Lavender Cafe

Thursday, June 19, 2008

0154. Days With Many Things Came

I keep having something happening after I returned from my vacation at Vancouver. I sent my computer to fix because hard drive has broken track last month. Praise the Lord, it was broken at OS, not data sectors. Then I suddenly couldn't find my flash drive which has tax return information. I found it later that day after scaring myself. Computer at work was not running smoothly last week. Some files couldn't access properly. So I sent to MIS for check and the result is the same as my computer, broken tracks. This morning, I couldn't find my wallet, which also have my employee ID. I still have no clue where it is. If I couldn't find the wallet, I am losing NT$3000. Also after my vacation, there is no break in my work. I smell work direction change two weeks ago. Even though it is not confirmed yet, we are getting busier than before.

I remember Pastor Tsao said a few weeks ago, that God always let him very busy at certain period of time, like everything comes all at same time. Maybe I am in the same situation as well. I admit that I am feeling low recently. I think it is because lots of work to do and also affected by someone else. I was affected by our team leader, who is under great pressure. I didn't deal with this feeling low. All I focus was finishing work early to go home. Today, I was sharing with a sister. She reminded me to be still in the Lord. Yes, be still, what I need to practice right now.

Friday, June 13, 2008

0153. 40 Years

I went to The King's Singers concert last night. I had their collection CD last year through someone else. Their songs are from classical to pop. Their voices are nice. So I didn't want to miss their concerts in Taipei this year! They have two concerts in Taipei this year, with different songs. I want to attend both but I have to give up the Jazz I want to hear since I have church meeting at same time. I am glad at least I still have a chance to watch live concert. Even though this is only pure human voices, they still have funny physical acts based on the songs they sang. Those acts made us laugh. They also surprise us by singing Chinese songs, though it is not completed understood what they are singing.

I notice that they are a 40-years-old vocal group while reading their story. This year happens to be their 40th year. Even thought they do have member change several times, but a 40-years-old pop group is very rare in the history. This reminds me that ShenKun Church just celebrated their 40th year and Grandma Taylor spent her 40th year in ShenKun as well. Moses' three 40 years also pop into my mind. I believe Moses' last 40 years and Grandma Taylor's 40 years are getting God's approval. Moses was very humble in his last 40 years, like a sheep-warrior. He was totally obedient to God, which is why he had a victorious life. Grandma Taylor gives her best time of life to God and faithfully stays in ShenKun 40 years. I believe those are make God smile.

The same 40 years but different rewards. Just what said in the "Purpose Driven Life", we must treat the days on earth is a guest so we will not too attach to whatever on earth. This is what I need to ponder on more deeply.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

0152. [Music Share] Total Priase

This is another song I have been listening a lot, Total Praise. This version is sang by Avalon. I am not sure this is a traditional hymn but I can not help to keep listen over and over again though the words are simple. Maybe this is because I need those words lately :)

Total Praise

Lord, I will lift, mine eyes to the hills
Knowing my help is coming from You
Your peace, You give me in time of the storm

You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to You

Amen, Amen
Amen, Amen
Amen, Amen
Amen, Amen

Friday, May 30, 2008

0151. [Music Share] Before the Throne of God Above

Chris Rice is one of my favorite gospel singer. I have his intrumental album of hymns. Recently, he published another hymn album. This time, he sang instead just play. I just heard this song and crab the lyrics on the net. Can't wait to share :)

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

0150. Spiritual Gifts (2008.0427)

As usual, Pastor Wei asked whoever returned to Vancouver must brought spiritual gifts. After my vacation ends, someone asked me what I had shared. What I prepared was not exactly what I said and I couldn't remember exactly what I said either. So this post will list the points I had prepared.

1. Expert = Earnest (Take seriously)
. Day April 26th of Daily Manna by Hans R. Waldvogel: Lots of people fail in the crisis times in their lives because they are not stored with the Word.
. Starting from May 5th of 2005, I, together with sisters in the church, memorize Bible verses. We use the must-remember list from Pastor Tsao. We test each other each Sunday though we may postpone for some situations.
. I used to memorize Bible verses while commuting, before I moved to current location.
. Also listening to God's word while working.

