My feet bottom have been found to be painful recently.I consulted several doctors for the cause.They all the same suggested I should use protective pads.I went therefore to Dr. Kong,shoe expert shop to buy it and got a pair of special made shoes. All are quite expensive.
The examination result is that my feet are between healthy feet and even feet (扁平足),a term called wide even feet 寬扁足.
Well,it's my turn in mid years to have one more burden of my health---to take care of my feet.
2007年12月28日 星期五
Servanthood leadership implementation process:
Included in this implementation process:
•Foundation:
Setting the standard by training the team on the specifics of Servant Leadership and the required leadership skills and behaviors.
•Feedback:
Identification of "gaps" is accomplished utilizing a Leadership Skills Inventory (LSI) tool developed by J.D. Hunter Associates.This unique 360°feedback tool clearly identifies the "gaps" between where the manager needs to be as the leader versus their actual level of performance as the leader.
•Friction:
Establishing specific and measurable goals and measuring behavioral changes.A Continuous Improvement Panel(CIP)is created to provide managers with support and provides the appropriate"friction" to ensure individual behavior change until those changes become habit (second nature).
Included in the process is on-going leadership training on topics such as:
o Leadership Skills
o Community (Team) Building
o Active Listening
o Assertiveness Training
o Character Development
o Constructive Discipline
o Performance Planning & Review --- By Jim Hunter---
•Foundation:
Setting the standard by training the team on the specifics of Servant Leadership and the required leadership skills and behaviors.
•Feedback:
Identification of "gaps" is accomplished utilizing a Leadership Skills Inventory (LSI) tool developed by J.D. Hunter Associates.This unique 360°feedback tool clearly identifies the "gaps" between where the manager needs to be as the leader versus their actual level of performance as the leader.
•Friction:
Establishing specific and measurable goals and measuring behavioral changes.A Continuous Improvement Panel(CIP)is created to provide managers with support and provides the appropriate"friction" to ensure individual behavior change until those changes become habit (second nature).
Included in the process is on-going leadership training on topics such as:
o Leadership Skills
o Community (Team) Building
o Active Listening
o Assertiveness Training
o Character Development
o Constructive Discipline
o Performance Planning & Review --- By Jim Hunter---
Authentic Leaders
How do we recognize authentic leaders? Usually, they demonstrate these five traits:
1. Pursuing their purpose with passion
2. Practicing solid values
3. Leading with their hearts as well as their heads
4. Establishing connected relationships
5. Demonstrating self-discipline ---By Bill George---
1. Pursuing their purpose with passion
2. Practicing solid values
3. Leading with their hearts as well as their heads
4. Establishing connected relationships
5. Demonstrating self-discipline ---By Bill George---
2007年12月27日 星期四
Changes and flexibility
I have to submit to time changes in appointments when needs arise suddenly.These few days have to change my schedule to meet with people.
It's sometimes difficult when I shall involve in broadcast ministry coming year having to prepare for talks need time and creativity.
Anyway that's the way life progresses and things getting done,but sometimes without our best wish.
It's sometimes difficult when I shall involve in broadcast ministry coming year having to prepare for talks need time and creativity.
Anyway that's the way life progresses and things getting done,but sometimes without our best wish.
2007年12月26日 星期三
A Glorious Christian life
Approaching end of 2007,as I shared this morning among colleagues,I picked up three persons in Philippians. (Phil2:19-30)
Paul-- The Founder of the Philippian church ----a model of humility
Timothy--The one who treated Paul as father---- a model of harmony
Epaphroditus-- The one sent to serve for Paul'use ---a model of usefulness
Paul is humble in two aspects :
Not getting own merits when he said willingly to be pured out like a drink offering
Having a simple and glad life among the disciples.
Timothy is a life of harmony in three aspects:
Single-mindedness in serving Paul
Not selfish and care for others
Freely giving his life to serve other's interests
Epaphroditus is a life of usefulness
Functioning among the co-working team
Faithfulness in being sent and attain his mission
Being sacrificial and not saving his own life in service
May our life be always glorifying God in being humble,harmonious and useful!
Paul-- The Founder of the Philippian church ----a model of humility
Timothy--The one who treated Paul as father---- a model of harmony
Epaphroditus-- The one sent to serve for Paul'use ---a model of usefulness
Paul is humble in two aspects :
Not getting own merits when he said willingly to be pured out like a drink offering
Having a simple and glad life among the disciples.
Timothy is a life of harmony in three aspects:
Single-mindedness in serving Paul
Not selfish and care for others
Freely giving his life to serve other's interests
Epaphroditus is a life of usefulness
Functioning among the co-working team
Faithfulness in being sent and attain his mission
Being sacrificial and not saving his own life in service
May our life be always glorifying God in being humble,harmonious and useful!
2007年12月25日 星期二
Washroom Renovation
Pipelines somewhere within our washroom possibly leak and it affects lower floor tenants.We were asked to see into it and so most probably we need to have big renovation work very soon after initial inspection.
Since Lunar New Year is approaching and most construction workers are in a hurry mood to finish works,most probably the work would be done after the Chinese New Year holidays.We have to prepare quite a sum of money for the renovation and need to seek for a temporary stay at least for two weeks. Hopefully it won't affect Yannie's examination during the work period.
Over ten years since our last big renovation work done and it's almost time to do something after the tenant complaints.
Life always presents us problems to deal with.Small as this one and big as sudden death of our familiar or loved ones.
Soren Kierkegaard said that life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. By sufficient grace may I learn to live with problems in a joyful heart !
Since Lunar New Year is approaching and most construction workers are in a hurry mood to finish works,most probably the work would be done after the Chinese New Year holidays.We have to prepare quite a sum of money for the renovation and need to seek for a temporary stay at least for two weeks. Hopefully it won't affect Yannie's examination during the work period.
Over ten years since our last big renovation work done and it's almost time to do something after the tenant complaints.
Life always presents us problems to deal with.Small as this one and big as sudden death of our familiar or loved ones.
Soren Kierkegaard said that life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. By sufficient grace may I learn to live with problems in a joyful heart !
2007年12月24日 星期一
2007年12月22日 星期六
Two quotations for the day
Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.
--- Elmer G. Letterman ---
Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. --- Samuel Johnson ---
--- Elmer G. Letterman ---
Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. --- Samuel Johnson ---
Farewell Lunch
My role as HKHD will come to an end this month and past Wednesday had a farewell lunch together with board members and office staff.
It's moving that Rev. Chan,over 70s,had mild stroke himself months before,came to the lunch together. A simple meal means fellowship with God's blessings and love.
I shall completely focus my time on training starting from 2008.
I shared on John 1:14 in the morning Prayer time with all who came together.Truth and Grace came through Jesus Christ while Moses brought us only law.
It's His truth and grace that mean a lot during this Christmas Season.
It's moving that Rev. Chan,over 70s,had mild stroke himself months before,came to the lunch together. A simple meal means fellowship with God's blessings and love.
I shall completely focus my time on training starting from 2008.
I shared on John 1:14 in the morning Prayer time with all who came together.Truth and Grace came through Jesus Christ while Moses brought us only law.
It's His truth and grace that mean a lot during this Christmas Season.
Gifts & Celebrations
Towards Christmas this week we went through a few office celebration and meals.
I led one celebration last night and everyone had to share from written short question. All together there were 17 people and I had made ready 21 questions .
For my own answer to the question I got myself,I had to answer how many hours sleep I need per day. I told everyone that I just slept from 4-5 hours every night.
Another 82 old lady answered if she could join the coming 2008 Olympics Peking her sport would be jumping on a string which's her young days' favorite play.
Then we had gifts for the young kids and also ballot gift for the special.
Seasons' Greeting is good to be around with lovely people at home to have fun,meal time and talks.
It's the Lord's blessing upon us insignificant ones
with His significant love and His Emmanuel among us.
I led one celebration last night and everyone had to share from written short question. All together there were 17 people and I had made ready 21 questions .
For my own answer to the question I got myself,I had to answer how many hours sleep I need per day. I told everyone that I just slept from 4-5 hours every night.
Another 82 old lady answered if she could join the coming 2008 Olympics Peking her sport would be jumping on a string which's her young days' favorite play.
Then we had gifts for the young kids and also ballot gift for the special.
Seasons' Greeting is good to be around with lovely people at home to have fun,meal time and talks.
It's the Lord's blessing upon us insignificant ones
with His significant love and His Emmanuel among us.
2007年12月20日 星期四
Elderly fellowship's celebration
I shared Philemon 18 this morning on the Enoch Fellowship's 18 th anniversary celebration. Philemon is found to be the 18 th book in the NT. I shared particularly on verse 18 of the book.
As Philemon was asked to accept Onesimus by Paul,we are also asked to forgive those who failed and hurt us in our lives.
The great meaning of Christmas is Emmanuel Christ with us Who takes initiative to make effective our reconciliation.Meaningful Christmas lies in it.
We are saved by the grace of our Lord who incarnated among us.
As Philemon was asked to accept Onesimus by Paul,we are also asked to forgive those who failed and hurt us in our lives.
The great meaning of Christmas is Emmanuel Christ with us Who takes initiative to make effective our reconciliation.Meaningful Christmas lies in it.
We are saved by the grace of our Lord who incarnated among us.
2007年12月18日 星期二
Taking action
I read a book by Helen Harkness om career chaos this morning.
She mentioned six stages to realize our goals:
clear vision
deliberation
choice and decision
focus
plan
direct the execution
Let's be the man of action.
She mentioned six stages to realize our goals:
clear vision
deliberation
choice and decision
focus
plan
direct the execution
Let's be the man of action.
Looking beyond
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
It is the source of all true art and science. ----Einstein---
Incarnation is a kind of mystery.
Trinity is also a kind of mystery.
Virgin Birth is also a mystery.
But they are all the most beautiful things we can experience and point towards a higher than human level understanding
Thanks for the great Einstein who said that.
May the coming Christmas gives us joy and freedom and love and warmth.
It is the source of all true art and science. ----Einstein---
Incarnation is a kind of mystery.
Trinity is also a kind of mystery.
Virgin Birth is also a mystery.
But they are all the most beautiful things we can experience and point towards a higher than human level understanding
Thanks for the great Einstein who said that.
May the coming Christmas gives us joy and freedom and love and warmth.
2007年12月17日 星期一
A Free day at home
I get a free day at home after my last week's trip.
This week has more to do than regular days.I have to prepare for meeting messages and there's a baptism this coming Sunday.
Yet yesterday in office I took a book from a colleague's shelf,Eugene Peterson and Marva Dawn 's Unnecessary Pastor. It's written from messages on Ephesians by Marva Dawn while Eugene worked on Paul,Timothy and Titus' examples in leadership.
This week has more to do than regular days.I have to prepare for meeting messages and there's a baptism this coming Sunday.
Yet yesterday in office I took a book from a colleague's shelf,Eugene Peterson and Marva Dawn 's Unnecessary Pastor. It's written from messages on Ephesians by Marva Dawn while Eugene worked on Paul,Timothy and Titus' examples in leadership.
An enjoyable trip
We've been blessed to have an enjoyable trip to Shanghai past few days to visit some of the church leaders.
We attended the Open church in Shanghai on Sunday.It's near Christmas time and I felt especially the warmth of the mood around the Seasons.The message was on Mary's whole devotion to the Lord,her honoring the Lord in heart.
Then We went with a brother friend Daniel working in Shanghai to have a meal in Western Park Restaurant.He treated us and we had good fellowship time over the table.
Thanks the Lord for a relaxed Sunday when we have finished our visit schedule from Thursday to Saturday.
We attended the Open church in Shanghai on Sunday.It's near Christmas time and I felt especially the warmth of the mood around the Seasons.The message was on Mary's whole devotion to the Lord,her honoring the Lord in heart.
Then We went with a brother friend Daniel working in Shanghai to have a meal in Western Park Restaurant.He treated us and we had good fellowship time over the table.
Thanks the Lord for a relaxed Sunday when we have finished our visit schedule from Thursday to Saturday.
2007年12月11日 星期二
Two Quotes for the Day
Spontaneously supporting others is better than hiding under the protection of others.
躲在別人的蔭下，不如主動為別人撐傘。
Cherishing life makes it more precious and helps us count our blessings.
存心保養顧惜，是使生活過得更豐盛；也是一種「數算恩典」的態度。
躲在別人的蔭下，不如主動為別人撐傘。
Cherishing life makes it more precious and helps us count our blessings.
存心保養顧惜，是使生活過得更豐盛；也是一種「數算恩典」的態度。
Two kinds of evil
I read this morning along my bus journey a book on the Apocalypse by Emil Bock,his explanation of the chapter12-13. Three central figures of ancient mythology are the woman,the dragon and the Archangel Michael. Dragon is the personification of the devil.
I do not know anything of astrology or astronomy to understand more of the author's elaboration. One certain thing however I agree is that modern man's consciousness might be quite different from ancient times when men were more familiar with different god stories.
Evil,according to the author,is not opposed to goodness,but is opposed to another evil.Two phrases captured my attention :
Evil is soul without spirit.
Evil is spirit without soul.
Olden times fit more of the first phrase while modern man rather inclined to the second phrase. It certainly makes us think at the point.
I do not know anything of astrology or astronomy to understand more of the author's elaboration. One certain thing however I agree is that modern man's consciousness might be quite different from ancient times when men were more familiar with different god stories.
Evil,according to the author,is not opposed to goodness,but is opposed to another evil.Two phrases captured my attention :
Evil is soul without spirit.
Evil is spirit without soul.
Olden times fit more of the first phrase while modern man rather inclined to the second phrase. It certainly makes us think at the point.
2007年12月10日 星期一
Mission 7 T
Our discussions today amid future EAM issues
will be following the seven Ts
Mission Trends
Mission Transitions
Mission Transformation
Mission Training
Mission Trials
Mission Teamwork
Mission Tapestry
will be following the seven Ts
Mission Trends
Mission Transitions
Mission Transformation
Mission Training
Mission Trials
Mission Teamwork
Mission Tapestry
2007年12月9日 星期日
Concern for individuals
The work of heaven is never just a slogan or a theory
but real concern for individuals.
天國的事工永遠不是一句口號或一套理論，
而是單獨的、個別的，面對面的關懷。
but real concern for individuals.
