This is my first Mother's Day without my Mom. It has been difficult to go through the day without her, but ultimately, I have learned that I can honor her even when she is no longer with us on this earth.
This morning, I put on a dress for church that Mom literally had her hands on. It was an Egyptian blue dress that I bought about two years ago after I had lunch with her. The store did not have my size since it was the end-of-the-season sale, but knowing Mom could do her alteration magic, I bought it anyway and asked her to alter it for me. She did a beautiful job, as always, and made the dress fit nicely, all without measurements and quickly and skillfully. Mom was a fantastic seamstress and talented designer with a keen sense of aesthetics and elegant taste. I have benefited from her handiworks all my life, even now. I still have all the clothes that she either made or altered for me, and I love wearing them.
The color blue will also always remind me of a shopping trip we had years ago. We were strolling along one sunny afternoon until I saw a light pink dress on a window display. I suggested to Mom about walking in to check out the dress, and we found that the dress also came in light blue. I asked her about the colors, and she told me flat out I should not be wearing pink because I was too tanned (from playing tennis!)! She thought blue was a much better color for me. So we walked out of the store with the light blue dress instead of the light pink one I thought I might get. Almost fifteen years later, I still have the dress. Now, every time I see the dress in the closet or when I put it on, I always remember what she said and it puts a smile to my face. To this day, I still have more blue clothes than pink, all because of her aesthetic eyes. Coincidentally, I wore the light blue dress last summer at our last family union before she went home to be with the Lord. She was so happy that day to have three generations at the same table.
I am more than blessed to have friends and family (including Hubby) who completely understand me. Leading up to today, they have been supportive and understanding. Today, there have been more tears than other days in quite some time. While some are tears of sorrow, there are many tears of gratitude. I am thankful for my family and friends. Even more so, I am thankful that Mom is with Jesus with no more pain and suffering. She is whole, completely healed, and in the best place with the Lord for eternity. I want her back, but I also would not want her to leave Heaven because of my selfishness.
Having been thinking about what this Mother's Day would be like, I think I am starting to have an inkling after processing my emotions - I want to honor Mom instead of making today a day of sorrow and negative emotions. There is a place and time for grief, and I am certainly not beyond it, but I have also realized that there are things I can do to carry on Mom's legacy. Towards the end of today, I went out to get my next door neighbor flowers. She is a mom but she has lost her mother. I also prepared for the baby shower that I am doing for another friend who is expecting her second baby. Then, I talked to some of my friends who have lost their moms. I am not saying all these to boast (because there is nothing to boast about), but only to share with you how I coped and moved forward in a way that would honor Mom. Mom was kind, gentle, and selfless, always putting others first, including her children. I want to follow her example and pay it forward.
It has been a difficult day, but it has also been good. I would rather have her, but while this is no longer possible, I have learned that her legacy can live on.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
This Easter
It has been a long while.
I lost my Mom last summer. A vicious form of cancer came unexpectedly and took her in only a few short months.
But this is not the end of the story.
Jesus said His body would be broken for us. For me.
Because of my Mom, I now more fully understood what it meant to have a broken body. To think that Jesus would do it for me long before I was even born from my mother's womb was too much for a human mind to truly fathom. What love was this, that Someone would love me so much that He would willingly break His body for me to save me from myself?
As I was holding in my hand the piece of bread and the sip of grape juice that symbolized his body and blood, I could only be grateful for His love for what He had done for me.
I no longer have my Mom on this earth. I can't talk to her and we can't make new memories. Some days, these thoughts sadden me.
But this is not the end of the story.
While my Mom was lying in the hospital bed and her body was shutting down, she gained a new - and eternal - life. I had the utmost privilege to lead her to Jesus a few days before she took a last breath. But this passing was not permanent. She was leaving this earth for an eternity with Jesus. She died only three months short of her 60th birthday and retirement, but she "retired" to a far better place. She went to heaven.
My Mom's physical body might have deteriorated, yet her soul had never been more alive. This is only possible because the Crucifixion was not the end of the story. Jesus died on the cross, but on the third day, He is risen! Death and sin had no grip on Him because He had victory. Today, my Mom is with Him in heaven.
Because of what He has done on the Cross and His victory, I will see my Mom again. Because of His Resurrection, we celebrate Easter.
I lost my Mom last summer. A vicious form of cancer came unexpectedly and took her in only a few short months.
But this is not the end of the story.
This past Sunday evening, I sat at our church for the Lord's Supper in preparation for Easter. I had been a follower of Jesus for many years, and had taken part in many a communion. However, this time, God gave me a deeper understanding of the Cross through Mom.
I watched my Mom's body deteriorate in her fight against cancer. All my life, I only knew her as healthy and vibrant. She might have the (very) occasional cold, but I could not even remember her ever taking a sick day. About ten years ago, she changed careers and became an aerobics instructor. She was so good at it that she would be teaching multiple classes a day. She was fit. But the cancer changed the story. In a short time, instead of being strong and active, she became weaker and more fragile. Both the cancer cells and the radiation treatment took a toll on her body. The last ten days of her life were spent in a quarantined hospital room as she was being observed and treated for pneumonia. Her body became swollen as a result of fluids being pumped into her body to sustain her life. The last few days, her organs began to shut down one by one. The once lively person was slowly fading away. Her body was breaking down.
