The 2009 June weekend turned out to be one that is hard to beat. First of all, 6/19 marked out 10th anniversay (yes, it's been that long). My in laws made a special trip out here to celebrate Ryan's birthday. We definitely held a much larger party that I had envisioned. But it was all fun for those who were there. Then to top it off, my in law went ahead and helped us buy a lot in Saratoga - a lot that is deemed a rare find. So, all of sudden, life seems to have shifted to another gear. I have mixed feeling about settling down in an upscale area that does not quite fit our social class. But the turn of event that led up to the property almost seems impossible - first Charles had to spot the listing; then they found the time to check it out esp. when the parents could actually inspect it themselves (they had not come for over 3 yrs before this trip);lastly the seller would have to rescind his other offer to accept ours. All happened less than 48 hrs. - $1 million transacted. Just mind boggling to me.
So now there is still closing of the contract to be concerned about before we move on to the rebuilding part. To add to the saga, my architect overly ambitious brother is very much interested bidding for the job.
Today it's the first day of VBS.
I think I just need some down time right about now.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Living to the fullest
Since the life-death week that I experienced a couple weeks ago, I am definitely more conscious about letting things go while capturing what is truly important in life. At the end of last week, I got up on a Saturday morning unusually early and I was just filled with the urge to talk to my family in HK. I called my cousin who just had a baby and then her mom. It was good to know that they are doing fine and just excited about the new born. Then my last call was to my dad. The fellowship I had the night before with the Valley ladies reminded me about forgiveness does not start until someone says sorry. I asked God to help me so I mustered up some courage (yea it takes some guts to do it) and called my dad. Just told him I was sorry about the way I acted the other day on the phone. He just brushed it off as if he didn't mind about it. I guess that's how we made up.
Osward Chambers “We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.”
I read yesterday the quote above and it really just hit me how often time we as christians focused so much on the first part and forgetting the second part. There is no need for us to prove if God answers prayer; because He does and just may not be the answer we like some times. However, the latter part is really up to us to choose whether to live as a testement to His grace especially while prayers are not answered or while prayers are denied. I know it is hard to do and yet that's the ultimate way to transcent the most painful trial that we may be in.
Osward Chambers “We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.”
I read yesterday the quote above and it really just hit me how often time we as christians focused so much on the first part and forgetting the second part. There is no need for us to prove if God answers prayer; because He does and just may not be the answer we like some times. However, the latter part is really up to us to choose whether to live as a testement to His grace especially while prayers are not answered or while prayers are denied. I know it is hard to do and yet that's the ultimate way to transcent the most painful trial that we may be in.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Life Is Not in Our Hands
Just when I thought the passing of auntie's sister is not shocking enough, I learned today that Pastor Sun's wife, Evie, is diagnosed of an aggressive form of breast cancer. Then Charles' friend's brother also died in a fall this week. I just felt like life just suddenly stands still forcing me to re-examine it as a whole. The only thing I can think of is 1) life is not in our hands and not take anything, any day for granted with love ones; 2) life is too short to live with regrets; let of of grudge and let loose a little; 3) anything and really not to be caught off guard should anything happen to us. God has already shown us many times over that He is in control no matter what life brings. Indeed, we never know what our future holds and should these misfortunate happen to us. But He promises to walk with us no matter what. Meanwhile, live life to its fullest and enjoy love ones while we can. Call them, hug them, visit them...
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Life and Death
Just a couple days after our argument, a shocking email came through from Mandy....Auntie's older sister, who was an avid cross country biker, had fallen off and fell in a coma with little chance of survival. I just met her for the first time at the wedding 6 months ago. Who would have though she had only a few months on earth when they said their goodbyes?!
On the same day, Pangela finally broke the news of her pregnancy as well. All of a sudden, things seem to clear by whom life is being controlled. Just a week ago, Queenie gave birth to a little boy in place of her loss just a year ago.
Perhaps the jotting reminder is to really treasure love ones when we are with them. We just never know when our time is up on this earth.
Now, whatever argument we had seem to just fade in time. Dad and auntie are probably busy trying to get to London and take care of things. He alone can provide comfort in times like these.
On the same day, Pangela finally broke the news of her pregnancy as well. All of a sudden, things seem to clear by whom life is being controlled. Just a week ago, Queenie gave birth to a little boy in place of her loss just a year ago.
Perhaps the jotting reminder is to really treasure love ones when we are with them. We just never know when our time is up on this earth.
Now, whatever argument we had seem to just fade in time. Dad and auntie are probably busy trying to get to London and take care of things. He alone can provide comfort in times like these.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
All Things are indeed possible....
