Finally settled in the new office!!!

Praise the Lord!!!

My desk finally looked like something that I'm used to today. And the entire office got back on track a lot more than yesterday. I went to the old office to pick up my remaining items since today is the last day that I can go back there. As I walked there in the old office, now all empty and cleaned up, lots of memories came through my mind for the past 4 years and 9 months since I joined this company. I remembered the vision that God showed me about this company, the hardships that I endured, the lows, the struggles, God's promises from His Word, the tears, the thoughts of giving up so many times... to the steps of fulfillment of God's promises, the new dreams that God has shown me... and now, crossing the river Jordan to this new place: the land flowing with milk and honey (spiritually for work, that is).

The verse of the day for today:

"The heavens declares the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."
Psalm 19:1

Losing patience...

Have you ever heard of the prayer request "Lord, give me patience and give it to me now?" It's funny how it sounds logically, I've always thought. Well, today, I feel like that. So many things... from co-worker's accountability, network issues, conference call appointments, call answering on the new phone system, server room clean up, flight booking, business trip planning, and just people who are not willing to give out some extra work to make things happen easier so that some of us has to work harder and work more. I can feel that my patience is wearing out and feel like getting angry and frustrated.

Oh, Lord, give me patience... and I need it now....

Scratch that... now I'm done.

Yup, one hour later. Still had to clean up other common areas. Now the office feels like a home!

Company move finished

Finally, it is done... my desk, computer, everyone else's computer, server, Internet, printer, my new phone (with wrong extension no.!), my files... It was a very long day from 8:30am to 5:36pm now. Lots of people are gone already. For the earlier moments, my desktop was acting weird. It was slowing down for no known reason. And guess what I did to fix it... I prayed, and complained a little... because I tried everything I knew to fix it and it just didn't work until I prayed. And I later found out that it was the print server that was in conflict with the DHCP server. Anyways, I'm done and I'm ready to go home and take a nap.

In the process of re-organizing and cleaning up, I found a 2007 day to day calendar that my co-worker gave me as a gift from 2006 and I completely forgot about it. Here's the verse for today:

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you."
Proverbs 4:6

My office is moving

My office is moving to a larger warehouse tomorrow!!! So today, it's lots of packing packing and packing. Didn't know I had so much stuff that needs to be "archived." But I feel so much better after all things are packed in my office. Now I just got to make sure that some of the other rooms are packed too. My desk looks so empty now after I unplug the desktop and use my notebook instead. Feel so free with lots of space.

我需要有你在我生命中

A very beautiful song.

Indeed, Lord, I need You so much in my life. This is my prayer as I walk in my everyday life.

哦主，求你保守的心我的意念，
使我能夠遵行你旨意，
我願將你話語深藏在我心，
作路上的光，成為我腳前的燈。

哦主，求你堅固我信心、我的力量，
使我得以勇敢向前行，
因我知道有時我仍會軟弱，
求你帶領我使我不會再退縮，
我需要有你在我生命中，
好讓我一生能學你的樣式，
使我能成為你所喜悅的兒女，
使我的生命能夠彰顯你榮耀，
（使我成為你所喜悅寶貴兒女）。

Let Your fragrance rest in this place...

Tonight, I experienced something supernatural at the prayer meeting...

The fragrance of God's anointing and presence. So intoxicating.... !

Let Your Glory fall in this room
Let it go forth from here to the nations
Let Your fragrance rest in this place
As we gather to seek Your face.

Amen!!!

迫切的禱告

This post was posted today on Kristen (was Jane, she changed her name to "Follower of Christ") and Peter's blog. I was very encouraged and touched by the story and wanted to post this here as well.
------------------------------------

True Story by unknown Author

　　你曾經有過迫切為別人禱告的感受嗎？你是否只是把他的名字記在你的禱告名單上，然后對自己說：“我稍后再為他們禱告。”是否有人打電話給你，請你為他禱告？你有真心而迫切地為他禱告嗎？以下真實的故事，相信會改變你的看法。

　　一位在非洲工作的傳教士，休假時，回到他在密西根州的家鄉教會，在講道時說了他的見證：

　　“當我在非洲的小型戰地醫院服務時，每兩個星期我都會騎著腳踏車，通過叢林到附近城市購買補給品。這趟旅程需要兩天，半途需要在外露宿。有一次，我照例到達該城市，打算先到銀行提錢，買完醫藥及補給品后，然后再回到醫院。但一到城市，我就看到兩個人在打架，一個人似乎受傷的很嚴重。我一方面幫他治療，一方面跟他談論上帝。然后我騎著腳踏車，半途在外搭營過夜，兩天后平安回到醫院。

