RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Challenges, obstacles, adversities and trials cause some people to break; other people to break records.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

History is so great as I really learn how things happened, not as what's being taught to me. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

I am glad that for the first time in his life he realizes that the things he does have real consequences.

We just need to follow the Lord...

We just need to follow the Lord...

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Having a vision for my life allows me to live out of hope, rather than out of my fears. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Today is so hot and it's not even funny. =P

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

"One life stamps and influences another, which in turn stamps and influences another, on and on, until the soul of human experience breathes on in generations we’ll never even meet." - Mary Kay Blakely

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

When faithfulness is most difficult, it is most necessary.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Our life is like driving across from California to Florida at night. All we can see is 200 feet in front of us, but we will eventually get there. =]

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Weeping together makes a special bond in human beings.

my new chef hat C=:)

The oyster sauce chicken tonight was a hugh success. Loving it.

C=:)

That's my new chef hat.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

"People are eternally divided into two classes, the believer, builder, and praiser, and the unbeliever, destroyer and critic."

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Person X: "Do you belive it?"

RZ: "Of course."

Person X: "Then why do you seem surprised?"

RZ: "Because it's one thing to believe it. It's another thing to see it." 

Christ has come to be life =]

RZ's Daily Spark of Life: I know this zoe life runs its course and triumphs INEVITABLY.

Christ has come to be life, the processed divine Trinity.
God the Father's the source, a fountain emerging to be.
God the Son as a gushing up spring,
And the Spirit's a river for life imparting
Oh how can this miracle be? The Triune God flowing in me!
Oh, I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being!

As this life flows through me, I'm supplied abundantly.
His life nullifies sin! Power springs now from within!
To be free, overcoming spontaneously.

Yet this life though it frees, is not meant for mere victory.
God is full of intent and never could flow aimlessly.
So this life has a totality, a consummate issue encompassing me.
Life moves and life grows, life shapes as it flows
Now I share in this life's destiny.
Oh, I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being!

We'll abide mutually, God and man revealed to be
Lamb, Wife, Spirit, and Bride.
Come! Drink! And riverside,
Grows the tree, our enjoyment for eternity!

So I've no cause to frown as one who's received this zoe.
I know life runs its course and triumphs inevitably.
I'm required just to stay in the flow,
If I do the drinking then God gives the growth.
So there's joy in my heart, and a spring in my step,
And a smile on my face as I sing,
Oh, I've got rivers of life flowing out of my innermost being!

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. =]

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

I give up. You win. You are playing a game within a game within a game.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Person X: "RZ, ...?"
RZ: "You shouldn't ask the question you don't want to know the answer to."
Person X: "fair enough."

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

It is GROSSLY unfair. I can't believe that you blamed me partially for the unfairness. I hate it too. =/

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

I found out that the easiest way to make God laugh is me telling Him about my plan. =]

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Prayer is our greatest weapon, our sweetest occupation, and our highest privilege. =)

Brothers' monthly dinner

We just had brothers' monthly dinner at front house. It's always good to get together and enjoy the meal and sing a few songs.

Personally, I really like singing together at the time in the evening right before sunset and daylight fades. I felt like i am a little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset...

And they love my chicken. =D

ChefBoy RZ's Daily Spark of Life

The thing with cooking is that if you are gonna eat three meals every day until the day you die, why not be good at it? =]

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

2000 years ago, the early disciples were driving Honda! Because Acts 2:46 records that "day by day, they continue steadfastly in one accord..."

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day...

Proverbs 4:18

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. =]

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

"RZ, stop talking to me." o_O

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

"RZ, your idea is terrible! No, i mean it's brilliant. It's brilliant in a terrible way. Okay, it's terribly brilliant." o_O

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Few people know the secret of success, because it always disguises itself as hard work.

=) =) =)

I waited five and half years for today. Do you have any idea how much i have suffered in the last five and half years? Well, today marks the end of that.

Praise the Lord! 

RZ Daily Spark of Life

I am taking a week off not to think about life. Daily Spark will resume after spring break.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Period.

Many people knows Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added to you." Whenever people cite this verse, I would like to know where their heart is.  I am not better than anybody. I have to confess that sometimes my heart is on the second part. The first part is just the mean to get to the second part. What's the way to get these things added to me? Oh,  I need to seek first the kindom of God and His righteousness. This is true, but this is not what God wants.

Our goal should be just seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Period. If the Lord adds these things to me, praise the Lord! If the Lord does NOT add these things to me, praise the Lord too! I am content. It's all good.

Thu@n and Tin@'s wedding

note: I use @ to replace a to prevent internet search.

