WeWalk 同行

How sweet to return to this sacred space after a short hiatus, wishing all readers a glowing Autumn from the glorious mountains of California!

Tomorrow is Halloween, but there are too many real life horror stories without a need to manufacture another one. As twilight paints an orange burning canvas across the sky setting off my garden avocado, fig and apple trees forming a canopy as if joining hands in solidarity with their outstretched branches, a near-death story raised its tale.

Through the seasons of life, cancer is striking more people at younger ages. “It’s not genetic”, was the relief pronouncement of genetic testing results, which begs the enquiry about environmental and food factors behind 70% of cancer causes in humans. Yet there is hope, illustrated in the attached poem, Avocado Song, written under the discomfort of growing tumors like a brown spotted avocado tree restored to ceaseless praise soaring on eagle’s wings. The triumph of spirit over flesh is a testament to the greater spirit within than that in the world (1 John 4:4).

Mountain living is incredibly blessed with a verdant musical sanctuary themed with grateful birds choruses at dawn, joined by humans mimicking the owl’s hooting under moonlit shadows. Nature’s pharmacy ever so pure and free, in their gentle rustling leaves whisper echoes of mercy, grace, and love. Through seasons of joy and human sorrow, trees bear witness to God’s universal providence while producing fruits in cyclical rotation. Yet the ancient tree does fall sick, and recovers under its Maker’s care. A friend in agricultural science related an interesting fact of being engaged to do human genome research at Caltech because there are similarities between plants and humans. Drawing a parallel between people and plants, may you enjoy “Avocado Song” finding peace in God’s presence through dark and stormy days, and with patient endurance break forth into joy as the DaySpring arises in your hearts!

AVOCADO SONG
(sung to the tune of Let All Things Now Living)

Marvelous brilliant nature
Of trees, flowers, pollinators
Song birds resonating
Ancient notes of earth

Bees like timekeepers
Monarchs fluttering
Deer, cats, bears, eagles
Borderless at play

All but a scrawny tree
Struggling in bendy wind
Lost identity was
Not lost to it’s Maker

Sun-kissed and dewy
Rooted drinking deeply
Sustained, grown, awakened
Brought forth Avocados

Teakettle whistling
Bids people and pets
Repose in nature’s bounty
Munching avocado toast

Resembling God’s creation
We join hearts and hands
Accepting, nurturing
In loving embrace

‘Til you and I raise one
United Benediction
Branch outward, Reach upward
To the march of Harmony

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Marvels in nature brought forth respectful awe as I witness trees on the mountain yielding cyclical bounties by rotation, teaching sustainability lessons that harmonious human friendships are best maintained through reciprocal rotation, like creation’s ecosystem of giving and receiving. Especially poignant was the ecstatic moment when the first giant Hass Avocado made its entrance. Once a scrawny garden tree covered with brown spotted yellowing leaves, nobody knew what kind of tree it was (Matthew 7:20). Gradually, it caught up with the other fruit trees (apple, orange, pomegranate, fig, and more) romanced by bees and butterflies, producing seasonal fruits in abundance while remaining tenaciously rooted under the blue expanse. Last year, the avocado tree withstood a windstorm which toppled outdoor furniture but not a single fruit fell from its branches. This serves as a reminder that if we remain attached to Jesus the Branch, we will be fruitful and God will keep us from falling (Jude 1:24-25).

In the poem, maturity is depicted as branching outward being horizontally inclusive embracing diverse species, and reaching upward being vertically exclusive harnessing one’s God given talents generously blessing the world for His glory.

May the manifold wisdom of God revealed in nature, assure you of His everlasting Love. May simple Faith draw you near to taste of His Grace and Graciousness, Love and Lovingkindness. May you receive eternal life through the Gift of Jesus Christ as unspeakable Joy fills your heart and perfect Peace keeps your mind!
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“O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 「你 們 要 稱 謝 耶 和 華 ， 因 祂本 為 善 ； 祂的 慈 愛 永 遠 長 存 。」 詩 篇 136:1

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 「然 而 ， 敬 虔 加 上 知 足 的 心 便 是 大 利 了」提 摩 太 前 書 6:6

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. “ John 15:4-5 「你 們 要 常 在 我 裡 面 ， 我 也 常 在 你 們 裡 面 。 枝 子 若 不 常 在 葡 萄 樹 上 ， 自 己 就 不 能 結 果 子 ； 你 們 若 不 常 在 我 裡 面 ， 也 是 這 樣 。我 是 葡 萄 樹 ， 你 們 是 枝 子 。 常 在 我 裡 面 的 ， 我 也 常 在 他 裡 面 ， 這 人 就 多 結 果 子 ； 因 為 離 了 我 ， 你 們 就 不 能 做 甚 麼 。」約 翰 福 音15:4-5

“Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
「因 我 們 神 憐 憫 的 心 腸 ， 叫 清 晨 的 日 光 從 高 天 臨 到 我 們 ，要 照 亮 坐 在 黑 暗 中 死 蔭 裡 的 人 ， 把 我 們 的 腳 引 到 平 安 的 路 上 。」路 加 福 音1:78-79

Benediction Arising from My Avocado Tree
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude1:24-25
「那 能 保 守 你 們 不 失 腳 、 叫 你 們 無 瑕 無 疵 、 歡 歡 喜 喜 站 在 他 榮 耀 之 前 的 我 們 的 救 主 ─ 獨 一 的 神 ，願 榮 耀 、 威 嚴 、 能 力 、 權 柄 ， 因 我 們 的 主 耶 穌 基 督 歸 與 他 ， 從 萬 古 以 前 並 現 今 ， 直 到 永 永 遠 遠 。 阿 們 。」猶 大 書1:24-25

Happy Mother’s Day! 感恩母亲节！

Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Wife
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life...She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy...Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness…Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
箴言 31
才 德 的 妇 人 谁 能 得 着 呢 ？她的 价 值 远 胜 过 珍 珠 。她丈 夫 心 里 倚 靠 她， 必 不 缺 少 利 益 ; 她一 生 使 丈 夫 有 益 无 损 。。。她张 手 周 济 困 苦 人 ， 伸 手 帮 补 穷 乏 人 。。。能力 和 威 仪 是 她的 衣 服 ；她想 到 日 後 的 景 况 就 喜 笑 。她开 口 就 发 智 慧 ； 她舌 上 有 仁 慈 的 法 则 。。。她观 察 家 务 ， 并 不 吃 闲饭 。她的 儿 女 起 来 ， 称 她有 福 ； 她的 丈 夫 也 称 赞 她，说：才 德 的 女 子 很 多 ， 惟 独 你 超 过 一 切 。。。艳丽 是 虚 假 的 ， 美 容 是 虚 浮 的 ； 惟 敬 畏 耶 和 华 的 妇 女 必 得 称 赞 。愿她享 受 操 作 所 得 的 ； 愿 她的 工 作 在 城 门 口 荣 耀 她。

Happy Valentine’s ❤️情人节快乐！人日快乐！Sending you a beautiful Scripture in song from 1 John 3:1, “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God!”

Would that terrestrial valentine could interpose between the manger and the Cross, the celestial message of Bethlehem’s starry night accompanied by angels’ song eclipses all loves. Proclamation of “Glory in the Highest”points to the ultimate love gift of God freely available to anyone who believes Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name”.

Of the many kinds of loves, Agape excels all, being God’s everlasting redemptive love for humankind, also manifested as desiring the best for another person. It transcends other human loves between family members (Storge), friends (Phileo), and lovers (Eros). To some, Valentine’s Day evokes sadness from strained relationships, broken promises, oftentimes varying according to changing circumstance in a changing world. The holy image of God marred in a fallen world caused some people to evaluate others like commodities such that love could be overlooked when a suitor uses a scorecard to rate looks/age/wealth/education/health etc., to measure the desirability of a date. For a love that doesn’t fail, turn to Psalm 36:5, “Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds”.

Accessibility is available to all when Jesus was born in a manger and not hidden inside an inn, so that even lowly shepherds in the field could verify by sight the birth announcement of the angelic host. The wonderment of the Son of God who came to redeem sinners, Who rose from the grave being first fruits of the dead, continues to seek and save the lost, lifting the spiritually destitute to become a child of God. In Him, a believer is born again, adopted into God’s family, calling Him “Father in Heaven”, an access not even granted to bright angels (Hebrews 1:5). Today, if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15), but like the shepherds, follow the Star and lay hold on His precious promise “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). For Agape love that never abandons nor changes, put your trust in Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 10:8); for He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 10:5)

One of the most hopeful passages I cherish is a powerful verse from Romans 10:29, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Ponder how often human contracts are breached and pause to give thanks for Omnipotent keeping His own (Jude 1:24-25) in His perfect love. Above delectable chocolates and roses of all hues, I wish you freedom in Jesus’ fragrance, and joyful everlasting love of God transcending all human loves, transporting you into the presence of glory in the Highest! Happy Valentine’s Day!
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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 「神爱世人，甚至把祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生。」约翰福音3:16

Here’s a simple salvation prayer:  https://lp.billygraham.org/find-peace-with-god/

Happy Lunar New Year 2024! 祝大家新年快乐，福杯满溢！「福杯滿溢」（My Cup Overflows）是诗篇23:5充滿信心和力量的一句话，也是大卫经过风霜历练后认上帝为他个人的赐福主。好多人觉得自己的杯总是半满，所以我们必须仰望创造宇宙万能的神，因祂丰盛有余，能满足人心「半空」的渴望。这带我们回到上个月的故事：耶稣是解我们干渴的生命之水。今天，我们翻到马太福音5:3-12，看另一个宝贵的应许也称为八福：

「爱慕公义如饥似渴的人有福了，因为他们必得饱足。
心存怜悯的人有福了，因为他们必蒙上帝的怜悯。」

按照准备过龙历新年的习俗，现在是家家户户大扫除的时候。让我们也借着这个时刻更新自己的心来施行慈善，还清旧债，宽恕过去的错误，辞旧迎新, 成为上帝蒙恩蒙福的子女。

该吃晚饭了，与雨滴落在我橘子树上的节奏同步，送你吉祥的祝福。愿上帝的恩惠慈爱充满你的杯中福，祝你：新年快乐，季水丰收，大吉大利，米桶满满，万事如意，心想事成，阖家平安，福寿双全！

再送你「福」的属灵意思：  https://www.lakeave.org/groups/we-walk/videos/meaning-of-blessing?from=group
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福杯满溢 - 诗篇 23:1-6 (Psalm 23:1-6)
耶和华是我的牧人，我必不会缺乏。他使我躺卧在青草地上，领我到安静的水边。他使我的灵魂苏醒；为了自己的名，他引导我走义路。我虽然行过死荫的山谷，也不怕遭受伤害，因为你与我同在；你的杖你的竿都安慰我。在我敌人面前，你为我摆设筵席；你用油膏了我的头，使我的杯满溢。我一生的日子，必有恩惠慈爱紧随着我；我也要住在耶和华的殿中，直到永远。

以 弗 所 書 1:3-7 (Ephesians 1:3-7)
願 頌 讚 歸 與 我 們 主 耶 穌 基 督 的 父 神 ！ 祂在 基 督 裡 曾 賜 給 我 們 天 上 各 樣 屬 靈 的 福 氣 ：就 如 神 從 創 立 世 界 以 前 ， 在 基 督 裡 揀 選 了 我 們 ， 使 我 們 在 祂面 前 成 為 聖 潔 ， 無 有 瑕 疵 ；又 因 愛 我 們 ， 就 按 著 自 己 意 旨 所 喜 悅 的 ， 預 定 我 們 藉 著 耶 穌 基 督 得 兒 子 的 名 分 ，使 祂榮 耀 的 恩 典 得 著 稱 讚 ； 這 恩 典 是 祂在 愛 子 裡 所 賜 給 我 們 的 。我 們 藉 這 愛 子 的 血 得 蒙 救 贖 ， 過 犯 得 以 赦 免 ， 乃 是 照 祂豐 富 的 恩 典 。

I Will
Scouring through a myriad of New Year Resolutions, some folks in mid-January started calling for a resolution to keep to their Resolutions. Amid widely reported Loneliness Epidemic (NY Times), it is logical to suppose that improving on relationships would top people’s aspirations. So I set up a teatime with our children’s childhood friend, Paddington Bear. To recapture some of his exuberance, optimism, resilience, and childish glee.

Paddington at the Fair
God’s faithfulness always ordered nature in successive seasons, never a Spring skipping a Winter. In the imaginations of human minds, some dwell too long in bleak wintry weather while others race ahead into Summer like today’s Chatty Chair session in January with Paddington on his Carousel adventure at the summer Fair. Startled by his honesty that riding the carousel is a very quick way of spending money travelling to nowhere, I wondered how many resolute human pursuits bear no eternal significance, erased when Time shall be no more.

Showing a page of Charles Spurgeon’s “Morning and Evening” book to compare notes with Paddington’s, it seems that the best thrill is to adventure through God’s Will in one’s life. While many strive to build their “kingdoms” on earth, wrapping one’s heart around objects of worldly desires motivated by pride/vanity/indolence/avarice would further drive a person to work harder, not realizing the futility of chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Jesus invites us to Rest in Him, Drink from Him who plenteously and freely gives to quench the soul’s thirst, for the All-Sufficient is our Surety. The Masterpiece of all God’s Promises is that God Almighty will be your God, guiding and providing in love and mercy revealed in the beautiful “I Will” chapter of Isaiah 41:
· I will strengthen you. (Isaiah 41:10)
· I will help you. (Isaiah 41:10, 13, and 14)
· I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
· I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth. (Isaiah 41:15)
· I will open rivers in desolate heights. (Isaiah 41:18)
· I will make the wilderness a pool of water. (Isaiah 41:18)
· I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree. (Isaiah 41:19)
· I will set in the desert the cypress tree. (Isaiah 41:19)

Looking on eagerly, Tabby cat politely asked for a piece of Paddington’s shortbread biscuit which he happily shared. Apologizing for forgetting his favorite Marmalade left in the kitchen, I offered tree-fresh oranges for him to take home to make a jar of jam. Just like what our school teachers used to say, we are animated chatterboxes but should this lesson be missing from your textbook, remember that more satisfying than today’s friendly teatime, Jesus invites all who are thirsty to Drink and receive the Water of Life. Anyone can drink; drinking represents a reception for which no fitness is required. May you receive the Bread of Life, drink from the flowing Fountain, rest in God’s immutable Promises, enjoy heaven on earth becoming like Christ in this resolution, “In my flesh I will see God.” Job 19:26. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year in body, mind, and spirit!
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“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” John 7:37 「節 期 的 末 日 ， 就 是 最 大 之 日 ， 耶 穌 站 著 高 聲 說 ： 人 若 渴 了 ， 可 以 到 我 這 裡 來 喝 。」約 翰 福 音 7:37

“I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”Jeremiah 31:33 「我 要 將 我 的 律 法 放 在 他 們 裡 面 ， 寫 在 他 們 心 上 。 我 要 作 他 們 的 神 ， 他 們 要 作 我 的 子 民 。」耶 利 米 書 31:33

“And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:26 「我 這 皮 肉 滅 絕 之 後 ， 我 必 在 肉 體 之 外 得 見 神 。」約 伯 記 19:26

“Worship the LORD with gladness.” Psalm 100:2 「你 們 當 樂 意 事 奉 耶 和 華 ， 當 來 向 他 歌 唱 ！」詩 篇 100:2

Carousel of Doors from Beverly Hills to Pasadena, California 旋转门
“Welcome in!” Once a year, the sparkle of glistening tinsels sheds its magical glow as a series of Christmas invitations swirls me through revolving doors changing from simple charity ones to ornate club doors leading to sumptuous parties of sorts.

Last night was a special Christmas dinner celebrating friendships spanning two decades. Within the storied Jewel in the Crown of Caltech, we were enamored over the passionate life story of the first inventor of electric car using lithium ion battery. More captivating is the inventor’s adherence to the First Two Principles in the Bible when applying complex equations to solving problems benefiting humankind:

Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Momentarily, I sensed the splendor of heaven touching earth, radiating the beauty of Jesus through the testimony of a born again soul embraced by divine Love which came down on Christmas. Like the first Noel when the curtain in the night sky rolled back revealing the glory of heralding angels whose constant presence veiled mortal eyes could not perceive until then. Guided by the Star of Bethlehem, shepherds believing the angelic message had their faith rewarded in being among the first eyes to behold the Christ Child. May Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8:12), illumine your life as you open your heart’s door to welcome in the Lamb of God who came to seek and save one lost sheep.