　　兩個星期后，我再度開始我的采購之旅。一到達該城市，我看到那位曾受傷被我治療的年青人，我靠近他，他告訴我他知道我攜帶金錢及補給品，他說：‘几位朋友和我尾隨你進入叢林，知道你會露營過夜，我們打算殺你并奪走你的金錢和藥品。但當我們打算進入你的營地時，看到了你被２６個武裝警衛圍繞著。’講到這里時，我笑著說，在叢林營地時我只有單身一人，然而這青年很正經且強調地說：‘先生，并不只有我一個人看到，我５個朋友全部都看到！并一個一個數過，因為這２６個武裝警衛讓我們心里畏懼，最后只好放棄原先計划，离你而去。’”

　　此時，會眾中有一個人跳起來，打斷了傳教士的講道，問他是否能告訴他這件事确實發生的日期。這位傳教士告訴了他确實的日期，這位打斷他講道的會友說了他的經歷：“你在非洲發生這件事的晚上，在密西根州這里是早上，我正打算要去打高爾夫球。但我打算要推球時，我迫切地覺得需要為你禱告。事實上，主給我的感覺是如此的強烈，所以我打電話給教會里的朋友，約他們与我在教堂這里為你禱告。可否請當天与我一起禱告的人站起來？”所有當天一起禱告的人都站起來，傳教士沒有注意他們是誰，因為他忙著算總共有多少人，一共是２６人！

　　這個不可思議的真實見證告訴我們主的靈如何奧秘地運作，不要忽略上帝賜与我們有力禱告的恩典，更不要在你生活中失去對他的信心。

　　主愛你！

Ma Po ToFu

One of my new year resolutions for 2007 is to eat out less and cook more. The goal is two fold: save more money, and hone my cooking skills. Since my brother does the cooking most of the times and I haven't felt the need to cook, I have to make it a point that I will set apart the time and tell others that "I will be cooking" so that I can be kept accountable. Well, today, my faithful readers... I decided that I will start with something simple: Ma Po Tofu.

Some of you might be thinking... "dude, one month has almost passed in 2007, when are you gonna start?" But hey, okok, relax. I'm gonna start while the Calendar is still in the first month. And besides, I've been busy. And I actually like to cook if the time permits. Well, time permitting or not, I decided that I wasn't gonna let any of those become excuses. So against the danger of falling asleep while cooking on a "fiery" stove, I went ahead and got the ingridient and started cooking. The result... hmm... I think I like it. For those of you who know me well, I'm more of an "asali" person. And I love spicy food.

Interestingly enough, I didn't add too much chili this time. So next time bah.
The ingredients: Alirght, I'm not gonna list them. Inquire with me privately for it.
Dicing the garlic. Hmm, this reminds me why I liked cooking. Because I get to cut stuff, haha...
Cooking... I was really gonna fall asleep while cooking until the aroma of the dish rise up slowly but surely to my nose. Filling the air with appetizing enticement.
Finished!!! Not bad, I think. It was gone in a few minutes. It feels good to have whatever I cooked finished.

Thank you for the soup...

^^

Counting my blessings...

This morning, my car wouldn't start... I had plenty of juice in the battery and there's nothing more I can do.

I tried starting the engine for the next 10 minutes to no avail. I even sent a text message requesting for prayers.

I then prayed for the car engine... and said "In Jesus' name, make the engine and starter work, and that as I turned on the ignition the next time, let the car start in Jesus' name so that I can still make it to church as a testimony was planned for me during Sunday service today."

I turned the ignition to on...

Nothing for 1 second....

The Car Starts!!!!

What can I say to God except... "You're AWESOME!!!"

Still going... less than 3 hours to go...

... but...

I'm falling asleep...

zzzz

Psalm 86:17
17 Give me a sign of your goodness,
that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
---------------------------------
Leaving for my company workshop now. Lord, give me a sign of your goodness!

And... where is that guitar pickup? Aarrggghh...

God's unfailing and faithful love

Psalm 85

1 You showed favor to your land, O LORD;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
and covered all their sins.
Selah

3 You set aside all your wrath
and turned from your fierce anger.

4 Restore us again, O God our Savior,
and put away your displeasure toward us.

5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger through all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.

8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say;
he promises peace to his people, his saints—
but let them not return to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12 The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.

13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps.

---------------------------------------

Lord, let your glory dwell in our land!! "The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest!!!" AMEN!!!