2. Recently, we are talking about victorious life in Shi-Lin
. See things as none of my business; I will not be affected whatever others have been.
. Do not play or do business with God, but God does play chess with us.
. What are the principles which I should hold firmly and not altered easily - Those principles will reduce the misunderstanding and confusion of understanding God's will.
. Bitterness is drinking the poison myself and waiting for my opposite to die.
. Our past is like our own museum. There are quite a few things we lock in the storage room cause we didn't want people to see them. Usually, those locked in the storage are the moments that we don't want to remember. However, those memories will escape from the storage room from time to time. Those memories do not have power over us when we can put them into the show room for others to appreciate. If we want to get away those memories, the fastest way is replacing them with new and beautiful memories.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

0149. On Vacation

I don't feel like writing blog?! Not sure if it is because I haven't written for a while.

Finally, I am on two-week vacation. Last time, it was well over an year. But Vancouver is surprisingly chilly. I heard this April has record low temperature. It even snowed on the night I arrived in Vancourver. My mom said Vancouver welcome me with snow. There is a big weather gap between Taipei and Vancouver. It was hard to decide what clothings to take with me. I am glad I throw in few winter clothing at the last minute, since the suit case had some more room. The only thing that I regret I didn't bring with me is my long boots.

Everyone here asks me whether and when I will be moving back. Well, I would like to but God hasn't given me a clear signal yet. So wait for another while. In the next few days, I will visit my prof and a software company. They also plan a hiking over weekend. Rest of time, besides some personal to-do, I hope to read a bit. Two weeks fly fast.

And right now, I have a little hard to sleep at mid-night. Time difference is just not easy to adjust.

Friday, February 29, 2008

0148. Kingdom of Heaven is ...

[Notes of Sermon] Parables of kingdom of heaven

Scripture：Matt. 13：31-33，44-46

. Kingdom of heaven starts from small
. Kingdom of heaven requires taking root in a long term
. The rule of growing faith
. Invisible influence

. Change the life that was dry and hard
. Prayer - is generator
. Wait on God
. Love

. The value of kingdom of heaven is hidden
. The value of kingdom of heaven is discoverable
. Kingdom of heaven is worthy at any price with joy
. Kingdom of heaven is the most beautiful

Rev 21：10-22：2
. Bright and pure
. Discriminable
. Rooted with fundation which will not be shaken
. Ordered
. diverse and abundant
. Glorious
. Satisfiable and healing

Sunday, February 17, 2008

0147. Having Fun

Just two working days after Chinese New year break, I already taking days off to have fun. Well, of course I got invitation from someone else otherwise I will be in the office! But I am not used to go out with those who do not have to work and no plan. It is a challenge to me since I have to work. It was good there was a overall plan, otherwise I couldn't stand it.

We went to Tainan visiting two historic spots and some local foods. But the foods are not what I heard from TV or magazines. Local people took us to dine different taste. We stayed at a friend's apartment in Kaohsiung. The next day, we went to National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. Because the long distance, we only had half day over there. It was not enough! I want more. So I will find another chance to go there. The third day, I took a long walk around the Love River in Kaohsiung and then headed home first.

I think I should travel with plan myself. I can see my future trips includes Tainan local foods that I didn't get to have this time and visitor attractions, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, and other visitor attractions in Kaohsiung.

Monday, February 11, 2008

0146. Winter Conference Notes

Time: Feb. 7-11, 2008
Location: Christ's College
Theme: Kingdom of Heaven

. Verse of 2008 is Heb 12:28 - Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
. Read God's word earnestly, remember and think through
. When does the God's kingdom start? Pentecost
. Must have fountain
. Sing more
. Our king is full of power and authority, as well as love, moreover a friend.
. Let heavenly glory in every morning
. God's kingdom is not matter of eating, drinking, and words but of righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit and power.
. God's kingdom brings healing
. God's kingdom is from least to many, from small to large, from point to all, narrow entrance (Mat 13:18-23, 31-32, 33, Lk 18:24-30）
. God's kingdom can not be observed by eyes but sits within our hearts
. Is God your king?
. What we obey is what rule over us
. Never think you are important
. Just near Him, sit beside Him
. Make Him happy as in love

Saturday, January 26, 2008

0145. Out of Immunity

Mom and Dad came. The days are a little mix-up. One thing which doesn't change after I worked at Taiwan is this: I can't the nag. I am totally out of immunity when it comes to nag. So, it has been arguements, more nagging, then silence. Communication level is at very low end.
I am wondering that I am only an unfinished work. Why always measure me with the final product standard?

