regardless who we are and what we have done, do you know why you and me are still alive today? Because God is constantly trying to reach us and fellowship with us.
Whenever appropriate, I tried to tell people about God. Being through that scene, I know I can tolerate my friends’ “misunderstanding” but I can not bear the pain seeing their names not on the book of lamb on the judgment day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A friend of mine stayed with us for two weeks this year. IMO, He has everything in the physical world except a wife. During the two-week period I tried to persuade him to believe in Jesus and if he chooses to do so, God will definitely give him a wife custom made for him and more beyond his imagination. He sat through all these discussions and concluded: “God selected you to believe and selected me not to believe.”
God really determined who is to believe (and to save) and who is not at the beginning?
One day, a vision occurred to me. There was a lighted fireplace and bunches of branches on the floor next to the fireplace. An elderly person picked up a bunch of branches from the floor, went through them, sets aside a few and threw the rest into the fire. Then he picked up another handful bunch and did the same. I was carefully watching him. Right before he is ready to throw another bunch to the fire, suddenly I realized my friends were in there. The people I just had dinner with the past weekend, the couple who just had a lovely unexpected baby, …I stood up and cried out: “Wait! No!” I cried out to Him: “Lord, you want me to pray? I pray! If my prayers can save them, I pray hard!” I wept and wept because I could not endure the pain seeing the real persons I know were thrown into the fire. This elderly person paused, took out a few from the bunch, and grafted them to a trunk of a bigger tree. The grafted branches started to have life and grow baby branches.
Who is the selected one in the above scene? Can you taste a bit of the Father’s heart? If he is truly being selective, everything is pre-determined, why He needs to call out prayer warriors, pass His burden to His followers?
Regardless who we are and what we have done, do you know why you and me are still alive today? Because God is constantly trying to reach us and fellowship with us.
Whenever appropriate, I tried to tell people about God. Being through that scene, I know I can tolerate my friends’ “misunderstanding” but I can not bear the pain seeing their names not on the book of lamb on the judgment day.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving to the Lord (2009)
Thanksgiving to the Lord
I give the following thanks to God my Father, Jesus Christ my savor and Holy Spirit my forever consular on the day of Nov 26th, 2009.
May He is gloried through my life. Pray that I will have more His Character in the coming years.
1. Marriage
God rebuilt our marriage to what was stated in the bible. I am more dependent on my husband and my husband is more responsible for the family. My husband reaped all the benefits for having me at home and I saw a husband’s sacrificial love for the wife and our family like what Christ has done for the church. We both are running to the God. There are only two decisions that I made correct in my life so far:1) Choose God to be my savor 1) Be my husband’s wife. The rest of the decisions, whether right or wrong is not that important anymore.
2. Family
I am now more confident about life. Joy and hope comes from within, not depend on what has happened. I am now ready for our babies to join us in our journeys in lives as I am looking forward to a better life tomorrow.
God also issued an order to me to reconcile with my earthly father. Forgive and Love Him. As I stepping out in obeying Him, I saw the miracle that my Mom is very joyful and our family is so close and in love with each other.
3. Money
God send us to this world to rule. Let us not to down grade ourselves to labor to save money, but to manage the assets and try to enjoy life. Put God first, seeking His righteousness, everything else will follow.
4. Job
The job in this world does not have to be what you do not like. Working on a job you do not like, just for the “predicative” paycheck, you still could be laid off.
The favorite jobs, customized for each individual do exist.
5. Career
“Two or three gather in my name, I will be with them”. This can happen everywhere in whatever we do.
If we team up with God, there are huge potentials with various opportunities. All we need to do is to willingly give ourselves to Him.
6. Who is God to me
God is a real person. My husband and I discuss our concerns, He answers right away when we pray.
God is my teacher. He taught me many things this year: 1) adversity comes in different shape and intensity, but who hasn’t? 2) Giving your passion and talent to God is the safest thing 3) when evaluate (people, opportunities) try to discern without being suspicious 4) when communicating, be simple, clear, emphasis on the essential, not to impress others and feel comfortable leaving something unsaid……..
God has sovereignty and difficult to get rid of. So I’d better be smart, willingly joyfully obey whatever He asks for.
7. Beyond
I don’t need a job, a house, a baby to be joyful. I know God loves me.
If one day I achieve anything, is because what I went through in 2009. God showed me where to go, how to conquer, what to learn step be step.