As I was sitting in the pew at my church for the Lord's Supper this past Sunday, I listened to the familiar Scripture about Jesus breaking bread with His disciples before He went to the Cross.
As I was sitting in the pew at my church for the Lord's Supper this past Sunday, I listened to the familiar Scripture about Jesus breaking bread with His disciples before He went to the Cross.
The Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
- 1 Corinthians 11: 23-25
Jesus said His body would be broken for us. For me.
Because of my Mom, I now more fully understood what it meant to have a broken body. To think that Jesus would do it for me long before I was even born from my mother's womb was too much for a human mind to truly fathom. What love was this, that Someone would love me so much that He would willingly break His body for me to save me from myself?
As I was holding in my hand the piece of bread and the sip of grape juice that symbolized his body and blood, I could only be grateful for His love for what He had done for me.
I no longer have my Mom on this earth. I can't talk to her and we can't make new memories. Some days, these thoughts sadden me.
But this is not the end of the story.
While my Mom was lying in the hospital bed and her body was shutting down, she gained a new - and eternal - life. I had the utmost privilege to lead her to Jesus a few days before she took a last breath. But this passing was not permanent. She was leaving this earth for an eternity with Jesus. She died only three months short of her 60th birthday and retirement, but she "retired" to a far better place. She went to heaven.
My Mom's physical body might have deteriorated, yet her soul had never been more alive. This is only possible because the Crucifixion was not the end of the story. Jesus died on the cross, but on the third day, He is risen! Death and sin had no grip on Him because He had victory. Today, my Mom is with Him in heaven.
Because of what He has done on the Cross and His victory, I will see my Mom again. Because of His Resurrection, we celebrate Easter.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Valentine Forever
She is burying him today, Valentine's Day.
They were married for half a century. Inseparable all these years, they had their share of ups and downs. They went through the loss of a son; they also had the joy of seeing their grandchildren marry the loves of their lives. He loved her with all his heart. He look at her with tenderness, and he had the most wonderful smiles.
He lit up the world around him. If you had been near him, your day would just be full of sunshine and happiness, no matter what the weather was like. I had been one of the many, many lucky ones whose lives he had touched and made better. I had been around him on different occasions - graduation, wedding (my own), and other visits. I cannot think of any couple who was happier or complemented each other any better.
They have been grandparent figures to us. Hubby and his sisters lost their grandparents early. But when they were growing up, they had the joy of having them nearby. I could understand how blessed they were when Hubby and I got married. I gained a new set of wonderful grandparents too.
I am so glad I got to know him. Although we could no longer spend time together on this earth, I look forward to the day when I could see him again in heaven. For now, I will cherish the memories and remember what Helen Keller once wrote -
They were married for half a century. Inseparable all these years, they had their share of ups and downs. They went through the loss of a son; they also had the joy of seeing their grandchildren marry the loves of their lives. He loved her with all his heart. He look at her with tenderness, and he had the most wonderful smiles.
He lit up the world around him. If you had been near him, your day would just be full of sunshine and happiness, no matter what the weather was like. I had been one of the many, many lucky ones whose lives he had touched and made better. I had been around him on different occasions - graduation, wedding (my own), and other visits. I cannot think of any couple who was happier or complemented each other any better.
They have been grandparent figures to us. Hubby and his sisters lost their grandparents early. But when they were growing up, they had the joy of having them nearby. I could understand how blessed they were when Hubby and I got married. I gained a new set of wonderful grandparents too.
I am so glad I got to know him. Although we could no longer spend time together on this earth, I look forward to the day when I could see him again in heaven. For now, I will cherish the memories and remember what Helen Keller once wrote -
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Carpe Diem
It has been a long time since my last post. I hope you have been well.
I woke up this morning (I am half a day ahead in Asia) to the sad news of Robin Williams's passing, which took me to a roller coaster ride of emotions.
I have not seen all of his films and TV shows, nor have I seen most of his classic comedies which have brought so much laughter. His impact on me has been from his more dramatic roles.
Among his many movies, Good Will Hunting is my favorite. He was brilliant as Sean Mcguire (and I am glad he won an Oscar for it) and there were many memorable dialogues between Sean and Will, the lead character, played by Matt Damon. Among them, the "it's not your fault" scene was so gentle yet powerful that it not only brought Will to tears, it also did the same to me as audience.
And I will not forget him as John Keating in Dead Poets Society. "Carpe diem (seize the day)," he said. Years before I knew it was him who said it, one of my best friends had quoted it. When I watched the movie, I finally understood the meaning behind the phrase, which has been with me since.