This Christmas, as we enter and exit a carousel of doors through malls, office parties, and homes, may we find the True Way and wander no more as Sheep and Shepherd are reconciled through Jesus the Door (John 10:7) leading into green pastures. May the Messiah’s gentle invitation, “Come to Me” Matthew 11:28), be your Greatest Gift as you lay aside worldly ambitions and the pressure of tomorrow, coming home to the Shepherd King who gives Peace beyond understanding, Joy overflowing, and Life everlasting. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 圣诞快乐！

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth, and Mercy mild,
Sheep and Shepherd reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th'angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
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Luke 2:1-20
Christ Born of Mary
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

路 加 福 音 2:1-20
 當 那 些 日 子 ， 該 撒 亞 古 士 督 有 旨 意 下 來 ， 叫 天 下 人 民 都 報 名 上 冊 。這 是 居 里 扭 作 敘 利 亞 巡 撫 的 時 候 ， 頭 一 次 行 報 名 上 冊 的 事 。眾 人 各 歸 各 城 ， 報 名 上 冊 。約 瑟 也 從 加 利 利 的 拿 撒 勒 城 上 猶 太 去 ， 到 了 大 衛 的 城 ， 名 叫 伯 利 恆 ， 因 他 本 是 大 衛 一 族 一 家 的 人 ，要 和 他 所 聘 之 妻 馬 利 亞 一 同 報 名 上 冊 。 那 時 馬 利 亞 的 身 孕 已 經 重 了 。他 們 在 那 裡 的 時 候 ， 馬 利 亞 的 產 期 到 了 ，就 生 了 頭 胎 的 兒 子 ， 用 布 包 起 來 ， 放 在 馬 槽 裡 ， 因 為 客 店 裡 沒 有 地 方 。在 伯 利 恆 之 野 地 裡 有 牧 羊 的 人 ， 夜 間 按 著 更 次 看 守 羊 群 。有 主 的 使 者 站 在 他 們 旁 邊 ， 主 的 榮 光 四 面 照 著 他 們 ； 牧 羊 的 人 就 甚 懼 怕 。那 天 使 對 他 們 說 ： 不 要 懼 怕 ！ 我 報 給 你 們 大 喜 的 信 息 ， 是 關 乎 萬 民 的 ；因 今 天 在 大 衛 的 城 裡 ， 為 你 們 生 了 救 主 ， 就 是 主 基 督 。你 們 要 看 見 一 個 嬰 孩 ， 包 著 布 ， 臥 在 馬 槽 裡 ， 那 就 是 記 號 了 。忽 然 ， 有 一 大 隊 天 兵 同 那 天 使 讚 美 神 說 ：
在 至 高 之 處 榮 耀 歸 與 神 ！ 在 地 上 平 安 歸 與 他 所 喜 悅 的 人 ！眾 天 使 離 開 他 們 ， 升 天 去 了 。 牧 羊 的 人 彼 此 說 ： 我 們 往 伯 利 恆 去 ， 看 看 所 成 的 事 ， 就 是 主 所 指 示 我 們 的 。他 們 急 忙 去 了 ， 就 尋 見 馬 利 亞 和 約 瑟 ， 又 有 那 嬰 孩 臥 在 馬 槽 裡 ；既 然 看 見 ， 就 把 天 使 論 這 孩 子 的 話 傳 開 了 。凡 聽 見 的 ， 就 詫 異 牧 羊 之 人 對 他 們 所 說 的 話 。馬 利 亞 卻 把 這 一 切 的 事 存 在 心 裡 ， 反 復 思 想 。牧 羊 的 人 回 去 了 ， 因 所 聽 見 所 看 見 的 一 切 事 ， 正 如 天 使 向 他 們 所 說 的 ， 就 歸 榮 耀 與 神 ， 讚 美 他 。

Thanksgiving Spotlight: Advice from a Pomegranate Tree
“Thank You for your friendship!”. Irresistibly juicy Royal Riveria pears are now in season, tantalizing the palate with intensely sweet and buttery soft textures. Perfected with delicate finishing touches, hand wrapped pears tucked into beautiful wooden crates freshly delivered to doorsteps prompted a flood of appreciation notes popping up on my computer screen. The sound of Thanksgiving is in the air.

Sight - Natural Ornaments
Bringing the outdoors into my study, large window panes framed trellised grapes situated next to shrubs of pomegranates, conjuring images of decorative ornaments on Christmas trees. Displaying red globes contrasting against bright yellow leaves perched on sculpturally twisted trunks, the pomegranate tree adds visual interest to any garden landscape. The sight of Thanksgiving is in the air.

Smell - Life Giving Nature
Marvels in nature brought forth respectful awe as I witness trees on the mountain yielding cyclical bounties by rotation, teaching sustainability lessons that human friendships are best maintained through reciprocal rotation, like creation’s ecosystem of giving and receiving. Warming my fingers around a cup of comforting hot apple cider with cinnamon concocted from last month’s apple harvest, a gratitude song escaped my lips for the generous circle of life embracing humankind. The scent of Thanksgiving fills the air.

Surpassing Gift
Browsing festive catalogs of year-end Gifting received yesterday, tempting goods and services ranging from sparkling baubles, exquisite treasure island experiences, jetting around the world savoring culinary fares, once-in-a-lifetime appearance on the Opera stage, to a million dollars curated futuristic vehicle, promise to bring holiday cheer. You know your heart is satisfied, when wandering eyes could not stir a wondering heart immersed in the beauty among God’s nature. When woodlands communion turns into a sanctuary teeming with floral and fauna dressed better than Solomon’s magnificence, one’s soul is awakened to the surpassing gift of gazing on the glory of Jesus, while all other worldly attractions pale in comparison.

Taste - Highest Order
Faith is said to be the highest order of human senses represented by taste. Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the person who trusts in Him!”. Casting a spotlight on the pomegranate ripening in the backyard, I thought to share a special way of appropriating this fruit of heaven. After numerous comical episodes dodging bursting red juices when laying a knife on a pomegranate, I tried a kinder method which a friend who owned tropical plantations once taught me…how to eat a mangosteen like the locals. Without using a knife, hold a pomegranate upside down between your palms, apply firm pressure until a fissure opens across the fruit through the bottom dot, revealing hundreds of glistening ruby red jewels. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, the pomegranate juice promotes health and beauty besides embodying symbolisms of purity and fertility lauded in holy books, borne on ancient coins, and universally crowning the songs of lovers.

Advice from a Pomegranate Tree
Sending you Happy Thanksgiving wishes in the attached photos. Innumerable lessons from cultivating a pomegranate tree can be applied to nurturing human relationships. Instead of expecting others to fulfill one’s wish or to complete one’s inadequacy, aspire to experience the meaning of “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) by hosting free gatherings inviting strangers. Surrender to God as channels of His boundless grace to build a better world. Like the showy vibrant orange trumpet blooms during flowering season, be bold in revitalizing one’s surroundings, ready to be transformed into a mature red fruit while retaining its coronet. Effortlessly rest thereafter without worrying as the total shedding of leaves in Winter is necessary for a new cycle to begin next Spring. Inevitably, there are times when during the growing phase, a toxic relationship needs to be severed like pruning a plant, but staying resilient would ultimately yield a healthier harvest. Sharing Advice from my Pomegranate Tree:
Be well-rounded
Celebrate colorfully and rest quietly
Drink deeply from the earth
Enjoy your natural beauty
Give generously to nourish others

May the manifold wisdom of God revealed in nature assure you of His everlasting Love. May simple Faith draw you near to taste of His goodness. Surpassing any earthly longevity elixirs of this world, may you receive eternal life through the Gift of Jesus Christ as unspeakable Joy fills your heart and perfect Peace keeps your mind!
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“O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 「你 們 要 稱 謝 耶 和 華 ， 因 祂本 為 善 ； 祂的 慈 愛 永 遠 長 存 。」 詩 篇 136:1

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 「然 而 ， 敬 虔 加 上 知 足 的 心 便 是 大 利 了」提 摩 太 前 書 6:6

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 「 感 謝 神 ， 因 祂有 說 不 盡 的 恩 賜 ！」。歌 林 多 後 書 9:15，

”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 「神爱世人，甚至把祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生。」约翰福音3:16

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 「因 為 罪 的 工 價 乃 是 死 ； 惟 有 神 的 恩 賜 ， 在 我 們 的 主 基 督 耶 穌 裡 ， 乃 是 永 生 。」羅 馬 書 6:23，

“And upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around. “ Exodus 28:33-34 「袍 子 周 圍 底 邊 上 要 用 藍 色 、 紫 色 、 朱 紅 色 線 做 石 榴 。 在 袍 子 周 圍 的 石 榴 中 間 要 有 金 鈴 鐺 ：一 個 金 鈴 鐺 一 個 石 榴 ， 一 個 金 鈴 鐺 一 個 石 榴 ， 在 袍 子 周 圍 的 底 邊 上 。」出 埃 及 記 28:33-34

“Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs.” Numbers 13:23 「 他 們 到 了 以 實 各 谷 ， 從 那 裡 砍 了 葡 萄 樹 的 一 枝 ， 上 頭 有 一 掛 葡 萄 ， 兩 個 人 用 杠 抬 著 ， 又 帶 了 些 石 榴 和 無 花 果 來 。」民 數 記 13:23

Enchanting California Wildlife Encounter under Full Moon
Our gaze locked as time stood still, a serenity like eternity. Mutually enchanted with a mysterious familiarity, our eyes gleamed under a row of moonlit evergreen trees. A deer adorned with majestic antlers gently checked me out while I was taking out the trash last night. Approaching him speaking softly, the resonance of a tender voice broke the silence on the mountain like a queen of the forest; forgetting that I was donned in a leopard print robe…a creature stranger to the deer than his sudden appearance was to me. Regally, the buck’s silhouette trotted into the cover of darkness among my rose orchard where he loves to dine with his doe.

Singing “O give me a home, where the deer does roam”, what some poets may term “Rose Thief” is in my vocabulary, a four-legged gardener helping prune rose bushes. Often consoling myself over the disappearance of blooms needed to fill a vase when entertaining friends, I marveled at how the white spotted deer resembles the beauty of white rose petals it freely consumes copiously. Yes, wildlife do not recognize property rights, terms of endearment within shared space make them a delight to behold, nature’s ecosystem educating all on harmonious living for a flourishing world.

Mid-Autumn Festival + Formula 1
Illuminating the night sky outshining all solar pathway lanterns, the harvest moon witnesses beyond chance encounters, thousands of joyous planned reunions across the globe. Celebrated as the second most important festival among Asian communities feasting on autumn fruits, bountiful produce, and mooncakes symbolizing wholeness and family reunion, September’s Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore tops with creative storytelling elevating the experiences of F1 enthusiasts from around the world spending extended vacation in one of the priciest cities on earth curating some of the most unforgettable memories!

Priceless Eternal Reunion
There is a reunion of people called out from all nations, planned by our Heavenly Father who created the moon, stars, sun, and humans in His image. The image of God in humans marred by sin causes eternal separation more painful than the temporal separation of friends and lovers looking to the full moon for solace. The price of salvation has been paid in full by Jesus, who died for our sins on the Cross, and rose again that we might live holy lives. To receive the free gift of salvation for new life in Christ, see   https://peacewithgod.net/steps for steps to Peace with God.

Far superior to being on the “safe list” in the above majestic deer encounter, may you be found in the glorious “Saved List” in the Lamb’s Book of Life blessed with a priceless eternal reunion with God, Who rejoices to do you good as the Bridegroom rejoices over His Bride (Jeremiah 32:41). 愿今年2023的中秋，大家能在主内像被蒙慈 爱 的 儿 女 联想基督的盼望。祝你蒙恩蒙福，与上帝永恒团圆，中秋节快乐！Wishing you a joyous Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2023!
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“Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 「耶 穌 說 我 就 是 道 路 、 真 理 、 生 命 ； 若 不 藉 著 我 ， 沒 有 人 能 到 父 那 裡 去 。」約 翰 福 音14:6

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
「 神 愛 世 人 ， 甚 至 將 他 的 獨 生 子 賜 給 他 們 ， 叫 一 切 信 他 的 ， 不 至 滅 亡 ， 反 得 永 生 。」約 翰 福 音 3:16

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 「聖 靈 所 結 的 果 子 ， 就 是 仁 愛 、 喜 樂 、 和 平 、 忍 耐 、 恩 慈 、 良 善 、 信 實 、溫 柔 、 節 制 。 這 樣 的 事 沒 有 律 法 禁 止 。」加 拉 太 書 5:22-23

“…I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.” Jeremiah 32:41 「我 必 欢 喜 施 恩 与 他 们 ， 要 尽 心 尽 意 、 诚 诚 实 实 将 他 们 栽 於 此 地 。」耶 利 米 書 32:41

“Practice Hospitality” Romans 12:13 “客 要 一 味 的 款 待 “ 羅 馬 書12:13
Captivated by a surprise graceful beauty fanning bright orange wings laced with black stripes, I whispered a prayer for the rare monarch butterfly whose company I missed today…for a good reason. Today is a special Rest day as the pitter-patter of raindrops played a soothing lullaby. Times of refreshing, augmented by rounds of water music permeating the mountain community, restore and rejuvenate creatures and creation inhabiting this lush California habitat since time immemorial.

Sipping fragrant floral tea received from a cherished friend, I wondered what stories filled the monarch butterfly’s pilgrimage as happiness welled in my heart for this cultivated garden being its chosen destination. Folklore has it that a monarch butterfly symbolizes transformation, renewal, spiritual growth, or a new beginning. Yet not a secret sojourn, for a kaleidoscope of butterflies had been performing their flower dances with birds and bees, seemingly to render gratitude for the hospitality they enjoy.

Hospitality Begins in the Garden
The Greek word for hospitality is “philoxenia”, which translates, “love of strangers.” Hospitality is not an extension of wealth, it is an extension of self. It involves giving one’s time, resources, labor, and heart, creating positive impact without expecting anything in return. In its highest form, it is Agape love in action (Matthew 11:9, Hebrews 13: 1-2). Interestingly, cultivating one’s heart garden emanates love towards nature and humanity alike. Seasonal fruits encircling the songs of birds enhance friendships enabling the spirit of benevolence to extend her hand of fellowship from August’s gleaning post to September and beyond!

Crowning the fellowship with friends over chatter and laughter browsing fruit orchards, an ever present Friend is there to commune with anyone whose mind and heart lifts heavenward. Speaking words of comfort, peace, and joy, God the Creator reveals His faithful love for humankind through the manifold wonders of His handiwork. However, when one chooses self-autonomy over God’s ways, sin separates from the Creator. The way back to God is to accept Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord because He is the Way through the Door into green pastures, the Light of the Truth, and the Water of Life.

Unending Hospitality
Autumn Weddings tinged with golden harvests at their peak serve up the best sumptuous banquets. There is a Marriage Supper of the Lamb far excelling human imagination, prepared by God the Father for those who by faith receive Christ as their Redeemer. As many as have been the spiritual invitations shared over inspirationally beautiful posts, have you responded by entering into mutual possession declared in Song of Solomon 2:16, “My beloved is mine, and I am His”? See  https://peacewithgod.net/steps/ for steps to Peace with God. May the below melody of love ring in your heart so crystal clear, that the songs of birds and hum of raindrops would hush in awe of such matchless relationship, that God on high would love frail humans, elevating us to co-heirs with Jesus Christ Our Righteousness! May gentleness, kindness, goodness, sweetness, free generosity, the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, dwell in your heart! God Loves You!

Hymn “In the Image of God”
In the image of God we were made long ago,
With a purpose divine, here His glory to show
But we failed Him one day, and like sheep went astray
Thinking not of the cost, we His likeness had lost.

But from eternity God had in mind
The Cross of Calvary the lost to find
From His Heaven so broad, Christ came down earth to trod
So that we might live again in the image of God.

Now that I have believed and the Saviour received
Now that I from the cry of my guilt am relieved
I will live for my Lord, not for gain or reward
But for love, thinking of what His grace has restored.