8. Advice to myself:
don’t turn away from God, no matter what happens, hold onto Him tightly. Always have thanksgiving in my heart. No matter how bad the situation is, it could be worse without Him. As long I still have a breath, he will give me strength.
I give the following thanks to God my Father, Jesus Christ my savor and Holy Spirit my forever consular on the day of Nov 26th, 2009.
May He is gloried through my life. Pray that I will have more His Character in the coming years.
1. Marriage
God rebuilt our marriage to what was stated in the bible. I am more dependent on my husband and my husband is more responsible for the family. My husband reaped all the benefits for having me at home and I saw a husband’s sacrificial love for the wife and our family like what Christ has done for the church. We both are running to the God. There are only two decisions that I made correct in my life so far:1) Choose God to be my savor 1) Be my husband’s wife. The rest of the decisions, whether right or wrong is not that important anymore.
2. Family
I am now more confident about life. Joy and hope comes from within, not depend on what has happened. I am now ready for our babies to join us in our journeys in lives as I am looking forward to a better life tomorrow.
God also issued an order to me to reconcile with my earthly father. Forgive and Love Him. As I stepping out in obeying Him, I saw the miracle that my Mom is very joyful and our family is so close and in love with each other.
3. Money
God send us to this world to rule. Let us not to down grade ourselves to labor to save money, but to manage the assets and try to enjoy life. Put God first, seeking His righteousness, everything else will follow.
4. Job
The job in this world does not have to be what you do not like. Working on a job you do not like, just for the “predicative” paycheck, you still could be laid off.
The favorite jobs, customized for each individual do exist.
5. Career
“Two or three gather in my name, I will be with them”. This can happen everywhere in whatever we do.
If we team up with God, there are huge potentials with various opportunities. All we need to do is to willingly give ourselves to Him.
6. Who is God to me
God is a real person. My husband and I discuss our concerns, He answers right away when we pray.
God is my teacher. He taught me many things this year: 1) adversity comes in different shape and intensity, but who hasn’t? 2) Giving your passion and talent to God is the safest thing 3) when evaluate (people, opportunities) try to discern without being suspicious 4) when communicating, be simple, clear, emphasis on the essential, not to impress others and feel comfortable leaving something unsaid……..
God has sovereignty and difficult to get rid of. So I’d better be smart, willingly joyfully obey whatever He asks for.
7. Beyond
I don’t need a job, a house, a baby to be joyful. I know God loves me.
If one day I achieve anything, is because what I went through in 2009. God showed me where to go, how to conquer, what to learn step be step.
8. Advice to myself:
don’t turn away from God, no matter what happens, hold onto Him tightly. Always have thanksgiving in my heart. No matter how bad the situation is, it could be worse without Him. As long I still have a breath, he will give me strength.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Word become flesh
How does this happen scientifically? Is it even possible?
I use to think it could. But it happened only once, that word become Jesus Christ, a human being on earth. But this year, my life changed through reading the Word. Now the Word has become part of me---in the flesh.
So Word becoming flesh does happen, everyday, around us and in us.
I use to think it could. But it happened only once, that word become Jesus Christ, a human being on earth. But this year, my life changed through reading the Word. Now the Word has become part of me---in the flesh.
So Word becoming flesh does happen, everyday, around us and in us.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thanksgiving Letter: From my heart to yours
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
“Grace and peace to you from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
-1 Corinthians 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 1:2
A couple of years ago we gathered at Ying’s house, I mentioned that I would greet you like that in the New Testament. Now I had the opportunity.
1.What is the best to give to our children?
I have been following your babies’ pictures online very closely. Clearly every one of them are dearest to your hearts and I was also blessed while looking at them. I can’t help noticing that they, as a generation, are soaked in new clothes, new toys and the tremendous amount of love from parents and grandparents. Have you ever thought about what is the best to give to them? College tuition fund? While I know some smart kids dropped out of high school. Big house? Is this our sons and daughters will thank us for at our funerals?
Going through 2009, I have my own answers to these questions. I am now wholeheartedly waiting and welcoming my children to our lives. I felt I am already familiar with them though I have not officially met them. Ying, you are right. We do have names ready and I am the only one have names before being pregnant.
2. Year 2009 and me
Going into 2009, I didn’t know how to handle six Saturdays in a week. I visited many places, many companies, and many things visited me, including depression and death. However, 2009 is the best year in my life so far. Having no job and only two prayers from my entire year got answered is the best thing ever occurred to me. Like Piao Hong summarized a long time ago: “How can you born again? You have to die first.”
