Journey Of Life

The Happenings of my Life

2007-02-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

wow i really haven't posted in a long time!

Once again, God reveals so much to me! He showed me that He really does listen to prayers even though so many people are praying at the same time!

I've been experiencing God's LOVE constantly and on a continually basis after ACF's winter retreat! It isn't the kind of love where you have to do something to gain it... NOOOO God poured His love into my heart, and I really can't describe it because it's something that I know deep down that it is only for God! I cannot be from my heart either! As a mere and weak human, I cannot love people for the way they are. I cannot truly care for them without expecting something in return... sadly.... but I'm telling you now that it is possible to love someone unconditionally! Only through God that He poured a glimspe of HIS fatherly love! and this love that I'm talking about isn't the normal love from humans! It's sooooooo much bigger!

Because of this love, I am able to pray every single day for people! I am able to sacrifice anything for them.And it doesn't matter who it is... And what's better is that whenever I spend time with people to care for them, I never think about doing work, or getting work done. God always gives me time to finish my work! I'm ahead in my studying for my health sci midterm and I'm never 1 week ahead! It's pretty CRAZY!

When you are willing to open your heart to ask God to pour Himself into you, HE WILL! I'm a testimony to it! I've been praying to God to soften my heart and to use me for His Glory! WOW I'm soooooooo happy (MUCH MORE than ever) I've receive PUREEEEE JOYYYYY! wow! it's soooo hard to describe! and I just want to pour it to everyone! That's truly God's work!

So if you are struggling with whatever, and even if you don't know God, challenge your walk with HIM! It's a relationship, not a religion! He is REAL AND PERSONAL! AMEN!

P.S. if you want to know the details.... email me or ask me! I'll be glad to tell you!

P.P.S. if you need prayer requests! Don't be shy! Ask people around you! you cannot win this battle on your own! I had to learn it the hard way and shatter my pride!

P.P.P.S. If I said that I'm praying for you! I really am! Prayer changed my life and I want it to change yours too! =)

P.P.P.P.S. Check out my small group's blog (it's where I post most of my happenings in my life)

Take care EVERYONE! DON'T GIVE UPPPPPPPP!

Thank you GOD!

fun times in French class

2006-12-02T21:44:00.000-05:00

sooooo french class with Heather is sooo much fun!! haha wednesday nights... night class... learning grammar... ohh fun fun fun! (*this post is for you Heather... or as our teacher would say --> her-ther)

Heather: Tu es folle! (To Janine)
Janine: Non je ne suis pas...

quelques secondes plus tard....

Janine: *do do do do do do* chantant
Heather: haha tu es vraiment folle!

haha!

wow!

2006-11-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

wow I can't believe that it's been 3 months since i've last posted! man university is hectic and time passes sooo fast.. i wonder why..... University students (or my program at least) has least school hours to attend than during high school. I hardly have assignments and I should have lots of time right? But time seems to slip away here and there and nothing productive was done! why oh why? But nonetheless, i'm getting lots of studying done... OHHH maybe it's all the reading that takes forever to finish! Maybe that's why time passes soo fast! Wow we are in our midterms.. and next month, guess what it's CHRISTMAS EXAMS!! youpdidoooooo! Fortunately i only have 3 exams!! hahah so i'll be in town starting from Dec. 20!! yeah i can't wait to just chill at home, catch up with friends and most important family and EAT HOMEMADE FOOD!!! (I miss my mommy's cooked food - steamed rice... ohhhh drooling........)

Well i'm finally at Western! I can't believe that High school went by so quickly! We are all adults now! wow! i'm still amazed at how much we've grown up! And catching up with elementary friends, wow everyone looks soo much more mature and much much more pretty/handsome! I miss those recess times where we just played innocently in the snow or the playground and played together!

Many many things had happened during my first 3 months at Western...

1. Frosh week (sleep deprived but it was all worth it) - School spirit at Western is amazing and the parties.. haha nothing else needs to be said

2. Residence life - I love my floor (International floor). Well we aren't that international... a little less than half of us are from Toronto... i guess culturally and racially, we are international! I love my single room (soo convenient), I love all the new friends i've made, I love my RA and my sophs!! and I can't forget my co-ed washroom.. and my male washroom buddy!! haha (Greta.. you will always be my female washroom buddy)

3. ACF - wow Western's Asian Christian Fellowship is huge (100-ish people) but many many brothers and sisters are on fire for God! The passion is overflowing with God's Spirit and it's amazing to see sooo many people genuinely praising God's name! Women's cell are the best! Slumber party every week, what more can I expect? haha But all the upper year ladies are very inspirational and definitely people I can look up to! I feel at home already in ACF! yeah!

4. Health - Coming to Western, i just got better from multiple cold and tiredness but man my body gave in during the first 1 month... i got more and more sick.. and ultimately, losing 10 lbs is pretty scary! I'm all better now! Praise the Lord but I need to continue stuffing myself with the not-so-pleasant rez food and work out!

5. Clubs - YEAH for clubs! I'm soo glad to join UWO's Dragonboat team!! haha i'm loving the dryland practices! Working out my abs, my lower and upper body, and endurance! I'm feeling the benefits of working out! and walking back and forth to class.. it's a short walk but when all adds up together, I'm burning fat and gaining muscles! haha i can't wait to see my toned muscles! BEWARE!! hehe Red Cross is also great! All the volunteering opportunities! I just need to make time for them and sooner or later, i'll be busier than before!

6. Independence - All the freedom I get once I come to university is mind-bloggling! Discipline must be learned in order to be productive, time management skills need to be improved many many times more in order to balance social, academic and spiritual life. Sleeping more is definitely on my schedule now (yeah for 8 hrs of sleep) YEAHHH!!

I miss home, I miss my high school and elementary friends, I miss my bedroom and my washroom, i miss everything in Toronto. But despite all, I love Western, I love res life, I love my floor, I love what I am studying and I love the people and the environment! I'm loving every moment here at Western! Thank you GOD!

Happy moments....

2006-08-03T11:15:00.000-04:00

Ohh God is soo good indeed! I'm so happy!! Despite all the stress, all the busyness, all the cramming, all the hurt, I'm very thankful! God has blessed me with - mostly - an optimistic (but sometimes pessimistic) point of view and many times, I see things beyond what they seem to be. It's hard to see the good side of things but when you do, it's so fulfilling, it's so beautiful!

I think during this summer, I've grown so much spiritually, mentally and personality-wise. This past month, I've been put through situations requiring time management skills (lots of it), perseverance, lack of sleep and people-to-people skills. I've learned to suck things in despite the hurt and the pain. I've learned to work with people that I would rather not do so. I've learned to care for people and I've developped a thirst for compassion for them! It brings up a warm feeling, a satisfying and fulfilling wrap!

I've learned to be more encouraging, to be more bold in my faith and to be a 24/7 ambassador for Christ. I've learned to really give it up to God and trust in Him despite the circumstances and the stress! God is good indeed!

I've learned to take care of myself (somewhat).... do chores, clean around in the house, cook for myself (rarely.. luckily), do the laundry, make sure the house is tidy and neat, etc.... It's tough cleaning the house and, once again, I admire my mom's housekeeping skills and all that she does when she is around! All the chores and all the cleanliness, i've taken them for granted! Being independent will be hard... but I need to learn it, especially in uni! Until then.... haha

People

2006-07-29T23:46:00.000-04:00

"True Service is love in working clothes." - Bill Crowder

Nothing more need to be said. Period.

Western!!! All the way!!

2006-07-19T23:02:00.000-04:00

Today I went to Western for an orientation. Had to wake up super early to drive there.... well i woke up @ 5:45 but went back to sleep... haha luckily i woke up again at 6 a.m. The drive there was so long, 2 hrs 45 mins.

But it was all worth it when i attended the seminars, meet upper year students, meet people whom I will study with for hopefully 4 years, got to know the campus a little better, chose my courses for year 1 and got my id card done!!

It was a hectic day!! But i'm soooo happy I've decided to go for Western! It's all God's grace that He provided me with all the provisions I needed to get into university (the marks, the money, the family support, the friends, and the heart set for it since the beginning).

The Health Science program is AWESOME! I can't wait for my first classes and I can't wait to learn more and more! It's like a hungry sponge waiting for water to drip on it and wanting to absorb it....

it was also a good time chatting with my dad about what I want to do and what's best for me! I'm sooooo thankful that I have such a supportive family: my parents are the foundations for the person I am today and my brothers are the driving force and the inspirations in my life! God is sooooooo good indeed!