Such a Saviour I’ll praise, to the end of my days, as I upward onward trod, in the image of God.
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1 John 4:8 “God is Love” 約翰一書 4:8 ”神就是愛”

Leviticus 19:34 - "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." 利未記 19:34 “和 你 們 同 居 的 外 人 、 你 們 要 看 他 如 本 地 人 一 樣 、 並 要 愛 他 如 己 、 因 為 你 們 在 埃 及 地 也 作 過 寄 居 的 ． 我 是 耶 和 華 你 們 的 　 神”

Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." 希 伯 來 書 13:2 “不可 忘 記 用 愛 心 接 待 客 旅 ； 因 為 曾 有 接 待 客 旅 的 ， 不 知 不 覺 就 接 待 了 天 使 。”

John 14:6 - Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”約 翰 福 音14:6 - 「耶 穌 說 我 就 是 道 路 、 真 理 、 生 命 ； 若 不 藉 著 我 ， 沒 有 人 能 到 父 那 裡 去 。」

John 11:25 - Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die”. 約 翰 福 音11:25 - 「耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 復 活 在 我 ， 生 命 也 在 我 。 信 我 的 人 雖 然 死 了 ， 也 必 復 活 」

Romans 10:9 - ”If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 罗马书 - 「你若口里认耶稣为主，心里信神使他从死人中复活，就必得救。」

Song of Solomon 2 :16 - “My beloved is mine, and I am His” 雅歌2:16 - 「我的良人属我，我也属他」

Happy August! Transitions abound in this beautiful month saying goodbye to Summer, preparing for back-to-school, and reaping crops of many colored hues. Boughs of blushing apples and canopies of green grapevines make their entrances as bakers busy themselves curating fresh recipes. A friend once asked how do I keep birds away from my Apple tree? The spontaneous answer was: nature’s bounty yielded plentifully for all, so I need not veil the tree with wedding chiffon! Living in harmony communing with nature, much gladness wells within the soul watching birds of the air nibble at the high fruits while I eat the low hanging ones…did someone mention bear cubs satiated with juicy apples also enjoy napping under the shady tree?

More delightful than watching real-time mini movies of creatures thriving in their habitats, the aroma of garden-to-table bakery treats whipped up in the above paragraph diffuses to multiply happiness shared among kindred hearts envisioned thus:
‘Twas there at bright noontime
‘Midst chatter and laughter
I first met some dear friends
The joy of my heart

Gleanings
Recognizing that all good gifts proceed from Heaven, this month of August is primed for gleaning, embodying virtues of strength, beauty, and family. Attaching photo stories of Charles Spurgeon’s “Morning & Evening” gleaning devotional on the Book of Ruth. Always a favorite romance story, I frequently pray a Kinsman-Redeemer blessing for friends and family. In the motions of everyday life, change (notice the little triangle emblematic of change/delta🔺in the first letter of A(ugust)) or life transitions spanning relocation, death, income loss, family responsibilities, are not inconsequential to a loving God. The short story of Ruth carries a splendid message, encouraging any reader to align one’s will in obedience to God who has a bigger plan for each person. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”


Margin
Gleanings can be practiced as incorporating a Margin of Kindness. Leviticus 19 states, “…leave gleanings for the needy, the stranger, the orphan, the widow…I am the Lord your God.” How does one apply the principle of gleaning in contemporary society or in urban cities where farming is not the primary factor of production? Sharing spaces, bringing food to the aged/sick/needy are common examples. A key test of character is often unseen in the gratuity we leave for servers within a tiny folder or on a digital payment device. A simple lesson in the Bible teaches people to leave gleanings for reapers while allowing land owners to decide on the width of the margin. More than an act of compassion or justice, providing a wide berth from intakes to benefit society is a fruit of holiness acknowledging God as the Lord of Providence. The language of food in social/sensory/seasonal dimensions is intricately interwoven with Divine Providence as Ruth’s story began in famine and was led to satisfaction from the fruits of the land and of the womb. If there’s a positive change August augurs for me, it’s a heart cultivated on God’s soil of Love, blessing others as channels of our Maker’s unchanging Love.

Triangle of Intimacy
Drawing closer to God has the effect of drawing people more intimately towards each other illustrated in the narrowing distance between 2 points as one ascends from the base to the pinnacle of 🔺 , the little triangle with a powerful impact in the first letter A for August. Wishing you ceaseless praise through life’s meandering course. May the tripartite unison of nature and people praising God inspire new songs like the lines penned in para 2 above to the tune of “Let All Things Now Living” :

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
 To God the Creator triumphantly raise.

Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
 Who still guides us on to the end of our days.

His banners are o'er us, His light goes before us,
 A pillar of fire shining forth in the night. 

Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished
 As forward we travel from light into Light.



His law He enforces, the stars in their courses 
And sun in its orbit obediently shine;

The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim Him divine.

We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;
 With glad adoration a song let us raise

Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:
 “To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!"

Happy 4th of July from intergalactic adventures at an Outer Space VBS week! Shining the Freedom Light took on a special meaning during Sunday morning service at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena.

The Truth Shall Make You Free (John 8:31,32,36)
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” 「耶 穌 說 ： 你 們 若 常 常 遵 守 我 的 道 ， 就 真 是 我 的 門 徒 ；你 們 必 曉 得 真 理 ， 真 理 必 叫 你 們 得 以 自 由 。。。天 父 的 兒 子 若 叫 你 們 自 由 ， 你 們 就 真 自 由 了 。」約 翰 福 音 8:31，32，36

Happy Father’s Day! 父亲节快乐！What if Dad could enjoy a well-deserved rest indulging in all his favorite pastimes in the great outdoors? Suddenly encountering a Kodak moment at the glaciers of College Fjords, dreams of junior finishing education reflected his fatherly responsibilities against the magical quietude of turquoise waters; vision of chasing a grizzly bear making off with his backpack stuffed with BBQ burgers and wild salmon seemed to take flight as a float plane buzzed to rest at his vacation home accessible via antique trains. Amazingly, all these thrills were God-sighting moments experienced in the weeks leading up to Father’s Day, compacted into an original greeting eCard attached here for you! Of the many sorts of happiness found in career, recreation, and relationships, the happiest gift a father could give his child is to love the mother well, and to be the family’s guiding light walking in the righteous path designed by God, invoking blessings from above practicing the LORD’s Prayer. Wishing you a Happy Father’s Day from Matthew 6:9-13:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

你 們 禱 告 要 這 樣 說 ： 我 們 在 天 上 的 父 ： 願 人 都 尊 你 的 名 為 聖 。願 你 的 國 降 臨 ； 願 你 的 旨 意 行 在 地 上 ， 如 同 行 在 天 上 。我 們 日 用 的 飲 食 ， 今 日 賜 給 我 們 。免 我 們 的 債 ， 如 同 我 們 免 了 人 的 債 。不 叫 我 們 遇 見 試 探 ； 救 我 們 脫 離 兇 惡 。因 為 國 度 、 權 柄 、 榮 耀 ， 全 是 你 的 ， 直 到 永 遠 。 阿 們 ! (馬 太 福 音6:9-13)

Happy Summer wishes from the Land of the Midnight Sun! Experiencing prolonged daylight at 2 a.m. means increased productivity where icy river thaws and greenery blankets mountain slopes. Save for snow-capped summits ever beckoning explorers with exhilarating vistas, abundant wildlife, and forget-me-not. Denali, the highest mountain in North America, is said to be the most strenuous of the Seven Summits in the world, requiring climbers to possess advanced glacier skills. During June’s peak travel and celebratory season, may you reach your next summit soaring on eagle’s wings (Isaiah 40:31) while resting under the wings of God (Psalm 91:1).

This morning, I woke up with a song in my heart: “He has done great things, bless His Holy Name.” Wondering what the corresponding Scripture reference might be, I started daily devotion turning to Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening which is freely available online. Imagine what delight greeted my eyes when today’s verse echoed the tune on my lips: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3. Innumerable things God has done for us greatly lifted us out of difficulties within and without, placing us on a higher Rock, making us more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37).

Sending you a spectacular picture captured in motion, an engineering feat of a glass-domed train crossing a bridge over water, set against the majestic Denali mountain in Alaska. Prospectors panning for gold in the streams and creeks within Denali National Park seek expectantly to find their treasures, bringing to mind another diligence exhorted in John 5:39, “Search the Scriptures." The Greek word “search” in this verse means to seek closely, patiently, persistently, curiously…such as miners searching for gold. From the valley to the summit of Life, one who searches the Bible like miners searching for hidden gold, will find their journey rewarded with immense joy.

Whether one is graduating into a new career, a higher rung in academic pursuit, or another chapter in life, may you grow from strength to Strength searching the Scriptures, may the Holy Spirit illumine hidden treasures glowing with splendors of revelation, and may your path be paved with the refined gold of Faith. May Hope raise your spirit above earthly summits with eyes fixed on Jesus, and may Love Divine breathed from cover to cover in the Bible lead you to finding salvation in Christ, your everlasting possession on earth and in Heaven. As the sun brings life and nourishment to earth’s inhabitants like a free ranging moose munching on birch leaves, or a bear feeding on wild salmon and giant blueberries, may the Son of God satisfy your soul at all times in all places!
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“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 「但 那 等 候 耶 和 華 的 必 從 新 得 力 。 他 們 必 如 鷹 展 翅 上 騰 ； 他 們 奔 跑 卻 不 困 倦 ， 行 走 卻 不 疲 乏 。」以 賽 亞 書40:31

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 「住 在 至 高 者 隱 密 處 的 ， 必 住 在 全 能 者 的 蔭 下 。我 要 論 到 耶 和 華 說 ： 祂是 我 的 避 難 所 ， 是 我 的 山 寨 ， 是 我 的 神 ， 是 我 所 倚 靠 的 。」詩 篇 91:1-2

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3「耶 和 華 果 然 為 我 們 行 了 大 事 ， 我 們 就 歡 喜 。」詩 篇 126:3

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 「 然 而 ， 靠 著 愛 我 們 的 主 ， 在 這 一 切 的 事 上 已 經 得 勝 有 餘 了 。」羅 馬 書8:37

“Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39 「你 們 應 當 查 考 聖 經 ， 因 你 們 以 為 內 中 有 永 生 ； 給 我 作 見 證 的 就 是 這 經 。」約 翰 福 音 5:39

Happy May: Collaboration -> Sum of Two Love Vectors
This month of May is one of the most joyous times of the year bursting with flowers after April showers. Celebrations of sorts abound from Graduation to Wedding, Birthday and Vacation, crowned by Mother’s Day!

Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day! 母亲节快乐！
Early preparation for one of the most cherished celebrations around the world speaks volumes of the great love of our First Influencers. Lauded in countless poems and songs, Proverbs 31 values her far above rubies; her trustworthiness and wise compassion etched lasting legacy for generations to come.

Of the many creative energies breathed into gorgeous photo-essays shared with everyone, my Mother’s Day card remains the same. Purified with droplets of gratitude on Mother’s first Anniversary after being called Home to Heaven, a blooming hibiscus resulting from the extraordinary collaboration in nature carried comforting messages of nourishment as edible petals laden with rich flavonoids and antioxidants testify to the unfailing mercy and goodness of our Heavenly Father.

Years ago, as Mother was being ushered into Heaven to join the angels’ choruses, I had the honor to pen a Tribute in her memorial bulletin:
“As God welcomes home one great angel called Mother, we will carry on her legacy of love on earth until our family reunites in Heaven. Thank you, Mummy, for loving us with all you have so that your children and grandchildren and great grandchildren yet to come can continue to succeed in your footsteps. We will forever love you and remember to honor God through living good lives of service to family and society, remembering that life on earth is a rehearsal for Heaven where someday we’ll meet again and be together forever.”

It was a deeply moving moment when the minister read those words during her funeral service which was also a celebration of life cheered by the lyrics of her chosen hymn:
All the way my Savior leads me–
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Collaboration -> Sum of Two Vectors, Higher Plane
One of Mother’s strongest character traits is Hospitality variously practiced as compassion, empathy, generosity, elevating others in a gentle spirit illuminated by God’s Word. Like a coefficient of Truth, her actionable love transferred life enriching lessons of Collaboration, like a light shining in darkness bringing peace and unity through God honoring deeds. Collaboration is to experience the meaning of life through the convergence of people with different giftings, constructing shared meanings in common situations, growing progressively through cumulative integrated relationships. Better than applying soft skills, the best Collaboration partner should endeavor to exercise Faith building virtues culminating in Love (2 Peter 1:5-8). To mentally conceptualize this, I visualize Collaboration in simple form as the Sum of Two Vectors on a plane. Beyond a two dimensional plane, the resultant third vector of spiritual collaboration in obedience to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission has the transcendent power to rise above the third-dimension to even beyond time, bearing spiritual rewards in heaven (Revelation 22:12).

Prayers for May
May we honor the past, cherish the present, and embrace the future by building on Christlike virtues of mothers who had gone before us, celebrating the vitality of mothers present in our lives, and may new mothers-to-be bask resplendently in the joy of life! May every Mother’s Day Brunch in town be a family love story graced with the magnificent beauty of this flowery season! May God’s light guide you, may His love enfold you, may you dwell in His presence joyfully! Happy Mother’s Day from Proverbs 31!
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1 John 3:18 - “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 「孩子们哪，我们相爱，不要只在言语或舌头上，总要以行为和真诚表现出来。」约翰一书3:18

“Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 「耶 穌 說 我 就 是 道 路 、 真 理 、 生 命 ； 若 不 藉 著 我 ， 沒 有 人 能 到 父 那 裡 去 。」約 翰 福 音14:6

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” John 11:25. 「耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 復 活 在 我 ， 生 命 也 在 我 。 信 我 的 人 雖 然 死 了 ， 也 必 復 活 」約 翰 福 音11:25

“…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. “ 2 Peter 1:5-8 「正 因 這 緣 故 ， 你 們 要 分 外 地 殷 勤 ； 有 了 信 心 ， 又 要 加 上 德 行 ； 有 了 德 行 ， 又 要 加 上 知 識 ；有 了 知 識 ， 又 要 加 上 節 制 ； 有 了 節 制 ， 又 要 加 上 忍 耐 ； 有 了 忍 耐 ， 又 要 加 上 虔 敬 ；有 了 虔 敬 ， 又 要 加 上 愛 弟 兄 的 心 ； 有 了 愛 弟 兄 的 心 ， 又 要 加 上 愛 眾 人 的 心 ；你 們 若 充 充 足 足 的 有 這 幾 樣 ， 就 必 使 你 們 在 認 識 我 們 的 主 耶 穌 基 督 上 不 至 於 閒 懶 不 結 果 子 了 。」彼 得 後 書 1:5-8

Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Wife
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life...She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy...Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness…Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
箴言 31
才 德 的 妇 人 谁 能 得 着 呢 ？她的 价 值 远 胜 过 珍 珠 。她丈 夫 心 里 倚 靠 她， 必 不 缺 少 利 益 ; 她一 生 使 丈 夫 有 益 无 损 。。。她张 手 周 济 困 苦 人 ， 伸 手 帮 补 穷 乏 人 。。。能力 和 威 仪 是 她的 衣 服 ；她想 到 日 後 的 景 况 就 喜 笑 。她开 口 就 发 智 慧 ； 她舌 上 有 仁 慈 的 法 则 。。。她观 察 家 务 ， 并 不 吃 闲饭 。她的 儿 女 起 来 ， 称 她有 福 ； 她的 丈 夫 也 称 赞 她，说：才 德 的 女 子 很 多 ， 惟 独 你 超 过 一 切 。。。艳丽 是 虚 假 的 ， 美 容 是 虚 浮 的 ； 惟 敬 畏 耶 和 华 的 妇 女 必 得 称 赞 。愿她享 受 操 作 所 得 的 ； 愿 她的 工 作 在 城 门 口 荣 耀 她。

Happy Easter! He is Risen! 复活节快乐！
This month of April is said to derive its name from the Latin verb aperio, which signifies to open, and we are at the gate of the flowery year! Whatever new beginnings happening wherever, the inescapable message in nature says, “It is time to seek the LORD.” Hosea 10:12. Whenever I feel the wind making branches wave like children did on Palm Sunday yesterday, today’s rustle atop balmy mountain assures God’s presence is near. Wafting in the air, a cloud of pollen scattered every which way reminding one of the preceding teaching to “Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy”.

The present is ever the time to seek the Lord. The Rhythm of Life experienced in the undulating balance between the temporal and the permanent, in Time, continues from earlier posts: “Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the Day of Salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2. Sending you a beautiful depiction of Hosea 10:12, “it is time to seek the Lord”…until He comes. “Unto them that look for Him, shall He appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation" Hebrews 9:28.

