| Ich bin... |
| [Tana]. Child of God. Teacher. Youth leader. Music-minded. Blessed.
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| Ich liebe... |
[Jesus]. My Family. My Church. P & W. Mission Trips. Music. Prayer. Traveling. Writing. Drama. Sunshine. Languages. Photography. Badminton. Nature. Snail Mail. Fruit. Green. Simplicity. Listening.
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| 30 November 2003 |
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friday nick and i led a chatroom on missions for the junior and senior high youth. it was an interesting experience, sharing with this group. several of them probably found it dry because missions seems irrelevant to their present thoughts/priorities. i guess i could have made it more lively (hence preventing "friday was boring" comments), but it wasn't anticipated that everyone would be in the same session, and at least some individuals DID benefit.
after a half day of work, it was yet another mui mui / gah jeh chill day! first we played through and listened to some TWINS songs, then we shopped for YiG and others. after dinner, it took some circling around, but we finally found cosmopolitan music society where...
...judith's concert last night was awesome! i really appreciated the insertion of heartfelt thoughts between several of the songs, especially the plug for helping the less fortunate. not only is she incredibly talented/gifted, she's definitely a sister of inspiration! i was also glad to have at least a brief chat with eunice.
all the members of our small group attended this afternoon's meeting, after a 'not so fast' meal at a & w. not only were the games, sharing and discussion enlightening, but we also received some exciting news, giving us all something to look forward to. i can't wait till our post-Christmas pre-Chinese New Year gathering ^^ i love our times together, and i can learn so much from these older brothers and sisters' words of wisdom. most of all, i cherish the prayer support and encouragement.
new webcam pics are up. check out the right margin ->
"PLEASE BE PATIENT. GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET!"
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posted by simplejoys @ 19:46
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| 28 November 2003 |
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anticipating the weekend and all that it brings.
finally used to soft contacts. still need to make time to stop off and get glasses made, though.
MT, i may have SEEMED obvious with my question last night, but be surprised, be VERRRRY pleasantly surprised...
JJ, you are going to laugh so hard when you see your Christmas gift! now i understand what "the joy of giving" means.
I pray that you will come to understand...
That He is a light in the deepest shadow
And the wings of a spirit in flight
He is a stream in the dry burning desert
He is a song in the longest night
(from Twila Paris' "Spring Water")
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posted by simplejoys @ 14:19
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| 27 November 2003 |
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went round 2 Christmas shopping with grace yesterday. it was awesome because the stores weren't crowded, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch beforehand (actually, it was my first time to try hummus ^_^). still have a few gifts to shop for, but i'm more than 90% done.
excited about the new possibility for a summer 2004 destination. if all goes well, i'll be able to sightsee AND see my cousins AND LS. works for me!
sudden urge to go skating at hawrelak - who's available?
so we sing, we sing
and we shout, we want to shout, we want to shout
and we dance, we dance
and we live, we want to live, we want to live for Your love
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posted by simplejoys @ 13:05
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| 26 November 2003 |
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FINALLY GW and i managed to contact each other, after nearly two months of phone tag. i'm so encouraged by her news of much growth in Him. likewise, hearing of LS's recent joy makes for a sunny day.
praise God for a reworking of my positions at work. it's that unexplainably RIGHT timing again! GH and i have been marveling at this concept lately, how He knows exactly where we need to be, and if we allow ourselves open hearts and minds, that He will put us there - no sooner, no later. immediately coming to mind is ecclesiastes 3:
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
this has also shown itself in clearing up several other previously 'clouded' areas of thought; the outcomes are not necessarily as i may desire upon first glance, but later reflection brings about the realization that He was looking out for me after all.
back on track with my reading of the purpose-driven life. one day's material is too overwhelming to absorb in 24 hours, but several rotations of the clock makes it more manageable (more likely to "yup low" this way).
if you haven't bought your tickets to Judith's concert yet, you DON'T want to delay:
date: saturday, november 29, 2003
time: 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
place: cosmopolitan music society (8426 gateway blvd.)
tickets: $6 at the door or $5 in advance at Listen/Blackbyrd
HAPPY BELATED 19TH, CUZ! praying you will seek and find Him in the year ahead. missing you lots!
