| 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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| 29 January 2004 |
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my thoughts keep going back to the recent bout of fires in the city, and how lives have been torn apart. two of the blazes especially hit home, as one affected someone i know, and another knocked out power at my work. i realize now that i don't stop to reflect on what i've been blessed with often enough. my prayers are with those of you struggling to rebuild.
it seems like YOU KNOW - evidently it's more obvious to you. i guess i have to learn how to live with this.
it's not friday, but i feel like it:
At this moment, what is your favorite...
1. ...song?
newsboys' version of 'you are my king (amazing love)'
2. ...food?
fruit - anything else makes me sleepy :p
3. ...tv show?
the new reality show, "The Apprentice" - i've never been in business, so this adds to the intrigue a bit.
4. ...scent?
anything and everything mango
5. ...quote?
do or do not. there is no try. (yoda)
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posted by simplejoys @ 14:31
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| 28 January 2004 |
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they're finally ready!! but the way life goes is - they weren't when it was more than convenient to retrieve them, only now that it's bonechillingly frigid outdoors...
i can't believe how personally certain people interpret situations that have entirely nothing to do with them - as if they are the direct influence of every outcome in this area. ego problem maybe?!?
lots of changes as of monday, but i'm hopeful and excited about how the path will look from here on.
i trust that You can give your best treasures. please grant me strength to follow through with my resolutions..
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posted by simplejoys @ 08:28
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| 26 January 2004 |
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okay, so a few occurrences have transpired since my last post, along with a revelation:
AMM and i learned firsthand the importance of knowing what you believe and vocalizing that in the face of opposition. i'm so thankful the Truth never changes, and that we can hold steadfast to His promises time and time again.
after fellowship, KB and i had an impacting, insightful discussion and prayer time. i truly appreciated that, and i know we'll have more. keep trusting, alright? :)
after some difficulty figuring out time differences, i finally got through to lisa in the UK - it was so amazing to chat with my BFF! i can't wait till you come back in august.
had an interesting little incident at the agricom on saturday - right, maria? finally it was resolved, but that was pretty much at the end anyway. i also greatly enjoyed cherry's running commentary on the singing contest, leon's slight smirks and dai's popularity with people of ALL AGES....heh. glad i could spend the evening with you all!
city north, as always, was enlightening and uplifting. i also was impressed by the 'cupcake leen go' ben and jessica brought...see you all in two weeks!
i think I FINALLY KNOW. not going to say much more because i don't want to overcontemplate this, lest it turn out to be an entirely faulty speculation. and if i'm actually on the mark with this one, how exciting!!
four more days till DOXA... ^_____^
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:59
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| 19 January 2004 |
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i never used to absorb the truth that it indeed is a small world after all. through a child's eyes, the world is a huge playpen, and there are endless possibilities and chances to correct mistakes, just as long as mommy or daddy has the physical and financial capability to attend to you. the focus is on what you can get, how to make yourself happiest, and barely (if at all) taking into consideration how your actions will impact the world.
now, however, i increasingly recognize the erroneous nature of this narcissistic tendency, and the need to really give thought to anything carried out. a blunder is not necessarily the outcome of any executed pondering, but you still really have to watch yourself, especially in this small circle. Christians know there is no one to live up to other than the Creator, yet maintaing a reputable status is still essential if you are to get anywhere. after all, to live otherwise - unrighteously - is basically betraying the gift of life He has given.
ah, 'tis the realization that the process of growing up cannot and should not be stagnated in any way. yes, the light is on upstairs.
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posted by simplejoys @ 13:46
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| 17 January 2004 |
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last night, our church's 3 youth fellowships had a great time skating at hawrelak park. it was awesome to see people bringing their friends, and then of course, meeting those newcomers. plus, some that normally don't come on fridays turned out, adding to the enjoyment of the evening.
the last time i went skating prior to this was back in december, with LGT. i probably could have taken my skates in for sharpening, but they were okay. vickie immediately noticed the ice was less choppy/jagged than last year, which made for smoother runs.
see one of our group shots (courtesy of jay) by clicking here.
and here's a shot of teresa, ben and me.
the problem with activities such as skating and tobogganing, however, is that YOU ALWAYS WANT MORE... ^_^
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:26
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| 15 January 2004 |
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please spare me your contradictions and rants. some don't have a clue, but you really should by now. perhaps i DO need to send in AMM to clarify everything. i'm not one to rile up frequently, but this has gone on far too long...so please put it aside and move on. that's the only way it can be if no regrets are to come of this later.
the ma fan aside, i was just given info about the Great Human Race...if only it didn't have to run into those 3 days, i'd be up for it.