The height and depth of the fullness of God’s glory spanning the north to the south, the vastness of salvation to the uttermost from the east to the west to anyone who calls upon the Name of the Lord, the inexplicable worship welling from a redeemed soul, cannot be fully expressed for how could the finite contain the Infinite. God on High rewards our sowing not because of merit nor debt but out of His mercy and grace raining righteousness through the perfect atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ washing us whiter than snow. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” Hebrews 13:15.

Attaching a Holy Week table to wish you Happy Easter! May the resurrection power of our risen Savior anchor our hope for His coming again. Sharing a glorious anthem joining the chorus of April’s opening flowers, a stirring finale from “Until He Comes” by Tom Fettke:

“But when He comes and brings with Him the Host of Heaven
God's final victory will be complete
Unnumbered hosts, along with all creation
will sing Glory to the Lamb, Glory to the Lamb
Glory to the Lamb before the throne and at His feet.”
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“Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 「你们要为自己栽种公义，就能收割慈爱。现今正是寻求耶和华的时候，你们要开垦荒地，等祂临到，使公义如雨降在你们身上。」何西阿书 10:12
 
“Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 「耶 穌 說 我 就 是 道 路 、 真 理 、 生 命 ； 若 不 藉 著 我 ， 沒 有 人 能 到 父 那 裡 去 。」約 翰 福 音14:6

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” John 11:25. 「耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 復 活 在 我 ， 生 命 也 在 我 。 信 我 的 人 雖 然 死 了 ， 也 必 復 活 」約 翰 福 音11:25

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3 「我们主耶稣基督的父神是应当称颂的。祂照着自己的大怜悯，借着耶稣基督从死人中复活，重生了我们，使我们有永活的盼望。」彼得前书 1:3

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 「你若口里认耶稣为主，心里信神使他从死人中复活，就必得救。」罗马书 10:9

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” Philippians 2:8-9 「既 有 人 的 样 子 ， 就 自 己 卑 微 ， 存 心 顺 服 ， 以 至 於 死 ， 且 死 在 十 字 架 上 。所 以 ， 神 将 祂升 为 至 高 ， 又 赐 给 祂那 超 乎 万 名 之 上 的 名。」腓 立 比 書 2:8-9

”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 「神爱世人，甚至把祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生。」约翰福音3:16

Hope of Spring - My Eternal King
Happy Spring! Surrounded by avian symphony after the rain, the garden bursts into lyrical ode to Spring. May God’s grace gifts shower you with Hope and Joy (Ezekiel 34:26， 以 西 結 書 34:26like today’s gentle shower refreshing the grass and awakening flowers with promises of summer fruits!

How do you spell Hope?
Hope is a Person. Hope is depicted in the attached photo about the One who rose from the grave, Who conquered death. The Son of God born in a manger became the Man of Sorrows who bore our sins and griefs by taking the Cup of Suffering for you and for me. One of the dregs in this Cup is abandonment by everyone at His time of trial including those whom He had healed, taught, fed, performed miracles for, and raised from the dead (Lazarus). If you feel alone in this world doing the heavy lifting when the going gets tough, Jesus understands because His disciples fell asleep while He entered into deep agonizing prayer. If your closest friend betrays you blinded by power and money, Jesus understands as recorded in Luke 22:48, “Are you (Judas) betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” If you are in serious trouble and others fear for their own loss through associating with you, Jesus understands when Matthew 26:56 witnessed “Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.”

Unlike human conflicts which oftentimes result in fight or flight, Jesus’ disciples already had their safety secured when He interposes a word of power to the captors for His disciples, “…if you are looking for Me, then let these men go.” (John 18:8). Herein is Hope in Love that the Lamb would not make a self-defense but protects His sheep with faithful love. As Charles Spurgeon aptly puts it: The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, and pleads that they must therefore go free.

May the Great Exchange executed on the Cross release us from all pain and suffering as we yield our lives following the Living God. As we contemplate the coming Holy Week, may our hearts hold firmly to the Full Assurance of Hope promised in Hebrews 6. “For the believer there is hope beyond the grave, because Jesus Christ has opened the door to heaven for us by His death and resurrection.” -Billy Graham

Power of Prayer
The battle between good and evil is won in Prayer. Even when human companions fail to comfort as described above, an angel was present in the Garden of Gethsemane. Observe Luke 22:41-44, “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Prayer settles the Will, from thence Jesus boldly faced the Cross and performed the Deed.

The evening rain has started, the birds hushed their singing. Let’s pause and repose in the Promises of God. Let us search and try our ways, return to the Lord of Hope and say, “ Lord, I will. I will love you with all my heart, with all my mind, and with all my strength. Lord, I will.” When birds do repose and silence fills the air, let total praise to My Eternal King rise heavenward from our hearts:
“E’en so I love You, and will love,
and in Your praise will sing;
Solely because You are my God,
and my Eternal King.”
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“…there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26. 「我 也 必 叫 時 雨 落 下 ． 必 有 福 如 甘 霖 而 降。」以 西 結 書34:26

“To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:77-79 「叫 他 的 百 姓 因 罪 得 赦 、 就 知 道 救 恩 ．因 我 們 　 神 憐 憫 的 心 腸 、 叫 清 晨 的 日 光 從 高 天 臨 到 我 們 、要 照 亮 坐 在 黑 暗 中 死 蔭 裡 的 人 ． 把 我 們 的 腳 引 到 平 安 的 路 上 。」路加福音1:77-79

”For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:7-12. 「就 如 一 塊 田 地 ， 吃 過 屢 次 下 的 雨 水 ， 生 長 菜 蔬 ， 合 乎 耕 種 的 人 用 ， 就 從 神 得 福 ；若 長 荊 棘 和 蒺 藜 ， 必 被 廢 棄 ， 近 於 咒 詛 ， 結 局 就 是 焚 燒 。親 愛 的 弟 兄 們 ， 我 們 雖 是 這 樣 說 ， 卻 深 信 你 們 的 行 為 強 過 這 些 ， 而 且 近 乎 得 救 。因 為 神 並 非 不 公 義 ， 竟 忘 記 你 們 所 做 的 工 和 你 們 為 他 名 所 顯 的 愛 心 ， 就 是 先 前 伺 候 聖 徒 ， 如 今 還 是 伺 候 。我 們 願 你 們 各 人 都 顯 出 這 樣 的 殷 勤 ， 使 你 們 有 滿 足 的 指 望 ， 一 直 到 底 。並 且 不 懈 怠 ， 總 要 效 法 那 些 憑 信 心 和 忍 耐 承 受 應 許 的 人 。」希 伯 來 書 6:7-12

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” John 11:25. 「耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 復 活 在 我 ， 生 命 也 在 我 。 信 我 的 人 雖 然 死 了 ， 也 必 復 活 」約 翰 福 音11:25

My Eternal King by Jane Marshall
My God, I love You;
Not because I hope for heavn thereby,
Nor yet because who know You not
must die eternally.

O my Jesus,
You embraced me upon the cross.
For me did bear the nails, and spear;
and manifold disgrace;

Why, then why,
O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love You well?
Not for the hope of winning heav’n,
or of escaping hell;
Not with the hope of something gained,
Not seeking a reward;
But as You have loved me,
O ever loving Lord!

E’en so I love You, and will love,
and in Your praise will sing;
Solely because You are my God,
and my Eternal King.

Abiding beyond Time 超越时间的永恒
To live in time necessitates experiencing successive change, with nature yielding boundless pleasures like the apple blossoms. Season past and after chilling through a stormy winter atmospheric river, this year’s strong and vibrant spring flower cups open to buzzing bees auguring the birth of pleasant summer fruits. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “…each season different yet every year the same, so that spring is always felt as a novelty yet always as the recurrence of an immemorial theme.”

Present 今天与生命的节奏
A most gratifying mystery is this undulating balance between the temporal and the permanent, which union I appreciate as the Rhythm of life. On this California mountain, between the apple bough shines dappled light illuminating delicate pink and white petals perfuming the air with pure scent whispering that Heaven is near. Faith transposes one to experiencing the body in time yet seeing the spirit in eternity. To understand Time is to understand the impact of our temporal actions on the Eternal. Live in the Now, for dwelling on past hurts could not turn back the clock, and dwelling on the future may conjure anxious thoughts. Today is the Present. The Present is the point at which Time touches Eternity. Picking up from the Valentine’s post, Today is the day of salvation. Sending you a pictorial story of today’s apple blossoms touched by communion in the Word. May the Presence of God fill your Present with boundless pleasures knowing He cherishes you as the apple of His eye.
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“Remain in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4 「你 們 要 常 在 我 裡 面 ， 我 也 常 在 你 們 裡 面 。 枝 子 若 不 常 在 葡 萄 樹 上 ， 自 己 就 不 能 結 果 子 ； 你 們 若 不 常 在 我 裡 面 ， 也 是 這 樣 。」約 翰 福 音15:4

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings” Psalm 17:8 「求 你 保 護 我 ， 如 同 保 護 眼 中 的 瞳 人 ； 將 我 隱 藏 在 你 翅 膀 的 蔭 下 」詩 篇17:8

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 「你 必 將 生 命 的 道 路 指 示 我 。 在 你 面 前 有 滿 足 的 喜 樂 ； 在 你 右 手 中 有 永 遠 的 福 樂 。」詩 篇16:11

2 Corinthians 6:2 - For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 「 因 為 他 說 ： 在 悅 納 的 時 候 ， 我 應 允 了 你 ； 在 拯 救 的 日 子 ， 我 搭 救 了 你 。 看 哪 ！ 現 在 正 是 悅 納 的 時 候 ； 現 在 正 是 拯 救 的 日 子 。」歌 林 多 後 書 6:2

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8 「應 當 一 無 罣 慮 ， 只 要 凡 事 藉 著 禱 告 、 祈 求 ， 和 感 謝 ， 將 你 們 所 要 的 告 訴 神 。神 所 賜 、 出 人 意 外 的 平 安 必 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 保 守 你 們 的 心 懷 意 念 。弟 兄 們 ， 我 還 有 未 盡 的 話 ： 凡 是 真 實 的 、 可 敬 的 、 公 義 的 、 清 潔 的 、 可 愛 的 、 有 美 名 的 ， 若 有 甚 麼 德 行 ， 若 有 甚 麼 稱 讚 ， 這 些 事 你 們 都 要 思 念 。」腓 立 比 書 4:6-8

祝大家2023新年快乐，前兔似锦！在新的一年里心想事成，出入平安！送你几张美国欢乐团契团圆照片，愿你笑口常开，主杯满溢！猜猜看我们兔年红包里有多少金子？答案：「耶 和 华 的 道 理 洁 净 ， 存 到 永 远 ； 耶 和 华 的 典 章 真 实 ， 全 然 公 义 ─ 都 比 金 子 可 羡 慕 ， 且 比 极 多 的 精 金 可 羡 慕 ； 比 蜜 甘 甜 ， 且 比 蜂 房 下 滴 的 蜜 甘 甜 。」诗篇19:9-10

精金红包Happy Lunar New Year! Sending you a colorful collage of smiles with a special secret…red packets given to guests contained a treasured Scripture verse which is more precious than gold! Most jewelers stand by their 24K gold merchandise which people love to give/receive/wear as these are considered good investment pieces that merchants guarantee repurchase at prevailing market price less the cost of workmanship. Psalm 19:9-10 says, “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” May 2023 be filled with love, joy, peace, as you walk in the path guided by God’s Word which endures forever. May the promise of Isaiah 58:11 be experientially satisfying in all its certainty and continuity for “The LORD will guide you always.”

Wishing you a Golden Year of leaps and bounds graced by Shalom peace in all external undertakings and harmony in the home, bringing you prosperity and health as taught in Psalm 121 which correlates to a favorite LNY poetic greeting 出入平安. May unwavering childlike Faith in God bring clearer vision, enduring Hope in Christ’s return reward with eternal possession, pure sacrificial Love unite you with Joy unspeakable and full of glory!
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出入平安 - Psalm 121:8 “The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore”. 「你 出 你 入 ， 耶 和 華 要 保 護 你 ， 從 今 時 直 到 永 遠 。」詩 篇121:8

Psalm 19:9-10 “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgements of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yes, than much fine gold”. 「耶 和 華 的 道 理 潔 淨 ， 存 到 永 遠 ； 耶 和 華 的 典 章 真 實 ， 全 然 公 義 ─ 都 比 金 子 可 羨 慕 ， 且 比 極 多 的 精 金 可 羨 慕 」詩 篇19:9-10

Psalm 119:72 “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” 「 你口中的律法對我有益，勝過千千萬萬的金銀。」诗篇119:72

Isaiah 28:11 “ The LORD will guide you always“ 「耶和華必常常引導你」以赛亚书 58:11

John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture”. 「我 就 是 門 ； 凡 從 我 進 來 的 ， 必 然 得 救 ， 並 且 出 入 得 草 吃 。」約 翰 福 音 10:9

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. 「要 常 常 喜 樂 ，不 住 的 禱 告 ，凡 事 謝 恩 ； 因 為 這 是 神 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 向 你 們 所 定 的 旨 意 。」帖 撒 羅 尼 迦 前 書5:16-18

Happy New Year 新年快乐2023
Sending you heavenly lights revealed in the the arc of a rainbow over the rushing waters of magnificent Niagara Falls! Wishing you a bountiful New Year full of God’s Promises come true as you repose in the Rest Giver whose universal welcome says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Notice both the active and passive sides in the twofold designation of persons addressed above. One is labor or effort which could bring happiness but oftentimes darkens into burden or wearisome toil. Divine benevolence invites any who seeks relief from the futility of unceasing activity without abiding results performed under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:3), to look above the sun to enjoy life and peace from Christ who like a Shepherd, gently guides His flock by streams of water. However, a person’s inner turmoil are barriers to entering shalom which can be overcome by praying the Scriptures and opening one’s heart to receiving new life in Christ. See attached Victory over Stronghold verses for praying over.

While visiting Titanic: The Exhibition at Beverly Blvd, a parallel image flashed across my mind. Did the engineering marvel sink upon hitting iceberg yet Noah’s Ark floated for months without collision nor leaks? Genesis 7:16 ascribed Divine protection, “So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in.” How safe when the Almighty’s hand is upon anyone’s circumstances, how blessed when one is in God’s presence. Whether one is sailing in First Class or Second Class or Third Class, all face the same question of where the soul would rest in eternity. Acts 4:12 says, “…for there is no other name (only by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth) under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” When we believe in Jesus as Savior, we cease from our own labor and in submission to God the Father, we walk in the Redeemer’s light and serve Christ as Lord. May the Fountain of Living Water replace the broken cisterns of this world (Jeremiah 2:13) as you choose Jesus to be your Ark of Salvation.

May God’s overflowing love fill your coming year, may the Son guide you in His everlasting Light, and may the Holy Spirit renew your spirit with times of refreshing as His wonderful plan unfolds in your life. Happy New Year!
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Victory over Strongholds
Rejection vs. Acceptance - Psalm 139:14, John 3:16
Insecurity vs. Security in Christ - Ephesians 2:10, Romans 8:38-39
Deceit vs. Truth - John 8:32, Psalm 23:1
Fear vs. Trust in God - 2 Chronicles 20:6, Matthew 10:29-31
Pride vs. Humility- Matthew 16:24
Immorally vs. Purity - Galatians 5:13-16, 19-21; Genesis 2:22-25
Jealousy vs. Gratefulness- 1 Chronicles 16:34, Matthew 7:9-11
Despair vs. Hope - Psalm 34:17-18
Idolatry vs. Contentment - Matthew 6:25-26
Control vs. Surrender to God - Matthew 16:24-25
Bitterness vs. Forgiveness - 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Wishing you a blessed Advent Season and a very Merry Christmas! A confluence of global Christmas celebrations in all their breathtaking magical moments is condensed into a composition of unprogrammed storied gift boxes sliding effortlessly into my December spaces. From a futuristic architectural wonder ensconcing a manger framed by angelic sculptures illuminated by the Star of Bethlehem atop a towering tree proclaiming “Rejoice, Christ the Saviour is born!”, to NYC brimming with upscale festivities that never sleep, to cruising California’s Christmas Boat Parade drenched in thousands of lights, nothing quite beats the tranquil eloquence of edible ornaments hanging on fruit trees in one’s backyard.