I am saddened by the news of his passing, and the fact that an actor so brilliant and talented who brought so much laughter to others was battling severe depression himself. I have seen the impact of depression, as I know people who were and are fighting it. I cannot imagine what he was going through and how many times he went through the hopelessness, but I want to be able to do my part and help break the stigma, and to be there for others who might need a hug or a listening ear.
Today, August 12, has a special meaning for me, as it is the anniversary of my arrival in the U.S. in pursuit of my dreams, and only by the grace of God, this journey has changed me for the better and in ways I could have never imagined. This morning, as I read the news and saw some of the movie clips to remember a one-of-a-kind actor, my disbelief, shock, and sadness was turned to hope, motivation, and resolve to make every day count. Robin, thank you for bringing us endless laughter, but even more so, your famous phrase.
Carpe diem.
I woke up this morning (I am half a day ahead in Asia) to the sad news of Robin Williams's passing, which took me to a roller coaster ride of emotions.
I have not seen all of his films and TV shows, nor have I seen most of his classic comedies which have brought so much laughter. His impact on me has been from his more dramatic roles.
Among his many movies, Good Will Hunting is my favorite. He was brilliant as Sean Mcguire (and I am glad he won an Oscar for it) and there were many memorable dialogues between Sean and Will, the lead character, played by Matt Damon. Among them, the "it's not your fault" scene was so gentle yet powerful that it not only brought Will to tears, it also did the same to me as audience.
And I will not forget him as John Keating in Dead Poets Society. "Carpe diem (seize the day)," he said. Years before I knew it was him who said it, one of my best friends had quoted it. When I watched the movie, I finally understood the meaning behind the phrase, which has been with me since.
I am saddened by the news of his passing, and the fact that an actor so brilliant and talented who brought so much laughter to others was battling severe depression himself. I have seen the impact of depression, as I know people who were and are fighting it. I cannot imagine what he was going through and how many times he went through the hopelessness, but I want to be able to do my part and help break the stigma, and to be there for others who might need a hug or a listening ear.
Today, August 12, has a special meaning for me, as it is the anniversary of my arrival in the U.S. in pursuit of my dreams, and only by the grace of God, this journey has changed me for the better and in ways I could have never imagined. This morning, as I read the news and saw some of the movie clips to remember a one-of-a-kind actor, my disbelief, shock, and sadness was turned to hope, motivation, and resolve to make every day count. Robin, thank you for bringing us endless laughter, but even more so, your famous phrase.
Carpe diem.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Driven to Sin?
I shared this true story at my Bible study group last night. The reception and feedback from my ladies prompted me to pray about writing this down and sharing it. So here it is and I hope you are encouraged!
I was on my way to my tennis match on Saturday afternoon when it happened. It was less than five minutes and two traffic lights before my left turn when a pick-up truck cut in front of me as the light was turning red. I was not upset, not even annoyed. However, as we waited for the light to turn green, I became fixated on the truck, to the point when the traffic light changed colors, I was not focused on where I needed to go and was just following the truck. The driver turned left early onto the interstate highway. Instead of going straight to the next left turn lane, I did what the driver did. The next thing I knew, I was on the way to getting on the highway, which was not at all where I needed to be. I had to detour to get to the tennis courts which took an extra ten minutes. Thankfully, I was still able to get to the courts early.
God used this bizarre episode to drive home an important point on sin for me. We had been studying the Book of Romans in our Bible study and we had been talking a lot about law and grace, the old self and the new self, flesh and the spirit, among many other things. Our pastor also talked about sin as he preached on the Holy Spirit last Sunday. So I had been thinking about the topic of sin, and it dawned on me that sin operated very much like the way I drove during those few minutes.
When the pick-up truck cut in front of me, I became distracted rather than staying focused on where I was supposed to go. Instead of staying the course, I mindlessly followed the truck and got to a place I did not need to be. As a result, I was off course, and I lost time to the detour. Only by God's grace was my path corrected and I got to where I was supposed to be.
Oh sin, how cunning are you. You distract me when I am on my guard the least. You take me to places I don't need to be, and you take me farther away than I want to go.
But I am thankful to my awesome God, who provides a way out when I am distracted and lose my way!
I was on my way to my tennis match on Saturday afternoon when it happened. It was less than five minutes and two traffic lights before my left turn when a pick-up truck cut in front of me as the light was turning red. I was not upset, not even annoyed. However, as we waited for the light to turn green, I became fixated on the truck, to the point when the traffic light changed colors, I was not focused on where I needed to go and was just following the truck. The driver turned left early onto the interstate highway. Instead of going straight to the next left turn lane, I did what the driver did. The next thing I knew, I was on the way to getting on the highway, which was not at all where I needed to be. I had to detour to get to the tennis courts which took an extra ten minutes. Thankfully, I was still able to get to the courts early.
God used this bizarre episode to drive home an important point on sin for me. We had been studying the Book of Romans in our Bible study and we had been talking a lot about law and grace, the old self and the new self, flesh and the spirit, among many other things. Our pastor also talked about sin as he preached on the Holy Spirit last Sunday. So I had been thinking about the topic of sin, and it dawned on me that sin operated very much like the way I drove during those few minutes.