Well i'm extremely tired today and I just can't wait to start a new chapter in my life: UNIVERSITY!

Well I definitely cannot forget the friendships I've made along the way throughout high school and I will never forget our laughing moments, our debates, our girly moments and the bridge connecting us!! Ohhh i'll miss you guys!!!

Fiouf!

2006-07-12T17:00:00.000-04:00

wow it's been a while since i've last updated.... well what happened recently...

my parents have finally allowed me to drive by MYSELF! Yes, you read right, by MYSELF!! I'm not a very good driver, I must admit, however, my skills are being refined on a daily basis!! I can finally park decently, drive with the flow, turn with ease and stop diligently. I'm also learning road rage and losing my patience with people. haha just joking, i'm a nice driver!!!

Well driving without someone beside you is a scary thought, let alone a scary situation. That means that you have 1 less pair of eyes to help you look out for stuff, that also means that you have one less person to talk to and you're in the car by yourself (ALONE) and listening to the radio/CD/tape.

My mom actually let me drive to church by myself (first time) and told me to calm myself before driving and say a prayer. I chuckled at first, "yeah mom, I'll say a prayer before driving." But when I approached the car, "God, please please please please keep me safe from reckless drivers and from danger." I was really scared! Praise the Lord, God does provide and he gave me peace of mind when I drove to church. Before losing sight of my house door, i saw my mom waving goodbye at me. And suddenly, a soothing feeling bubbled up in me and envelopped my whole body. Once again, God reminded me to cherish even more my parents and my family because they are the ones who will always stay by my side, support me and help me through any circumstances!

So in the end, i'm ALIVE!! and now i can even drive to work and confidence in myself and in the Lord is constantly rising every time!

Last note, anything that you do anywhere and anything, remember God, look for Him and see what He is revealing to you. Things happen for a reason, you might not understand them right away and you might never understand them but remember that God is a loving God!

Fiouf! That's it!! I can't wait to drive again!! Tomorrow!! haha

My "firsts"

2006-07-01T22:01:00.000-04:00

haha this week and last week was soooooo hectic! very typical of my schedule..... despite my summer, i'm still as busy as I was in school.... once again very typical of me to always help out in areas and do more than enough. But i'll never regret helping people out but it makes life much more than what i've ever thought of. It makes it very exciting and interesting and I get to make sooo many new friends!

ok... so as the title says.... "my firsts"......

Recently, i've done things that i've never done before....

so let the list begin...

-my first job employed under someone/big company (i have to wear a uniform!!)
-my first pay (not exactly a paycheck but they deposit the money in my bank account)
-my first bank account!! (really interesting... where did all the money i've spent over years go?? haha i trust my dad!!)
-my first SOFTBALL game yesterday (man it was soo hot but soooooo much fun!! i'm loving it)
-my first course selection for university (GO GO GO WESTERN!)
-my first (and last) 18th b-day party @ my house!!
-my first "chocolat fondue" machine (Thank you Greta)
-my first manicure set (Thank you Pat)
-my first McDonald TY toy (even though they are not on sale anymore) (Thank you Winnie)
-my first Gashapon toy (Thank you Jenny)
-my first helium balloon and my first picture frame that resembles me (Thank you Anne)
-my first (well my own) yearbook (finally i don't need to share with my brother.. my very very very very own)
-my first (as sadly last) music banquet
-my first teaching position at church (i'm a TEACHER!!) haha
-my first fireworks up close as opposed to seeing it in front of a TV (i'm not sure about this one)
-my first 3 hrs straight of piano!! o.O even i'm shocked that i can sit in front of a piano and play non-stop! =P
-my first transition-lens glasses (they are sooo cool)
-my first love relationships (hahahaha with guys and girls..... it's the beginning of many many many many friendships i've made along the way in ACCI and it's a journey i'm ready to continue walking!)

and in a few weeks, it will be my first summer (july) without my mom (she'll be going to Thailand by herself)..... guess what that means...... i have to learn how to cook. No instant noodles and hopefully more-than-half-decent food!!!

Well......those were my "firsts" in my life that i've come across recently (except for the last 3) and i'm really excited to try new stuffs!!! haha can't wait!!

Trust in Him

2006-06-20T18:56:00.000-04:00

This friday we had our pastor speak to us during our fellowship.. It was themed "Trusting God during your exams".... so here's a summary of what he said (I think it's really relevent for those who are still in exams!! nod nod)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. " Proverbs 3:5-6

What does "TRUST" mean?
Well it's like pigs rolling around in mud. Yup, you read right... a pig rolling around in mud and getting dirty EVERYWHERE....

Pigs love to get dirty. Since they love mud sooo much, they want to cover their whole body (every spot possible) in mud. Similarly, trusting in God means to cover yourself in Him. It doesn't mean to cover simply a small part of your body with Him, it's every single part, every possible area in your life, your school life, your family relationships, your friendships, your love life, your career, you dreams, EVERYTHING!

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves." Psalm 127:2

God created us for a specific sleeping pattern. It's not healthy to rise TOO early nor is it good to sleep to late (or for some people.. to not sleep at all). Sleeping means to let your body rest and gain energy to be used for daily chores. Sleeping is an essential part of your life! If you screw up your sleeping cycle, you will be restless, anxious, easily tempered, and you won't be able to concentrate as well.

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

During your exam period, or any stressful period, HOPE in God.

What does HOPE mean?
It comes from the root word, "braid" or "wrap". Basically, to hope in God means to braid yourself around Him and thus your strength will be renewed!

Something interesting --> Look at the sequence of the verse... the author starts with fly, when run and lastly walk. Isn't it more logical to flip the sequence around and start from walking to running and lastly flying?? Well in fact, sometimes flying is much easier than walking. For example, when there's a huge rainfall, is it easier to fly or to walk? Definitely FLY! God gives us what's best for us and blesses us with much more than what we would expect!

Lastly, hope in God needs patience. You need to sometimes wait and simply trust in God's timing!

Are you ready to give up your life to God? Are you ready to trust in Him? Are you ready to hope in Him?

Exams are over!

2006-06-20T00:48:00.000-04:00

haha i'm done my last year of high school's exams! I will truly miss high school...i still can't imagine that i'm graduating and going to university!! =)

New Record

2006-06-12T19:16:00.000-04:00

hahaha i finally broke my record for spamming.. i don't know why i'm rejoicing but it's rather fun to see how much bulk I can get in 2 weeks!!

haha 625 bulk mail!! hahahaha... this is a rather good stress reliever... to laugh... *new discovery of the day*

ohh and I also learned a new chinese saying... but i forgot how it sounds like.....one day... i'll never have my western accent when speaking chinese..... be prepared everyone!! muhahahaha

Life is sooo SWEET

2006-06-10T18:30:00.000-04:00

ooo i'm sooo happy despite exams!! Praise the Lord!!

So.. let's see... what made my life so sweet?

First, I finally have a summer job! YEAH! I didn't think that I would actually get one and even thought of giving up searching. So when I resolved to volunteer this whole summer, I got a call... and I'm working @ the theatres!! surprise!! surprise!! The first thing I did was praise God and give Him thanks! He is good, indeed!

Second, even though we had our last CF meeting (the year-end celebration), I'm so glad that I've made brothers and sisters in Christ, whom I know will support me and encourage me forever! God has created a special and unique bond between us and I know He is working through us everyday!! Praise the Lord!

Third, I'm going to Western. My heart is set there and I've already meet people there who are willing to help me during my high school-university transition! God truly provides His love and always showers us with His blessings!

Fourth, I'm teaching summer sunday school (Grade 7) @ my church and i'm loving every moment. Even though there is a lot of preparation to do, but God gave me the heart to dig deep into His Word and to share my discoveries to the kids... actually i shouldn't call them "kids", it's "teens"! =) Through the pre-study and preparations, I've learned so much about the Bible (especially the beginning of the CHURCH) and I am constantly learning about the Holy Spirit and I am trying to grasp the awesome-ness of the Holy Spirit and God's love. My prayer for the teens is to have the passion to share God's Word to their friends and to WANT to discover God on a daily basis.

Fifth, God definitely is a loving God! Throughout my high school life, I've learned so much, I've built so many friendships and love. I went from knowing hardly anyone to having many many loving friends who care and love me! God truly is faithful and He is LOVE!

I'm so amazed at how God reveals himself through the circumstances He has put me into. I'm glad to go through them because then, I wouldn't be as happy as now!

God is good, all the time!

