Here are our praises to God for our LA trip.
1. Safety. Yes, we got to LA safely, and we got home safely. On our way back, we had a short 30 minutes to catch a connecting flight from Houston to KC. We had to walk from terminal D to terminal B, and it was a very far distance and we even had to take a 'transit'. Cheryl was running while holding my hands because we were walking fast. Amazingly, we made it! Eveybody else were inside the plane. We were the 2nd to the last who got in. :)
2. Friends. Some of the sweet moments were hanging out with friends. We spent time eating and fellowshiping with friends there. Especially our hosts, Chris' family, Justin's family, and Janejane, we saw them almost everyday. They are all lovely people.
3. Ministry. We're grateful for different opportunities to share at small groups, prayer meeting and Sunday service. We were very encouraged to see so many passionate lovers of Jesus, pressing on for their pursuit of the Lord. Their prayers and devotion to the Lord have touched our heart.
4. Fun places. We brought the kids to Irvine lake for a short family time. We played 'pooh stick' and it was one of the memorable moments for the kids. I brought them to the little old mall and Schabarum park where we used to hang out as a family when we lived there. I saw Samuel's face lit up when we got to the park. We also went to the beach with friends. That's my kids' favorite! Barefoot on the sand, stepping on the ocean water, getting wet chased by the waves, sand castles... yup! Also, our friends brought my 2 boys to the circus!! First time in their lives! How they kept talking about their circus experience to us.
5. Support. Praise the Lord for providing through these generous people. We had our expenses covered. God once again proved Himself faithful. While doing the work of intercessory missionary here, we know we have partners back home in LA, who invested in us, and will share with us the joy and fruit of our ministry.
6. Healing. Cheryl was sick since we bought tickets to go back to LA. She got fever too while we were there. I felt it was an attack of the enemy. Sure enough after our Wednesday ministry, she had no more fever and started to feel better. Praise God! Both Jerry and I, at the end of the trip, were getting sick from being too tired. But God has protected us.
Thank You, God, for an awesome trip filled with many surprises!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Something inside of me is different
今天是LA Ministry Trip的第四天。當我在服事中，發現我裏面不一樣了！
這次來加州，我竟然主動打電話給認識的小組長，問他們可不可以讓我們來他們的小組分享。不覺得厚臉皮，只是裏面有一股熱情，很想把我們過去一年在IHOP-KC所學的，與弟兄姐妹分享。以前我是絕對不會這樣做的，覺得要謙卑，別人邀請了才分享，縂覺得自己沒什麽好分享的，也覺得自己沒有口才，不會分享，不要厚臉皮。。。等等的原因。其實那都是錯誤的思想。
打了幾通電話，時間也安排得滿滿的。 心裏好興奮，可以分享主的話。有一份說不出來的喜樂，可以與神同工。沒有壓力，沒有顧慮。充滿了熱情和期待。
昨天我第一次在教會禱告會分享也！哈哈，知道嗎，是我自告奮勇要分享，這不是我以前會做的。教會給我們機會，沒有指定Jerry分享，我就告訴Jerry，那我來分享吧！哈哈，連我都快不任得我自己了。
原本在準備的另一份分享，我的心就一直在想，他們需要聼這個嗎？我要如何去講，要花更多時閒去研讀。。。等等。到了出發前兩天早上，神問我，那是你的passion嗎？什麽才是你的passion？我第一個想到的就是“啓示錄”與末世信息，就是關於耶穌的再來。我明白了，我該分享我心中的passion。所以，開始重新準備。
雖然時間匆促，但我在準備時，就心裏很興奮。準備信息，可以是那麽喜樂、那麽“好玩”的，好奇妙喲！
昨天要分享前，竟然沒有壓力。而且，很期待，可以把心中的passion與人分享。這是怎麽樣的一個服事啊？我才發現，我不一樣了，原來神已經改變了我。原來與神同工，是輕省、喜樂的。
沒有到昨晚禱告會聽見我分享的人，可以想象，我不是口齒伶俐的人（我誠實地看自己，但沒有自卑感），也沒有講道的經驗（可是我很喜歡翻譯），講出來的東西就是那樣子。可是，你知道嗎，我不但準備時很興奮，講的時候也心裏很興奮，講完了還是很興奮（就是現在在寫這個blog時，我的心裏還是很興奮）。我不再意我講得不好，我非常喜樂可以與神同工，祂使用我這個卑微的器皿，我也很感恩牧師願意給我這個機會，也很感恩弟兄姐妹的保容、願意聼我的分享。
我在台上分享時，看見台下人的表情。沒有看見有人睡着或打瞌睡，但有些表情是“huh?”（皺著眉頭，好像聼不懂）。當牧師來結尾時，說的話，我非常amen。他說，“如果你們聼不懂秀君說的，沒關係，因爲啓示錄是很難的一本書。。。”牧師還鼓勵大家買一本我介紹的書Revelation Study Guide by Mike Bickle。 實在太好了，我講的有限，但他們若自己去研讀啓示錄，就會更清楚、更明白。
以前，我會想，我講得不好，不清楚。。。以前，我會很在意我的表現，敬拜帶得好嗎，服事成功嗎。。。以前的我，會因爲敬拜帶得不好，心情沉重，重復思考哪裏出差錯了，哪裏可以改進。換作以前的我，一定很在意我講得好不好。但是這次讓我自己也很驚訝的，就是我雖知道有許多進步的餘地，我心裏那份喜悅、興奮、熱情，並沒有減少。我很興奮可以把我心中的passion分享了出去。我感覺到父神非常喜悅，祂沒有要求我講得像某某人一樣好，就好像做父母的，不會要求初生嬰孩說，“媽媽，請你給我奶喝，我餓了”，也不會要求一年紀的學生，說的故事像大學生一樣流利生動。神沒有要求我講得像張茂松一樣好，或向Jerry一樣好。真的也！