When the pick-up truck cut in front of me, I became distracted rather than staying focused on where I was supposed to go. Instead of staying the course, I mindlessly followed the truck and got to a place I did not need to be. As a result, I was off course, and I lost time to the detour. Only by God's grace was my path corrected and I got to where I was supposed to be.
Oh sin, how cunning are you. You distract me when I am on my guard the least. You take me to places I don't need to be, and you take me farther away than I want to go.
But I am thankful to my awesome God, who provides a way out when I am distracted and lose my way!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Happy Chinese New Year!
Wishing you many blessings and much joy in the new year!
Photo Credit: On Secret Hunt
Photo Credit: On Secret Hunt
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Something New
To continue with the same theme of new, part of my new year's resolutions for 2014 is to try more new things. By new things, I don't mean anything elaborate, drastically different from what I usually do, or anything earth-shattering, for that matter. What I have in mind is to just challenge and expand my comfort zone. Push the boundaries a bit, so to speak. So onward I go, and these are two new things I have tried so far this year:
Taking new routes
I have certain routes for places I go often, such as the grocery store and the post office. But one day, I tried a new road. This might come very easily for some people (Hubby is extraordinary with directions - and I am not exaggerating one bit), but for someone who is often directionally-challenged, this does not come to me naturally. Since I don't have a smart phone, I don't have a GPS at my disposal either. But I looked up directions in advance as much as I could and tried anyway, and it was quite fun! I got to see a part of town I did not see often so it was nice. I also found another new route yesterday, this time without having looked up directions ahead of time. I had to stop for a minute to figure out where I was, but the new route took me to a section of the road I had never gone before, so that was quite satisfying!
Doing a photo shoot (!)
That is something I had never thought too much about, and I had not had a photo shoot since our wedding day (for which I did not have to think twice about what to wear). But a dear friend of mine, who happened to be a photographer, gave me a photo shoot as my birthday present a few months ago, so off we went! As she gave me specific instructions on preparation, I was a little overwhelmed. I was not sure if I would embrace the idea of having a bunch of photos taken of me, and I had no idea how to pick out "colorful outfits" (how colorful is colorful?) and how many of those to bring with me. But as my friend coached me along the way, both before and during the photo shoot, I came to enjoy it very much, not because my pictures were being taken, but more so I could spend time with my friend as she did something she loved. We giggled, goofed around, and bounced ideas off of each other. Quite fun! And the weather was picture perfect too. It was sunny with blue sky and there was just enough wind to keep the air crisp. I have not seen all the photos yet, but from what my friend showed me from her camera, some of them turned out quite well. :)
How about you? Are you challenging yourself by trying something new this year?
Taking new routes
I have certain routes for places I go often, such as the grocery store and the post office. But one day, I tried a new road. This might come very easily for some people (Hubby is extraordinary with directions - and I am not exaggerating one bit), but for someone who is often directionally-challenged, this does not come to me naturally. Since I don't have a smart phone, I don't have a GPS at my disposal either. But I looked up directions in advance as much as I could and tried anyway, and it was quite fun! I got to see a part of town I did not see often so it was nice. I also found another new route yesterday, this time without having looked up directions ahead of time. I had to stop for a minute to figure out where I was, but the new route took me to a section of the road I had never gone before, so that was quite satisfying!
Doing a photo shoot (!)
That is something I had never thought too much about, and I had not had a photo shoot since our wedding day (for which I did not have to think twice about what to wear). But a dear friend of mine, who happened to be a photographer, gave me a photo shoot as my birthday present a few months ago, so off we went! As she gave me specific instructions on preparation, I was a little overwhelmed. I was not sure if I would embrace the idea of having a bunch of photos taken of me, and I had no idea how to pick out "colorful outfits" (how colorful is colorful?) and how many of those to bring with me. But as my friend coached me along the way, both before and during the photo shoot, I came to enjoy it very much, not because my pictures were being taken, but more so I could spend time with my friend as she did something she loved. We giggled, goofed around, and bounced ideas off of each other. Quite fun! And the weather was picture perfect too. It was sunny with blue sky and there was just enough wind to keep the air crisp. I have not seen all the photos yet, but from what my friend showed me from her camera, some of them turned out quite well. :)
How about you? Are you challenging yourself by trying something new this year?
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New!
Since this is the first day of the 2014 (in my current time zone anyway), I thought I would pay some much needed attention to my blog. Here are some changes -
- A new layout!
- At long last, a link to my twitter account (to your right)! Come say hi!
- This second blog post of the year (I am already at 50% of the total of last year's posts).
- A new preview of my next Bible Study!
Catching up!
Happy New Year! May 2014 be a wonderful year for each of you!
It has been seven months (!) since my last blog post. I ended the last post with this -
The summer has already been quite busy, but hopefully I will be more diligent about posting in the next few months!
While the first part was true, the second part was an epic fail. However, here's a quick update on the second half of 2013 -
It has been seven months (!) since my last blog post. I ended the last post with this -
The summer has already been quite busy, but hopefully I will be more diligent about posting in the next few months!