I just got back from Thu@n and Tin@'s wedding today.  Tin@ is in my small group. I am so happy that they are married. I am REFRESHED. Praise the Lord! 

Thank You Lord for Your love that sought Thu@n and Tin@.

Thank You Lord for Your blood that purchased Thu@n and Tin@.

Thank You Lord for Your grace that led Thu@n and Tin@ to the flock.

Bless them for the church!

It's interesting that during their testimonies, I found out that Thu@n had the exact same view of marriage as me. I am kinda surprised. =) My view on the matter of marriage is: On that day when the Lord comes back, many young people won't be married. Many would never experience marriage. If such be the case, so be it. Cuz we have something much much better. For our human marriage is temporary, but our divine marriage is eternal. 

My only prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus!" =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Always move forward in life. If you stop in the middle of the road of life, you will get run over.

so many happy things happened yesterday

It's rare that so many happy things happened yesterday. =) =) =) One of them is that I finally decided to accept an offer at a company at Emeryville for the summer. I will decline all other offers today. Thank you for all the prayers.

Having a good mood makes me want to cook, especially trying new and exotic dishes. I am in the mood for catfish tonight. The brothers in the front house, be ready!

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Know it. Love it. Appreciate it.

Someone earlier asked me why does a stock formula work? I explained to him. I told him that don't just memorize the formular, but "Know it. Love it. Appreciate it!"

Yeah, same apply to life. Know it. Love it. Appreciate it! =)

Death cannot hold the resurrection life

RZ's Daily Spark of Life:

Death cannot hold the resurrection life, the more interred, the more it multiplies!

1 Death cannot hold the resurrection life,

  The life of God eternal manifest;

  ’Tis uncreated, indestructible,

  ’Tis Christ Himself, unconqu’rable, expressed

2 Death cannot hold the resurrection life,

  Though all its force against it may combine;

  Death only gives it opportunity

  To show the boundless pow’r of life divine.

3 Death cannot hold the resurrection life,

  The more interred, the more it multiplies;

  All kinds of suff’ring only help it grow

  And fruits of life abundant realize.

4 Death cannot hold the resurrection life,

  Thru every block and barrier it breaks;

  Conqu’ring the pow’r of darkness and of hell,

  It swallows death and victory partakes.

5 Death cannot hold the resurrection life,

  All of God’s fulness it will manifest;

  God’s righteousness and holiness it yields,

  His glorious image by it is expressed.

6 Oh, may I know this resurrection life,

  In every kind of death its pow’r outpoured,

  In my experience ever realize

  This life is nought but Christ my living Lord.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

You can never understand the faithfulness of God by taking the short-sighted view. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Life is like "Chutes and Ladders", sometimes you go up, sometimes you go down. Don't give up, roll the dice and try again. =)

Tonight after college meeting, a bunch of us watched intensely as a five-year-old playing "Chutes and Ladder" with a sister. We can relate because our lives are not much different from it.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

In theory, the early bird gets the worm. In reality, the second mouse gets the cheese. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

When the Lord delays, He delays. When the Lord moves, He moves fast. Quite amazing, actually. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

If I understand, I need to follow the Lord. If I don't understand, I still need to follow the Lord. I need to gain the understanding of the things I don't understand as I follow the Lord. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

I am satisfied and thankful that the Lord has brought me in, where His pleasures and His riches flow so free. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

There are two kinds of happiness: the happiness of ignorance and the happiness of enlightenment. Jubilee is the happiness of enlightenment. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

"Puppies!!!"

Government agency drama episode 4 (finale)

APPROVED
DONE
FINISHED

finally....

Government Agency Drama season 1 is over with a happy ending. =)

In about 30 days I will file a different application in the same department. Hopefully there is not enough drama to produce the second season. =)

Praise the Lord!

Government agency drama episode 3

Today I got to talk to the supervisor. He said he would find out what happened. He said that it has to be done by today. (yeah, right...not again)

So uh I just called a hour ago and the case is still pending. I call the receptionist and she said the supervisor is out of work for today! Why is he leaving so early from work? Fortunately I finally got a hold of the case work. She said that she lost the additional paperwork that I sent her last month. WTH? She asked me to fax the paperwork to her again, and she will absolutely make a decision by tomorrow 12pm.

How can they lost my paperwork? Why didn't they let me know earlier that they lost my paperwork?

I am so anxious. ARGH to the utter most. =/

Episode 4 tomorrow. Lord, I really don't want to see episode 5.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

So today i fell asleep in class and the professor handed me a pillow. =)

Government agency drama episode 2

Dude, today they didn't even pick up my calls. Today I have been calling them in a hourly interval using different phones. They didn't pick up! Why???!!!

So I called the receptionist. The receptionist doesn't know anything. All they do is tranferring calls.

