Fly me to the moon...

and let me playyyy among the stars...

now wouldn't that be a sweet dream.... Honestly, I have been dreaming every night for the past few nights and they were all oh-so random. Last night, it was about me being on the phone and then having 3 other incoming calls at the same time and I was like AHHHHH PPL STOP CALLING ME and then i woke up -_-" (random I know...) The night before, I dreamed about having no breaks in my car and I had to drive up someone's driveway/lawn in order to stop my car!! What the? But regardless, please be safe on the road everyone! the weather's been crazy for the past couple of days...

Had a boys night at jon's place with Mike & Simon... can't believe 2009 is almost done! NYE party at jon's place felt like it was last week and bam - 2009 is coming to an end. But this year, 2009 is going to end in an awesome way - urbana09! I really hope for lasting transformation and a new lead/direction for my career! Can't wait :)

Fill my heart with songggg
and let me singgg forever moreeee...

All I want for Christmas....

and the next long while - is this love. I've gots so many things to be thankful for. The peace that I am starting to discover by abiding in Him; my friends that are ever so fun and supportive; all the new friends that I have made in the past year; all the activities, small groups and ministries that I am doing; the ability to enjoy my time off and picking up guitar all over again; and the ability to heal (for my damaged ankle) as well! These are all the blessings from the One and only! :)

For the past couple of days, I have been reading Emotionally Healthy Spirituality & Walking with God and I've been thinking - I couldn't visually picture in my head how Christ looks. I have seen pictures in books, paintings, on the internet... and even in movies... (but I consider them as unreliable sources...) so on friday night - I went to bed honestly feeling a little bit frustrated... Fastforward two days, 2 hours of walking through the dead sea scrolls exhibit at the ROM, at the very end - there was a section on Bibles! In the second last display, there was a 11th century Greek gospel book (that I consider an authentic source) and the page was flipped to John 1 with a very crisp and clear image of Christ! I was blown away by that, and I felt like God was saying - this is Me... :)

Wedding Dress...

Beautiful piano piece, intricate choreograph (by my favourite Shaun Evaristo AND Lyle Beniga!! especially at 3:26 - the wedding march remix), cute but sad story, very attractive MV girl, great fashion on Tae Yang... hhmm this makes a complete kpop vid haha... its been on billayyy's replayyyy for awhile now! - enjoy!

Can't help but wait...

Totally feeling this remix in everyway... the acoustic, the songs, the lyrics and the vocals... mmmm classssiccccc - enjoy!



On a more serious note, if you were asked to "wait patiently" for something, what would that mean to you? What are some of the things that we should "wait patiently" for and what are the things that we need to constantly get off our seats and chase for? Honestly, if I was to answer this question with my own knowledge or what is "acceptable" in this day and age I would say "wait patiently" is for cowards. Waiting patiently is a standstill, not going anywhere, not forward nor backwards. It would demonstrate the lack of proactiveness and initiative to at least try for what I want to achieve. That is how I truly feel... but I'm glad, that there is the Bible, the very Word of God, that reminds me...

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Thanks be to God, for reminding me that His purpose prevails... not what I want to do, not what I want to achieve or gain and definitely not my plans for my own personal gain.. but instead, I must patiently wait upon the Lord for His plan... And no, that does not mean I will sit around, do nothing and it will be done.

Soooooo, what does this mean practically? I am still figuring that out but I know one thing: to love Him and to love others - finding work and build relationships that reflects my calling as a Christian.

Feelin' alive. . .

I still remember the question from small group: What is your dream job? I remember sharing w/ my group that I wanted to be a....

1) Prostar volleyball player
2) Prostar paintball player (haha)
3) Prostar snowboard racer
4) Prostar track racer (drifter?!)

but giving it more thought... I wish I can replicate myself (kage bunshin! hahaha) and just be at multiple places...to spend awesome catch up time with different people... I think that's when I truly feel "alive"....