While the first part was true, the second part was an epic fail. However, here's a quick update on the second half of 2013 -
- I went to Hong Kong, China, and San Francisco in the summer, and Chicago in the fall for work and research!
- I got to meet our new nephew for the first time over the summer!
- I had a busy but productive fall semester with teaching and exam preparation. Being able to teach students was quite a rewarding experience!
- Hubby made me a wonderful cake for my birthday!
- We participated in Operation Christmas Child once again this year. Our goal was 500 packed shoebox gifts, and our church and middle school packed 549 boxes!
- We hosted family and friends for Thanksgiving. Some of our family could not come so we missed them, but we had a great time with those who came. Weather was absolutely gorgeous!
- On another note, our family cat became very stressed out because of the big crowd during Thanksgiving. She developed an ulcer on her eye, which accelerated our decision to have her eye removed. It was the right decision because she did have early-stage cancer as we had suspected. After a very challenging recovery process, she is now doing much better!
- We went out of town for Christmas briefly (because we needed to take care of the kitty). It was a wonderful visit!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Hello!
Long time no post!
Since I still have a photo of our Christmas tree on the front page of my blog, it is high time I post something new. Lots have happened since the last post but here is a quick update -
Since I still have a photo of our Christmas tree on the front page of my blog, it is high time I post something new. Lots have happened since the last post but here is a quick update -
- I became a full-time student in the beginning of the year (yes, shortly after the last post). The past four months were very busy, feeling rather like an intellectual boot camp. But it was wonderful! As of May, I finished my coursework, so now, onto reading for comprehensive exams and dissertation research!
- Hubby and I celebrated our wedding anniversary and his birthday!
- We have a (betta) fish! It was a present from my friends. I have never thought I would have a fish, but it's been fun having him around, and I am very thankful to Hubby for being a huge help in taking care of him. Kitty cat was a bit confused and jealous at first, but having been affirmed that she is still the princess of the household, she is now fine with a fish in the house. :)
- Within a little over two months, we have a new nephew AND a new niece!!! We are very excited!
- I still have not figured out how to link my Twitter updates to the blog, although I must admit I have not tried very hard to make it happen either. However, if you are on Twitter, do say hello @RecordingSnow!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Christmas Memories
We had a wonderful Christmas week with family. Here is the list (again in somewhat chronological order). Enjoy!
- Getting our Christmas tree from a wonderful tree farm (that we heard about not long ago)
- Finishing Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve (close call!)
- Making my first ginger bread house alongside my cousin (who also made one)
- Going to Christmas Eve service at our church (with a full house!)
- Watching kiddos open their Christmas presents and sharing their joy
- Receiving one of the best Christmas presents ever from Hubby - donations to some of my favorite organizations
- Recovering from a cold and some kind of stomach virus (I am still not sure what it was) - being healthy is priceless
- Watching Tangled (the Rapunzel movie) for the first time with my sister-in-law -- and nephews!
- Participating in our family reunion (lots of family members). Great food and fun!
- Youngest nephews joyfully shouting "I love you" before my drive home (~swoon~)!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Thanksgiving Memories
As we welcome the new year, it is also a good time to cherish great memories. I am therefore doing a couple of lists of memories (in somewhat chronological order) for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here is the list for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
- Getting dinner plates for Thanksgiving. To prepare for the large party coming in town, Hubby and I went to the store and looked at every single available pattern there. We each liked different patterns but eventually settled on this one (with a flower on it! - Thanks, Babe :). It was quite fun and felt like we were doing our wedding registry again! :)
- Hosting 20 family members (Hubby and I included)! I think it was a record.
- Making pumpkin bread!
- Having plenty of food for everyone. I forgot to make mashed potatoes and our microwave stopped working, but in the end, we even had leftovers and we had a back-up microwave so all was well.
- Taking a nap after Thanksgiving dinner.
- Getting our fridge covered with kid art. Through his drawing, middle nephew turned kitty cat into a super hero (complete with cape).
- Getting "shorter" - oldest nephew was officially taller than I was (with oldest niece getting extremely close).
- Watching nephews play tennis, baseball style (imagine the tennis racket as a baseball bat).
- Watching the kiddos (youngest nephews included) watch the Barbie cartoon (!).
- Running the dishwasher eight times in three days.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New!
I have been hoping to make some changes to my blog for quite some time. What better day to do it than today? So I have made two new changes:
The first change is, as you may have noticed, the outlook of my blog. It is quite different from the previous designs. To read any post in its entirety, simply click on the post!
The second change is I am now on Twitter! I would love to connect with you. I have not been successful at adding the twitter feed and the twitter button on the blog, but if you'd like, you can find me @RecordingSnow. Please say hello!
Hope you enjoy the changes, and as always, comments are very welcome. Happy New Year!
The first change is, as you may have noticed, the outlook of my blog. It is quite different from the previous designs. To read any post in its entirety, simply click on the post!