天國的事工永遠不是一句口號或一套理論，
而是單獨的、個別的，面對面的關懷。
2007年12月8日 星期六
昔在、今在、永在的神──愛的巡禮
神看著是好的。 愛的欣賞 (創一31)
神呼喚…...你在那裡？ 愛的尋找 (創三9)
困苦……看見了；哀聲…...聽見了。 愛的感觸 (出三7)
這食物…...叫嗎哪；在曠野所給你們喫的食物。 愛的供應 (出十六31-32)
我是耶和華，你們要聖潔，因為我是聖潔的。 愛的準繩 (利十一45)
祂必愛你，賜福與你…… 愛的守約 (申七13)
你無論往那裡去，你的神必與你同在。 愛的同在 (書一9)
這日以前，這日以後……為以色列人爭戰。 愛的爭戰 (書十14)
離棄耶和華……不能站立得住…...興起士師拯救。 愛的救拔 (士二11-16)
誰用無知的言語，使我的旨意暗昧不明？ 愛的釋惑 (伯卅八2)
強辯的，豈可向全能者爭論麼？ (伯四十2)
你豈可廢棄我所擬定的？ (伯四十8)
豈可定我有罪，好顯自己為義麼？
耶和華我的力量阿！我愛你！ 愛的頌曲 (詩十八1)
神啊！我的心切慕你，如鹿切慕溪水。 (詩四十二1)
我想念神，就煩燥不安。我沉吟悲傷，心便發昏。 (詩七十七3)
來啊！我們要向耶和華歌唱！向拯救我們的磐石歡呼！ (詩九十五1)
萬國啊！你們都當讚美耶和華！ (詩一一七1)
萬民啊！你們都當頌讚祂！
喫素菜，彼此相愛；強如喫肥牛，彼此相恨。 愛的處世 (箴十五17)
耶利米 以永遠的愛愛你……以慈愛吸引你。 永遠的愛 (耶卅一3)
何西亞 醫治背道的病，甘心愛他們。 甘心的愛 (何十四4)
再去愛…… 挽回的愛 (何三1)
阿摩司 惟願公平如大水滾滾…… 公義的愛 (摩五24)
彌迦 已指示你何為善……行公義、好憐憫…… (彌六8)
西番雅 因你歡欣喜樂，默然愛你。 默然的愛 (番三17)
救主耶穌 就愛他們到底。 到底的愛 (約十三1)
使徒保羅 這兩隻手常供給我和同人的需用。 勞累的愛 (徒廿34)
神呼喚…...你在那裡？ 愛的尋找 (創三9)
困苦……看見了；哀聲…...聽見了。 愛的感觸 (出三7)
這食物…...叫嗎哪；在曠野所給你們喫的食物。 愛的供應 (出十六31-32)
我是耶和華，你們要聖潔，因為我是聖潔的。 愛的準繩 (利十一45)
祂必愛你，賜福與你…… 愛的守約 (申七13)
你無論往那裡去，你的神必與你同在。 愛的同在 (書一9)
這日以前，這日以後……為以色列人爭戰。 愛的爭戰 (書十14)
離棄耶和華……不能站立得住…...興起士師拯救。 愛的救拔 (士二11-16)
誰用無知的言語，使我的旨意暗昧不明？ 愛的釋惑 (伯卅八2)
強辯的，豈可向全能者爭論麼？ (伯四十2)
你豈可廢棄我所擬定的？ (伯四十8)
豈可定我有罪，好顯自己為義麼？
耶和華我的力量阿！我愛你！ 愛的頌曲 (詩十八1)
神啊！我的心切慕你，如鹿切慕溪水。 (詩四十二1)
我想念神，就煩燥不安。我沉吟悲傷，心便發昏。 (詩七十七3)
來啊！我們要向耶和華歌唱！向拯救我們的磐石歡呼！ (詩九十五1)
萬國啊！你們都當讚美耶和華！ (詩一一七1)
萬民啊！你們都當頌讚祂！
喫素菜，彼此相愛；強如喫肥牛，彼此相恨。 愛的處世 (箴十五17)
耶利米 以永遠的愛愛你……以慈愛吸引你。 永遠的愛 (耶卅一3)
何西亞 醫治背道的病，甘心愛他們。 甘心的愛 (何十四4)
再去愛…… 挽回的愛 (何三1)
阿摩司 惟願公平如大水滾滾…… 公義的愛 (摩五24)
彌迦 已指示你何為善……行公義、好憐憫…… (彌六8)
西番雅 因你歡欣喜樂，默然愛你。 默然的愛 (番三17)
救主耶穌 就愛他們到底。 到底的愛 (約十三1)
使徒保羅 這兩隻手常供給我和同人的需用。 勞累的愛 (徒廿34)
Love's Survey
I was asked to write on church bulletin coming January Issue.
I focused on the Lord's love this morning after breakfast and so did a brief survey through the bible from Genesis onwards. Then I wrote down how we visualize the Lord's love as He created the world and saw that it's good. I saw the appreciation of His own Handiworks here and so I just dropped down the Lord's love with appreciation. Then going through up to Apostle Paul's laboring hand in Acts 20:34. I dropped down here as love with labour.
May we start the coming new year with the Lord's love once again !
I focused on the Lord's love this morning after breakfast and so did a brief survey through the bible from Genesis onwards. Then I wrote down how we visualize the Lord's love as He created the world and saw that it's good. I saw the appreciation of His own Handiworks here and so I just dropped down the Lord's love with appreciation. Then going through up to Apostle Paul's laboring hand in Acts 20:34. I dropped down here as love with labour.
May we start the coming new year with the Lord's love once again !
2007年12月6日 星期四
Written or said
I just mentioned would be attending a meeting with OMF next week,without writing down the dates to Rev. Lo. He mistook my words and thought I was absent today for the meeting.
It makes me think that writing down dates for other's understanding is important.
A memo helps fix our too loaded messages in our head.I seldom like to jog down message,just pass it on and that's all.Henceforth,to help myself as well as others,I need to form the writing habit.
It makes me think that writing down dates for other's understanding is important.
A memo helps fix our too loaded messages in our head.I seldom like to jog down message,just pass it on and that's all.Henceforth,to help myself as well as others,I need to form the writing habit.
Perseverance
If you wish success in life,
Make Perseverance your bosom friend,
Experience your wise counselor,
Caution your elder brother and
Hope your guardian genius. --Joseph Addison--
Make Perseverance your bosom friend,
Experience your wise counselor,
Caution your elder brother and
Hope your guardian genius. --Joseph Addison--
2007年12月5日 星期三
Be Strengthened in 4 directions
I shared this morning on be strengthened with a word study on the subject.
NT uses two words for it. Endunamoo and Kratiaoo are two respective words for this.
8 times with the former and 4 times of the latter are used.
I compiled them to 4 aspects :
1. Awakening of the inner being (Eph 3:16)
2. Be strong in spiritual battle (Eph 6:10) / (Hebrew 11:34)
3. Be men of courage in conduct (I Corin 16:13)
4. Strong in the grace of God in discipling (II Tim 2:1-2)
And so Awakening,Battling,Consolidating and Discipling are the aspects in our being strong in the Lord.
NT uses two words for it. Endunamoo and Kratiaoo are two respective words for this.
8 times with the former and 4 times of the latter are used.
I compiled them to 4 aspects :
1. Awakening of the inner being (Eph 3:16)
2. Be strong in spiritual battle (Eph 6:10) / (Hebrew 11:34)
3. Be men of courage in conduct (I Corin 16:13)
4. Strong in the grace of God in discipling (II Tim 2:1-2)
And so Awakening,Battling,Consolidating and Discipling are the aspects in our being strong in the Lord.
2007年12月4日 星期二
Twenty minutes waiting
As Yannie's Sports Day this week lasts for two days,we still had to send her to the Kowloon Tsai Sports Ground this morning.
After sending her to the spot,we had to hurry back to office. But waiting for No.40 bus eventually took us 20 minutes. By the time we arrived,it's already 8:15a.m.,just 15 min. before starting the Wed morning assembly.
I used to be earlier in office arrival,though we have not been late,this 20 minutes is today 's special in waiting.
After sending her to the spot,we had to hurry back to office. But waiting for No.40 bus eventually took us 20 minutes. By the time we arrived,it's already 8:15a.m.,just 15 min. before starting the Wed morning assembly.
I used to be earlier in office arrival,though we have not been late,this 20 minutes is today 's special in waiting.
2007年12月3日 星期一
Meaning of PhD
"How to survive" has become my main issue every day after graduation with PhD. Now I fully understand why people call PhD as "permanent heart damage".
Steve sent me his words in the above email teaching me the meaning of PhD. Wow!
Well,I think whether PhD should be interpreted as "Permanent heart Damage" or "Perennial head Drill"depends on how you take it.
When our calibre is not up to an expected level but still have to go ahead then it surely would be in the former category.
But when we pursue & enjoy it merrily the research & studies will be in the latter,incessantly developing your interest and drilling your mindset.
Steve sent me his words in the above email teaching me the meaning of PhD. Wow!
Well,I think whether PhD should be interpreted as "Permanent heart Damage" or "Perennial head Drill"depends on how you take it.
When our calibre is not up to an expected level but still have to go ahead then it surely would be in the former category.
But when we pursue & enjoy it merrily the research & studies will be in the latter,incessantly developing your interest and drilling your mindset.
Joyful Paul
I-Hua colleague shared with us the joyful Paul in Philippian 4:10-20 this morning.
Reasons for his joy are four-fold.
1. Be concerned by the Philippians (10)
2. Be satisfied before the Lord (11-16)
3. Willing to suffer for the Lord (12-14)
4. Have a grateful heart (17-20)
Our remembrance by others,
Our life satisfaction,
Our suffering for Christ's sake and
Our giving thanks in all circumstances all contribute to having a joyous life.
Reasons for his joy are four-fold.
1. Be concerned by the Philippians (10)
2. Be satisfied before the Lord (11-16)
3. Willing to suffer for the Lord (12-14)
4. Have a grateful heart (17-20)
Our remembrance by others,
Our life satisfaction,
Our suffering for Christ's sake and
Our giving thanks in all circumstances all contribute to having a joyous life.
Rattan Chair toppled
During supper yesterday in a restaurant nearby before our prayer meet,the rattan chair I sat twice toppled over once I got up. My coat was initially put on the back of the chair. It seems the coat be heavy and the chair too light and so it turned out once I stood it fell to the ground.Two times made everyone at the scene knew what's the cause.
Too heavy at one end while the main body of the chair too light would naturally lead to such phenomenon. What does it teach us ?
Men have to be substantial enough to be firm and stable in lives. One should not be frivolous in aspiring to be high while not sticking to the ground.
Thank God for the incident to be my reminder.It's timely for the calendar quotes today for the related meditation:
---Service is humbly devoting your life for others
---Be wise like an adult,think like a child
Too heavy at one end while the main body of the chair too light would naturally lead to such phenomenon. What does it teach us ?
Men have to be substantial enough to be firm and stable in lives. One should not be frivolous in aspiring to be high while not sticking to the ground.
Thank God for the incident to be my reminder.It's timely for the calendar quotes today for the related meditation:
---Service is humbly devoting your life for others
---Be wise like an adult,think like a child
2007年12月2日 星期日
Quotes on my birthday
My office desk has two quote calendars. On my birthday I take down what's said there:
Friends are ones who support you in the dark
朋友，是面前人生風浪時，為你遮風擋雨。
Life is perhaps made up of battles,during which have we ever set our eyes on the opponent,our Lord ?
生命或許是一場接一場的摔跤，當我們埋首戰鬥的時候，可曾抬頭注目對手竟是恩主 !
Almost coming up to half a hundred,may be in the mid-middles,I just pray for myself in the fiollowing way:
That the Lord can still send & use me in His own way. Strengthening others as well as building up oneself.
Friends are ones who support you in the dark
朋友，是面前人生風浪時，為你遮風擋雨。
Life is perhaps made up of battles,during which have we ever set our eyes on the opponent,our Lord ?
生命或許是一場接一場的摔跤，當我們埋首戰鬥的時候，可曾抬頭注目對手竟是恩主 !
Almost coming up to half a hundred,may be in the mid-middles,I just pray for myself in the fiollowing way:
That the Lord can still send & use me in His own way. Strengthening others as well as building up oneself.
Modern Lk 15 : A Parable in the Key of ‘F’
I found an interesting piece from Bits & Pieces:
Feeling footloose and frisky, a foolish fellow forced his father to fork over his fourth of the family farthings and flew far to a foreign field where he fast frittered his fathers fortune feasting foolishly with faithless friends. Fleeced by his fellows and folly, and facing famine he found himself a feed flinger in a filthy farm. Flushed and fairly famished he fain would have filled his frame with foraged food from farm fodder.
“My father’s flunkies fair far finer.” The frazzled fugitive forlornly fumbled. Frustrated and filled with forboding, he fled forthwith to his father. Falling to his father’s feet he forlornly fumbled, “Father, I have flunked and frugalessly forfeited family favor.” The fugitive’s, faultfinding brother frowned on fickle forgiveness, but the faithful father figure filled with fidelity, cried, “The fugitive is found. What forbids further festivities. Let the flags unfurl and the fanfares flare.” Father flagged a flunky who fetched a fatling from the flock and fixed a feast.
The moral of the story is: The father’s forgiveness formed a foundation for the fugitive’s future fortitude.
Feeling footloose and frisky, a foolish fellow forced his father to fork over his fourth of the family farthings and flew far to a foreign field where he fast frittered his fathers fortune feasting foolishly with faithless friends. Fleeced by his fellows and folly, and facing famine he found himself a feed flinger in a filthy farm. Flushed and fairly famished he fain would have filled his frame with foraged food from farm fodder.
“My father’s flunkies fair far finer.” The frazzled fugitive forlornly fumbled. Frustrated and filled with forboding, he fled forthwith to his father. Falling to his father’s feet he forlornly fumbled, “Father, I have flunked and frugalessly forfeited family favor.” The fugitive’s, faultfinding brother frowned on fickle forgiveness, but the faithful father figure filled with fidelity, cried, “The fugitive is found. What forbids further festivities. Let the flags unfurl and the fanfares flare.” Father flagged a flunky who fetched a fatling from the flock and fixed a feast.
The moral of the story is: The father’s forgiveness formed a foundation for the fugitive’s future fortitude.
Two views on exercise
Exercise ferments the humors, casts them into their proper channels, throws off redundancies, and helps nature in those secret distributions, without which the body cannot subsist in its vigor, nor the soul act with cheerfulness.
--Joseph Addison--
I believe that every human has a finite number of heart-beats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.
--Buzz Aldrin--
--Joseph Addison--
I believe that every human has a finite number of heart-beats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.
--Buzz Aldrin--
Jogging
It's been a while since I last took jogging. I seldom do exercise these days. For health reason we are always recommended to take regular exercise.I am a HT person and so catering to own heath might be necessary. But I take reading more often than jogging. It's a kind of nature or not I'm not sure but if left to me I'll take reading rather than jogging. Since childhood years I am that kind of habit.
I went jogging this afternoon after going to market to prepare for dinner.Yannie doesn't like eating outside and so I need to buy some meat for our supper. Then I went jogging during her sleep time. Just jogging for 15 minutes and that's already enough for me. It's a test for my sleep too and I'll watch out tonight whether it helps after doing exercises.
I went jogging this afternoon after going to market to prepare for dinner.Yannie doesn't like eating outside and so I need to buy some meat for our supper. Then I went jogging during her sleep time. Just jogging for 15 minutes and that's already enough for me. It's a test for my sleep too and I'll watch out tonight whether it helps after doing exercises.
2007年11月30日 星期五
Character quotes
Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.
Elmer G. Letterman
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller
Elmer G. Letterman
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller
2007年11月29日 星期四
With Yannie for three days
Janet went on a training trip today and not until Monday back.I have to be with Yannie for three whole days without mother's cooking.I pray that I do cook and we need not eat outside.
As Yannie doesn't like eating outside,I need to prepare meals for her sake. It's thankful things are not that tight this week BUT not so next week.
As Yannie doesn't like eating outside,I need to prepare meals for her sake. It's thankful things are not that tight this week BUT not so next week.
2007年11月28日 星期三
Good Listener & listening
A brother shared with me his great pressure experienced during this stage of his ministry. I sat there listen to him for almost 45 min.
I am not really a man of patience but gradually I can help myself be a better listener as the Lord is changing me day to day. Being a good listener may need to have the following conditions:
1.Have a listening ear of course.
