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| Christmas will be here in a few days. It’s always a busy time as we approach the year-end. Many things have happened since my last entry here. It’s no doubt that 2007 is another year filled with blessings from God. I have high hopes for 2008 and believe that something significant will happen next year. I have faith in the Lord and I am eager to ride the adventure of life with Him. As you are reading this message, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays can’t and will never replace the true meaning of this season. It’s Merry Christmas for Christ sake. Recently a good friend and co-worker of mine gave me the following devotion from “Our Daily Bread.” I want to share with you all. Let us at all costs avoid the temptation to make our Christmas worship a withdrawal from the stress and sorrow of life into a realm of unreal beauty. It was into the real world that Christ came; into the city where there was no room for Him, and into a country where Herod, the murderer of innocents, was king. He comes to us, not to shied us from the harshness of the world but to give us the courage and strength to bear it; not to snatch us away by some miracle from the conflict of life, but to give us peace – His peace – in our hearts, by which we may be calmly steadfast while the conflict rages, and be able to bring to the torn world the healing that is peace. When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus to the Lord, Simeon said to them: “Behold, the Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35) Christmas is not a retreat from reality but an advance into it alongside the Prince of Peace. Once again, Merry Christmas!!!!! | | |
| I watched the movie "Amazing Grace" with Matt and Patty earlier today. It is a movie about William Wilberforce, an Englishman who initiated the ban of the slave trade movement in the Great Britain, and then the rest of the British Empire. The movie is well done and moving. You can tell from the movie that he is a very devoted Christian who at 1 point was thinking about being a priest and living a life of solitude. However, God did not give him an answer that way. He wanted William to remain in his position as a politician in the House of Commons. His interactions with John Newton, the author of one of the greatest hymn of all time, Amazing Grace, were full of energy and God's grace. He became a man of great importance not only in the world of politics, and also for the better life of mankind in general. He was full of compassion to the people around him and the folks who were suffering out there. His faith to God was incredible. I really admire his character and this movie made me want to know more about this great man of God.
Sometime I found myself struggling with the same issues William dealt with. What's the calling of God to me? Should I remain in my current position or do something else? Should I stay or relocate to somewhere else? What does God want me to do? Does God remain silence because he knows what's ahead of me? Although I know well that I won't ever be as great as Mr. Wilberforce, I do want to live a life that I can contribute something good to the world. How would I do it? There can be a list of questions that I can ask. I am eager to see how God unfold the journey of my life 1 chapter at a time. He continues to amaze me. May be just like the hit song from Carrie Underwood, I'll let Jesus takes my wheel. I tell myself to live by faith, and hold on tight.
The hymn "Amazing Grace" was sung and played a few times throughout the movie. It gave me an additional meaning after I watched this film. Whether you are a Christian or not, I highly recommend it to you all. The uplifting side of the human spirit would truly inspire you.
To those of you who have wonder where I have been since the last entry almost 3 months ago, long time no see. It's good to be back!
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| I read my Streams in the Dessert's calender and really like what it said today. Therefore, as God's chosen people ..... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness .... (Col. 3:12) Our lives touch others but once, perhaps, on the road of life; and then, perhaps, our ways diverge, never to meet again. A word spoken pleasantly is a large spot of sunshine on a sad heart. I find it quite uplifting. Hope you like it as well. Have a great weekend! | | |
| Ever since last nite, I have been thinking about how thankful I am for the last 30 years. Although there have been ups and downs along the way, it has been a pretty good life so far. On my way home after the church prayer meeting last nite, I prayed and gave thanks to God for everything He has given and done in my life. If I remember it correctly, my mom said I was born in the morning of the last day of November. Since Hong Kong is 12 hours ahead of Grand Rapids, I was born 30 years ago last nite.
I tried to make it real low-key for this big birthday but somehow my co-workers were still able to give me a very pleasant surprise earlier today. After the departmental meeting this morning, my co-worker brought out a big birthday cake and I shared it with everyone in the department. I also got a Happy 30th balloon by my desk, which I believe my sister Karen will get a kick out of that. Speaking of Karen, I talked to her and my parents on the phone for a little bit this morning as well. In the evening I went to my American family for dinner and everyone was there. My American Dad made my favorite "Georges" Fried Rice and the kick-butt BBQ ribs. It was nice to see and celebrate this occasion with every one in the family in this special day. It's a low-key birthday, but very meaningful.
Let's show some pictures!
Yes, I know. I am officially in the "Elite" 30s group. People said that 30s is the new 20s now , and I still feel, and hopefully, look young!
It helps to look young when I am surrounded by my nieces and nephews :) Look at my youngest nephews; they are all fascinated by the big b-day cake!
I thank God for his grace, all the blessings, and the lessons I learned in the last 30 years. I don't know what the next 30 years will be like, but God knows as He holds my future. I have peace and confidence as I face the future. May I continue to be a man after His own heart!
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|  | Currently Watching
Stranger Than Fiction
By Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, Emma Thompson, Tony Hale, Kristin Chenoweth, John Janota, T.J. Jagodowski, Angelina Riposta, Grizz Patterson, Clifford M. Freeney, Julie Hilgendorf, Jessica Schlobohm, John R. Haley, Rikki Ragland, Ora Jones (II), Jonathan Parise, Ruby Gonzalez, Nicole Auman
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I just had a 4-day Thanksgiving weekend not too long ago. I stayed in GR the whole time and it was very nice and relaxing. I went to Mom and Dad Georges for the big turkey dinner on Thanksgiving day and the whole family was there. I cherish the time together as a family coz I really don’t how many more Thanksgiving meals I will have with them. It has been a big tradition for me in the last 12 years, from Michigan to Iowa and back to Michigan. There are so many unknowns in the future, but I trust that God will make a way for me. I have invited my roommate Wen, Moon and his wife, Anne to the Georges for Thanksgiving. They had a great time and enjoyed the feast and the fellowship with the family members. They had fun with the kids there as well. Speaking of the kids, Moon teased me that I am a very good candidate for marriage as I am very good with the kids. Wait a minute here, with his logic, it sounds like I am more ready to be a Dad than a husband though. Don’t you think?  Other than eating a lot, I have watched a few movies on DVD during the break. I also saw “Stranger than Fiction” at the theatre and it was a pleasant surprise. With Will Farrell in the movie, I was expecting a comedy instead of a drama. I don’t know that he can act! This movie is a story about the life of a Senior IRS auditor and how his life has changed once he started hearing a “voice” depicting every single detail of his life. It’s a very interesting story. The movie makes you think and motivates you to live your life to the fullest. Highly recommend it. | | |
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