Did u Know?...Is it True 4 U?

Did you know that change is inevitable? No matter what you do, you can't stop it from happening. Change can be a good thing or a bad thing...It really depends on U. Changes usually affect your relationship w/ those around you...whether it be your friends, family or co-workers...someone other than you is affected. It is up to you to choose the path, whether it is right or wrong...put your faith in God and He will show you the way=) When something wonderful happens, remember to praise God! When times go bad or when you're unsure...look on the bright side...It is safe to say, that some of my friends and I are at an age where there is a fork in the road, where should I go? To the left or to the right? What is the path set before me? You know that you can't stay undecided forever...but you're unsure what path to take...Your mind says one thing...and your heart says another...What I can say is this? No one is perfect, nor are our emotions, we are all human beings...My answer to that is...Pray to God, put your trust in Him, meditate on His Word, He will set you on the right path.

15 Things U never knew or thought about...

1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned
your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but
if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

Sometimes It is great to be reminded=) So go and tell your friends how great they are to you.

"Book of Revelation"

What I learned in Sunday School today=)
Today, Pastor Nelson talked about Revelations...For those that don't know, this book was written most likely by the apostle John, brother of James, author of the gospel of John and the three epistles. This is supported by the testimonies of Justin Martyr (165A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (220A.D.) and Hippolytus (236 A.D.) and Origen (254 A.D.)

The book of Revelations can be interpreted into four different categories: the preterist view, the historicist view, the futurist view and the idealist view.

"Preterist" View: Refers to events that were fulfilled in the 1st century A.D., or shortly thereafter. It was primarily written to encourage the original readers. In today's day and age, it would be more didactic "(teaching the value of faithfulness to God)."

"Historicist" View: In this view, the book provides a panoramic view of the future of the church as it goes through history. You will also find in the book events as teh rise of Catholicism, Islam, the Protestant reformation, world wars, etc..., ending w/ the return of Christ. Thereby encouraging Christians, no matter when they lived.

"Futurist" View: "Apart from the first few chapters, the book tends to depicts events which immediately precede the 2nd coming of Christ. Therefore, most of the book has yet to happen (or is in the process), and its value is primarily for Chirstians who will be living at the time Jesus returns."

"Idealist" View: From an "idealist" perspective, the book does not deal a particular historical situation, rather, it enforces the principle that good will ultimately triumph over evil. Therefore, the book would be applicable to any age group.

However, a proper interpretation of the book should incorporate all of these views. I personally seem to lean towards the "futurist" view...However, according to Coplan, the "preterist" view has the most merit for the following reasons:
1. The book was written specifically to 7 churches in Asia...aka...modern Turkey
2. The purpose was to uncover or reveal.."things which must shortly come to pass:
3. John was told" Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand."
(Rev 22:10)
The book of Revelation, at least the first 19 chapters, deal w/ what has already taken place. It is only in chapters 20-22 does it talk about what has yet to happen.

For me, my goal is to read the whole book of Revelation and actually understand it. I've read it in the past but not fully understanding it...so that is my project this month!

Chinese New Year in TO

It's the year of the "Dog"...for those that don't know according to the lunar calendar...It is the most important celebration for the Chinese people. Today, I had the chance to go to TO to celebrate the Chinese festival at the EX (Automative Building) w/ some friends and family. It was an opportunity to just see the Chinese Festivities and also hang out w/ friends and meet new people. There were quite a few Chinese lantern displays of various animals/characters, chinese folkdance, food and bbtea. I must say, Dinner was good and very filling and cost efficient. One thing for sure, is thank goodness for cell phones...very hard to locate people and meet up w/ them. To finish off, I'm glad everything went well today, met new friends and I'm glad everyone had a good time=)

Wow, Time Flies....

