Re-blogged from a fellow brother in Christ, Dan Shih: A grace-filled letter to Ghandi

Also found on his blog (from "Boundless"), The Marks of Manhood

James 3-4: Prayer Requests

1. To repent of my arrogance/pride, and learn to be humble and not judge

2. For forgiveness for the times I have not been encouraging/loving

3. For godly wisdom in my conversations with people (To be peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere)

Goals for 2011

1. Study hard and salvage what's left of my GPA
2. Read "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers

to be continued...

Crap, I hate physics! That just ruined my winter break. So much to do next semester to make up for that...UGH.

edit// Dorothy: Peony, YOU WILL NOT SLACK OFF NEXT SEMESTER!! Come to my room and study--we can eat ramen at 3:00 AM YOU WILL GET A IN PHYSICS!!!

Uncle Kracker - Smile

You´re better than the best
I´m lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow that´s right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me
Lets me know that it´s ok
Yeah it´s ok
And the moments when my good times start to fade

(Chorus)

You make me smile like the sun
Fall outta bed
Sing like a bird
Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Even when you´re gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

(Chorus)

Don´t know how I lived without you
'Cuz every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold
Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

(Chorus)

Oh, you make me smile
Oh, you make me smile

Started reading C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity." This man was such a genius and such a great philosopher. He's able to explain abstract concepts so well and provide such strong rebuttals. I'm running out of words to praise his thinking and his eloquence with words.

This is going to be fun....

The most dangerous thing you can do is take any one impulse of your own nature and set it up as the thing you ought to follow at all costs. There is not one of them which will not make us into devils if we set it up as an absolute guide. You might think love of humanity in general was safe, but it is not. If you leave out justice you will find yourself breaking agreements and faking evidence in trials "for the sake of humanity," and become in the end a cruel and treacherous man.

- C.S. Lewis, "Mere Christianity"

P.S. Going to need a good hi-liter for this book.

P.P.S. Start reading "My Utmost for His Highest" when 2011 begins.

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

1. I wonder about our friendship...if it'll last, or even if it's still there. I feel like you don't really care about our relationship, so part of me wants to just give up and move on. The other part of me cherishes all the times we've had and is grateful for all the times you've been there for me. Maybe I need you more than you need me. But I don't want to be your charity case either. And I also know that to give up on a friend wouldn't be what God wants me to do. Guess only time will tell what will happen to us.

2. Things have certainly changed between us since the time we first met. I still don't really know what happened, and while my mind constantly thinks about it, I don't want to be thinking about it anymore. But I am starting to see what you were saying, how maybe it is the timing, or maybe we just weren't what the other was looking for. Reflecting back on all the times we had, I do remember how sometimes I wished things were different; how our circumstances were different, or even how you would be different. But what's over is over now, so guess I'll just have to continue to rely on Him now to see where He brings us in our friendship and how He'll shape the rest of each of our lives.

3. I don't know how we ever became such good friends, as well as how we became sisters-in-Christ. But it's amazing how He works, and I'm so so grateful for you. You're definitely one of the people who I can see that we're growing separately but not apart from one another. Thank you for being there for me, for caring so genuinely. I only pray I can love and care for you like you do for me. By the way, I miss you so much right now. I hope you're enjoying Christmas with your family. And remember, don't ever let anyone put you down. They just don't see how amazing you are. <3

4. Also for you, I don't know how we ever became such good friends and brother-sister in Christ. It's been such a blessing to catch up with you when we're both back from college. I love how we can just sit there and talk for hours. I'm always so encouraged by our conversations; the work God's been doing in your life, especially when you're away at college, is amazing. You've grown so much spiritually. I'm excited to see how our lives will change, but how we'll probably still be meeting up at Starbucks, sitting down, sipping our espresso's, and chatting like things have never changed.

5. Thanks for being there for me, especially when I'm back in NYC. I consider NYC home but sometimes I don't feel at home. It's times like that when you come along and make me feel better.You've really been an awesome big brother in Christ. We still have yet to go to Alaska together so you can lick your iceberg, haha. As well as Australia so I can attend your wedding and hold a wombat. I'm kinda of kidding, but kind of not. :)

6. We don't talk anymore, but I know that you played a huge role in my life. You showed me what it meant to be a friend, what it meant to open my heart to someone, and then what it feels like to be abandoned. Not sure if we'll ever talk again in the future, but I still hope that we will someday.

7. This isn't really to one person, but to a collective of people. Thank you for the kindness and excitement you showed me. I'm glad I was able to experience such a warm, welcoming community, if even just for a short time. Definitely a bit sad that I don't have an excuse to come by anymore.