Father, thank you again. Now I know how I should draw close to you in the morning. I said I was terrified this morning because I still don't know what your will is toward me. I am a man of little faith who is not familiar with your ways. Forgive my faithlessness. Cover me with your blood and salvation. I need more of your Word in my life. This morning I was wondering why I struggle... and thank you for your grace that I realized how much I need and lack you. To know you, to be familiar with your ways, to keep your lovely face ever before my eyes. Yes, Lord, let no other love competes in my secret heart. Let no rival throne survive as I serve only you!!!

Getting rid of things devoted to destruction

Finally, I've gotten rid of everything that formed a tie with me in the deepest sense. I was still struggling just earlier even when I was driving back from work... I stayed over at work longer this evening because I guess I was afraid to face the facts of God wanting me to get rid of all things that are "devoted to destruction."

Lord, now, in You and You alone I will find refuge!!

My Prayer

To keep your lovely face

ever before my eyes,

this is my prayer

make it my one desire

that in my secret heart,

no other love competes

no rival throne survives

and I serve only you

Steadfast my heart, Lord...

What things would I need to give up to receive Your blessings? Even with my face bowed low and still....
------------------------
Joshua 7:10-13

10 The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

13 "Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, 'Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.

--------------------------
Lord, Steadfast my heart and give me comfort as I tossed away these things that are devoted to destruction. So that the enemy would no longer have a snare for me and that I will be able to witness the wonders and amazing works that You will do.

Weapons of War

1 Samuel 17:45

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel."

----------------------------------------------------

Let me learn of Your ways, Lord, so that I may use the right weapons to defeat the enemies in all of my life!

God is using my dreams as a means to change me....

The two weakest parts about me:

1. Money
2. Emotional/relationships

Thankfully, God is taking care of me on the money part as for now after a phased 5 year struggle. I know there will be more struggles coming up and I believe that His grace is sufficient for me. Are you kidding? My Father is the King of kings and He has ownership of the entire universe and more. If I am His son, then how can I be poor?

Last night was the first night that I did not have the privilege to speak to my beloved on the phone for prayer as I went to sleep. Because we both know that we needed time apart to seek God and getting our wounds healed and be fed from our own work for this year (confirmed through Joshua 5) instead of eating manna. God has promised that everything will be beautiful in His time. We unexpectantly met up at the mall last night and enjoyed a brief moment of walking in togetherness. Enjoying a glimpse of the blessings to come and prayed for each other before we went back to our homes. There was peace in my heart. Hmmm, so far so good?

I went back home, feeling free. Enjoy the Lakers game on TNTHD (high definition!!!! Yah!!!)

I slept without tears...

... I woke up confused

I had a dream:

*Disclaimer: Please have patience and read through this carefully. I do have some insights which resolves the dream.

Prelude:
X was a girl that I saw at a few places but have never met nor introduced. I read her blog before and she has viewed my profile on friendster. Other than that, we've never met.

Settings:
Details are getting sketchy now, but it was after a social meeting at church. People have left, only X and I were still at the cafeteria.

D: "Hey, you know..." before I could finish my sentence.
X: "you think I'm a very special girl, don't you?"*
D: ".... yes" continues: "and I'm sorry, I meant as a compliment. And you know I have someone else in my heart."
X: "... yes" and shifts into her signature smile "hey, do you know where I can get this (forgot what type of) drink"
D: "Oh, there's a 7-11 near here that you can get this from. It's just that way." Pointed out and to the left.
X: "Ok, let me see if I can get it."

X went out, after a brief pause, she came back.

X: "I can't seem to locate that 7-11."
D: "Oh" paused... "alright, I'll get it for you, be right back."

------
D: "Ok, here it is. Enjoy." handing the canned drink to X.
X smiled, took the drink, and handed D a letter, also showed D how to open the letter: "Thanks, here's something for you in return."
X: "I also want to let you know that I'm praying for the entire day every Sunday. There's a special couch reserved for me at my church. If you'd like, you are welcome to come pray with me every Sunday. I'll reserve you a couch next to mine."

As D opened the letter, it brought out a song... it was playing a song and a melody that expresses a longing and affection from the singer to a secret admirer.

While the song was playing, X explained to D: "This song shows my heart for you." X draws closer to D. And interestingly, X's face begin to show asymmetry. *

D continues to open the letter, and it read:

"Here's to your breaking up
Here's to our getting together

... and the lyrics of the songs were written below (now lost in memory)

----------- end of the dream

When I woke up. I was really confused. Because this was a girl that I admit is very attractive and I wasn't so sure about where my feelings were at. And just the night before, I was with my beloved. I immediately felt shame and a sense of despair.

And then, I cried out to God: "Lord, what does it mean? Why are you showing me this?" My heart begins to doubt. How can I think about another girl? What would she think of me if she found out? Should I tell her?