I got to know many interesting and successful people in the bay area. Their life stories inspired me. What define me are not a job, a title, a car or a house but my loving and giving Character in God. My security is not in a predictive paycheck but in my relationship with the trustworthy God. Does He really care for my emotion pains? Yes, He does. He knows the maximum I can take, and He occasionally gave me just enough to keep my hope up.
It is easy? No. Many times, I wanted to pray, please I just want to be mediocre, give me a boring job, I will live my life that way to the end, never complain. While something else happened I prayed instead: May your will be done in me.
When the project of making a new me underwent for sometime, God started to make suggestions, how about giving me your dream? Talent? Time?..... I ran away the fastest I can and hide. God, please, could you consider my feelings? This is the path I chose, could you please just bless this one? Why didn't you answer my prayers? I saw a picture of a little girl, holding a hand with a giant but they were facing opposite directions.
My husband came back one day with an invitation to a biblical counseling class offered at the Stanford University. At that class, my heart completely melted. The class was taught by a husband and wife team. The husband talks about the scriptures and the wife talks about testimonies and life implications. Often in times I want to imprint every word she said in my mind. When she introduced the topic for next class, I almost want to ask: “Could you tell me now?”
Little by little I realized giving my passion and talents to God is safer than I hold them myself. Plus I don’t know what to do with them. God’s kingdom is probably the most trust worthy investment in this world. So I repented and decided to obey. God I love you, I give you all I have, but…
What made me finally come to the commitment is the living scarifies of others, such as Kungli and our bible teachers. The love attracted me to completely submit myself to King of Kings. I don’t want to live in a selfish pit anymore, if God wants to use my life to accomplish something, then I delightfully give it to Him.
At the beginning of 2009, I was told that a decision made in 2009 will affect the next 10 years (http://agapehousenet.blogspot.com/2009/05/by-and.html). I was not interested in the concept when it was first introduced to me. If you read my life story to this far, then you know I am not same anymore.
3. Job, career, you and me
I am grateful that God did not give me those jobs I am begging for, because they are not what I like and limit the scope of what I can do. I heard so many times: I work just for paycheck now. If I got rich or when I retire, I will do what I like. I used to think this way too. This year many people retired from GE, what did they do? People are lucky if they know or remember what they like to do after finishing a so-so job for the life long.
Life redeemed by Jesus’ blood is precious. Talking to God, you will find something you enjoy, with decent pay, having a meaningful purpose, creating impact and benefiting others. Thousands have done that, so can you and me. Giving ourselves to God does not mean we all go to seminaries. God is more creative than that.
4. Beyond
I truly love and care you all in my heart. I always remember we 一张桌上吃饭， 一个锅里喝汤的日子。
Here is the best I ever learned and I want to tell you: Christmas is still a miracle. Bible conveys a love story. God is still working hard to reach every one of us. Meet Him in person and life will be changed.
Life is short and it has only one way ticket. Thanks God that we become one family in His love.
“Grace and peace to you from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
-1 Corinthians 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 1:2
A couple of years ago we gathered at Ying’s house, I mentioned that I would greet you like that in the New Testament. Now I had the opportunity.
1.What is the best to give to our children?
I have been following your babies’ pictures online very closely. Clearly every one of them are dearest to your hearts and I was also blessed while looking at them. I can’t help noticing that they, as a generation, are soaked in new clothes, new toys and the tremendous amount of love from parents and grandparents. Have you ever thought about what is the best to give to them? College tuition fund? While I know some smart kids dropped out of high school. Big house? Is this our sons and daughters will thank us for at our funerals?
Going through 2009, I have my own answers to these questions. I am now wholeheartedly waiting and welcoming my children to our lives. I felt I am already familiar with them though I have not officially met them. Ying, you are right. We do have names ready and I am the only one have names before being pregnant.
2. Year 2009 and me
Going into 2009, I didn’t know how to handle six Saturdays in a week. I visited many places, many companies, and many things visited me, including depression and death. However, 2009 is the best year in my life so far. Having no job and only two prayers from my entire year got answered is the best thing ever occurred to me. Like Piao Hong summarized a long time ago: “How can you born again? You have to die first.”
I got to know many interesting and successful people in the bay area. Their life stories inspired me. What define me are not a job, a title, a car or a house but my loving and giving Character in God. My security is not in a predictive paycheck but in my relationship with the trustworthy God. Does He really care for my emotion pains? Yes, He does. He knows the maximum I can take, and He occasionally gave me just enough to keep my hope up.