One noteable mention for the weekend was: I realize I can learn a lot by listening patiently & putting myself in other's shoes. By having these heartfelt conversations, I can experience & 'feel' for their pain, struggles, difference in opinion, anger, disappiontments and doubts... What a high emo past coupla days BUT its time to settle down and get back to business :)

Happy early 24th tiffie, I had a great time hangin' and I hope you're not burnt out from hearing my vents haha

Why hello there

Just reading my last blog, it was still nice and sunny - coming back from a weekend of camping. Nearly 4 months later - the leaves are yellow and its always dark and rainy... I have to admit, it depresses me (quite) a bit

However, it seems like my (general) mood has been inversely proportional to this gloomy weather... I am taking more of an initiative to look for work (although I have yet to get anything), do a lot more reading, learning about my faith and who I really am. I am learning to make good use of this time that I have "off" to do things to get myself prepared for the work life. To build up myself up mentally, emotionally and spiritually. What about physically? No dice. I roughed up my ankle a couple weeks back and now I'll be MIA in sports for quite sometime... I hope I heal in time for the snowboarding season!

For those who check this blog occasionally, thanks for coming by. Unlike before, I'm not going to make anymore "promises" for updates or go into a "I-am-back-for-good-and-I-will-update-tons" mentality. Instead, I hope to use this blog to just write things that I truly think and feel. The authentic & true me.

Compare and constrast

It was a fabulous weekend of camping at balsam lake. Lots of great food, good times & I absolutely loveeed the campfire. It's a pity that the beach wasn't so nice and the sun wasn't out much either... Frustrating! why? because 1) Don't like the rain much & 2) no sun to tannnnn, and for those who don't know, (one of) my summer goal is to get rid of my glowstick pale legs haha...

Come to think of it, it's been four years now since the last time I went camping. I went to Algonquian with JAC for summer retreat. I could remember how simple life was. I had a great time just sitting & talking to people, hiking, playing beach volleyball and canoeing. As these memories continue to replay in my head, I can't recollect much spiritual substance back in the day. It was really only about doing well okay in Uni, finding co-op placements, hangin' out to have some fun and going to church.

I still remember, church was about singing praises and listening to sermons. I loved listening to the messages and I even had a sermon notebook (which was quite empty). I enjoyed learning about God on the sidelines, not acting upon what I heard, like a spetactor watching a wild foodfight - not joining in. In hindsight, I just didn't know better to dig deeper about my faith and I did not know how to apply what I learned into everyday living.

Fastforwarding four years, I've matured into a person with a curious and thoughtful mind, often struggling with dreams, desires, worries and doubt about many things. Things such as career, work, family, friends, and love.

Fortunately, God has been faithful and patient with me. With much reading, searching & praying, God has revealed the to me many assurances! Slowly and surely, I'm starting to learn what is important; how to act; reminds me of the hope that He has promised to me!

I know and feel - that I'm heading in the right direction, this feeling is totally awesome! And the Bible is my best frieeeend! :)

P.S. - Totally stole this picture from Miranda/Jon - this is balsam lake beach :) good times!

Haaalo!

The month of June has been great, if not awesome. Some great family time; tons of reading; going out/bonding time; (tried) smashing some volleyballs; seeing dear ones - and the list goes on.

I would list allllll of the fun things that I've been doing but it would feel like an essay, but one notable mention is all the reading that I have been doing...

With all other skills/hobbies/habits - I notice if I do it enough, I will eventually fall in love with it... and I can not believe this happened with reading (i know!!!) I can honestly say that I spend my days reading 3 different materials: the Bible, Purpose Driven Life & The 7 Habits of Highly effective people.

I never really put so much effort and thought into books before because I was ignorant about how much I can learn from reading... I was always the movie/drama/anime guy and not so much books/comic - but really, I'm kind of addicted! All this material that I'm reading is so fascinating and now I can understand how someone can flip through a book in days!

Anyways, I recently found a quote that totally went up to the top of my list and it goes like this: "The best use of life is love, the best expression of love is time and the best time to love is now" PDL extract - Rick Warren

Any comments on that quote? maybe I'll write about that next post :)

Convocation!

Finally, I'm done my undergrad!

Although university diplomas nowadays are very much like high school certificates decades ago, I have to admit - it wasn't easy to get!! After five years of struggles, (semi) hard work and all the fun surrounding university life - it's finally over! Farewell UW!

Purpose Driven Life...

is the novel that I stashed in my basement bookshelf which I did not see nor touch in the past five years...

Five years ago, I started reading this book with my partner (recommended) and unfortunately I only got through 27 of the 40 (daily) chapters... but reading the commentaries and notes I've made all over the book, I realized I had a lot of questions but also very "fired up" about God at that time...