8. I wish you were home right now. I don't always enjoy our conversations and wish we had a better relationship, but of course I still love you. Just a thought I had today was, how boring it'd be if I was an only child. So yeah I'm definitely grateful for you in my life, and I pray ever night that I'll still see you in eternity. I don't know what happened in that relationship of yours, but I pray hard for it.

9. I love you. I sure hope you know. I've been trying to show it more. And I pray for you every night also.

10. I love you. And I am thankful for everything you do for me, even though I'm terrible at showing it. Praying for you every day and night.

Day Two: Nine things about yourself.

1. I'm my own worst enemy.

2. It takes me a long time to trust someone.

3. I want to travel, but not by myself.

4. I'm introverted, but am shy and like to be social.

5. I'm an organization nerd.

6. I enjoy geeky jokes ^^;

7. I'm not very creative and wish I was more talented.

8. I value wisdom and knowledge.

9. I hate wasting time, but I need to learn that sometimes taking a break is not wasting time, especially at times when I feel so overwhelmed all I want to do is sleep.

Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart.

1. Show that you're thinking of me.

2. Show that you won't abandon me.

3. Show that you know me.

4. Love me for my weird quirks and in spite of my flaws.

5. My three top love languages: quality time, works of service, and physical touch.

6. Show that you love your friends and your family.

7. Win my family's and friends' approval.

8. And last, but most important, show that you love God, and encourage me to love Him more.

Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

1. I think I think too much.

2. God, what the hell is the purpose of this?!

3. Who are my true friends?

4. Who and when?

5. Be patient; wait on Him.

6. First things first, God first. Everything else will fall into place.

7. Stop complaining.

Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done.

- I'm not sure there's anything I wish I'd never done. Everything I've done or that's happened to me occurred for a reason and has contributed to who I am today. The good and the bad.

Day Six: Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)

- See "Day One" from above.

Day Seven: Four turn offs.

1. When you can find out more about a person from their Facebook than you can about them in person. It really irks me when some people are so outgoing and social online, but then once you meet him/her in person, it's like they refuse to speak. WTH?!

2. People who like something simply because that's is what other people like. I feel like with these people it's impossible to tell who they truly are, what makes them unique? Or do you believe that your purpose in life is to be like everyone else? Because if that's the case, that's just boring. [Side note, I think subconsciously these people tick me off because I used to be one of them. Then I realized things I thought were "cool" simply because other kids liked them were in reality just dumb.]

3. This goes along with #2. People who pretend to be someone else just so they will be liked. Be true to yourself.

4. People who don't really think. I feel like people who don't spend time in reflection don't know what they want, don't know what's important to them, don't know the seriousness of some situations, etc.

Day Eight: Three turn ons.

1. Maturity. Unlike people who turn me off, these people know what they're passionate about, and they go for it. They don't care what the world thinks. They know their values, and they stick to them. They do the right thing, not the easy thing. They think before they act. They plan ahead. They seek guidance and yearn for wisdom. They're considerate of others, selfless. And they're rightfully humble. (Like C.S. Lewis said, they don't think less of themselves, they think of themselves less.)

2. Romance: flowers, sweet texts, stargazing, walks on the beach, hand holding, and the like ;)

3. Commitment - walk the talk. And don't promise more than you can give. And this is kind of related, that he wants a Christian family in the future.

Day Nine: Two smileys that describe your life right now.

1. -.- <- praying

2. ???

Day Ten: One confession.

1. It's only by His Grace alone that I'm still alive today. His love and hope gives me purpose each day.

Born to Die by Bebo Norman

They never knew a dark night
always had the Son's light
on their face
Perfect in glory
Broken by the story
of untold grace...
come that day

Majesty had come down
Glory had succumed now
to flesh and bone
In the arms of a manger
In the hands of strangers
that could not know
Just who they hold

Chorus:
And the angels filled the sky
All of heaven wondered why
Why their King would choose to be
Be a baby born to die

And all fell silent
For the cry of an infant,
the voice of God
Was dividing history
For those with eyes to see,
the Son would shine
From earth that night

Chorus

Bridge:
To break the chains
Of guilt and sin
To find us here
To pull us in
So we can join in Heaven's song
And with one voice around the throne

Chorus:
All the Angels filled the sky
And I can't help but wonder why
Why the King would choose to be
Be a baby born for me
Be a baby born to die

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Father's Peace

Shattered pieces on the floor,

remnants of what used to be a whole.

Now broken beauty stained with blood,

too sharp to touch lest one wants to get cut more.

But in the Father's overflowing Love,

streams of Grace dull the edges.

Washing away the grime,

leaving a clear reflection of what used to be.

What High-Maintenance Girlfriends Want for Christmas This Year

Reblogged from my friend. Pretty funny. Poor guy, hope he earns a lot of money....

