Finally Got a Tumblr

Edit: Officially switched to Tumblr -> http://tileternity.tumblr.com/

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...because Blogspot is blocked in China apparently, ugh. So I will be posting on tilEternity.tumblr.com while I'm in China.

JS - Thank you - The Katinas (cover)

Gai daan tsai challenge: The quest for Hong Kong's best egg waffle | CNNGo.com

88 Things to Do in Hong Kong This Summer

40 Hong Kong Foods We Can't Live Without

Can't wait for Hong Kong this summer! :)

Florida '11

[X] Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

[X] Earn Florida Boating License

[X] Drive a Jetski

[X] Kayak in the Atlantic Ocean

[X] Attempt Water Skiing wiped out

[_] Windsurf not windy enough

[X] Flip flop tan …and then some…sunburned

[X] Drive US Highway 1 from Key West to Miami

--//edit\\--

[X] Explore downtown Miami and Miami Beach

[X] See (and taste) alligators in the Everglades

[X] Jacuzzi w. Michelle

[X] Swim with bottlenose dolphins

[X] Snorkel the corals reefs of Pennekamp Park (and see the "Christ of the Abyss" statue)

[X] Get authentic Mexican food best fish tacos i've ever tasted!

Kollaboration Acoustic 5 Performers - Yael Naïm's "New Soul" Cover - Jun...

Summer '11!

May 14th: Leave BMC for home

May 15th - May 22nd: Florida

May 23rd - June 2nd: NYC

June 3rd - August 21st: Asia

August 22nd - August 27th: NYC

Done is Florida, NYC, and Asia

[X] Chinese Speaking, Listening, and Written Finals

[X] Neuroscience Response Paper #1

[X] Neuroscience Response Paper #2

[X] Channels to Behavior Final

[X] Chem Final
[X] Physics Final

DONE! WHAT UP SUMMER '11!?

Currently Listening To:

- "Learning to Need You" by Justin McRoberts

I've forgotten

Just how sweet Your mercies are Lord

Could You remind me

You've been faithful in my weakness

Father Your Love overwhelms my soul

I'm learning to need You
- Chris Tomlin's "And If Our God Is For Us" album

"Paper Tigers" (via NYMag)

Paper Tigers: What happens to all the Asian-American overachievers when the test-taking ends?

Written In The Stars Remix/Cover (Tinie Tempah ft. Eric Turner) - Jason Chen & Joseph Vincent

Kung Fooled

Haha, awesome play on the stereotypes.

And it got some coverage by CBS News' "The Feed" also!

From Serious Eats New York

The Best Cupcakes in NYC

Best of NYC (Food-wise)

I just want to be back in nyc right now....

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And Serious Eats Philadelphia: http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/09/serious-eats-city-food-guide-best-food-in-philadelphia-philly-pennsylvania-pa.html

You Are My All In All

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising up again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

Late Night Discussions and Reflections During Finals Week

I probably said this or at least alluded to it in some post during a past finals week, but I'll just say it again: I actually really like finals week. First of all, no classes to attend. Hence I can work according to my own schedule; stay up when I want and sleep when I want. (This is probably also due to the fact that most of my finals are self-scheduled.) Secondly, everyone's in the library. I spend a lot of time in the library and so during finals week I don't feel so alone (in my misery) anymore haha. And lastly, I find that most of the good discussions with friends and personal reflections occur during this time. With the academic year coming to an end it's always good to look back and think about what happened in your life thus far.

So these past few days I've been meeting up with friends and we've been discussing how things have gone for us this past academic year. For me, it has definitely been a year of few high's and many of the lowest low's I have ever been through. Nonetheless what amazes me is how I can still speak confidently about my experiences. I know that this is not by my own strength, but because of God's Grace. This past year has again been a testimony of His faithfulness.