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8 (NKJV)

Life Long Lessons

2006-06-07T23:53:00.000-04:00

So today we had this CF workshop planned by CF committee for the future CF committee. At first, there was only one person who showed up (a little disappointed), then more and more people came! Praise the Lord, we went from "it's ok, there's a least one person, don't worry" to "yeah, let's get roollllinnnnngggg!!"

So we acted out our skits. I learned that i cannot improvise! =) But we can all act for sure!!

So here are some things I've learned while serving in Christian Fellowship...

1. Don't be afraid of making mistakes! Life is a learning process... we make mistakes, we learn from them and we develop greater character to further God's kingdom.

2. Be prepared for anything. During any kind of programs, be expected to face challenges you've never seen nor ever hoped to encounter. Learn to adapt quickly and learn to lean on God.

3. It's not an obligation to serve God, it should be a WANT. It should be something you WANT to fulfill. It's where your heart is set and where your passion grows.

4. Sometimes, awkward silence is necessary in a group discussion. It allows people to think, to ponder and to dig deep into their heart. When no one seems to respond (even after a LONG awkward silence), take the initiative to share. Sharing your personal experience first starts a chain reaction.... and *bam* the discussion gets rolling.

5. Don't focus on the program nor the result from the program. Our focus is towards God. He is our ONLY audience. We need to constantly build an intimate relationship with Him and constantly walk the walk.

Basically, to summarize everything, TRUST in God during any kinds of circumstances, whether it be at school, during a bible study, during worship, when evangelizing, when spreading God's word. What's most important is where you heart lies. What is your driving force? Do you have a God-centered life? Who's your audience?

Final note:

Thank you Michelle, Keith, Julia and Cecilia and Mrs. Wong for making my CF experience beyond words! I have learned so much from you guys and you've blessed me with so much joy and love! Thank you! Our friendships will never fade, instead they will strengthen with time! Even though we are all heading towards different universities, our bond will never break! We'll still support each other!! yosh!!

Thank you all the CF people for showing up and for opening up during discussions. Thank you for just the smiles you've brought to my face and your presence has made a difference in my life everytime!

Tomorrow will be our last CF meeting, but God created sooooo many bonds that will last forever. He's created them, He will be with us ALWAYS!

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Spamming!

2006-05-31T18:31:00.000-04:00

haha look at this....

Oh man i'm getting soo much spam... i wonder if there are spies... hm... must clean up my computer!

OOHHH life is hectic.. maybe because all the teacher are cramming everything before the moratorium... ohhh indeed life is hectic...

In spite of it all, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Soothing isn't it?

Surprise!!!

2006-05-27T19:13:00.000-04:00

Happy belated b-day Pat... I hope you read this... haha

anyhooo sooo on friday we had a surprise party for Patricia! The planning was last minute but things came together!! Thank you Anne for organizing it!!

So first, during school, we gave pre-made individual letters to random people so that they in turn can give it to Pat to unscramble. It was a random message but a rather thoughtful thing to do! And there's also random people wishing Pat a "happy b-day"!! Very fun!!

After school, because we couldn't reserve tables @ Kelsey's....(*squinting eyes*), no one knew where the dnner would be held! Luckily a few hours later, we found Montana's! It was soooo delicious!

There were about 18 people who came for the dinner! Lots of people!! And the food was soooo delicious and filling! I ate the ribs (their specialty) and it was soooooooo goooooddddd!!! hm.. i'm drooling right now!

Unfortunately, the singing helium balloon that Anne, Phoebe and Christine got for Pat flew to the VERY VERY high ceiling! It could've sang Pat to sleep a minimum of 50 times.. sniff sniff.. it was sooo beautiful and cuuuute!!

But it was the thought that count.. i'll forever remember the balloon on the ceiling!!

Our waiter, Joe NOT sir, was soooo patient with us. He was also very hard-working and I feel bad playing jokes on him.. haha but gave him lots of tips!! A very good waiter!

Like always, Pat received a b-day song from the restaurant. And surprisingly, they pied her face!! haha that was soooo unexpected! We were the loudest and it was very very fun!

Well after dinner, we all left pat, telling her that we were going home, but in reality we meet @ Greta's house to gather together before giving the surprise!!

So when my dad came to pick me up, i drove a lot of people there and we blew the balloons in the car. Very dangerous but very fun indeed! Man Fonda could blow balloons very quickly!

So we waited at Greta's house with the balloons and slowly people started coming... Anne, Phoebe, Carmen, Christine, Marianna and Annie. Apparently, when Christine drove Barry and Pat home, Barry - being himself - forgot the surprise party and asked Christine to drive him home first since it was on the way!!! hahah that was good laugh!

When lesley and the guys finally came, we snuck to Pat's backyard.. haha luckily we got her mom in this so she could distract Pat for us...

When we were walking towards the backyard, we were sort of loud and her mom had to sing/mumble to overtake our voices!

So there we were, in the backyard, with balloons and those loud noise-makers waiting for Pat to go to her kitchen and open the door! So when pat came out, SURPRISE!! We blew on those things.... and threw the balloons on her.. but when they landed on her lawn, they all blew up! o wellz. it sounds like fireworks!! haha

We basically crashed @ pat's house and ate the big mango cake her mom got!! hmmm it was sooo delicious!

So we stuck around, watching Scary movie on television and played cards and Mad GAG! Mad Gag is sooooo fun!! very addictive!

So that was my friday! very very fun, i'm very very happy for PAT!!! =)

My saturday was fun too! Softball practice.. it was hot but i think I got darker!! hehe! finally i can get rid of my farmer's tan!!

So once again, i'm happy and loving every second of it!

And exams are coming soon!! *eyes wide open* We start exams June 15 and i hope calculus is not on that day!

School is ending soon, grade 12 will be over soon but the friendships i've made will never perish!! We'll have to meet every month or 2 months once we go to university!! heheh!!

ooo and to end off... a little passage from the Bible which i think is very true!!

Romans 8:6 "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace"

Prom 2006

2006-05-21T23:38:00.000-04:00

Below are prom pictures.. just click on the link and you'll be directed to them..

i'll update later....those pictures took soooo much of my time.. sigh!! but they are finally here lahlahalah

Just click --> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/janinetsui/album?.dir=/
c4bfre2&.src=ph&.tok=phgf95EB_qUXBRja

P.S. Click on the slideshow!!

Live Life to the Fullest

2006-05-13T23:01:00.000-04:00

Live life to the fullest...

that's a saying/phrase/advice people give to another... i've always told people they should enjoy everyday of their life... i've also told myself to live up to what i believe. I did live up to what i believe until i got caught up, once again, in the daily routine of school, eat, sleep.... Truthfully i haven't spent each day with life, with power and with ambition.

Fortunately, i was woken up by a conversation about having a simple life.. what does it really mean?? haha i thought about it... and here's what came up to my mind...

A simple life doesn't mean a life without problems and it doesn't mean to run away from the conflicts in life.

A simple life isn't a dull life... what's a "dull" life? Not living up the dreams, not following ambitions, not pursuing something that you like. A dull life is just waiting for things to happen, thinking that I can just sit around doing nothing and hoping that something exciting will happen. Sometimes, something exciting does come along and shakes you, but you'll need to take initiative and courage to lead you into something exciting.... a person indulge in a dull life wouldn't take that initiative nor face their fears...

A simple life is turning every moment of your life into something you can smile in the future, something you can be proud of, something you can hold on dearly and never forget...

I'm laughing right now because I know i've been striving to living to life to its fullest potential, making everything an opportunity of happiness, of growth and of joy. I'm happy, i'm joyful and once again, i'm loving every moment God has granted me life.

Life is precious, life is fragile. Hold on to it dearly, and it will be meaningful, it will be fascinating and it will turn you upside down...

Ready?

What's new....

2006-05-03T20:04:00.000-04:00

hm....i haven't updated this blog in soo long.. quite busy actually.. busy doing nothing that it...

Well this is for you jeff... i'm finally updating my blog!

so what's happening in my life? Well surprisingly it's going super duper smooth and everything is flowing nicely...

I've gone through my most hectic week of the semester (which is last week)... with lots of tests and quizzes and 2 competitions on one day (one following the other) and 2 nights of very long concert. With a final finish and strong finish, i passed by G2! ohhh yeah.... me on the road.. that's going to be fun! fun! fun! (i just have to finish my extremely boring insurance classes... i'm melting in those grueling 24 hours of random car stuff). Not my interest....