It is easy? No. Many times, I wanted to pray, please I just want to be mediocre, give me a boring job, I will live my life that way to the end, never complain. While something else happened I prayed instead: May your will be done in me.
When the project of making a new me underwent for sometime, God started to make suggestions, how about giving me your dream? Talent? Time?..... I ran away the fastest I can and hide. God, please, could you consider my feelings? This is the path I chose, could you please just bless this one? Why didn't you answer my prayers? I saw a picture of a little girl, holding a hand with a giant but they were facing opposite directions.
My husband came back one day with an invitation to a biblical counseling class offered at the Stanford University. At that class, my heart completely melted. The class was taught by a husband and wife team. The husband talks about the scriptures and the wife talks about testimonies and life implications. Often in times I want to imprint every word she said in my mind. When she introduced the topic for next class, I almost want to ask: “Could you tell me now?”
Little by little I realized giving my passion and talents to God is safer than I hold them myself. Plus I don’t know what to do with them. God’s kingdom is probably the most trust worthy investment in this world. So I repented and decided to obey. God I love you, I give you all I have, but…
What made me finally come to the commitment is the living scarifies of others, such as Kungli and our bible teachers. The love attracted me to completely submit myself to King of Kings. I don’t want to live in a selfish pit anymore, if God wants to use my life to accomplish something, then I delightfully give it to Him.
At the beginning of 2009, I was told that a decision made in 2009 will affect the next 10 years (http://agapehousenet.blogspot.com/2009/05/by-and.html). I was not interested in the concept when it was first introduced to me. If you read my life story to this far, then you know I am not same anymore.
3. Job, career, you and me
I am grateful that God did not give me those jobs I am begging for, because they are not what I like and limit the scope of what I can do. I heard so many times: I work just for paycheck now. If I got rich or when I retire, I will do what I like. I used to think this way too. This year many people retired from GE, what did they do? People are lucky if they know or remember what they like to do after finishing a so-so job for the life long.
Life redeemed by Jesus’ blood is precious. Talking to God, you will find something you enjoy, with decent pay, having a meaningful purpose, creating impact and benefiting others. Thousands have done that, so can you and me. Giving ourselves to God does not mean we all go to seminaries. God is more creative than that.
4. Beyond
I truly love and care you all in my heart. I always remember we 一张桌上吃饭， 一个锅里喝汤的日子。
Here is the best I ever learned and I want to tell you: Christmas is still a miracle. Bible conveys a love story. God is still working hard to reach every one of us. Meet Him in person and life will be changed.
Life is short and it has only one way ticket. Thanks God that we become one family in His love.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Unlucky or lucky?
She has three deadly car accidents. People around her said, Oh you are so unlucky, but she replied:
No. I am very lucky. Not many people experience miracles in their lives and I had experienced three times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6y3PN0V1BE&feature=channel
No. I am very lucky. Not many people experience miracles in their lives and I had experienced three times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6y3PN0V1BE&feature=channel
Monday, November 9, 2009
What defines you
Early this year, I took my Mini for check up. As entering the dealership driveway, a BMW cut in front of me. The service engineer at the dealership told me, in California you are defined by the car you drive.
Then we started looking houses, we were told, in silicon valley, people look at you depends on where you live and what house you have.
While, what defines us? A job title, how many people you manage? how many papers you have? your credentials? banking account?
One thing I know, if you really let any of these define who you are then it is surely a very sad thing. God created man to rule, not to be slaves.
Then we started looking houses, we were told, in silicon valley, people look at you depends on where you live and what house you have.
While, what defines us? A job title, how many people you manage? how many papers you have? your credentials? banking account?
One thing I know, if you really let any of these define who you are then it is surely a very sad thing. God created man to rule, not to be slaves.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Genuine obedience
The following comes to me this morning:
There is nothing replaces genuine obedience. Nothing. Forgive me if this hurts too much. If you re really hurting right now, but no-holds-barred obedience at times if the only way you can handle God’s way in your life. Trust Him when you cannot see tomorrow. When everything you have attempted to do to relieve your pain, to address you need, has blown up in your face, may I gently urge you, continue to trust Him.
There is nothing replaces genuine obedience. Nothing. Forgive me if this hurts too much. If you re really hurting right now, but no-holds-barred obedience at times if the only way you can handle God’s way in your life. Trust Him when you cannot see tomorrow. When everything you have attempted to do to relieve your pain, to address you need, has blown up in your face, may I gently urge you, continue to trust Him.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Where are you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUT-uqxFg0c&feature=related
Where are you and the ones you love in this story?