Being a Christian doesn't mean that everything will turn out well according to our plan, but that in the end everything will work out according to His plan. In other words, there's no one simple method you must follow in order to get God to bless you with the results you want. I learned a hard lesson of how honoring Him meant going through the valley, walking an unknown path, and relying on Him. To honor Him means to leave the results in His hands. And now, on the other side of the valley, despite the many mistakes I've made, I am amazed to find that I can speak of my mistakes in an unashamed manner (and hopefully in a way that helps and encourages others). While it has been one of the toughest times of my life, I still thank Him for the growth and refinement I have undergone as a result. And I pray that as I face trials in the future I'll be able to rely on Him with a greater understanding of His providence.

It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of everyone;
the living should take this to heart.
Frustration is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
- Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

Currently Listening To:

- Faithful, Chris Tomlin

- All To Us, Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin- I Will Follow

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow...

All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my side
High above my life
I will trust in you alone

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you

Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone

In you there's life everlasting
In you there's freedom for my soul
In you there joy, unending joy
and I will follow

[X] Last Physics Lab

[X] Last "Neuroscience of Mental Illness" Class

Countdown: 4 days left of class....
//edit//
[X] Last Chem Lab
Countdown: 3 days of class left

//edit//

[X] Last Channels to Behavior Class

Countdown: 2 days of class left
//edit//
[X] Last Chem Quiz
[X] Last Chinese Drill Class
Countdown: 1 day of class left

//edit//

[X] ASA Senior Appreciation Banquet

[X] May Day 2011

[X] Last Chem OWL HW Assignment

Time for Finals...done in T-12 days....

Strangers, again

Isn’t There Some Misunderstanding? | My Utmost For His Highest

Isn’t There Some Misunderstanding? | My Utmost For His Highest

’Let us go to Judea again.’ The disciples said to Him, ’. . . are You going there again?’ —John 11:7-8

Just because I don’t understand what Jesus Christ says, I have no right to determine that He must be mistaken in what He says. That is a dangerous view, and it is never right to think that my obedience to God’s directive will bring dishonor to Jesus. The only thing that will bring dishonor is not obeying Him. To put my view of His honor ahead of what He is plainly guiding me to do is never right, even though it may come from a real desire to prevent Him from being put to an open shame. I know when the instructions have come from God because of their quiet persistence. But when I begin to weigh the pros and cons, and doubt and debate enter into my mind, I am bringing in an element that is not of God. This will only result in my concluding that His instructions to me were not right. Many of us are faithful to our ideas about Jesus Christ, but how many of us are faithful to Jesus Himself? Faithfulness to Jesus means that I must step out even when and where I can’t see anything (see Matthew 14:29). But faithfulness to my own ideas means that I first clear the way mentally. Faith, however, is not intellectual understanding; faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can’t see the way ahead.

Are you debating whether you should take a step of faith in Jesus, or whether you should wait until you can clearly see how to do what He has asked? Simply obey Him with unrestrained joy. When He tells you something and you begin to debate, it is because you have a misunderstanding of what honors Him and what doesn’t. Are you faithful to Jesus, or faithful to your ideas about Him? Are you faithful to what He says, or are you trying to compromise His words with thoughts that never came from Him? “Whatever He says to you, do it ” (John 2:5).

1 Corinthians 15: 50-58 (ESV)

Mystery and Victory

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

'Death is swallowed up in victory.'

'O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?'
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Live not as this life is the end. But because He has risen, truly live recognizing that this life is only the beginning of eternity.

Happy Easter!

How Easter and Christianity undermine atheism - USATODAY.com

How Easter and Christianity undermine atheism - USATODAY.com

Mighty is the Power of the Cross

Capitol Hill Baptist Church » Jesus was Forsaken by God – Mark 15:16-41

Speaker: Dr. Mark Dever

Reminded of the mighty work of Jesus on the cross: It is truly what sets our God and our faith apart from everything else. Christ's death (and resurrection) demonstrates how Christianity is more than simple religious moral teachings, but about Jesus Himself. (Pastor Mark Dever does an amazing job on exegeting the passage. I would go more into detail but I'm so exhausted right now and there was so much in that sermon I wouldn't know what to emphasize.)

"Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
cast off that I might be brought in,
trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend,
surrendered to hell’s worst that I might attain heaven’s best,
stripped that I might be clothed,
wounded that I might be healed,
athirst that I might drink,
tormented that I might be comforted,
made a shame that I might inherit glory,
entered darkness that I might have eternal light.
My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
groaned that I might have endless song,
endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
bore a thorned crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
bowed his head that I might uplift mine,
experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness,
expired that I might for ever live."

–A Puritan Prayer in The Valley of Vision

The Gospel never ceases to amaze me....

Have a blessed Good Friday and Easter weekend!

Got more information about my summer internship in China today! I'll be going to Nanjing and Long'an (near Nanning) with Justin (a Haverford CPGC intern), and a couple from Massachusetts, Virginia and Jerry. Virginia's a college professor while Jerry's a pastor. I foresee interesting conversations :) And I'm excited to see the "real China"...the rice paddies, rivers, and mountains....

But I have to finish up this semester first. Must...focus....

Currently Listening To:
- Psalm, Shane&Shane
- Psalm 13, Shane&Shane
- Psalm 19, Vineyard
- Psalm 118 (This Is The Day), Shane&Shane
- Psalm 145, Shane&Shane

Counting China's Christians

Article | First Things: There are as many Christians in China as there are members of the Communist Party.

American visitors to leading Chinese universities are struck by the Christian climate that often prevails in contrast even with most American church-supported campuses. Despite many years of dramatic religious persecution, we now have empirical evidence of the resiliency of Christianity in China and the remarkable trajectory of growth it continues to experience.

Definitely very interested in seeing the church in China this summer.

To Be Within the Folds of His Grace

Lord, let me not pray that You change these circumstances. Reveal to me what Your plans are for me in these circumstances. Teach me to rely on You so much that I can pray, Lord, as long as You are with me, I am willing to travel through the deepest valley.

If You Abide In My Word, You Are Truly My Disciples

[To watch the full length sermon: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/if-you-abide-in-my-word-you-are-truly-my-disciples#/watch/full]

So when Jesus says, "If you abide in my word…," being "in" his word means being in

the persuasion of its truth,
and the attraction of its beauty,
and the treasuring of its value,
and the peacefulness of its grace and power,
and the nourishment of its bread,
and the refreshment of its water,
and the brightness of its light.
To be "in" the word of Jesus is a whole new life. This is what it is to be a true disciple. To live "in" the word of the riches of the word of Jesus.

Tim Be Told- Rest Easy (Studio Version)

They tell you "be a money-maker" if you want to survive
So you end up with a lot of paper but you don't have much time
All of these silly things require your care
Trying to win the world is too much to bear

Think of all the things that you missed
That weren't on your list, so take it slow, oh

Oh, we'll shoot the breeze till the end
Rest easy, rest easy, rest easy my friend
Oh, we'll stare at treetops till then
Rest easy, rest easy, rest easy my friend

It's on your to-do so it's what you gotta do but it won't get done
Learning to let go is not the same as giving up

Life is too short to worry
We're all in a hurry, lost in a flurry of plans

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

2. Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I'll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

3. Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

4. O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, 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, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

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

Officially Bryn Mawr Class of 2012 as of yesterday. However, not sure if it'll actually stay that way so not much use in telling people. But living in Rhoads South next year! :) Keeping my fingers crossed for a good room...and that I can adjust to not living next to a dining hall, haha.

All The Way My Savior Leads Me, Chris Tomlin

All the way my Savior leads me
Who have I to ask beside
How could I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my guide

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me grace for every trial
Feeds me with the living Bread

You lead me and keep me from falling
You carry me close to Your heart
And surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me

All the way my Savior leads me
O, the fullness of His love
O, the sureness of His promise
In the triumph of His blood
And when my spirit clothed immortal
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way
Jesus led me all the way

All the way my Savior leads me
All the way my Savior leads me

Also Currently Listening To:

- The Motions, Matthew West

- Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Chris Tomlin

The Titus 2 Woman of Encouragement

We often hear about the Proverbs 31 woman, however today I listened to a sermon about the Titus 2 woman of encouragement. The sermon was from Capitol Hill Baptist Church's website. (Check it out here: "The Beauty of Encouragement: The Fear of the Lord in our Relationships")

While the sermon was geared toward women in terms of practical advice, the biblical concepts behind it are definitely applicable towards men as well. For example, I was recently talking to a brother about how the church needs to be more real and honest with one another, and how true encouragement from love may manifest in confrontation for the betterment of an individual, to make him/her more Christ-like. In addition to godly confrontation, the sermon also spoke on the differences between the fear of God and the fear of man, identifying idols and spiritual blindness, forms of encouragement, and practical ways of encouragement.