這次的服事，我發現我不一樣了，原來神改變了我。服事的果效是重要，但是，與神同工的過程更重要。我好享受這個過程。This is about my relationship with Jesus！服事神，不是勞苦擔重擔。服事神，是與神同工。有人領受10個硬幣，有人5個，有人1個。有多少，就服事多少。有1個的，不需要籌到10個才去服事。與神同工的過程，我摸著神的心，神也摸著我的心。。。我更認識祂，祂也讓我更認識我自己。
我想，我是被神的喜樂靈充滿了！哈利路亞！
這次來加州，我竟然主動打電話給認識的小組長，問他們可不可以讓我們來他們的小組分享。不覺得厚臉皮，只是裏面有一股熱情，很想把我們過去一年在IHOP-KC所學的，與弟兄姐妹分享。以前我是絕對不會這樣做的，覺得要謙卑，別人邀請了才分享，縂覺得自己沒什麽好分享的，也覺得自己沒有口才，不會分享，不要厚臉皮。。。等等的原因。其實那都是錯誤的思想。
打了幾通電話，時間也安排得滿滿的。 心裏好興奮，可以分享主的話。有一份說不出來的喜樂，可以與神同工。沒有壓力，沒有顧慮。充滿了熱情和期待。
昨天我第一次在教會禱告會分享也！哈哈，知道嗎，是我自告奮勇要分享，這不是我以前會做的。教會給我們機會，沒有指定Jerry分享，我就告訴Jerry，那我來分享吧！哈哈，連我都快不任得我自己了。
原本在準備的另一份分享，我的心就一直在想，他們需要聼這個嗎？我要如何去講，要花更多時閒去研讀。。。等等。到了出發前兩天早上，神問我，那是你的passion嗎？什麽才是你的passion？我第一個想到的就是“啓示錄”與末世信息，就是關於耶穌的再來。我明白了，我該分享我心中的passion。所以，開始重新準備。
雖然時間匆促，但我在準備時，就心裏很興奮。準備信息，可以是那麽喜樂、那麽“好玩”的，好奇妙喲！
昨天要分享前，竟然沒有壓力。而且，很期待，可以把心中的passion與人分享。這是怎麽樣的一個服事啊？我才發現，我不一樣了，原來神已經改變了我。原來與神同工，是輕省、喜樂的。
沒有到昨晚禱告會聽見我分享的人，可以想象，我不是口齒伶俐的人（我誠實地看自己，但沒有自卑感），也沒有講道的經驗（可是我很喜歡翻譯），講出來的東西就是那樣子。可是，你知道嗎，我不但準備時很興奮，講的時候也心裏很興奮，講完了還是很興奮（就是現在在寫這個blog時，我的心裏還是很興奮）。我不再意我講得不好，我非常喜樂可以與神同工，祂使用我這個卑微的器皿，我也很感恩牧師願意給我這個機會，也很感恩弟兄姐妹的保容、願意聼我的分享。
我在台上分享時，看見台下人的表情。沒有看見有人睡着或打瞌睡，但有些表情是“huh?”（皺著眉頭，好像聼不懂）。當牧師來結尾時，說的話，我非常amen。他說，“如果你們聼不懂秀君說的，沒關係，因爲啓示錄是很難的一本書。。。”牧師還鼓勵大家買一本我介紹的書Revelation Study Guide by Mike Bickle。 實在太好了，我講的有限，但他們若自己去研讀啓示錄，就會更清楚、更明白。
以前，我會想，我講得不好，不清楚。。。以前，我會很在意我的表現，敬拜帶得好嗎，服事成功嗎。。。以前的我，會因爲敬拜帶得不好，心情沉重，重復思考哪裏出差錯了，哪裏可以改進。換作以前的我，一定很在意我講得好不好。但是這次讓我自己也很驚訝的，就是我雖知道有許多進步的餘地，我心裏那份喜悅、興奮、熱情，並沒有減少。我很興奮可以把我心中的passion分享了出去。我感覺到父神非常喜悅，祂沒有要求我講得像某某人一樣好，就好像做父母的，不會要求初生嬰孩說，“媽媽，請你給我奶喝，我餓了”，也不會要求一年紀的學生，說的故事像大學生一樣流利生動。神沒有要求我講得像張茂松一樣好，或向Jerry一樣好。真的也！
這次的服事，我發現我不一樣了，原來神改變了我。服事的果效是重要，但是，與神同工的過程更重要。我好享受這個過程。This is about my relationship with Jesus！服事神，不是勞苦擔重擔。服事神，是與神同工。有人領受10個硬幣，有人5個，有人1個。有多少，就服事多少。有1個的，不需要籌到10個才去服事。與神同工的過程，我摸著神的心，神也摸著我的心。。。我更認識祂，祂也讓我更認識我自己。
我想，我是被神的喜樂靈充滿了！哈利路亞！
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
禱告室
感謝主，現在我可以帶三個小孩一起到禱告室！
回想起去年剛搬過來，參加三個月的Intro to IHOP-KC Internship時，有規定的禱告室時間。剛開始時是著帶三個孩子一起去，他們對這新環境非常好奇，除了東張西望，還會彼此講話玩耍，停不下，也靜不下。後來老師說我和Jerry可以輪流去禱告室，好讓另一個人陪小孩在家睡午覺（找出晚歸，小孩不得不睡午覺，而且Cheryl還小，需要睡午覺；又剛好規定的禱告室時間是他們午睡時間）。
後來Internship結束後，我就開始帶一個孩子去，其他兩個孩子就在家跟Jerry一起。這樣，他們就不會在禱告室玩在一起。很快的，他們就習慣了在禱告室裏的時間。
今年年初，我有個感動，花那麽多的代價來這裡，只有我和Jerry去禱告室，小孩只一星期去個1-2天，實在不夠。我便提起勇氣，帶兩個去。結果他們在禱告室都很乖。我便再度提起勇氣，帶三個小孩一起去。效果竟出乎我意料外！他們非常乖！！！時間從1小時，到現在可以2-3小時，看我什麽時候帶他們走都可以！（Samuel小時候不喜歡畫畫，但自從常去禱告室後，他就非常愛畫畫！ ）
現在，每星期六天早上我都會帶3個小孩一起去禱告室，星期天一起去主日聚會。我覺得非常幸福！謝謝主幫助了我！雖然要付代價，但是是值得的！自從一星期六個早上都去禱告室，時間變少了，沒時間教中文，Joshua沒時間練琴，小孩玩的時間也縮短了，但我覺得這是值得的！
回想起去年剛搬過來，參加三個月的Intro to IHOP-KC Internship時，有規定的禱告室時間。剛開始時是著帶三個孩子一起去，他們對這新環境非常好奇，除了東張西望，還會彼此講話玩耍，停不下，也靜不下。後來老師說我和Jerry可以輪流去禱告室，好讓另一個人陪小孩在家睡午覺（找出晚歸，小孩不得不睡午覺，而且Cheryl還小，需要睡午覺；又剛好規定的禱告室時間是他們午睡時間）。
後來Internship結束後，我就開始帶一個孩子去，其他兩個孩子就在家跟Jerry一起。這樣，他們就不會在禱告室玩在一起。很快的，他們就習慣了在禱告室裏的時間。
今年年初，我有個感動，花那麽多的代價來這裡，只有我和Jerry去禱告室，小孩只一星期去個1-2天，實在不夠。我便提起勇氣，帶兩個去。結果他們在禱告室都很乖。我便再度提起勇氣，帶三個小孩一起去。效果竟出乎我意料外！他們非常乖！！！時間從1小時，到現在可以2-3小時，看我什麽時候帶他們走都可以！（Samuel小時候不喜歡畫畫，但自從常去禱告室後，他就非常愛畫畫！ ）
現在，每星期六天早上我都會帶3個小孩一起去禱告室，星期天一起去主日聚會。我覺得非常幸福！謝謝主幫助了我！雖然要付代價，但是是值得的！自從一星期六個早上都去禱告室，時間變少了，沒時間教中文，Joshua沒時間練琴，小孩玩的時間也縮短了，但我覺得這是值得的！
Monday, March 1, 2010
"Bringing Up Boys"
I read this book "Bringing Up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson and it has a section on marriage that I really like. So I'll copy some and rephrase some here.
Someone asked for advice to give to a (freshman in college) son's question "how to lower the risk of divorce?"
