I'm so ready for Spring Break to start already

Countdown Schedule (with classes intermingled between the assignments and prior engagements of course):

Sunday

- Biology essay

- SMDEP application

- CDA interview

Monday

- Psych Assignment

- Chinese hw and study for quiz

Tuesday

- Biology lab report

- Chinese hw

- GCC family group

Wednesday

- Chinese hw and study for quiz

- IVCF

Thursday

- English paper and midterm portfolio

- Chinese hw

- Accountability group

- Drum lessons

- Peer mentor application

- PACK

Friday

- Biology exam opens online

- Leave BMC for NYC!

Spring Break: March 5th to 14th!

GCC Praise Night 2010: BrynFordNova Skit

My sign said "FELLOWSHIP." Unity with God and His Body.

Thank You for this break. Help me to feel Your peace in all times of my life, to be able to praise You in all circumstances.

We stand and lift up our hands

For the joy of the Lord is our strength

We bow down and worship Him now

How great, how awesome is He

Currently Listening To: Holy is the Lord, Chris Tomlin

Snow Day #3

So third snow day this semester! You can imagine my excitement when I woke up this morning and found out classes were cancelled after unintentionally falling asleep last night.

No Chinese exam! And no biology paper due...? I'm still waiting on an email about my biology paper, please please please don't tell me I have to email it to my professor instead, I'd be so screwed.

Anyways, learned my lesson after the last two snow days, I must make good use of this one!

--//edit//--

Biology paper due Monday! Thank God haha. I really want to go back to sleep now....

While there are many things that make me proud to be a Mawter (aka a Bryn Mawr woman), there are still times when I question why God has placed me here. Academically, I'm not sure that Bryn Mawr is where I imagined myself. Spiritually, it's been challenging. And don't get me wrong: I've met many people here who I hope to stay friends with forever (literally for eternity), but there are also people who I meet and I have to strongly remind myself that Jesus commanded me to love.

I guess my point is, why am I where I am in life?

But maybe this is not for us to question. (Or we can question, but God will not tell us. Instead, He will show us.) Like Joseph, let's just see where God takes us and how He uses us for His glory.

Reading about healthcare and how 70% of all health-care spending is the result of unwise lifestyle choices. I need to start eating healthier, smaller, and more meals, instead of many large meals. And this midnight/1AM/2AM "snacking" needs to stop.... Freshman 30 (it's 30 at BMC, not 15)... ><;

Matthew 6: Do Not Worry
²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^b]">[b]? ²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

So easily frustrated and agitated these days. As first I blamed other people, thinking they were being inconsiderate, etc. But truely, it's just because I'm running low on patience...for myself.

I haven't been doing great in terms of keeping up with my devotionals and my Lent commitment to do so. My time management skills, study skills, and motivation have all gone down the drain. Work is piling up and I feel tired most of the time. Also, recently this obsession with trying to figure out a career path (and whether or not to do pre-med) has been bothering me to no end! Argh! And in an attempt to catch up on work, I've been neglecting my relationships with people. And maybe the weather somehow factors in too, but yeah... it's been somewhat depressing, mostly frustrating though.

Trying to take a moment to breathe in the midst of everything I was reminded how my own foolish pride. What is man anyways? I asked myself. Our lives are but a wisp of passing wind. Who are we to try to control everything, to plan everything, to not trust God to provide?

This is why I really need to be disciplined in doing my devotions.

⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

What has my life come to?

The word 'mediocrity' flashes into my mind... -_-;

Another one of those days...maybe....

God's Answer is Grace

⁷To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. ⁸Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is a commonly used passage, nevertheless, it was an answered prayer for me - the reminder and encouragement I had been looking for. Pastor Barry preached on how everyone has their thorns and, as the saying goes, that "The church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners." Moreover, in Greek, the word in place of "thorn" was closer in definition to "stake." Like Paul, while we may plead desperately for God to remove certain sins and save us from specific situations, God's answer for us is Grace. And if you have an inkling of an understanding of what God's Grace truly is then you will understand that God's Grace is sufficient. In fact, Paul rejoiced in his hardships because God's Grace is that amazing.

So even though I don't like the situation right now I just pray that His Grace will overflow in me. And when I struggle with my thorns, may I come before Jesus on the cross, remembering that He wore a crown of thorns for our sake. In other words, it's not suppose to be easy, but God's Grace makes it possible.

Also, Pastor Barry talked more about the Boston Church Plant today, in bringing up the passage from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 concerning Grace, he reminded the congregation of the origins of our church's name. 'Grace Covenant Church' came from the understanding that it was only by God's Grace and covenant love that GCC has come as far as it has. Pastor Young said he never imagined that 14 years later GCC would have three sites, have planted a church in Atlanta 5 years ago, and now to plant another church in Boston. (And I have faith that Pastor Barry is going to be an amazing lead pastor for the new church.) Even after hearing the story a couple of times, it's still inspiring to hear how GCC has grown and planted other sites and churches. Also, praise God that even before the University City site took offering today for the Boston Church Plant, that we've already reached 75% of the $100,000 goal. And the Temple and Mainline sites will be doing their offering for the church plant next week.

