Here comes the end to my super speedy trip to Calgary. Very intense but enjoyable.
I must say serving God with music is such a wonderful and joyful thing. I don't feel the same when I perform classical music, when usually I feel more restricted. I can feel the liberation and relief when I sing and play in church or perform in Christian concerts. The only reason is God's salvation delivers me (and all of us who believe in him) from all transgressions, and the freedom from sins gives me extraordinary joy and peace. :-)
Anyhow, praise the Lord the concerts went really well. Little mistakes here and there, but hey, who cares. The most important thing is we bring people to the Lord through our music.
Thank you GM for giving me a chance to share my testimony. Also, thank you for letting me SING in this concert! I really love singing on stage, but I don't always get a chance to because of the huge demand on instrumentalists. This concert (sort of) "makes my dream come true" once again! :-) Hopefully my "crazy shouts" in "Jesus Loves Me" didn't scare the team off. ;-)
Monday, February 02, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Birthday Gifts from God
Even though my birthday was a few days ago, I would like to share what God has given me for my birthday:
January 3, 2009 - the day before my birthday:
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." (Hebrews 10:35-36)
At that point I was thinking about withdrawing from an audition, for I felt I couldn't push myself any further. Quite often when I prepare for auditions I would have thoughts of giving up. But this time, I was so close I was evening thinking about how to tell my teacher about this unfortunate situation. Thank God I was never quick to decision, or I would not have experienced the wonder of His Words (His works too). That morning when I read that passage, I felt a sudden burst of positive energy in my being. I so knew God prepared this passage to encourage me to keep going. So, in a week, I will be recording this audition.
January 4, 2009 - the day of my birthday:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
A simple but promising bible verse. Regardless what circumstances we are going through, Jesus Christ remains unchanged. He would always love us and be with us. Isn't that the greatest gift you can ever receive for your birthday? Amen! <33333
January 3, 2009 - the day before my birthday:
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." (Hebrews 10:35-36)
At that point I was thinking about withdrawing from an audition, for I felt I couldn't push myself any further. Quite often when I prepare for auditions I would have thoughts of giving up. But this time, I was so close I was evening thinking about how to tell my teacher about this unfortunate situation. Thank God I was never quick to decision, or I would not have experienced the wonder of His Words (His works too). That morning when I read that passage, I felt a sudden burst of positive energy in my being. I so knew God prepared this passage to encourage me to keep going. So, in a week, I will be recording this audition.
January 4, 2009 - the day of my birthday:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
A simple but promising bible verse. Regardless what circumstances we are going through, Jesus Christ remains unchanged. He would always love us and be with us. Isn't that the greatest gift you can ever receive for your birthday? Amen! <33333
Monday, December 29, 2008
Was Blind, But Now I See ...
So ... ditched out of my old friend's wedding in the VERY last minute. I still get teared up when I think about this.
What happened?
My right got an abrasion. A huge scratch on my cornea. *Sigh*
I didn't feel too well already on Christmas day. But I thought it was because I was sleep-deprived so I decided not to worry about it too much. The next day, boxing day, when I had to help my mom at her shop, I started to have a hard time opening up my eye. Well, the same situation happened before when I didn't catch enough sleep, so I ignored it also and went ahead and work. Exhaustion and bright light made my eye hurt even more. In the middle of the day, tears kept coming out of my right eye, and the eye became crimson and swollen. I couldn't bear opening it anymore. My mom saw the problem and told me to go inside and take a rest. I put ice-cold bottled water and teabag on my eye respectively hopefully to soothe the pain, but it didn't work. I finally surrendered and called the groom that I would not be able to make it to his wedding rehearsal, and told dad to take me home.
Never have I experienced such pain in my eye. I went to bed immediately after I took a shower so I might have a chance to open my eye again after some rest. Unfortunately, my wish didn't come true. The next morning I had to tell the worship leader (I was supposed to play drums for worship that day before the wedding) and the groom that I had to ditch out. NOOOOOO!!!!! I cried terribly hard when I prayed to God.