"The answer... could go 600 different ways, but I'll be content to offer just one suggestion. You need to explain to your son how women are different from men and how that uniqueness will affect his own marriage... Many men come into marriage laboring under the mistaken idea that their wives are going to be their cheerleaders, who will take care of the children and expect nothing in return. They believe that their greatest and perhaps only responsibility is to make $ and to succeed professionally, even if it requires 12 hours a day to do it. The assumption of women, on the other hand, is that their marriage will be a wonderfully romantic affair. They anticipate candlelit dinners and walks in the rain and evenings of soul-to-soul conversations. Both of these expectations are illusions that bump along for a few years until they finally collide. Workaholic men and Cinderella women often destroy each other.... I strongly urge fathers to tell their adolescent and college-age boys that girls are incurable romantics and that it will not be enough for them as husbands to be successful in their professional pursuits. That would have been sufficient in decades past. Today, something more is expected. If they are going to have strong marriages and families, they must reserve time and energy for the marital relationship, talking together and treating each other as sweethearts...."
I'll take time to ponder of these. :D
Someone asked for advice to give to a (freshman in college) son's question "how to lower the risk of divorce?"
"The answer... could go 600 different ways, but I'll be content to offer just one suggestion. You need to explain to your son how women are different from men and how that uniqueness will affect his own marriage... Many men come into marriage laboring under the mistaken idea that their wives are going to be their cheerleaders, who will take care of the children and expect nothing in return. They believe that their greatest and perhaps only responsibility is to make $ and to succeed professionally, even if it requires 12 hours a day to do it. The assumption of women, on the other hand, is that their marriage will be a wonderfully romantic affair. They anticipate candlelit dinners and walks in the rain and evenings of soul-to-soul conversations. Both of these expectations are illusions that bump along for a few years until they finally collide. Workaholic men and Cinderella women often destroy each other.... I strongly urge fathers to tell their adolescent and college-age boys that girls are incurable romantics and that it will not be enough for them as husbands to be successful in their professional pursuits. That would have been sufficient in decades past. Today, something more is expected. If they are going to have strong marriages and families, they must reserve time and energy for the marital relationship, talking together and treating each other as sweethearts...."
I'll take time to ponder of these. :D
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Our Little Snow Castle
I made these paths on the snow. I did it! At first I made a small snowball and started rolling on the snow. More snow stick to the snowball and it become bigger and bigger... so big I could not roll it any further.
It was not an easy task because it required lots of energy. I sweat so much! Cheryl tried to help but they were to big for her. :)
3 huge snowballs (not round anymore, they're more like cup shape) put together and became our little snow castle.
Dancing team at the prayer room
These dancers worship God with their dancing. 
Isn't it awesome? They dance together as a team. Such beautiful dancing before the Lord...
I've seen other dancing teams too.
They have adults dancing team,
and this one is mainly children, with 1 adult female supervisor/coach.
Not in the pictures, but there are also 2 boy-dancers following
the coaching of an adult male supervisor/coach.