JJ, i have yet to buy a medallion. i think i'm satisfied with just having the stats and pics, heh.
this game is mildly addicting, but try it anyway. :)
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:39
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| 24 November 2003 |
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per usual, activities summaries first:
Friday: first-ever c & c fellowship at cafe dabar. experience was similar to night out at DTH a few weeks back. pastor matt from sol cafe shared with us. great environment and discussion, but drink-wise i think i prefer boba.
Saturday: work followed by light Christmas shopping, gabbing with AMM and multiple tutorings. wanted to check out the coca-cola hockey experience at city hall as well as watch the two big games, but didn't get a chance to do either. i wonder if there were enough hand/toe warmers? probably not.
Sunday: time with my church family is never boring, always well-spent. in the evening, my parents and i participated in a surprise birthday party - funny thing is, when i tried to twist open my confetti container, it was tightlocked (even sharon jeh jeh couldn't get it to budge)! dinner was followed by games honoring the birthday sister that included karaoke and bao prizes (HILARIOUS! you would expect nothing less to emerge from the planning efforts of william goh goh and helen jeh jeh ^_^). also at this gathering, charles and i co-edited one of his english papers, and the kids attempted to teach me clue jr. and a chemistry game from the neopets site. ah, am i ever getting old... my 'favorite' gals were cute as always, too, especially the youngest, CS, who called HERSELF "ma fan" when she constantly entered and exited the computer room (and my lap!) while charles and i were working - she should NEVER grow up!!
oh and GW and i are back to phone tag again. i wonder if we'll EVER manage to contact each other before she returns home?
phrase association:
AMM: 'grr' to predictability
JJ: chocolate muffins
TM: geysers and sunsets
CL: wrap, wrap and more wrap
CW: missing the wimmicks
...God let me not be distracted, Lord help me focus on You
Keep sin from ruling my life, Lord
Make me holy and pure...
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posted by simplejoys @ 11:35
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| 20 November 2003 |
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normally, congestion + coughing = crankiness. however, this time around i'm trying to see the bright side of being sick - God reminding me to take care of myself before i attempt to take on the problems of others. :)
3/4/5/6 weeks or less continues to be a pendulum. there is so much i want to do, so many opportunities i hope to take part in, yet the priority is not becoming clear yet. i guess dreaming and planning how to live out that dream are entirely distinct, unrelated entities.
after a series of convos last night, "I can see clearly now / the rain is gone" comes to mind. it's not to say the situation has improved or anything, but i realize that it's not necessary to expend any more effort/time in trying to create the "picture-perfect" condition. the well dries up eventually, unless it is refilled. i am NOT going to let childish actions, broken promises, avoidance or niceness abuse drag this out. someone has to take the first step towards normalcy, and i'd rather make myself vulnerable than be faulted for not trying.
found this neat site that provides daily reflections on christian songs. check it out here.
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posted by simplejoys @ 11:53
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| 19 November 2003 |
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forgot to mention that i attended another rally on sunday, supporting the preservation of traditional marriage. i find it neat how people may come from different religious backgrounds and disagree on various topics, yet when it comes to the issue of the nuclear family and marriage as being solely between one man and one woman, they are in one accord.
still under the influence of 'gum mo' and having to drink bitter, boiled medicinal tea as a result. that, interspersed between neo citron and echinacea, hopefully will lead to a quick recovery.
earlier friendship reconnection continues. received an e-mail from JT informing me she is well on her way to becoming an equine vet, and my encounters with TM are more regular than before. ^_^
christmas shopping is about 95% complete (i guess i'm keeping pace with AMM!), and ML's idea just made it a little easier.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHARON JEH JEH!
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posted by simplejoys @ 10:47
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| 17 November 2003 |
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fever-flu-flustered today.
not much more to say than that.
oh, and finally can pick up my twenty-four pairs of contacts :)
alright, sleeping...