My dad brought me to the doctor. Found out what happened, got some antibiotic eyedrop, ate something, then went home. Counting boxing day, and this day I'm talking about right now, and some hours the next day, I had been "blind" for two full days. I had to keep my eyes shut to prevent friction, so whenever I had to go somewhere within my house, I had to use my hands and feet as my aides. Most of the time I slept or "listened to the TV". I haven't slept that much for ages.
If it took this disaster to make me rest, then I guess I should really adjust my schedule after new years. I'm such a workaholic. Anyhow, the fourth day after the disaster, which is today, I can finally sit at the computer and type again. Thanks to those who prayed for me and sent wishes to me. :-)
For those who have been dying to see my photos at Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant, they are up on facebook right now. Sorry I still don't have the ones with my cheongsam outfit yet. But at least you get the pretty hair and make-up ... and DJ Remus. :-D
What happened?
My right got an abrasion. A huge scratch on my cornea. *Sigh*
I didn't feel too well already on Christmas day. But I thought it was because I was sleep-deprived so I decided not to worry about it too much. The next day, boxing day, when I had to help my mom at her shop, I started to have a hard time opening up my eye. Well, the same situation happened before when I didn't catch enough sleep, so I ignored it also and went ahead and work. Exhaustion and bright light made my eye hurt even more. In the middle of the day, tears kept coming out of my right eye, and the eye became crimson and swollen. I couldn't bear opening it anymore. My mom saw the problem and told me to go inside and take a rest. I put ice-cold bottled water and teabag on my eye respectively hopefully to soothe the pain, but it didn't work. I finally surrendered and called the groom that I would not be able to make it to his wedding rehearsal, and told dad to take me home.
Never have I experienced such pain in my eye. I went to bed immediately after I took a shower so I might have a chance to open my eye again after some rest. Unfortunately, my wish didn't come true. The next morning I had to tell the worship leader (I was supposed to play drums for worship that day before the wedding) and the groom that I had to ditch out. NOOOOOO!!!!! I cried terribly hard when I prayed to God.
My dad brought me to the doctor. Found out what happened, got some antibiotic eyedrop, ate something, then went home. Counting boxing day, and this day I'm talking about right now, and some hours the next day, I had been "blind" for two full days. I had to keep my eyes shut to prevent friction, so whenever I had to go somewhere within my house, I had to use my hands and feet as my aides. Most of the time I slept or "listened to the TV". I haven't slept that much for ages.
If it took this disaster to make me rest, then I guess I should really adjust my schedule after new years. I'm such a workaholic. Anyhow, the fourth day after the disaster, which is today, I can finally sit at the computer and type again. Thanks to those who prayed for me and sent wishes to me. :-)
For those who have been dying to see my photos at Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant, they are up on facebook right now. Sorry I still don't have the ones with my cheongsam outfit yet. But at least you get the pretty hair and make-up ... and DJ Remus. :-D
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Like A Dream ...
橫豎都冇得「訓」，不如update下個blog啦。
昨晚簡直好似發了場夢﹝I have to say last night because it's almost 5am﹞─我居然穿著旗袍在溫哥華華裔小姐選舉打marimba！多謝某兩位在Fairchild TV工作的姊妹介紹。有一點夢想成真的感覺，因為不怕講你知我有時會dream about myself becoming Miss Something (i.e. HK, Chinese Calgary, Chinese Vancouver ...)，但當然我一直只在發夢，沒有想過真是膽粗粗去參選。今次有機會踏上選美舞台去見識，of course I was thrilled，even though I only performed in a small part！還有專人幫你化靚妝，set頭，那些化妝效果盼且我一生人都做不到。Set頭更加不用說，我怎去自己紥一個那麼雍容華貴的髫出來？Anyhow，裝扮完我都特別照鏡多幾次！:-)
一直以來我都希望穿著旗袍，但我身型不夠好，所以一直都沒有機會。但今次因為負責旗袍環節，所以我終於有機會了。還好效果不差，哈哈！曾經有一位傳道人講過，"God is a BIG God who can do BIG things. He fulfills your desires in wonderful ways."用在這個contest似乎不太spiritual，但神真是很funny，讓我高興一番。LOL ...