Now, I've made up my mind to keep my feelings honest and walk in the light. If I walked in the darkness, then I'm walking in shame. But if I walk in the light, I would have nothing to hide. And I would've left no footholds for the evil one to grab a hold of. So my plans is not to hide this dream from anyone, especially my beloved. (1 John 1:5-7)

I asked God what it means, and suddenly, another realization came upon me as if though God was reminding me: "Didn't I confirm my heart and everything with prayer as well as the WORD of God?" Suddenly, I remember God's confirming Words, and joy was restored in me. No more despair!!! (please see my other entries for the confirmations from God's Word)

* Realizations:
1. God knows my weaknesses, so does Satan. And the evil one is gonna use whatever he can muster to get me to find an easy escape instead of facing my weaknesses and get healed.
Deuteronomy 30:19
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."
(Chinese)
Yes, Lord. Today I choose "life," which is Your way to courageously face my past weaknesses so that I may live! I've ran away to easy escapes when I'm emotionally distraught. But today, You've shown me that I can choose You and then I will "live!"

Instead of choosing to find an alternate emotional fixation on X based from the dream. I've decided on choosing God to wait for Him. I know my weaknesses, waiting is an excruciating pain for me on relationships. The devil wanted to offer me an easy way out. But like what James 4:7 said: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (Chinese)

Hallelujah!!! I shouted out. God is awesome!!!

2. Characters that I need to deal with:
- Be careful of what I see and what I read. Guard my heart above all else. Only the Word of God can heal me and free me.

There's always been a need for me to find validation from others. And it's a great feeling to know that others view me as eloquent. That feeling is even better when the admiration is from a pretty girl. But if I am speaking the Word of God, why am I getting myself exalted? Lord, let me not be like Saul, who needs to glorify himself. Let me be like Your servant, David, who acknowledge You in all he does.

- Be careful of what I say, how I said it, and who I say words to. Even words of encouragement. Because carelessness can result in distorted attention feedback.

My aim is to bring people to God and not to draw attention on myself. You know, getting that recognition feels great because I need it. But I can learn to have my confidence in God. Lord, thank you, now, let me be Your humble servant and not boast about what I know or can say. Everything that I have surely came from Your blessings and all my understandings are Your gifts!

* Interesting things that I later realized:
- X knew what I was gonna say before I finished my sentence. Now, I'm pretty sure she didn't know that. But the evil one does...
- X's face became distorted as she drew close to me. Hmmm, if it's from God, then her image would not be broken. Since we were made in the image of God.
- The letter that X gave me played a sad secular song. The words were not words of blessing but words of curses. This is definitely not from God.

Today's Daily Voice and devotion is on 1 Samuel 16. It talked about an "evil" spirit that will leave Saul when David played the harp. I didn't get to play my guitar today. But I let the worship songs play while I was driving to work. And yes... it was a strengthening experience.

God is certainly doing wonders!

Dream 01-15-07

People who are involved:
Me (referred to as D)
Ben (my best friend since college, referred to as B)
Grace (my little sister and daughter in Christ, referred to as G)
Guy A (never seen this guy in my life, appeared to be someone who is after Grace and also involved with church in Taiwan. Referred to as M).

Settings: Taiwan, near a bus stop.

D & B are waiting for G at a bus stop to get to a meeting. G arrived with M, who appeared to have taken a romantic interest in G (ok, Grace, don't get too excited now. It's only a dream). We are all waiting for the bus. And M is the only person that is familiar with the bus routes of Taiwan.

Dialogue:
G: "Hi, D & B. This is M, he's going to take us to where the meeting is."
D: "Hi, this is D and this is B. So you're the guy that G was talking about."
M: "yes. I am from () church" (appears to be looking for validation, it seemed that M perceived D as a possible competitor for G's romantic interest).
D, sensing the hostility, responded: "I've observed that the churches here in Taipei are very different than the churches I've grown up with in the US."
M, posing up a defensive face: "Oh? How so?"
D, getting a bit irritated with the apparent hostility: "There are a lot of people at church who seemed to have passion, but they are distant from each other..."
M, showing no emotion: "is that so..."

G, sensing something was amiss, pulled M away from D & B and walked closer to the bus stop. Now the bus stop is a stop for several buses. Only M knows which bus is the one to take en route to the destination.

D & B felt the apparent alienation from M, so they walked a bit away from the group of people who were waiting for the bus to get some room. There are a lot of people who are waiting for the same bus.

D turned and saw a bus came, and also saw M and G got on the bus. G turned to look at D while M was hurrying G to get on the bus quickly. D & B ran toward the bus but it was a bit late. The bus took off leaving D & B at the stop.