Well this week.. maybe b/c i'm taking a break from last week... so i'm slacking.. i really need to catch up to physics homework.. but my body won't allow me..what should i do???

I can't wait for the symphony concert tomorrow!! haha the piano concerto and tchaikovsky's and sibelius' symphony! I can't wait.... i hope i can have a perfect view of the piano, especially the pianist's hands!! ohhh i can't wait...

and adding a bonus to this week, i'm not exactly going at school tomorrow.... first there's this SIN contest that i'm forced to do (I just want that $1 back!!) and then the symphony trip!! Oh no.... i can't wait.... *dancing and singing*

ohhhhh i just remembered....the laugh of last week... someone came up to me (after knowing him - sort of - for maybe 1 year or so....) and told me that he finally knew why people call me J-9.... haha!! very funny!

ohhhhh and i also learned a funny & very applicable term..."brain fart" - n. when someone has an idea and before catching it, it disappear into who knows where!!

I love it! and i'm loving my life!!

T.E.A. House!!

2006-04-11T19:04:00.000-04:00

I can't wait!!! Tea house is coming!! yeah!! let's ceeeeelllebrate!
_______________________________

This is my desire
Reuben Morgan

This is my desire, to honour You
Lord with all my heart I worship You
all I have within me
I give You praise
all that I adore is in YOU

Chorus:
Lord I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for You alone
Every breath that I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord have Your way in me

Bombs away!!

2006-04-03T21:58:00.000-04:00

oh no.. looking at my april schedule... i'm packed for events... soo much to do... soo little time!!

But i'm not panicking... nor worrying THAT much (haha) and taking things slowly.... life is sooo good!!

I'm excited for the days ahead of me... excited for the TEA HOUSE!! excited for my piano competition!! excited for opera trip!! excited for EASTER!! excited for LIFE!

happy...and.... joyous!!

P.S. check the first clip!! cool guitar! Mario theme!
_________________________

*note: first song I played on the guitar in front of people!!

There is None Like You
By Lenny Leblanc

There is none like You
No one else can touch my heart like You do
I could search for all eternity long and find
There is none like You

H.a.p.p.y.

2006-03-28T19:29:00.000-05:00

I'm sooo happy.... lah lah lah.... God truly exists and is working in me... lah lah lah....

Some random pics taken at school and at Didomi...

Guess whose shoes are those??

Lunch buddies.. very spoon....

Me and my hair, Greta and hers...

Guess which baby am I?

_____________________________________________________________

Blessed Be Your Name
Words and Music by Beth Redman and Matt Redman

VERSE 1:

Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful

Where Your streams of abundance flow

Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name when I'm found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise

And when the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say

CHORUS:

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your glorious name


VERSE 2:

Blessed be Your name when the sun's shining down on me

When the world's "all as it should be"

Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

Lord, blessed be Your name

Check it out --->

2006-03-26T00:18:00.000-05:00

haha very funny clip i found... it's based on naruto characters.... If you watch Naruto, the anime you'll get it... if you don't... it will still be funny!! Enjoy everyone!!

You'll get a good laugh out of it... laughing is very healthy for you!! haha

Part 2: watch the guitar one!! awesome!! it's a classical piece (cannon) but rock-ised.. haha

I'm soo crazy for guitar now!! haha

Dido's WC 2006

2006-03-14T20:03:00.000-05:00

AWESOME Didomi winter camp 2006.

Theme: Get real.
Speaker: Pastor Tim Quek
Who: Didomites
Where: Muskoka Woods Camp
When: March 10-12, 2006
Why: to Get Real with God, with my fellow Didomites

It was a rather long road towards the camp but I got to talk a lot to grade 10s and 9s. God does provide the opportunities to bond with each other and i'm glad I turned around and talked to people whom I usually don't, instead of sleeping.

During the camp, I felt really excited but at the same time disconnected from everyone. I sort of felt a little apart from everyone and was hoping for wc to bring back the bonds.

God does provide and He certainly revealed His comforting hands gently stroking my head and telling me that Didomi is your support group and don't be afraid to share. During candlelight sharing, so many people opened up, so many of my bros and sis supported me, so many prayed for me, and i'm sooo relieved.

I always burdened myself to bring Didomi back to where is was when last year ended. And i'm pretty sure many people also pressured themselves to do so. But it turned out that the burden only hurts myself, everyone around me and obviously Didomi. Many people drifted away from God, many people didn't come to Didomi. But after wc, actually after candlelight sharing, God lifted that pressure from me and i'm sure He also did so to others. I feel sooo refreshed now, so free, so much energy to once again serve Him.

I found that first love. The joy, the rejuvenating power and strength to love Him, to serve Him and to obey Him!

Thank you soo much Didomi committee, winter camp committee, ALL the didomites, ALL the wise and suportive counselors and, saving best for last, GOD!!

I'm once again happier than ever, more joyous than ever, more loving than ever.

_____________________________

If There's One Thing
Words and music by Tim Hughes

You called us first to love Your name, to worship You
To please Your heart, Our one desire Oh Lord

If there's one thing we are called to do
It's to love You, to adore You
We will bring our all and worship You
Bow before You, as we love You

Your honor Lord, Your name's renown
We long to see
So let the glory of Your name be praised

I will celebrate this love
Jesus You are everything to me
For what more, Lord, can I do?
I will give this heart , this life to You

i feel sooo miserable

2006-03-05T17:05:00.000-05:00

ooo....groan....errr....aaa.....

all the possible noise you can make when you groan during your body fighting off the sickness....

groaning once more...

I feel so miserable now... I've already slept for 13 hours for 2 days straight and I dont' feel like I'm getting better.. should I go to school tomorrow and miss 2 tests?? should I?? we'll see how my body survives this bacteria...

so finally my fever is gone!! yeah! i'm happier than better! and my mom said I look a LOT skinnier than before... haha i'm skinner now!! haha (even if that's possible) haha

I can't speak properly, and say one whole sentence without coughing like crazy!! I thought I was healed 1 week ago, I guess eating ice cream before being 100% better is not a good idea. I've learned my lesson!

Back to napping...well long hours of sleep!

ZZzzzzZZZzzZ

hm...

2006-02-21T19:18:00.000-05:00

hm... I can't really think of any for my title... too much to write/blog....Well i guess it's once again time to update and write something on this blog...

Olympics are AWESOME!! so inspirational.... I think i'm addicted to watching olympics instead of doing my homework... must discipline myself!! yosh I will work hard once the closing ceremony finish!

I'm sooo excited for march break! it's only 3 weeks away.. I can't believe time is passing soo fast! I'm getting organized and spending my spare time wisely!! soo proud of myself... (nod nod... tap on the back)

WEll time is passing... must continue doing physics homework.. it's harsh!!

But first, I love this song and want to share its lyrics with you ..... If I know how to put music on blogspot, then i would have but since I don't so I can't...

_____________________________________
Indescribable
By Chris Tomlin

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

it works!!

2006-02-10T18:21:00.000-05:00

phew!! I thought someone hacked into my blogspot.. I couldn't see my page... my beautiful blogspot..If I actually lost it would I regret?? maybe.. maybe not.. In the end, my blogspot is just to spread my thought and let others read it..... which sounds weird right now...

anyhoo I dislike it when my throat becomes extremely dry until it hurts, then itches and finally lets out the first few coughs signaling "you're going to cough for the next few weeks!!"

ohh no I must not be sick.. must stay strong haha!!

Here's a Song i've been thinking a lot about and wishing to share it to you!

Surrender
by: Marc James

I'm giving you all my heart, and all that is within
I lay it all down for the sake of you my King
I'm giving you my dreams, I'm laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride for the promise of new life

And I surrender all to you, all to you
And I surrender all to you, all to you

I'm singing you this song, I'm singing at the cross
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing you, the glory of your name
To know the lasting joy even sharing in your pain

test test

2006-02-04T19:39:00.000-05:00

testing testing

i'm done!?!

2006-02-01T13:42:00.000-05:00

haha i'm soooo happy and relieved... finally exams are over.. I can finally breathe and i MUST truly thank GOD!! Thank you sooo much!!

so stressed... I don't even know why I started panicking.. usually it isn't soo sad.. but this year is horrible.. right before the exam, I can feel my heart pounding.... it was about to jump out of my body.. nasty....

then my hands would start shaking.. man why was I sooo nervous?? I never get this nervous....

Anyhooooooooo
winter olympics are finally coming... feb. 10 (see CBC)

IF anyone wants a little fun time and pre-olympic fun, didomi is organizing Winter olympics @ SCAC on Feb. 3rd (this friday) @ 7:45.