Here is an exchange receptionist:

RZ: "Hey, I am calling about...."
Receptionist: "The application is still pending. Do you want me to transfer you to the case worker?"
RZ: "No, no. I already have their extention numbers. I tried to call them several times. They didn't pick up their phones! Are they at work today?"
Receptionist: (pause) "yeah.. Let's try one more time, okay?"
RZ: "Please please don't transfer me, it would just go to their voice mail...."
(transfering....) "Hi! You have reach the voice mail of ...." =(

The state law requires that they make a decision on my application within 45 days. I submitted all the paperwork at the end of Dec. It has been two months!!! Of course i don't want to irritate them or piss them off by citing the law. But it's just very frustrating. How can they act so irresponsbilly and not keeping their words? This exposes how ineffecient and bureaucratic the government is. Sign...

Tomorrow I am gonna do the episode 3. Hopofully it doesn't go beyong episode 3. Hopefully this doesn't drag into the retreat and bothers me for the whole weekend.

Looking forward to a good happy finale tomorrow.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Today I shall conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. =)

Government agency drama episode 1

I have been calling a government agency to process my business's paperwork everyday for the last five days. Everyday i get the same exact response: "it will be done by today." They have been saying "it will be done by today" for the last five days! Do they even understand what "today" means? I am gonna call them first thing in the morning tomorrow and sort it out.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Some people just have the innate ability to make the awkward situation even more awkward. I am amused.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

United States must guarantee basic health care for all Americans.

Health care is basic human right. We cannot wait. We must not wait. We will not wait!

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

On the wedding day, in the divine realm, the focus should be on the bridegroom; in the human realm, the focus should be on the bride.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

There is no coincidence in a Christian's life. A coincidence is just an event in which the sovereign God decides to remain anonymous. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

With the Lord, I can always find peace in the time of chaos, hope in the time of despair, joy in the time of suffering, and confidence in the time of doubt. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

joke turned out wrong

no RZ's Daily Spark of Life today! =(

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Every cloud has a silver lining. There is always a good thing that comes from a intense drama or a difficult situation. Treasure and appreciate the good part.

The Lord has brought me this far.

Today is a special day. Even though what happened today maybe something outward, but it's a sign of Lord's faithfulness and everlasting love. Today is a mile stone. The Lord has brought me this far. Praise the Lord for Your faithfulness. =)

I have come a long way, and there is still a long way to go. I love You Lord!

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

"We are contagious and we spread around." - This is meaningful in multiple levels, both positive and negative. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Someone asked me once: "RZ, how do you know for sure...?"
RZ: "What can I say? When you know, you just know."

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

live a life that gives without remembering and takes without forgetting =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

What should I expect in life? RZ: Expect the unexpected! =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Laziness is what drives innovations. We are too lazy to walk so we invented the car. We are too lazy to do math by hand so we invented the calculator. Doing the same amount of work with less and less effort keeps us out of the dark ages. =)

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Remember how we said that "it" wouldn’t change anything? O well, it has changed me.

More Info about "RZ's Daily Spark of Life"

More Info about "RZ's Daily Spark of Life":
I don't "spark out" random quotes. lol. There is always always a story or a experience behind every quote. My life is an accumulation of all those stories.
Some are extremely personal; some are more general.
Some are from six or seven years ago; some are just happened today.
Some are about me; some are about the people around me.
Some are sweet; some are bitter.
Some i love; some I loath.
Some make my mind wonder for several days =/; some are just a flash in my head.
Some i really appreciate and treasure; some i just have to say "screw you!"
Some makes me worry; some reassure me.
Some are coincidence; some are destiny! =)
Some are simple; some are complicated.
Some are philosophical; some are practical.
Some are funny; some are boring.
Some confuse me; some clear my mind.
Some make me happy; some make me sad.
Some cause me to turn to God; some cause me to turn away from God. =(
Some are extraordinary, amazing, and bizarre; some are just common everyday things.
Some are heavy stuff; some are light.
Some make me anxious; some make me calm.
Some i want to change; some i just have to accept it.
Some make me proud; some make me humble.
Some may surprise you; some you already knew.
Some i wish you never find out; some i will tell you the first time i met you. =)
Some are right things to do, some are just plain mistakes to start with. o well...
Some change me life forever! =] =] =]

You may ask are you sure you know what you are doing? No. I don’t. But I think that’s the point about life. Who is sure about his or her life?

Feeling like quoting Mother Teresa:
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is a beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is life, fight for it!

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

If your goal doesn't scare you and excite you at the same time, it's probabaly not a good goal.

RZ's Daily Spark of Life

Life can only be understood backwards.