D took out the cell phone and called G: "Hey, why did you guys left without telling us?"
G: "M just told me to be hurry and get in. There are a lot of people who wanted to get on this bus and it's a full bus." She assumed that M had told D about the bus route.
D:"I see" disappointedly, "alright then."
G: "... are you sure?"
D: "Well, I can see that M is after you. So if you'd like, let him go after you." paused a bit, "tell me how it goes after you're back."
G: "ok."
D and G both hung up the phone. B is still speechless, but D can feel the support that B is giving him.

End of the weird dream

About keeping my words and ditching...

I believe the Lord is restoring me by letting me realizing certain things. It started with my trip back to Taiwan at the end of 2006. There were a no. of friends whom expressed a strong desire to meet up with me when I will be back in Taiwan. Yet, one thing led to another... I was ditched numerous times. It did not feel good.

Last night, I was ditched again with someone that I trust very much from work. It did not feel good.

In my dreams last night, I was ditched yet again... ok, what's going on?

My emotions erupted last night as my tears went down. Man, am I that weak? And this morning I felt the same emotion and I finally get it...

I felt how terrible and hurting it is to stood someone up. Now, I have kept most of my commitments but have I kept them all? The answer is "no."

Here are some examples of the commitments that I did not fulfill:
1. In regard to work:
For roughly 3 years, I have been late to work "everyday." Imagine what type of testimony I'm giving to my co-workers and the characters that I display to my boss.

2. In regard to friends and relatives:
There are things here and there where I've made assumptions that it's "ok" to miss some of the not clearly spelled out appointments. As we know, assumptions makes an "ass out of u and me" (assume).

3. In regard to God and His church:
Ummm... I've been late to Sunday service for an entire year since I went to VOH. It wasn't until one day I saw the eyes of my beloved sister as she looked at me in the cutest way possible to tell me that... "you're late" did I realize that... I've not only ditched God, I've ditched my brothers and sisters.

I've asked God to forgive me. And for those who are reading this post... please forgive me as well.

Matthew 5:37 says "simply let your "yes" be "yes, "no," "no;" anything beyond this comes from the evil one." I'm asking for this verse to become part of who I am. Lord, thank you for teaching me this heart felt lesson...

Prayer & confirmation

Psalm 80

1 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock;
you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth

2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might;
come and save us.

3 Restore us, O God;
make your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.

4 O LORD God Almighty,
how long will your anger smolder
against the prayers of your people?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears;
you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

6 You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors,
and our enemies mock us.

7 Restore us, O God Almighty;
make your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.

9 You cleared the ground for it,
and it took root and filled the land.

10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches.

11 It sent out its boughs to the Sea,
its shoots as far as the River.

12 Why have you broken down its walls
so that all who pass by pick its grapes?

13 Boars from the forest ravage it
and the creatures of the field feed on it.

14 Return to us, O God Almighty!
Look down from heaven and see!
Watch over this vine,

15 the root your right hand has planted,
the son you have raised up for yourself.

16 Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire;
at your rebuke your people perish.

17 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.

18 Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.

19 Restore us, O LORD God Almighty;
make your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.

--------------------------------

Lord, thank you for your words... restore me, O Lord, make your face shine upon me that I may be saved and delivered from my past. Today you've spoken to me again. Lord, you've shown my weaknesses and have promised your healing. I will be seeking you. I will be seeking you. Let me come into the inner chambers of the king so that my heart will rejoice in you. I want that intimacy with you.

As time passes, let me heart be steadfast...

Today, you confirmed with me that I need to serve you as if I've not serve you before. I need to meditate on your word day and night, be careful to follow everything written in it so that I will be successful and prosperous. You answered my prayers for my beloved. You said that you will take care and make her beautiful in your time. Lord, I've asked for a speedier time when I was in Taiwan. Lord, will you make it happen sooner? Nevertheless, I will wait on the Lord, I will cry out to you until you've heard me. My heart follows hard after you.

My 34th Birthday

Actually, my birthday was yesterday. But today's celebration was special. And it coincides with my elder sister's one month baby party. I was blessed to have all of you with me!!!

Dreams updated...

My Lord, you updated my dreams... now there's a direction. Help me to fill in the details...

Happy birthday to me. Thanks for the thoughtful person who's always in my prayers...

May we walk through this year as those who have dreams from God. And may His name to lifted as people are drawn to Him.

Lord, let me experience you in a new way different than before... much different than before.

Babies don't sleep this good...

Yes, I slept from 7:30pm to 5am!

Babies don't sleep this good.

Thank you, Lord!

Turning 34 today. I offer my heart to You.

My eyes are not closed.... even with jet lag

Psalm 77

1 I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.

2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands
and my soul refused to be comforted.