Friday, January 18, 2008

0144. Work Swirl (18)

After New Year, the big news is the division of I was with had changes. The software planning team I stay with is now moved under product marketing. There are not much changes at this point. Work to do or the process is about the same. I didn't change my seat either. The other day, a colleague just realize my team is reviewing everything from the beginning to the end. As for myself, I wish to contribute more useful data in this year.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

0143. New Year Resolution

(I kept posponting writing this blog cause I wasn't sure whether to post everything. After two weeks of struggles, here it is.)

The verse of the year:
"He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son." (Rev. 21:7)

While attending the prayer meeting at the New Year Eve, Pastor Tsao asked us to think and write down the questions below:
Anything you would like to wrestle this year?
A. Pray for myself
1. Taking thing more seriously
a. including devotion, prayer, service, exercise
b. overcome laziness, both spiritually & physically
2. My reaction to things happening: more relax and from the eyes of the LORD
3. Focus and Concentrate
4. Less criticism and more appreciation

B. Pray for my family
1. Parents - Health
2. Michael & Mei - Bless their work and life, Know the LORD
3. David - Deeper exerience Jesus
4. Grandma - Health, Richer in grace (tongue)
5. Cousin Cindy - Deeper exerience Jesus
6. All others - Bless them and knowning Christ

C. Pray for my study, work and church services
1. Service - humbleness
2. Work - Kindness & gentleness in tongue, focus and conecentrate, more serious

D. New year resolution
See above.

Monday, December 31, 2007

0142. [Email Share] Daily Rules from God for 2008

Daily Rules from God for 2008

1. Wake Up!!
Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4 . Stand Up!!
For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!
To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!
For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!
Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

God answers Knee-Mail.

0141. December

Time flies fast. December is about to end. I had several days off because I didn't go home for Christmas. I didn't write blogs this month because I didn't record things that were happened. Now, I can't remember much of first half of the month. Second half of the month was focus on Christmas. As usual, we had Christmas dinner and celebration, Children's Christmas celebration and Carolling at Hospital. Last thing to finish this year is the prayer meeting.

Monday, November 26, 2007

0140. Pray And Thanks

[Reflection of Sermon] Heavenly Melody in the Heart II - A Grateful Heart

01. 2 Cor 2:14
02. 1 Tim 1:12 -- Grateful for the strength
03. Col 1:12-14 -- Grateful for the salvation
      Holy Spirit s\comes to reveal Jesus in us
      and to reveal sins within us;
      So we know what required changes and what are two-sided wihtin us
04. Ro 6:17 -- Grateful for obidence
05. Ro 7:21-25 -- Grateful for the power to overcome sinful natures
06. Phil 4:11-13 -- Grateful and contented
      The richest person is the one who is always thankful in any situation.
07. Ps 50:14, 23 -- Thank offering is the most holy sacrifice which a saint can offer.
      God works easier and faster on those who have a thankful heart.
      Spirit of thanksgiving brings perfect (blameless)
08. Phil 4:4-7 -- Pray, Petition, and Thank
09. Phil 2:14-16 -- NO complains and argues
10. Heb 12:27-29 -- With reverence and awe,
      grateful for the unshakable kingdom within us
11. Mat 11:20-30 -- Praise

Pray = Admit the fact that we need to be changed
The most profound prayer is non-stopping obidence to God. In other words, take the Lord's yoke and learn from hi,.