I will start this new thing called "RZ's Daily Spark of Life". I will try to update this everyday and see how far i can go. Don't worry if i miss a few days. The Lord is still good and life is still beautiful. =]

climb a mountain

I hope i would live my Christian life would as i would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but i can observe many beautiful scenes from each new vantage point. =]

Always rejoicing. Always pursuing. Always loving. Always caring.

A life that give without remembering and take without forgetting.

Farm Frenzy 2

I accidentally stumbled into a game called "Farm Frenzy 2" last weekend. It's about managing a farm. It was soooo fun... I like how my mind don't wonder off when I was concentrating playing the game. Can't really say that in many other things...

I know i would be tired of it in a few days, but i will definitely enjoy every minute of it now. Capture the moment.

words of encouragement

Charles Spurgeon once confessed, "I know my words cannot honor Him according to His merits: I wish they could. Indeed, I grow less and less satisfied with my thoughts and language concerning Him. He is too glorious for my feeble language to describe Him. If I could speak with the tongues of men and of angels, I could not speak worthily of Him. If I could borrow all the harmonies of heaven, and enlist every harp and song of the glorified, yet were not the music sweet enough for His praises."

=)

exercise my forbearance

Last night i was ranting to a brother that i don't know that well about a particular situation. =/

At the end of my ranting he was like "it's a good opportunity for you to exercise your forbearance..."

This morning i saw that brother on Lord's table and I asked him what does forberance mean. He told me that forbearance mean being okay with what other people do. Strong AMEN.

Yeah, it's okay.

lost by Cal ID card

I am back in Berkeley now. I went to gym to work out two days ago and i lost my Cal ID card. I called the gym and nobody had turned it in. Soo today i paid $25 to get a new card. Now i have $25 less to spend. =(

Yeah, today i went to Wells Fargo bank and the teller mistakenly gave me a extra $20 bill. In the beginning i was like YAH! As i walked out the bank, my conscience bothered me so i went back in to return $20 to the her. She was kinda surprised and she said thank you. As a result, my conscience is clear, myself is denied and the Lord is expressed. =)

Boy, 6, Misses Bus, Takes Mom's Car Instead !!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/01/07/ST2009010701921.html

I love this kid. He loves school! He sure has strong convictions and determinations.

I bet all the kids at his school thinks he's cool now. =)

A Young Man in God's Plan - Chapter 2

Proverbs 20:24 says "A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?"

I have to tell you I don't understand my life. Because there is another party, God, is directing my steps. I am willing to have God direct my steps. Although it's a mysterious process, the will of God is done.

We are human and He is God. He is considering how is He going to accomplish His will with us? What is the best way? What is the best time?

God has a will. God has a way to carry out His will. God has a timetable. How will this work out? What needs happen to me first? What experience do we need to have?

God has a will for which everything is created. We exist, and we exist as a particular kind of human being in space and time, according to God's will.

Second Timothy 1:9 refers to God who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose in grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the time of the ages. God saved us and called us according to His own purpose. =)

A Young Man in God's Plan - Chapter 1

KEEPING OURSELVES EMPTY, OPEN, FRESH, NEW, LIVING, AND YOUNG WITH THE LORD

"You have to be new, empty, and open, telling the Lord that you are here for nothing on this earth but for Himself. We need to tell the Lord that we are not here for religion, nor are we focused on teachings, doctrines, or gifts. But we are here one hundred percent for Christ Himself as the living One."

This is hard but the Lord is still working in us. =)

Church in Tucson

I went to the meeting hall of the Church in Tucson. =) It's huge. It has 2-3 acres for about 30 saints. I like it's spacious parking lot a lot. You can park like 100 cars in it.

The Water Horse

Watched a movie called "The Water Horse" with mom and bro. It's a wonderful story. =]

Ebenezer

Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
1 Samuel 7:12

I read this story online.

Dr. F. W. Boreham told of a scrap of paper that was framed and displayed in his parent's home. The words said: "Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us." One day he asked his mother about it, and she told him of a time when she and her husband faced a crisis. She was distressed for weeks, but one day as she paced back and forth she paused in front of an almanac on the wall.
"The only thing I saw was the text in the corner," she said. "It was as if someone had spoken the words: ‘Hitherto has the Lord helped us.' I was so overcome, I sat down and had a good cry; and then I began again with a fresh heart and trust."

What a great verse for the New Year! The same God who brought us this far will lead us on. He is our God in ages past and our hope for years to come. If we live in the light of eternity knowing our times are in His hands, we can face each day with a fresh heart and trust.

Hitherto has the Lord helped us.