Where are you and the ones you love in this story?
Walking with God
What is walking with God like?
It is like God invite us for a walk. We walked and walked. The God invites: “it is too far away from your house, why don’t you come to my house?”
It is like God invite us for a walk. We walked and walked. The God invites: “it is too far away from your house, why don’t you come to my house?”
Faith=Obedience
These are two different words in English but our biblical counsel teacher says they are the same, equal and inter-changable.
How many times we say we really have faith in the Lord, we trust Him but ask Him to bless what we choose, our plans….
Our teacher says if we care open to seeing the Lord, we will be thankful for what He is doing. If we devoted ourselves to His purpose, we will be thankful for what He sets up.
Draw me close to you, not let me go. We may have areas in our lives that we did not even know we are not obedient to you, but God, please do not give up, work with us till your purpose in our lives are fulfilled.
How many times we say we really have faith in the Lord, we trust Him but ask Him to bless what we choose, our plans….
Our teacher says if we care open to seeing the Lord, we will be thankful for what He is doing. If we devoted ourselves to His purpose, we will be thankful for what He sets up.
Draw me close to you, not let me go. We may have areas in our lives that we did not even know we are not obedient to you, but God, please do not give up, work with us till your purpose in our lives are fulfilled.
The enemy of the best
Is not bad, unfortunately. The enemy of the best is good. Good is something we can achieve by ourselves, our own strength. Good is something can make us settled in the short term and lost in the long run. Good can let us put away for our thirst for better or best, blur our sight that we could not recognize the path to the best and even lost our ability to discern.
Knowing God is the beginning of the wisdom. Eve took the fruit that appeals to the eye---good, but leading to the eternal death.
Paul, set apart for the gospel of God. But God set blocks to him one after another. When he finally reached Rome, he was in chains. God plans the best. It will come at His time according to his plan. We only see it when we obey when the “seemingly good” in our path did not come true.
The enemy of the best is good or seemingly good.
Knowing God is the beginning of the wisdom. Eve took the fruit that appeals to the eye---good, but leading to the eternal death.
Paul, set apart for the gospel of God. But God set blocks to him one after another. When he finally reached Rome, he was in chains. God plans the best. It will come at His time according to his plan. We only see it when we obey when the “seemingly good” in our path did not come true.
The enemy of the best is good or seemingly good.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Are we like Saul?
1 Samuel 8-10
Saul lost his donkey and nowhere to be found. His servants suggested visiting the seer (Samuel), everything he says comes true. So Saul visited Samuel. The day before Saul’s visit, God told Samuel to anoint Saul as the king.
When Saul visited Samuel, all on his mind is the lost donkey. But God wants him to be the king. Saul and Samuel met, with completely different agendas.
Are we like Saul in our lives? We approached God for jobs, houses, cars, …with nothing else on our mind, but God wants us to be the king.
Am I like Saul in the past few months?
Saul lost his donkey and nowhere to be found. His servants suggested visiting the seer (Samuel), everything he says comes true. So Saul visited Samuel. The day before Saul’s visit, God told Samuel to anoint Saul as the king.
When Saul visited Samuel, all on his mind is the lost donkey. But God wants him to be the king. Saul and Samuel met, with completely different agendas.
Are we like Saul in our lives? We approached God for jobs, houses, cars, …with nothing else on our mind, but God wants us to be the king.
Am I like Saul in the past few months?
Infinity -1
Genesis:2-3
God gives Adam and Eve everything in the Eden, except the tree in the middle of the garden. Yet the woman was deceived by the serpent and they ate it.
God gives us infinite opportunities in our lives and often in times it occurred that we are just lacking one. Just one. A child, a relationship, a job…..I often made mistake to expand the one and making my life upside down. How about we just let it go, choose not to focus on it, we have infinity-1?
God gives Adam and Eve everything in the Eden, except the tree in the middle of the garden. Yet the woman was deceived by the serpent and they ate it.
God gives us infinite opportunities in our lives and often in times it occurred that we are just lacking one. Just one. A child, a relationship, a job…..I often made mistake to expand the one and making my life upside down. How about we just let it go, choose not to focus on it, we have infinity-1?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Do you really know Him?
“There are many adversities in our lives and we often say we trust God. Do you know what that mean, what you should expect when you say trust God?” “Do you really know Him?”
This is the opening, which woke me up at the biblical counseling course. My ears are fully open.