2.Have a compassion for what you hear and not too swift to make judgement
3.Attend to what you hear and being in empathy with other
4.Not a time to be problem solver but just a time to affirm others in needs
I need to have listener too in mutual learning.
I am not really a man of patience but gradually I can help myself be a better listener as the Lord is changing me day to day. Being a good listener may need to have the following conditions:
1.Have a listening ear of course.
2.Have a compassion for what you hear and not too swift to make judgement
3.Attend to what you hear and being in empathy with other
4.Not a time to be problem solver but just a time to affirm others in needs
I need to have listener too in mutual learning.
2007年11月27日 星期二
Silver & Gold
To speak is silver,Silence is gold.
A word aptly spoken
is
like apples of gold
in
settings of silver. (Proverb 25:11)
A word aptly spoken
is
like apples of gold
in
settings of silver. (Proverb 25:11)
2007年11月26日 星期一
The Good in the Right
I took a cursory reading on a book by Robert Audi about the theory of intuition and intrinsic Value on my bus journey this morning.
He concluded on 5 ways of doing Ethics :
1. Top Down approach -- Rule Based
2. Bottom up approach -- Case based
3. Inside Out approach -- Virtue based
4. Work from Values to Principles ---Utilitarianism
5. Reflection from the Middle
He attempted to integrate both from the rule and the case based ethics,using & extending the Kantian framework with the Rossian intuitionism
I heard of utilitarianism,consequentialism approach and also Aristotelian based virtue ethics. His creative thoughts on re-working from the middle and opt for reflections from it is a good trial.
In the end of the book he put forth ten normative commitments appropriate to the overall intuitionist theory developed in the book :
1. We should not injure or harm people
2. We should not lie
3. We should keep our promise
4. We should not treat people unjustly and should contribute to rectifying injustice and to preventing future injustice.
5. We should make amends to our wrong doings
6. We should contribute to the good.
7. We should express gratitude,in deed or at least in words of thanks,in a way that befits good things done for us by other people,where other things equal,our obligation is stronger if what was done for us was not owed to us.
8. We should develop or at least sustain our distinctive human capacities.
9. We should contribute to increasing or at least preserving the freedom of persons,giving priority to removing restraints over enhancing opportunities.
10. We should,in the manner of our relations with other people,treat them respectfully.
So these ten commitments,namely on
1. Prohibition of injury
2. Veracity
3. Promissory fidelity
4. Justice
5. Reparation
6. Beneficence
7. Gratitude
8. Self-Improvement
9. Enhancement and preservation of freedom
10.Respectfulness
are ways of living our better lives around the world !
He concluded on 5 ways of doing Ethics :
1. Top Down approach -- Rule Based
2. Bottom up approach -- Case based
3. Inside Out approach -- Virtue based
4. Work from Values to Principles ---Utilitarianism
5. Reflection from the Middle
He attempted to integrate both from the rule and the case based ethics,using & extending the Kantian framework with the Rossian intuitionism
I heard of utilitarianism,consequentialism approach and also Aristotelian based virtue ethics. His creative thoughts on re-working from the middle and opt for reflections from it is a good trial.
In the end of the book he put forth ten normative commitments appropriate to the overall intuitionist theory developed in the book :
1. We should not injure or harm people
2. We should not lie
3. We should keep our promise
4. We should not treat people unjustly and should contribute to rectifying injustice and to preventing future injustice.
5. We should make amends to our wrong doings
6. We should contribute to the good.
7. We should express gratitude,in deed or at least in words of thanks,in a way that befits good things done for us by other people,where other things equal,our obligation is stronger if what was done for us was not owed to us.
8. We should develop or at least sustain our distinctive human capacities.
9. We should contribute to increasing or at least preserving the freedom of persons,giving priority to removing restraints over enhancing opportunities.
10. We should,in the manner of our relations with other people,treat them respectfully.
So these ten commitments,namely on
1. Prohibition of injury
2. Veracity
3. Promissory fidelity
4. Justice
5. Reparation
6. Beneficence
7. Gratitude
8. Self-Improvement
9. Enhancement and preservation of freedom
10.Respectfulness
are ways of living our better lives around the world !
2007年11月25日 星期日
唐崇懷牧師談讀書治學
讀唐崇懷牧師寫治學之方，他歸納綜合九法于下，甚得益處，茲節取如下，盼取其神髓真意自勉
一. 學思並行
孔子《論語》明訓：學而不思則罔，思而不學則殆。
孔子所說：知之為知之，不知為不知，是知也釋。
知與不知應由坦誠著手。知則可述，不知則問，是知之途。此外知與不知之辯乃在於問，能問，肯問，不恥下問，這是不知的必要表現，也是知的必然表現。我們只能在知和不知之間中求知，致知。
二、考讀溫習
學問、思考相輔相成，故曰思所學應以問考續之，如此方可證實所學之道。
溫習始於讀了再讀的背誦，但溫習不單是背誦，還在於思考，反復思想促進考問運作和嘗試體驗的實際操作和實踐。這就是論語之“學而時習之”的正解。實踐有兩種體現：一是操作性實踐（Practice），就是指實在操練和熟練運作。另一種是行動性實踐（Praxis）指將意識界的認知付注行動來真是理論的實在。
三、假物推進
人的體力時間、精神思想都是有限的，唯學無止境。若不能善以假物，我們只能望洋興嘆，束手無策。讀書治學應當自認不足有限，謙卑虛心求進；應當懂得利用一切有利條件去學習，不該閉門造車，自恃自是。
四、精博並兼
一般來說，治學在於求精，但求精之先當有博學。不循先博後精之序，必會陷入鑽牛角尖，偏倚自恃的極端思維以管窺天的鄙俗中。博者有三：一為庸俗之博，二為平觀之博，三為概觀之博。庸俗之博在其量；平觀之博在其廣；概觀之博在其通，各有所長。
五、抓概鉤要
陶淵明曾以“不求甚解”，論述治學之方。所謂不求甚解者，並非懶惰，隨意放棄追求，而是指治學之方應當抓住要點，去繁就簡，不要受書中繁瑣諮詢左右迷惑。讀書不應過份注意枝節，造成捨本逐末，應能抓住概要，獨立思考。
六、專一恒心
讀書不專，有如走馬觀花不見其美，又如囫圇吞棗，不知其味，心無所得。為學而無恒，一知半解，終必半途而廢，功虧一簣。專一和恒心本如孿生姊妹；專一加上恒心，鐵可磨針。恒者有三：時恒，向恒，心恒。時恒指讀書習慣應定時讀，定數讀；向恒者指應定向循序讀，主次，首尾，本末不可亂序，先通一，而後志於二；心恒者則指堅舍不輟，從一而終。
七、尋疑求解
西人將研究作再尋(Research)作解。其實，疑者有三：無知之疑，不信之疑和求知之疑。無知和不信不在話下，唯求知之疑應當接受鼓勵。聖哲奥古斯丁之“我疑故我在”及安瑟之“因信求知” (Fides Quaerens Intellectum) 皆為尋疑和再尋疑之正用，善用和至用。所謂尋疑乃存細緻及寬闊心思，微觀宏觀的並用。
八、類別致用
書一旦讀多，資訊資訊繁雜難以控制，常會混亂，應當加以分類。一般書可分為三大類：一為泛讀類，能略解書中大意即可。讀之只為增進通識，是文化文明的前提，一讀即可。二為精讀類，需要反復誦讀不斷品味玩索，是謂當熟讀精讀之書。最後一類是資考之書，這類書應當先予泛讀知其內容，有其概要、知其所在，儲存以資隨時參考。
九、抄錄啟發
以上分法有人以目治、口治、必治、及手治識別之。稍一看即可的書，為目治之書；看完還需背誦，為口治之書；背書尚需再深思者為必治之書。最重要者還得算手治之書，就是指那些看了，背了，思考了，還得將書中精華提要抄錄下來的書。抄錄有兩種：一為抄錄珠璣，妙語，絕句，一為抄錄大綱提要。前者是一種享受回憶，後者有助推理、思考、治學。
讀書起碼有四個階段：讀其為內容其一，讀其治方其二，讀其啟發其三，讀其魂魄其四，如此方能得其言、知其意，觀其奇，全其志，而承其業。
上述從唐牧師取的撮要，盼有助我們少讀書者，懂得如何讀，多讀及吸收。
一. 學思並行
孔子《論語》明訓：學而不思則罔，思而不學則殆。
孔子所說：知之為知之，不知為不知，是知也釋。
知與不知應由坦誠著手。知則可述，不知則問，是知之途。此外知與不知之辯乃在於問，能問，肯問，不恥下問，這是不知的必要表現，也是知的必然表現。我們只能在知和不知之間中求知，致知。
二、考讀溫習
學問、思考相輔相成，故曰思所學應以問考續之，如此方可證實所學之道。
溫習始於讀了再讀的背誦，但溫習不單是背誦，還在於思考，反復思想促進考問運作和嘗試體驗的實際操作和實踐。這就是論語之“學而時習之”的正解。實踐有兩種體現：一是操作性實踐（Practice），就是指實在操練和熟練運作。另一種是行動性實踐（Praxis）指將意識界的認知付注行動來真是理論的實在。
三、假物推進
人的體力時間、精神思想都是有限的，唯學無止境。若不能善以假物，我們只能望洋興嘆，束手無策。讀書治學應當自認不足有限，謙卑虛心求進；應當懂得利用一切有利條件去學習，不該閉門造車，自恃自是。
四、精博並兼
一般來說，治學在於求精，但求精之先當有博學。不循先博後精之序，必會陷入鑽牛角尖，偏倚自恃的極端思維以管窺天的鄙俗中。博者有三：一為庸俗之博，二為平觀之博，三為概觀之博。庸俗之博在其量；平觀之博在其廣；概觀之博在其通，各有所長。
五、抓概鉤要
陶淵明曾以“不求甚解”，論述治學之方。所謂不求甚解者，並非懶惰，隨意放棄追求，而是指治學之方應當抓住要點，去繁就簡，不要受書中繁瑣諮詢左右迷惑。讀書不應過份注意枝節，造成捨本逐末，應能抓住概要，獨立思考。
六、專一恒心
讀書不專，有如走馬觀花不見其美，又如囫圇吞棗，不知其味，心無所得。為學而無恒，一知半解，終必半途而廢，功虧一簣。專一和恒心本如孿生姊妹；專一加上恒心，鐵可磨針。恒者有三：時恒，向恒，心恒。時恒指讀書習慣應定時讀，定數讀；向恒者指應定向循序讀，主次，首尾，本末不可亂序，先通一，而後志於二；心恒者則指堅舍不輟，從一而終。
七、尋疑求解
西人將研究作再尋(Research)作解。其實，疑者有三：無知之疑，不信之疑和求知之疑。無知和不信不在話下，唯求知之疑應當接受鼓勵。聖哲奥古斯丁之“我疑故我在”及安瑟之“因信求知” (Fides Quaerens Intellectum) 皆為尋疑和再尋疑之正用，善用和至用。所謂尋疑乃存細緻及寬闊心思，微觀宏觀的並用。
八、類別致用
書一旦讀多，資訊資訊繁雜難以控制，常會混亂，應當加以分類。一般書可分為三大類：一為泛讀類，能略解書中大意即可。讀之只為增進通識，是文化文明的前提，一讀即可。二為精讀類，需要反復誦讀不斷品味玩索，是謂當熟讀精讀之書。最後一類是資考之書，這類書應當先予泛讀知其內容，有其概要、知其所在，儲存以資隨時參考。
九、抄錄啟發
以上分法有人以目治、口治、必治、及手治識別之。稍一看即可的書，為目治之書；看完還需背誦，為口治之書；背書尚需再深思者為必治之書。最重要者還得算手治之書，就是指那些看了，背了，思考了，還得將書中精華提要抄錄下來的書。抄錄有兩種：一為抄錄珠璣，妙語，絕句，一為抄錄大綱提要。前者是一種享受回憶，後者有助推理、思考、治學。
讀書起碼有四個階段：讀其為內容其一，讀其治方其二，讀其啟發其三，讀其魂魄其四，如此方能得其言、知其意，觀其奇，全其志，而承其業。
上述從唐牧師取的撮要，盼有助我們少讀書者，懂得如何讀，多讀及吸收。
Nehemiah's swift prayer
Neh 2:4 is the shortest prayer ever found in Nehemiah's ministry.Altogether there are ten prayers in the book of Nehemiah (1:4-11,2:4,4:4-5,5:19,6:9b,14,13:14,22,29,31)
I focused this morning on 2:4. It's the shortest one.
4 characteristics arise of this prayer:
1. Transcend Space--- Towards the God of Heaven
2. Transcend Time --- After three-four months from the time of in-depth Nourishment
3. Transcend Words --- No sound here of his wordings before the King
4. Transcend Rituals --- Open eyes instead of closed eyes
I just studied essays from Rev. Joseph Tong on the theology of prayers.
It's good to reflect more on it as there are much confusion on the practice of prayers due to spirituality movements these days.
I focused this morning on 2:4. It's the shortest one.
4 characteristics arise of this prayer:
1. Transcend Space--- Towards the God of Heaven
2. Transcend Time --- After three-four months from the time of in-depth Nourishment
3. Transcend Words --- No sound here of his wordings before the King
4. Transcend Rituals --- Open eyes instead of closed eyes
I just studied essays from Rev. Joseph Tong on the theology of prayers.
It's good to reflect more on it as there are much confusion on the practice of prayers due to spirituality movements these days.
Prompt response
I received the returned fill-in application forms from mainland colleagues past few days right after coming back HK last week. My impression on this is that their responses are prompt.It indicates their eagerness to join our training in coming days.
Of course we have not met together to discuss their applications not until next week or early December.It means my past outreaching trip for recruitments have certain results. Of course whether it turns out to have all being accepted still unknown,it will be great to have known them anyway.
Of course we have not met together to discuss their applications not until next week or early December.It means my past outreaching trip for recruitments have certain results. Of course whether it turns out to have all being accepted still unknown,it will be great to have known them anyway.
2007年11月23日 星期五
2007年11月22日 星期四
The problem of Theodicy
I read James Crenshaw's book Defending God today.
He used psalm 104 and 77 as contrasts to begin the discussion.
Psalm 104 is portrayal of Divine benevolence while Psalm 77 that of Divine betrayal.
Seven ways of treating the issue are as follows:
Retributive
Disciplinary
Revelational
Probative
Illusory
Transitory
Incomprehensible
He used psalm 104 and 77 as contrasts to begin the discussion.
Psalm 104 is portrayal of Divine benevolence while Psalm 77 that of Divine betrayal.