還有一些意想不到的事。大會安排我跟音樂總監沈安麟先生合作；我見過他好幾次，但今次是第一次personally認識他。上電視做大show一定有得見明星啦！廖碧兒、蔡一傑、林嘉華、河國榮，我還跟蔡一傑影合照呢！很抱歉，我是用別人的相機來拍照，所以現在無得看。
哈哈！總之今次is a fun experience啦！
P.S. This morning, after I typed about three lines, I fell asleep. So I only got to finish it now ... late at night! :-P
昨晚簡直好似發了場夢﹝I have to say last night because it's almost 5am﹞─我居然穿著旗袍在溫哥華華裔小姐選舉打marimba！多謝某兩位在Fairchild TV工作的姊妹介紹。有一點夢想成真的感覺，因為不怕講你知我有時會dream about myself becoming Miss Something (i.e. HK, Chinese Calgary, Chinese Vancouver ...)，但當然我一直只在發夢，沒有想過真是膽粗粗去參選。今次有機會踏上選美舞台去見識，of course I was thrilled，even though I only performed in a small part！還有專人幫你化靚妝，set頭，那些化妝效果盼且我一生人都做不到。Set頭更加不用說，我怎去自己紥一個那麼雍容華貴的髫出來？Anyhow，裝扮完我都特別照鏡多幾次！:-)
一直以來我都希望穿著旗袍，但我身型不夠好，所以一直都沒有機會。但今次因為負責旗袍環節，所以我終於有機會了。還好效果不差，哈哈！曾經有一位傳道人講過，"God is a BIG God who can do BIG things. He fulfills your desires in wonderful ways."用在這個contest似乎不太spiritual，但神真是很funny，讓我高興一番。LOL ...
還有一些意想不到的事。大會安排我跟音樂總監沈安麟先生合作；我見過他好幾次，但今次是第一次personally認識他。上電視做大show一定有得見明星啦！廖碧兒、蔡一傑、林嘉華、河國榮，我還跟蔡一傑影合照呢！很抱歉，我是用別人的相機來拍照，所以現在無得看。
哈哈！總之今次is a fun experience啦！
P.S. This morning, after I typed about three lines, I fell asleep. So I only got to finish it now ... late at night! :-P
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
TA
做我呢份TA，「zhen de bu rong yi ﹝真的不容易﹞」。(You will get why I typed the pronounciation of the words in Mandarin if you've watched 家好月圓)
曾經做過很多group leader work 的我，一個人帶著五個「細路」(not in terms of their age but their experience) 闖江湖，本應不難。但當你一個人要想多五個人的東西，還要跟幾位老闆﹝conductors﹞溝通時，有時真是幾難頂。可能我習慣了work with people who are of the same level as mine or at higher levels，當我work with一些newbies，反而我不太懂從他們的角度想東西。他們經驗尚淺，他們會問一些問題是你平日會assume你的同行已知道答案的，所以當我聽到問題我會很奇怪，but then I immediately realize why they would ask those questions (actually, when I was younger, I also asked those questions). 除此之外，他們極度需要你的提點－不止提一次，是起碼幾次。有很多東西﹝一些如果你是音樂家你會預料到的東西﹞是他們不會想到的，而他們又應該知道的，你要立刻讓他們知道。他們being challenged by the conductor，你要替他們解圍，或解釋給他們知道為何會被challenged。他們受指揮氣，你要一起受，甚至會覺得更難受。表演時有何差池，你可能要現場rescue他們，or else 整個section會被拖垮。
其實，我班「細路」已十分爭氣；短短三個月的時間，他們由拿鼓棍的方法都不太懂到演出有板有眼，已十分難得。繼續努力！
至於我，我也要努力－努力去教好他們。神給我這個職場事奉的機會，我就要好好珍惜，才能榮神益人啊！
曾經做過很多group leader work 的我，一個人帶著五個「細路」(not in terms of their age but their experience) 闖江湖，本應不難。但當你一個人要想多五個人的東西，還要跟幾位老闆﹝conductors﹞溝通時，有時真是幾難頂。可能我習慣了work with people who are of the same level as mine or at higher levels，當我work with一些newbies，反而我不太懂從他們的角度想東西。他們經驗尚淺，他們會問一些問題是你平日會assume你的同行已知道答案的，所以當我聽到問題我會很奇怪，but then I immediately realize why they would ask those questions (actually, when I was younger, I also asked those questions). 除此之外，他們極度需要你的提點－不止提一次，是起碼幾次。有很多東西﹝一些如果你是音樂家你會預料到的東西﹞是他們不會想到的，而他們又應該知道的，你要立刻讓他們知道。他們being challenged by the conductor，你要替他們解圍，或解釋給他們知道為何會被challenged。他們受指揮氣，你要一起受，甚至會覺得更難受。表演時有何差池，你可能要現場rescue他們，or else 整個section會被拖垮。