Sweet and Gooey Chicken Wings

I was at front house alone by myself, reflecting on last year, reading classic novels, practicing guitar, and thinking about future. Fun.. Usually i would fly back home right after the last final. However, this time i purposely set aside a couple days by myself, so i would slow everything down. Plus, i get to enjoy Berkeley without worrying about my schoolwork.

I am making sweet and gooey chicken wings tonight. (super tender!) I am inviting the only brother that is left in Berkeley to join me for chicken wings dinner. He is a grad student. Even though i see him all the time, i never had any chance to talk to him. He must have some deep and good experience with Christ. Hopefully tonight i can get to know him better. =)

Your call is very important to us. Please hold...

Stop saying "Your call is very important to us. Please hold..." If my call is really that important, why don't you hire a real human and pick up the phone?

those who mind and those who matter

I like just to be who I am. I like to say exactly how i feel. I won't say something just to please someone. Also, I won't withhold something that I should say (well, most of the time). Genuineness and integrity are priceless commodities.

Because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. =)

don't seek it

Brother Ron told us last weekend that don't seek any position in church life. Don't have any expectation to be somebody. He used to tell the trainees that don't seek any position in the church. If it's not yours, you won't get it no matter how you seek it. On the other hand, if it's yours, you will get it no matter what. Just love God!

Strong Amen. =)
But i am open to new opportunity from God.

p.s. oh, i finished my music sight singing final today. lalala..

Got hecka annoyed

Got hecka annoyed over a stupid hypothetical situation. It wastes me so much time to ponder on it. =(

Honestly, I have a better chance to win a lottery than to see that thing happen. silly me.

Anyway, the Lord is still good and the life is still beautiful. :)

Philosophy Final Today

Aristotle says "Things are said to come to be in many ways, and some things are said, not to come to be, but to come to be something, while only realities are said simply to come to be." excerpt from Aristotle's Physics Book I Chapter 7.

Aristotle, Aristotle, should I love you or should I hate you? Why would you write someone like that?

Can someone please tell me what it means? Can you write a three pages essay of that in the final? This is what I have to deal with in two hours. Please feel sorry for me! =(

What does it mean for us to love the Lord?

Today we went to the annual blending conference at Santa Clara. That was much much better than studying finals at home. I am starting to get a little worried becuase my computer security/hacking final is this coming Wednesday. Why do they have the final at the last day of class, which leaves me no time to study??

Anyway, back to the happy things. Brother Ron Kangas asked us "what does it mean for us to love the Lord? What do you mean when you say 'Lord Jesus, I love You!'". This is the same question he asked a group of fourth term sister trainees a couple years an ago. It causes me to really consider how I love the Lord.

1. To love the Lord is to focus our entire being on Him
2. To love the Lord is to appreciate Him and His plan
3. To love the Lord is to open our beings to him
4. To love the Lord is to enjoy Him
5. To love the Lord is to give Him the first place
6. To love the Lord is to be one with Him
7. To love the Lord is to live Him
8. To love the Lord is to become Him in life and nature but not the the Godhead

AMEN =)

They That Wait Upon the Lord

Since the first Berkeley Front House Brothers limited edition album "Things Which Eyes Have Not Seen" is such a great hit, we are likely to produce the second CD very very soon. The second CD may be tentatively named "They That Wait Upon the Lord". The name is tentative because it's just my suggestion. Other brothers need to approve the name.

Isaiah 40:31 says:

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings of eagles
The shall run and not be weary
They shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait.


Lord, teach me how to wait down on my knees. I just want quietly praying and waiting until in Your own good time You answer my pleas. Your timing is always right. When situations come, I always have the temptations to do what other worldly people would do. Oh Lord, teach me not to rely on what others do, instead I want to wait in prayer for the answer from You.

Lord, teach me how to wait while my heart is a flame. My heart is often burden and wearied. When I am proud and ambitious, please help me humble myself and just quietly call on Your name. Keep my faith renewed everyday and keep my eyes fixed on Thee. Don't help me to be anything else. Help me be on this earth what You want me to be.

Lord, teach me how to wait...

David and Giant Goliath

If you don't know the story about David and Goliath. Look it up online.

When i face giants in my life, that giant is not only there to promote me, but is there to show other who i really am. When people see God's favor in my life, when people see me rise above the adversitites, that not only honors God, but that will help me establish or even prove God's anointing in my life.

People can argue whether or not they think i deserve it, whether or not they think i am talented. But one thing for sure, when I defeated a Goliath in my life, they cannot argue the fact that God's favor is on me.

It's too late to convince me otherwise, because God already blessed me.

It's too late to convince me otherwise, because God already prospered me.

It's too late to convince me otherwise, because God already opened up supernatural doors.