The second change is I am now on Twitter! I would love to connect with you. I have not been successful at adding the twitter feed and the twitter button on the blog, but if you'd like, you can find me @RecordingSnow. Please say hello!
Hope you enjoy the changes, and as always, comments are very welcome. Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year!
My devotional from Our Daily Bread (also linked to your right) this morning is the perfect final post for the year so I am going to share it here -
As we look forward to the New Year with plans and resolutions, the voices of godly men from the past encourage us to think about something we prefer to ignore—our own death.
Thomas à Kempis (1379–1471) wrote, “Happy is he that always hath the hour of his death before his eyes and daily prepareth himself to die.” And Francois Fénelon (1651–1715) wrote, “We cannot too greatly deplore the blindness of men who do not want to think of death, and who turn away from an inevitable thing which we could be happy to think of often. Death only troubles carnal people.”
These men were not referring to a depressing preoccupation with dying, but a dynamic approach to living (emphasis mine). We, like the psalmist David, should pray: “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. . . . Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor” (Ps. 39:4-5). David speaks of people who work in vain, heaping up wealth with no idea of who will get it (v.6). He concludes by affirming that his hope is in God, who alone can keep him from a life of spiritual rebellion and disaster (vv.7-8).
As we place our hope in God, the brevity of our life on earth is worth considering—every day.May we seek to understand this dynamic approach to living as we bid farewell to 2012 and welcome 2013. Happy New Year!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas!
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
Luke 2: 2-20
New International Version (NIV)
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2: 2-20
New International Version (NIV)
Friday, December 21, 2012
Christmas Shopping
I am STILL Christmas Shopping. Five days before Christmas.
It had been a very busy fall semester so I had a very late start on Christmas shopping this year. Christmas shopping also meant I went back to the mall. It had been many months since I was at the mall last. After reading David Platt's Radical over Spring Break, one of the challenges I undertook was to not buy clothes (except for necessities) for a year. I liked to buy clothes on sale, so I wanted to stop doing that for a while in order to take the focus off of myself and be more sensitive to the needs around me.
As I walked around the mall looking for Christmas gifts, I saw a lot of great clothes along the way. The Christmas sale also meant very good prices for many clothing items. It would have been so easy for me to buy a dress here and a shirt there, and it was really quite tempting.
But I was not about to undo nine months of work to break the challenge, and I was not about to create an irony in which I would buy what I liked just because there was a great sale while I engaged in the spirit of giving to others as I shopped for loved ones.
In the end, I got some gifts without buying any clothes for myself. For that I am thankful! I still have at least one more Christmas shopping trip and I need to remember this lesson!
It had been a very busy fall semester so I had a very late start on Christmas shopping this year. Christmas shopping also meant I went back to the mall. It had been many months since I was at the mall last. After reading David Platt's Radical over Spring Break, one of the challenges I undertook was to not buy clothes (except for necessities) for a year. I liked to buy clothes on sale, so I wanted to stop doing that for a while in order to take the focus off of myself and be more sensitive to the needs around me.
As I walked around the mall looking for Christmas gifts, I saw a lot of great clothes along the way. The Christmas sale also meant very good prices for many clothing items. It would have been so easy for me to buy a dress here and a shirt there, and it was really quite tempting.
But I was not about to undo nine months of work to break the challenge, and I was not about to create an irony in which I would buy what I liked just because there was a great sale while I engaged in the spirit of giving to others as I shopped for loved ones.
In the end, I got some gifts without buying any clothes for myself. For that I am thankful! I still have at least one more Christmas shopping trip and I need to remember this lesson!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Sandy Hook
The unspeakable happened last Friday in quiet Newtown, Connecticut. Violence also erupted in a village school in Henan, China, when a man attacked school children with a knife.
In the midst of unthinkable tragedies, emotions abound, political discussions heat up, and philosophical and theological questions become a norm. As some question why this happened, some wonder what could be done.
While we outsiders want to help and to address the overarching issues, perhaps we can also pray for the families who are suffering a sorrow few of us can ever understand. In the Chinese culture, there is this phrase of "white-headed people sending off black-headed ones." It is a metaphor to express the grief of parents burying their children. Unless we walk in their shoes, we will never understand what it is like for the parents to be planning the funerals of their young children instead of buying them Christmas presents and anticipating the glow in their eyes and the smiles on their faces when they open them. Perhaps we can also pray for the teachers, staff and students who were at the school that day and lived. Their survivor's guilt and emotional scar will linger for a long time to come.
We don't always get the answers as to why evil things happen, but it is comforting to see the outpouring of compassion and love within Newtown as well as throughout the country after the tragedy. Think of the heroic acts of the principal and teachers who laid down their lives for their students, the kind act of the neighbor who took in and comforted several children who managed to escape the shooting, the wonderful deed of JetBlue Airways to overnight and deliver a 6-year-old boy's letter cross-country from Washington state in time for his 6-year-old cousin's funeral, or the touching tribute of a football player to his fan.