Amidst the festive carousel of decking your hall for a spectacular home ambience, sipping artisan hot chocolate by the fireside, thrilling the inner-child with daily surprises tucked into Advent Calendar drawers, pause the music a moment to let the Holy Spirit touch your soul with His warm embrace. Surging crowds of holiday makers boosted cash tills as seats to popular Nutcracker performances and entertaining Victorian Carolers/Santa Brunches are sold out. Take heart, there’ll be room at Christmas Eve church services bringing you the true meaning of this Season. Let the little drummer boy unwrap the best Christmas present from a singing heart while the family dressed in matching PJs exchanges gifts under the tree. Consider the cost of all the hurry and flurry as people spend and mend their visages in the pursuit of self-enhancement to win the world’s approval, versus receiving the free gift of salvation coming down from the Father of Lights.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

God is Light, brilliantly representing goodness, holiness, wisdom, grace, hope, and faithfulness. Without any darkness in Him, no changing shadow can be cast, thus giving peace and love, comfort and joy, to all who trusts in Him. Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12), Hope that shines in darkness, and it is no wonder that the night sky burst forth in glorious brightness on the first Noel. May the story of Jesus’ birth told in Luke 2 be born in your heart today. Ponder God’s matchless Love Gift when Jesus the Messiah came in a lowly manger, the wonder of meekness and majesty heralded by angels, the stirring poems which we sing as hymn carols in worship and adoration, strengthening our faith believing in Jesus as Savior and following Christ as Lord. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You and Your Loved Ones!
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Luke 2:1-20
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
路加福音2:1-20
當 那 些 日 子 、 該 撒 亞 古 士 督 有 旨 意 下 來 、 叫 天 下 人 民 都 報 名 上 冊 。這 是 居 里 扭 作 敘 利 亞 巡 撫 的 時 候 、 頭 一 次 行 報 名 上 冊 的 事 。眾 人 各 歸 各 城 、 報 名 上 冊 。約 瑟 也 從 加 利 利 的 拿 撒 勒 城 上 猶 太 去 、 到 了 大 衛 的 城 、 名 叫 伯 利 恆 、 因 他 本 是 大 衛 一 族 一 家 的 人 ．要 和 他 所 聘 之 妻 馬 利 亞 、 一 同 報 名 上 冊 ． 那 時 馬 利 亞 的 身 孕 已 經 重 了 。他 們 在 那 裡 的 時 候 、 馬 利 亞 的 產 期 到 了 。就 生 了 頭 胎 的 兒 子 、 用 布 包 起 來 、 放 在 馬 槽 裡 、 因 為 客 店 裡 沒 有 地 方 。在 伯 利 恆 之 野 地 裡 有 牧 羊 的 人 、 夜 間 按 著 更 次 看 守 羊 群 。有 主 的 使 者 站 在 他 們 旁 邊 、 主 的 榮 光 四 面 照 著 他 們 ． 牧 羊 的 人 就 甚 懼 怕 。那 天 使 對 他 們 說 、 不 要 懼 怕 、 我 報 給 你 們 大 喜 的 信 息 、 是 關 乎 萬 民 的 ．因 今 天 在 大 衛 的 城 裡 、 為 你 們 生 了 救 主 、 就 是 主 基 督 。你 們 要 看 見 一 個 嬰 孩 、 包 著 布 、 臥 在 馬 槽 裡 、 那 就 是 記 號 了 。忽 然 有 一 大 隊 天 兵 、 同 那 天 使 讚 美 　 神 說 、在 至 高 之 處 榮 耀 歸 與 　 神 、 在 地 上 平 安 歸 與 他 所 喜 悅 的 人 。 〔 有 古 卷 作 喜 悅 歸 與 人 〕眾 天 使 離 開 他 們 升 天 去 了 、 牧 羊 的 人 彼 此 說 、 我 們 往 伯 利 恆 去 、 看 看 所 成 的 事 、 就 是 主 所 指 示 我 們 的 。他 們 急 忙 去 了 、 就 尋 見 馬 利 亞 和 約 瑟 、 又 有 那 嬰 孩 臥 在 馬 槽 裡 。既 然 看 見 、 就 把 天 使 論 這 孩 子 的 話 傳 開 了 。凡 聽 見 的 、 就 詫 異 牧 羊 之 人 對 他 們 所 說 的 話 。馬 利 亞 卻 把 這 一 切 的 事 存 在 心 裡 、 反 復 思 想 。牧 羊 的 人 回 去 了 ． 因 所 聽 見 所 看 見 的 一 切 事 、 正 如 天 使 向 他 們 所 說 的 、 就 歸 榮 耀 與 　 神 、 讚 美 他 。

Fellowship + Esplanade
Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching, conjuring dreams of cozy gatherings flavored with sweet spices and culinary comforts. Large get-together inevitably involves drama of sorts and choosing one’s role wisely would leave lasting impact beyond the moment. Familiar lines from William Shakespeare reminds us that “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances”.

Strolling along the world renowned Esplanade buzzing with restaurants, cafes, waterfront outdoor and spacious indoor theaters, one is gripped with a sense of spiritual and cultural storied past, present, and future. A “No Fishing” sign happens to mark the best spot to capture a panoramic view spanning from an architectural wonder to a Financial District showcasing world class banks, amongst others. A Secret of secrets is that spiritual fellowships connecting human souls to heaven are alive and thriving within impeccable skyscrapers. Sending you handwritten notes on Fellowship covering salvation, sympathy, unity, and communion. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving as we share each other’s burdens, eat, pray, laugh and love well!
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“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:1-10
「論 到 從 起 初 原 有 的 生 命 之 道 ， 就 是 我 們 所 聽 見 、 所 看 見 、 親 眼 看 過 、 親 手 摸 過 的 。這 生 命 已 經 顯 現 出 來 ， 我 們 也 看 見 過 ， 現 在 又 作 見 證 ， 將 原 與 父 同 在 、 且 顯 現 與 我 們 那 永 遠 的 生 命 、 傳 給 你 們 。我 們 將 所 看 見 、 所 聽 見 的 傳 給 你 們 ， 使 你 們 與 我 們 相 交 。 我 們 乃 是 與 父 並 祂兒 子 耶 穌 基 督 相 交 的 。我 們 將 這 些 話 寫 給 你 們 ， 使 你 們 （ 有 古 卷 作 ： 我 們 ） 的 喜 樂 充 足 。神 就 是 光 ， 在 祂毫 無 黑 暗 。 這 是 我 們 從 主 所 聽 見 、 又 報 給 你 們 的 信 息 。我 們 若 說 是 與 神 相 交 ， 卻 仍 在 黑 暗 裡 行 ， 就 是 說 謊 話 ， 不 行 真 理 了 。我 們 若 在 光 明 中 行 ， 如 同 神 在 光 明 中 ， 就 彼 此 相 交 ， 祂兒 子 耶 穌 的 血 也 洗 淨 我 們 一 切 的 罪 。我 們 若 說 自 己 無 罪 ， 便 是 自 欺 ， 真 理 不 在 我 們 心 裡 了 。我 們 若 認 自 己 的 罪 ， 神 是 信 實 的 ， 是 公 義 的 ， 必 要 赦 免 我 們 的 罪 ， 洗 淨 我 們 一 切 的 不 義 。我 們 若 說 自 己 沒 有 犯 過 罪 ， 便 是 以 神 為 說 謊 的 ， 祂的 道 也 不 在 我 們 心 裡 了 。」約 翰 一 書 1:1-10

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
「當 稱 謝 進 入 祂的 門 ； 當 讚 美 進 入 祂的 院 。 當 感 謝 祂， 稱 頌 祂的 名 ！
因 為 耶 和 華 本 為 善 。 祂的 慈 愛 存 到 永 遠 ； 祂的 信 實 直 到 萬 代 。」詩 篇 100:4-5

Faith + Fertilizer
What sets the tune for your morning? If you wake up to the smell of freshly laid fertilizer instead of the melodious songs of birds shared last week, would it still be an optimistic start?

Now is the Time
This morning, the gardeners chose to fertilize the lawn softened after last weekend’s gentle rains. Professionally and experientially, today is the best time to seed winter grass after intense summer heat, as cooler conditions are ideal to support root growth for vibrant greenery through winter. A pessimist may look back on past seasons and lament the present browning grass. An optimist would look forward to future healthy seasons of oxygen rich air supported by strong root growth trusting the benefits of fertilizing one’s garden during autumn.

Object of Faith
Interestingly, we all exercise faith in matters large or small. A gardener’s continual labor exhibits internal belief that plants would renew themselves, barring unforeseen circumstances. Even sitting on a chair writing this article for you right now means I have faith that the chair is sturdy enough to hold me up without buckling. To extrapolate, people put faith in a myriad of objects such as a house for shelter, jobs for identity, and most commonly in money for financial security. Disappointments, stress and strife, are common outcomes for those who pursue untrustworthy objects of faith which parallels building with wood, hay, straw (1 Corinthians 3:12).

Fundamental considerations of Faith can be found in Hebrews 11, also known as the Hall of Faith. It exhorts us to place our trust in God, not in human strength nor wealth. The basic nature of faith is to believe in the unseen for believing in the certainty of God’s promises is seeing fruition to come, which energizes us to build with gold, silver, and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3:12).

Faith, Hope, Love
Attaching handwritten notes on the rudiments of Faith framed in specks of gold flakes. Here’s a glimpse into a cherished quote which many couples choose for their weddings: Faith, Hope, Love. Faith is associated with gold/glory of God. Hope is associated with silver in the Temple representing Redemption in Jesus Christ, the Truth. Love is associated with precious stones representing godly instructions building the superstructure upon the foundation of Christ. May prayerfully reading 1 Corinthians 3 in conjunction with 1 Corinthians 13 help bring us closer to fruitful growth in Faith culminating in Love which is the fulfillment of all the law (2 Peter 1:5-8). At this midnight hour, before putting my head on the pillow, one fertile melody wells up on my heart. Wishing you much peace and joy expressed in these lyrics filled with Faith, Hope, and Loving Adoration:

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
bow down before him, his glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him the Lord is his name.
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“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” Matthew 21:22 「你 們 禱 告 ， 無 論 求 甚 麼 ， 只 要 信 ， 就 必 得 著 。」馬 太 福 音 21:22

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 「因 為 我 們 是 與 神 同 工 的 ； 你 們 是 神 所 耕 種 的 田 地 ， 所 建 造 的 房 屋 。我 照 神 所 給 我 的 恩 ， 好 像 一 個 聰 明 的 工 頭 ， 立 好 了 根 基 ， 有 別 人 在 上 面 建 造 ； 只 是 各 人 要 謹 慎 怎 樣 在 上 面 建 造 。因 為 那 已 經 立 好 的 根 基 就 是 耶 穌 基 督 ， 此 外 沒 有 人 能 立 別 的 根 基 。若 有 人 用 金 、 銀 、 寶 石 、 草 木 ， 禾 秸 在 這 根 基 上 建 造 ，各 人 的 工 程 必 然 顯 露 ， 因 為 那 日 子 要 將 他 表 明 出 來 ， 有 火 發 現 ； 這 火 要 試 驗 各 人 的 工 程 怎 樣 。人 在 那 根 基 上 所 建 造 的 工 程 若 存 得 住 ， 他 就 要 得 賞 賜 。人 的 工 程 若 被 燒 了 ， 他 就 要 受 虧 損 ， 自 己 卻 要 得 救 ； 雖 然 得 救 ， 乃 像 從 火 裡 經 過 的 一 樣 。」歌 林 多 前 書 3:9-15

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things…Love never fails…And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 「愛 是 恆 久 忍 耐 ， 又 有 恩 慈 ； 愛 是 不 嫉 妒 ； 愛 是 不 自 誇 ， 不 張 狂 ，不 做 害 羞 的 事 ， 不 求 自 己 的 益 處 ， 不 輕 易 發 怒 ， 不 計 算 人 的 惡 ，不 喜 歡 不 義 ， 只 喜 歡 真 理 ；凡 事 包 容 ， 凡 事 相 信 ， 凡 事 盼 望 ， 凡 事 忍 耐 。。。愛 是 永 不 止 息 。。。如 今 常 存 的 有 信 ， 有 望 ， 有 愛 這 三 樣 ， 其 中 最 大 的 是 愛 。」歌 林 多 前 書13:4-13

“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 「凡 事 都 不 可 虧 欠 人 ， 惟 有 彼 此 相 愛 要 常 以 為 虧 欠 ， 因 為 愛 人 的 就 完 全 了 律 法 。」羅 馬 書 13:8

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 「聖 靈 所 結 的 果 子 ， 就 是 仁 愛 、 喜 樂 、 和 平 、 忍 耐 、 恩 慈 、 良 善 、 信 實 、溫 柔 、 節 制 。 這 樣 的 事 沒 有 律 法 禁 止 。」加 拉 太 書 5:22-23

“…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 「。。。你 們 要 分 外 地 殷 勤 ； 有 了 信 心 ， 又 要 加 上 德 行 ； 有 了 德 行 ， 又 要 加 上 知 識 ；有 了 知 識 ， 又 要 加 上 節 制 ； 有 了 節 制 ， 又 要 加 上 忍 耐 ； 有 了 忍 耐 ， 又 要 加 上 虔 敬 ；有 了 虔 敬 ， 又 要 加 上 愛 弟 兄 的 心 ； 有 了 愛 弟 兄 的 心 ， 又 要 加 上 愛 眾 人 的 心 ；你 們 若 充 充 足 足 的 有 這 幾 樣 ， 就 必 使 你 們 在 認 識 我 們 的 主 耶 穌 基 督 上 不 至 於 閒 懶 不 結 果 子 了 。」彼 得 後 書 1:5-8

PRAYER + POSSESSION

How sweetly the birds do sing, hiding in plain sight among the trees surrounding globes of refreshing, nourishing pomegranates! As nature would direct praise for their Maker’s provision, let us take a page from their little tongues.

Praise can be seen as the first act of Prayer, even as the famed Lord’s Prayer opens with “Our Father in Heaven, Holy is Your Name”. Adoration abound in poems and melodies and yet there is always room for more because God’s faithfulness continues day after day. Imagine: the desire to possess pomegranates preceded my diligent yearlong care for this wondrous fruit tree but God provided the sunlight, rainfall, and pollinators so that human effort would become fruitful. Likewise in all human labor, prayer and possession are intricately entwined, such that constantly abiding in Christ the Vine produces fruit serviceable to self and to others, giving glory to God!

Perchance aridity is the circumstance of some, prayer may be offered in confession to repent and right any wrong, and human kindness may be offered through mutual care and concern to supply the needs of others from one’s abundance. Benevolence is a great sustaining force during this Fall season of colorful harvest. Just as a pomegranate tree produces copious food for the fowl of the air which nip at the sweetest top most ones kissed by the sun while I eat the low hanging ones, there is enough produce to share with others. To painstakingly predict, number, or ration fruits on each tree would diminish the joy of harvest because who but God would know the exact count? Therefore, let us joyfully offer our first fruits in Thanksgiving to God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and generously share.

Mysterious outpouring of grace sometimes flows out of us reaching out to meet the needs of those for whom we offer supplication. Have you experienced the immense joy of being a channel for another’s Answered Prayer? Communal, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness elevate both the giver and the recipient when one fulfills the Great Commandment to love others as oneself. Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening September 17 devotional said:

“A brother’s sympathy is more precious than an angel’s embassy”

There’s a miraculous account of angel’s aid in 1 Kings 19 which we will look into another time. Today, be blessed by the simple practices of Prayer enumerated above: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (acronym ACTS). May you draw nearer to God’s heart moment by moment. May the attached handwritten notes on Prayer juxtaposed with fertile pomegranates inspiring avian symphony of ceaseless praise, fill your hearts and minds with peace surpassing understanding, and joy unspeakable and full of glory!
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“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 「所 以 ， 我 們 只 管 坦 然 無 懼 的 來 到 施 恩 的 寶 座 前 ， 為 要 得 憐 恤 ， 蒙 恩 惠 ， 作 隨 時 的 幫 助 。」希 伯 來 書 4:16

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16 「我 们 应 当 靠 着 耶 稣 ， 常 常 以 颂 赞 为 祭 献 给 神 ， 这 就 是 那 承 认 主 名 之 人 嘴 唇 的 果 子 。只 是 不 可 忘 记 行 善 和 捐 输 的 事 ； 因 为 这 样 的 祭 ， 是 神 所 喜 悦 的 。」希 伯 來 書 13:15-16

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 「你 们 要 靠 主 常 常 喜 乐 。 我 再 说 ， 你 们 要 喜 乐 。」腓 立 比 書 4:4

1 John 1:9 ”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 约翰一书1:9 「如果我们承认自己的罪，上帝是信实公义的，必赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义。」

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9 「因 此 ， 你 们 是 大 有 喜 乐 ； 但 如 今 ， 在 百 般 的 试 炼 中 暂 时 忧 愁 ，叫 你 们 的 信 心 既 被 试 验 ， 就 比 那 被 火 试 验 仍 然 能 坏 的 金 子 更 显 宝 贵 ， 可 以 在 耶 稣 基 督 显 现 的 时 候 得 着 称 赞 、 荣 耀 、 尊 贵 。你 们 虽 然 没 有 见 过 他 ， 却 是 爱 他 ； 如 今 虽 不 得 看 见 ， 却 因 信 他 就 有 说 不 出 来 、 满 有 荣 光 的 大 喜 乐 ；并 且 得 着 你 们 信 心 的 果 效 ， 就 是 灵 魂 的 救 恩 。」彼 得 前 書 1:6-9

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 「應 當 一 無 罣 慮 ， 只 要 凡 事 藉 著 禱 告 、 祈 求 ， 和 感 謝 ， 將 你 們 所 要 的 告 訴 神  神 所 賜 、 出 人 意 外 的 平 安 必 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 保 守 你 們 的 心 懷 意 念 。」腓 立 比 書 4:6-7

”For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 「神爱世人，甚至把祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生。」约翰福音3:16

Happy Fall! This year, Summer is taking a little longer to bid adieu, and Autumn isn’t hastening to cozy up to Winter’s chilly air. Grateful songs of birds feasting on ripe tinged fruits almost caused one to wonder if Spring is near. Harvest time is here. Sending you a lovely home-grown pomegranate to wish you good health and rosy prospects.