“God is delighted to provide, in abundance, not just barely, not just functions but esthetically. He looks around, loves color, wisdom, growth, sense of humor. He always stop and evaluate if it is good, if it intends to deliver, or benefit others.”
Her soft voice and gentle smile stick with me. I am in an adversity, and always declare that I trust Him, but do I really know Him? Do I know what to expect?
Do you?
This is the opening, which woke me up at the biblical counseling course. My ears are fully open.
“God is delighted to provide, in abundance, not just barely, not just functions but esthetically. He looks around, loves color, wisdom, growth, sense of humor. He always stop and evaluate if it is good, if it intends to deliver, or benefit others.”
Her soft voice and gentle smile stick with me. I am in an adversity, and always declare that I trust Him, but do I really know Him? Do I know what to expect?
Do you?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Liquor store
Ms Suzie wants to throw a party and in need of lot of drinks. She called up the liquor store, requesting “please deliver me X boxes of beer as soon as possible”. Unfortunately she dialed the number of his church Minister, Rev. Smith. Rev. Smith cleared his throat: “Ms Suzie, this is Rev. Smith.” “Rev. Smith, what are you doing in the liquor store?” replied by Suzie.
I laughed and laughed. Do we have double standard when come to judge ourselves and others
I laughed and laughed. Do we have double standard when come to judge ourselves and others
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
From thoughts to destiny
Thoughts lead to purpose,
Purpose leads to actions,
Actions form habits,
Habits decide character,
Character fixes our destiny.
Purpose leads to actions,
Actions form habits,
Habits decide character,
Character fixes our destiny.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
What shall we feed to our children?
Organic milk, organic food, our life experience, our knowledge, winning strategy, banking account, highest life insurance in case of accidents of us?
Or like Kungli’s family, living everyday in faith, with no dependable or predicable income, no health insurance, laying down all credentials and high earning power jobs in front of the cross but feeding Zach their obedience in the Lord?
What we feed our children will grow with them and within them will conquer the world? So they will know where to seek help and who will help them when we not able or even do not exist any more?
Or like Kungli’s family, living everyday in faith, with no dependable or predicable income, no health insurance, laying down all credentials and high earning power jobs in front of the cross but feeding Zach their obedience in the Lord?
What we feed our children will grow with them and within them will conquer the world? So they will know where to seek help and who will help them when we not able or even do not exist any more?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What shall we inject to our children, Reality or Compliment?
I grew up in hearing comments like “ you are not good at doing this” “this is not your strength” or even “you are not this material”. Parents and teachers inject their own but sincere and honest judgment for young people for their benefits and goods.
One significant thing that we learned at ESL class is not the pronunciation but the no matter how bad the questions from the students, we should reply “it is a very good question”. I sometimes felt that the word of interesting has been overused that I don’t even know what it truly means.
I understand the meaning and power of encouragement but sometimes get confused with injecting compliments vs. injecting reality, which one brings more benefits to the listener? Our teachers injected reality for us and helped us calibrate our course, what’s wrong with that? We all turned out to be just fine as scientists, engineers and lawyers in world-renowned institutions.
Now we are facing our next generation, growing up in United States? What should we inject to them? Reality or Compliment?
There is a theory called “lava effect” stating quantum physics supports: We’re all connected, The universe is conscious/aware, Thoughts are “energy”,… we are talking to our conscious, therefore we should inject positive energy to our surroundings. I agree with the conclusion but find it hard to believe for we are all connected.*some one supports me here.
I don’t have a child now so I don’t know if the challenges of raising a child will make this matter buried in the noise. But I want to share with him or her that always think positively. No matter how bad the situation is, it could be worse. As long as God is living, there will be a way out.
* http://sashen.com/blog/category/quantum-physics/
One significant thing that we learned at ESL class is not the pronunciation but the no matter how bad the questions from the students, we should reply “it is a very good question”. I sometimes felt that the word of interesting has been overused that I don’t even know what it truly means.
I understand the meaning and power of encouragement but sometimes get confused with injecting compliments vs. injecting reality, which one brings more benefits to the listener? Our teachers injected reality for us and helped us calibrate our course, what’s wrong with that? We all turned out to be just fine as scientists, engineers and lawyers in world-renowned institutions.
Now we are facing our next generation, growing up in United States? What should we inject to them? Reality or Compliment?