7:15 tomorrow, guys and gals - don't forget! i hope my pair is sharp enough or i'll be clomping around instead of 'gliding'. tisa, remember to leave me a message tonight about the final arrangement, too!
bought the best of avalon yesterday and have been spinning it ever since, especially tracks #4, #9 and #15. definitely a good purchase :) surprises me how celine dion was listed among the producers for the bonus track, though.
still working through the prayer of jabez devotional, and loving the little inspirations it gives. what it brought to light most recently for me is that THE SECRET TO ABUNDANCE IS WANTING WHAT GOD WANTS. i make it so, but maybe it doesn't have to be so hard after all.
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posted by simplejoys @ 14:25
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from an e-mail sent to me by my supervisor just now...may it bring a smile to your face :)
4 husbands were sitting at the waiting room in a hospital waiting
for their wives to give birth. Soon, a nurse came out from the delivery
room and told the first daddy: "Congratulations, you've twins!".
"Oh!..... maybe it's just a coincidence" said the daddy, "as I'm working at the Petronas Twin Towers".
Then another nurse came out of the room and told the second daddy:
"Congratulations, you've triplets!"
"Wooow!, this is a coincidence, too," said the second daddy. "I am working for 3M Corporation".
A while later, another nurse appeared and told the third daddy: "Congratulations! your wife got quadruplets."
"Alhamdulillah! Thanks God. Perhaps this is also a coincidence. I work at Four Seasons Hotel!"
Meanwhile, the fourth daddy-to-be was becoming very worried.
All the 3 daddies asked him: "Why do you look so worried?".
He answered, "I work at Seven-Eleven!"
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:49
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| 14 January 2004 |
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mom's home from her month-long trip. she didn't bring a camera with her, but managed to bring back some photos, anyway. most were of the new couple, but also my other cousins and grandparents. it makes me miss them lots and want to see them soon.
last week was a challenge in the office because so many of my colleagues were sick, but thankfully they've mostly recovered now and i didn't catch much of it. SARS, this is not! so strange to be without certain people, though. :(
had a funky dream last night, goh goh. i MUST tell you about this one when i see you! part of it is easily explainable, but the rest is probably through association <- and that word alone, from browsing my EDPY 200 notes last night with linda. seriously, you are going to split with laughter...
my parents recently told me about the possibility of us having two-month housemates. it would be exciting, but i wonder how that would work? i think having them room with each other for that long definitely would not be a good idea. hmm, still have a few months to mull this over, though.
Your love is all that I need, all that I need is You.
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:40
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| 12 January 2004 |
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reflections on some of the week's bests
lesson <- the value of storms in personal growth
drink <- virgin peach daiquiri
deal <- 2 shirts for $5 (this is called post-POST-boxing day shopping!)
surprise <- seeing grace
exercise <- careening down millwoods hill without inhibition
didn't do much on saturday because of the sudden, entirely unexpected bout of freezing rain that caused tremendous traffic chaos everywhere. i drove to kerry's to return her 'snow fun' gear, hoping to drop by AMM's afterward, but on the way back up the twin brooks bridge, there was a massive car accident nearly blocking both of the two lanes. it was slightly scary because each inching of the car up produced spinning wheels and some sliding. thankfully it wasn't too far from home, and i got back safely. nick was saying these conditions are normal and frequent in toronto and montreal - yikes!
as always, sunday started out hectic, but was filled with much joy. it was my last time teaching the c & c sunday school class (since mom comes back today), and sunday worship was followed by city north, which was lots of fun - i may not have an opportunity to be involved with overseas missions again for a while yet, but this bimonthly ministry is definitely local missions at its best.
afterwards sharon, nick and i met up with the others from our small group at bar code for a quick dinner. we were temporarily annoyed by the leon music DVD (especially "sugar in the marmalade" -> i can't believe i used to like his music), but eventually the disc was switched to an anita mui movie that was nonsensical and absolutely hilarious; the movie was about a shy, 'invisible' employee with an undiscovered singing talent whose wacky, afro-haired colleague helps her come out of her shell. several scenes had our whole table cracking up, and it definitely is not a movie we'd pay to own or watch in theatres, but it certainly made for dinner entertainment!
then it was off to crowne plaza for drinks and a wide glimpse of the city from la ronde, which reminds me of the old furama rotating restaurant in hong kong. apparently, a complete rotation takes about 90 minutes. it was my first time in this magnificent place, and i was enthralled by both the view and the lavish arrangement - there was even a small dance floor!
it was an incredible evening, and i especially enjoyed hearing about nick's san francisco adventures and laughing when alfred was explaining to the server how to work his binocular-like digital camera. small group is awesome!