Joshua's experiment
We bought some scallions to make scallion pancakes 蔥油餅. Then I decided to safe the left over and put them in a yogurt cup with some water. They grew slowly. After about 2-3 weeks, this was what we got! I made some more scallion pancake with these newly grown scallion. :)
This leaves grew from a carrot we soak in water after 2-3 weeks. This was actually an experiment from Joshua's lesson. Joshua was excited to see how it grew. Well, I didn't use this one for cooking :D
Even though it is winer and it is very cold outside, but our scallion and carrot's leaves are still growing because it is warm inside.
This celery is another experiment from Joshua's lesson. It didn't last too long, about 1 month. This experiment is to show how roots carry water up to the leaves. After about 1 month, the leaves got dry so I had to threw it away.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
與孩子雪中散步-去禱告室的路上
去禱告路的路上，如果不會太冷，或趕時間，其實是蠻好玩的喲！這天我和Joshua發現雪地上除了有人的鞋印和車輪印之外，還有許多小動物的腳印。我猜這是貓咪的腳印。
下面這張是松鼠的腳印。剛開始我們還不確定是不是，後來看到一只松鼠從雪地上走過，我們便跑過去看看，果然是松鼠的腳印。Joshua在松鼠腳印旁邊蓋上了自己的手印。好可愛喲！ 
媽媽看
到那麽可愛，也把自己的手在旁邊再蓋個印。看！我的手其實挺小的。
下雪是孩子的喜好。這一天的雪下得不大，Cheryl從這天就開始願意在雪地上走了。之前聖誕節下大雪時，她就只願意站在那裏不願意走，因為地滑，而且不好走。這次就有了小突破，她發現雪是很好玩的。
Saturday, February 6, 2010
2010年一月 在IHOP-KC
Jerry 今年正式是IHOP-KC 的 staff。Title 是 Intercessory Missionary. 中文翻譯作代禱宣教士。他主要委身在中文部門。一半時間在禱告室裏代禱與敬拜神；另外一半時間在服事。服事範圍包括把英文講章和文章翻譯成中文，參與中文禱告會為華裔教會復興禱告，關心與牧養這裡的華人，參與禱告室的預言服事(prophecy room)等。細節可參考Jerry的blog。
這是我啦！我不是在帶敬拜，也不是在唱歌。我是在翻譯。每月最後的星期五晚有華人聚會，内容包括聚餐與關懷，敬拜與信息分享，回應與禱告。剛過這星期五，在信息分享時，翻譯的姐妹突然不舒服，我就上去頂替。
每週一次的中文琴與盧是我很期待的。這裡的琴與盧模式很不一樣，所以，我還是在學習階段。以後有機會請別人幫忙照個相給大家看看吧！我們的領敬拜姐妹非常的單純，年紀輕輕卻很懂事，大家都好喜歡她。她還會自己寫歌吔！以後有機會慢慢介紹其他團員吧！
我覺得1/2時間服事1/2時間禱告的原則非常有智慧。一方面坐在主耶穌面前聼祂聲音，另一方面又可以與耶穌一同走到人群中服事。
下星期開始，Jerry將從part time轉換成爲全時間的同工。一星期24小時在禱告室，另一半時間服事。這個轉換對我和孩子來説影響比較大，因為家庭時間會比part time時少。但我們相信神必定會賜下智慧並引領我們走在祂心意裏，不會忽略家庭。其實時間安排好，浪費的時間就減少許多，而可以更好好珍惜與使用。
這是我啦！我不是在帶敬拜，也不是在唱歌。我是在翻譯。每月最後的星期五晚有華人聚會，内容包括聚餐與關懷，敬拜與信息分享，回應與禱告。剛過這星期五，在信息分享時，翻譯的姐妹突然不舒服，我就上去頂替。
我因為平時有3個可愛寶貝要照顧，沒有委身在別的服事上，就只有一星期一次的中文琴與爐。偶爾有需要幫忙講道時有人翻譯，我時間上若沒有與Jerry的時間衝突的話，就可以幫上忙。雖然次數不多，但我很高興有機會幫忙。其實，我還挺喜歡翻譯的喲。因為我喜歡講道，但自己還沒甚麽内容可以講。所以，別人講我翻譯，那不就很好嗎？
每週一次的中文琴與盧是我很期待的。這裡的琴與盧模式很不一樣，所以，我還是在學習階段。以後有機會請別人幫忙照個相給大家看看吧！我們的領敬拜姐妹非常的單純，年紀輕輕卻很懂事，大家都好喜歡她。她還會自己寫歌吔！以後有機會慢慢介紹其他團員吧！
在小孩的schedule上，我會安排帶他們到禱告室的時間，讓他們有機會浸泡在神的同在裏，浸泡在敬拜禱告裏。我覺得這很重要。雖然對我來説，如果我自己去我可以5分鐘就走到，在禱告室裏我也可以很專心。但我願意花代價，走10分鐘，甚至20分鐘，（因為帶妹妹的話她就走更慢了）在禱告室裏還得要照顧他們的需要。我不以自己方便為念。我希望更多安排孩子的禱告室時間。
Joshua在禱告室會先讀聖經，寫journal，有時候寫信給神，然後把他讀的聖經故事畫出來。。。
很奇妙，雖然他在畫畫或寫字或讀聖經，偶而他會問我關於台上的禱告詞或詩歌的意思，所以我就發現他有在聼喲。
Samuel還沒像哥哥一樣學會了讀聖經，但我會帶一些聖經故事的書，有很多圖他可以看。之後他就會自己畫畫。也許我可以開始教他畫關於聖經的故事了。
Chery去到禱告室最喜歡跳舞敬拜神。這裡的禱告室中間有個舞蹈區dance area。平時會有家長帶小朋友到那裏跳舞敬拜神。有時會有dancing team在那，當然，也有大人很自由的在那裏跳舞敬拜神，不怕別人的眼光。
感謝神帶領我們全家到這裡來學習，服事與領受！不知道神什麽時候要我們拔營起行，所以會很珍惜每一天。謝謝耶穌，也謝謝在禱告上與在生活費用上支持我們的弟兄姐妹。
彈琴。。。談情（二）
在愛修園的日子，神賜下的恩膏讓我彈琴自己有feel，不懂音樂的長輩們也很喜歡，當然懂音樂的陳牧師也非常鼓勵我。懂音樂的一聼就知道我的水準只不過一點點。無論如何，最重要的是可以藉彈琴來敬拜神，與神談情。
後來到了HOC不久，小組來了個鋼琴王子，Jacky。自從有了他這位司琴，哈哈哈，我就不太需要彈琴了。他實在彈得太棒了，超級厲害，有水準，有恩膏，有feel。。。幾年下來，我偶爾碰碰琴，但不常。一來，是因為有孩子比較忙，二來，是因為我的耳朵被Jacky的美麗琴聲‘寵壞’了，自己怎麽彈就是差太遠。加上教會有好多敬拜，星期三晚上的禱告會，小組敬拜，主日敬拜，還挺夠的。
這樣的好日子延續到去年。搬來IHOP以後，當然不缺美麗的敬拜音樂，因為這裡是24/7不停的敬拜禱告，而且還可以在家上網。半年后，我發現，我好想念唱中文敬拜詩歌。這裡有一星期一次的中文琴與爐。我好慶幸可以參與。但一星期一次，我決得好少喲！我好想唱中文敬拜詩歌，我好想彈中文敬拜詩歌。原來我裏面流的還是中國人的血，來美國16年了還沒被美國化！這個時候若可以把Jacky空運過來多好。。哈哈哈。。。