其實，我班「細路」已十分爭氣；短短三個月的時間，他們由拿鼓棍的方法都不太懂到演出有板有眼，已十分難得。繼續努力！
至於我，我也要努力－努力去教好他們。神給我這個職場事奉的機會，我就要好好珍惜，才能榮神益人啊！
Saturday, November 22, 2008
RIP, 丈公
今天母親跟我說，住在香港的姨丈公已逝世了一段日子。
其實，最近這個念頭﹝姨丈公逝世﹞經常在我腦海裡出現。但是，當我收到消息時，我始終不能相信。
這一年以來我也有回香港旅遊的想法。觀光購物不是主要，最重要我想見回我的舊朋友及親戚，尤其是年逾九十的丈公及姑婆。如今，我不能再見丈公了，不免有點遺憾。不過，值得欣慰的是丈公是基督徒，將來可以在天家重聚。這個應許是沒有人能夠改變的。
丈公，你放心在天家享福吧！
其實，最近這個念頭﹝姨丈公逝世﹞經常在我腦海裡出現。但是，當我收到消息時，我始終不能相信。
這一年以來我也有回香港旅遊的想法。觀光購物不是主要，最重要我想見回我的舊朋友及親戚，尤其是年逾九十的丈公及姑婆。如今，我不能再見丈公了，不免有點遺憾。不過，值得欣慰的是丈公是基督徒，將來可以在天家重聚。這個應許是沒有人能夠改變的。
丈公，你放心在天家享福吧！
Friday, November 21, 2008
Will You Remember Me?
This is my fourth year in Vancouver now. Through these years, I have achieved many things - two degrees, established some reputation in my performance and teaching careers, established a new fellowship in church and many more. Better still, I have transformed quite a bit as a person, and have developed many intimate friendships with many friends.
NEVER have I forgotten about my friends in Calgary though. I think about them often. Of course, distance and busyness limit our chance of communication. I guess all of us have tried our best to connect with each other, but the sad reality tells us (or at least, me) - things have changed. We have gone separate ways. We have our own lives. But, shouldn't a genuine friendship transcends all ages and geographic locations?
Anyhow, God tells us to love one another as ourselves, and I very much value the importance of friendships, so I will continue to pay the effort to keep the friendships up, no matter where my friends are. However, my dear friends, I hope you'd feel the same. I hope that you'll remember me often. I hope that whenever I see you, you'd be happy to see me too.
NEVER have I forgotten about my friends in Calgary though. I think about them often. Of course, distance and busyness limit our chance of communication. I guess all of us have tried our best to connect with each other, but the sad reality tells us (or at least, me) - things have changed. We have gone separate ways. We have our own lives. But, shouldn't a genuine friendship transcends all ages and geographic locations?
Anyhow, God tells us to love one another as ourselves, and I very much value the importance of friendships, so I will continue to pay the effort to keep the friendships up, no matter where my friends are. However, my dear friends, I hope you'd feel the same. I hope that you'll remember me often. I hope that whenever I see you, you'd be happy to see me too.
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