Come out!!! It would be lots of fun!!! haha I can't wait....*humming to myself*

3 down 1 more

2006-01-27T19:01:00.000-05:00

speaking of hectic!

3 exams in 2 days... supposedly 3 in 1 day! I made it! I'm almost seeing the light..

Algeo is next... oh.. those lines, provings....

I'm been thinking a lot about how i'm spending my time...
school.. eat... sleep.... more school... eat... sleep....in between chatting with friends, getting connected, losing my mind and being thrown out of this world into my own little secluded world...

I'm wasting a lot of it doing nothing... and i've been telling ppl to live life to the fullest... I need to live life to the fullest! I need to take initiative and serve my purpose in life!

Also thinking back, i'm pretty selfish these days.. it's all about me...my marks, my future...I really need to change my mindset! God, God please help me!

I really got to tell this story...

so I was really stressed thurs b/c on fri I would have bio and chem exam... so i'm studying on bio and i've been thinking about fri's lunch... what i'm going to eat and where I would be eating...
then I started getting this nasty, bad stomach feeling.... the feeling of vomiting... so I told my mom.. then she just hugged me and she started praying!! WOW!! She prayed that I would relax, and she asked God to PROTECT me from the power of satan... the power of worrying and ruining my health!!

WOW! speechless.. I still feel that calmness and assurance from God!

Thank you God!!

Dark Tunnel

2006-01-24T18:45:00.000-05:00

So yeah.... exams are coming... life is hectic...

it can be described like entering a dark tunnel. Smelling the moist air, feeling sweat building on my forehead. Hearing only my footsteps, my quick shallow breathing, and my heart pumping faster and faster. It feels like my heart would burst any moment...

I plead for my journey to stop, I want to see the end, see what's beyond the darkness...

suddenly, someone holds my hand, walks me down the road... at first it's silent, quiet and still....I feel encouraged to push forward, to conquer the world. The person just smiles and continues leading me on.....

i'm out of breath, i collapse... but the man just smiles, carries me between his arms, looking down on me like a fragile child. I can't stop but shed tears of gratefulness. We continue looking at the end of the tunnel, hoping that it would appear soon!

Thank you God!

New Year's resolution

2006-01-13T23:33:00.000-05:00

hm... new year's resolution... man it's so hard to think about it..
but I came up with one!

1. Do not make a new year's resolution
2. Just live life to the fullest
3. Follow my purpose in life: to love God with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength
4. BE THANKFUL for each day!

school exams are coming up! Getting stressed and impatient with waiting of exam schedule.. i'm getting nervous, which I shouldn't!

well for those who are planning to write exams, God bless! Whatever the outcome, remember God is faithful and just and HE will be with you always! That's a promise!

Christmas presents

2005-12-29T22:41:00.000-05:00

hah i'm sooo happy I got what i wanted for christmas!

A guitar! I love my parents.. they surprised me. It's sooo funny...

so my mom decided randomly for us, as a family, to open christmas presents... and there before me was a GUITAR! Well I thought my dad didn't want us to buy one since he said we wouldn't practice it....anyhoo sooo yeah my parents got me one!!

I'm sooo happy!

I got this huge plush toy (a dog) from a VERY good friend... haha i'll bring it at my rez Teresa!

I got a mashimaro plush toy.. sooo cute and winter looking!

I got our ACCI winter wonderland CD.

I got lots of candies and chocolate!!

oh... yeah I got this DNA extract to a pendant... soo neaT!!

I got very comfy pjs.

I got very cute stickers!

I got lots of christmas cards.. yeah more to my collection!

I got lots of hugs and kisses!

Thank you everyone!

Have a great new year! *muah*

Merry Kurisumasu!

2005-12-20T23:49:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!!
hah i can't wait for the BIG BIG day!

but first... ah... yes... I don't know how i'm feeling about Christmas party at school.. i'm soo nervous b/c I have to play keyboard.. and i'm soo not prepared!! Luckily my mommy helped me out a lot!! Thank you mommy!!

second... need to Christmas shop...no time duringthe holidays so I guess I'll go tomorrow and the day after, until I have everything needed! I just went today.. hm.. nothing much actually.. got a few!

third.. can't wait for Pat's Christmas party... parte...... haha can't wait to munch munch!

fourth......christmas eve.. going to church.. hm.. I wonder what the service is about... what aspect of Christmas??

fifth.....chillaxing w/ God on sunday (haha his b-day)

sixth... slack until after Christmas... then i'll go back to work mode!!

I feel ssso free now!!

seventh......remind myself and my friends... what's so important about Christmas? Where is Christ in Christmas?

Merry Christmas

Mission's Conference

2005-11-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

fine fine Tim.... Mission's conference....

first it was joint w/ the cantonese congregation. There were 3 sharings... awesome awesome testimonies where God's power was at work!

I love the video showed when Preston shared.....just the Chinese kids living in Calcutta praising the Lord w/ all their hearts no matter where they are situated in..... a smoggy town.......full of poverty and corruption..... Despite their run-down building, sitting on mats (NO chairs... unlike our church)... no complains.... just praises to the Lord who sees us and smiles!! hehe!

Yes, Lord, let me see them w/ your eyes, the beauty -- your creation....

ooh.. Didomi was split from the cantonese after the testimonies.. Auntie Rosa spoke to us... I like the stories she told us...

So... here are some of her stories and a little about her mission....

She went on a mission's trip to Valencia, in Venezuela for a few years. Leaving her kids in a boarding school, spreading God's word, the LIGHT, into a corrupted city.

The government is very corrupted.. even the police officers. She once told us that there was a convenient store owned by a brother in the church she attended. At around 1 ish (I think) thieves ran their truck into the back of the store and made a HUGE hole. Then they loaded their truck w/ the merchandises...... so the employee at that time called the police... at the same time, a police cruiser came by to see what was happening...

did the police help??

NOOO

Instead, they also loaded their police cruiser/truck with the remaining merchandises.... ok.. is that the end of the story?? no!!

So the police finally came to the rescue!!?!? Six-seven police trucks responded to the call... they didn't rescue the employer, instead.. they also loaded their truckS!!! AMazing how we can sue police and file complains in Canada while the people in Valencia, and many more countries do not have a CHANCE!!

So the owner comes early in the morning to check on his store and finds neighbours and lots of people standing around his store. He checks to see what happens.. and next thing you know, people start picking up merchandises from his store that were left behind by the thieves and the cops!!

sigh.... such a sad world!!

There are many stories of kidnapping (i.e. police officers changing clothes and kidnapping people, their car, their money, their keys, their clothes, everything...they then leave the victims in an isolate mountain far from the town)!!

Mission's conference has yet again hit it in the face. actually slapped me and convicted my heart... Why would a loving God allow this much suffering, especially towards people who are faithfully serving HIm?? Hm... i'll have to ask God when I get to heaven.. haha

Mission's conference was a three-day church event.. too bad I missed saturday workshops..

During sunday.... Auntie Rosa also spoke to us yet again.. were the stories the same?? nono.. I was surprised....

She talked about counting the cost... When serving the Lord, there are risks and cost to pay (i.e. sacrifices..)

Actually she told a story about her family... when they went to Valencia, they sent their 3 kids to boarding school.... one day, a lady came up to her and told her "how can you be to CRUEL to your children?" she was surprised at the question and thought for a bit.... "Yes," she said, "I am cruel, but i'm serving the Lord." And so she started spreading the Gospel to the lady.. and THANKFULLY, the lady accepted CHRIST!!

soo many stories... sooo many heart-felt feelings... so many tears for people around the world... when will the tears stop?? when will God take away the sufferings????

What's so Amazing about Grace

2005-11-18T17:58:00.000-05:00

o yeah.... coffee House is coming soon!! I can't wait!!

"What's so amazing about Grace?" (not the person Grace, but God's Grace).

We sing "Amazing Grace" at church loads of time, but what does it really mean? Are we really singing it out of our own hearts?? Or just because everyone is singing, so why not follow along??

Amazing Grace.....

Hm....I can't stop thinking about it lately....Amazing Grace

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough 

Your grace is enough - Chris Tomlin

Is it really enough?

Wow time flies!!

2005-11-17T23:35:00.000-05:00

It's me again!! yeah... haha

it's already november.. what just happened??