Although I have tried (many times) to take the lead in my life - walking away from Him, God's love and grace is so great that He constantly draws me near to Him... because He remembers us by the time when we loved Him:

I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown... Jeremiah 2:2 NKJV

This verse totally hit home because for the past month away from home, I've been feeling spiritually dry, but thanks be to Him who only remembers us when we loved Him!

Now, wouldn't it be great if we remember our loved ones by their wonderful personalities or the things they have done?

---

Wait, I thought I was going to talk about the novel...? hah maybe next time :)

Love conquers all...

No matter who we are, what circumstances we are in, I truly believe love triumphs over all...! (Note: The nerdbox in the picture is the one she's in love with)

Home sweet home...

Although I've only been away for 5 weeks - I have to admit I was homesick already! I miss the weather, clean air, the people, the space and my car haha!

Well now that the vacationing is over, don't exactly know what's next but I'm pumped for whatever that's coming! More pictures to come soon :)

Mother's day...

was day 17 - it is not the greatest idea to go drinking the night before mother's day, especially its our 1st celebration in two years...

After my speedy recovery, my mom, uncle, aunt and I went to spaghetti house for supper. The food was great and we had an awesome time. But what made mother's day so special year wasn't the dinner. It was during the commercial time of beautiful kitchen (awesome show btw) - where we shared our points of view about things that truly mattered: family, health & work. For the most part, I'm glad we were on the same channel about the things we discussed and we were able to mutually explain, discuss, understand and accept our differences!

In soontime, I'll be coming back to toronto and heading to my convo! If anyone has extra/spare holidays and would like to come and see me get convo'ed - gimme a heads up! :)

Day 13 - 16

Day 13 - The sightseeing continues - went to TST (尖沙咀) and took pictures of the harbour and the mini-park there... some of the pictures turned out pretty good!



Day 15 - Went camera equipment shopping that day in MK and coincidentally found the stores where they sell BB guns and other gear! I used to go there pretty often as a kid (not knowing it was in MK...) it was some crazy wayback playback!

... Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. EPH 5:18

Day 16 - First karaoke experience in HK & as I expected, pretty much like karaoke-ing in toronto~ except I haven't drank since Jan! guess what I was doing for the next few hours when I got home...

...more to come!

Replay of Day 12

Day 12-May 5: After deciding to explore a little bit, I took the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride to Lantau Island. The view was spectacular! There were people fishing in the lakes! Throughout the day, the weather was gorgeous and it was my 1st day getting a full use of the DSLR!



I have to admit, although I wasn't a fan of the idols and the temples, I did enjoy the hiking and the scenery... it was simply stunning! By the way, see the gramps at the end of the slideshow? I stopped by to buy a drink from her store and ended up chatting with her for a good half hour! She started telling me about the homeless dogs and eventually went onto her family... She was so sweet and she gave me mad discounts on the souvenirs that I bought!

On my phone, with very broken english, it writes: gr8ful 4 healthy body 2 hike, eyes 2 c, ears 2 listen...

Apologies...

to those who actually came here and wondered how I was doing; to see the awesomeness of Hong Kong (and Thailand) through my amateur photography skills; or came here simply just because you miss me (harhar)

I'm going to skip the I-had-no-internet-access-or-I'm-too-busy-to-write BS. I simply like to keep quiet when I have nothing nice to say - because I personally despise those who hate and complain all day.

Fortunately, I've kept tabs on my daily activities since my last post on my cellphone - so let the replay begin!

Sugar-free

Today's my 11th day in Hong Kong and lots of people have been asking me how I'm enjoying it. . . and to real with y'all - I'm not having a good time in HK. . . thus far. . .

Why? Mainly I'm not the kind of guy that's amazed by lifestyle offered by HK. The ridiculously tasty+fatty foods, the shopping and all other things surrounded by materialism.

But ironically, that's all I've been doing.

I've walked around in countless malls, plazas and stores, picking up good deals and stuffing my face with (tasty) foods. . .

Don't get me wrong, the food was amazing here but it just doesn't... hit the spot you know? the best way to describe it is that the 'marginal utility' that I gain from the shopping and eating is extremely low. . .

But as Jon-ster would say, (yes you Jon Cheng lol) it's time to explore and take risks! therefore its time to head over to lantau island [by myself :(] and check it out!!

A quick update

Its been less than a week and I swear I put on 5+ lbs already - not cools. On the brighter side, I wake up exactly at 7:30am, everyday - I don't exactly know why but I wish it was like this everyday back in Toronto...