It's too late to convince me otherwise, because what happened in Feb. 2006. =)

It's too late to convince me otherwise, because what happened on 8/20/2007. =)

It's too late to convince me otherwise, because what happened in the morning of one day in last month.

It's too late to convince me otherwise, because of so many other things.

i am seeing God's favor as i never seen it before. :)

I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart =)

Thank you Lord for the things You gave me this year. Thank you Lord for the things You didn't give me this year. In everything, no matter good or bad, I give thanks to You.


I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart;
I will enter His courts with praise.
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made.
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad,
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad,
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.

black friday shopping

Today I went to Staples and bought a wireless mouse ($12) and a bluetooth headset for my cell phone ($9.99).

heehee...

A Turkey on Thanksgiving - a story by RZ

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/11/20081126-3.html

It's holiday season again. Many students will be back home to enjoy the Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy your turkey.

I remembered back in high school I wrote a fairy tale for 10th grade English class. I posted the story below and hope you will enjoy it.



A Turkey on Thanksgiving

by Richard Zhang
Nov 27, 2003

Having a turkey for dinner on Thanksgiving is an old tradition of America. Every year on Thanksgiving, millions and millions of turkeys have to give up their lives. However, a ceremony began in l947, when President Harry Truman gave a "presidential pardon" to a live turkey on Thanksgiving day. Succeeding presidents have continued the practice faithfully. Our story begins with Monica, a turkey who was released on Thanksgiving of 2003.

Monica was born in a small farm in California. She had nine brothers and sisters. Under her parent’s unconditional care, she and her family grew up happily. Monica loved this world has to offer: unlimited supply of food, blue sky and polite humans. She was so closed with her family. She felt that the most important thing in her life was to live with them.

It was a blazing hot day. The sun burned down in a clear, cloudless sky. Monica and her family enjoyed the sunshine at the farm.

“You guys are all strong enough to leave us and have your own lives. ” Mother told her children.

“No! We can live together forever!” Monica shouted out.

“We can live together forever!” Her brothers and sisters shouted out together.

Mother’s smile mixed with the sunshine. They were all hugging and kissing.

On an afternoon in early October, Monica was surprised to find out her mom was crying alone.

“What’s going on, mom?” Monica asked.

Mom sign and looked down at Monica. “I’m afraid I have some very bad news for you.” She spoke really slowly. She told Monica there was something that Monica had to know. Last Thursday in November was the people’s Thanksgiving Day, a holiday. On that day, every family was going to have a Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Thanksgiving Day was a holiday for people, but it was also the Turkey Day, the end for all turkeys’ day.

“Thanksgiving holiday is just a holiday. Why do people want to eat turkeys?” Monica was angry.

“It’s a tradition of the American people. You can’t change it.” Mom petted Monica’s head softly.

After Monica spread this bad news to every family member, everybody surrounded Mom and Dad. From time to time, they looked at one other, but with their future such a mystery they could think of nothing to say. Then they were silent. Terrible silent.

At bedtime, Monica tossed and turned all night, scarcely getting any sleep between the loud snoring of dad and her own worried thoughts. The worst time in your life is the time before you know you are going to die and you can’t help it. It’s a crunch time for millions and millions turkeys.

On the afternoon of November 26, 2003, Monica’s whole family were packed in an enormous box and moved into the kitchen in the White House.

“Here we are,” A worker said, in a voice undoubtedly meant to be cheerful. “Your new home.”

Monica looked out and saw the prettiest house on the block. The while bricks had been cleaned very well, and through the wide window one could see an assortment of well-groomed plants.

“You turkeys are going to be a part of the Thanksgiving dinner for the First Family. What an honor!” The worker petted Monica’s father, who was moving from side to side.

“Who is the First Family?” Monica asked her mom.

“The First Family is the family of the president of the United States. His family is the First Family. His wife is the First Lady. His dog is the First Dog,” Mom explained to Monica.

“Are they going to eat us?” Monica asked again.

Mother nodded her head with sorrow.

“Why can’t our family eat his family?” Monica felt cheated.

“My poor girl, turkeys never eat people. We have no choice but to die.” Mother smiled with some bitterness.

“I hate here!” Monica said. Her voices rising as she got more and more upset. “I hate this house! I hate this world! ...”

“I hate it too,” dad said, and Monica looked at her dad with relief. Sometimes, just saying that you hate something and having someone agrees with you, can make you feel better about a terrible situation. “I hate everything about our lives right now, Monica,” dad comforts her, “but we are together.”

They spent their last night at White House. This building was like a jail.

At the morning of Thanksgiving Day, two men appeared in the kitchen. There was a bald man with a very long nose, dressed in a long black robe. Behind the bald man there was a man with very long and skinny arms, at the end of which were two hooks instead of hands. Monica had already been staring and shrieking while they were examining her family. The bald man reached over and held Monica, bringing out of the box.