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posted by simplejoys @ 13:41
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| 16 November 2003 |
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busybee weekend as usual. in order of occurrence, the highlights were:
having maria and cindy volunteer at LGT (guaranteed laughs each time w/ them - as well as when it's the others)
frames consultation (also with cindy)
entirely spontaneous many-hours with angie mui mui - Christmas shopping, scary snake stories, chicken wings, webcamming, newfound Twins addiction, etc. etc. etc. (it never ends, does it? and for that i'm thankful! ^_^)
fun, eclectic worship with my team
hearing awesome inspiring message about God's grace, first introduced by max lucado's "you are special"
chance to see & share smiles/thoughts/insights with tangie, cherry berry, kerry berry, lil, and all my other 'little sisters' (btw, happy early birthday, tif!)
'non-sticky' banana shopping with jay
dinner's calling my name...
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posted by simplejoys @ 18:43
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| 14 November 2003 |
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what a 'bleh' day. the house smells like chinese herbs, since dad's sick, too.
well, if it works, no protests here.
however, there's also cilantro...now THAT'S another story #p
spent most of today finishing off the GP and also fixing up pics from kaohsiung 2001. there are actually lots more, but these are just the ones from the old hh CD. elaborations on each image will be up soon (hopefully), but for now, you can view the pics here.
had some webcam fun w/ AT and CW last night. those should be up soon, too. ah, may we never forget THE video clip. :P
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posted by simplejoys @ 15:35
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| 13 November 2003 |
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tried on frames at regent optical during work break today. the search seems a blind one, since i haven't picked out glasses in so long. nonetheless, the deal made an attractive first impression.
now i'm thinking that perhaps 6 weeks is an impossibility. 4 is more realistic. ha, actually, i could stay forever...do a one-way ticket, that type of thing. but that's not where i'm supposed to be, at least not right now.
gotta finish up the GP before it becomes a stressor.
CW, don't you wish honesty was normal with all?
JS, thanks for the message.
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posted by simplejoys @ 14:50
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| 12 November 2003 |
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received a somewhat surprising e-mail from AL today. hopefully i can explore this further in the next week or so, along with my 6-week plan -> the airfare looks slightly out of my preferred range, but a lot could happen between now and then.
had a little baking episode aujourd'hui. actually, i probably would have achieved greater success had i bought the ingredients myself and went with the original recipe, but que sera sera! it was certainly an interesting experience, what with all the fumbling around due to my dilated pupil examination in the previous hour ^_^
AM, wednesday's rendez-vous looks likely. let's add glasses to the list, okay?
now I see
the walls I've built are falling
and Your waves of grace are washing over me
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posted by simplejoys @ 15:57
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| 11 November 2003 |
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last night i went off to dreams after an awesome phone convo with GH. we both agree that He has an unmatchable sense of humor with timing. also, i was led to a profound revelation - how believers absolutely can NOT stay silent now when a stand is necessary. but for me to preach that at others without making that the destination of my own strivings would be hypocritical...so Lord, please show me the way to go from here and equip me to be a bold witness. (an immediate test - hitting up south edmonton common today, there were end of season sales galore, but nothing appealed.)
LEST WE FORGET
overall, today was fairly productive, beginning with a morning worship team practice, then errands and watching the rest of "finding nemo" with AMM and YiG. i am continually amazed at the ingenuity of computer animation and those who work with it. (don't mind my starfish 'addiction' from this point on, though! ^^)
pics from cherry's birthday lunch this past sunday can be seen by clicking
here (the first 3 images)
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posted by simplejoys @ 19:19
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| 10 November 2003 |
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the other day i was just stating that it’s so uplifting to hear positive news from and about those who have been a part of (thus, somehow influenced) my growing up years…the seemingly endless phase of paranoia in all realms – of scarring skin blemishes, wearing outdated and unfashionable items, being seen in public with parents, being looked at / looking too long at someone, making a bad first impression, being a klutz, etc. even in junior high, with the ‘hormones raging’, immaturity, ‘rebellions’ and dramatic mood swings, it was all so innocent and simple.