California’s Fruitful Garden
A familiar season of rest and respite, Autumnal changing colors full of grace and glory are a spectacle to behold. Restoring one’s life balance can simply mean easing into spiritual meditation of Creation, enjoying a spiced beverage outdoors, slowing down to savor small moments while synchronizing with nature’s unhurried rhythm. Perhaps by now one may experience a bubbling over of thanksgiving and break out in singing joining the avian chorus praising God for His unfailing love. Unable to contain all the excitement, one may desire to invite friends over to pick fruits from the low hanging apple tree, make jam or bake an apple pie while basking in friendly chatter. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 11:25

Come Away
Come away and spend some time with Me (Jesus), apart from the frantic world*. Come away to reflect, to pray, to unburden, to be embraced under His everlasting wings. Come away and have your empty cup be filled to overflowing with Faith, Hope, and Love.
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*See attached handwritten notes on coming away from the pressures of the world.

“And Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves…and rest awhile.”” Mark 6:31 「耶穌對他們說：“來，你們自己到曠野去休息一下。」马可福音6:31

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 「萬事都有定期，天下萬務都有定時：生有時，死有時；栽種有時，拔出所種的也有時」传道书3:1-2

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 「你們所有勞苦擔重擔的人哪，到我這裡來吧！我必使你們得安息。 我心裡柔和謙卑，你們應當負我的軛，向我學習，你們就必得著心靈的安息； 我的軛是容易負的，我的擔子是輕省的。」马太福音11:28-30

 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 「要常常喜樂， 不住禱告， 凡事謝恩；這就是　神在基督耶穌裡給你們的旨意。」帖撒罗尼迦前书5:16-18

Wishing you an early Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2022! Mooncakes in all flavors, shapes and sizes, are being given and received this week, and there’s one for you whenever you join our celebrations! Mindful of calorie intake, pretty floral boxes containing a mini or a biggie Mooncake will bring smiles and sweet wishes to friends and family. During this harvest thanksgiving season of reunion under the full moon, may you be blessed with eternal reunion in the Fullness and Completeness revealed in Colossians 2:9-10: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Christ.”

人逢喜事精神爽，月到中秋分外明。提早祝大家今年中秋节快乐！赏月时，祝你月圆家圆事事圆。 什么是永恒的团圆？人能照光吗？

居住天涯海角的亲人心里常会盼望在中秋佳节能借着完整的月亮，皎洁的月光，享受不散的宴席。包含在团圆就有分离的意思。在世上一年过一年的中秋会体验到长辈渐渐衰老，最后悄然逝去。人生短暂，古人望星月也寄情于明月抱着称颂与悲思, 如诗人大卫这么说：”耶和华我们的主啊，你的名在全地何其美，你将你的荣耀彰显于天！我观看你指头所造的天，并你所陈设的月亮星宿，便说：“人算什么，你竟顾念他？世人算什么，你竟眷顾他？你叫他比天使微小一点，并赐他荣耀尊贵为冠冕。” 诗篇8:1, 3-5

永恒的团圆 (Eternal Reunion)
上帝怎么顾念你呢？约翰福音3:16 -18 告诉我们 ” 神爱世人，甚至将他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的不致灭亡，反得永生。 因为神差的祂儿子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因他得救。 信祂的人不被定罪，不信的人罪已经定了，因为他不信神独生子的名。”

信耶稣基督的人是新造的人（歌 林 多 後 書 5:17），得了永生。要同神，而不只是同人在一起，才是团圆的根本意义。因为上帝才是永恒，与祂相通，人与人才能真正地相通、相聚、相爱，永不分离。

耶稣是世界的光，照你的光 (Jesus is the Light of the World, shine your light)
耶稣又对众人说：“我是世界的光，跟从我的，必定不在黑暗里走，却要得着生命的光。” 约翰福音8:12

”你们是世上的光。城造在山上，是不能隐藏的。 人点灯，不放在斗底下，是放在灯台上，就照亮一家的人。 你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。” 马太福音5:14-16

“光 明 所 结 的 果 子 就 是 一 切 良 善 、 公 义 、 诚 实 。总 要 察 验 何 为 主 所 喜 悦 的 事 ...被 圣 灵 充 满 。当 用 诗 章 、 颂 词 、 灵 歌 、 彼 此 对 说 ， 口 唱 心 和 的 赞 美 主 。凡 事 要 奉 我 们 主 耶 稣 基 督 的 名 常 常 感 谢 父 神 。又 当 存 敬 畏 基 督 的 心 ， 彼 此 顺 服 。” 以 弗 所 書 5:9, 10, 19-21 （同行经节）

愿今年的中秋，大家能在永恒的主内像被蒙慈 爱 的 儿 女 联想基督的盼望。怎么成为神的儿女： https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgXMGdRIjA0 月亮反射太阳的光，你我也以耶稣的光照亮世界！

附上2022中秋月饼礼品图片。
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Psalm 8:1, 3-5
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
...
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “ John 3:16-18

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. “ 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”” John 8:12

“”You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:9-10

“Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord... speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:9, 10, 19-21 (WeWalk verses)

Summer Blessings: World Heritage Fauna + Floral

Tropical Fauna
Happy Summer! Wandering through a UNESCO world heritage site enveloped in tropical rainforest habitat, one naturally “learns” how to cultivate vibrant green palm and monstera plants back in California. Images of heavy rainfall beating on dense canopy helped me revive my garden plants by simulating torrential rain which previously was thought too strong for their thin branches. Remarkably, these tropical fronds through resistance grew larger and healthier when windy showers like those in Langkawi noisily burst upon them. Intermittent stormy weather actually strengthened these plants which are found alongside showstopping massive hibiscus in their ecosystem rich in geodiversity and biodiversity. A wet crop of windswept crown perched on skinny trunk, monkeys attempting to open your glass door, flying creatures swinging overhead, strolling on soft white sands besides cool emerald streams, the smell of moist earth beckoning you to hot nasi briyani breakfast…these irresistible island experiences are restoratively healing.

Healing Flower
Healing is the earnest prayer intercession for all because during peak summer enjoyment, some are feeling under the weather. Coping with a bout of covid not only drains one of vital energy but also leaves one looking haggard. Other than rest, hydration, and nutrition, a little self-care also goes a long way. For instance, it’s important to wash hair often and to maintain a healthy scalp when one is sick. To keep your locks soft and shiny, apply a natural pre-wash of hibiscus water boiled from freshly picked petals mixed with pure coconut oil. This traditional herbal formula is grandma’s secret for natural healthy hair even in old age.

Flowers in the Bible derive their promises for beauty and life by pointing people to their divine providence, inspiring us to depend on God. The temporal nature of exquisite blooms contrasts with the imperishable spiritual flourishing of those led by God’s Spirit feeding on His Word. Sharing a stunning pair of pink hibiscus in their prime, basking under the California afternoon sun. May we bloom with vigor wherever we are planted, be useful for each season spreading fragrant blessings of joy, peace and health to those around us!
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“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits” Psalm 103:2 「我 的 心 哪 ， 你 要 称 颂 耶 和 华 ， 不 可 忘 记 他 的 一 切 恩 惠。」诗篇103:2

“All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8 「有人声说，你喊 叫 吧 。 有 一 个 说 ， 我 喊 叫 什 么 呢 ？ 说 ， 凡 有 血 气 的 ， 尽 都 如 草 ， 他 的 美 容都像野地的花。草 必 枯 干 ， 花 必 凋 残 ， 因 为 耶 和 华 的 气 吹 在 其上 。 百 姓 诚 然 是 草 。草 必 枯 干 ， 花 必 凋 残 ，惟 有 我 们 神 的 话 ， 必 永 远立定。」

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Luke 12:27-28 「你想 ， 百 合 花 怎 么 长 起 来 。 它 也 不 劳 苦 ， 也 不 纺 线 。 然 而 我 告 诉 你 们 ， 就 是 所 罗 门 极 荣 华 的 时 候 ， 他 所 穿 戴 的 ， 还 不 如 这 花 一 朵 呢 。你 们 这 小 信 的 人 哪 ， 野 地 里 的 草 ， 今 天 还 在 ， 明 天 就 丢 在 炉 里 ， 神 还 给它 这 样 的 妆 饰 ， 何 况 你 们呢。」路加福音12:27-28

“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 「可 见 栽 种 的 算 不 得 什 么 ， 浇 灌 的 也 算 不 得 什 么 。 只 在 那 叫 他 生 长 的 神。」歌林多前书3:7

“Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 「求 你 指 教 我 们 怎 样 数 算 自 己 的 日 子 ， 好 叫 我 们 得 着 智 慧 的 心。」诗篇90:12

Optimizing the Art + Science of Love (SQ, IQ, EQ, LQ, AQ)
Have you ever wondered how the First Two Spiritual Principles can intrinsically be woven into Leadership Optimization solution applying Mathematics and Creative ideas? When Jesus said to love God with all your mind and heart and strength, and to love others as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40), what miraculous fruit does it bring besides a noble calm conscience? A beautiful experience is Alleluia CandyLand which I’ve recently organized with a group of outstanding volunteers who donated premium chocolates and candies to bless a Community of more than 2,000 people in Pasadena, California.

Spiritual Quotient -> First Principle Optimization
Revealing the First Principle: to love God with all one’s mind is to employ one’s intellect to the fullest in selecting the best elements, recognizing the value of various inputs, and finding the optimum solution by accurately plugging in different variables to achieve a balanced best outcome. Progressing from Intellectual Quotient to loving God with all one’s heart which consequently impacts the Second Principle, you would discover the Love Quotient disclosed below heightened by high Emotional Quotient with unusual ability to radiate joy beyond oneself bringing happiness to a diverse Community. Demonstrating loving God with all one’s strength is to persevere until actual performance, which requires tenacity and strong Adversity Quotient to overcome unforeseen obstacles delivering exceptional results colorfully celebrated in the attached collage.

Love Quotient -> Second Principle
Alleluia CandyLand is a Story of Love. Though on the surface most could see it as a humongous work project, it is an uncommon Labor of Love entwined with knowing and loving God who is Love (1 John 4:8). Motivated by the insight that a “stranger” is embedded in “others”, our volunteers generously donated thousands of premium confections that they themselves serve at their own family parties; believing that a “stranger” as told in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, deserves the best and not just the second best. This is one expression of loving others as ourselves. Added to these, countless hours were poured into gently filling hundreds of shimmery gold organza favor bags given away free during a special LAC Senior Pastor Plaza Reception in mid-May. Ferrero Rocher and Ghiradelli chocolates snugly fit into mirrored gold favor boxes displayed on three-tier towers and a grand centerpiece created from pots of fresh purple orchids, whisper royal congratulatory wishes. Whimsical truly turning jumbo swirl lollipops evoke childlike glee. A huge thanks to all volunteers for construing and constructing this delightful CandyLand, your serving hands and loving hearts which gladdened many people are deeply appreciated!

Love Transcends Work -> Fruit of Joy + Peace
Love has a transcendent quality making burden light and labor sweet. Savor one of the most mesmerizing retelling of a classic romance between Jacob and Rachel that he worked 7 years for his father-in-law to win her as bride, “but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her” (Genesis 29:20). Likewise, when love fills one’s heart, enthusiasm activates dreams of blessing a large Community with so much energy that insiders were awed by Love’s indefatigable power in birthing Alleluia CandyLand. Lingering over sips of fragrant tea, a delightful workday saturated with laughter seemed more play than work as volunteers assembled pretty candy pouches to the songs of birds overhead. On wings sunlit like glittering gold, hushed prayers of “God Bless You” ascended for a special someone on God’s heart who will enjoy the treats specially made for them.

The greatest principle of Love applied to the smallest task never fails to reveal celestial beauty. May the sweetness of Alleluia CandyLand graced with Stories of Love and Songs of Praises to God, bless you with simple Joy, unending Hope, steadfast Faith, gentle Peace, and abundant Love! 愿耶和華神賜你平安喜樂，時時陪伴你，永不離開你。愿耶穌的慈愛卷顧你，從嵗首到年終。
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Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 「耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 你 要 盡 心 、 盡 性 、 盡 意 愛 主 ─ 你 的 神 。這 是 誡 命 中 的 第 一 ， 且 是 最 大 的 。其 次 也 相 倣 ， 就 是 要 愛 人 如 己 。這 兩 條 誡 命 是 律 法 和 先 知 一 切 道 理 的 總 綱 。」馬 太 福 音 22:37-40

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 「神爱世人，甚至把祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生。」约翰福音3:16

Congratulations to all Graduates! Sandwiched between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is Graduation! Here we wish to honor Fathers, Mothers, and Graduates, as families and friends celebrate, and say how proud we are for the perseverance and hard work of students making it to the Finish Line!

To the Grad (see attached photo)
With a future full of exciting dreams, you are off to Great Places. Where to go? You will hear a myriad of advice to adventure here, there, and everywhere. Wafting dreamlike through undulating polychromatic landscapes narrated in Dr. Seuss’ favorite graduation book given during this season, rapid promotions may succeed your ecstatic celebration. Until you encounter a Lurch, lag behind and bump into a Slump. How do you make up your mind at crossroads with unmarked streets? Racing ahead with your fresh out-of-school confidence somehow lands you in The Waiting Place. Have you ever seen time standstill as people wait for the phone to ring, a suitor to propose, the weather to turn in their favor, or the fish to bite? Not to be stuck in paralysis mode, you put your skills to the best employment, competing to win, seeking fame. Until you reach the top, perhaps, and find yourself playing against yourself, all alone. To give up now is to lose everything you had strived for, so you’ll persevere and courageously face unfamiliar external challenges and inner fears. In Life’s Great Balancing Act, you are 98 ¾ % guaranteed to succeed and so the book concludes on the upbeat tone that YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

To Kindergarteners to Retirees
What an insightful tale for most of us from kindergarten through tertiary graduation and into retirement! Except for missing road signs. May I venture to provide the Bible as the best roadmap because through the living words testifying of Christ, one finds eternal life (John 5:39). Some of the brightest signage helping anyone navigate the above journey would be:
Proverbs 3:5-6. God will direct your paths.
Micah 6:8. Justice, Mercy, Humility.
John 3:16. Salvation.
2 Samuel 15:23. Crossing the Kidron valley with God.
Isaiah 41:10. God’s presence.
Isaiah 51:3. God can make deserts like Eden.
Genesis 22:14. God will provide for you.
Psalm 29:11. God will strengthen you.
Deuteronomy 15:6. God will bless you.
1 Corinthians 13. Love.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks
2 Peter 1:2-4. True and Precious Promises.
Matthew 17:20-21. Faith that moves mountain.

Like stars which shine brightest in the darkest night, true character brings forth sweetest fruit in times of adversity. May the graduating Class of 2022 demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control as God grants continued success in all future endeavors. May Christ the Lover of your Soul be your Source and Goal. An important highlight is to keep an honorable name, pure and undefiled, to maintain integrity taught in Psalm 15:4 that one should keep your promise even if it results in sacrifice. In so doing, we prove our trust is in the Creator rather than in the creature. Congratulations, Graduate! May your Ascent be blessed by the good LORD!