Nevertheless, while the sermon itself was good, the thing that stuck out to me the most about this sermon were the women speaking and the knowledge they had. It's not often that I encounter female "pillars of the church." Listening to these women speak you could tell they were involved with the affairs of CHBC, and that some were older in age. Moreover, from the number of books and other resources they were recommending they were also well-versed on the resources out there as well as knowledgeable when it came to biblical theology. To get a sense of that kind of spiritual leadership in terms of women in the church was definitely inspiring.

In other news, I still feel like I need to figure out my church situation. Or maybe it's my own personal relationship with God that I need to work on first. Although I'm definitely gaining a lot of head knowledge and good spiritual feeding every time I oversleep for church and end up listening to a audio sermon, I know that this can also lead to becoming pharisee-like. Need to start getting myself more involved with the mess that Christ loves and died for, a.k.a. the church.

Currently Reading:

- "What Is A Healthy Church?" by Mark Dever

Prayer Requests:

- Guidance for how God wants to use me while at Bryn Mawr

- Guidance, wisdom, and peace concerning career and academic decisions

- For my family

I really pray that You have bigger plans for me than I had for myself.

"Lament" by Tim Be Told

They say You are jealous
They say You are kind
But the jealous part seems to win all the time
If You're so mighty, why do you break
The weak and the weary, and steal what they make?

They say You're forgiving
That You'll not forsake
But You punched me out when I made a mistake
I try to find beauty in the mess that You made
But You just stayed angry and never forgave

Yes, I know You are great
But is a bad God better than none?
How much more will it take to undo the damage that You have done?
'Cause the wicked and wayward continue to thrive
And the martyrs continue giving their lives
Oh, the faithful never never survive
Oh, the faithful never never survive

You're the almighty, so I am afraid
You crushed me to pieces, and stole what I made
If hopeless delusion is a righteous man's fate
I don't know how much more I can take

Yes, I know You are great
But is a bad God better than none?
How much more will it take to undo the damage that You have done?
'Cause the wicked and wayward continue to thrive
And the martyrs continue giving their lives
Oh, the faithful never never survive
Oh, the faithful never never survive

God are You listening?
Please hear my cry
I don't really believe You're more cruel than You're kind
But I'm getting tired of repeating this line
That the faithful never survive

Yes, I know You are great
That You're a good God, and You are love
How much more can I take to undo the damage that I have done?
Please conquer these demons and the darkness inside
Shine Your light on this poor heart of mine
Maybe my faith will survive
Maybe my faith will survive
Maybe my faith will survive

"Emerging Face of a Nationless World" Campaign

Currently in the works of bringing Stone Forest Ensemble (SFE) to Bryn Mawr on behalf of ASA. The following is a global campaign that Jie-Song, the founder of SFE, is working on and is interested in getting BMC ASA's involved in. Check it out and take a quick look at the video - it's pretty awesome. (It was first featured for the Shanghai World Expo.) I love it when people/artists embrace their culture and combine it with their talents and passions to bring it a step further.

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News : National Geographic World Music

Going Beyond Multiculturalism In The Big Apple

by Tom Pryor

Each week Nat Geo Music scours the far reaches of the internet to bring you the coolest music videos from around the globe.

This week's video comes from Shanghai's current World Expo, via New York City, courtesy of a young violinist and mulitmedia visionary, Jie-Song Zhang, and it's a little different from what we usually offer, but pretty cool nonetheless.