因著這樣的渴慕，裏面也挑旺起一份動力，我開始彈起琴來。與以前相似，剛開始彈來彈去縂覺得很枯乾，自己沒辦法進入。幾次持續下來，我自己有了突破，開始自己可以進入詩歌敬拜裏面了！ 雖然技巧上沒有多少進展，但神看重我的心。環境不能改變，但我們自己可以改變。雖然沒有許多的樂器，但我有一顆心，並擺上我所有的，就是我的技巧和歌聲，我仍然可以天天唱中文詩歌敬拜耶穌！
後來到了HOC不久，小組來了個鋼琴王子，Jacky。自從有了他這位司琴，哈哈哈，我就不太需要彈琴了。他實在彈得太棒了，超級厲害，有水準，有恩膏，有feel。。。幾年下來，我偶爾碰碰琴，但不常。一來，是因為有孩子比較忙，二來，是因為我的耳朵被Jacky的美麗琴聲‘寵壞’了，自己怎麽彈就是差太遠。加上教會有好多敬拜，星期三晚上的禱告會，小組敬拜，主日敬拜，還挺夠的。
這樣的好日子延續到去年。搬來IHOP以後，當然不缺美麗的敬拜音樂，因為這裡是24/7不停的敬拜禱告，而且還可以在家上網。半年后，我發現，我好想念唱中文敬拜詩歌。這裡有一星期一次的中文琴與爐。我好慶幸可以參與。但一星期一次，我決得好少喲！我好想唱中文敬拜詩歌，我好想彈中文敬拜詩歌。原來我裏面流的還是中國人的血，來美國16年了還沒被美國化！這個時候若可以把Jacky空運過來多好。。哈哈哈。。。
因著這樣的渴慕，裏面也挑旺起一份動力，我開始彈起琴來。與以前相似，剛開始彈來彈去縂覺得很枯乾，自己沒辦法進入。幾次持續下來，我自己有了突破，開始自己可以進入詩歌敬拜裏面了！ 雖然技巧上沒有多少進展，但神看重我的心。環境不能改變，但我們自己可以改變。雖然沒有許多的樂器，但我有一顆心，並擺上我所有的，就是我的技巧和歌聲，我仍然可以天天唱中文詩歌敬拜耶穌！
Friday, February 5, 2010
彈琴。。。談情（一）
小時候很不喜歡練琴。印象很深刻的一次，我被迫練琴，就把門關上用力踢琴，氣是出了，但琴不會痛我的腳卻很痛，後來還是乖乖的練琴。還有一次被迫練琴，就亂彈一番，誰知對音樂只有一點點學問的媽媽在廚房裏聽到了我彈出來的雜音，就邊做蛋糕邊教訓我，她要我多彈幾遍直到熟練。我很生氣，就與她鬥氣，重復不停的彈同一首歌的第一行。彈了5-10分鐘，從廚房來傳來我媽和我哥的大笑聲，連生氣的我也大笑了！每次到鋼琴老師家上課，他一聼我彈就知道我有沒有花時間練習。有幾次我乾脆故意把書放在家裏，沒練的歌就不要帶去。這樣溷過了幾次后，好像被老師發現，有次我又說忘了帶，（我還得假裝在找，很驚訝找不到的樣子）老師從鋼琴旁邊拿出了同一本書，是她自己的，我就知道這次完了！ 當我最後一年考試過關，我非常高興，不是因為考過了，而是因為從此不需要再練琴了！！！真的，自此我就不再碰那被我踢過的鋼琴了，它就變成了我放裝飾品的架子，有時候還會在上面寫功課。。。後來我就搬來美國，從來沒有想念過它。。。
神在這件事情上實在有祂的美意。好幾年后，當我被神的愛觸摸時，我開始羡慕那些會彈琴的人。此時，我家已經沒有鋼琴，我就只好常常走20分鐘的路程到教會去借用鋼琴。坐在像是熟習卻又陌生的鋼琴上，看著譜，我竟然彈不出來。其實我也並沒驚訝，因為知道往年自己沒有好好練琴。一次又一次，慢慢的，我開始可以彈出非常簡單的旋律，便很自得其樂的邊彈邊唱，還挺感動的。之後我還自願在大學時選鋼琴課為electives。老師教的，並不是簡譜，而是老詩歌本的classical music。但也沒關係，我還是很願意學。記得每次有機會，我就會站在彈琴的人旁邊，看別人如何彈。有時后還厚臉皮打擾別人，請教一番。當然，我也常向神禱告，教我彈琴。
神的愛實在可以如此改變我也！厲害吧！彈琴不再是重擔，壓迫；彈琴成爲了我與神談情的管道！
真的突破，是在我到愛修園的日子裏。那一天我是不會忘記的。下課了，恩慈牧師坐在鋼琴上彈出美麗的敬拜音樂。我被音樂吸引，同學們都到廚房去吃中飯，我就跑到恩慈牧師旁邊問她我可有站在旁邊看。就這樣看了好久，她離開后，我手一放上去，就彈出與我以往完全不一樣的旋律來。我感覺到神的恩膏澆灌，我的心我的靈好像隨著旋律在神面前跳燿飛舞著！
感謝神！滿有恩典的神，despise我幼年的無知與悖逆，仍然給我機會，並給我動力。神的愛可以翻轉，可以改變，實在是力量無比啊！
（下回再繼續分享我在這方面近期的學習）
神在這件事情上實在有祂的美意。好幾年后，當我被神的愛觸摸時，我開始羡慕那些會彈琴的人。此時，我家已經沒有鋼琴，我就只好常常走20分鐘的路程到教會去借用鋼琴。坐在像是熟習卻又陌生的鋼琴上，看著譜，我竟然彈不出來。其實我也並沒驚訝，因為知道往年自己沒有好好練琴。一次又一次，慢慢的，我開始可以彈出非常簡單的旋律，便很自得其樂的邊彈邊唱，還挺感動的。之後我還自願在大學時選鋼琴課為electives。老師教的，並不是簡譜，而是老詩歌本的classical music。但也沒關係，我還是很願意學。記得每次有機會，我就會站在彈琴的人旁邊，看別人如何彈。有時后還厚臉皮打擾別人，請教一番。當然，我也常向神禱告，教我彈琴。
神的愛實在可以如此改變我也！厲害吧！彈琴不再是重擔，壓迫；彈琴成爲了我與神談情的管道！
真的突破，是在我到愛修園的日子裏。那一天我是不會忘記的。下課了，恩慈牧師坐在鋼琴上彈出美麗的敬拜音樂。我被音樂吸引，同學們都到廚房去吃中飯，我就跑到恩慈牧師旁邊問她我可有站在旁邊看。就這樣看了好久，她離開后，我手一放上去，就彈出與我以往完全不一樣的旋律來。我感覺到神的恩膏澆灌，我的心我的靈好像隨著旋律在神面前跳燿飛舞著！
感謝神！滿有恩典的神，despise我幼年的無知與悖逆，仍然給我機會，並給我動力。神的愛可以翻轉，可以改變，實在是力量無比啊！
（下回再繼續分享我在這方面近期的學習）
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
黑糖饅頭食譜
材料
A 黑糖1杯 水1杯
B 即溶酵母粉1又1/2小匙 冷水4大匙 中經麵粉3杯
C 手粉適量
1。乾炒黑糖至出顔色/香氣，加入水。
2。酵母以4大匙冷水調化。
3。黑糖水，酵母水，加上麵粉揉成黑糖麵糰。（可加少許油）
4。麵糰加蓋靜置發酵約25-30分鐘。
5。麵糰擀成長方形，1公分厚的長片。
6。抹少許水，捲成長條麵捲，切成6-7公分段狀，墊上油紙（我用溼的napkins）放進蒸過，放10-15分鐘第二次發酵。再以中火蒸至沸騰後，以中火蒸12分鐘。
A 黑糖1杯 水1杯
B 即溶酵母粉1又1/2小匙 冷水4大匙 中經麵粉3杯
C 手粉適量
1。乾炒黑糖至出顔色/香氣，加入水。
2。酵母以4大匙冷水調化。
3。黑糖水，酵母水，加上麵粉揉成黑糖麵糰。（可加少許油）
4。麵糰加蓋靜置發酵約25-30分鐘。
5。麵糰擀成長方形，1公分厚的長片。
6。抹少許水，捲成長條麵捲，切成6-7公分段狀，墊上油紙（我用溼的napkins）放進蒸過，放10-15分鐘第二次發酵。再以中火蒸至沸騰後，以中火蒸12分鐘。
做饅頭
有天我們到了Kansas City新開張的888超市，我好開心看到有賣饅頭，因為我好喜歡吃饅頭。看看价錢，就不想買了。一包有4或6個饅頭，要$4-5。想一想，要過禱告宣教士生活，fasted lifestyle，就不能像以前在加州那樣的生活。來Kansas City好幾個月了，沒吃饅頭也照樣生活得好好的。
結果後來有一位朋友把從台彎帶來的食譜給了我們。我一打開，就有饅頭的食譜。我好開心喲！趕緊買了材料，卻不知道什麽是酵母粉，就沒有加，結果發不成，味道很好吃，但是有點硬。打電話問媽媽後才知道那是yeast。第二次做就很成功。中經麵粉一包$1+。加上其他材料錢，差不多$2+。而且可以自己加葡萄乾，flex seed，nuts，oatmeal。。。 也可以作鮮奶饅頭。
換一換生活習慣，開銷可以減少。以前縂覺得做飯好難，所以，在加州時每星期會出去吃至少一次。現在生活習慣改變，我做飯的菜單也改變，而且更多變化，小孩也更愛吃。來了這裡，不但吃屬靈大餐，還學會做菜。來了這裡，學會了炒米粉，speghetti，煎雞扒（自己隨便做的，雖不能和餐館的比較，但我和小孩很喜歡），湯麵。。。