In the midst of unspeakable evil, there is hope, there is light. As we celebrate Christmas, may we also see the light and hope in the world of darkness in the form of a baby who was born in a lowly manger to bring hope and goodwill to mankind.
In the midst of unthinkable tragedies, emotions abound, political discussions heat up, and philosophical and theological questions become a norm. As some question why this happened, some wonder what could be done.
While we outsiders want to help and to address the overarching issues, perhaps we can also pray for the families who are suffering a sorrow few of us can ever understand. In the Chinese culture, there is this phrase of "white-headed people sending off black-headed ones." It is a metaphor to express the grief of parents burying their children. Unless we walk in their shoes, we will never understand what it is like for the parents to be planning the funerals of their young children instead of buying them Christmas presents and anticipating the glow in their eyes and the smiles on their faces when they open them. Perhaps we can also pray for the teachers, staff and students who were at the school that day and lived. Their survivor's guilt and emotional scar will linger for a long time to come.
We don't always get the answers as to why evil things happen, but it is comforting to see the outpouring of compassion and love within Newtown as well as throughout the country after the tragedy. Think of the heroic acts of the principal and teachers who laid down their lives for their students, the kind act of the neighbor who took in and comforted several children who managed to escape the shooting, the wonderful deed of JetBlue Airways to overnight and deliver a 6-year-old boy's letter cross-country from Washington state in time for his 6-year-old cousin's funeral, or the touching tribute of a football player to his fan.
In the midst of unspeakable evil, there is hope, there is light. As we celebrate Christmas, may we also see the light and hope in the world of darkness in the form of a baby who was born in a lowly manger to bring hope and goodwill to mankind.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Locks of Love III
It had been over two years since I last donated my hair. My hair had gotten long enough to donate again so a few weeks ago, I had another 12 inches of hair cut to donate to Locks of Love. It was wonderful to be able to do this again!
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| Before |
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| After |
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Birthday
I had a wonderful birthday recently.
It was the best birthday in a number of years, not only because Hubby did a wonderful job planning the celebration as usual, but also because my way of thinking about birthdays had changed for the better.
When my grandmother passed way at the end of 2004, I developed this acute sense about death. It was neither a knee-jerk reaction to my grandmother's passing, nor was it an unhealthy preoccupation. I mourned, yes, but as I watched my grandmother depart this world at the hospice, leaving a permanent hole in my heart, I also had an incredible peace within me. While I was extremely thankful to be able to go back to Hong Kong in time to be with Grandma during her final days, I was also hopeful that I would see her again in heaven. Hopeful, because I knew a church nearby had visited with her at the hospice and shared Jesus with her. Although Grandma could not talk and I did not have her verbal confirmation that she had accepted Jesus into her heart as her Lord and Savior, the peaceful and beautiful way she passed let me know that she was safely in God's hands. Forever. As I thought more about death, I was also thinking more about heaven, about eternal life with Jesus. I wondered what it was like to be in heaven. Perhaps that is why MercyMe's I Can Only Imagine has remained one of my favorite songs (see video below).
Later, however, as my grief subsided and as I grew a few years older, I became more preoccupied with my journey on earth. At the same time, I was not enjoying getting older, and I became decreasingly open with my age. I was focused on the many goals for which to strive. Little did I know I was losing sight that my journey on earth was just that. A journey on earth. Without a doubt, I knew I was going to heaven after I died. However, I was not longing for heaven the way many first-century Christians were - and many twenty-first century fellow believers under severe persecution still are.
A number of years ago, Hubby wrote me a poem for my birthday and I loved it. There was a line about getting older and getting closer to heaven. I did not fully understand it at the time, but I think I do now. I was too preoccupied with my earthly journey, equating age with things I should be accomplishing. I am still getting older, but instead of secretly fretting over the times past and wondering if I have accomplished everything I should, I have learned that my focus is not on earth, but on heaven. For as long as I am here, I will do what God wants me to do to make a difference and to bring him glory. Yet, I also look forward to getting closer to my real home. My eternal home. I still wonder what I would do when I meet Jesus in heaven, but I have no doubt that I will love it. From now on, I will celebrate my birthday with joy, because it no longer means I am getting older, it means I am getting close to home.
I had a wonderful birthday indeed.
It was the best birthday in a number of years, not only because Hubby did a wonderful job planning the celebration as usual, but also because my way of thinking about birthdays had changed for the better.
When my grandmother passed way at the end of 2004, I developed this acute sense about death. It was neither a knee-jerk reaction to my grandmother's passing, nor was it an unhealthy preoccupation. I mourned, yes, but as I watched my grandmother depart this world at the hospice, leaving a permanent hole in my heart, I also had an incredible peace within me. While I was extremely thankful to be able to go back to Hong Kong in time to be with Grandma during her final days, I was also hopeful that I would see her again in heaven. Hopeful, because I knew a church nearby had visited with her at the hospice and shared Jesus with her. Although Grandma could not talk and I did not have her verbal confirmation that she had accepted Jesus into her heart as her Lord and Savior, the peaceful and beautiful way she passed let me know that she was safely in God's hands. Forever. As I thought more about death, I was also thinking more about heaven, about eternal life with Jesus. I wondered what it was like to be in heaven. Perhaps that is why MercyMe's I Can Only Imagine has remained one of my favorite songs (see video below).