Wow, can't believe it's almost the end of January...time really does fly...it only seems like last week was New Year's Eve, and a group of us was at Geoff's house ringing in the New Year's together. It's now almost the end of January already...and it really seems as if everytime I close my eyes just for a moment, a week goes by. Lots of Birthday dinners this month, fun at the OSC (Ontario Science Centre), overcoming my fear of touching plastination items and a lot of "firsts" for me...including driving to Markham and back. Also, I've had more seafood at a Oli/Alice's Bday hotpot than I've had in a long time...Findings...I like eating mussels and calamari. Of course, salmon in one of my favourite things...hehehe... Let's see...what else have I done this month?
I.....had the opportunity to volunteer at two places this past month...one at "Open Doors" at SQ1 and at a Men's Hostel in TO. It was a humbling experience to be able to help those that need it most. Being able to come together w/ friends to help our communities and share the gospel. Next weekend is the Chinese New Year Festival and I'm sure it'll be a fun weekend...Looking forward to it...Signing off for now!

Who's Your Better Half?

One of my friends wrote on his blog about social pressure about finding your "Better half"...To that I say, who cares about what others say...you'll know who the right gal/guy is when he/she comes along. My suggestion, is to start off as friends...get to know the "potential" other half. You never know who the "Better half" is until God opens your eyes...Some people can be friends for a long time before they date each other and some for a shorter time. Some can be friends and never date each other or try and find it doesn't work out...My point is, one day you will wake up and realize how "more special" this gal/guy is. You'll feel different and that you will want to spend lots of time with this person. Regardless, whoever you choose, this "person" should make you happy...but most of all, both of you should put the relationship into God's hands=) Just pray about it...

"In my life I learned how… 2 love 2 smile 2 be happy 2 be strong 2 work hard 2 be honest 2 be faithful 2 forgive but I couldn’t learn how.. 2 stop rembering u."

"Knowing a friend like u has made me happy in a million ways And if Ever I Have to Let you go………..I would Find a million reasons to make u stay!!!!"

Quotes on a Splendid TuEsDaY!

I find I love to write these inspiring quotes...so here I go:

"Follow your heart, Follow your dreams, Never give up in what you believe in...Stand Firm!"

"Always tell the truth...otherwise, you just end up hurting those around you"

"Friends come and go...those that help mold you into a better person, are those that you want to hold close to your heart"

"No one knows you better than God...He knows everything you've done, what you did and what you have yet to do"

"Those you love are those that you hurt most...Letting someone go is the hardest thing you do but it's the right thing to do if you care about him/her at all"

That's all for tonite:-)

Hey, if you have some quotes of your own, feel free to add them here:-) I want to see what kind of quotes you come up w/...hint hint...

My Quotes...inspired by a friend's MSN

A friend recently posted on his MSN "Believe in yourself-who cares about what others think" really got me thinking. Although I don't know this friend well...his quote kinda hit me, like a ton of bricks. A lot of times, I worry about what others think about me, I've been like that, most of my life. It's hard to think back where I can just "Believe in myself"...just be myself...and not trying to impress people. Earlier tonight, I was talking to a few friends...and I started thinking...I should write some inspiring quotes...as Christ's disciples, we should encourage and lift each other up:

"Be Yourself, Believe in Yourself, Never let anyone look down on you...Be Strong and courageous, Life is short..."

"Life is short, if I spend every moment worrying about what others think, I would never enjoy life and when I do, it's already over"

"Change is inevitable-was it for the best or the worst? Only you can make that choice...You only live life once...change is a part of life...it's how you choose to live your life!"

"I believe that God does put each person into my life for a purpose... the world's too big for it all to be a coincidence...For the purpose will be revealed in His time"

"Each person you meet brings unique attributes to your life...it will either make you stronger or show you for who you really are...and it is up to you change yourself to be more like Christ's disciple."

What I learned in Sunday School...3 Kinds of Faith

There are three kinds of Faith:
1. Dead Faith - James 2:14-17
2. Demonic Faith - James 2:18-19
3. Dynamic Faith -James 2:20-26

Dead faith:
I.) Substitute words for deeds...
People with this kind of faith know the vocabulary for prayer and sound doctrine and can even quote the right verses from the Bible. However, their "walk" does not measure up to their "talk"!
II.) Only an intellectual faith...
The individual knows the doctrine but never really submitted themselves to God and trusted Jesus for salvation. He/she may know the right "words", but do not back it up with their "Works".

