| 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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| 24 October 2006 |
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Reflections from an Aging Cake :p
Looking back, I'm convinced this past year has truly been the best year ever. God's taught me so much about selfless giving, serving with perseverance, having the right balance with not doing too much yet serving in the area of my S-H-A-P-E and cultivating and making significant the ties with all the different people in my life, as well as entirely trusting Him to provide. Since being in small group three years ago, I've learned a lot (most significantly about having a broader perspective, and looking ahead rather than just getting worked up about what doesn't go well in the moment), but I think especially this year, having found two wonderful-beyond-words sisters/mentors after endless prayer. And it's been so rewarding mentoring the senior children and junior high youth, and having them challenge me to grow and become equipped in Him with their questions and individual needs. Deciding to stay in Edmonton for the meantime was the right choice after all.
Work-wise, I'm no longer spending 80% of my day / voice / health on classroom management and being stressed and discontent with my own methods of discipline. The job at Health Canada isn't what I originally went to study in university by any means, yet I've learned so much working in such a huge, 'real world', professional environment, and it's an ongoing challenge to me how to maintain my Christian witness in this very secular workplace. And recently my supervisor was in a serious car accident, and now He's given me an open door to witness to and care for her.
This past weekend was one of multiple celebrations. My small group first surprised me by interrupting my song leading with a VERY LOUD rendition of "Happy Birthday". And I thought beets were red.... :D The second surprise was a dinner at The Creperie after our Bible study / sharing time. The "mysterious sisters" and "S&S" had plans and couldn't join us, but everyone else came. The restaurant, of course, was beautiful, the food incredible and the gifts amazing and thoughtful, but I will always remember and cherish the company most - angels galore!
Birthday photos viewable by clicking here.
Sunday we threw a surprise party for another sister in her home. Another set of lovely memories, including an overly sensitive smoke detector, unending hot pot, looking and laughing through wedding photos, and a cutie pie who would win any beautiful baby contest hands-down........Happy birthday again, SHuang! You are truly a blessing!
Thanks, God for Your angels, miracles, and eternal promises! Please teach me in the year ahead continually how to be Your child in everything and truly be a blessing to You.
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posted by simplejoys @ 15:12
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| 13 October 2006 |
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tis Friday the thirteenth...
and i'm not in the least superstitious, thanks to a loving Savior who looks over my shoulder and helps me through the dark "alleys", there is nothing to be afraid of ... may you, too, be so comforted.
this week especially, two individuals have been forefront in my thoughts and minds, and i praise God for protecting and strengthening them both, after a severe time of despair and misdirection. may Your children ever know and listen to Your voice of truth, even when others seem to "tell a different story."
the biggest lesson this week? relationships count more when you approach each as a divine encounter, one that He uses to move each party forward along life's journey; when you truly ask, "what would be best for him/her?" and "what can i do for him/her?" versus "how can he/she help me?"
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:23
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| 10 October 2006 |
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after four straight days of celebration...
i indeed can say that there is nothing sweeter than God's goodness. thank You for:
giving DM ten years on this earth, and a thirst to know You more
blessing brother Chiu with eight decades of good health, a servant heart and a legacy of obedience to and life in You
my beautiful sisters, their spouses and children, and a chance to be together and truly learn contentment without complacence together
holding tightly to Your children even when they run, and allowing them to experience mercy and joy amid the darkest times
an inspiring union made for ministry and mission
nothing else matters but You. may my life be a testament of that, not just out of gratitude but because You are forever ENOUGH.
oh i love my best friend :)
 
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posted by simplejoys @ 09:26
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| 03 October 2006 |
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feeling the drain...
...of a superbly hectic yet blessed weekend. for the second time, i was part of ACCMM (Alberta Chinese Christian Music Ministry), and we put on an evangelistic music/drama night that focused on marriage, relationships and needing Christ. praise God that we gained two brothers in Him that night, and for all those who put countless hours into memorizing scripts / song lyrics, putting together the Powerpoint, sharing the message etc. i'm reminded of the verse, "where there is no vision, the people perish" (where is that from again?!?)...but now, instead, "where there is vision, souls are saved." hallelujah!
at work, it remains an ongoing mission to uphold the Christian witness and show that everyone needs the Lord, through even the simplest word (or what's NOT spoken) or seemingly minor task. my colleagues are fantastic, so God-willing, i won't have to change when this term ends, but we'll see what He has planned.
i'm also learning from the ed consultant position, and finding that perhaps my calling is not towards teaching large groups of super young children, but rather, utilizing my knowledge of the learning process and students to develop suitable curriculum. being one-on-one with individuals is something i like, and i can keep up my tutoring and refine my experience with students without straining my voice extensively each and every day. God sure has a strange sense of humor in how and when He chooses to reveal His will. :)
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posted by simplejoys @ 19:36
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