Seven ways of treating the issue are as follows:
Retributive
Disciplinary
Revelational
Probative
Illusory
Transitory
Incomprehensible
2007年11月21日 星期三
差傳 5 C (徒十五 36-41)
一. 差傳與其延續性 (v.36) CONTINUATION
1. 他們---回到宣傳主道的各城
2. 他們---看望弟兄景況
二. 差傳與培育同工 (v.37) CO-WORKERS
1. 約翰馬可----是引起爭議的人物
2. 巴拿巴的栽培用心
三. 差傳與同心合意 (v.38-39) CONVERGENCE
1. 保羅與巴拿巴因爭論而分開
2. 他倆不同看法產生二個隊工
四. 差傳與教會祝福 (v.40) COMMENDATION
1. 交託神的恩-----教會的支持
2. 差傳不只是個人的事情，是教會的事情
五. 差傳與教會成長 (v.41) CONSOLIDATION
1. 走遍----是差傳本來的意義
2. 堅固----是建立教會的生命
1. 他們---回到宣傳主道的各城
2. 他們---看望弟兄景況
二. 差傳與培育同工 (v.37) CO-WORKERS
1. 約翰馬可----是引起爭議的人物
2. 巴拿巴的栽培用心
三. 差傳與同心合意 (v.38-39) CONVERGENCE
1. 保羅與巴拿巴因爭論而分開
2. 他倆不同看法產生二個隊工
四. 差傳與教會祝福 (v.40) COMMENDATION
1. 交託神的恩-----教會的支持
2. 差傳不只是個人的事情，是教會的事情
五. 差傳與教會成長 (v.41) CONSOLIDATION
1. 走遍----是差傳本來的意義
2. 堅固----是建立教會的生命
On Cross Cultural Competence
I read a book on cultural competence by a Rotterdam professor.
The end result of his concluding remarks are as follows:
The theory of cultural competence is still under construction.
Perhaps a name for managers should be :
Managing rather than management
Remain a fluid and hybrid gerund rather than
become a solid and homogeneous noun
Hybrid improvisation rather than
intentional.deliberate design
Vibrant local cultures rather than
dominant imperialist Westernization
In turbulent periods,
Orderliness is limited to short-lived transactions,
Intelligence is reduced to local expertise,
Determinacy covers only those events close together in time and space,
Organizations is not sufficiently homogeneous to support concerted action,
Environment is not sufficiently determinant to encourage accurate long term prediction,
The way out of turbulence may lie in continuous improvisation in response to continuous change in local details,designing replaces design
My reflection out of the above sayings is this,
The -ing replaces the -ed,
The continuous tense replaces the continuity
The cross-cultural competence grows in the shadow of power and passion,which is the ending phrase of the whole book.
The end result of his concluding remarks are as follows:
The theory of cultural competence is still under construction.
Perhaps a name for managers should be :
Managing rather than management
Remain a fluid and hybrid gerund rather than
become a solid and homogeneous noun
Hybrid improvisation rather than
intentional.deliberate design
Vibrant local cultures rather than
dominant imperialist Westernization
In turbulent periods,
Orderliness is limited to short-lived transactions,
Intelligence is reduced to local expertise,
Determinacy covers only those events close together in time and space,
Organizations is not sufficiently homogeneous to support concerted action,
Environment is not sufficiently determinant to encourage accurate long term prediction,
The way out of turbulence may lie in continuous improvisation in response to continuous change in local details,designing replaces design
My reflection out of the above sayings is this,
The -ing replaces the -ed,
The continuous tense replaces the continuity
The cross-cultural competence grows in the shadow of power and passion,which is the ending phrase of the whole book.
2007年11月20日 星期二
An Eagle's Life
This morning devotion was given by a Reverend Fung from FEBC Canada.
His short message was on Psalm 103:1-5,especially focusing on last verse.
An eagle,for renewal of own strength,upon age 40,has to lead a life for 150 days alone in a cave.
Three things will be achieved within this period for survival and renewal purposes. Firstly the eagle will detach own old peak,then use the new grown one to destroy her worn-out claws,finally used the new grown claws to pluck off all her skin hairs.
The eagle then experiences once again a new stage,hopefully living for another 30 more years.The life span of an average eagle would be 70.
How's our human growth amid middle years ?
Are there any transition like off our skin hairs analogous to an eagle ?
He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ( Ps 103:5)
His short message was on Psalm 103:1-5,especially focusing on last verse.
An eagle,for renewal of own strength,upon age 40,has to lead a life for 150 days alone in a cave.
Three things will be achieved within this period for survival and renewal purposes. Firstly the eagle will detach own old peak,then use the new grown one to destroy her worn-out claws,finally used the new grown claws to pluck off all her skin hairs.
The eagle then experiences once again a new stage,hopefully living for another 30 more years.The life span of an average eagle would be 70.
How's our human growth amid middle years ?
Are there any transition like off our skin hairs analogous to an eagle ?
He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ( Ps 103:5)
2007年11月19日 星期一
God's Help
I shared Psalm 121 this morning.
God's help is my theme.
God's helping us since He's our Creator and our Covenantal Keeper.
God's help is all comprehensive and covers all areas of our needs.
God's help imparts to all related children,regardless of strong and weak,wealthy or poor,famous or nameless.
How can God's help be reconciled with our present numerous cases of malignant tumors,terminal cases without answered prayers ?
Yet the NT authors still affirm us
with God's granting us His unexpected peace (Phil 4:7)
with His delivering us from various evils (II Tim 4:18)
in advising us to entrust ourselves unto His Faithfulness amid suffering according to His will (I Peter 4:19)
Thanks be to God for His timely help amid our helpless state,according to His lovingkindness.
God's help is my theme.
God's helping us since He's our Creator and our Covenantal Keeper.
God's help is all comprehensive and covers all areas of our needs.
God's help imparts to all related children,regardless of strong and weak,wealthy or poor,famous or nameless.
How can God's help be reconciled with our present numerous cases of malignant tumors,terminal cases without answered prayers ?
Yet the NT authors still affirm us
with God's granting us His unexpected peace (Phil 4:7)
with His delivering us from various evils (II Tim 4:18)
in advising us to entrust ourselves unto His Faithfulness amid suffering according to His will (I Peter 4:19)
Thanks be to God for His timely help amid our helpless state,according to His lovingkindness.
First draft of the training materials
I finished my first draft of the book of Hosea today. It's a day off after my last week's outreaching trip.I swiftly gathered my own outline of the whole book and shall adopt the ready-made notes from FEBC in the past broadcast materials. It's good on the whole and I need not type them all over again.
Sometimes it will be fine to have well prepared notes and you just need to choose how to use them.
Sometimes it will be fine to have well prepared notes and you just need to choose how to use them.
2007年11月17日 星期六
A sharing Time
After the service I spent time together with a brother. It's a relaxed time for us to encourage each other. Fellowship is not just confined to regular meetings but also intentional invitation sharings.I intend to do such kind of talks whenver I can be available on Sundays.
Reflections on Love
I believe love is primarily a choice and only sometimes a feeling.If you want to feel love, choose to love and be patient.
I don't think anyone can DO anything that would make him worthy of love.Love is a gift and cannot be earned. It can only be given.
You can't love anyone until you understand that you can't love everyone.
--- From Real Live Preacher ---
I don't think anyone can DO anything that would make him worthy of love.Love is a gift and cannot be earned. It can only be given.
You can't love anyone until you understand that you can't love everyone.
--- From Real Live Preacher ---
2007年11月16日 星期五
A Memorable Trip
I went on two trips within a week's time.
The southern GwongDong visit was to interact with campus students and even the master degree students. Our studies on the book of Ephesians were encouraging and they had good feedback.
The other trip was to go to TsingDao. We went to four cities within three days and it's really tiring in our hectic travels. We thanked God as one morning a heavy truck on highway almost went onto our small car and we were flowed a bit but amazingly we were not hurt. Of course our time was delayed and we couldn't be on time schedule that very day. Thanks to God that He protected us and we could finish all our tasks for the journey.
Life is changing fast in China and many new generation leaders are going to be raised up under His Grace.
The southern GwongDong visit was to interact with campus students and even the master degree students. Our studies on the book of Ephesians were encouraging and they had good feedback.
The other trip was to go to TsingDao. We went to four cities within three days and it's really tiring in our hectic travels. We thanked God as one morning a heavy truck on highway almost went onto our small car and we were flowed a bit but amazingly we were not hurt. Of course our time was delayed and we couldn't be on time schedule that very day. Thanks to God that He protected us and we could finish all our tasks for the journey.
Life is changing fast in China and many new generation leaders are going to be raised up under His Grace.
2007年11月7日 星期三
Today's reflection
Wisdom is to understand that the world is ever-changing.
Stabilty is to be assured that the Lord's love is never changing.
Both wisdom and stability are needed towards an orderly & progressive society.
Stabilty is to be assured that the Lord's love is never changing.
Both wisdom and stability are needed towards an orderly & progressive society.
Swatow Trip
I shall go on an outreaching trip tomorrow to Swatow.
We shall talk on the book of Ephesians.Four themes awaiting us for delineation.
1. Our spiritual life and its growth
2. Counseling & a leader's growth
3. Teamwork and unity
4. Christian family & related issues.
Pray for travel mercy and smooth interactions.
We shall talk on the book of Ephesians.Four themes awaiting us for delineation.
1. Our spiritual life and its growth
2. Counseling & a leader's growth
3. Teamwork and unity
4. Christian family & related issues.
Pray for travel mercy and smooth interactions.
A Quotation
Humor is our way of defending ourselves from life's absurdities by thinking absurdly about them ---Lewis Mumford--
2007年11月5日 星期一
A Fellowship Meal
I met with three deacons of an ECF church last evening .
They asked my ideas on how to deal with the church during the absence of a suitable leader in charge. Actually they got one but due to retirement of approaching age and himself not thinking suitable on the role.
These days searching for right pastors are extremely difficult and I gave them three advices
1. Patiently wait for one given from heaven of God's provision,which they already do so for more than a year.
2. Come to consensus among themselves to find one as representative to lead among the equals.
3. Seek a few young seminary graduates and be their mentors and watch them lead and serve.
Anyway they have to be united themselves for any options to be successful.
The best might be option one which can hardly be found.
The second best is the third one which they too have to make effort to bring it into presence.
The second option can only be possible if,they have someone retires earlier,and willing to focus time & energy within own church.
I prayed for them before leaving,already two and a half hours' talk.
They asked my ideas on how to deal with the church during the absence of a suitable leader in charge. Actually they got one but due to retirement of approaching age and himself not thinking suitable on the role.
These days searching for right pastors are extremely difficult and I gave them three advices
1. Patiently wait for one given from heaven of God's provision,which they already do so for more than a year.
2. Come to consensus among themselves to find one as representative to lead among the equals.
3. Seek a few young seminary graduates and be their mentors and watch them lead and serve.
Anyway they have to be united themselves for any options to be successful.
The best might be option one which can hardly be found.
The second best is the third one which they too have to make effort to bring it into presence.
The second option can only be possible if,they have someone retires earlier,and willing to focus time & energy within own church.
I prayed for them before leaving,already two and a half hours' talk.
2007年11月4日 星期日
Laos Mission needs
Yesterday's mission Sunday focused on the Laos needs.
It's the first time I heard of the needs though in Mekong regions like Vietnam and Myanmar I have been visiting before. For Laos it's quite a restricted region for the gospel to spread around. Mainly it's still through the loving service of Christian professionals and their presence among the people.
It's also an enjoyable time after the service to chat with couples and had lunch fellowship time together.
It's the first time I heard of the needs though in Mekong regions like Vietnam and Myanmar I have been visiting before. For Laos it's quite a restricted region for the gospel to spread around. Mainly it's still through the loving service of Christian professionals and their presence among the people.
It's also an enjoyable time after the service to chat with couples and had lunch fellowship time together.
Church History
A Concise History of Christian Thought by Tony Lane,a book I borrowed last Tuesday on day off from the HK Library,is a quite good book on church history. I tried to memorize the different years and creeds and important representative figures in different periods in my LEISURE hours. It will be good if I got to teach on church history someday. Already more than a quarter of century since seminary years and of course my church history knowledge have all gone. It's great to face the creeds,councils and church Fathers again in a concise text.
2007年10月30日 星期二
Back to office
After more than two weeks time on training and afterwards days off,all are back to office again. It's quite simple these days with my new ministry. My thoughts are just on studies and training. But we have also to prepare for the sudden changes arising from time to time.
2007年10月29日 星期一
Western Rail
I have been travelling to NW Territories in the afternoon today using the 20 dollars day pass with Janet. Tin Shui Wai,Yuen Long and Tuen Mun are areas we seldom go.
We took three hours on West Rail and the Light rail to visit the above areas. Since it's just a regular day and between rush hours it's quite convenient and not many people on the carriage..
I recall days when Yannie was young then we sometimes travelled on Monday together to different parks in HK. Gone are these days have we such kind of leisure.
After two weeks training I get two day offs and so I can spend half day doing the travellings. Janet still had her morning office and we can just spend the afternoon.
For me Light Rail facilitates only the NW residents. The stops are too frequent and not speedy enough for fast move. For Yuen long West Rail is more in touch and fast enough for commuting between Kowloon and Yuen Long.
Holidays on rail travel is one way of relax for thoughts and conversations on the move.
We took three hours on West Rail and the Light rail to visit the above areas. Since it's just a regular day and between rush hours it's quite convenient and not many people on the carriage..
I recall days when Yannie was young then we sometimes travelled on Monday together to different parks in HK. Gone are these days have we such kind of leisure.
After two weeks training I get two day offs and so I can spend half day doing the travellings. Janet still had her morning office and we can just spend the afternoon.
For me Light Rail facilitates only the NW residents. The stops are too frequent and not speedy enough for fast move. For Yuen long West Rail is more in touch and fast enough for commuting between Kowloon and Yuen Long.
Holidays on rail travel is one way of relax for thoughts and conversations on the move.
2007年10月27日 星期六
A hospital visit
We received an urgent call to see an elderly lady in the hospital this morning.
Janet visited her two months ago. But it's been a long time for me to see her,just had a phone talk on my way back HK on the train then.
She's glad to see us and it's grateful to the Lord that she stayed awake,even with big smile. It' sad to see her struggle through using machine to keep her alive. She indicated to go home and be freed from all the given bondages.
I prayed for her with Janet and Catherine together. If it's not waiting for her young daughter to come from mainland,may be her other daughters would agree to let her pass naturally without any further assistance when necessary.
PL,Leo came one after the other and another sister later on who always visited her before.I seldom had to hurry to the hospital these few years in my new role but it makes me think of days before in my pastoral duties. I still enjoy visits though it seems we are so helpless to see others pass away. We seem helpless but not hopeless with the love of our God.
I pray then her family members can come to the Lord and be clear of conflicts and misunderstandings with each other. For the respect of their still existent mother,they can come together with each other.
Janet visited her two months ago. But it's been a long time for me to see her,just had a phone talk on my way back HK on the train then.
She's glad to see us and it's grateful to the Lord that she stayed awake,even with big smile. It' sad to see her struggle through using machine to keep her alive. She indicated to go home and be freed from all the given bondages.
I prayed for her with Janet and Catherine together. If it's not waiting for her young daughter to come from mainland,may be her other daughters would agree to let her pass naturally without any further assistance when necessary.
PL,Leo came one after the other and another sister later on who always visited her before.I seldom had to hurry to the hospital these few years in my new role but it makes me think of days before in my pastoral duties. I still enjoy visits though it seems we are so helpless to see others pass away. We seem helpless but not hopeless with the love of our God.
I pray then her family members can come to the Lord and be clear of conflicts and misunderstandings with each other. For the respect of their still existent mother,they can come together with each other.
2007年10月26日 星期五
Forgive to Live
A few definitions of forgiveness from a book I read today :
- Forgiveness is the process of reframing one's anger and hurt from the past,with the goal of recovering one's peace in the present and revitalizing one's purpose and hopes for the future.
- Forgiveness is giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me.
- Our friends are those who know their own faults well enough to forgive ours.