Yesterday Mandy called at her usual time and passed on the good news about the birth of Queenie's baby boy. At the time, I was just relieved and joyful to hear about the safe and fast (20 min!) delivery; but I awoke this morning and God reminded me something deeper to rejoice. This little one was born 2 weeks early and barely made it in the month of May. I remember Mandy mentioned about how it would be bitter sweet for the parents that the baby's due date was around the same time as baby nichelle's passing. Isn't God so gracious? I just cannot help but tear up thinking about that. Not only is He gracious in blessing them with this baby boy so soon after what happened but even right down to the birth-He timed it so perfectly. Now the family can have time and space to remember his sister while being free to rejoice for the newborn. Honestly, I didn't even pray to that detail but hey who am I to know =). I hope the parents too will see the hands of God in all of these blessings.
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May 29
Impossible Flowers
"For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). Far up in the Alpine hollows, year by year God works one of His marvels. The snow-patches lie there, frozen with ice at their edge from the strife of sunny days and frosty nights; and through that ice-crust come, unscathed, flowers that bloom.
Back in the days of the by-gone summer, the little soldanelle plant spread its leaves wide and flat on the ground, to drink in the sun-rays, and it kept them stored in the root through the winter. Then spring came, and stirred the pulses even below the snow-shroud, and as it sprouted, warmth was given out in such strange measure that it thawed a little dome in the snow above its head. Higher and higher it grew and always above it rose the bell of air, till the flower-bud formed safely within it: and at last the icy covering of the air-bell gave way and let the blossom through into the sunshine, the crystalline texture of its mauve petals sparkling like snow itself as if it bore the traces of the flight through which it had come.
And the fragile thing rings an echo in our hearts that none of the jewel-like flowers nestled in the warm turf on the slopes below could waken. We love to see the impossible done. And so does God. Face it out to the end, cast away every shadow of hope on the human side as an absolute hindrance to the Divine, heap up all the difficulties together recklessly, and pile as many more on as you can find; you cannot get beyond the blessed climax of impossibility. Let faith swing out to Him. He is the God of the impossible. --Selected
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May 29
Impossible Flowers
"For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). Far up in the Alpine hollows, year by year God works one of His marvels. The snow-patches lie there, frozen with ice at their edge from the strife of sunny days and frosty nights; and through that ice-crust come, unscathed, flowers that bloom.
Back in the days of the by-gone summer, the little soldanelle plant spread its leaves wide and flat on the ground, to drink in the sun-rays, and it kept them stored in the root through the winter. Then spring came, and stirred the pulses even below the snow-shroud, and as it sprouted, warmth was given out in such strange measure that it thawed a little dome in the snow above its head. Higher and higher it grew and always above it rose the bell of air, till the flower-bud formed safely within it: and at last the icy covering of the air-bell gave way and let the blossom through into the sunshine, the crystalline texture of its mauve petals sparkling like snow itself as if it bore the traces of the flight through which it had come.
And the fragile thing rings an echo in our hearts that none of the jewel-like flowers nestled in the warm turf on the slopes below could waken. We love to see the impossible done. And so does God. Face it out to the end, cast away every shadow of hope on the human side as an absolute hindrance to the Divine, heap up all the difficulties together recklessly, and pile as many more on as you can find; you cannot get beyond the blessed climax of impossibility. Let faith swing out to Him. He is the God of the impossible. --Selected
Friday, May 22, 2009
Confirmed
Finally on May 20th, we had our first look at the tummy. Dr. Inouye looked a bit older to me this time around. He still remembers Mandy and her complication as well as her move to overseas. His only son, also named Ryan, is quite a handsome mixed 7 yrs old.
The machine is more advanced than when I remember it. He said it produced better ultrasound pictures. After moving a couple times across the tummy, he found the sac with the little baby wiggling inside. Of course, the big head dominates and one could barely see the extremities. But he said it's definitely there. Then he proceeded to measuring it and it read 9 wks 2 days which is just a day from actual. He also confirmed the due date to be Dec 22. It would be an interesting one to get to stay home longer. He handed 3 pictures to us in the end.
Then he went on to explain all the latest blood tests related to genetic diseases. Things sure have changed alot in the past few years.
I am just thankful that things are going so far so good. Let it be as unevenful as last time, well except during labor. Little Ryan took about 16 hrs to come out.
We went back to affirm the people we told that things are going fine. I didn't know that one other lady had been praying for us; so a friend of mine related the news. I am grateful that God has provided people to have a heart to pray for us.
This long weekend we are kinda free to ourselves since most of his friends are going to the spring retreat. We might end up exploring Angel Island and hope to find a place to stay overnight. When I am off next week, there are plenty of things to take care of - one of which is to plan for his birthday party!
Life continues.
The machine is more advanced than when I remember it. He said it produced better ultrasound pictures. After moving a couple times across the tummy, he found the sac with the little baby wiggling inside. Of course, the big head dominates and one could barely see the extremities. But he said it's definitely there. Then he proceeded to measuring it and it read 9 wks 2 days which is just a day from actual. He also confirmed the due date to be Dec 22. It would be an interesting one to get to stay home longer. He handed 3 pictures to us in the end.