Like Pastor Young said today, it's God's church, He will take care of it, we're simply along for the ride. So for those who will be heading to Boston for college this coming fall, or know people who will be doing so, feel free to contact me about being a part of this Boston church plant! Also, for more information concerning the Boston Church Plant (GCC's goals, mission, etc.), click here.

I've talked to some friends recently concerning the concept of "the one, right person." And instead of sharing my viewpoint on this topic I've decided to share the sermons that have shaped my viewpoint.

Hmm, I'm not sure if this is the same one I listened to a while back, but it's Voddie Bachaum and it's on Love and Marriage It consists of four parts, but it's all worth it. (In fact, listening to it right now haha.) By the way, the sermon concerning the concept of "the one" (the greco-roman myth) is in part 2.

Other good sermons on this topic that I've heard are by Mark Driscoll (blogged previously) and Francis Chan. But I'm biased because I think they're good preachers in general.

Flower Day 2.19.10

Now, to learn how to dry flowers...

I think my room reflects my life right now... >>;

Advice for Myself: Make a decision, stick with it, and don't look back. No more mistakes.

My friend was talking about her mother today and how her mother sacrificed her career for my friend and her siblings. It got me thinking about my parents - how they left Hong Kong and their careers for the sake of their children. What will I do to give back to them?

Also, while my friend and I were walking through campus together, apparently she said we got some weird stares. At that point we decided to not link arms anymore. I guess I knew I would have to be careful with how I acted on BMC's campus, but wow really...?! Then my friend was like "Guess now you know why some random girls smile at you." In reply I said, "In that case, they probably think I'm cheating on you then."

On another topic, in IVCF tonight, some people were sharing about how back home people were not very diverse...everyone's Caucasian and has been going to church their whole life. So when they came to Bryn Mawr, meeting so many people of different backgrounds and faiths really opened their eyes and caused them to question what they believe in. As a result, they feel they have a more refined faith now. Hearing this was really encouraging, because at first being a Christian on campus just felt like a burden, but now I see a positive spin on the situation. (By the way, we played Apples to Apples tonight in IVCF...I didn't know there was a Bible edition until tonight. However, we speculate that it was made by non-Christians because the explanations on the cards weren't that great.)

On a lighter note, Hell Week of 2010 at BMC officially began at 5:37pm (or sundown) today, signified by the ringing of the Taylor Bell. It's the first day and I'm already exhausted. For those who have been asking me what Hell Week is: Yes, sororities also have a hell week during which they initiate and haze the freshmen. But BMC's Hell Week is nicer, and more fun. Sophomores are hellers while freshmen are hellees. Our heller(s) make a schedule for us of things to do. (We don't have to do anything we don't want to though. It's part of the Hell Week Bill of Rights. Yes, there's Bill of Rights for Hell Week.) So basically, BMC's Hell Week is a time when we have the excuse to do random, insane things, and just have fun. I guess that's actually everyday at BMC but Hell Week is a more condensed version of Bryn Mawr's "uniqueness". (I don't think I have heard as many Annasa's in one day as I have heard today.) Anyways, pictures of Hell Week will be up on my Facebook soon (hopefully). For the things not documented by photo...what happens in college, stays in college. ;)

So today marks the beginning of Lent. Still not completely sure what I'm doing but it runs along the lines of setting aside a specific time during my day to do devotions. At first I was thinking of sacrificing my usage of the snooze button but I'm not sure I can do it so now I think I'll just make sure I wake up early enough to do devotionals before I start my day everyday. Please pray for me; for strength, discipline, determination, and spiritual growth.

Also, beginning at sundown today is the first day of Hell Week at Bryn Mawr. I get my schedule from my TWO Hellers, Allegra and Katie, tomorrow ><;;; (Yes, BMC is like a whole freakin' sorority....) I'll try to keep this blog updated on all the insane things I'll have to do and the things I'll see. Not even sure if I'll have time to study and do work at the moment...aishhh....

Lord, I pray for wisdom and patience.

Be my Sovereign Shepherd,
let me not be led astray by false promises.
Keep my eyes fixed upon Your Majesty alone.

As You did for the disciples on the sea,

be the Calmer of the tumult in my heart.

Let all my hope be in You God.

Heal the scars from the past,
and guard my heart Abba Father.

Let me not forget my first Love;
Your selfless sacrifice,

setting an example of Love for us.

Let my soul be content in Your overflowing Grace,

and do not let me fall from Your sweet embrace.