- Forgiveness is the feeling of peace that emerges as you take the hurt less personally,take responsibility for how you feel and become a hero instead of a victim in the story you tell... Forgiveness means that even though you are wounded,you choose to hurt and suffer less.
- He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must travel.
2007年10月11日 星期四
Clear up files
I am not that orderly in my desk files. Past files and papers pile up all the time and have not been put into the right place. Though I can figure out quite fast but still it's too complicated in sorting things out. That's why in my old office I have to undo so many files when leaving. It still has not finished as I remove bit by bit and from time to time.
I learned these lessons :
1. No need to print out hard copies only when really necessary.
2. To clear up the papers ASAP better everyday.
3. Have a good filing system but cannot have so many classifications.
4. Send good but unused materials for others to read and let them clear.
Untidiness is a reflection of what's inside us.
Tidiness is an unreachable ideal but is essential in life.
I learned these lessons :
1. No need to print out hard copies only when really necessary.
2. To clear up the papers ASAP better everyday.
3. Have a good filing system but cannot have so many classifications.
4. Send good but unused materials for others to read and let them clear.
Untidiness is a reflection of what's inside us.
Tidiness is an unreachable ideal but is essential in life.
2007年10月10日 星期三
Paul's walking
Acts 20:13 recorded Paul's decision to walk instead of joining the mission team.
To understand why he did so might be a futile search and mostly just making own conjectures.
It might be that he stayed behind to console Eutychus the restored youth.
Most probably it's Paul's own quiet time before the Lord to clear his own emotions.
He faced the trials and persecutions from the Jews (Acts 20:3,19,22,25,38)
He faced the departures with the Ephesian elders.
He faced his own uncertain futures
He knew he was bound by the spirit's steps,not his own plans
He gave himself sort of space to pause before the Lord
He created space for his teammates during his absence.
He allowed space for God to touch him
Einstein got a famous formula; E=MC2
Another formula from him too as follows:
Success = Work + Play + Silence
We need rest and silence too to take heed from the Lord.
To understand why he did so might be a futile search and mostly just making own conjectures.
It might be that he stayed behind to console Eutychus the restored youth.
Most probably it's Paul's own quiet time before the Lord to clear his own emotions.
He faced the trials and persecutions from the Jews (Acts 20:3,19,22,25,38)
He faced the departures with the Ephesian elders.
He faced his own uncertain futures
He knew he was bound by the spirit's steps,not his own plans
He gave himself sort of space to pause before the Lord
He created space for his teammates during his absence.
He allowed space for God to touch him
Einstein got a famous formula; E=MC2
Another formula from him too as follows:
Success = Work + Play + Silence
We need rest and silence too to take heed from the Lord.
2007年10月9日 星期二
New
I prepare to have trainings on Ephesians coming November
C gave me an outline for sharing our ministry talks. He has to share two of the talks. I found it's from John Stott's BST series. It's quite useful and adopt 4 key words related with newness :
New Life (1:1-2:10)
New Community (2:11-3:21)
New Standards (4:1-5:20)
New relationships (5:21-6:24)
C will have talks on new life and new standards specifically for attending to the Christian growth and helping others grow. While I shall focus on teamwork and family issues in terms of new community and relationships.
Praying for our own newness in preparation.
C gave me an outline for sharing our ministry talks. He has to share two of the talks. I found it's from John Stott's BST series. It's quite useful and adopt 4 key words related with newness :
New Life (1:1-2:10)
New Community (2:11-3:21)
New Standards (4:1-5:20)
New relationships (5:21-6:24)
C will have talks on new life and new standards specifically for attending to the Christian growth and helping others grow. While I shall focus on teamwork and family issues in terms of new community and relationships.
Praying for our own newness in preparation.
2007年10月8日 星期一
Ordinary People
What makes ordinary people extraordinary is their willingness to be ordinary.
凡人之不平凡，在於他能甘於平凡。
凡人之不平凡，在於他能甘於平凡。
2007年10月7日 星期日
An Open Sharing
Adult group sharing is not that easy to hear open talk.You can share your success and failures. Well,may be it's changed now and middle aged can share more on these because of numerous learning and failing experiences. Sunday afternoon's group sharing can understand more of this aspect and pray more intimately.
For present youths I do not know it's possible for them to do so. I hope that the adult's got enough examples for them to follow in the same steps.
For present youths I do not know it's possible for them to do so. I hope that the adult's got enough examples for them to follow in the same steps.
2007年10月6日 星期六
Pictures on Continental Squares
Saturday might mean dinner outside and we went to Kwai Fong in the evening.
The most economic meal would be ordering beef rice before 6:00p.m. from the Yoshinoya for three of us. Janet usually takes chicken rice instead of beef while both Yannie and I would order.
After the meal we went up the 6/F to Everyday bookstore where Yannie wanted to search for any new DVD Detective Conan. To her disappointment no such new releases came forth. I then spent time appreciating a pictorial book on the various beautiful Square Photo pictures from 5 continents,Europe 28, Asia 10, Americas 10,Australia and Africa 2 where the no. means countries. About a hundred famous and unknown Squares and Plazas around the world were shown. I have not travelled to Europe before and so it's fascinating to see the various People's Square Photos displayed.
It's always enjoyable to read everywhere I go and such a habit helps me to widen my understandings. Too many book releases these days,much more faster than our reading speed.It's always a tension to chase after new books and also amazing to see so many newly written ones. But knowledge increase doesn't mean peaceful living.Knowledge increase according to Ecclesiastes might lead to worries and sorrows.
Might it not be so to the pious before God.I have to take heed or else I'll be in the same trap mentioned.
The most economic meal would be ordering beef rice before 6:00p.m. from the Yoshinoya for three of us. Janet usually takes chicken rice instead of beef while both Yannie and I would order.
After the meal we went up the 6/F to Everyday bookstore where Yannie wanted to search for any new DVD Detective Conan. To her disappointment no such new releases came forth. I then spent time appreciating a pictorial book on the various beautiful Square Photo pictures from 5 continents,Europe 28, Asia 10, Americas 10,Australia and Africa 2 where the no. means countries. About a hundred famous and unknown Squares and Plazas around the world were shown. I have not travelled to Europe before and so it's fascinating to see the various People's Square Photos displayed.
It's always enjoyable to read everywhere I go and such a habit helps me to widen my understandings. Too many book releases these days,much more faster than our reading speed.It's always a tension to chase after new books and also amazing to see so many newly written ones. But knowledge increase doesn't mean peaceful living.Knowledge increase according to Ecclesiastes might lead to worries and sorrows.
Might it not be so to the pious before God.I have to take heed or else I'll be in the same trap mentioned.
2007年10月4日 星期四
Training & Learning
I commit myself to training. But actually I am not that skillful in training. Training is not just transfer of notes and knowledge which most people can imagine of. Rather training should be a transformation of lives in our attitudes and even outlook which is the Lord's will for us.
In this process we ourselves do have to be changed too.Training involves also the continual learning that we should have.It's not only a transfer of knowledge but a renewal of our mindset.(Romans 12:1-2)
Lord ! Help me to grasp hold of what's your best will for ourselves as well as others.
In this process we ourselves do have to be changed too.Training involves also the continual learning that we should have.It's not only a transfer of knowledge but a renewal of our mindset.(Romans 12:1-2)
Lord ! Help me to grasp hold of what's your best will for ourselves as well as others.
A breakfast Fellowship
We had breakfast together for all the office colleagues this morning. C supposed to lead the morning devotion but instead she suggested yesterday that we could have breakfast together.
It's good to have informal time for table chat. Of course we heard of Rev. Lo's sharing more. Then we had opportunity to interview a colleague applying for training ministry.
Praying that by His grace we can have more in coming days to meet the demands.
It's good to have informal time for table chat. Of course we heard of Rev. Lo's sharing more. Then we had opportunity to interview a colleague applying for training ministry.
Praying that by His grace we can have more in coming days to meet the demands.
One more week
Just a week left for us to start the training.I rounded off my Romans 'notes today. It's altogether 42 pages and Tracy helped me to put it into the right format for the attendants.
It's suggested that Nov 2 will be a picnic day for the office. We decided today to go to Sai Kung Peninsula to visit the Lions Nature Education Centre. There are altogether more than 12 centres or sites for tourist visits. I think already more than ten years since I last visited the place.
It's suggested that Nov 2 will be a picnic day for the office. We decided today to go to Sai Kung Peninsula to visit the Lions Nature Education Centre. There are altogether more than 12 centres or sites for tourist visits. I think already more than ten years since I last visited the place.
2007年10月2日 星期二
Good to Great and the Social Sectors
I read from today's newspaper a brief introduction of the above book by Jim Collins. I searched quickly on the website about the excerpt and found the followings:
The pivot point in Good to Great is the Hedgehog Concept.
The essence of a Hedgehog Concept is to attain piercing clarity about how to produce the best long-term results, and then exercising the relentless discipline to say, “No thank you” to opportunities that fail the hedgehog test.
When we examined the Hedgehog Concepts of the good-to-great companies, we found they reflected deep understanding of three intersecting circles:
1) what you are deeply passionate about,
2) what you can be the best in the world at, and
3) what best drives your economic engine.
On the above third circle,in terms of non-profit organization,the Hedgehog Concept just shifts from being an economic engine to a resource engine.The critical question is not
“How much money do we make?” but
“How can we develop a sustainable resource engine to deliver superior performance relative to our mission?”
I think as a body of Christ the church can also be benefited in developing a sustainable resource effort to deliver superior performance relative to our mission.
The pivot point in Good to Great is the Hedgehog Concept.
The essence of a Hedgehog Concept is to attain piercing clarity about how to produce the best long-term results, and then exercising the relentless discipline to say, “No thank you” to opportunities that fail the hedgehog test.
When we examined the Hedgehog Concepts of the good-to-great companies, we found they reflected deep understanding of three intersecting circles:
1) what you are deeply passionate about,
2) what you can be the best in the world at, and
3) what best drives your economic engine.
On the above third circle,in terms of non-profit organization,the Hedgehog Concept just shifts from being an economic engine to a resource engine.The critical question is not
“How much money do we make?” but
“How can we develop a sustainable resource engine to deliver superior performance relative to our mission?”
I think as a body of Christ the church can also be benefited in developing a sustainable resource effort to deliver superior performance relative to our mission.
Real Freedom in Midlife
Men in mid-life crisis understand freedom like the following:
It's quite meaningful to have the above 4 characteristics in real freedom :
1. Homeward Bound
2. Inward Bound
3. Community Bound
4. Bound Unconsciousness
But all in all,it's Jesus Who 's wise to say real freedom is Truth Bound !
Only in knowing truth shall we be free ! (John 8:32)
- Men are free when they are in a living homeland, not when they are straying and breaking away.
- Men are free when they are obeying some deep, inward voice of religious belief,obeying from within.
- Men are free when they belong to a living, organic, believing community, active in fulfilling some unfulfilled, perhaps unrealized purpose...
- Men are most free when they are most unconscious of freedom.
It's quite meaningful to have the above 4 characteristics in real freedom :
1. Homeward Bound
2. Inward Bound
3. Community Bound
4. Bound Unconsciousness
But all in all,it's Jesus Who 's wise to say real freedom is Truth Bound !
Only in knowing truth shall we be free ! (John 8:32)
Paul J. Meyer 's Law of Inevitability
The words you use will eventually make an impact. It is inevitable.
If you were to shoot an arrow up into the sky, the question would not be, “Will it fall back to the ground?”Instead, the question will be, “Where is it going to land?”
Similarly, the words that go out from your mouth will make an impact … but will they have the desired impact? As children, when someone believed in us enough to say, “You can do it,” didn’t those words have a way of seeping into our hearts and minds, affecting the other things that we did? Likewise, the opposite, “You can’t do it,” had the same far reaching effect.
What goes up will come down. Your job is to decide beforehand what you are aiming at. If you are aiming to better yourself in some way, then you can rest assured that your affirmations will eventually hit their mark. It is inevitable!
This law of inevitability just warns us of words from our mouth.
Let's be encouraging each to be always positive in our interactions with others. Lord ! Help us so.
If you were to shoot an arrow up into the sky, the question would not be, “Will it fall back to the ground?”Instead, the question will be, “Where is it going to land?”
Similarly, the words that go out from your mouth will make an impact … but will they have the desired impact? As children, when someone believed in us enough to say, “You can do it,” didn’t those words have a way of seeping into our hearts and minds, affecting the other things that we did? Likewise, the opposite, “You can’t do it,” had the same far reaching effect.
What goes up will come down. Your job is to decide beforehand what you are aiming at. If you are aiming to better yourself in some way, then you can rest assured that your affirmations will eventually hit their mark. It is inevitable!
This law of inevitability just warns us of words from our mouth.
Let's be encouraging each to be always positive in our interactions with others. Lord ! Help us so.
2007年10月1日 星期一
Two quotes for thoughts
Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can’t imagine. -- Kathleen Norris--
What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly. --Richard Bach--
We Get & Give by Winston Churchill
As I got the quotation from Churchill,I searched for more on what he said and got one more reflective saying on giving as follows:
We make a living by what we get,
we make a life by what we give.
Living & Life are related to each other through get and give.
Live a more meaningful life then by willingly to give,not just in getting.
That itself is a victory in our transient life !
We make a living by what we get,
we make a life by what we give.
Living & Life are related to each other through get and give.
Live a more meaningful life then by willingly to give,not just in getting.
That itself is a victory in our transient life !
Our Midlife---Beginning and End
As we are all in our midlife transition and many ladies have to face their menopause,I came across a report on it through the HKU POP website.
The quotation at the end of the report is meaningful and I put as follows:
The quotation at the end of the report is meaningful and I put as follows:
It is not the end, not even the beginning of the end. Perhaps, it is only the end of the beginning.”
---Winston Churchill---
「更年期並不是生命的完結篇，更不是落幕前的序曲。也許，這只是人生前段的結局。」
----李福謙醫生----
At the same time I read a book today by Susanne Braun Levine on
The women's Guide to second adulthood.. ...I found within it a lot can apply to all in the mid years in my reflections:
Midlife is a time to recalibrate our lives:
1. To let go and say no
2. To reconsider our work
3. To rediscover our passion
4. To redefine our intimacy
5. To confront bravely towards adversity
6. To move on to what's next
7. To make peace & take charge
8. To take nothing too personal,least of all ourselves
9. To try to do whatever you do as an act of celebration
Though it's also applicable in other life stages but it's quite to the point in our middle years as I thought.May all these be grasped hold of in our further walk with Him with a view towards Christ's likeness.
----李福謙醫生----
At the same time I read a book today by Susanne Braun Levine on
The women's Guide to second adulthood.. ...I found within it a lot can apply to all in the mid years in my reflections:
Midlife is a time to recalibrate our lives:
1. To let go and say no
2. To reconsider our work
3. To rediscover our passion
4. To redefine our intimacy
5. To confront bravely towards adversity
6. To move on to what's next
7. To make peace & take charge
8. To take nothing too personal,least of all ourselves
9. To try to do whatever you do as an act of celebration
Though it's also applicable in other life stages but it's quite to the point in our middle years as I thought.May all these be grasped hold of in our further walk with Him with a view towards Christ's likeness.
Reading & Rest
My holiday spent in readings and rest.
Janet went to pastoral care with church needs while Yannie stayed home to finish her homework.
I borrowed another six books from the library in returning the books.