3 I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
I mused, and my spirit grew faint.
Selah

4 You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.

5 I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;

6 I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

7 "Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?

8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Selah

10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.

13 Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Selah

16 The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water,
the skies resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Chinese Version
-----------------------------

Lord, I know.... I just can't sleep now. You've already shown me a way to find strength in you. I was wondering why you showed this to me yesterday morning in the wee hours. "Though your footprints are not seen, you led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Is it what I will be looking forward to?

One year.... is it too long? It's only the beginning to the next beginning. There's much more for me after this year. Lord, please, comfort my heart and soul... let me not refuse your comfort. In this lonely hour, I can only speak to you about it.

........

Joshua 3:3-5, 7

"When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it."

5 Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

.....
And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.
----------------------------

你 們 看 見 耶 和 華 ─ 你 們 　 神 的 約 櫃 ， 又 見 祭 司 利 未 人 抬 著 ， 就 要 離 開 所 住 的 地 方 ， 跟 著 約 櫃 去 。

4 只 是 你 們 和 約 櫃 相 離 要 量 二 千 肘 ， 不 可 與 約 櫃 相 近 ， 使 你 們 知 道 所 當 走 的 路 ， 因 為 這 條 路 你 們 向 來 沒 有 走 過 。

5 約 書 亞 吩 咐 百 姓 說 ： 你 們 要 自 潔 ， 因 為 明 天 耶 和 華 必 在 你 們 中 間 行 奇 事 。

...

耶 和 華 對 約 書 亞 說 ： 從 今 日 起 ， 我 必 使 你 在 以 色 列 眾 人 眼 前 尊 大 ， 使 他 們 知 道 我 怎 樣 與 摩 西 同 在 ， 也 必 照 樣 與 你 同 在

-----------------------------------

Lord, thank you for your guidance and direction. I will be going to the land flowing with milk and honey, but I shall follow you with reverence for Your name, leaving my comfort zone, and consecrate myself.

Because you will be doing great things among us!

------------------------------------
Thank you, Lord, for no jet-lag today at work. Now I'm ready to sleep.

箴 言 18

1 與 眾 寡 合 的 ， 獨 自 尋 求 心 願 ， 並 惱 恨 一 切 真 智 慧 。

2 愚 昧 人 不 喜 愛 明 哲 ， 只 喜 愛 顯 露 心 意 。

3 惡 人 來 ， 藐 視 隨 來 ； 羞 恥 到 ， 辱 罵 同 到 。

4 人 口 中 的 言 語 如 同 深 水 ； 智 慧 的 泉 源 好 像 湧 流 的 河 水 。

5 瞻 徇 惡 人 的 情 面 ， 偏 斷 義 人 的 案 件 ， 都 為 不 善 。

6 愚 昧 人 張 嘴 啟 爭 端 ， 開 口 招 鞭 打 。

7 愚 昧 人 的 口 自 取 敗 壞 ； 他 的 嘴 是 他 生 命 的 網 羅 。

8 傳 舌 人 的 言 語 如 同 美 食 ， 深 入 人 的 心 腹 。

9 做 工 懈 怠 的 ， 與 浪 費 人 為 弟 兄 。

10 耶 和 華 的 名 是 堅 固 臺 ； 義 人 奔 入 便 得 安 穩 。

11 富 足 人 的 財 物 是 他 的 堅 城 ， 在 他 心 想 ， 猶 如 高 牆 。

12 敗 壞 之 先 ， 人 心 驕 傲 ； 尊 榮 以 前 ， 必 有 謙 卑 。

13 未 曾 聽 完 先 回 答 的 ， 便 是 他 的 愚 昧 和 羞 辱 。

14 人 有 疾 病 ， 心 能 忍 耐 ； 心 靈 憂 傷 ， 誰 能 承 當 呢 ？

15 聰 明 人 的 心 得 知 識 ； 智 慧 人 的 耳 求 知 識 。

16 人 的 禮 物 為 他 開 路 ， 引 他 到 高 位 的 人 面 前 。

17 先 訴 情 由 的 ， 似 乎 有 理 ； 但 鄰 舍 來 到 ， 就 察 出 實 情 。

18 掣 籤 能 止 息 爭 競 ， 也 能 解 散 強 勝 的 人 。

19 弟 兄 結 怨 ， 勸 他 和 好 ， 比 取 堅 固 城 還 難 ； 這 樣 的 爭 競 如 同 堅 寨 的 門 閂 。

20 人 口 中 所 結 的 果 子 ， 必 充 滿 肚 腹 ； 他 嘴 所 出 的 ， 必 使 他 飽 足 。

21 生 死 在 舌 頭 的 權 下 ， 喜 愛 他 的 ， 必 吃 他 所 結 的 果 子 。

22 得 著 賢 妻 的 ， 是 得 著 好 處 ， 也 是 蒙 了 耶 和 華 的 恩 惠 。

23 貧 窮 人 說 哀 求 的 話 ； 富 足 人 用 威 嚇 的 話 回 答 。

24 濫 交 朋 友 的 ， 自 取 敗 壞 ； 但 有 一 朋 友 比 弟 兄 更 親 密 。

1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends;
he defies all sound judgment.