some sad irony – while many go far and accomplish much that inspires, there are those who take a turn for the worse. a friend of mine from those years is enjoying an international voyage a LITTLE too much, even feeling pride about all the ‘lifetime firsts’. even with full knowledge that people change over time, this friend has always been at the top of my list of individuals who are least likely to turn out this way. there’s a clear distinction between experimenting and experiencing, if only that regret should not comprise the majority of your reflection later on in life.
i feel shocked, disappointed and heartbroken upon hearing this news. what happened to self-restraint and common sense? my first impulse, confrontation, is impossible with the long distance, and this situation is far beyond my own control. there is a compulsion to go before Him and seek healing and a directional change for my friend. my eyes have been pulled open further to the lostness that consumes and controls those without genuine direction or meaning resulting from life in Him alone.
”For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
===
the past weekend was a fabulously busy yet relaxing break from the usual:
Friday
an evening well-spent at DTH with some friends from fellowship and elsewhere recalled memories of childhood board game frenzy, and also allowed for much laughter and sharing. no deadlines to keep, no set agenda, no inhibitions...just friends without a trace of liquid poison, brought together because of His timing. the original plan was bowling/pool beforehand, but the wait was too long and by no surprise, circumstances worked out for the better. we must do this again soon :)
Saturday
work in the morning hours was far from stressful or laboring, as we took the group indoor skating. the first hour or so saw everyone 'warming up', with much clinging to boards and the closest hand. one of the rink's instructors patiently gave lessons to all who required them, and even brought out stuffed toys and stickers, to the children's delight. eventually walkers were located, which shifted MC, KL, SS and my duties slightly. transport both to and from the arena was via a rented school bus, which initially seemed massive to a 13-member cluster. once again, i'm thankful for the chance to do what i enjoy.
afterwards, i was at AMM's place until early evening. i chatted with some of her friends and also watched the very beginning of "finding nemo" then hastily enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by her family.
then it was off to the compassion canada '40 years of changing lives' tour where we heard powerful stories of hope emerging from poverty, due to child sponsorship and the opportunity to know His love personally.
Sunday
immediately after church it was off to ESM's for CMM's belated birthday lunch. AC and i had fun with MDD's overpriced little clicker. of course there were plenty of laughs and also a discussion about taking a stand for Him where it matters most.
then, CL (the younger one...see paragraph below), KW and i Christmas-surprise shopped in seemingly no time at all and on the drive home, we gabbed about integrity and maturity, and the lessons learned from those who seem to lack it more than others.
i spent the evening with CL (the elder one, just as sweet) and GH (another sister with a caring, comic sense - i'm blessed to know you!) exchanging anecdotes, observations and insights, and laughing till we nearly cried. sampling various 'unknowns' at fursako was also an adventure.
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posted by simplejoys @ 11:57
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| 07 November 2003 |
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finally managed to connect with CW after a week of phone tag. speaking of which, i can't wait to talk with GW about her discoveries and growth through service at christian zion church. such an inspiration to hear awesome news about the dearest ones!
4 hours till a decision...and 18 till skating...heh.
God is great and His name fills the earth, fills the heavens
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posted by simplejoys @ 15:26
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| 06 November 2003 |
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i never thought i would be saying this, but thank goodness for MISUNDERSTANDING...well, in one particular situation anyway. my professor just pushed our project deadline back exactly one week because seemingly much of the class was unclear about the exact due date (a.k.a. TOMORROW) - this coming on the trail of LC informing me she'll be out of town for the next few days and us not being able to touch base until now about the project details. ah, Dr. B., you are such a blessing! (most others would simply have left it as is, regardless.)
continuing to love snail mail - discounting the usual monthly bills, statements and junk, of course. received the HH promo CD today, on which is an abundance of material for use on missions and in everyday evangelism. as i watched a few of the videos, i felt a pull on my heart, reminding me that passion for the lost is something that should only grow stronger with time and should be ACTED ON IMMEDIATELY, anytime and anywhere.