對我來説，是很大的突破。感謝主！其實我也是可以的。候環境的改變，可以擴張我們的境界，也可以啓發裏面的淺能，還可以突破我們為自己立下的限制和筐筐。
結果後來有一位朋友把從台彎帶來的食譜給了我們。我一打開，就有饅頭的食譜。我好開心喲！趕緊買了材料，卻不知道什麽是酵母粉，就沒有加，結果發不成，味道很好吃，但是有點硬。打電話問媽媽後才知道那是yeast。第二次做就很成功。中經麵粉一包$1+。加上其他材料錢，差不多$2+。而且可以自己加葡萄乾，flex seed，nuts，oatmeal。。。 也可以作鮮奶饅頭。
換一換生活習慣，開銷可以減少。以前縂覺得做飯好難，所以，在加州時每星期會出去吃至少一次。現在生活習慣改變，我做飯的菜單也改變，而且更多變化，小孩也更愛吃。來了這裡，不但吃屬靈大餐，還學會做菜。來了這裡，學會了炒米粉，speghetti，煎雞扒（自己隨便做的，雖不能和餐館的比較，但我和小孩很喜歡），湯麵。。。
對我來説，是很大的突破。感謝主！其實我也是可以的。候環境的改變，可以擴張我們的境界，也可以啓發裏面的淺能，還可以突破我們為自己立下的限制和筐筐。
Saturday, January 2, 2010
questions from Joshua are getting harder and harder for me to anwer
Joshua's been reading a chapter of Bible each day for months now. He started on Genesis and he just finished Leviticus yesterday and he was very excited to begin Number... haha, no sooner after he read half way, he turned to me and said it is boring, because Number chapter 1 is "census" and all about names.
Anyway, he actually thinks as he reads. One morning he asked me why is God so mean. Then he read to me Leviticus 26:28 "then in my anger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will punish you for your sins seven times over." v29"You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters."
That sound really cruel. Now I knew what he meant. So I lead him to read v27 and explained to him because of what happen in v27, and the consequence is v28-29 and so on. v27 says "If in spite of this you still do not listen to me but continue to be hostile toward me". I explained briefly to him that there're people who refused to listen to God and are very hostile (mean) to God and do all those things that hurt people and hurt themselves.
Then he asked me what does it mean "eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters". Here it got harder. What does it mean? Out of my own limit understanding, and bringing it down to his language, I explained that there're people who are so so so bad and so evil and so deceived by the devil, they kill their sons and daughters. I told him I heard that satan worshipers kill their children to offer them to the devil. Then I said, there're people who don't understand and are so deceived that they kill their babies before they are born and that's called abortion. I told him that some people don't know what's growing inside the mommy's tummy is actually baby who have life! The devil hates people and wants to kill people. But God will protect us. We're to pray that abortion will be stopped.
I felt the heaviness of this message, so I told him God wants to bless us and wants to forgive us. He doesn't want these bad things to happen to us. We can have his blessings and forgiveness when we turn from our sin and confess our sin to the Lord and repent. He is waiting to forgive us.
Can a 6 yr old understand this message? I don't know how much he can understand but I'm seizing opportunities to tell him what I know. I pray for spirit of wisdom and revelation to come upon Joshua and that his eyes may be enlightened.