“This one, okay?” He pointed at Monica.

“Excellent,” the skinny man agreed.

Monica was crying. She didn’t want to leave her family. Her mom was also crying with despair.

The skinny man picked Monica up in one scraggly hand and raised her so she was staring at him in the eye. Needless to say, Monica was too scared to even try to bite the hand that held her. She struggled, trying to escape but not avail. The hand was as powerful as the pliers.

“What’s the matter with you? You are chosen to be released by the President. You should feel lucky!”

They brought Monica to the White House Rose Garden. Monica had a chance to see the so-called “President”, who had just flown back from Baghdad. There were dozens of reporters surrounding him.

The president rubbed his hands with great glee. He moved toward Monica with smile on his face. Then he opened the box, petted Monica’s head.

“Now you are free,” the President told Monica.

Monica hesitated a second, then jumped out of the box. Nobody tried to stop her. She then danced in the grass. The grass glistened wetly, and the ground beneath her was soft and moist.

Everybody applauded. Everybody was trying to take picture for her.

Monica wandered around the building. Everybody she met smiled at her.

She wanted to see her family, but they didn’t let her go into the kitchen.

At nightfall, the First Family was having dinner together. She walked into the dining room looking for her family desperately, hoping against hope that her family members were still alive. But all she saw was her dead mother lying in a dish. Her mom was watching her with a dull look on her face.

“Dad, look! There is a turkey wandering around!” The First Daughter said as she saw Monica.

“That’s the turkey your dad released today. Maybe she wants to give us thanks on Thanksgiving Day. What a miracle!” The First Lady told the First Daughter.

“You don’t have the right to release me!” Monica cried.

The First Family never knew a turkey could talk. They were all staring at Monica.

“YOU KILLED MY MOTHER!!!” Monica said each word with hatred.

“Your mother?” The President was confused.

“Yes. My mother,” Monica pointed at her mom. “This is my mother!”

The First Family gazed at each other.

“Kill me! Please kill me! I must be with my mother,” she begged.

A drop of the First Daughter’s tear plopped down on the dinner table.

Monica tensed her leg muscles, took a deep breath and prepared to jump. Nobody moved. Monica jumped on the table. She wanted to be with her mother.

The First Lady screamed out loud.

One of the security guards hurriedly took out the gun and shot at Monica. Monica covered her mom with her wings before she died.

The next day, the president spoke with the new governor of California.

“Last night I saw a turkey who spoke to me in English. I’m not kidding,” the president told Arnold.

“Yes, Mr. President. You are not kidding. But be careful somebody is going to recall you if you keep saying it.” Arnold shrugged.

Something every heart is loving

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php?t=nt&n=547

Something every heart is loving:
If not Jesus, none can rest;
Lord, my heart to Thee is given;
Take it, for it loves Thee best.

Thus I cast the world behind me;
Jesus most beloved shall be;
Beauteous more than all things beauteous,
He alone is joy to me.

Bright with all eternal radiance
Is the glory of Thy face;
Thou art loving, sweet, and tender,
Full of pity, full of grace.

When I hated,Thou didst love me,
Shedd'st for me Thy precious blood;
Still Thou lovest, lovest ever,
Shall I not love Thee, my God?

Keep my heart still faithful to Thee,
That my earthly life may be
But a shadow to that glory
of my hidden life in Thee.

I realized that some simple YP songs make so much sense right now, after I have been through many experiences. Even though the words are simple, the experience of the writer is deep and sweet.

Oh Lord, Keep my heart still faithful to Thee, That my earthly life may be But a shadow to that glory of my hidden life in Thee.

philosophy paper

In my philosophy class, I have to write a final paper on account of Aristotle's explanation of Moral Excellence. So for the first time in history, I went to the sections from other five TAs to hear what do they have to say about the paper. (unbelievable huh?)

For that paper I have thoroughly analyze Aristotle's idea of Moral Excellence. How does moral excellence leads to true happiness, etc. They are some obscure and random stuff.

It's funny and sad how some people take this kind of stuff seriously, thinking that they have the truth. They don't know that only Christ is the aletheia, the truth, and thus the only way to eternal happiness.

One call of "I Love You, Lord Jesus" trumps all Greek philosophies. =)

Californians Approve Proposition 2

As a long-time and active member of The Humane Society of United States, I am glad that prop 2 was passed! Californians have spoken.

Proposition 2 passed with more than 60% of voters taking a stand against the mistreatment of farm animals. This measure ends the practice of confining veal calves, egg-laying hens and breeding pigs in crates and cages so small the animals can barely move over the course of their entire lives.

