| 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 April 2004 |
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*update*: no go, others were more appropriate...so alas, my job search continues. thanks for praying, anyway.
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posted by simplejoys @ 16:21
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friday again, and so much has gone on this week. didn't exactly wake up from a PLEASANT dream, but it just put into perspective how important health is.
some sporadic thoughts:
what's the difference between "fatal" and "lethal"?
why does language learning often end up being nothing but profanity?
is there a crash course in proper communication?
"Jesus is not a religion, and God is not a book...you can't pray to a book and you can't draw strength from an idea or standard."
(casting crowns excerpt)
Christianity is often assumed to be an impersonal rule box intended to place unreasonable limitations and ruin the party for those who are seriously enjoying life...but if people's lives are transformed by knowing and walking with Jesus Christ and there is this ongoing peace/inner strength, how can it be merely just another idea against which people say, "well that's YOUR opinion"? basically, IT CAN'T! the rules God sets are there not to make people's lives miserable, but rather, establish an order so that people don't drive each other insane and in the process, miss out on the goodness that a relationship with Him gives. Christianity puts focus not on what the individual can do for himself, but what God can do within a person and how God can use him/her to impact the rest of the world which seems to be getting worse by the minute. thanks, Jesus, for not being an impossible standard, but truly man's Best Friend.
to those who are wondering, i'm still waiting on it. it's only been a week, so hopefully i'll get word either today or early next week. if things don' work out, i suppose i have to stay where i am, which isn't *entirely* bad.
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:14
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| 26 April 2004 |
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i feel more than slightly helpless about the ongoing frustration. after all, no one wants to see someone close go through pain...Lord, please grant your healing where it's needed.
thanks, cuz, for this:
Put in mind...
The next time you think you're perfect, try walking on water.
I'm not obsessed with 666; I've already been marked with John 3:16.
When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.
Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.
Many who say "Our Father" on Sunday spend the rest of the week acting like orphans.
No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.
Give your all to Christ, who gave His all for you.
Is what you're living for worth Christ dying for?
He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God.
Step out of your safe zone, get into the faith zone!
Death to self increases spiritual health.
God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
Don't give up...
God's promises are like the stars: the darker the night, the brighter they shine.
Life without Christ is a hopeless end. Life with Christ is endless hope
I know not what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future!
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Fear not tomorrow. God is already there.
When there is nothing left but God, that is when you realize that God is all you need.
Stop telling God how big your storm is and start telling your storm how big your God is.
The only one who can satisfy the human heart is the One who made it.
Keep praying...
When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works.
God is everywhere so you can pray anywhere.
If no one ever had a need, we'd never see a miracle.
Worship reminds us of values the world makes us forget.
Prayer will do a lot of things for us. Worry will do a lot of things to us.
God answers all prayers! He answers yes, no, and wait!
Serve the Lord...
Don't just work for God. Work with God.
God's work must be done in God's way.
Service is not spelled serve-us.
God does not ask your ability or your inability. He asks only your availability.
The only limits to God's grace are the limits we put on it.
A Christian leader is one who knows, shows and goes the way.
Marriage...
Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for the gift.
Christ is the only third party in marriage who can make it work.
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posted by simplejoys @ 08:37
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| 23 April 2004 |
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had an awesome dinner/sharing time with JS last night. i'm always blessed by our fellowship, as she inspires me with her calm and faith. enjoy the retreat, and i will look into the summer options for you, as promised.
cuz, thanks for sending me all the positions. i've applied to several, but i'm still waiting on that very exciting one from monday, so i will keep you posted. oh and the broadband is still being 'worked out' due to some complications...hai...
more and more i realize some things in life are just not within human control - the fragility of life, and the importance of keeping one's health at optimum. i was saddened to receive several pieces of dismal/shocking news in this area this week, but it only reminds me once again that we are always in God's hands, and we should live that way. there is nowhere else that we could find lasting comfort, healing and hope.
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posted by simplejoys @ 10:21
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| 19 April 2004 |
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something exciting has come up...!!!! don't know if it's really the door to go through or just a mirage, but what with all the support, i'd like to think it's the way to go ^____^ keeping it in prayer is all i can do.
really blessed by a wonderful growing friendship with a pair of sisters who are not only hilarious but extremely caring and Christ-focused. thanks for being an encouragement to me (and giving me ample opportunity to laugh and practise my mandarin)!
OF, it's been so reassuring to be able to spill to you...hope for many many more chats in the near future. missing you a ton! and as for the packing, what with such a head start, i have no doubt you'll get it all done in time. :)
AMM and YiG, thanks for entertaining me on thursday. the retro ones are too cute!! i'm glad the tune w/ chimes sounds better the natural way. take care!
Easter's been a more poignant reminder than ever this year, just HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US.
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posted by simplejoys @ 08:47
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| 13 April 2004 |
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a busy but meaningful and memorable Easter weekend has just passed.
glory to Him for everything turning out the way it did. ^____^
encountered one of those 'have you ever' surveys, and these are just the statements that fit. if you attempt this, too, please let me know.
01. When I was younger I made some bad decisions. [thankfully He gives wisdom that i lack]
11. People are cool.
12. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
14. I have a lot to learn.
18. I hate snow.
21. I love Chinese food.
22. I would hate to be famous.
23. I am not a morning person.
24. I wear glasses.
29. I can ramble on about absolutely nothing.
32. I don't like horror movies.
34. I hardly ever go to bed before midnight.
37. I know more than two languages.
38. I spend too much time on my computer. [especially w/ full-time office work :p]
41. I don't like chocolate.
48. I love to write.
59. I am online a lot, but not on MSN.
65. I clean my room once a month. [at least!]
70. I like listening to wind chimes.
72. My hair is long and straight. [dead straight!]
73. I learn a lot. [sometimes too quickly!]
75. I keep a diary. [does a blog count?]
77. I think my hair is annoying.
79. I love being "ab-normal". [i've always thought weird is good...who wants to be entirely conforming?]
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posted by simplejoys @ 15:08
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| 07 April 2004 |
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i will not boast in anything
no gifts, no power, no wisdom
but i will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
THANK YOU, LORD, FOR EASTER!
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:12
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| 03 April 2004 |
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imma longing for simpler times, where:
allergies could be just that
game consoles were grey, red and black
mood swings were age-restrictive
out of sight meant out of annoyance
...oh well...
OF, the earlier gab made the day. i owe you and goo ma so much! can't wait to see u again. consider yourself fully prayed for. ^_^
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posted by simplejoys @ 20:00
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okay, so i didn't entirely forget about this spot, just had lots to attend to. mostly keeping busy these days with multiple extracurricular projects and looking ahead to even more hours of sunshine in the coming months - yes, it's like a snake shedding his old, worn-out skin or a cocoon whose occupant finally glimpses light.
so, here comes the annual question - what to do for summer? have several viable options en moment, but i guess this month there may be more clarity, should the government decide to grant me an opportunity among the two thousand - if not, more praying and a decision in the end.
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posted by simplejoys @ 08:34
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