April 1st @ USP - Tim Be Told Concert
April 15th @ Tower Theater - Hillsong United Concert

Excited! Philly, you may come to be a close second after NYC after all.... =)

祝大家新年快樂! Or in other words, I wish everyone a happy (Chinese) new year! And happy valentine's day also! Like someone said, the day gives us a good excuse to love one another. Although God's commandment to love one another should be reason enough for everyday. And of course don't forget to spend some moments of Valentine's Day with the greatest love of your life...in prayer ;]

Movie Review for "Valentine's Day": It's okay....

Well I guess I had better expectations for it considering its amazing cast, but it let me down (sounds like the time I went to see "He's Just Not That Into You"). It's a good laugh at some points and there were some interesting twists, but other parts were like 'ehh...'. Maybe I was just disappointed because Patrick Dempsey played a cheater, Eric Dane's character was gay, and Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner's roles were as the dumb teenagers. (Also, Michelle and Lisa told me today that Channing Tatum used to be a male stripper and that he is bi. Now "Dear John" is going to be ruined for me too -sigh-....) But one thing I did approve of in "Valentine's Day" was the message of how love meant accepting someone for who they were - the parts that are easy to love as well as the parts that are not so easy to love. Cliche I know, but considering how people end relationships because the relationship isn't going as smooth as they imagined it to be, I think it's an important message.

Today was a good day... simply spending time with friends and family. Bryn Mawr's great and all, but home is home, and I'll always be sad to leave. Heading back to BMC tomorrow...why does BMC not have President's Day off?! (Ooo, hell week begins this wednesday... ><;) NYC, be back in three weeks for spring break!

The Power of Your Name, Lincoln Brewster

Verse 1
Surely children weren't made for the streets
And Fathers were not made to leave
Surely this isn't how it should be
Let Your kingdom come

Verse 2
Surely nations were not made for war
Or the broken and due to be ignored
Surely this couldn't be what You saw
Let Your kingdom come
Here in my heart

Chorus
And I will live to carry your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be your hands and feet
And I will give with the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion to see the world be changed
By the power of Your Name
The power of Your Name

Verse 3
Surely life wasn't made to regret
And the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
Let Your Kingdom come
Lord break this heart

Bridge
Jesus Your Name
Is a shelter for the hurting
Your Name
Is a refuge the weak
Only Your Name
Can take the undeserving
Jesus Your Name
Holds everything I need

Reblogged from Lisa:

"The woman came out of a man's rib, not from his feet to be walked on, not from his head to be superior, but from his side to be equal. From under his arm to be protected, and next to his heart to be loved."

Repost from Barnabas' facebook status:

..maybe this is God's way of getting your attention. close the schools, don't open the banks, don't even operate transportation. stay where you are- without the usual rush or hurriedness, without the morning cups of coffee- and just look and even stare- no, gaze!- at the beauty I can make. And this is how I can make you- white as snow. O precious is the flow that makes me white as snow. mmm mm.

Things to be Thankful for Today:

1. I just sneezed! Finally! I can breathe for a couple of seconds!

2. Snow day! Or as they say at Bryn Mawr "emergency weather day declared." So the college is closed and classes are cancelled (even though my bio lecture teacher was going to come in, haha). Yay, I have some time to catch up on work =] I hope everything will be clear by Friday though - coming home for Chinese New Year!

I'm so easily agitated these days.... And when someone criticizes me, I can't help but see him/her in a bad light for being a hypocrite. But then I feel worse when I am rebuked to remove the plank from my own eye before telling someone else to take the speck out of their eye.

In desperate need of God's Grace....

Disclaimer: You may ask my anything, but I am not obligated to answer anything. (This message was intended for certain people, they know who they are....)

http://www.formspring.me/peonyyiu

ReBlogged from Pastor Ying:

Can Women Preach?

Joy as the motivation for Christian Service

"Maybe I won't do pre-med."
"Okay...so law? Business?"
"Nah too competitive and I suck at math."
"Maybe you should go into full time ministry then."
"But people are so annoying."
"But that's why you would have a job, if people were perfect you would be out of a job."

"If you ever pop out of my closet and scare me, then the next time I'm just going to lock my closet if I find out you're in there."
"She'd be okay if you locked her in her closet. She's just go to Narnia and spend time with Prince Caspian."

Maybe it's because things haven't been going well, maybe it's because I'm sleep deprived, maybe because I have an essay due in less than three hours, or maybe because I haven't eaten all day... but the straw that's going to break the camel's back is how you call yourself one of my best friends and we haven't talked in so long. I know we're both busy but it hurts that when I reach out, you don't seem to care. It's probably my fault too and so I shouldn't blame it on you, but it just hurts.

Reblog from Pastor Ying: Being a Man, being a leader?