My reflection:
. Patience with collegues
. Estabilish an attitude of giving thanks
. Thank you God for the
      Family
      Unshakable kingdom within me
      Job
      Choices to make
      Clothings

Sunday, November 18, 2007

0139. God takes over things that I let go

[Reflection of Sermon] The Holy Spirit who he is and what he does I
Scripture: Eph 5:18

** Who is he? **
Jn 14:16-21; 1 Jn 2:1
Counselor, the Spirit of truth
In Greek, it has the meaning of lawyer, helper, counselor, comforter.
Holy Spirit is a different form of Jesus.

Jesus was counselor to disiples while he was on earth (Lawyer and encouragement).
R. A. Torey: How shall Holy Spirit gain me and use me?

** My reflection **
What are the things which I shall let go and let God take over?
. Ambition
. Future
. Health
. Unsatisfied

0138. Love Muji

I metioned in the last blog about Muji. Let me say more about their products.

After I came back to Taiwan, I have visited Muji from time to time. My brother introduced this store to me. And I like the simple style they have. Many objects are so simple which I can do some painting on them whenever I feel like it. I started to check their stationary and some travel-size bottles. Last year, I checked out their clothing and storage boxes/tools. I like their clothings because most of them are made by cotton and/or linen which are comfortable to wear. Storage boxes/tools have tones of varierty. Here are some prodcuts I enjoyed. Like pen, the pen outside is made stronger than most of pen I know. So just change to the ink most of time. They have a double usage pen, pen and mechanical pencil together. Just twist the pen to select pen or pencil. It's very nice and good to use. Their storage bag is good too. I used it as separation within a big bag. I just move the storage bag when I need to change bag. Things from Japan have good quality which I trust.

I usually don't pay attention to the design details. Lately, Muji has a promotion activity, which shows the design logic behind the product. Now I know the reason why their products are good. Beside the storage bag I just metioned, there are several other products. One product is a stationary bag, A4 or A5 size. It is not thick, have many pen holders on the side, and two big pockets outside. Like storage bag, I just move things from original bag to another by moving this stationary bag. Another design is a extra hole on the tips of umbrella. It is used to quickly spot your umbrella by tie a string or something on the hole. I also use that hole to hang the umbrella in the office after I used it. Oh, and this umbrella is quick to dry. They also sell one kind of socks which is only covers the bottom of feet (good when ladies doesn't want to wear panty horse). Their socks can stay on the feet without falling of so easily like other brands. The reason is that their design is 90 angled.

This is how I fall in love with it!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

0137. What shall leave at alter?

[Reflection of Sermon] Heavenly Melody in the Heart I - Longing for God
Scripture: Gal 1:13-17; Phil 3:3-16

. He is an artist knife turning defects to merit.
. Is Chist my beloved/treaure in my heart?
. Anthing that take this place shall treat as rubbish and shall leave at alter -> Take me away from longing fro God

What shall leave at alter? Maybe emotion, maybe ambition.

** My reflection **
What shall I put on the alter?
. Emotion
. Heart
. Thoughts
. Enjoy good material things
. Control

Saturday, November 10, 2007

0136. Notebook

Recently I was reading some financial magazines and decided to do better control of my financial. So I surf the net to find some book keeping notebook information. I accidentally found this Japaneses notebook. I found this from a Chinese mobile web forum site. I dig into this and found many ways of using it. It can be used not only as a notebook or book keeping, but also put clips, class notes, photos, weight change record. Many of those who used this notebook and shared their experience have several notebooks at one time. It is not very big, pocket size. So finally, I ordered it. Now I am waiting to receive the goodies and try it myself.

Upto this point, I have to say I love those goods made from Japanese. Muji is an example. Their goods are a little expansive but friendly to use. From stationary, little bottles and cans, to clothings and household stuff, many of them are great and friendly to use. Sometimes, I wonder whether I am too luxury.

Monday, November 05, 2007

0135. Little things happened

Today, I wear a pair of gray shoes my mom and I brought early this on the street side. They are cheap but comfy. But close the end of day, I found the bottom piece of left shoe is missing and later the right one falls out too. So it is officially going into the trash can.

And, surprisingly I had a heavy headache, which been a long time since I had a headache. Maybe because the cold air.

One more thing, I have been using 3G to get on to the net. I am going to switch to 3.5G. It is faster and nicer now because it has USB adapter now. I just need to get it work for my mac.

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