i always feel so refreshed after laying it all out with AM. not only do i get perspective from you, but it's one with tremendous insight into both of our weaknesses and tendencies. it's amazing how much we've been through together in these five and a half years, making it seem like so much longer. you know, i really think my observation skills have become significantly more acute because you constantly remind me to use them :P ("anyone with a brain" - ahh, not that funny, but whatever cracks you up more...oh, and i promise not to commit any offenses that will find me "blacklisted", okay?!? ) seriously, though, where would i be without you? SALAMAT, KUYA!! *_*
CL's special day is another reason for celebration. (did you enjoy your morning surprise? hope KW remembered to scribble something on it for me! ^_^)
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posted by simplejoys @ 15:51
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| 05 November 2003 |
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the biggest excitement of yesterday's work day was SM galloping into the reception area with the scoop about the "carcass" scandal, prior to the airing of the 6 p.m. news story. one could justify by saying that canine is not foreign to the chinese palate, and although the case has not been proven to lean in a particular direction, it still makes me wonder about truth in the food industry and vegetarianism as a plausible alternative...bleh #p
on a more positive note, i praise God above for giving AMM another sweet year of life on this beautiful earth and opportunity to further friendships. the two of us were gabbing about goals and hopes for a new start. i pray He will give us both the motivation to see our visions materialize; after all, we're supposed to LEAP, not inch, closer to His likeness with each passing day.
i'm becoming increasingly convinced that an unprotected heart baits annoyance by immaturity. reality cannot be diverted, deceived or disguised - so why not just live by it? to do otherwise merely displays folly and cowardice. i can understand how it may place one in a vulnerable place, yet the pleasant surprise that results far outweighs the momentary weakness. ah, but i guess some will never know.
(CW, 10ish alright?)
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posted by simplejoys @ 11:01
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| 03 November 2003 |
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the best & main part of today was maximizing Mui's period 6 spare and pre-birthday hours at moong cha cha (a.k.a. dream tea house). we exchanged laughs over semi-defrosted chews and "fu" tinges, but most of all, it was quality time and a chance for AMM to fill me in on what i missed. i so wish i could have made it, but things happen. afterwards, it was slightly overwhelming to navigate the halls of HAHS, but worth it to meet up w/ those who have made her yrs of schooling worthwhile. thanks for an awesome afternoon, Mui!
eye appointment was okay also. now i'm testing out disposable soft contacts, which are infinitely more comfortable than the "RGP"s i had before. I CAN SEE AGAIN!! :)
looking forward to friday - guys & gals, what do we have planned so far? ^_^
I want to know You, I want to hear Your voice, I want to know You more
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posted by simplejoys @ 15:11
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| 02 November 2003 |
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today's pennings are an outflow of inspiration following my conversation with AMM
i will not boast in anything
no gifts no power no wisdom
but i wil boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
humility is not heritable, it's learned. through various circumstances i've come to especially understand the value of sacrifice, of casting down pride to gain the bigger reward - nothing material, by any means, but something far greater...the joy of obedience. if the perfect One didn't even brag about what He was all about - His leadership, forgiving nature, honor, smarts, strength, etc...then dare i (far from even matching His likeness) focus attention on myself and highlight my own accomplishments? NO! great pride comes before an even greater fall, and when everything you place security in is taken from you, you realize the futility of worldly possessions. but it really shouldn't take hardship to bring you to your senses. i want to trade it ALL.
........and then there are the others........
Glo, this is ridiculous - three failed attempts in the same week! hopefully we CAN talk before you leave.
feel better soon, JL. thanks for your patience. remember, nothing is too minor to bring to Him in prayer.
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posted by simplejoys @ 17:28
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| 01 November 2003 |
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for me it's not "i dream of jeannie" but i dream of linnan and the warm-hearted siblings. just half a year more, and i can actually go. the ni's are in my thoughts as well. i guess mission-mindedness, like birthmarks, is something that stays with you, if that's truly the passion of your heart.
Lord please grant me the patience to wait for Your call.
mock journalism is tooooo addictive. ^_^
phone tag with GW is getting old, FAST. i miss you too much - just come here if you're hibernating from frigid humidity and we can gab as only ONLYs can. plus, you can explain the journal.
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posted by simplejoys @ 11:12
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