new years and birthdays

The good thing about new years and birthdays is that they don't only tell you how fast time flies, but they also tell you how faithful God is. That as you look back at what had been, you can't help but thank the big Guy above for being there.

Another thing about new years and birthdays is that they are suppose to tell us that the good things are up ahead. I said supposed to, because not all of us sees it that way.

This morning, I woke up telling God I'm somehow confused what my next step will be. Will I stay here, or am I gonna start looking for something/somewhere else? Do I need to find some things else that I can find inspiration to? I was asking whether I've been so attached to what I have that God could no longer move me to somewhere else. You know, if God wants you to move somewhere, He could not do it on His own without your permission. That's why He gives us freewill. It has to have our decision and choice.

After some time, I'd have to ask myself, is it a heart not focused on the Maker that's why questions like this arise?

One thing I learned though, it's today. Today. There's no use looking back at what was behind me, or of wishing tomorrow's going to fix the issues. What I have is today, this God-given time for me to move into where He and I wants for tomorrow.

When I followed Brenden Brown (pastor/worship leader/ Christian singer) in twitter, he sent me a direct message saying his thanks and telling me that the best days are ahead.

And this morning, I remember that as I watched Rob Bell's NOOMA entitled "Today".

Somehow, even if we get stuck or lazy at focusing on God, He has His way of sending a message that would dig deep to the core and make you notice and hear. I so like that attitude of God, He knows so well I slack in many parts of my faithwalk but His grace is always, always available.

Thank God.

So about new years and birthdays...they are reminders that the best days are ahead. Why? Because God is good, faithful...and He knows what He is doing. I have Jeremiah 29:11 to prove that.

And speaking of new year --- xinnian kuiale! 新年快乐！It felt like a total warzone when the Chinese started lighting fireworks and firecrackers for the Chinese New Year. It looked pretty from outside my window, but at some point (especially on the eve of Feb. 14), the noise from fireworks and firecrackers got crazily loud...and I think that's the fun of it all.

Aside from the Chinese New Year, the past days were also two of my friends' birthdays - Glenda and Ruby. The pictures above was during our visit to TEDA, Tianjin (yesterday)...to celebrate Ruby's birthday.

So whether it's a birthday or New Year celeb, I hope and pray I'd always remember to thank God for today...and realize that today is the key for best days ahead. =)

x

Cathy

valentines

Valentine's...to remind us that love is important and that no matter how hard life is, it's still worth living because of the throbbing heart of those people around us. Where there's a heart, there's always this capacity for goodness.

Happy Valentine's Day to all the people in the world, my voice is not loud enough for people to hear this greeting, just think of the louder voice of valentine's tv commercials, or of the noise coming from politics, or show business; not to mention that voices of hate, or anger, or self-pity, or fear from everyone's heart.

But I'm saying my greetings anyway...happy valentine's day to all, to you who is reading this. As I'm writing this blog entry I thought about the times I committed something wrong and thought I don't deserve to walk a good path again, but always, there's this magnet to put me back on the right track. That must be love right there.

And I'm pretty sure the same is true to everyone. No matter what road's you've taken, how hard the journey, how crazy the path and how frustrating were your mistakes and sins...there's love available for you, to keep you back on track.

I pray everyone finds love this Valentine's day. Not only that cheezy, over-commercialized kind of love, but love that changes someone from the inside out. Love that carries mercy, hope, faith and grace.

And with love, be thankful.

x

Cathy

happy chinese new year

In Chinese they say, "Xinnian Kuaile!" (新年快乐！）

Time flies really fast, before we know it it's already the second month of the year! =)

I'm back in Tianjin and last Saturday there was snow. On Sunday, I was debating whether I'd go to Church or not since the weather puts me in a lazy mood these days. In the end, I went to church, enjoyed welcoming the churchgoers, felt God speaking in worship and in the preaching, plus, took pics of me with the snow right after.

I should also mention that I had Bible Study with Pinoy folks after lunch, and flick time of Julie&Julia (the movie). Thank God for an awesome weekend.

The second and third pics above previews the Chinese New Year, aside from the red lanterns and decors with Chinese characters of goodluck & charm, the firecrackers & fireworks play a pretty much big role in this holiday. Those boxes in the pics explain what I mean.

Xinnian kuaile! May joy be felt, not just in China but all over the world.

x

Cathy