Then he went on to explain all the latest blood tests related to genetic diseases. Things sure have changed alot in the past few years.
I am just thankful that things are going so far so good. Let it be as unevenful as last time, well except during labor. Little Ryan took about 16 hrs to come out.
We went back to affirm the people we told that things are going fine. I didn't know that one other lady had been praying for us; so a friend of mine related the news. I am grateful that God has provided people to have a heart to pray for us.
This long weekend we are kinda free to ourselves since most of his friends are going to the spring retreat. We might end up exploring Angel Island and hope to find a place to stay overnight. When I am off next week, there are plenty of things to take care of - one of which is to plan for his birthday party!
Life continues.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Busy Weekend
When it comes to end of the school years, everything seems to happen all at the same time. This weekend is definitely packed with activities. Music school performance, choir practice and then performance, Awana award ceremony, and on top of that I happened to schedule the pedicure treat with Suszan and My on the same weekend. Of course, I also had to book Rena, who just came back from China, for a steak dinner on Sunday night. In between all that, I had to buy a pair brand new white shoes for his choir. With bargaining mindset ingrained in me, I had to make a couple trips to stretch my buck. So, needless to say now we are glad that we can finally lie down for a breather. The thought of going to work tomorrow is definitely not welcoming.
Speaking of Awana, it was great to have the privilege to hand out awards to these kids. Most of them were excited to have their name called and some even jumped up to get the award. I am just drawn by the innocence and purity of this age. I know I will miss them and esp. Ryan at this age. Praise God also that He has brought someone who would be interested in taking over Cubbie for me. God truly provides, at the right time.
Ryan's music performance went pretty well. He definitely was better prepared at the choir one cause at least he did not freeze on stage and was actually enjoying himself singing and doing the motions. Seeing the big kids do the musical afterwards, I actually was moved to tears as they sang their hearts out praising God. Perhaps I was subconciously imagning Ryan being in it one day.
Finally, we are down to counting down days to see Dr. Inouye. I still have bad thoughts but I try not to dwell on it. It's all in His hands anyways. So hope it all goes well. Nowadays, I just need a lemon drink in my hand whenever the hormones kicks in. I am so thankful too that in another week there will be shutdown. I am grateful beyond words for the forced time off; I would have never thought when I went back to work such a thing would be possible. But He made it possible. This part time job is perfect for me at this time. Thank God!
I have also been praying for a couple things consistently.....one is for salvation of my in-laws' family as well as my dad. Another one is for true born again experience for Josh and also for him to have a wife who fears the Lord. I know my dad feels very helpless when it comes to his private life; and I told him that just like me pray for him. I am very frank about that with Josh as well. If he has any fear in the Lord, he would know that God will do something. I just wish he would pursue God with the energy that he pursue the world.
I also try to remember praying for Queenie who is due in a month. What a difference a year makes. We recommended Nathan - Gift of God to mankind for the baby boy's name. Truly he is a gift from above that is meant to comfort them. God surely does not let us go through things beyond what we can endure. Pray for smooth delivery and healthy first year.
I should get back to doing other mindless things to relax before I go to bed.
Karen
Speaking of Awana, it was great to have the privilege to hand out awards to these kids. Most of them were excited to have their name called and some even jumped up to get the award. I am just drawn by the innocence and purity of this age. I know I will miss them and esp. Ryan at this age. Praise God also that He has brought someone who would be interested in taking over Cubbie for me. God truly provides, at the right time.
Ryan's music performance went pretty well. He definitely was better prepared at the choir one cause at least he did not freeze on stage and was actually enjoying himself singing and doing the motions. Seeing the big kids do the musical afterwards, I actually was moved to tears as they sang their hearts out praising God. Perhaps I was subconciously imagning Ryan being in it one day.
Finally, we are down to counting down days to see Dr. Inouye. I still have bad thoughts but I try not to dwell on it. It's all in His hands anyways. So hope it all goes well. Nowadays, I just need a lemon drink in my hand whenever the hormones kicks in. I am so thankful too that in another week there will be shutdown. I am grateful beyond words for the forced time off; I would have never thought when I went back to work such a thing would be possible. But He made it possible. This part time job is perfect for me at this time. Thank God!
I have also been praying for a couple things consistently.....one is for salvation of my in-laws' family as well as my dad. Another one is for true born again experience for Josh and also for him to have a wife who fears the Lord. I know my dad feels very helpless when it comes to his private life; and I told him that just like me pray for him. I am very frank about that with Josh as well. If he has any fear in the Lord, he would know that God will do something. I just wish he would pursue God with the energy that he pursue the world.
I also try to remember praying for Queenie who is due in a month. What a difference a year makes. We recommended Nathan - Gift of God to mankind for the baby boy's name. Truly he is a gift from above that is meant to comfort them. God surely does not let us go through things beyond what we can endure. Pray for smooth delivery and healthy first year.
I should get back to doing other mindless things to relax before I go to bed.
Karen
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