- Remembrance Day - brand performance (oh.. man... we suck)
- billions of quizzes and tests in one week!!
- parent's interview (it was tonight....good comments.. i'm relieved.. well i'm not bad am I??)
- BYOB in CF (experiencing God)
- Operation Christmas Child shoebox (oh yeah..24 shoeboxes... i hope those kids will love it =) ....)
- Awards Ceremony (me??!! my name was called??!! I got an award.. yeah yeah GYM!!)
- Commencement (oh.. me 2nd bro graduated ALREADY!! he's in university. that means that I am next... me next??)
- Western Fall Preview Day (oh... it was soo beautiful.. beautiful day, beautiful place, nice people, I LOVE that place.. western here I come)
- ROM trip (i can't wait)!!
- cousin's daughter is coming over from Thailand.. yeah sooo happy. finally get to meet her and show her Toronto!!
- New PSE teacher (mr. foster) he's cool and funny!!
- Dido's Praise & Prayer (joint) it was an awesome NIGHT!! (brought pat.. hehe)

December is arriving! What to do?? Celebrate Jesus' birth!!?? Coffee House (ahh..still no theme verse)....me being nervous and paranoid..yes yes (nodding of head) Can't wait for a break, can't wait to chill, can't wait to rest and take a nap......

SNOWY......white Christmas.....it's coming soon!! So don't miss out! (hah I sound like a commercial)!!

what to do now?

2005-10-29T15:20:00.000-04:00

hm... lots of homework, lots of planning for extracurricular activities, lots to share to God and friends!! I can't manage my time anymore... why oh why is this happening to me???

Why am I overburdening myself when I have God to lean on to???!?!?! Why am I being stubborn and prideful?? Why stressed out??

ok.. let's see what to do....

hm...

get lots of sleep
spend lots of time with God
get real w/ each other (Dido committee and didomites and school friends)
research for exercise science (ah.. so much research to do)
study hard for bio, chem, algeo and PSE
work hard in piano (must pass grade 10 before summer 2006)
not lose my patience like on monday (me bad me bad.. sorry friends...)
stay cool in all situations
go to cooking class today (hm.. sushi)

****Look to God for everything!!!

Must get started.. no time to lose....yosh... ready. set. go!!!

Thanksgiving

2005-10-12T19:05:00.000-04:00

lah lah lah it feels like forever I haven't written on this blog, let alone get any free time! So much work, so little time!! It seems as you age, time passes by soooo quickly...

It seems that grade 9 was yesterday, grade 3 was last year and .... well I can't remember being a baby.... only someone cuddling my head and protecting it from my evil bros!! haha Well he did always love my head... I wonder if my head is still as beautiful.. jkjk

anyhoo...back to topic... the summers pass by soo quickly that I feel like I want more rest, more this more that......

But i'm happy over all my blessings...benediction.. blessings from God

Actually i'm reading "The Prayer of Jabez". "Would you bless me, INDEED" was the first line of Jabez's prayer to God. At first I thought he was selfish, yup Bruce Wilkinson (the author) even said that many readers think that way... but actually God wants us to ASK HIM!

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." ~ Matthew 7:7

That verse, after memorizing since childhood, really hit home 2 nights ago. God DOES want us to ask, to seek and to knock, the rest, He will provide in His timing!

This thanksgiving holiday was my most memorable one!

Friday - Didomi thanksgiving Dinner!! So much laugh and praises to the Lord! Not enough food, but God provides and he provided with take-out. The desserts were awesome. Everyone contributed in planning and it's the first time I felt God leading ALL of the Didomites into the night and into His plan!! Awesome night!! I also drove my friends home.. yup yup me DRIVING!!

Sat, Sun, Mon - rest, friends night out, family night (actually, my oldest bro's b-day and like 4 other of my friends are the same... sooo neat!!) + Prayer of Jabez, and God using a simple yet deep verse to move my heart!!

Thank you God!! Thank you for the blessings!! No matter how many thank you I gave you, it wouldn't be enough compared to your Grace, your Son and you LOVE!

soo busy!!

2005-09-24T23:12:00.000-04:00

i'm soo busy... why did I decided to accept all these positions. Now I can see that God provides! He gave me the time to finish my homework and study at the same time as planning for programs for fellowship and cf! I feel soo blessed!!

oh.. this is cool..

If someone asks you "why does God allow all these pain and sufferings??" Well why not answer them with this: "Why would God even let us live??" We are unworthy of living based on God's standards but God is sooo good and Gracious that He allows us to continue living through Jesus Christ!

Another reason to feel blessed!!

"lost in love"

first week of school

2005-09-10T20:20:00.000-04:00

lah lah lah first week of school is done!!

I had my first quiz of grde 12... nervous nervous but it was fairly easy... stupid smal mistakes.. sigh..

we also had our picture day!! *smile* It's soo different this year... we had to kneel, hold on to two sticks in front of us... the kneeling part was WOW! I've never done that before..

after i took the pic my friend came up to me and said that she blinked during the shot.... she says that she will look half-dead on the pic!! funny funny!!

Band starts monday!!

message box

2005-09-05T19:55:00.000-04:00

isn't the message box soo cool??

haha I had to dedicate this post just for the message box...FYI it should be on your right below my profile!!

I'm soo fascinated by it!! haha

check it out! Check it out!!

last day of precious summer

2005-09-05T19:50:00.001-04:00

today is our last day of summer.. actually the day isn't over yet.. anyhoo...

3 movies watched... I heart Huckabees, Madagascar and the Pacifier!! The Pacifier was the best!!

Lots of junk food too.. ahhh pimples coming... haha

I love your house PAT!! sooooo much stuffed animals sooo cozy and lots of things to do!! I still have to beat the traffic car game.. it's sooo hard.. not for dumb people like me haha jkjk!!

Tomorrow means taht school is starting!! I'm not looking forward to it but i'm still excited!! Isn't it weird?? Both are exact opposite feelings!! haha

My eyes are sooo tired after watching three movies in a row but the memories of staying with friends will last forever!!

Thank you guys!!

School is STARTING!!

2005-08-29T22:14:00.000-04:00

sadly school is starting...

BUT

God is gracious and He's provided me the strength and hunger for knowledge. I suddenly love to read textbooks.. especially about the human body. God is sooo AMAZING!! How can God come up with soo many body functions and everything being sooo complex, even a TINY CELL?!?! ONly God can tell us... no one else!!

I must work hard for school but i'll try to ALWAYS put God first!!

I'm actually starting to look forward to school!! Thank you God!!

Aja aja FIGHTING!! (if you watched the korean "Full House" you will understand.. if you haven't it's basically never give up and continue to work hard)

isn't it cute???

2005-08-28T21:53:00.000-04:00

isn't the picture cute????

ooh... i miss 大長今 sooo much!! random thoughts!! I can't believe that that korean drama can leave such an impact on me!! The never-ending conspiracy, the love 長今 has for the guy but they cannot be together until all pain and suffering has been felt. They are such great actors!!!

Frontlines

2005-08-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

On saturday, my summer sunday school went to experience the community at Weston Park (in Etobicoke). We first went to Frontlines. The community is soooo different than in Scarborough. There are sooo many people walking, it's a lively neighbourhood in the morning.

We meet the director. She's sooooo nice and very very welcoming!! When we meet her, it just felt like another home. Unlike here where sometimes you just don't feel like you fit in. She also brought a little boy. He was our tour guide for the day. Both VERY nice people just opened up to us. They shared so much about their lives. In like 10 minutes, it's like I felt I knew them. The director also just poured out God's love to us and to the kids (who by the way, kept on coming and coming).

ooo... I forgot to mention...you might be wondering what Frontlines is, right?? Well it's a drop-in community centre where the kids on the neighbourhood can play together and at the same time learn what an AWESOME God we have.

After the getting to know the director and the boy, we decided to go WEEDING!! yup yup WEEDING!! We went to a park. while heading there, we knew God was with us because there was this program called "Art in the Park" where African drummers, Latin groups were performing. Since my sunday school teacher loves the African drums, we went to check out the performances. It was like a Jamaican experience. We ALL felt like we weren't in Weston Park but in Jamaica!! Neat eh??

After weeding, we were heading to Frontlines for lunch. A 15 year old guy, who is soooooooooo awesome, decided to cook us LUNCH!! We had BULLYBEEF.... wonder what that is?? Well it's corned beef. We also had JERK CHICKEN!! it was sooo delicious!! hm...... i'm still drooling over those...... Food was also Jamaican. Another Jamaican experience!!