It's sad to hear the news of church members and just wonder how to make things right without the help from the Lord.
Rest day is for more quiet time before Him.
Janet went to pastoral care with church needs while Yannie stayed home to finish her homework.
I borrowed another six books from the library in returning the books.
It's sad to hear the news of church members and just wonder how to make things right without the help from the Lord.
Rest day is for more quiet time before Him.
2007年9月30日 星期日
Mission Challenges
I preached on Romans 15:14-33 this morning.
Mission and Workers --- Be the Gospel priest and servant
Mission & Vision --- Proclaim God's name outside the known place
Mission & Courage --- With God's strength and Holy Spirit's power
Mission & Prayers --- Together with me Pray to God
Mission and Workers --- Be the Gospel priest and servant
Mission & Vision --- Proclaim God's name outside the known place
Mission & Courage --- With God's strength and Holy Spirit's power
Mission & Prayers --- Together with me Pray to God
2007年9月28日 星期五
Fined due to delay
Three days ago I did not renew my borrowed books from public library as I thought then I still had time to do.This morning I happened to remember I need have renewed them past two days.
Well the result is I was fined fifteen dollars for the 8 overdue books.
The lesson I got still unmistakably is this : when you have time and need doing something,better finish it all at once or you'll regret later. The past two days I was occupied with meetings and phone calls and last night even had to conduct a memorial service and no room really left for my mind to do this routine things on the web.Anyway I borrowed another 8 books in return.I might not think of going to the library if not for these returned books .
Loss sometimes means gain for the reading of another new books !
And this is Life!
Well the result is I was fined fifteen dollars for the 8 overdue books.
The lesson I got still unmistakably is this : when you have time and need doing something,better finish it all at once or you'll regret later. The past two days I was occupied with meetings and phone calls and last night even had to conduct a memorial service and no room really left for my mind to do this routine things on the web.Anyway I borrowed another 8 books in return.I might not think of going to the library if not for these returned books .
Loss sometimes means gain for the reading of another new books !
And this is Life!
2007年9月27日 星期四
Griefs & Memorials
YK passed away a few days ago. Our church lady pastor's elder sister also rested in the Lord. Another sister's mother also joined the Creator God without much notices. I have to conduct the memorial service for MT tonight.
Griefs are numerous these days and we also have to expect our own in the not too distant future in all our mid ages people.
Facing death is natural and we call it sleep in our Christian understandings. The uncertain thing in facing it is the way of passing away is unknown and sometimes unexpected. This itself causes much griefs and sorrows.
But griefs can be meaningful in making us think. Tears can be vital in clearing our mind amid the hectic living.Sorrows can be beneficial in holding our human pride and unanswered prayers can help us to be humble before the Redeemer.
Griefs are numerous these days and we also have to expect our own in the not too distant future in all our mid ages people.
Facing death is natural and we call it sleep in our Christian understandings. The uncertain thing in facing it is the way of passing away is unknown and sometimes unexpected. This itself causes much griefs and sorrows.
But griefs can be meaningful in making us think. Tears can be vital in clearing our mind amid the hectic living.Sorrows can be beneficial in holding our human pride and unanswered prayers can help us to be humble before the Redeemer.
2007年9月26日 星期三
The transformer of loneliness
Joy is the transformer of loneliness.
A phrase from my desktop calendar to date which I seldom notice everyday but just happened to take it this morning.
Joy is the relief agent in our tense life.
In reading Romans I won't forget it's also one of the main consequences of a justified sinner that he or she can be joyful because of having God. (Romans 5:11)
A phrase from my desktop calendar to date which I seldom notice everyday but just happened to take it this morning.
Joy is the relief agent in our tense life.
In reading Romans I won't forget it's also one of the main consequences of a justified sinner that he or she can be joyful because of having God. (Romans 5:11)
Cybermission
In order to find out certain mission data,I searched for mission websites and downloaded useful cybermission powerpoints. To me it's so convenient and thankful to the Lord for the uses.
These days web information are freely useful for all. We indeed are in an age of info but still we need to have not just info but interactions too. Info is not difficult for all but interactions still take time for purposes.
These days web information are freely useful for all. We indeed are in an age of info but still we need to have not just info but interactions too. Info is not difficult for all but interactions still take time for purposes.
2007年9月25日 星期二
2007年9月24日 星期一
Drowsy mind
I do not feel quite fresh this past two days,especially having a sleepy mind.
Last night I slept for three hours from about 7:30 till 10:30p.m. but not in deep sleep state for the rest of the night. So I have to bear a drowsy mind for the day.
Morning in office still OK with Poutonghua class and meeting in the morning.We have accepted a new colleague for I-Hua after the meeting and thank the Lord for it. He' ll start anew from October onwards.
Today is mid-autumn festival and will have early day off from 3:30p.m. onwards.
Lord help me to be in fresh state in my service.
Last night I slept for three hours from about 7:30 till 10:30p.m. but not in deep sleep state for the rest of the night. So I have to bear a drowsy mind for the day.
Morning in office still OK with Poutonghua class and meeting in the morning.We have accepted a new colleague for I-Hua after the meeting and thank the Lord for it. He' ll start anew from October onwards.
Today is mid-autumn festival and will have early day off from 3:30p.m. onwards.
Lord help me to be in fresh state in my service.
2007年9月23日 星期日
With I-Hua
I am asked to share of my thoughts after joining with I-Hua. With disperse thoughts I just lay down the following reflections:
1. It's good still have a clear goal with a small team doing common things together i.e. Work together for Healthy Workers and
2. It's profitable to have senior and experienced colleagues be my guide in service.
3. It's joyful to know Chinese church leaders in their various forms and differences that enrich my understandings of Chinese church needs.
4. It's challenging to see God and rely on Him to bring Timothy to join in trainings and this itself should not be works of men but entirely of God's help and be His chosen vessels.
5. I live in an uncertainty and have to be be flexible all the time in my preachings and trainings alternating between the twos.
6. The depth of the training hinged upon my time devoted to preparations. It's not that easy to have undisturbed silence in focusing on the preparations with phone calls and office-talks.
7. To build up links and networks need both time and partnerships. To be distinctive in our trainings need our own focusing and clarifying thoughts. I still have to learn to pick up and use good discernment in it.
8. We are not specialist with high levels in our equipment and so our target groups in service should be clear in view ourselves.
9. How to use our time the best still is under scrutiny upon outreaching needs, Timothy trainings and other local needs.
10.Devoted too much administrations may hinder concentration in trainings. Recruited trainers should be skillful in teachings and entirely dedicated to it to have fruitful results
2007年9月22日 星期六
A Free Saturday
I was not feeling well today and thanks God it's a free day for me.
I need more sleep and space after continual work for a few weeks without rest.
Watching detective Conan with Yannie at home in the morning and sleeping in the afternoon is my today's vacation.
I need more sleep and space after continual work for a few weeks without rest.
Watching detective Conan with Yannie at home in the morning and sleeping in the afternoon is my today's vacation.
2007年9月20日 星期四
Three hours
I finished this month's minimum work within just three hours this afternoon when I went back to O office. I did not intend to do anything but I just returned after the ECF colleagues' meeting in the morning. The monthly donor letter and the cover page of the EA prayer news have been settled within the hours. I did pack some of my stuff files too. I supposed to evacuate all the five years file but still has not cleared them.
2007年9月19日 星期三
Paul's Pains
I read George Mattheson's book "The spiritual development of Paul" last night and he mentioned Three kinds of Pain experienced by Paul. George was a Scottish pastor last century who lost sight but wrote a very beautiful hymn "O Love that wilt not let me go"
The first pain is Paul's eye disease. It's caused during Damascus conversion by the great light of Jesus. It's his body thorn not put away though after continual pleading.
The second pain is Paul's own inner conflicts through understanding of human nature mentioned clearly in Roman 7. Though according to NP explanation of Pauline theology it may not necessarily be Paul's own testimony.
The third pain is his receiving personal attack through interactions with the members in Corinthian churches and Galatia region.
These three kinds of pain are also common among our life and service.
Personally I thank God that I am still physically OK and clear of psychological guilt in conscience. But from time to time in the past I also have received attacks in personal relationships due to misunderstandings and various causes.
May Paul's pain just alert us in our humility before the Great God.
May Mattheson's song & His great Love always grasp us and not let us give up.
The first pain is Paul's eye disease. It's caused during Damascus conversion by the great light of Jesus. It's his body thorn not put away though after continual pleading.
The second pain is Paul's own inner conflicts through understanding of human nature mentioned clearly in Roman 7. Though according to NP explanation of Pauline theology it may not necessarily be Paul's own testimony.
The third pain is his receiving personal attack through interactions with the members in Corinthian churches and Galatia region.
These three kinds of pain are also common among our life and service.
Personally I thank God that I am still physically OK and clear of psychological guilt in conscience. But from time to time in the past I also have received attacks in personal relationships due to misunderstandings and various causes.
May Paul's pain just alert us in our humility before the Great God.
May Mattheson's song & His great Love always grasp us and not let us give up.
2007年9月17日 星期一
Equality & Priority
When I read this morning about the proclamation of the Gospel,first to Jews then to Gentiles, it's the Lord's sequence in this proclamation.
And I then read the reward & punishment from the Lord upon those who seek Him,first also to Jews then to Gentiles,again there's a priority here.
In terms of both the Gospel and the reward to Jews then to Gentiles,Paul said that for God does not show any favoritism.
There's a problem arising here.
No favoritism means God is impartial and would have no bias towards man. But in reality there's always a first and an after. With God it's no unequality, but with us there might probably be unequality with this.
How are we getting close to God's way in it ?
Equality means impartiality but doesn't mean no priority. Jesus specially brought along Peter,James and John with Him in His Mount Transfiguration just shows this.
With men equality might mean evenness,sameness and no difference.
With God,equality might mean priority,sequence and His choice.
It 's not our way to understand His impartiality.
And I then read the reward & punishment from the Lord upon those who seek Him,first also to Jews then to Gentiles,again there's a priority here.
In terms of both the Gospel and the reward to Jews then to Gentiles,Paul said that for God does not show any favoritism.
There's a problem arising here.
No favoritism means God is impartial and would have no bias towards man. But in reality there's always a first and an after. With God it's no unequality, but with us there might probably be unequality with this.
How are we getting close to God's way in it ?
Equality means impartiality but doesn't mean no priority. Jesus specially brought along Peter,James and John with Him in His Mount Transfiguration just shows this.
With men equality might mean evenness,sameness and no difference.
With God,equality might mean priority,sequence and His choice.
It 's not our way to understand His impartiality.
Three hours sleep and reading Romans
Last night I went to bed right after dinner from7:30-10:30.Three hours sleep made me better. I was sleepy and not knowing why. It got better then but all through out the night it's not that ideal as I did not fall into deep sleep and still awoke most of the time.
My sleeping problem sometimes disturbs my daytime flow as can be imagined naturally. I have to maintain my own pace in daytime in terms of thoughts and action.
I determine to read through the Romans many times this week as it gets closer to the training dates. Reading books just helps me to get insights from others and the specialists. Still I need to have my own clear view and relationship thoughts for the whole picture. I thank the Lord for this book as Romans is supposed to be my more familiar book from young days. Knowing a familiar one is getting more difficult than knowing a strange one. You need to refresh yourself upon the known and still discern the unknown. It takes humility and wisdom again from the Lord to teach us. Holy Spirit is the ONE leading us into all truths. Lord God ! Help me to grasp your own words this very day !
My sleeping problem sometimes disturbs my daytime flow as can be imagined naturally. I have to maintain my own pace in daytime in terms of thoughts and action.
I determine to read through the Romans many times this week as it gets closer to the training dates. Reading books just helps me to get insights from others and the specialists. Still I need to have my own clear view and relationship thoughts for the whole picture. I thank the Lord for this book as Romans is supposed to be my more familiar book from young days. Knowing a familiar one is getting more difficult than knowing a strange one. You need to refresh yourself upon the known and still discern the unknown. It takes humility and wisdom again from the Lord to teach us. Holy Spirit is the ONE leading us into all truths. Lord God ! Help me to grasp your own words this very day !
2007年9月16日 星期日
II Timothy 4:6-8
Relentless service of Paul in the above verses is my theme for this Sunday morning.
I preached on three points:
1. Wholesome duty
--- Be a good soldier of Jesus Christ,concentrated in one's duties!
2. Wholesome effort
--- Be a finisher in the racecourse,complete the running !
3. Wholesome responsibility
--- Be a responsible worker in handling the truth of God,hold the word!
I preached on three points:
1. Wholesome duty
--- Be a good soldier of Jesus Christ,concentrated in one's duties!
2. Wholesome effort
--- Be a finisher in the racecourse,complete the running !
3. Wholesome responsibility
--- Be a responsible worker in handling the truth of God,hold the word!
2007年9月12日 星期三
Bible Readings
Since involved in bible training,I suppose my role should be more time given to readings of the bible. I too need book readings on interpretations of scriptures but the priority should be wholesome bible book readings first. I have to read Romans a number of times again.
I read ch 14-15 this morning and try to read many other parts together for an overall view again.
My past readings on Romans help and hinder my fresh intake of the book.
I read ch 14-15 this morning and try to read many other parts together for an overall view again.
My past readings on Romans help and hinder my fresh intake of the book.
2007年9月11日 星期二
A China Ministry Review Talk
An almost three hour morning talk on China ministry has been in progress today and I have been listening carefully for the input. Representatives from different places have joined together for the discussions. It would be great for my own ministry with an overview and the necessary things being done in future.
Quite a busy week
I found myself teaching,preachings on Friday morning,Saturday afternoon,Sunday morning this week. Hospital visits and memorial service are also around this week. Then there are the board meetings with FEBC and time to meet with OMF colleagues and SSPCC deacons too. All come together in a week. It's quite enough for me amid the preparation of the coming Oct trainings.
Still we have to pray for outreaching opportunities to ask for more candidates for the third Timothy members.
It's great to meet with the CEOs from FEBC elsewhere last night. This morning I 'll join them again for hearing the discussions in the future move and strategy plannings.
Still we have to pray for outreaching opportunities to ask for more candidates for the third Timothy members.
It's great to meet with the CEOs from FEBC elsewhere last night. This morning I 'll join them again for hearing the discussions in the future move and strategy plannings.
2007年9月10日 星期一
Hospital visits
I was in two hospitals today.
I went to HHH first after lunch in office for my own body check every three months. Since it's of the same place,before I came to meet Doctor TY,I paid a visit to both Mr. Hui and Mr. Wong in the nearby aging home.But TY came late after two thirty and I had to be a bit hurry back to office at four p.m. for meeting with missionary colleague LL.
After that I promised to go to Prince Wales Hospital to visit YK. She has been suffered from Brain cancer last two years and she's said to be in a critical and terminal state. Her family members and father were there the time I arrived. It' good I could pray for her before the family. It's good also that SK the lady pastor was there too that she could take good care of YK in meeting with the hospital doctor too.
I went to HHH first after lunch in office for my own body check every three months. Since it's of the same place,before I came to meet Doctor TY,I paid a visit to both Mr. Hui and Mr. Wong in the nearby aging home.But TY came late after two thirty and I had to be a bit hurry back to office at four p.m. for meeting with missionary colleague LL.