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The Character of Those Who May Dwell with the Lord
Psalm 15
Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;
He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

诗篇15
耶 和 华 啊 ， 谁 能 寄 居 你 的 帐 幕 ？ 谁 能 住 在 你 的 圣 山 ？
就 是 行 为 正 直 、 做 事 公 义 、 心 里 说 实 话 的 人 。
他 不 以 舌 头 谗 谤 人 ， 不 恶 待 朋 友 ， 也 不 随 夥 毁 谤 邻 里 。
他 眼 中 藐 视 匪 类 ， 却 尊 重 那 敬 畏 耶 和 华 的 人 。 他 发 了 誓 ， 虽 然 自 己 吃 亏 也 不 更 改 。
他 不 放 债 取 利 ， 不 受 贿 赂 以 害 无 辜 。 行 这 些 事 的 人 必 永 不 动 摇 。

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

「耶和華說：我知道我向你們所懷的意念是賜平安的意念，不是降災禍的意念，要叫你們末後有指望。」耶利米書29:11

Successful Life and Career Blessings Revealed in Holy Week Miracle Second Mile. Happy Easter in advance!

Secret Formula for The Second Mile
During my early days in banking, one information customers would never divulge is their secret formula to success. This is prudent in a competitive market economy. Over the years as a homemaker motivated by love and riding the crest volunteering in highly people-centric projects, may I share the Secret Formula for true success in life.

100 Hours First Mile
If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. The best motivation is Love which spurs one to creative accomplishment of tasks producing high energy level that positively reinforces and rewards with immense joy. Recently, I took a brief inventory and found that labor of Love averaging 100 hours go into creating each beautiful volunteer event. First, pray for divine help, see the big picture, then deconstruct into micro steps, allowing reshaping based on available materials within a three quarter time span reserving the last lap for restful daydreaming and nourishing your soul. This final window would either breeze you into a second wind of effortless success or throw you into panic mode. Taking a lesson from vocal performers, you need to overeach into High D to produce a well-rounded High C. So, before the event, you should be 200% ready, buffering enough margin for unexpected interruptions to ensure you can deliver at least 110% output regardless of externalities. 100 hours of loving tenacious preparation is needed to immerse yourself in the tangible and intangible aspects of any project in order to put up an excellent event/course/meeting worthy of another’s engagement.

The Miracle Second Mile
The first mile described above is universal good work ethics usually mandated or required by law or contract. What is the second mile described in Matthew 5:41 “Whoever compels you to go one mile, go two miles with the person.” ? It is widely interpreted as job performance above expectations. Historically, the Roman law permitted a soldier to stop anyone he passed and compel that person to carry his pack for a mile. Yet Jesus taught and personally demonstrated the most loving way of humbly walking the Via Dolorosa second mile, and willingly (see previous post on the Will settled in Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane), for the joy that was set before Him.

Doers of the Second Mile are a cut above the rest, they willingly choose to serve thus breaking free from the constraints of the first mile; they lighten the burden of others, bring sunshine and gladness lifting others up, and most importantly give from their hearts as influencers who imitate Christ on the miracle second mile coming from heaven to walk the road to the Cross before returning to His heavenly throne. See  https://www.faithgateway.com/go-the-second-mile-matthew-5-41/#.Yk9zNC9lCf1

In this age of automation, people-centric management differentiates robotic task performance from heartfelt service which carries a higher premium. A good example is hotels and restaurants where robots are becoming commonly deployed to efficiently and cleanly deliver warm towels or food, charmingly doing little dances and talking in pleasing tones. However, there is a humanness that cannot be replicated by a robot, a je ne sais quoi, an instinctive ability to understand unspoken gestures, a spiritual quality that connects with another human as immortal image bearers of God. Let’s treasure this unique capacity to become extensions of the Divine. Guided by the Love of God will miraculously strengthen us to be His eyes, His voice, His hands, His feet to the world. Back to the example of event organization, successfully navigating the the second mile means you are supernaturally prompted to deliver exceptional experience to others, to give up your own meal or seat to any latecomer, putting others above yourself demonstrating Agape love. The second mile starts when you allow God to stretch your limits, forget about your entitlement or titles, without complaint seeing others as VIP sent by God, feeling great peace and joy to have the privilege of touching another immortal soul.

May you be favored with a second wind following the footsteps of Jesus illustrated in the attached Holy Week Table. This simple snapshot compacted into one page offers white spaces to jot personal or supplemental impressions. May Christ’s Resurrection power breathe new transformation lifting you into His higher way where your second mile is enriched with Divine aid leading to joyful praises proclaiming Alleluia! He is Risen!
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“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:41 「有 人 強 逼 你 走 一 里 路 ， 你 就 同 他 走 二 里」馬 太 福 音 5:41
 
“Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 「耶 穌 說 我 就 是 道 路 、 真 理 、 生 命 ； 若 不 藉 著 我 ， 沒 有 人 能 到 父 那 裡 去 。」約 翰 福 音14:6

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” John 11:25. 「耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 復 活 在 我 ， 生 命 也 在 我 。 信 我 的 人 雖 然 死 了 ， 也 必 復 活 」約 翰 福 音11:25

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3 「我们主耶稣基督的父神是应当称颂的。他照着自己的大怜悯，借着耶稣基督从死人中复活，重生了我们，使我们有永活的盼望。」彼得前书 1:3

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 「你若口里认耶稣为主，心里信神使他从死人中复活，就必得救。」罗马书 10:9

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” Philippians 2:8-9 「既 有 人 的 样 子 ， 就 自 己 卑 微 ， 存 心 顺 服 ， 以 至 於 死 ， 且 死 在 十 字 架 上 。所 以 ， 神 将 他 升 为 至 高 ， 又 赐 给 他 那 超 乎 万 名 之 上 的 名。」腓 立 比 書 2:8-9

”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16 「神爱世人，甚至把他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生。」约翰福音3:16

Rest to You
Wishing you a delightful, restful weekend touched with God’s beauty in nature, music, food, immersed in divine relationship of meditation by the fireside. Attaching beautiful photos of Rest, Work, Play, as Worship fills each sphere. From coastal California inspiring sunset bagpiper playing Scottish tunes strolling along the rolling hills finishing with a soulful Amazing Grace rendition as the sun touches the horizon, may your spirit soar on high effortlessly held by the hand of God.

Rest is an Act of Worship
Genesis 49:24 carries a beautiful illustration of God putting His hands on Joseph’s hands, His arm on his arms. Imagine your beloved guiding you to cook an exquisite dish embracing you from behind. Such is the secret of enjoying rest and work when one is fully trusting the Almighty until your work is effortlessly accomplished yet efficiently achieved. When work blurs into play and rest restores in quietness and confidence, one enters into a most marvelous experience described in Psalm 46:10 to Be Still and Know that I AM (the everlasting God) is (now and always) God (your Redeemer, Creator, Counselor, Savior, Lord… not another person/job/investment/idol/self). It’s the Presence of God that gives true rest, “ My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14. Thus, rest is not merely cessation from labor nor engaging in pleasure, until one engages in joyful worshipful communion with God, the Rest Giver.

Barriers to Rest
The mind harbors myriads of anxious, fearful, unhappy thoughts which create inner turmoil. Neglecting one’s soul in endless work cycles is demoralizing as humans are not machines nor solely agents of production but are image bearers of the immortal God. Frustrations in a troubled fallen world find redemption in Christ who gave His life on the Cross for the forgiveness of sins. Peace experienced through living a Spirit filled life pleasing to God comes through focusing thoughts on Christ (Romans 8:1-4) which through the Holy Spirit has the power to transform one’s mind (Romans 12:1-2). A key to deep rest is to proactively fill one’s mind with “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Rhythm of Rest
Rhythms of work and rest are essential to maintaining one’s mental, spiritual, and physical health which in turn affect one’s relationships. The Bible contains promises for those who keep the Sabbath day holy, a day to be intimate with and to enjoy God in His rest in creation. Ezekiel 20:12 states its sanctifying effect, “I gave them my sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, so that they might know that I the Lord sanctify them.” Jesus invites people who are burnt out, burdened with overwork without specific discipline to set apart a day of rest to: “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).

May you delight in knowing your immense value as God’s image bearer created to enjoy His Presence, may His strong hand uphold you and bear you up on wings like an eagle. Wishing you divine Rest in God’s all-sufficient grace as your heart overflows with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Happy 4th of July

Dear Friends,
Anticipation for a sparkling 4th of July celebration this Monday can be audibly experienced nightly by residents around the mountains. Of sweeter music to the ears is the majestic hymn “America the Beautiful” with inspiring lyrics evoking thanksgiving:

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

啊，为广阔美丽的天空，
谷物的琥珀色波浪，
紫山果子累累的平原之上！
美国！美国！
上帝向你施恩
并以兄弟情谊加冕你的好
从大海到闪耀的大海！

Decked out in red, white, and blue, dining under spacious sky surrounded by immense greenery, a laughter drenched lunch fellowship photo is attached to wish you a Happy Independence Day! Sharing a special Bible passage from 2 Corinthians 3 gleaming with heavenly glory with this promise that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” In freedom in Christ may you ascend from glory to Glory!

“…the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious…Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:9-18

「。。。 那 稱 義 的 職 事 榮 光 就 越 發 大 了 。那 從 前 有 榮 光 的 ， 因 這 極 大 的 榮 光 就 算 不 得 有 榮 光 了 ；若 那 廢 掉 的 有 榮 光 ， 這 長 存 的 就 更 有 榮 光 了 。我 們 既 有 這 樣 的 盼 望 。。。主 就 是 那 靈 ； 主 的 靈 在 那 裡 ， 那 裡 就 得 以 自 由 。我 們 眾 人 既 然 敞 著 臉 得 以 看 見 主 的 榮 光 ， 好 像 從 鏡 子 裡 返 照 ， 就 變 成 主 的 形 狀 ， 榮 上 加 榮 ， 如 同 從 主 的 靈 變 成 的 。」歌 林 多 後 書 3:9-18

Happy Father’s Day! 父親節快樂! 父亲节快乐！A good father is like a strong pillar holding up his family, protecting, providing, guiding with loving compassion and patient endurance until the little ones mature, taking flight from the nest. Until his last breath, a good father loyally continues to build a moral ethical legacy of love to pass down to his grandchildren. Proverbs 13:22 says, “ A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”

Fatherly figures abound in philanthropy, but one that excels all is the Father of fathers, mothers, children, before time was and after time has passed. While playing a meditative hymn this afternoon, my heart echoes the composer’s love for nature walks “going out to see the Father’s world.” Written by a New York minister, Maltbie Davenport Babcock, may the simple lines of “This is My Father’s World” found in his “Thoughts for Every-Day Living” compilation based on Genesis 1, bring inspiring aural visual tribute of praise this Father’s Day!

Our Father in Heaven 我们的天父
The universal invitation to call upon God as Father is freely open to anyone who by grace through faith believes that Jesus is the Son of God, receiving eternal life as the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Romans 8:14-17 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons and daughters of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ”. A stirring reality is that when one is made righteous through the washing away of sins by the cleansing blood of Jesus, one stands Accepted in the Beloved, rejoicing as if receiving the same affirmation when a voice from heaven says, “This is My (God the Father) beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17).

Many would by now recognize that we are dwelling on “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13, 马太福音6:9-13) illustrated in the attached Father’s Day eCard set against a blue sky. Acknowledging that all good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights (James 1:17) establishes our hearts that God gives and sustains both our physical and spiritual life. When natural first causes fail, God can activate second causes such as sending manna from heaven (Exodus 16:31) or reviving the armies of three kings dying of thirst by sending water not directly from clouds (2 Kings 3). More than seeking temporal bread or water, may Jesus be your Bread of Heaven (John 6:35) and Water of Life (John 4:10) that always satisfies, as we pray “Give us this day our daily bread”.

Presence is the Best Present
As eventide beckons, I’m feeling an eagerness to commune with Father God in the company of mountain birds before they fly homeward, to marvel at flowering blooms before they close their eyelids, and to gaze in wonder at the glorious California sunset. May you give the gift of time, of presence, of laughter and gratitude to the fathers and fatherly role-models in your sphere. Sufficient is today’s hymn and heartfelt sharing to wish you a very Happy Father’s Day!

“This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears

all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought

of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.”

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John 3:5-8 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 约翰福音3:5-8 「耶稣说：“我实实在在地告诉你，人如果不是从水和圣灵生的，就不能进上帝的国。 从肉体生的还是肉体，从圣灵生的才是灵。 所以我说你们必须重生，你不要惊奇。 风随意吹动，你听见它的声音，却不知道它从哪里来，往哪里去。凡从圣灵生的人也是这样。」

Romans 8:14-17 ”For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” 罗马书8:14-17 「因为凡有上帝的圣灵引导的人都是上帝的儿女。 你们接受的圣灵不是使你们做奴隶，仍旧害怕，而是使你们做儿女, 可以称上帝为“阿爸，父亲”。 圣灵亲自与我们的心一同见证我们是上帝的儿女。 既然我们是儿女，就是继承人，是上帝的后嗣，并且与基督同做后嗣。所以，如果现在我们和基督一同受苦，将来也必和祂一同得荣耀。」

Galatians 4:5-7 ”To redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” 加拉太书4:5-7 「为要救赎一切受律法约束的人，使我们成为祂的儿女。我们既然成为儿女，上帝就差遣祂儿子的灵进入我们的心里，使我们可以称呼上帝为“阿爸，父亲”。 由此可见，你们从今以后不再是奴仆，而是儿女。既然身为儿女，就可以靠着上帝成为产业继承人。」

James 1:17 ”Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” 雅各书1:17 「一切良善的施予和完美的恩赐都是从天上，从众光之父那里来的。祂不像转动的影子变幻无常。」

James 1:27 ”Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” 雅各书1:27 「在父上帝看来，纯洁无暇的虔诚是指照顾患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且不让自己被世俗玷污。」

1 John 1:9 ”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 约翰一书1:9 「如果我们承认自己的罪，上帝是信实公义的，必赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义。」

1 Timothy 1:17 ”To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 提摩太前书1:17 「愿尊贵、荣耀归给那位不朽的、肉眼不能见的万世君王——独一无二的上帝，直到永远。阿们！」

Happy Valentine’s 情人节快乐！
春节相亲如何做心里准备One of the highlights during Lunar New Year celebration is hopeful singles meeting one’s soul mate during Spring Festival. Mirroring the much anticipated Valentine’s Day coming up on February 14th in the West, the corresponding date is February 15th in the East.

Wholesome Heart完整的心
A great way to find one’s marriage partner is though prayer and preparation. It is good for couples to go through a Marriage Preparation course to discover each other’s beliefs, values, talents, dreams, and to depend on God for Sovereign help to face a lifetime of growing deeper in love.

Before one is ready to marry, a journey inward to understand oneself is necessary to overcome past hurts and negative habits without projecting unrealistic expectations on another human to bring happiness. A wholesome heart is fundamental to marriage with the prayer to bless another, not to complete oneself but to complement each other. The First Two Principles are for people to love God and to love one another (Matthew 22:36-40). Perfect love is found in God, whose nature is Love (1John 4:8). How does loving God gradually transform our human heart?