As a result, we brought forth a new, more compassionate age.

The President The Humane Society of the United States wrote to us: Giving farm animals a little extra room to stretch their limbs, to move like animals should, is a small matter for us humans. But it’s a very big thing for a hen who would otherwise be confined with a half-dozen other birds in a cage about as big as a filing cabinet for her whole life. It’s a really big thing for a sow who would otherwise be stuck in a crate so small she couldn’t turn around. It’s a way big thing for a calf who would spend life chained inside a miserably tiny crate.

Brother Lee once said that you can tell how much a person loves the Lord by observing the way they treat the animal. I think being humane to animals is one of the good human virtues that express God's divine attribute.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Of course, the real and everlasting kindness is God Himself.

right path

Christian life is a journey. God leads me to the paths that I would never imagine. I don't want to know everything and plan out everything. It's more fun this way. Human preparation can only take me so far, the rest lies on the hand of God.

Watchman Nee once said "If God leads you to walk a way that you know, it will not benefit you as much as if He would lead you to take the way that you do not know. This forces you to have hundreds and thousands of conversations with Him, resulting in a journey that is an everlasting memorial between you and Him."

Sometimes God's will is very clear to me for some matters through His sovereign arrangement. But some matters I am not sure what the will of God for me is. I just like to keep my heart open and set on the Lord, hoping that the merciful Lord will correct me and lead me to right path if I am on a different one.

Building Up or Tearing Down

When we fellowship with one another, we should always ask ourself: are we building them up or are we tearing them down? That's doesn't mean we are ignorant of the challenges we are facing. Everyone has problems. However, we shouldn't always complain. We can offer each other a word of encouragement, rather than a word of discouragement; a message of hope, rather than a message of fear; a confirmation of belief, rather than a question of doubt.

Being spiritual doesn't necessary mean being legalistic. One definitely can be spiritual and practical at the same time.

During the retreat, the brothers from Texas told brothers, you watch how much does that sister loves the Lord, and sisters vice versa. That's the highest quality you are looking for in another person is how much their heart is for the Lord. When the reality hits, when we are not rooted in Christ and not loving Christ, there is gonna be conflicts. When the money problems come in, there is gonna be conflicts. When the sickness comes in, there is gonna be conflicts. There are many heavy things and pressures that's gonna come up. But what would bring the couple more and more into oneness is that they both love the Lord. Their relationship is based on Christ himself. It doesn't matter how compatible you feel you are, you watch when the pressures come up you will see how uncampatible you are. The thing that really brings us into a sweet oneness is loving the Lord Himself.

I remembered a few months ago during our usual "bros" conversation, Paul Daubenmire told me that "the sister is attractive when she is in her spirit." I didn't feel the same way as him back then. Now I couldn't agree with him more. =)

From the spirit we can get life, peace, strength, hope, joy, deliverance, forebearance, forgiveness and so much more! We can never graduate from loving the Lord. We can tell when we touch a heart of a person, what their heart is for and what's number one in their heart. The number one should be God and His purpose on the earth.

Christians on Campus College Retreat

We went to the college retreat last weekend. It was a great experience. It really refreshed my love for the Lord.

Not only Jesus is the complete God. He is also a perfect man who has total identification of man in the way of experience. He is the one who can be touched with the feeling of out weaknesses. There is no struggle that He cannot identify.

5 ways to pursue Christ
1. by knowing and loving Him
2. by yearning for Him
3. by being drawn by Him
4. by counting all things loss on account of the excellent knowledge of Christ
5. by laying hold of Christ (forgetting and stretching)

The real Christian life is inward and largely hidden. Our life is daily, small, slow, hidden, and also corporate.

We need to develop a good root system while we are in college. Otherwise we wouldn't stand it when the storms come later in our lives.

This weekend the Lord forced me to get our of myself and focus on Him. The mind set on the flesh in death and the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. =)

Dunder Mifflin

It all starts with an idea.
But you can never tell where an idea will end up.
Because ideas spread, they change, grow.
They connect us with the world.
And in a fast moving world, where good news moves at the speed of time and bad news isn't always what it seems.
Because when push comes to shove we all deserve a second chance.
To score.
Dunder Mifflin.
Limitless paper in a paperless world.

I Love Office!!!

Ferrero Rocher chocolate

How do you know that I like Ferrero Rocher Fine Hazelnut chocolate? :D

I LOVEEEEEEEEEE it. Haha. Thank you! Thank you! :D

We are all interconnected. Our dreams, our hopes, and our futures... The actions of each of us , human or nonhuman , have contributed to the world in which we live . We all have a common responsibility for our world and are connected to everything in it .