I FOUND MY PURITY RING! Apparently I lost it in my suitcase, haha. Yay!

Going to wear it on a fatter finger now, so can't wear it on my ring finger...oh wells. Just glad to have it back =)

This is so cool...mind-boggling...the nerd inside of me is so happy hahaha.

(Reminds me of what Louie Giglio did by comparing us to the size of the universe but I think this is better.)

Check it out: Scale of the Universe

Sanctus Real - Lead Me

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Done is Good

[X] Physics newspost

[X] Alumni Regional Scholars Application

[X] ASA Elections

[X] Chinese Written Final

[X] Chinese Final Project

[X] Chemistry Final

[X] Behavioral Neuroscience Final: Essay #1

[X] Behavioral Neuroscience Final: Essay #2

[X] Behavioral Neuroscience Final: Essay #3

[X] Laundry, Pack

[X] Physics Final

=> Winter Break 2010-'11

So close yet so far....

Reblogged from Sunny: "if karma doesn't hit you i will"

That's how I feel about some people during finals week, especially those that are super loud in the library.... Ugh, sorry. I know I know...I'll stop. So cranky...this is why I should just stay in my room and just study. Less than 24 hours left....

editt// This is ironic.... Researching for my BNS essays and reading about the terrible effects of anxiety and stress on brain development.

Have you ever had an amazing time with someone who you connected so well with, and then when it's time to part from one another, it becomes really awkward and neither of you knows what to say? That's because those good-bye's are never meant to happen.

I think the saying goes that "When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." But I feel the saying would be more correct if revised like such, "When God closes a window, somewhere He opens a door." Looking back on my life, I see how when I struggle to go my own way, He stops me only to present me with an opportunity far better than I ever planned for myself.

Currently Listening To:
- "With Everything", Hillsong United

MICHELLE'S GETTING BAPTIZED TODAY!

I'm so happy for her. And I'm terribly sad that I can't be there for the ceremony, but I look forward to seeing the videos and photos of Da Jie getting dunked later =)

When it comes to the times we've had, walking down memory lane is so fun. That quiet, skinny little Asian girl I first met at Boon and then hung out with at Bronx Science... has now become that rambunctious, skinny, Asian girl that I know and love. God's brought us through so much, and I'm so grateful that throughout many of those times I've had you there with me. It's been such a blessing to see how God's been working in your life...to seeing the genuine struggles you've had with doubt, and now, to knowing Him in His fullness of Grace and Love. I thank God for you; to have such a fellow sister-in-Christ. And it's been so encouraging to hear how you've been living out your faith each day, and growing so much spiritually since you've been off at college. Words cannot express the joy I feel when I think about how faithful our God has been in our lives. I pray that you may only continue to grow in Him. "So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (Col 2:6-7)

Praise God! To Him be the glory and power always and forever more. Amen.

"Today for our anniversary, I brought home a puppy for my wife. Her face lit up when she saw it. She took the puppy into her arms, ran off a couple steps, ran back, gave me a kiss on the cheek while admiring the puppy, and ran off again. I'm glad I made my wife happy, just feeling a bit lonely now since I got replaced."

Hahaha, awww <3

Hogwarts Dinner at Bryn Mawr College

Not I, but Your Kingdom.

Not to be served, but to serve.

Not to search for love, but to realize that Love found me,

and so to love others.

Thank You Jesus.

Oh, words cannot tell, not even in part, of the depth of love that is owed by this thankful heart.

Currently Listening To:

- I Will Offer Up My Life, Matt Redman

- We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory, Dennis Jernigan

Loving this night...my girls Lisa and Michelle (via vchat), Dan, Preston, Arnold, Rebecca, as well as Tim and Andrew from Tim Be Told.

By the way, can't wait for Tim Be Told's new album "Humanity." It's so awesome.... =)

Currently Listening To:

- Humanity, Tim Be Told

- Lament, Tim Be Told

- Reach for the Light, Tim Be Told

"There is nothing on this earth to be prized more than true friendship."

- St. Thomas Aquinas

"Friendship is when people know all about you but like you anyway. "

- Unknown

"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. "

- Emily Kimbrough

"Many people will walk in and out of you life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."

- Unknown

"Wherever you are, it's your friends who make your world."

- William James

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. "

- Elisabeth Foley

"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. "

- Grace Pulpit

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
While the hope of endless glory
Fills my heart with joy and love,
Teach me ever to adore Thee;
May I still Thy goodness prove.

Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by Thy help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be;
Let that grace now like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here’s my heart, oh, take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Oh, that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in the blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy wondrous grace!
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send Thine angels soon to carry
Me to realms of endless day.