Missed Opportunities

Do you ever think about those missed opportunities you have had? Do you sometimes have regrets and wish you could go back? Whether it's a lost chance with someone you crushed on or even an assignment that you thought you could have done better only if you worked a bit harder; there is always the question that pops up - What if?

What if I asked him/her out? What if I put more effort and managed my time better?

I don't know who exactly reads my blog, but if you have the time to sit here and read this message, I am sure you have the time to change this attitude. Stop fretting, stop regretting - it's really the past and the sad truth is that we can never go back. It's true, it sucks. At times, I do encounter regrets. What keeps me going though, is the fact that I can look back at those mistakes and think what I can do differently. I sometimes do get angry at myself actually. I need that constant motivation, that push, that drive. But just know, you're not alone.

Just know that ultimately, you are in control of what you want to see in yourself. God has a purpose for you and you have already acquired the greatest opportunity - your life. You still have all the time in your LIFE to make anything you want worthwhile and meaningful.

No doubts, no regrets, and most importantly, get excited :)

Family

No matter what, they won't change.

I'm thankful for that.

Constructive Criticism at its Best.

Today, let's set a goal.

God created us for a reason. 

And for that reason, let's take on a challenge.

For whatever commitment you are in, whether it is your job, your school work, your extra-curriculars, your responsibilities, anything. Whatever you are a part of, give it your all. 

Today, let's make a choice. If I choose to commit to something, I will give it my 110%. I want to be responsible, reliable, and hardworking. 

I received some constructive criticism recently. I reflected on things I'm involved in, and I feel like for each commitment I had, I was not giving my complete efforts. If only I spent two more minutes, the end result may have been different. This is why I'm motivated now. I want to look back and tell myself that I worked my butt off for this. No more laziness, no more procrastination. I will step outside my comfort zone. Will you join me?

Come on, We got this :)

A New Year!

Hello 2013! It seems like I have fallen under the trap of laziness and have stopped blogging for a while. Well, with a new year, this is going to be my new goal: to blog at least weekly.

Right now, as a second year business student, I'm kind of stuck between what I want to do in the future and what I would think would be most practical. Sometimes, I question my choice as a business student. Is this what I want to do? Do I want to immerse myself in this competitive world? How is it possible to help others? How am I going to make a difference?

During the winter break, I went to a winter conference and the keynote speaker was sharing his experiences in the world of business and God. The words that stuck with me were these:

"I used to think I was a businessman who is a Christian. But instead, I would like to consider myself as a Christian who happens to be doing business."

He's right. All this time, I've been thinking of how I can apply my Christian beliefs to business, when in actuality, I am living as a Christian who faces business. No doubt this is going to be difficult. There will be times when the easy way out is to prioritize a bunch of things like work or school over my faith. But what's giving me that push to be different is simple:  I just want to be. I really believe our God can give us the most positive motivation and we don't need other things like wealth or popularity to tell us otherwise. I'm excited to see what's ahead of me and to see how God will use me to show his love, his grace, and his peace to the people in the business world.

I mean, us business kids......we always seem too busy and stressed :p

//

Our Mission

We saw her outside the skytrain station, sitting on the edge of the side walk with bags of scattered personal belongings while looking frazzled with tears in her eyes. My brother in church and I approached her, asking if she needed any help. To be honest, when I first saw her, different thoughts ran across my mind. On one side, I felt a sense of sympathy like I should definitely help her, especially with an identity as a Christian. On the other side, I......judged. There was a part of me that was scared - scared to touch her, scared to communicate - I just didn't know what to expect. 

But then....the first thing she asked us out of everything was, "Are you Christian?". At that moment, I knew God was there - with us. 

Then, an older lady who was a complete stranger walked by, saw this confused woman sitting on the ground, and immediately held her hand and kissed her. I was quite shocked. Here I am, thinking I'm helping this woman, but simultaneously, having judgement towards her? I felt ashamed. 

As I was conversing with this woman, she just couldn't stop crying. You could tell she was so lost, that she felt so alone, so hopeless, so hurt, so empty.

We invited her to come to our church, which fortunately had our services on Saturday nights. In the foyer, we talked, we prayed to Jesus, we held hands, we hugged. I felt like God was opening both of our eyes. For us, we saw the love of Jesus and that we are all his children. It's really hard to believe sometimes that God has made some of us rich or poor or strong or weak, but in the end, we are still His. He created each and every one of us the way he intended and I felt like God was giving me a reminder that because we are all his, I need to stop judging, stop being scared, and trust in Him. 

During the service, she was scrambling. For some reason, she just told me that she couldn't do it anymore. "I am going to kill myself!" were the exact words that came out in shrieks. In shock, I felt extremely helpless. As our pastor was still speaking as this was going on, I did not know what to do. I sat there and prayed. Help God...I don't know what to do. I'm really scared. I don't know what to say. Please do something God.

She got up abruptly and left the worship hall. We followed and tried to calm her down. She was bawling her eyes out. I felt really sad because I really did now know how to make her feel better anymore. She just kept telling me, "I need Jesus...I need Him". I felt like God was really trying to speak to her saying,"You can't give up, you are made for a reason, you are chosen personally and I love you so much".  In the end, the police and ambulance came after - she was taken to the hospital to hopefully get treatment for her unstable condition. 

In a way, I feel like the hospital can only cure so much. God presented to us that this woman had a spiritual yearning. She was seeking something more. Talking to my brothers and sisters after this whole incident, they told me that they were praying to God in the worship hall when this woman was screaming helplessly. It was definitely a spiritual battle - but a battle that God had complete control over. 

After this whole experience, I believe God is giving us a reminder that the need in our community itself.....is huge.

We are the ones that God has personally chosen to help these people.....we can't walk away.

So...Let's not walk away...

¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

Fall

A change in season.

Rain pitter-pattering against the windows...
Leaves falling and being lost amongst the piles...
What is left are the naked branches...
Darkness seals the sky...
And this is fall...

...to remind us that the essence of life is close by.
...only so little ones can jump in them and embrace in laughter.
...revealing the foundation of bareness and authenticity.
...because in darkness is where light is most easily found.
...like every season, filled with hope.