We'll let Jie-Song explain it in his own words:

"Emerging Face of a Nationless World is a film-based project and campaign, created by international artistic director and artist, Jie-Song Zhang, originally in response to an invitation by the USA Pavilion to share American culture with the world at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. His choice was to highlight the part of the American identity that has been shaped from the contribution of a multitude of world cultures, by way of immigration and expression. Since then, the project's concept and aim have evolved dramatically.

The first phase of the project tells the story of artists from across the globe who have come to New York, artists who have chosen as their life's work to share their own cultural heritage in the pursuit of beauty, meaning, and truth, despite the mighty weight of the world's commercial values pressing against their shoulders. In their stories, in their coming together from differing corners of the world to contribute their distinct cultural characteristics to the definition of one place, lies the promise of the possibility of a unified world.

The long term ambition and intention of the Emerging Face of a Nationless World campaign is to form an international grassroots network of cultural communities, organizations, and institutions, towards helping the people of the world transcend the boundaries that divide us of our unity and collective potential."

That said, check it out:

:

Tim Be Told's "Humanity" Album

Tim Be Told's new "Humanity" album arrived in my mailbox this afternoon. There's definitely some songs whose lyrics I want to post up, but I don't know where to start. I'm tempted to put up the lyrics for more than half the album. Their music definitely has a deeper message in this album. The title "Humanity" truly expresses the undertone of this album.

Tim Be Told...their music still doesn't fail to amaze me. Their music is a beautiful, genuine mix of their passions, talents, and faith. Still my favorite band.

Currently Listening To:

- Tim Be Told's new "Humanity" album, on repeat

Came up on my iPod today, was reminded of these two pieces by Jimmy Needham:

"The Benediction"


"Not Without Love"

Currently Listening To:

- Little Wonders, Rob Thomas

- Forever and Almost Always, Kate Voegele

- O What Mercy, Tim Be Told
*That reminds me, need to go check my mail to see if Tim Be Told's new "Humanity" album arrived yet :)

asians in the library of the world: a persona poem in the voice of alexa...

Wow, there's such an outpouring of responses to her vblog post. Many of them are mostly just Asians "ranting" back to put it in a nice way. But every now and then there's some Asian artists who find a more refined way to respond.... (Also, see a previous post by Jimmy Wong. I just found that one to be hilarious.)

Rhythm Of Love Cover (by Clara C and Joseph Vincent)

Asians in the Library Song UNCUT UCLA (Alexandra Wallace) Music Video

Nanjing, China this Summer!

After first being listed as an alternate for Haverford's CPGC's international summer internships, I gave up on my plans to go to Nanjing, China this summer. "No way would someone give up their spot for a full-expenses paid trip to China," I thought. However, I found out today that a spot became available, so I'll be going to Nanjing, China this summer to intern with The Amity Foundation, a Chinese Christian NGO. I'll be there to teach English to mentally disabled students, children of migrant workers, and middle school English teachers.

This still feels kind of surreal to me...maybe once the dates and details are set it'll seem less abstract. I'm worried that something's going to come up that'll prevent me from going. (And my mom's worried about the radiation coming from Japan's nuclear plants that's affecting China. >>; ) Not looking forward to the intense heat, but whoo for abroad experiences! :)

These warmer and longer days of sunlight are cheering me up to no end.

Makes me seriously wonder if I have seasonal affective disorder....

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

- Ecclesiastes 3:11

Lord, teach me to trust in You, in Your plans, and in Your timing. Give me the patience to be at peace with only knowing a few steps ahead, to know that this path has its reasons and purpose. To know that at the right time you will reveal Your Will, and that Your design will be perfect. To know that in the end I will be able to confidently step back and praise the beautiful work You have done.