After that I promised to go to Prince Wales Hospital to visit YK. She has been suffered from Brain cancer last two years and she's said to be in a critical and terminal state. Her family members and father were there the time I arrived. It' good I could pray for her before the family. It's good also that SK the lady pastor was there too that she could take good care of YK in meeting with the hospital doctor too.
2007年9月9日 星期日
Manager as motivator
I read another book on leader using motivations well as follows:
- Cultivator--- COMMITMENTS Made
- Carator------CARE for your own work
- Student----- KNOW what your do
- Designer--- -LOVE what you do
- Challenger---with clear GOALS
- Expectancy Manager--- Tap full POTENTIALS
- Supporter---- making full WILLPOWER
Manager as Leader
I read a book on Contextual Leadership,9 roles of being a leader in different contexts as follows:
- Custodian
- Trusting
- Trusted
- Nurturing
- Strategic
- Supportive
- Developmental
- Inspiring
- Working
Terminal cases
Quite a number of terminal cancer patients aroused my attention recently. A few are the family members of church body. It's sad to hear the cases and treatments without progress.
I already dropped my pastoral ministry for more than six years,but still knowing that as pastor I should make visits to them as friends and showing my concern.
Lord help me to be by their side with your grace!
I already dropped my pastoral ministry for more than six years,but still knowing that as pastor I should make visits to them as friends and showing my concern.
Lord help me to be by their side with your grace!
2007年9月6日 星期四
Recruiting New colleagues
A pastor came and might join us in training this morning.Pray for increase of the team as the Lord brings more coworkers in coming days. Our next trip will be from mid-October onwards.
Average 47
The average age for HK sent out missionaries is 47 !!
We all longer for coming up of prospective & promising new generation workers on field. The afternoon board meeting with HKACM members just discussed on the phenomenon. We have either to do more researches on it or launch anew of the annual GTAN meet as the youth mission conference.
I already focus on China training and may not be like before spend time to work on it as others.
Anyway it's good to talk and pray more for the progress.
We all longer for coming up of prospective & promising new generation workers on field. The afternoon board meeting with HKACM members just discussed on the phenomenon. We have either to do more researches on it or launch anew of the annual GTAN meet as the youth mission conference.
I already focus on China training and may not be like before spend time to work on it as others.
Anyway it's good to talk and pray more for the progress.
2007年9月3日 星期一
Romans and Ancestor Worship
We already compiled a new course for the third Timothy Training with 30 courses and three or even four appendix talks.
For October second Timothy training I shall prepare on the book of Romans. And one appendix talk will be on Faith and Chinese Culture on which will focus especially on Ancestor worship.
I already started to gather above two kinds of references. Romans will be more familiar with as I studied the book long time ago being a young Christian. For ancestor worship enough material can be found on websites for general references.
For October second Timothy training I shall prepare on the book of Romans. And one appendix talk will be on Faith and Chinese Culture on which will focus especially on Ancestor worship.
I already started to gather above two kinds of references. Romans will be more familiar with as I studied the book long time ago being a young Christian. For ancestor worship enough material can be found on websites for general references.
2007年9月2日 星期日
The three -week Interaction Summer Trip
I did not attend yesterday's ECF China meeting .
But I picked up this morning the special bulletin from the team who went on last month's interaction trip. Most of the sharings are positive & treasured their time together.
It's encouraging to see young people 's mutual impacts on each other through coming together.
The sermon outline in the front inner page on meaning of life is impressive.
The text is on James 4:13-17
Well-done Stephen & all the colleagues in your overall arrangement !
But I picked up this morning the special bulletin from the team who went on last month's interaction trip. Most of the sharings are positive & treasured their time together.
It's encouraging to see young people 's mutual impacts on each other through coming together.
The sermon outline in the front inner page on meaning of life is impressive.
The text is on James 4:13-17
- Our Life is a kind of Test --- Be Patient and Persevere ! Our Forward Look Journey
- Our Life is a Temporary duty --- Be Hopeful ! Our Wide-Outward Journey
- Our Life is an Entrust --- Be Faithful and trustworthy ! Our Upward Look Journey
Well-done Stephen & all the colleagues in your overall arrangement !
Sermon on Psalm 16
I preached on Psalm 16 this morning.
It's a golden psalm by David and the meaning of which is an inscription psalm which is both precious and mysterious. Precious to the author himself personally and mysterious as it's quoted by both Peter and Paul in Acts 2 and 13 respectively,pointing towards Christ's resurrection.
I divided into 4 points in my delivery.
1. We have the Lord as master ----Our orientation in life.
2. We have Him as our inheritance ----Our dependence in life
3. We hold Him in our daily presence ----Our devotion in life
4. We find great joy in Him ----Our satisfaction in life
Our great joy in having the Lord
as our master,our inheritance,our daily presence and our ultimate satisfaction!
It's a golden psalm by David and the meaning of which is an inscription psalm which is both precious and mysterious. Precious to the author himself personally and mysterious as it's quoted by both Peter and Paul in Acts 2 and 13 respectively,pointing towards Christ's resurrection.
I divided into 4 points in my delivery.
1. We have the Lord as master ----Our orientation in life.
2. We have Him as our inheritance ----Our dependence in life
3. We hold Him in our daily presence ----Our devotion in life
4. We find great joy in Him ----Our satisfaction in life
Our great joy in having the Lord
as our master,our inheritance,our daily presence and our ultimate satisfaction!
2007年8月31日 星期五
學習於共同體中---共事切磋
借了Parker J. Palmer<<教學勇氣>> The Courage to Teach一書，其中一章是談及學習於共同體中---共事切磋，面頭有如下引述，很有意思 :
傷心最大的益處，.....是從中學習到一些東西。
這是絕對靈驗的。
你可能徹夜不眠，靜聽你紊亂失調的脈絡....
你可能看到你周圍的世界被邪惡的瘋子蹂躪得面目全非，
也可能得知你的榮耀被更卑劣污濁的小人踐踏在陰溝裡。
只有一樣東西可對付它----學習
學習 為何人世如此滄桑，
學習 甚麼令它變遷。
只有 學習能令你的思維
- White .T.H. <<永恆的國王>>-
願我們一生都願意學習，且看見學習的益處。
傷心最大的益處，.....是從中學習到一些東西。
這是絕對靈驗的。
你可能徹夜不眠，靜聽你紊亂失調的脈絡....
你可能看到你周圍的世界被邪惡的瘋子蹂躪得面目全非，
也可能得知你的榮耀被更卑劣污濁的小人踐踏在陰溝裡。
只有一樣東西可對付它----學習
學習 為何人世如此滄桑，
學習 甚麼令它變遷。
只有 學習能令你的思維
- 永不枯竭
- 永不孤立
- 永不受折磨
- 永不恐懼或懷疑 也
- 永不起後悔的念頭
- White .T.H. <<永恆的國王>>-
願我們一生都願意學習，且看見學習的益處。
Restorative justice
The new issue of the bulletin of Christian Kun Sun Association shared on the concept of Restorative Justice, an organization focusing on helping with the prisoners to have new life.
It's meaningful to shed light through the 5 R s on this task.
I seldom know this area much and it's insightful to read the sharings after office hours.
It's meaningful to shed light through the 5 R s on this task.
- Rest
- Release
- Recovery
- Restoration
- Rebuild
- Reparation
- Participation
- Transformation
I seldom know this area much and it's insightful to read the sharings after office hours.
More Love,Mosquito and sweat
A lady pastor told me her feelings in China ministry. She said there were three more----More love,more sweat and more mosquitoes.
I think,
Where is our sweat for Him ?
Where is our little inconveniences ?
I pray for my own reflections on these three this day!
I think,
- More love is our dedication to the Lord of course.
- More sweat is our daily laboring for Him naturally
- More mosquitoes should be our little irritations for Him.
Where is our sweat for Him ?
Where is our little inconveniences ?
I pray for my own reflections on these three this day!
Secure,Reliable and Easy to use !
I already use psmail for a few years. I just noticed the arresting key introducing words today and that are Secure,Reliable and Easy to use.
These three characteristics are quite succinct for users in communicating important messages across to friends on the other end. The assurance of safe and reliable as well as convenient for users are highly testing.
May relationships with our Lord also be found secured and reliable before Him ?
May the Lord delight in our obedience to His will and being a good servant ?
May we too be a good steward used easily for His kingdom ?
Psmail's above three key words just reminded me once again of
Our security,
Our reliability and
Our simplicity before the Lord and for His glory we offer up ourselves.
These three characteristics are quite succinct for users in communicating important messages across to friends on the other end. The assurance of safe and reliable as well as convenient for users are highly testing.
May relationships with our Lord also be found secured and reliable before Him ?
May the Lord delight in our obedience to His will and being a good servant ?
May we too be a good steward used easily for His kingdom ?
Psmail's above three key words just reminded me once again of
Our security,
Our reliability and
Our simplicity before the Lord and for His glory we offer up ourselves.
New Year's Forward Plan
Already end of August and usually it takes time to plan for coming year's speaking schedule.
But with my present role with I-Hua,it's difficult to plan fixed dates in Sunday preaching engagements. I just have to lift up to Him who directs my steps. Never before have I been so uncertain in my planning schedules. I have to learn looking to Him for all speaking engagements.
It might be so free I need not speak or have to decline invitations from time to time due to sudden or immediate travellings. Anyway it's a learning process for obedience in whatever circumstances the Lord likes.
But with my present role with I-Hua,it's difficult to plan fixed dates in Sunday preaching engagements. I just have to lift up to Him who directs my steps. Never before have I been so uncertain in my planning schedules. I have to learn looking to Him for all speaking engagements.
It might be so free I need not speak or have to decline invitations from time to time due to sudden or immediate travellings. Anyway it's a learning process for obedience in whatever circumstances the Lord likes.
2007年8月30日 星期四
Going Fast
I do things fast,not just fast but too fast.
K pastor sort of reprimanded me yesterday that why I need to hurry to enter into another new life !!!
Well it's good that I go fast and finish things on time,both punctual and well-done.It's a God-given gift that I can be so without too great any tension.
Like Eric Liddell the fast runner for God last century,I also go fast in my attempt to serve God in His superway!
I better keep it to myself and no more proclaim my going fast.
K pastor sort of reprimanded me yesterday that why I need to hurry to enter into another new life !!!
Well it's good that I go fast and finish things on time,both punctual and well-done.It's a God-given gift that I can be so without too great any tension.
- Going fast has the danger of making decisions too earlier.
- Going fast has the danger of going wrong and having prematured actions.
- Going fast may reveal certain pride in having the delight of earlier than others.
- Going fast may not be good for physical health as I already am a HT person.
Like Eric Liddell the fast runner for God last century,I also go fast in my attempt to serve God in His superway!
I better keep it to myself and no more proclaim my going fast.
"Life is......"
I have found on the website someone's life piece as follows:
Life is ..... Pls add on your own discovery !!
- Life is self discovering.
- Life is knowing.
- Life is a process of learning
- Life is Love of Living.
- Life is knowing yourself through knowing others.
- Life is gazing inside soul
- Life is sharing
- Life is growing
- Life is buying out every seconds and every minutes
- Life is counting your blessings!
- Life is searching the unsearchable God
Life is ..... Pls add on your own discovery !!
A new training content
I have to prepare for I-Hua a new training content for the coming year.
The original one is a three year course and after several discussions we opt for a two to two and a half year course with reduced courses but more visits and interactions with the trainees.
As the training director,my role has to ensure a proposed content for final decison. I already drafted a new one with 30 courses for next Friday's meeting.
The original one is a three year course and after several discussions we opt for a two to two and a half year course with reduced courses but more visits and interactions with the trainees.
As the training director,my role has to ensure a proposed content for final decison. I already drafted a new one with 30 courses for next Friday's meeting.
2007年8月29日 星期三
Victorious Christian Service
I reread Alan Redpath's book on the Victorious Christian Service this morning and reflected upon Nehemiah's life and service.
On page 171 there is the following paragraph:
Let the principle be recognized that the most obscure task in the service of the King of kings is as important as the most public one when it is done in the will of God.
Let there therefore be neither strife,nor envy,nor contempt,nor ill will between those who are the valiant men holding key positions and those who are doing the unseen,the unrecognized, unreported tasks.
Both are needful,both are useful,both are dependent upon each other,and neither can be spared.
It's such a great reminder for our continual dedication to the Lord.
On page 171 there is the following paragraph:
Let the principle be recognized that the most obscure task in the service of the King of kings is as important as the most public one when it is done in the will of God.
Let there therefore be neither strife,nor envy,nor contempt,nor ill will between those who are the valiant men holding key positions and those who are doing the unseen,the unrecognized, unreported tasks.
Both are needful,both are useful,both are dependent upon each other,and neither can be spared.
It's such a great reminder for our continual dedication to the Lord.
Almost two months
I went back to office every Wednesday.
It's already two months in my new shift since July. But I have not evacuated my office stuffs and so I got something back home today. Bit by bit I hope can finish before end of the year.
No big changes in daily ministry in recent weeks. SY already left the team since our move. The registration for the planned Nov Cambodia trip seems having no breakthrough.
Coming Friday will have a meeting to make the decision whether we need to give up the visit or not.
It's already two months in my new shift since July. But I have not evacuated my office stuffs and so I got something back home today. Bit by bit I hope can finish before end of the year.
No big changes in daily ministry in recent weeks. SY already left the team since our move. The registration for the planned Nov Cambodia trip seems having no breakthrough.
Coming Friday will have a meeting to make the decision whether we need to give up the visit or not.
2007年8月27日 星期一
South GongDong Vacation
I went on a three days vacation trip in GongDong after 12 days training. It's because Yannie has to start her new school year early September.
We went to Taishan, Haiping, JiangMun, XinHuei and JungShan.
The trip was smooth and meaningful as Janet's homeland was Taishan. Though just a brief stay,at least it's a glimpse of what's happening right after birth,her first time back home.
I did not quite enjoy the Hotspring in Haipin though it'sYannie's gladness. I feel a bit excited playing with her on long slides in the Hotspring resort We were flooded with waters all over our faces when sliding down all the way,at least having three to four storeys building's height.
We were given a visit in JongShan to the nearby Buyi Minority people. The son of the village chief received us with enthusiasm,treating us with tea and telling us their tribe's story. It's intersting to us that they call human as animal and call animal as human in greeting e.g. 一隻人，三個狗 Ha!!. We were called 三隻人 !!!
The trip was economical with sponsorships from merchant advertisements. It's well organized and the journey was safe with good transport.
We went to Taishan, Haiping, JiangMun, XinHuei and JungShan.
The trip was smooth and meaningful as Janet's homeland was Taishan. Though just a brief stay,at least it's a glimpse of what's happening right after birth,her first time back home.
I did not quite enjoy the Hotspring in Haipin though it'sYannie's gladness. I feel a bit excited playing with her on long slides in the Hotspring resort We were flooded with waters all over our faces when sliding down all the way,at least having three to four storeys building's height.
We were given a visit in JongShan to the nearby Buyi Minority people. The son of the village chief received us with enthusiasm,treating us with tea and telling us their tribe's story. It's intersting to us that they call human as animal and call animal as human in greeting e.g. 一隻人，三個狗 Ha!!. We were called 三隻人 !!!
The trip was economical with sponsorships from merchant advertisements. It's well organized and the journey was safe with good transport.
2007年8月24日 星期五
Cantonese & Mandarin
是次培訓於餐桌上有因普通話發音不準而來三則花絮 :
1. 賞賜與想吃 --- 天上賞賜甚麼與天上想吃甚麼 ?