The flight to HK was tiring - I sat in a Bombardier Dash 8 Q4000 propeller jet from TOR to NJ and I almost puked everytime there was a slight turbulence... Then I sat in a Boeing 777 and it was very comfortable... except I sat in the last row right next to the washroom! too much flushin' for my likin' -_-"

I helped my mom move to our new place over the weekend - the place is very nice but its located at a relatively busy intersection so its mad noisy. I wake up to the noise every morning at 7:30

As for my general update in HK, I've been eating and shopping lots. I've never shopped for 3 days in a row before! The super bummer thing is that I can't get my travel pass to china despite having the HK citizenship/ID, that means I have to pay for visa everytime I go! (and its mad expensive!) Anyways, when I get the chance to take more pics, I will make sure to post em' up!

Hello from HK!

Hey everyone, just arrived & blogging in HK! The plane ride was pretty brutal (1.5hr from TOR to NJ & 15.5hr from NJ to HK)

I'm staying at my mom's new apartment and I love it. Very cozy, clean and tons of food/convenience stuff around. And most importantly, over 25+ WiFi networks and a few unsecured ones for me to "borrow".

Anyways, I want to share a story when I was waiting for my flight in Pearson. So I sat across a Caucasian man in his fourties. He was quite stylish and he had a businessman look, except he had head full of nice blond hair (LOL I know what you're thinking and I'm not) He wore a brown striped dress-shirt, black dress pants and he had an BlackBerry 8800 world edition (haha I love to observe what kind of BlackBerrys people like to use)

After sitting for awhile, its 11:30 and it was time to board. As I'm gathering my stuff, he receives a call on his BB. "Hey" he says, after a short pause he says again: "Yeah, aight babe. I will. Drive safe & love you." He hangs up, holsters his BB and starts to gather his stuff with a small grin on his face.

So much love, right there. It makes my heart warm.

Pleasant Surprises & Off to HK!

I love em. Last week my dearest gave me a farewell card & present despite the fact that I'm going to see her in 5 days.. its a digital picture frame in an egg shape form... its so cute! I'm gonna put it in my car somehow...

I received a lot of encouragements + gifts for my baptism.. there's gonna be TONS of reading for the next little while! talk about info overloadddd

Watched Wanted couple nights back, seriously the trailer looked so lame - but it was... pretty good! haha haven't seen Angelina in a long time and I almost forgot how attractive she can be...

After yoga I convinced Nat + sisters to teach me how to make cheescake on monday night... Had a blast watching & learning the whole process and it turned out GREATTT =D

well I'm off to HK! expect many updates from the other side of the world :)

A new perspective, a new title

"Babysteps" was the old theme of my blog. I believed by taking babysteps towards a goal or dream, I will eventually get to where I wanted to go, to the point of 'success' defined by myself.

I think this attitude worked pretty well when I was focused. But for those who know me, my hobbies/career goals have been changing like the weather these days. This makes it extra hard for me to focus my time & energy on something because by the time I see any results, I've moved onto something else. So in reality, its not really working for me...

Fortunately, I've found God who is unchanging. He has a plan for me and He knows what's best for me. Therefore by following Him, with authentic and genuine faith (more on that later), He will lead me to where He has designed me to go! How awesome is that :)

A Clean Slate

This Sunday, April 12th of 2009 marked the biggest day of my life thus far, which was my baptism.

My Journey to Christ, in my own simple words...
Going through periods rebellion and denial, I conclude that I'm a sinner. Meaning that I have selfish & evil desires created from my heart that results in (sinful) actions. And by committing sins, I would be a slave to these sins, forever. Sins of power, materialistic wealth, greed, lust and etc will eventually lead to conflict with others and destruction for myself.

However, I discovered that God loves us too much to let us perish. Because of his unfailing love, grace and mercy - He sent Christ, who died for us, while we were still sinners. His death (a perfect, unblemished sacrifice) on the cross wiped all my sins away. Past, present and future, allowing me to reconcile with God and have life again. A clean slate, a fresh start.

You may wonder, am I suddenly & magically a different person altogether? Yes and no. I am different now because Christ is in me. However, I still inherit many of my old ways, which require lots of work to get rid of...

But going forward, I will put all my trust in Christ and be obedient to Him. I will attempt to live a consistent life that reflects His teachings, in the Word (The Bible) and most importantly, love one another as He did.

Thanks be to God.