Afterwards, lots and lots of kids dropped by to play foozball, air hockey, nintendo 64, help wash dishes, basketball outside, biking, etc. The kids were SOOO happy with what was in front of them. Unlike the better off people who complain and complain. Why not follow the kids' examples of being HAPPY and GRATEFUL for what you have????

After chilling, we went to Weston Park Baptist Church for a "gratitude circle". We each had to say what we were grateful and 1 thing we learned....

I'm grateful for just this experience. I'll never forget the director, the kids and my summer school class having fun and enjoying ourselves!!

I learned that no matter were we go, joy can alway be by our sides. HOPE is also present. God is also present!!

Thai Bistro

2005-08-25T00:46:00.000-04:00

haha Today was a lazy day for me but.....

I did something very very memorable for ME!!

The girlz and I went to an Authentic Thai Restaurant. It was really authentic. The salads and especially the soups were SPICY!! I haven't tasted the REAl Thai food in like 1 year!!

Wow i can't believe that I haven't been to Thailand in 1 year (time pass soooo quickly lately... too fast... school is slowly creeping it's way here... nono) no worries i'm going back to Thailand next year!! yeah right after my piano exam!! eck!!

Anyhoo. back on topic!!

We tried Tom Yum Goong, Tom Kah, Chicken Salad, Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai... and REb's fav... but I forgot how to write it..... ><
In total, the whole meal cost us around $78 + tip and Tax!! My money flying away...

BUT... what's most important is the fellowship!!

It's actually our first time out by ourselves, eating dinner... neat eh??

I'll miss you all....

hah that's the best pic we took by OURSELVES!!

VBS

2005-08-18T23:14:00.000-04:00

VBS is a golden opportunity to serve God and share God's love to younger kids. Not only that, I think i've grew sooo much!

Tomorrow will be the last day of VBS! I'll be missing all the kids but I know that many of them know Christ. Even the non-Christian ones weren't scared to ask questions about the Bible and Bible characters. It's really a humbling and joyful experience!

When serving FOR Christ, God teaches something each time. For the first 4 days of VBS, I've learned to be patient with the kids especially when it comes to accepting Christ. One of my mentor told me that when someone accepts Christ, it isn't just the work of one friend. It's actually the true Christians that the new believer came across. Each person are like steps but the last step is the person to whom the new believer confessed their belief. After that, a new door opens to WONDROUS experiences and encounters with God!!

I've also was reminded to prepare and do everything for the Lord. Not for my recognition, my fame, my friends or family BUT for GOD!! Only HIM!! When I changed my distorted focus, I've felt peace and just the innocent joy in faithfully serving the Lord!!

I feel really blessed!!

“I [Jesus] have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. You will be blessed if you do them.”
John 13:15, 17b

I can proclaim that the verse is true and it's God's word given to each one of us!!

Peace and Silence

2005-08-14T00:12:00.000-04:00

sniff sniff I just came back from my summer vacation with the family...

Well what's shocking was that the town in which our resort was located is very small (notice... I wrote town and not city... actually it might be a village). There are practically no shops, only restaurants and resorts.

The good thing about it is that it is located next to the Georgian Bay and I could see the bay for as long as I wanted. The scenery was right in front of our window!! Neat, eh?

The town/village is very peaceful and quiet! I love the quietness of it... It's so soothing and refreshing.

Well what's funny is when we drove back home, on the highway, there were soooo many cars. It felt very awkward and I felt cornered. I guess the city life isn't rooted deep inside of me!! FUNNY!!

Anyhoo, time to get lots of sleep and tomorrow's another big day!

Experience with God

2005-07-23T23:49:00.000-04:00

4 more days of summer school!! hahahahahah i'm soo happy. After the exams, i'm going to celebrate. But first i'm going to give thanks to God for the will and energy to survive through summer school.

Here's a little miracle God showed me during my summer school days.

I got very sick on the second day of school. I developed a cold and fever started haunting me. Unfortunately, I had a presentation the next day and I did not have the energy to prepare what i'm going to say. Well so here I was on the computer, unwillingly typing my part of the handout. Suddenly, I had this boost of energy giving, I know by God, to finish the work and sleep extremely early. oh.. by the way, when I was on the computer, I prayed and prayed to God to give me strength to endure this pain and weariness. He answered my prayers very quickly!

English is not my best subject, in fact it might be my worst subject. I dislike english because I was never taught the grammar and I never knew the proper to structurize everything. So my english teachers gave me a mark, I have to truthfully say, that I deserved but did not want. They were extremely low. Passing but on the border of being average. That was how bad it was.

When taking english summer school, I thought that I could possibly do well. I wanted to get away from my hard english teachers at day school and get an extremely nice and easy teacher at summer school.

HAHA I was proven semi-wrong. My summer school teacher is very nice but she's a little hard. I don't blame her because the SUBJECT IS HARD!! My mind was not thinking properly when i chose to take summer school.

I got so worried during my fever season. I felt that I should drop summer school and take it during day school. That was what I thought but not what God planned.

Miracously, I survived the presentation and the teacher even complimented on my spirit (i thought I was going to vomit and faint) and my memorization (note: I memorized my part of the presentation which is another miracle from God)!!!!!

I also survived mid-term and essay writing. Writing is something that I struggle a lot with. When i handed my essay in (note: we had to do it in class and we could not bring it home so that we do not plagarise), I was so worried. I felt also a failure because i'm worrying when I "know" that God had a wonderful plan for me. I "know" that He would not forsake me and that He would not plan my life to be disastrous beyong help-kind. I knew in my mind those points but deep in my heart, I doubted myself and God!! I felt a failure!!

Fortunately, God trule is amazing! That I know in my heart because he not only gave me a mark very high for my standards for the essay, he also provided with my CLOSEST friends ever to support and encourage me during the doubting period.

My mentors constantly gave me hope and reminded me what i'm living for. I know (in my heart) that I can't bring marks, status, certificates, qualifications when i die. What I can bring and kept are relationships (friendship and family-ship hehe). My family are my brothers and sisters in Christ! I know this deep in heart and it's engraved on it!

I hope that my experience with God softened your heart towards Him. He is a loving Father. He didn't promise a trial- and hardship-free life. But He promised His everlasting present and everlasting LOVE towards us. What more can we ask for??

If you have any thoughts or questions, comment and I'll be glad to listen/read and try to answers questions you have!

Summer School

2005-07-05T19:22:00.000-04:00

eck... summer school just started!! The course is crazy... so many things to cover in so little time!! I don't know how I can survive!

But don't lose hope in Da Vinci's Code discussion because I will be getting to that hopefully soon! There is just so many topics to cover and I don't know where to start. When I have summer school settled and all the information about The Da Vinci's Code sorted out, i'll write and post once again!

It will come together in God's timing!

My B-day

2005-06-29T04:11:00.000-04:00

it's me again!

Well my b-day just passed... I wanted to try the picture button so i'm going to try it with this pic!! Enjoy!
P.S. I took sooo long for the image to be uploaded!!

The Da Vinci's Code (Part I)

2005-06-29T00:34:00.000-04:00

Reading is quite interesting is the book is interesting...

The Da Vinci's Code written by Dan Brown is a fiction novel about a secret brotherhood society vs. the Roman Catholic Church. It reveals the deep "secret" of Jesus and the foundation of Christianity.

Well the writer first starts off with acknowledgments and then he lets the readers know a fact about the whole book. Apparently, there are actually the existence of the Priory of Sion. In addition, he notes that all the artwork, documents and secret rituals are accurate.

Well if I didn't know better, I would have believed every single "fact" that happened in the story.

I admit that the book was very good BUT on the level of thriller and as an enjoyment. I would also say that the book is against my belief of the starting point of Christianity. In the book, it states that Constantine made up the religion to unify Rome. It was also stated that the story of Jesus' divinity was a result of a vote.

It's totally absurb! Jesus was a human being but he is also God. It's the whole Trinity. It's like water, it can take on three forms: liquid, gas and solid. Same goes for God, He can be the Father, the Son AND the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Son of God but He chose to take on the limits of a human being. He became a human being to learn sufferings that humans go through. God sent Him because God wanted to show mercy and grace through is only Son.

God showed mercy by not killing all of us because of our wrongdoings (also called "sin"). More importantly, God showed Grace by sacrificing his Son on the Cross to die for our sins!

Note: Mercy means to NOT give something you deserve; grace means to GIVE something you do not deserve!

Personally I feel that I haven't shown grace to people as God would have. I also feel that people, especially Christians, do not show grace. I'm not trying to confuse you by saying that all Christians do not show grace. no no no! There are many Christians, whom I admire, showing grace that they once experienced every day of their lives. But in my current surroundings...have people step out of their comfort to show grace to those who are searching for it?