Prayer Requests:

- To be more intentional in building relationships with others, and for the strength and love to do so

- To be kingdom-minded

- For clarity in planning for the future (summer plans, academically, career-wise, church-wise)

- To trust in Him more

- For my family

Currently Listening To:

- Our God, Chris Tomlin

- All My Fountains, Chris Tomlin

- Set Free, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

The Places We Should Have Gone

DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY
The feeling of regret or wishing for another chance is common when a couple separates. Whoever is at fault usually searches for sympathy as they have realized in hindsight their mistakes. In “Places” Becky has returned from a 6 month internship and runs into her exboyfriend. Based on the flashbacks we see that prior to her leaving, she made many efforts to keep him close, but he was not so receptive for whatever reason. While his rejection of her ideas to take trips may not have directly been the reason for their breakup, it’s enough to show his attitude toward the relationship and how much he had come to value it and her. Fast forward to her return from the job, we can see that she is not totally over it. And to her surprise, the ex-boyfriend has come to realize how he mistreated her. Whether or not she gives him another chance is left open, but the ending line is what I wanted to emphasize… When people break up, they usually handle it in one of two ways. They either push themselves to forget about it and move on, or they wallow in depression, holding on. In my opinion, I don’t think it’s good to do either. Trying to forget means getting rid of all the experiences and lessons. Dwelling means not accepting and growing from the same experiences/lessons. When Becky says “I will do neither”, she’s saying, I can move on, while still remembering why.

Hard Partying and Bible Study, at the Fraternity House - NYTimes.com

Hard Partying and Bible Study, at the Fraternity House - NYTimes.com

You can't do it, or you simply won't do it? When you say you can't do something, chances are that that's complete BS. It's not your lack of ability to perform something, but your lack of willpower that stops you. And I won't tolerate the excuses anymore; it's time to become disciplined.

Choices: Obligations Vs. Passions

Some more thoughts to follow-up on my last blog post concerning Asian Americans and the choices we make out of obligation:

I'm so glad tonight's ASA discussion "Obligations vs. Passions" turned out so well. Everyone was so open to sharing their thoughts and experiences on why/how Asian Americans (as well as other "minorities") often choose to downplay their own desires and dreams for what their parents want or what they feel their obligated to do. It was definitely really entertaining to hear everyone's comments. Wish I had more time to blog about this now, but chemistry studying to do tonight, haha. Even though I don't have time to write about people's thoughts and experiences, just wanted to post some videos/links I found while researching the "Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior" WSJ article, which we used as one of our discussion points.

Amy Chua on "The Colbert Report" explaining her reason for writing her controversial book "The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom":

The Colbert Report
Tags: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

I found this video to be interesting. The Chinese response to Amy Chua's parenting style:

And lastly, the daughter's response: Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld's comments on her mother's parenting style.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

"There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever."

- Mahatma Ghandi

Currently Listening To:

- Our God, Chris Tomlin

- All to Us, Passion 2011 Worship Band

My Utmost for His Highest - Feb 21st

She has done a good work for Me —Mark 14:6

If what we call love doesn’t take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love. If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning. This may describe affection and it may bring us a warm feeling, but it is not a true and accurate description of love.

Have you ever been driven to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him? Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I’m not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things— things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him. Have you ever created what Mary of Bethany created in the heart of the Lord Jesus? “She has done a good work for Me.”

There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him even small gifts of surrender, just to show how genuine our love is for Him. To be surrendered to God is of more value than our personal holiness. Concern over our personal holiness causes us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and we become overly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, out of fear of offending God. “. . . but perfect love casts out fear . . .” once we are surrendered to God (1 John 4:18). We should quit asking ourselves, “Am I of any use?” and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time.

Copied from Jack's facebook status:

"The greatest man in history was named Jesus. He had no servants, yet they called him Master. No degree, yet they called him teacher. No medicines,yet they called him healer. No army, yet kings feared him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified him. He was buried in a tomb, yet he lives today."