2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
or to deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool's lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it an unscalable wall.

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame.

14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift opens the way for the giver
and ushers him into the presence of the great.

17 The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him.

18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.

19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled;
with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.

23 A poor man pleads for mercy,
but a rich man answers harshly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Back in the USA 2007

Ya! Finally came back... but suffering from jet-lag....

5pm in Taipei now... getting hungry....

A New year, new hope, new standard

Psalm 75

1 We give thanks to you, O God,
we give thanks, for your Name is near;
men tell of your wonderful deeds.

2 You say, "I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge uprightly.

3 When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
Selah

4 To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,'
and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns.

5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak with outstretched neck.' "

6 No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt a man.

7 But it is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.

8 In the hand of the LORD is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.

9 As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.

10 I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.
-----------------------------------------
Lord, indeed you have an appointed time. I submit under your judgment. May you uphold my heart to make it steadfast so that I do not waiver nor fret knowing that you have prepared for me. Let me learn of your mercy at night and your steadfast love in the morning. This year I will know you more. I want to know you more. And my heart is steadfast after you.

I went to Banciao today to see if I can experience the HSR (High Speed Rail). After almost an hour of waiting to get tickets, the ones I want were sold 0ut. Being that I have to get to the airport today on my flight back to the US, I decided that I will try it next time to eliminate the possibility of missing my flight.

I was a bit sad earlier. And now I feel better. This year, God will show me and teach me on how to harness my passion toward everything appropriately. I used to have a heart for all that I want to do but often lost in direction. The result is lots of bruises and hurts. Lord, I want to give you this heart... so that you can do what you want with it. In all honesty, I am scared. But at the same time, I know I will never be the same again....

Stay tuned, my friends. I hope that you'll find this blog helpful as I walk this completely new journey in 2007.

Los Angeles, here I come again.

你愛永不變

你流出寶血　洗淨我污穢
將我的生命贖回
你為了我的罪　犧牲永不悔
顯明你極大恩惠

我深深體會你愛的寶貴　獻上自己永追隨
或傷心或氣餒　
或生離或死別
願剛強壯膽永遠不後退

哦　你愛永不變　從今直到永遠
深深澆灌我心田

或天旋或地轉　
經滄海歷桑田
都不能叫我與你愛隔絕

God's response

Psalm 74

1 Why have you rejected us forever, O God?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?

2 Remember the people you purchased of old,
the tribe of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—
Mount Zion, where you dwelt.

3 Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins,
all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.

4 Your foes roared in the place where you met with us;
they set up their standards as signs.

5 They behaved like men wielding axes
to cut through a thicket of trees.

6 They smashed all the carved paneling
with their axes and hatchets.

7 They burned your sanctuary to the ground;
they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.

8 They said in their hearts, "We will crush them completely!"
They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land.

9 We are given no miraculous signs;
no prophets are left,
and none of us knows how long this will be.

10 How long will the enemy mock you, O God?
Will the foe revile your name forever?

11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

12 But you, O God, are my king from of old;
you bring salvation upon the earth.

13 It was you who split open the sea by your power;
you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.

14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert.

15 It was you who opened up springs and streams;
you dried up the ever flowing rivers.

16 The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.

17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.

18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, O LORD,
how foolish people have reviled your name.

19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.

20 Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.

21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your name.

22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.

23 Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries,
the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.

Attack again....

Psalm 73

1A psalm of Asaph.
Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.

5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.

7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.

11 They say, "How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12 This is what the wicked are like—
always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14 All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning.

15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed your children.

16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me

17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.

19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!

20 As a dream when one awakes,
so when you arise, O Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.

21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

--------------------------------------------

It's toward the end of my vacation here in Taiwan and just when I thought I can let my guard down... the enemy found a way to slip through the crack. Last night when I was sleeping, I was attacked spiritually. My mind was awake but my body was if though dead. I couldn't move nor speak (even though I tried to shout) and my blanket was opened up for my body to be exposed to the cold. I prayed immediately in my mind in the name of Jesus to rebuke the spirit, and it receded. I was then able to move and recover my blanket. In the house in Taipei, there are idols set up here in the living room. I saw those the first day I got in and I prayed over myself for protection and God answered. Last night, the arrangement was a bit different. I felt a bit strange when I got back home, but didn't think too much of it. God kept me alert until close to 3 am but I didn't spend the time to pray. I went to bed and didn't pray. I let my guard down.