I'm willing to show grace and I can feel God giving me the passion to show it. So i'm taking the challenge to give something people do not deserve in return for NOTHING! Not no cost!!

Are you ready for that challenge?

Oopss.. I sort of got out of the whole Da Vinci's Code thought but there will be a Part II once I finish the book!!

Summer Already?

2005-06-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

Wow summer arrived a few days ago...
Life is passing so fast, actually too fast!! Please slow down time!

Exams were done with, now it's time to chillax and have fun with friends!

During the exams, my back was killing me... The pain still lingers. I actually found the problem: my back shifted to the left. Weird eh when the spine specialist told me that everything was stable when I was in grade 9. However come it's still shifting? The pain came from my vertebrae crushing my nerves. It was unbearable! I couldn't sit for more than 10 minutes. That meant that I couldn't study long.

But God truly blessed me with sisters and brothers in Christ!

My Sunday School teacher called in to check up on me. After maybe 10 after the call, he came by my house to drop off Tim Horton's Iced Cappucino! He's sooo nice and so thoughtful!

Then the next morning, one of my mentors/counselors, called in to check up on me! It's like... wow!! Amazing how people can support and encourage each other!!

Then I got to school, one of my friend checked up on my condition!! It was sooo cool!

I'm so touched!!

Well my back is starting to hurt, that means that i'm going for a break!

tada, with lots of love!!

Trust

2005-04-30T20:23:00.000-04:00

Life has been pretty hectic! But I have a reason to rejoice!

Going through competitions and being nervous is part of life. It's what strengthens a person and makes them less vulnerable. I recently, just a few hours ago, experienced nervousness and worry.

I just had a piano and scripture recitation competition. Well the competition isn't that competitive becasue it's between churches and it's just to gain experience. Well that's my point of view. I went to the competition thinking that I wouldn't win because everyone else would surely beat me, musically wise. And the scripture recitation was just another way to force myself to memorize passages. I thought that since i'm not going to win i'll just relax a bit.

However, my heart thought differently. Beforethe piano competition, I was against these little kids (aged 10-12). It's pretty embarrassing. I felt pressured because I couldn't lose to them. My piano teach, however because of God's grace, told me to let it go. "So what if you're against these small kids?" I tried to let the pressure dissipate but honestly, only half of it left. During the competition, I was VERY nervous. My heart was pounding hard and it hurts! I was one of the last ones to perform but it was all God's plan.

I heard the first girl, she was very musical and her tones were excellent. (If you don't know what i'm talking about well... she's a very telented pianist). Everyone else also were extremely talented and they played sooo well. Right before my turn, God nudged me and told me to play for Him only and no one else. Suddenly all the pressure pressing on me disappeared! It was so refreshing. Then I went up to perform, I missed a few notes, but deep inside of me, no pressure was felt and I had the inner peace God promised!

The end result was that got 2nd place! I was SHOCKED!! God truly blessed me! I was jumping around and REJOICING!!

Praise the Lord!

God is GOOD, all the times!

Where's sleep?

2005-04-22T23:02:00.000-04:00

Life at School

This week was pretty hectic, like all other weeks. School has been getting a lot tougher especially taking a grade 12 math course. The month of April was crazy, beyong all imagination. For 3 weeks straight, sleeping at 2 was the only way to finish all the piles of homework. Teachers constantly gave homework. There were also band concerts, where I had to miss classes and I had to catch up to everyone. This week, april 18-22 was the most hectic week because I had to stay pretty late for our concerts which lasted for about 4 hours. Everyone at band stayed up until minimum 11:00 p.m. The next morning, many band members, including me, were exhausted and sleep deprived. Many homeworks stayed undone, many projects left unfinished. Finally the week has ended, but another one is slowly approaching with its surprises.

Life Inside of Me

Despite being extremely tired physically, I wasn't very tired mentally. Do you know the cause? Well it's because God has given the peace and strength to endure all those trials and exhaustion. The inner peace is beyong knowledge, it cannot be described because it is such a deep feeling inside of me. Without peace, I wouldn't have survived so long. God provided me with strength and discipline to force myself to work and stay awake during those late nights!

What Can I Do?

You can also ask God for His peace and comforting Hands. If it is His Will, then you will receive. But be honest to yourself and tell God about all that you're going through. It may be addiction, it may be unhealthy thoughts, it may be struggles and pain. Tell God about it. You might think "oh.. well it feels like in talking to air". But have faith (definition: believing in something or someone you cannot see) because He does listen to whatever we say or even think.

God is ever-present in help of troubles! Be honest to yourself! I encourage you to take the step and tell God. Another advice is talking to your close friends who are understanding and who will help you through your transformation! Believing in God is what it takes. I took the step and my perceptive and life style have changed to make me a better person. I'm not pain-free but I have Someone who can heal me in times of distress!

I may be lacking sleep but I'm not lacking the peace of mind and the joy of living for God!!

Believe!

I'm grateful

2005-04-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

People say that they cannot enter this blog. Maybe it's because I haven't posted for almost a month! Wow a month passed already without me knowing. School is becoming hectic, very hectic, extremely hectic. I'm getting overwhelmed with all the school work as well as all the responsibilities I've decided to take. I'm getting the stress from every aspect of my school and extra-curricular activities life.

I'm really thankful for my family! I really have to give ALL my thanks to them. Without them, I wouldn't have survived so far nor would I go anywhere! They support me all the way. It's a wonderful blessing from God because He has truly blessed me with people and relationships that will last forever. The unconditional love He has shown me has truly been reflected in my family life, church life, friends and mentors.

Also, I've suddenly become joyful because I know that it's all from God. He is the one who's giving the strength right now to write this and to share His wonderful love for everyone! Yeah.. everyone!! I'm stressed right now and there's so much workload to finish but I know that God put me here in the first place. His plan of life for me and for everyone is unique and beyong all imagination. He has planted every single person here for a reason. We may not be able to see the big picture, but when we see God, we might all understand in the end!

Also, joy only comes from God. There's a difference between joy and happiness. Joy is truly internal and lasts, unlike happiness where it is the cause of external forces and it only lasts a few days. Joy is when the heart is truly satisfied, inspired by God's greatness and power!

Well I better get to work. Those were my jumbled up thoughts!!

P.S. Thank you EVERYONE for your support! Your little or big actions mean so much to me that i'm truly grateful! Also thank you everyone helping out for Coffee House, CF and Didomi and for supporting me when i need it! THANK YOU!

Travelling Light

2005-03-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

"The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want."

Psalm 23:1

Have you ever wondered about the prison of want? I simply want higher grades that's it. Or I want a new video game, just one, please? How about this, fill in the blank "I am happy when _______." When I get into university, when I pass my test with flying colours, when I am stress free. What happens when the ship never comes to fulfill your content, when your dream will never come true. Has it ever occurred to you that your list would never end? You would never want to stop wanting. Will you ever be content? This is the binding power of the chains of W-A-N-T. It's like another prison where we think we can never escape.

The above verse is basically a key to unlock the chains of want. "The Lord is my shepherd", He is the one who will take care of us, who will protect us. When we give our life to God, He will change and transform our heart but He won't destroy us, instead, He will, in His will, guide us to a much more awe-inspiring journey of life. He will break the heavy burden of discontent.

What we have in the Shepherd is far greater greater than any treasures of the world.

Also, have you ever wondered about why God choose to use the analog of a Shepherd and humans as being sheeps? Why not say that humans are dogs, cats, lions, rabbits, fish? Think about it.

It's because sheep are defenseless, simple-minded, slooowww. They go where the Shepherd goes. Did you know that they are very picky animals? They actually cannot sleep if there are tension in the flock, bugs in the air, hunger in their belly. Everything must be PERFECT! Aren't they picky? Well humans are like so, we are somewhat defenseless, well we can get hurt easily both physically and mentally. We are very stubborn and narrow-minded. We can't think really far. We want everything to be our way before taking another challenge which will leave us weary.

In the next verse of Psalm 23,

"He makes me lie down in green pastures"

Psalm 23:2

God, through David, is trying to give us the message that humans are defenseless against the really evil of this world. Humans also would work non-stop to strive for contentment. In the end, are humans really happy? God is trying to tell us that only with our trust in Him, we will be lifted from our burden of weariness as well as our burden of discontentment!

Neat, eh? Think about it, reflect on it!

Tell me what you think!