Denomic faith:
Perhaps to shock any complacent readers, James reminds us that even "demons" have a kind of faith! They believe in God (no atheists or agnostics), they even believe in the deity of Christ (Mark 3:11-12), they also believe in the existence of a place of condemnation and they believe Jesus will be the judge (Mt 8:28-29)

What kind of faith do they have you ask? Their faith is one step above a "dead faith"- it involves both INTELLECT and EMOTIONS.

Dynamic faith:
Dynamic faith involves the WHOLE man- meaning it involves the intellect, the emotions AND the will. The difference here compared to the first two faiths is that the mind understands the truth, the heart desires and rejoices in the truth and the will acts upon the truth.

It is important that we all that profess to being Christians that we exmaine our own heart and life, and make sure that what we posess is the true saving faith, the "dynamic faith. Remember satan is a great deceiver; one of his devices is imitation: if he can convince a person that counterfeit faith is true...then he has that person in his power...

To finish off...may our prayer be similar to that of the Psalmist's:

"Search me, O God, and know my hert;

try me and know my anxieties;

"And see if there is any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalms 139:23-24

*Please note this material was provided from Pastor Nelson's sunday school class 01.14.06

When I wonder if God cares if I have problems?...When problems pile up=(

I will admit at times I wonder if God cares if I have problems...and I know in my heart, He does. He hates to see us sad and to suffer...I came across a book called "Praying Through The Tough Times" by Lloyd John Ogilvie and he writes this prayer..."

'Lord, you know that problems have a way of piling
up...sometimes it's my own fault. I've neglected
lots of potential problems saying," I'll worry about that tomorrow"...or I put
off doing the caring ting for the people in my
life...or sometimes they all want my attention at the same time.'

The answer came to him...
1. Focus on the circumstances
2. Now face the problem.
3. Thank You. :
4. Put blame behind me.
5. Commit the problem to You in prayer.
6. Claim Your promise to help me.
7. Share the problem w/ trusted friends.
8. Take the first step.

Live one day at a time...put your faith in God and trust in Him Always...
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way.But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,I love you and I would never leave you.During your times of trial and suffering,when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

What are Dreams made of? ~Setting Goals!

Someone once told me..."Dreams are made of hopes and ambitions." It's a New Year and it already has it's turbulance...Yes, this year started off great by celebrating it w/ some of my friends...then things happened at work, some sad news=(...but that just means stay alert and work harder=) I hope to develop more of my "gifts" this year and grow closer to God. Furthermore, growing closer to my friends, learning more about them and about myself. Also, thanks to a great friend, I'll be learning some Mandarin...hehehe...I took the 30% Cantonese, 70% Mandarin challenge. This thursday, Oli, Marc and I will be volunteering at Open Doors at Square One to help feed the hungry, play games w/ them, and just be able to share the gospel w/ them. This will be the third time going for me, and I enjoy helping those that need it as it says,"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40.
My hope would be world peace, but I know that isn't going to happen...I am but just one person. What I can do is help those in my community and bring them peace and joy by telling them about Christ and how He loves me and how He loves you.

Another Great Weekend!

This weekend has certainly been very busy from friday night right up to now...Although, it has been very busy, I've enjoyed every moment of it. From going out to the movies "kong" with friends from fellowship to dinner with them to just spending time to get to know my friends. At the same time, I spent sunday meeting some new friends, ice skating on a nice cool day in TO, and volunteering at a men's hostel serving food and just listening to their stories. It has been an eye opening day for me...I've learned more about myself and where my talents are and just being able to share the good news to these people. I hope to have more opportunites to serve...Praise God for opening my eyes and my heart.

My Thoughts....

It's the beginning of a new year...2006, what are my goals, my dreams? I often contemplate as to where my life is heading...and what have I achieved? I look back at 2005 and it has been the most busiest and challenging year for me. New Church, new friends and new challenges. Challenges that often test my skills, in how I deal with my friends and about life. I know that I have to be patient and hear what God wants me to do and not what I want. I know that He will never give me more than I can handle, even though at times it may seem to be too much. I pray that He gives me the strentgh to make the right decisions.