In other news, Bryn Mawr Hell Week 2011 began at 5:37PM at sundown today. Watched the swim team frosh speak whale and perform a synchronized swim show, got asked where the chamber of secrets was, heard multiple Anassa's in one sitting, and got a personal performance of some very interesting banana eating action.... Yup hell week has definitely begun. And to my own hellee Christine Ho, let the helling begin! muahah ;)

Justin Bieber - Pray

My Utmost for His Highest - Feb 9th

The everlasting God . . . neither faints nor is weary —Isaiah 40:28

Exhaustion means that our vital energies are completely worn out and spent. Spiritual exhaustion is never the result of sin, but of service. Whether or not you experience exhaustion will depend on where you get your supplies. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed My sheep,” but He gave him nothing with which to feed them (John 21:17). The process of being made broken bread and poured-out wine means that you have to be the nourishment for other people’s souls until they learn to feed on God. They must drain you completely— to the very last drop. But be careful to replenish your supply, or you will quickly be utterly exhausted. Until others learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they will have to draw on His life through you. You must literally be their source of supply, until they learn to take their nourishment from God. We owe it to God to be our best for His lambs and sheep, as well as for Him.

Have you delivered yourself over to exhaustion because of the way you have been serving God? If so, then renew and rekindle your desires and affections. Examine your reasons for service. Is your source based on your own understanding or is it grounded on the redemption of Jesus Christ? Continually look back to the foundation of your love and affection and remember where your Source of power lies. You have no right to complain, “O Lord, I am so exhausted.” He saved and sanctified you to exhaust you. Be exhausted for God, but remember that He is your supply. “All my springs are in you” (Psalm 87:7).

You make everything more clear,
colors are more radiant,
and the stars and the moon shine brighter.

Even on the coldest of nights,
the wind feels like a cool breeze.

My heart feels light,
free of all its worries,
and so overjoyed that I could jump and dance.

All because of You.


Currently Listening To:
- The Stand, Hillsong United
- Great Is Your Love, Ross King

- Being In Love With You, Big Daddy Weave

LaChatilier's Principal: when an equilibrium is disturbed, it will shift to try to minimize that disturbance

not only applicable in chemistry, but in life as well. okay, back to studying....

First song/song lyrics that come to your mind when you think of the following:

Friends: "Oh, you make me smile." Smile, Uncle Kracker

Boyfriends/Girlfriends: "It's 2AM, feeling like you just lost a friend. No, it's never simple, never easy. Never a clean break." Breathe, Taylor Swift and Colbie Callait

Faith: "And I will go through the valley if you want me to." If You Want Me To, Ginny Owens

Love: If I Have Not Love, Matt Redman

Success: I Made It, Kevin Rudolf

Philippians 4:10-14

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Learning that He alone is enough.

The Rules of a Gentleman

No. 43 When you’re with someone you love, make sure in that moment they know they’re the center of your world.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Matt Redman

So fearfully and wonderfully made,
How could they say there is no God?
Reminded every breath that I take,
It´s by Your hand I have been formed
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your praise?

You gave me this breath,
And You gave me this strength,
And every day I´ll live to obey You.
With all of my heart,
With all of my soul;
Let every breath I´m breathing display You God.

There´s elegance in all you create
Your grand designs leave us amazed.
The wonders of the way we´ve been made
Speak of Your power, tell of Your grace.
So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What could I do but live for Your praise?

So what am I going to do with this life You gave me?
What am I going to do with this life?
What I am I going to do in these days You´ve ordained?
What am I going to do with this life?

2011 has definitely been challenging so far, but Lord refine me through this steady flame.

Academically, I'm overloading and taking five classes (including 3 with labs), and on the accelerated graduation track. Not sure about study-abroad but maybe I'll get something for this summer where I can travel. Otherwise, I figure if I really want to travel, I'll definitely do it in the future. Moreover, swim team certainly is teaching me a lot about commitment, dedication, and attitude. About three more weeks left...hopefully things will be a little less hectic after swim season. I'm still struggling to discipline myself and manage my time better.

Spiritually, I feel like it's always been a challenge when I'm at BMC. Still working to build that spiritual community that I had hoped for in college. In terms of my faith, I've been telling people how it's been an uphill climb, but in the right direction nonetheless. But recently I was reminded by a sister how unless we're moving forward, we'll be pushed back. And now after reflecting it feels like for every one step I take forward, I'm pushed back three steps. I also realized that I have idols in my life I need to get rid of. Like I quoted in a previous post, sin is anything that takes away from God as the central significance, purpose, and happiness in my life. Learning to truly offer up everything to Him, and not let even my service to Him become an idol, but to trust and love Him whole-heartedly. (Yeah...Oswald Chambers' "Utmost" has been pretty helpful for my devotionals.)