Praise be to God for His faithfulness. When I resist the devil, he flees. I used worship songs together with God's word to strengthen myself and was able to go to sleep. Then, I was bothered by this terrible dream. How I felt that I was alone... set trapped to... and abandoned. But these are the lies of the enemy. I will seek God and Him alone has the power and strength to save me.

Yes, Lord! In Jesus' name, You have saved me. Covered me with your precious blood and kept my heart pure for You. You will redeem me entirely without fail for there is none that can compare or overcome You.

My grandma

I realized how important it is to be involved in a child's early development years. I was taken to I-Lan, where my grandma lived when I was just barely one month old (as grandma retold the story). It was the best times of my life. I was little and taken cared of. I was naive, but it was ok, I was a kid. I was taken back to Taipei to live with my parents when I was 3. I was a lot closer to my grandma than I was with my parents. Just the first 3 years of my life, and it was etched in my heart for the rest of my life.

I prayed for my grandma's eyes before I took off and parted tonight because she has felt pressure and fatigue on her eyes since the surgery last year if she looked at things for too long. How I wished that God has answered my request for healing... and I'm still waiting.

In her spare time, my grandma took on many different tasks that require talents and patience. Below is a Christmas tree that she made out of rope.

I wonder how things would be different if she was born at different times. My grandpa passed away 3 months before I was born. She stayed widowed and faithful throughout these 34 years. Never wavering, place her faith in God (she is Catholic), and took care of her children and grand children. How treasured I was, Lord, that she's such a woman adorned with the graces of the Lord.
This is my cute grandma getting ready to leave for the evening's dance class.
A rare photo... look at the smiles.
My cousins: Jia Jia (Vivian) and Wa Wa. When I left Taiwan, Jia Jia was a little baby. Po was taking care of her too. My cousin added some joy for her after both me and my brother moved to the US. How I missed my grandma... and thank you, Jia Jia.

Finally, I went to Tainan after around 25 years

Finally!!!!

My childhood memories of taking the train has been fuzzy at best. The only things that I remember was how tasty the bento was: otherwise known as "railroad lunch box." There has yet to be an equal that I can find in other places in Taiwan... nevermind the US. There are some imitators, but none equal.

So this morning, I got up extra early and booked the 8am train to Tainan. I got to the Taipei station around 7:45am... and....

I hopped on the wrong train... what the...

Alright, keep in mind that I've not gone on a train for over 25 years. So a little silly mistake like that is reasonable, right?

1. The wrong train:

This train would still take me to Tainan if I continue to ride on it. Except that it stops at almost all the stations. So even though it leaves 15 minutes earlier than the one I booked, it will arrive one hour later. So I called for help: Jasmine (Yu mei mei) who happened to have a train schedule booklet handy with her at all times (good, I still don't know why) and who grew up in Tainan. She will be my tour guide while I pay for the tour in quantities of food (we're back to the trading eras).
Ok, I got off at the wrong station. I didn't know until I got off and the train left. I was supposed to get off at Hsin Chu and hop back onto the right train. But I panicked and didn't know what to do. So I got off at Su Lin and needed to wait for a local train to take me to Hsin Chu.



And finally, I got to Hsin Chu. My original booked train had been long gone by then. Fortunately, there was a next train that have the same fare prices (so no adjustments were necessary) and gets there only 40 minutes later. So I waited at Hsin Chu and finally....

I can say that I'm going to Hsin Chu... and paid for a lesson on train riding in Taiwan.

2. The correct train:
These are the views from the correct trains.




3. The legendary "Railroad Lunchbox"
And..... this is the best lunch box I've ever had in my life!!!!!


4. I got to Tainan!!!!!

Ok, Jasmine, I know... I made a mistake la...

Jasmine borrowed a scooter so that we don't need to walk as much and can get to more places in shorter times. Look at how cute and funny it is with her ways to blend into the local. Now, I'm not sure if I'd do that, perhaps next time, I'd do it for fun.













Yu Mei mei is a very responsible tour guide. She's looking at the map of Tainan of places to eat. Wait a minute, I thought you grew up here? Haha...

Yummy coffin board






Alright, let me see how I look with a helmet. Thanks for not asking me to wear the pink one.









Time to go back to Taipei. Haha... finally, I went to Tainan.