There is a theory called “lava effect” stating quantum physics supports: We’re all connected, The universe is conscious/aware, Thoughts are “energy”,… we are talking to our conscious, therefore we should inject positive energy to our surroundings. I agree with the conclusion but find it hard to believe for we are all connected.*some one supports me here.
I don’t have a child now so I don’t know if the challenges of raising a child will make this matter buried in the noise. But I want to share with him or her that always think positively. No matter how bad the situation is, it could be worse. As long as God is living, there will be a way out.
* http://sashen.com/blog/category/quantum-physics/
What should we pass on to our next generation?
Almost all my close friends in the seven years had a baby or two within the last two years. Their lives changed from significantly to everything is baby centered. No matter how cautions they have been with spending money, they throw a fortune on organic food, baby clothing, toys, etc. Watching them, I can not help to conclude one more time that parents are willing to give everything to for the good of their child.
But what is the best a parent can pass on their children? Saving money for medical, dental, law school? Take them all kinds of talent/star program to strength all the hard and soft skills?
My mom has given me lot of wisdom as I grew up. She inspired me to be interested in English. because good command of English will lead to good earning power. She was right until my college days. World changes so fast that what advice we can give to our next generation?
According to this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY&feature=fvw)
many jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004. Wow, at this speed, what advice we can give our children so that they can survive?
I don’t have an answer, do you?
* Kungli has a correlation between this video with book of Revelation. http://agapehousenet.blogspot.com/2009/03/did-you-know-we-are-in-fast-changing.html
* An updated video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8
But what is the best a parent can pass on their children? Saving money for medical, dental, law school? Take them all kinds of talent/star program to strength all the hard and soft skills?
My mom has given me lot of wisdom as I grew up. She inspired me to be interested in English. because good command of English will lead to good earning power. She was right until my college days. World changes so fast that what advice we can give to our next generation?
According to this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY&feature=fvw)
many jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004. Wow, at this speed, what advice we can give our children so that they can survive?
I don’t have an answer, do you?
* Kungli has a correlation between this video with book of Revelation. http://agapehousenet.blogspot.com/2009/03/did-you-know-we-are-in-fast-changing.html
* An updated video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Un-intentional blindness
It occurred to me that I passed by my destination without noticing it twice today. Apparently, I was deeply lost in my thoughts.This reminds me the Un-intentional blindness concept from Mike Aguilera. Fedex always has an arrow in their logo but I never notice it was there until he circled out. Can you see it?
What is our life long desire or destination? Could it be that it is just close and handy, but you and me are buried in our daily routines and thoughts, then we miss it? It’d better not.
Three words to avoid in a business conversation
(Notes from a session with Mike Aquilera, communication expert, with personal modification)
1. Hope
It is a softening word. Instead of saying “I hope to hear back from you”, a better way should be “I am looking forward to hear back from you”.
“I hope my qualification, our service, our technology etc will meet your need” should be changed to “ I believe we will deliver …I believe my qualification…..”
2. Don’t
It is a simple negation word. But imply the opposite.
If we came across someone with a gun, if we say don’t shoot. We are implying we are afraid he is going to shoot. Instead we should say stay calm, something more in the positive aspect.
3. Try
“Try” sends out weak message to people, meaning you are not sure.
Let me try to explain, suggesting you are not sure if you can explain.
Instead, we should just confidently say: Please let me explain.”
A friends invits you to lunch, if you reply “I will try to be there”. Most of the time, your friends will not count on you to be there.
In business conversations, we need to inject positive, confident, trustworthy impression and relationships, so let us avoid using these three words as much as we can.
1. Hope
It is a softening word. Instead of saying “I hope to hear back from you”, a better way should be “I am looking forward to hear back from you”.
“I hope my qualification, our service, our technology etc will meet your need” should be changed to “ I believe we will deliver …I believe my qualification…..”
2. Don’t
It is a simple negation word. But imply the opposite.
If we came across someone with a gun, if we say don’t shoot. We are implying we are afraid he is going to shoot. Instead we should say stay calm, something more in the positive aspect.
3. Try
“Try” sends out weak message to people, meaning you are not sure.
Let me try to explain, suggesting you are not sure if you can explain.
Instead, we should just confidently say: Please let me explain.”
A friends invits you to lunch, if you reply “I will try to be there”. Most of the time, your friends will not count on you to be there.
In business conversations, we need to inject positive, confident, trustworthy impression and relationships, so let us avoid using these three words as much as we can.
Branding
Personal Branding (Notes from a seminar by Judith Dauphinails, with some modification)
What is branding?