2. 報紙與包子---賣報紙與賣包子 ?
3. 蚊子與文字---蚊子的作用與文字的作用 ?
只須運用下想象力，不用多說可想會弄出甚麼笑話來。
1. 賞賜與想吃 --- 天上賞賜甚麼與天上想吃甚麼 ?
2. 報紙與包子---賣報紙與賣包子 ?
3. 蚊子與文字---蚊子的作用與文字的作用 ?
只須運用下想象力，不用多說可想會弄出甚麼笑話來。
Eight Rules in Human Relationships
A sister leader during my revelation session asked me to write someday on human relationships.I did not know why she thought I was capable on this. As I reflected upon the theme later & read on Romans 12 :9-16. The following rules emerged out of that morning :
- Awareness --- Have self understanding
- Blessings--- Always hope for the best of others
- Concern --- Be a caring person
- Distance --- Give enough space for mutual growth
- Empathy--- Stand with others & step in others' shoes
- Forgiveness--- Act as how the Lord deals with us
- Generosity --- Be broad in mindset when treating others
- Hospitality --- Be kind in making others at home
唐三藏的家書
今天回來後，在 Janet 電郵中，找到台灣大姊下列的記趣 :很有深度哦！ 請慢慢欣賞。
[唐三藏的家書]
親愛的悟空：
我這封信寫的很慢，因為知道你看字不快。
八戒和我已經搬家了，不過地址沒改，因為搬家的時候把門牌也帶過來了。
這禮拜下了兩次雨，第一次下了3天，第二次下了4天。
昨天我們去買披薩，店員問我要切成 8片還是12片，我說 8片就成了，12片吃不完。
我給你寄去了一件外套，因為怕郵寄時超重，所以把扣子剪下來，放在外套口袋裡。
你受教較晚，記得要多讀點書，多用成語，免得別人笑你沒水平，最後告訴你，現在工作難找，你又猴子猴孫滿堂，本來想寄點錢給你度年關的，可惜信封已經封上了。
PS：新年到了，別忘了給孩子們講講我們很久很久很久以前的事：
那時候天是藍的，水是綠的，
莊稼是長在地裡的，
豬肉是可以放心吃的，
耗子是怕貓的，強盜是怕捕快的，
法庭是講理的，殺人是要償命的，
結婚是先談戀愛的，
理髮店是只管頭頂的，
藥是可以治病的，大夫是救死扶傷的，
拍電影是不需要陪導演睡覺的，
照相是要穿衣服的，
孩子的爸爸是清楚的，
欠錢是要還錢的，錢莊是一諾九鼎的，
學校是不圖掙錢的，
夫子兩袖清風，腰桿是硬的，
白癡是不能當官的，
百年老店是萬金不換號的，
賣狗肉是不能掛羊頭的，
結了婚是不能泡美眉的，
買東西是要付錢的，
看完笑話不轉寄出去是要被打屁股的。
莊稼是長在地裡的，
豬肉是可以放心吃的，
耗子是怕貓的，強盜是怕捕快的，
法庭是講理的，殺人是要償命的，
結婚是先談戀愛的，
理髮店是只管頭頂的，
藥是可以治病的，大夫是救死扶傷的，
拍電影是不需要陪導演睡覺的，
照相是要穿衣服的，
孩子的爸爸是清楚的，
欠錢是要還錢的，錢莊是一諾九鼎的，
學校是不圖掙錢的，
夫子兩袖清風，腰桿是硬的，
白癡是不能當官的，
百年老店是萬金不換號的，
賣狗肉是不能掛羊頭的，
結了婚是不能泡美眉的，
買東西是要付錢的，
看完笑話不轉寄出去是要被打屁股的。
- 這年頭到底是怎麼搞的 ?
- 我們是活在怎樣的年代 ?
A Fruitful TM Training
The past 12 days were finished with great satisfaction.
Got to know a few smart Chinese church leaders in the training sessions. My preparation on the book of revelation was received with high enthusiasm from them and a great joy for my own. I was even given the invitation to come to special devotional meetings in coming October from one of them. PTL
Janet & Yannie came to join our last day of training yesterday and we came back home together today. In our stay during the training,I came across a special mosquito cover which is quite refined but alas,still could not prevent the little ones flying in !
Got to know a few smart Chinese church leaders in the training sessions. My preparation on the book of revelation was received with high enthusiasm from them and a great joy for my own. I was even given the invitation to come to special devotional meetings in coming October from one of them. PTL
Janet & Yannie came to join our last day of training yesterday and we came back home together today. In our stay during the training,I came across a special mosquito cover which is quite refined but alas,still could not prevent the little ones flying in !
2007年8月12日 星期日
Another 12 days
I'll be away for a training course today onwards until Aug 24 back home late in the evening.
I still have to get used to such kind of long days away from home from time to time.Of course Yannie and Janet will have to adjust my absence too.They'll join me at the end of the training sessions.
I am going to teach on the book of Revelation this time and altogether will be divided into 9 sessions. Time might not be all enough for the whole talks.
On coming Sunday I have to preach. So altogether with the evening prayer meets, there are more than 14 talks for this coming two weeks.
Pray for those who are coming for mercy journey.
I still have to get used to such kind of long days away from home from time to time.Of course Yannie and Janet will have to adjust my absence too.They'll join me at the end of the training sessions.
I am going to teach on the book of Revelation this time and altogether will be divided into 9 sessions. Time might not be all enough for the whole talks.
On coming Sunday I have to preach. So altogether with the evening prayer meets, there are more than 14 talks for this coming two weeks.
Pray for those who are coming for mercy journey.
Art of Presentations
It's an art to learn to present.
Someone got lots of substantial materials for sharings but if not in a way for audiences to pick up or digest,it's still a great waste.
Some tips for well presentations are as follow:
Hopefully we all can be such kind of learners.
Someone got lots of substantial materials for sharings but if not in a way for audiences to pick up or digest,it's still a great waste.
Some tips for well presentations are as follow:
- Concise and compact
- Convergence or having focus
- Customer-centered or audience-oriented
- Christ's words or bible based
- Construction or well organized
- All Sunday preachings need to work on in a form for easy understandings.
- All teachings got to be well organized for better memory.
Hopefully we all can be such kind of learners.
2007年8月9日 星期四
Surprises in encoutering with Jesus
I changed my theme of sharing this morning among MSI colleagues.
I adopted two recent surprises as a start.
1. The challenge of Known Common Sense.
--- the surprise of asking "Who touched my clothes ?" to the woman of great bleeding in Mk 5:30-31
2. The challenge of our Self-Centredness
--- The surprise of giving the order "You give them something to eat !" in Mk 6:37
3. The challenge of a Higher-Level Understandings
--- The surprise of " Could someone have brought Him food ? " in Jn 4: 33
4. The challenge of our Professional Expertise
---The surprise of "Put out into deep-water,and let down the nets for a catch "in Lk 5:4-6
5. The challenge of our Supernatural Faith
--- The surprise of "Why are you so afraid,do you still have no faith ? " in Mk 4:40-41
Being disciples of Jesus,we ought to learn from the Master. We all the more need to experience surprises in our daily lives.
I adopted two recent surprises as a start.
- The surprise of not having hot weather in the hot furnace city in past China trip.
- The surprise of no need to pay my repaired digital camera two days ago.
1. The challenge of Known Common Sense.
--- the surprise of asking "Who touched my clothes ?" to the woman of great bleeding in Mk 5:30-31
2. The challenge of our Self-Centredness
--- The surprise of giving the order "You give them something to eat !" in Mk 6:37
3. The challenge of a Higher-Level Understandings
--- The surprise of " Could someone have brought Him food ? " in Jn 4: 33
4. The challenge of our Professional Expertise
---The surprise of "Put out into deep-water,and let down the nets for a catch "in Lk 5:4-6
5. The challenge of our Supernatural Faith
--- The surprise of "Why are you so afraid,do you still have no faith ? " in Mk 4:40-41
Being disciples of Jesus,we ought to learn from the Master. We all the more need to experience surprises in our daily lives.
2007年8月8日 星期三
Leadership Transitions
I prepared to speak on the text of Joshua 1:1-9 tomorrow,the theme is leadership transition.
As Moses passed away and Joshua took on the new leadership,the Lord's words to him meant a lot.
Only in that way would he be prosperous in all his ways.
Successful leadership hinged upon skills and capabilities of course,but more essential still is on a leader's life and obedience to the word of God.
How's our walk before Him matters most,much more so than our knowledge and skills.
As Moses passed away and Joshua took on the new leadership,the Lord's words to him meant a lot.
- Joshua had to be strong and courageous
- He had to obey all the law precepts received from God
- Do not let the Law depart from his mouth.
- Meditate on it day and night
Only in that way would he be prosperous in all his ways.
Successful leadership hinged upon skills and capabilities of course,but more essential still is on a leader's life and obedience to the word of God.
How's our walk before Him matters most,much more so than our knowledge and skills.
Right Living & Teaching
This morning's group devotion time we focused on Titus 1:5-14.The theme on right living and right teaching.
As Paul left Titus to be on guard in Crete,he had to make sure teach the leaders to have right living and right teaching.
It's true our goals in training ministries are two fold:
Healthy workers and Healthy church.
Healthy Church surely based on right teachings,only right living leads to right teachings.
Also I received this morning a sent sermon by John Stott on becoming more like Christ. It's his recent talk on the July UK Keswick Convention(Roman 8:29,II Corin 3:18,I John 3:2),covering all the past,present and future perspectives.
We are advised to be more like Christ in five aspects :
As Paul left Titus to be on guard in Crete,he had to make sure teach the leaders to have right living and right teaching.
It's true our goals in training ministries are two fold:
Healthy workers and Healthy church.
Healthy Church surely based on right teachings,only right living leads to right teachings.
- Right teachings mean workers have to put enough time on studies.
- Right living means workers need to focus more on right relationships with God.
Also I received this morning a sent sermon by John Stott on becoming more like Christ. It's his recent talk on the July UK Keswick Convention(Roman 8:29,II Corin 3:18,I John 3:2),covering all the past,present and future perspectives.
We are advised to be more like Christ in five aspects :
- in His incarnation,
- His service,
- His love,
- His endurance and
- in His mission.
- Knowing more the mystery of His suffering,
- Enthusiastic in facing the challenge of evangelism and
- Have the full indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's theology afresh
I might need to teach on the book of Romans coming October.
It's also time to read more on Paul. Leo lent me books and articles on Romans and I started to read this morning.
NT Wright's book is systematic and insightful to me in the past as I skimmed through them.
I need to read in a conscientious way.
It's also time to read more on Paul. Leo lent me books and articles on Romans and I started to read this morning.
NT Wright's book is systematic and insightful to me in the past as I skimmed through them.
I need to read in a conscientious way.
Camera Repair & a surprise
My Canon digital camera cannot take shots suddenly before my ten days trip.
I brought it to the shop today asking for advice,though already passing the maintenance date.
To my delight,Canon maintenance even helped me to replace the main part of the camera lens free of charge. It's said that they knew the problem might due to humidity and causing its malfunction. To my further surprise,the service even extended to free delivery once back to normal.
May be the competition these days are too great that they try to win as many customers as possible.
Thanks God I even need no pay for the initial inquiry as said by the shop owner to charge 200 HK dollars.
I brought it to the shop today asking for advice,though already passing the maintenance date.
To my delight,Canon maintenance even helped me to replace the main part of the camera lens free of charge. It's said that they knew the problem might due to humidity and causing its malfunction. To my further surprise,the service even extended to free delivery once back to normal.
May be the competition these days are too great that they try to win as many customers as possible.
Thanks God I even need no pay for the initial inquiry as said by the shop owner to charge 200 HK dollars.
Seven churches
Ephesus (Rev. 2: 1-7)
l Discerning power
Real and first love
Fruit bearing
Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11)
l Facing afflictions
Preparing for martydom
Faithful to the end
Pergamon (Rev. 2:12-17)
l Sufferings in trials
The compromise test
Rationalize world values
Thiatira (Rev. 2:18-29)
l Economic temptations
Modern Pluralisms
Pressing to the end
Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6)
l Should be alive but actually dead
Inner renewal
Perseverance to the end
Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13)
l With a little strength
With God's protection from trials
Be God's pillar and has His new name
Laodicea (Rev 3:14-21)
l Receive Scolds from Jesus
Free from crisis of material wealth but spiritually poor
Repent
2007年8月7日 星期二
Inputs for learnings
I read a short essay on the influence of Chinese word character on a person's learning.
Researches found out 83 % of our learnings are from eyesight,11% from hearings and the rest contributes just the other 6%.
Chinese squarely characters obviously caught mainly from perception in terms of their shape and so Chinese picks up learnings mainly from sight.
The western people are better at hearings as their alphabetical sequence words are more tonic in pickup. This also explains why Chinese are more intuitive in their ways of learnings and westerns are more analytical.
It's an interesting topic in further thoughts and explorations.
Researches found out 83 % of our learnings are from eyesight,11% from hearings and the rest contributes just the other 6%.
Chinese squarely characters obviously caught mainly from perception in terms of their shape and so Chinese picks up learnings mainly from sight.
The western people are better at hearings as their alphabetical sequence words are more tonic in pickup. This also explains why Chinese are more intuitive in their ways of learnings and westerns are more analytical.
It's an interesting topic in further thoughts and explorations.
啟示錄各章題要
為了基督 神的道和耶穌基督的見證 （啟一：2）
從心悔改 回想你是從哪裏墜落的…行起初所行的事 （啟二：5）
愛的管教 凡我所疼愛的，我就責備管教他 （啟三：19）
天上寶座 見有一個寶座安置在天上，又有一位坐在寶座上（啟四：2）
屬天新歌 你配拿書卷，配揭開七印；因為你曾被殺 （啟五：9）
羔羊發怒 忿怒的大日到了 （啟六：17）
受印覆庇 等我們印了我們神眾僕人的額 （啟七：3）
天使與金香爐 另有一位天使拿著金香爐來站在祭壇旁邊 （啟八：3）
生死之間 願意死，死卻遠避他們 （啟九：6）
小書卷 我從天使手中把小書卷接過來吃盡了 （啟一○：10）
量殿和人 將神的殿和祭壇並在殿中禮拜的人都量一量 （啟一一：1）
鐵杖牧萬國 婦人生了一個男孩子…用鐵杖牧萬國 （啟一二：5）
羔羊生命冊 名字…沒有記在被殺之羔羊生命冊上的人 （啟一三：8）
跟隨羔羊 羔羊無論往哪裏去，他們都跟隨祂 （啟一四：4）
海的頌歌 唱神僕人摩西的歌和羔羊的歌 啟一五：3）
儆醒看守衣服 那儆醒，看守衣服，免得赤身而行…的有福了 （啟一六：15）
羔羊與大淫婦 同著羔羊的，就是蒙召被選有忠心的 （啟一七：14）
巴比倫倒了 巴比倫大城傾倒了，傾倒了 （啟一八：2）
聖經的中心 預言中的靈意，乃是為耶穌作見證 （啟一九：10）
審判的寶座 我又看見幾個寶座，也有坐在上面的 （啟二○：4）
羔羊的新婦 新婦，就是羔羊的妻 （啟二一：9）
願 阿們！ 主耶穌啊，我願你來！ （啟二二：20）
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