I remember years ago while we were still in LA, there was a prop 8 event. I explained to them that the marriage created by God is 1 man and 1 woman. No man with man, and no woman with woman, and no more than 1 man or 1 woman. That's the best way I can explain to them. Then I also tell them that we can only live together or have babies when we're married. I don't want to go in details with sex issue yet since they're still young. Anyway, even to these day they still remember. Occasionally I'd hear Samuel posts a question to us which he already has an answer for it "Can a man marry a man?" Then he would answer "對啦，不可以！" and on and on. They actually remember what we teach them!
I heard that during the prop 8 thingy, many younger generation even from churches voted for yes on same-sex marriage. They care more of their friends who are homosexual rather than the truth. I teach my children that we don't hate the people who are homosexual, but because we love the people we want to tell them the truth that can set them free and free indeed. They are in bondage and suffering. We want to help them to be free and enjoy the true gift of marriage between 1 man and 1 woman.
I want to teach my children when they're still young. When I was 6 I didn't know what abortion was and I've never heard that man marries man and etc. But this generation is different from our generation when we were kids. One time we saw man kissing man /woman kissing woman in a public place and I redirect my kids to the opposite direction because I don't want them to watch that. I had never seen that when I was 6. Our children need to be raised in solid foundation on God's Word when they're young. Feed them the truth of God's Word before the world dump on them the trash of devil's scheme.
More wisdom on parents, Lord! More wisdom on children, Lord!
And Lord, I pray that our LOVE may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that we may approve the things that are excellent, that we may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God!
Anyway, he actually thinks as he reads. One morning he asked me why is God so mean. Then he read to me Leviticus 26:28 "then in my anger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will punish you for your sins seven times over." v29"You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters."
That sound really cruel. Now I knew what he meant. So I lead him to read v27 and explained to him because of what happen in v27, and the consequence is v28-29 and so on. v27 says "If in spite of this you still do not listen to me but continue to be hostile toward me". I explained briefly to him that there're people who refused to listen to God and are very hostile (mean) to God and do all those things that hurt people and hurt themselves.
Then he asked me what does it mean "eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters". Here it got harder. What does it mean? Out of my own limit understanding, and bringing it down to his language, I explained that there're people who are so so so bad and so evil and so deceived by the devil, they kill their sons and daughters. I told him I heard that satan worshipers kill their children to offer them to the devil. Then I said, there're people who don't understand and are so deceived that they kill their babies before they are born and that's called abortion. I told him that some people don't know what's growing inside the mommy's tummy is actually baby who have life! The devil hates people and wants to kill people. But God will protect us. We're to pray that abortion will be stopped.
