As a 'coincidence', at the new year worship today, the speaker, Clive Cowell, talked about his takes on the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". He had cancer a few times, traveled to many places in the world, including Israel, Turkey, India and Mecedonia. Nothing really excits him anymore but following Jesus Christ.
He and his wife will leave Hawaii for Japan for Christian mission in a few days. His desire is to fulfill discipleship. By doing so, life is wonderful.
In the movie, Zusu, Mr. Bailey's little daughter, had a rose. She loves roses, and it symbolizes friends and family. His father told her to go to bed, so she could dream of a rose garden. However, Zusu wanted his father to repair the withered rose in her hand. To his father, good friends and family only happens in dreams. Those on earth can't be repaired. However, to God, He uses all situations for our good. The angel in the movie showed how things in Bailey's life work together, and the good side of life that Bailey did not see.
Believe in God and follow His way, it's a wonderful life.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
It's a wonderful life
My Christmas tradition is to watch the movie called "It's a Wonderful Life". It was inspiring everytime I watched it. Mr. Bailey, the main character, blamed on his birth when he was hit by a very difficult time in his business. An angel showed him how bad the world became if he was not born, and how he had made difference to others lives.
This year, I did not watch the movie. I felt that I was, in a way, Mr. Bailey.
Business is not moving anywhere. I was hoping that my business trip will be fruitful in one way or the other. My eyes were open, yet I did not see anything applicable to my business. I met some architects in foreign land, yet nothing substantial happened. I am back to Hawaii for three weeks, yet I still cannot discern the meaning of the trip. Why did I travel so far away?
Well, other things took place during the trip. I met a handful of old friends. I learned their new lives, and I pray for them regularly. If I did not see them, my prayers for them won't be lifted up. They absolutely worth my trip.
In the end of the movie, Mr. Bailey realized his role as a member of the community, family and friends. He loved his life, and when he returned to reality, his business problem was resolved. His family and friends flooded his house to help him out.
Life is adventurous. I don't know about wonderful, but God is good. I am gracious that life is as short as morning dews.
2011 rushed away quickly. In the beginning of 2011, my resolution was to simplify my life. I found that it is not quite possible. When I tried to simplify, I complicated the situation. For example, when I was in HK, I needed only one pineapple bun and milk tea for breakfast, simple as that. However, the waiter told me that it was more economical to order a meal, that came with two buns and milk tea. I had to do all the math in my head to figure out what I should feed myself. "Is it really more economical? What if I can't finish? What if all the excessive sugar and fat go to my butt?...... all kinds of questions....." Complicated process for the end of simpleness.
In short, I can't really simplify my live. However, when comparing with lives in HK, my live is pretty simple, and I am glad.
Looking back 2011, it was full of grace. Bella Pollard, my little 1 year old friend was cured from a deadly cancer. My church youth pastor's wife gave birth to twin girls, after many years of prayers. My company remains open, and my partner trusts me so much. I fought a war at the courtroom and gave testimonies for the first time. I designed company Christmas card with Bible verse. Hawaii CCM's new staff came in April, and works well with us. We struggle financially, yet our door is still open. Juanna and I re-started weekly prayer meetings at Hawaii CCM. I visited bak-leung and sister dai and 3 at Toronto. I attended Dr. Daniel Wu's anniversary and birthday celebration. Last but not least, I visited HK for the first time since my last departure in year 2000, and dined with friends whom I had not seen for 19 years. It'll go on and on and on.
In short again, no expectation this year. Trust the Lord God with all my heart, and love Him with all my strength, because He first loved us.
This year, I did not watch the movie. I felt that I was, in a way, Mr. Bailey.
Business is not moving anywhere. I was hoping that my business trip will be fruitful in one way or the other. My eyes were open, yet I did not see anything applicable to my business. I met some architects in foreign land, yet nothing substantial happened. I am back to Hawaii for three weeks, yet I still cannot discern the meaning of the trip. Why did I travel so far away?
Well, other things took place during the trip. I met a handful of old friends. I learned their new lives, and I pray for them regularly. If I did not see them, my prayers for them won't be lifted up. They absolutely worth my trip.
In the end of the movie, Mr. Bailey realized his role as a member of the community, family and friends. He loved his life, and when he returned to reality, his business problem was resolved. His family and friends flooded his house to help him out.
Life is adventurous. I don't know about wonderful, but God is good. I am gracious that life is as short as morning dews.
2011 rushed away quickly. In the beginning of 2011, my resolution was to simplify my life. I found that it is not quite possible. When I tried to simplify, I complicated the situation. For example, when I was in HK, I needed only one pineapple bun and milk tea for breakfast, simple as that. However, the waiter told me that it was more economical to order a meal, that came with two buns and milk tea. I had to do all the math in my head to figure out what I should feed myself. "Is it really more economical? What if I can't finish? What if all the excessive sugar and fat go to my butt?...... all kinds of questions....." Complicated process for the end of simpleness.
In short, I can't really simplify my live. However, when comparing with lives in HK, my live is pretty simple, and I am glad.
Looking back 2011, it was full of grace. Bella Pollard, my little 1 year old friend was cured from a deadly cancer. My church youth pastor's wife gave birth to twin girls, after many years of prayers. My company remains open, and my partner trusts me so much. I fought a war at the courtroom and gave testimonies for the first time. I designed company Christmas card with Bible verse. Hawaii CCM's new staff came in April, and works well with us. We struggle financially, yet our door is still open. Juanna and I re-started weekly prayer meetings at Hawaii CCM. I visited bak-leung and sister dai and 3 at Toronto. I attended Dr. Daniel Wu's anniversary and birthday celebration. Last but not least, I visited HK for the first time since my last departure in year 2000, and dined with friends whom I had not seen for 19 years. It'll go on and on and on.
In short again, no expectation this year. Trust the Lord God with all my heart, and love Him with all my strength, because He first loved us.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Destination
After the trip to Italy a couple years ago, I found that I have already been to all the places that I wanted to go. I do not have as much desire to travel for the sake of seeing places. I am so blessed, am I not? I am blessed because I don't have that many disires, and also because all that I had were already exceedingly fulfilled. Life is good.
People asked, where will be your next destination? My answer is, where my heart is, where my family and friends are. Last month, I went to San Joes for a good friend's birthday and anniversary celebration. I also visited Canada to see my aunt and cousins.
This past summer, while I was cleaning up my photo albums, I saw so many old photos that I took with friends whom I grew up with. I missed them. I prayed to God. Should I go to Hong Kong? What if none of my friends wanted to see me?
A few days ago, my aunt called from Hong Kong. She recently retired. A voice in my heart says, "places are always there but people aren't." I felt strongly that I should pay a visit. I asked for more signs, and in many ways, God answered positively.
I shall visit the place where I grew up next month. My heart is filled with excitment and uncertainty. I feel a little scared. Strange. Low expectation. I look forward to see what God has me to see, just like how the Almighty treated me in Canada! Praise God!
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