Later, however, as my grief subsided and as I grew a few years older, I became more preoccupied with my journey on earth. At the same time, I was not enjoying getting older, and I became decreasingly open with my age. I was focused on the many goals for which to strive. Little did I know I was losing sight that my journey on earth was just that. A journey on earth. Without a doubt, I knew I was going to heaven after I died. However, I was not longing for heaven the way many first-century Christians were - and many twenty-first century fellow believers under severe persecution still are.
A number of years ago, Hubby wrote me a poem for my birthday and I loved it. There was a line about getting older and getting closer to heaven. I did not fully understand it at the time, but I think I do now. I was too preoccupied with my earthly journey, equating age with things I should be accomplishing. I am still getting older, but instead of secretly fretting over the times past and wondering if I have accomplished everything I should, I have learned that my focus is not on earth, but on heaven. For as long as I am here, I will do what God wants me to do to make a difference and to bring him glory. Yet, I also look forward to getting closer to my real home. My eternal home. I still wonder what I would do when I meet Jesus in heaven, but I have no doubt that I will love it. From now on, I will celebrate my birthday with joy, because it no longer means I am getting older, it means I am getting close to home.
I had a wonderful birthday indeed.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"Olympic Experience" (Part IV)
I was ready at the baseline to receive the serve. It went to the middle of the service box. I moved towards the ball and
decided to return the serve with my backhand rather than running around it for a forehand. The return was just high enough to clear the net but was low
enough to get past the racket of the net player. Her teammate (the server)
did not get to it. The ball bounced twice.
We won the match!
What an exciting feeling! My partner and I had a big sweaty hug. Meanwhile, our other teammates from the sideline ran towards us on the court and we hugged each other. At the award ceremony, each of us received a medal. We even did the funny photo by biting our medals, like some athletes did at the Olympics. :)
What a joy! The team effort was most wonderful. Whenever my partner(s) and I had a bad few points or games, we picked each other up. Whoever was not playing came along to cheer on the rest of us. When my partner and I had the tough loss, the rest of the team was nothing but encouraging. When my back hurt, my captain gave me a back massage to help relieve my pain. When we won the championship together, we shared the joy.
Loss and triumph sometimes go hand in hand. Looking back, I was thankful for the tough loss in my second match. It was the most disappointing for the first ten minutes after the match, but learning to deal with the defeat (quickly) made me a better tennis player mentally. The wins that came after also became much sweeter because I had tasted defeat.
As I mentioned in my first Olympics post, Chariots of Fire is one of my favorite movies. In the movie, when Eric Liddell's sister wanted him to return to mission work in China instead of going to the Olympics, he said:
Off the court, I also had a wonderful stay with my hostess. Before booking, I was exchanging messages with the lady renting the room. At first, we discussed the room and logistics; but she soon opened up about her family. At her house, we had several great conversations, including one about her salvation. Before I left, she gave me a hug, and even a beautiful doily she made as a souvenir.
What a wonderful weekend.
Don't forget the Paralympic Games began today!
We won the match!
What an exciting feeling! My partner and I had a big sweaty hug. Meanwhile, our other teammates from the sideline ran towards us on the court and we hugged each other. At the award ceremony, each of us received a medal. We even did the funny photo by biting our medals, like some athletes did at the Olympics. :)
What a joy! The team effort was most wonderful. Whenever my partner(s) and I had a bad few points or games, we picked each other up. Whoever was not playing came along to cheer on the rest of us. When my partner and I had the tough loss, the rest of the team was nothing but encouraging. When my back hurt, my captain gave me a back massage to help relieve my pain. When we won the championship together, we shared the joy.
Loss and triumph sometimes go hand in hand. Looking back, I was thankful for the tough loss in my second match. It was the most disappointing for the first ten minutes after the match, but learning to deal with the defeat (quickly) made me a better tennis player mentally. The wins that came after also became much sweeter because I had tasted defeat.
As I mentioned in my first Olympics post, Chariots of Fire is one of my favorite movies. In the movie, when Eric Liddell's sister wanted him to return to mission work in China instead of going to the Olympics, he said:
I believe God made me for a purpose, and He also made me fast. When I run, I feel His pleasure.My favorite line from the movie. I am no Olympian, but I think we can seek to glorify God through sports (tennis in my case). I was calm during our second match point in the last match, but the calm did not come from me. It came from God. And the backhand return? Totally God.
Off the court, I also had a wonderful stay with my hostess. Before booking, I was exchanging messages with the lady renting the room. At first, we discussed the room and logistics; but she soon opened up about her family. At her house, we had several great conversations, including one about her salvation. Before I left, she gave me a hug, and even a beautiful doily she made as a souvenir.
What a wonderful weekend.
Don't forget the Paralympic Games began today!
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