Community-wise.... I'm wondering if I may be an extrovert now, a shy one, but an extrovert nonetheless? Or maybe I'm an introvert who likes to be social, but isn't outgoing...? Anyways, my point is that I realized I really enjoy company, possibly more than I enjoy my alone time now. I used to think that I was an introvert for sure, but now I'm not so sure. Instead of seeking alone time, when I have time to myself I seek to catch up with others. And community being one of the heaviest concerns on my mind, I've been really praying about this and working to invest in people. And I think I'm beginning to see how God wants to use me. Going to use my single time wisely and work on building His kingdom. (1 Cor. 7:34-35)

Prayer Requests:

- Guidance and trust in God concerning academic choices and summer plans

- To rid my life of idols and to rely on Him completely

- For community

- To use this time of singleness wisely

- For my family

Currently Reading:

- "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers

Currently Listening To:

- Back to December, Taylor Swift

- Told You So, Jesse McCartney

- Someday, Rob Thomas

- Smile, Uncle Kracker

- How Deep the Father's Love for Us, Phillips, Craig, and Dean

- Before the Throne of God Above, Selah

"Club Love" by Usher ft Taylor Swift

Saw these on a fellow brother's Flickr post....

"All sins are an attempt to fill voids"
- Simone Weil

"Most people think of sin primarily as 'breaking divine rules,' but Kierkegaard knows that the very first of the Ten Commandments is to 'have no gods before me.' So, according to the Bible, the primary way to define sin is not just the doing of bad things, but the making of good things into ultimate things. It is seeking to establish a sense of self by making something else more central to your significance, purpose, and happiness than your relationship to God."
- Tim Keller, Reason for God

I haven't even been back for a full day yet and I'm already homesick.

So accelerated graduation or study-abroad?

Had a great time with the brothers and sisters in the Poconos this past weekend for Boon Church's Winter Retreat 2011 =) So much praise to Him. I hope that this kind of fellowship continues. Exhausted, but content. Heading back to Bryn Mawr in the morning to start the spring semester.

Recently, I feel like I've been coming to the point where I have no choice but to accept things as they are. Am I letting God take over, or am I losing the fight or growing complacent? And how can I tell the difference?

Currently Listening To:

- "Take A Bow" by Rihanna

- "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" by Chris Tomlin

- "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens

Swim Team Winter Training '11

swim, eat, sleep, repeat.

Had some time to squeeze in some movies though...

- Letters to Juliet. I love romantic comedies. The screen writing wasn't the best, but with a male lead like Christopher Egan, who cares? Haha =) Overall I enjoyed the movie, and it made me think a little....

- How to Train Your Dragon. So cute! I want a Night Fury like Toothless xD

- Eclipse. Interesting....

- Despicable Me. Seen this so many times during winter break.... Still a good movie, just getting very repetitive.

A good last week in NYC indeed.

Now back at BMC for winter training for swim team. Then to NYC and Poconos for Boon's Winter Retreat next weekend. And classes resume on the 18th, ugh.

We've got a new song,

a song of liberty.

Let the world hear heaven's melody

this is a shout from the hearts You've set free.

We'll dance dance in your freedom,

oh Your glorious freedom.

Forevermore forevermore.

-----

An everlasting stream,

Your river carries me home.

Open the heavens,

come living water,

all my fountains

are in You.

Rain down on us,

rain down on us Lord.

Passion 2011 Live

(http://live.passion2011.com/)

Just like how God leads us to certain people, now I wonder if He also leads us away from other people.

edit//And one thing I got from today's sermon also.... Once Judas left the table at the last supper, Jesus turned to the rest of the disciples to tell them what was going to happen. Jesus turned to the rest of the disciples and called them "friends" because He was confiding in them. That's what friends do. They confide in one another; they show who they really are to one another.