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:32
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| 10 January 2004 |
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report on yesterday night's crazy carpet adventure with the c & cers:
initially jay wanted to head over to the hill earlier so that we could test out the slopes, make bumps for later, etc. however, there were already teens and kids everywhere, so we just stood there with our two crazy carpets and a kiddy 'luge' (thanks, kerry, for the loan!), and watched until everyone else from our group arrived. it seemed cold, too, since we were facing the wind, but we figured eventually we'd be too numb to remember how cold it was.
pushing all inhibitions aside, everyone went racing down the hill on the various sleds/crazy carpets, including a GT that i had always hoped for as a kid (i think it was thad's?). linda and i loved going down together, but couldn't steer ourselves adequately to prevent wipeouts each time :P
for me, faceplant and snow eating were the dominant words of the night, especially when i sat crosslegged on the black carpet - and this is the NORMAL way...well, i've never been one to conform anyways (i had been going on my stomach). the most hilarious moments of the evening were:
(1) attempted linking of crazy carpets
(2) the numerous outtakes of 'hillwatch' (right, cindy?), starring jack, jay, kinnson and thad
(3) grace asking oi yee how many "five fingers" she was holding up
and of course (4) watching the taped footage of each and every wipeout featured on the digicam - the piles of rolling white and lost carpets/sleds in the process.
(cat and the others had no problems going cross legged on the crazy carpets, but i had major trouble and opted for stomach control.)
it's next to unanimous among our group that we should do this pretty frequently (although next time, we'll definitely be prepared with snowpants and such - for sure, vickie!) - we may be old, but never too old for snow fun! and even though i despise winter, i admit this is a benefit i had long forgotten (since elementary school days, i think). so, WHO'S READY TO GO AGAIN?!?
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posted by simplejoys @ 10:32
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| 09 January 2004 |
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so the banana yellow garment turned out to be a funkily pink suit jacket...grams, i don't have eclectic taste, but i appreciate ya!
thanks to matt and ron for helping me fix my broken-not-broken-after-all-wait-it's-not-coming-out-well-i-guess-we'll-see adaptor. i put it back in the car this morning, and now everything fits, but i can't get the power to work. charles is witness to my anti-technical ability...garrrr....
okay, there's "being challenged" (see above) and then there's just plain unreasonable. i pray the funding comes through. there's no difference between this and open heart surgery by amateurs.
this past Christmas definitely resulted in a unique amassment of treasures (thanks, everyone!), including the following notables:
awesome british pencil box and mini gel pens --> LS
furry grey bag --> AMM and YG
everything mango (need i say more?) --> CW
"you are mine" by max lucado (sequel to "you are special") --> TS
cow massager -> GH
ever-so-cute kindersurprise spider and companion --> PW
everything green for the tub --> AC
mini snowman --> LL
and much more...but above all, it's not so much the gifts i cherish as the sentiment and love for these people...ah ^_^
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posted by simplejoys @ 12:52
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here's my friday five:
What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .
1. ...today?
undoubtedly, tobagganing / crazy carpeting with the c & c crew! i'll probably injure myself in an unimaginable amount of ways while being freaked out about plunging headfirst down a hill, but the pain for days after is worth it!!
2. ...over the next week?
mom's return (this monday!) from her month-long trip and hearing all her stories and updates about the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends i rarely get to see.
3. ...this year?
ori's visit in march. she's not only my cousin, but one of my best friends. (hopefully, by the time you come it won't be half as frigid as it is now; i can't wait to show you everything!)
lisa's return in august. miss you so much, and i can't wait to see ALL the pics and hear more about everything.
4. ...over the next five years?
enjoying life, being challenged, travelling, teaching, getting married, having a family...doh, i guess i'm really getting to be a "loh bang" :p
5. ...for the rest of your life?
seeking out and being where God wants me to be, doing what He wants me to do...okay, that may sound generic and bland, but i wouldn't want it any other way
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posted by simplejoys @ 11:14
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| 06 January 2004 |
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so, how am i doing with everything? so far so good. AMM says all of them seem realistically attainable, which is encouraging. and if i wanted to make my resolutions list the 'lucky eight' length, i would add "read more". i just started the prayer of jabez devotional, and am also using drive time to listen to tapes of the english adult sermons (speaker: dr. ken shigematsu) my dad brought home from winter conference. edifying AND hilarious - i am satisfied.
this past weekend i especially enjoyed sunday afternoon - AM's new place was packed with many members of my church family, aged nine to ninety. cat and i spent many minutes gazing down through the railing at the seniors in their finest moments of laughter and joy, introducing one another and singing. also had a chance to catch up a bit with the two LLs and gab with various other brothers and sisters. and of course there was the twins incident...ah, hard to imagine being elsewhere at this point.
gabby: the pics are fantastic - you look great! i wish i could have heard your song.
yi nan: your news is so exciting! please give my care to jason and angela.
i've been presented with a most difficult dilemma, one whose solution can only come after being on my knees for a bit, so here i go.
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posted by simplejoys @ 14:29
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| 03 January 2004 |
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it's time to draw up a list of resolutions (come to think of it, i've never really done this since middle school...):
willingly do more than merely what i 'feel like'
offer more affirmation/encouragement
pray and turn to God before ranting to others
prioritize and follow through on all commitments
seek purposeful living in all aspects
develop patience and faith where most needed
put the beast to rest
yup, seven bullets work for me - and once it's in print, integrity asks that it be carried out. challenging, but who wants to be comfortable?!?
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posted by simplejoys @ 10:49
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