I felt the heaviness of this message, so I told him God wants to bless us and wants to forgive us. He doesn't want these bad things to happen to us. We can have his blessings and forgiveness when we turn from our sin and confess our sin to the Lord and repent. He is waiting to forgive us.
Can a 6 yr old understand this message? I don't know how much he can understand but I'm seizing opportunities to tell him what I know. I pray for spirit of wisdom and revelation to come upon Joshua and that his eyes may be enlightened.
I remember years ago while we were still in LA, there was a prop 8 event. I explained to them that the marriage created by God is 1 man and 1 woman. No man with man, and no woman with woman, and no more than 1 man or 1 woman. That's the best way I can explain to them. Then I also tell them that we can only live together or have babies when we're married. I don't want to go in details with sex issue yet since they're still young. Anyway, even to these day they still remember. Occasionally I'd hear Samuel posts a question to us which he already has an answer for it "Can a man marry a man?" Then he would answer "對啦，不可以！" and on and on. They actually remember what we teach them!
I heard that during the prop 8 thingy, many younger generation even from churches voted for yes on same-sex marriage. They care more of their friends who are homosexual rather than the truth. I teach my children that we don't hate the people who are homosexual, but because we love the people we want to tell them the truth that can set them free and free indeed. They are in bondage and suffering. We want to help them to be free and enjoy the true gift of marriage between 1 man and 1 woman.
I want to teach my children when they're still young. When I was 6 I didn't know what abortion was and I've never heard that man marries man and etc. But this generation is different from our generation when we were kids. One time we saw man kissing man /woman kissing woman in a public place and I redirect my kids to the opposite direction because I don't want them to watch that. I had never seen that when I was 6. Our children need to be raised in solid foundation on God's Word when they're young. Feed them the truth of God's Word before the world dump on them the trash of devil's scheme.
More wisdom on parents, Lord! More wisdom on children, Lord!
And Lord, I pray that our LOVE may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that we may approve the things that are excellent, that we may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God!
Friday, January 1, 2010
I win!!!
Recently I've been hearing "I win!!" from my boys a lot. I'm very concern of the competitiveness that is growing in them and getting bigger each day, especially Joshua.
Last night, since it was the last day of 2009 I decided to stay awake till after midnight. So I watched the Onething worship on webstream. It was awesome!! Before midnight, I went to take a shower and there God spoke to me. Wow!
God revealed to me that Joshua is an overcomer, that's the way God created him. God wants him to win, and plans his life to win. However, the enemy has already been working hard to destroy him ever since he was born. Now, the enemy's trying to twist the "overcomer-ness" in him and mislead him to win in areas out of God's will. I felt an urgency in me to fight this warfare over Joshua in partnership with the Holy Spirit. I need wisdom from God to lead Joshua into the right path and to understand God's will for him as an overcomer.
He truly wins not when he is faster, or when he is better, or when he has more score... He truly wins when he choses to obey God and refuses to listen to the devil. Yes, when He wins, people don't lose, but the devil lose. The devil is our true enemy, not friends or family. The Bible says that we don't fight against flesh and blood. We don't fight against whoever play with us, we don't fight against whoever trying to compete with us. When we love people, we win and the enemy lose. When we share what we have, we win and the enemy lose because the devil is selfish and doesn't want us to share....
A lot of the games are designed to have either I win you lose or you win I lose. Joshua has been having a hard time when he loses. So I told him and keep telling him that, when he loses and he can still keeps up a bright spirit and feel happy for his friend/brother who win and even congratulate him, he also wins and the real loser is the devil. I know it will take a while for my children to grasp it, and I admit that I'll be learning it myself too as I teach them.
I'm thankful for this revelation from the Lord regarding this concern of mine. What a new year resolution given me for 2010! Thank you, Father! Thank you for helping me in my parenthood. I pray that You'll grant me wisdom and revelation and I pray that You'll lead me and help me and empower me..... amen!
Last night, since it was the last day of 2009 I decided to stay awake till after midnight. So I watched the Onething worship on webstream. It was awesome!! Before midnight, I went to take a shower and there God spoke to me. Wow!
God revealed to me that Joshua is an overcomer, that's the way God created him. God wants him to win, and plans his life to win. However, the enemy has already been working hard to destroy him ever since he was born. Now, the enemy's trying to twist the "overcomer-ness" in him and mislead him to win in areas out of God's will. I felt an urgency in me to fight this warfare over Joshua in partnership with the Holy Spirit. I need wisdom from God to lead Joshua into the right path and to understand God's will for him as an overcomer.
He truly wins not when he is faster, or when he is better, or when he has more score... He truly wins when he choses to obey God and refuses to listen to the devil. Yes, when He wins, people don't lose, but the devil lose. The devil is our true enemy, not friends or family. The Bible says that we don't fight against flesh and blood. We don't fight against whoever play with us, we don't fight against whoever trying to compete with us. When we love people, we win and the enemy lose. When we share what we have, we win and the enemy lose because the devil is selfish and doesn't want us to share....
A lot of the games are designed to have either I win you lose or you win I lose. Joshua has been having a hard time when he loses. So I told him and keep telling him that, when he loses and he can still keeps up a bright spirit and feel happy for his friend/brother who win and even congratulate him, he also wins and the real loser is the devil. I know it will take a while for my children to grasp it, and I admit that I'll be learning it myself too as I teach them.
I'm thankful for this revelation from the Lord regarding this concern of mine. What a new year resolution given me for 2010! Thank you, Father! Thank you for helping me in my parenthood. I pray that You'll grant me wisdom and revelation and I pray that You'll lead me and help me and empower me..... amen!
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