Branding is not about creating an image but about value and emotion. It is not what we sell but what we stand for.
For example, Volve has been known for “Safe” and Apple as “Think differently”.
Why branding?
Benefits of branding:
• Recognition
• Be Sought after
• Charge a premium
• Thrive during economic downturn
• Attract and retain
“Your visibility is more important than your ability”.
Our ability is necessary but not sufficient for long lasting success.
What should be our brands? How to know?
• Know ourselves
• Identify our attitude
• Define our brand community
Articulate our vision and purpose
• Vision: what we would like to see transformed
• Purpose: our role in executing the vision
Identify our strength and motivational needs
• What things that we really stand out in our work environment
Identify our Values and Passion
• Name top of each
Clarify our Goals
• Make list, prioritize and identify most logical next steps toward the goal
What others say about us is our brand.
Branding component
Rational attributes: results-oriented, detail oriented, dependable, and decisive
Emotional attributes: compassionate, luxurious
It is the emotional attributes making people buy.
For example: Cars are just transportation vehicle but there are so many brands. Some value in cars let us buy one but not another.
Branding statement
• Mandatory value statement
• Position rather than presenting
Position: tell a story from the customer’s point of view
Presenting: tell a story from our point of view
Focus on what we can provide/deliver to our customer
Logo
An easy art (not a picture) can be a logo.
Name with word art, font, color can be a logo. Such as Google, IBM.
Color
Yellow: Bright
Blue: trust, credible. (IBM)
Red: Power (Adobe)
…
Branding community
• Join professional organization
• Join Chamber of Commerce
• Take a freelance project
• Try teaching a class at a community college
• Write an opinion piece for your local newspaper, or book reviews
• Secure a speaking engagement on a panel
• Network
Resources
• For Branding: ducttapemarketing.com, reach.com
• Business card: overnightprint.com, vistaprint.com($), cranes.com($), 123print.com
• Different fonts: Dafonts.com
• Crowdspring.com
Blog
Typepad.com, wordpress.org,
Blogger.com
3C’s of brand communication
• Clarity: We express your unique promise of value
• Consistency: We always send the same message in content and style
• Constancy: We communicate frequently
Inspiration
Brand you. Be Distinct or be Extinct.—Tom Peters.
What is branding?
Branding is not about creating an image but about value and emotion. It is not what we sell but what we stand for.
For example, Volve has been known for “Safe” and Apple as “Think differently”.
Why branding?
Benefits of branding:
• Recognition
• Be Sought after
• Charge a premium
• Thrive during economic downturn
• Attract and retain
“Your visibility is more important than your ability”.
Our ability is necessary but not sufficient for long lasting success.
What should be our brands? How to know?
• Know ourselves
• Identify our attitude
• Define our brand community
Articulate our vision and purpose
• Vision: what we would like to see transformed
• Purpose: our role in executing the vision
Identify our strength and motivational needs
• What things that we really stand out in our work environment
Identify our Values and Passion
• Name top of each
Clarify our Goals
• Make list, prioritize and identify most logical next steps toward the goal
What others say about us is our brand.
Branding component
Rational attributes: results-oriented, detail oriented, dependable, and decisive
Emotional attributes: compassionate, luxurious
It is the emotional attributes making people buy.
For example: Cars are just transportation vehicle but there are so many brands. Some value in cars let us buy one but not another.
Branding statement
• Mandatory value statement
• Position rather than presenting
Position: tell a story from the customer’s point of view
Presenting: tell a story from our point of view
Focus on what we can provide/deliver to our customer
Logo
An easy art (not a picture) can be a logo.
Name with word art, font, color can be a logo. Such as Google, IBM.
Color
Yellow: Bright
Blue: trust, credible. (IBM)
Red: Power (Adobe)
…
Branding community
• Join professional organization
• Join Chamber of Commerce
• Take a freelance project
• Try teaching a class at a community college
• Write an opinion piece for your local newspaper, or book reviews
• Secure a speaking engagement on a panel
• Network
Resources
• For Branding: ducttapemarketing.com, reach.com
• Business card: overnightprint.com, vistaprint.com($), cranes.com($), 123print.com
• Different fonts: Dafonts.com
• Crowdspring.com
Blog
Typepad.com, wordpress.org,
Blogger.com
3C’s of brand communication
• Clarity: We express your unique promise of value
• Consistency: We always send the same message in content and style
• Constancy: We communicate frequently
Inspiration
Brand you. Be Distinct or be Extinct.—Tom Peters.
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