Test Your Love 爱的考验
Ancient oracles told a true story of Joseph in the book of Genesis 創 世 記. Being the favorite son of Jacob who gave him a coat of splendor, he was envied by his older brothers and sold into slavery as a teenager. His outstanding service in his master’s house could not save him from harassment by Potiphar’s wife, and Joseph landed in prison for many years. The beautiful part is the young man did not grow bitter but continued to trust God and executed his duties well. At the right time, God gave Joseph the ability to interpret the King’s dream together with a redemption plan, and he was instantly promoted to Prime Minister with the power to rescue his family during a severe famine. Joseph grieved the pains of his past but instead of erecting walls of separation, he responded with forgiveness and grace toward his brothers and their families. He married, had children and rose to become the Second in Command in the land of his captivity. God said of him, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall” (Genesis 49:22) 「約 瑟 是 多 結 果 子 的 樹 枝 ， 是 泉 旁 多 結 果 的 枝 子 ； 他 的 枝 條 探 出 牆 外 。」創 世 記49:22

Happy Valentine’s 情人节快乐！
Love of and from God does good to others, rippling outward from self to family to friends and the Community. It proactively flows freely, generously, graciously, persistently, through serving hands and loving hearts. May unwavering childlike Faith in God bring clearer vision, enduring Hope in Christ’s return reward with eternal possession, pure sacrificial Love unite you with Joy unspeakable and full of glory! Sending you this week’s Lunar New Year Community free treats and blessings collage to wish you a very Happy Valentine’s filled with God’s Love!
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Love Chapter 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails…When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

歌 林 多 前 書13:4-13
愛 是 恆 久 忍 耐 ， 又 有 恩 慈 ； 愛 是 不 嫉 妒 ； 愛 是 不 自 誇 ， 不 張 狂 ，不 做 害 羞 的 事 ， 不 求 自 己 的 益 處 ， 不 輕 易 發 怒 ， 不 計 算 人 的 惡 ，不 喜 歡 不 義 ， 只 喜 歡 真 理 ；凡 事 包 容 ， 凡 事 相 信 ， 凡 事 盼 望 ， 凡 事 忍 耐 。愛 是 永 不 止 息 …我 們 現 在 所 知 道 的 有 限 ， 先 知 所 講 的 也 有 限 ，等 那 完 全 的 來 到 ， 這 有 限 的 必 歸 於 無 有 了 。我 作 孩 子 的 時 候 ， 話 語 像 孩 子 ， 心 思 像 孩 子 ， 意 念 像 孩 子 ， 既 成 了 人 ， 就 把 孩 子 的 事 丟 棄 了 。我 們 如 今 彷 彿 對 著 鏡 子 觀 看 ， 糢 糊 不 清 （ 原 文 作 ： 如 同 猜 謎 ） ； 到 那 時 就 要 面 對 面 了 。 我 如 今 所 知 道 的 有 限 ， 到 那 時 就 全 知 道 ， 如 同 主 知 道 我 一 樣 。如 今 常 存 的 有 信 ， 有 望 ， 有 愛 這 三 樣 ， 其 中 最 大 的 是 愛 。

Sending a 2022 Prelude of Poetic Celebration to wish you a Happy Lunar New Year! 祝大家新年快乐，万事如意，如虎添翼，主恩满溢！

生龙活虎双喜Twice Upon A Time Double Happy New Year fellowship kicked-off in an urban oasis studded with green spaces connecting spiritual, cultural, and physical elements surrounded by avian symphony within a herbaceous enclosure. Continuing our signature free gracious Hospitality since 2018, January 2022 marks its entrance with a colorful splash embracing East meets West creativity announcing Happy New Year and 新年快乐！The tranquility of LAC Prayer Garden is outfitted with spacious seating shaded by blue and white canopies under the clear Pasadena sky. Scented with fresh oranges and pomelos freshly picked from the San Gabriel mountain, this warmly welcoming air where no bird is turned away, refreshes friends like family with free boxed lunches, drinks, cookies, and festive souvenirs, draped in red and gold poetic decorations. Red lanterns gently swaying on tree branches above a reflective pond evokes joyful fecundity of thanksgiving mirroring the twin verses strung on the pergola’s pillars: 凡事谢恩，常常喜乐from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

准备过年This early Prelude is followed by a series of Lunar New Year preparations which traditionally includes spring cleaning and clearing debts before reunion. A common saying goes, 「过年不欠债」。It is good morality to not withhold wages from workers and to repay debts so as to usher in the New Year with a good start. A simple moral barometer to follow is to act in love as introduced in a previous post: Love People, Use Things. Conversely, to use people and love things would produce the opposite results. Thus, the key to a kind, gracious, generous, healthy, happy, hopeful humanity begins with each of us to “Owe no one anything, except to love one another” Romans 13:8.

神爱你Love in its highest form is to desire the best for another person, also called Agape. God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Why? To pay the debt for our sins, transgressions, wrongdoings, in order to set us free from sin (Romans 6:7). There is no greater freedom from debt than freedom in Christ. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). This leads us to the next Lunar New Year tradition of poetic greetings, of which a favorite is 出入平安 which correlates to Psalm 121:8. In the puzzle of life, there are many doors leading to good or evil outcomes. Which is the Door that leads to Peace or Shalom? John 10:9 holds the key: Jesus is the Door to Heaven, His righteousness and blood shed on the Cross is the Way to salvation, believing on Him for the forgiveness of sins is to inherit eternal Life.

精金红包Red packets given to each guest in the colorful collage of Lunar New Year festive smiles contain something more precious than gold 金。Auspicious tiger year red packets opened to bless everyone with pocket Scripture calendars. Guided by the true and righteous Word of God is more desirable than much fine gold (Psalm 19:10). May 2022 be rich with miracles in your work/study/business/travel/family/health/relationships as you love God and love others, diligently seeking His Word which has the power to transform you through His Spirit!

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Romans 13:8 “Owe no man anything, but to love one another, for he that loves another has fulfilled the law”. 「凡 事 都 不 可 虧 欠 人 ， 惟 有 彼 此 相 愛 要 常 以 為 虧 欠 ， 因 為 愛 人 的 就 完 全 了 律 法 。」羅 馬 書13:8

Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God”. 「我 們 既 因 信 稱 義 ， 就 藉 著 我 們 的 主 耶 穌 基 督 得 與 神 相 和 。我 們 又 藉 著 祂， 因 信 得 進 入 現 在 所 站 的 這 恩 典 中 ， 並 且 歡 歡 喜 喜 盼 望 神 的 榮 耀 。」羅 馬 書 5:1-2

Psalm 121:8 “The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore”. 「你 出 你 入 ， 耶 和 華 要 保 護 你 ， 從 今 時 直 到 永 遠 。」詩 篇121:8

John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture”. 「我 就 是 門 ； 凡 從 我 進 來 的 ， 必 然 得 救 ， 並 且 出 入 得 草 吃 。」約 翰 福 音 10:9

Psalm 19:9-10 “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgements of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yes, than much fine gold”. 「耶 和 華 的 道 理 潔 淨 ， 存 到 永 遠 ； 耶 和 華 的 典 章 真 實 ， 全 然 公 義 ─ 都 比 金 子 可 羨 慕 ， 且 比 極 多 的 精 金 可 羨 慕 」詩 篇19:9-10

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. 「要 常 常 喜 樂 ，不 住 的 禱 告 ，凡 事 謝 恩 ； 因 為 這 是 神 在 基 督 耶 穌 裡 向 你 們 所 定 的 旨 意 。」帖 撒 羅 尼 迦 前 書5:16-18

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2022 ! As we bid goodbye to another pandemic year graced by God’s mercy, may you experience anew hopes for a better future by setting good goals guided by the Star of Hope.

One goal that God blesses answers to this question: “Does my goal honor God and are they motivated by love? “ 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God” and 1 Corinthians 16:14 exhorts us to “Do everything in love” because God is love (1 John 4:8). Herein lies a wealth of wisdom for a peaceful happy life: God will bless goals that are not loveless nor stray into paths of greed, avarice, pride, but will honor those who honor His Ways revealed in His Word. Having set the right goal, one needs empowerment to accomplish it. Proverbs 16:9 says, “We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it." The Holy Spirit given to each believer empowers far above terrestrial alliances or endowments, urging all to trust in God the Creator with this understanding that “You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord All-Powerful” Zechariah 4:6

In the trajectory of life, through the ups and downs, may we say we have loved well and thus lived well for a Higher purpose beyond ourselves. As God created a beautiful rainbow arc over the majestic Grand Canyon in the attached photo answering my heart’s prayer to capture a rainbow on a first visit in stormy weather, may the history of our lives be rich with faith promises coming to joyful fruition reflecting the praise of His glory!

在2022新的一年，愿耶和華神時時陪伴你，永不離開你。愿耶穌的慈愛卷顧你，從嵗首到年終。愿你沐主恩膏，福杯滿溢！

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How to welcome a glorious future whether the past was happy or sad: read Philippians 3:13-14 如何面對將來：腓立比书 3: 13-14

How to receive and give saving love: read John 3:16 and 1 John 4:7-8
如何接受神愛過個充滿愛的生活：約 翰 福 音 3:16，約 翰 一 書 4:7-8

One Aspiration: Philippians 3:13-14
“…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
腓立比书 3: 13-14 「。。。我 只 有 一 件 事 ， 就 是 忘 记 背 後 ， 努 力 面 前 的 ，向 着 标 竿 直 跑 ， 要 得 神 在 基 督 耶 稣 里 从 上 面 召 我 来 得 的 奖 赏 。」

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
約 翰 福 音 3:16 「神 愛 世 人 ， 甚 至 將 他 的 獨 生 子 賜 給 他 們 ， 叫 一 切 信 他 的 ， 不 至 滅 亡 ， 反 得 永 生 。」

1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
約 翰 一 書 4:7-8 「我 們 應 當 彼 此 相 愛 ， 因 為 愛 是 從 神 來 的 。 凡 有 愛 心 的 ， 都 是 由 神 而 生 ， 並 且 認 識 神 。沒 有 愛 心 的 ， 就 不 認 識 神 ， 因 為 神 就 是 愛 。」

圣诞快乐！Wishing you a most beautiful and authentic California Christmas 2021 atmosphere filled with Light, Family Love, Friendship Laughter, Creative Energy, and Mountain deers adorning city gardenscapes evoking childlike wonder. Sustainable trees win the day among the brightly lit glittering skyscraper tree varieties, and the runner-up is hereby presented to you decorated by Yours Truly. Named 12 Days of Christmas singing tree, it’s one which you can enjoy endless melodious fun while embracing spiritual gems of truths revealed below:

The 12 Days of Christmas - True Meaning

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . a partridge in a pear tree.
The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on the first day of Christmas. Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge, the only bird that will die to protect its young.
 
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . two turtledoves.
These twin birds represent the Old and New Testaments. So in this gift, the singer finds the complete story of God’s plan for the world. The doves are the biblical roadmap that is available to everyone.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . three French hens.
These birds represent faith, hope, and love. This gift hearkens back to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter written by the apostle Paul.
 
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . four calling birds.
One of the easiest facets of the song’s code to figure out, these fowl are the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
 

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . five gold rings.
The gift of the rings represents the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch.
 
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . six geese a-laying.
These lyrics can be traced back to the first story found in the Bible. Each egg is a day in creation, a time when the world was “hatched” or formed by God.
 
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . seven swans a-swimming.
It would take someone quite familiar with the Bible to identify this gift. Hidden in the code are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion. As swans are one of the most beautiful and graceful creatures on earth, they would seem to be a perfect symbol for the spiritual gifts.
 
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . eight maids a-milking.
As Christ came to save even the lowest of the low, this gift represents the ones who would receive his word and accept his grace. Being a milkmaid was about the worst job one could have in England during this period; this code conveyed that Jesus cared as much about servants as he did those of royal blood. The eight who were blessed included the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
 
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . nine ladies dancing.
These nine dancers were really the gifts known as the fruit of the Spirit. The fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
 
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . ten lords a-leaping.
This is probably the easiest gift to understand. As lords were judges and in charge of the law, this code for the Ten Commandments was fairly straightforward.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . eleven pipers piping.
This is almost a trick question, as most think of the disciples in terms of a dozen. But when Judas betrayed Jesus and committed suicide, there were only eleven men who carried out the gospel message.
 
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . twelve drummers drumming.
The drummers are the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.”

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Amidst reliving favorite Christmas traditions of watching movies, Nutcracker musicals, admiring 50-foot tall decorated lighted trees, embracing the warm glow and sweet aroma of Christmas parties, giving and receiving adorable presents from cute fuzzies to glittering baubles, pause a moment to let the Love of God enter your heart this Season. Ponder the matchless Gift when Jesus the Messiah came in a lowly manger, the wonder of meekness and majesty heralded by angels, the stirring poems which we sing as hymn carols in worship and adoration strengthening our faith believing in Jesus as Savior and following Christ as Lord.

This week marks the third week of Advent for Joy. One of the best promises that brings joy to all is found in Isaiah 54:11-12. God Himself will turn away the afflictions of the poor and the poor in spirit, to rebuild you with foundations of lapis lazuli representing deep works of grace, lay your superstructure with colorful gemstones and windows of rubies. The latter symbolizes a type of fenestra, a glimpse into heavenly glory. As living stones of Christ’s building, may we grow from grace to Grace, from glory to Glory, reflecting the beauty of Jesus in all His wondrous compassion, purity, and Love.

Sending you a colorful Christmas bells greeting embodying the elements of Love, Joy, Peace, Faith, Hope, graced in the shade of sky stone inspired by Isaiah 54:11. May Advent Joy fill your heart and home for a very precious and Blessed Christmas!

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Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing (2x)
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! The Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy (2x)
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
And glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love (2x)
And wonders, wonders of His love

普世歡騰！救主下降！

大地接他君王；

惟願眾心，預備地方，

諸天萬物歌唱 (2x),

諸天，諸天萬物歌唱。

普世歡騰！主治萬方！

民眾首當歌唱；

沃野，洪濤，山石，平原，

響應歌聲嘹亮 (2x),

響應，響應歌聲嘹亮。

罪惡憂愁不容再長，

世途荊棘消泯；

化詛為恩，無遠弗屆，

到處主澤流長 (2x),

到處，到處主澤流長。

Happy Thanksgiving! 感恩节快乐！”With a heart of thanksgiving, I will bless you, O Lord.”

With 4Q2021 economic recovery trending upwards, much broad based Thanksgiving fill the aroma in homes and restaurants. Friendsgiving add a spirited glow to the atmosphere as singles mingle to celebrate with their 闺蜜or with that special someone in their lives.

During this bustling season, we can give back to society in many ways, of which the most direct way is to increase gratuity to restaurant servers by tipping 20%-25% to support local neighborhood gems. Part of the kindness of increasing tips is due to rising inflation for basic necessities. Some big hearted restaurants participate in the “California Grateful Table” program helping struggling workers with groceries, diapers, etc. To experience the joys of giving, may we be conscious of the power of love expressed through each dollar plowed into the economy and into charities, drawing an upward curve to the smiles of one and all this Thanksgiving Season!

Above all, may spiritual well-being crown material blessings large or small. Sharing a beautiful song, “Thanks to God”, a rich hymn with Chinese/English lyrics attached in the pictorial greeting to wish you a joyous Thanksgiving that never ceases when you receive the free gift of salvation in knowing God from Whom all blessings flow!

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“Give thanks unto the LORD for He is good; His love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 「應 當 稱 謝 耶 和 華 ； 因 他 本 為 善 ， 他 的 慈 愛 永 遠 長 存 ！」歷 代 志 上16:34

“...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5: 18-20 「。。。要 被 圣 灵 充 满 。当 用 诗 章 、 颂 词 、 灵 歌 、 彼 此 对 说 ， 口 唱 心 和 的 赞 美 主 。凡 事 要 奉 我 们 主 耶 稣 基 督 的 名 常 常 感 谢 父 神 。又 当 存 敬 畏 基 督 的 心 ， 彼 此 顺 服 。」以 弗 所 書 5:18-20

Thanks to God Hymn
Thanks, O God, for boundless mercy
From Thy gracious throne above
Thanks for ev’ry need provided
From the fullness of Thy love
Thanks for daily toil and labour
And for rest when shadows fall
Thanks for love of friend and neighbour
And Thy goodness unto all

感謝神詩歌
感謝神，賜我救贖主，感謝神，豐富預備，
感謝神，過去的同在，感謝神，主常蔭庇，
感謝神，賜溫暖春天，感謝神，蕭索秋景，
感謝神，抹乾我眼淚，感謝神，賜我安寧。

感謝神，禱告蒙應允，感謝神，未蒙垂聽，
感謝神，渡過了風暴，感謝神，豐富供應，
感謝神，賜我苦與樂，感謝神，絕望得慰，
感謝神，無比的慈愛，感謝神，無限恩惠。

感謝神，賜路旁玫瑰，感謝神，玫瑰有刺，
感謝神，賜家庭溫暖，感謝神，盼望福祉，
感謝神，賜喜樂憂愁，感謝神，屬天安寧，
感謝神，賜明天盼望，感謝神，永遠不停。

“Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

Luxury of Thanks 奢华的感恩是免费的
Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving Month! November makes its entrance with a special delivery box opening to reveal elegant black and white layers of soft tissues. Ensconced within are luxurious silk PJs. Thankful for the superb hospitality shown by premier retailers in L.A., it reminds me to continue supporting local businesses aiding economic recovery. Prayers for blessings quickly spiral from earthly supplications to heavenly glorifications. The best luxury in life is free, like prayer that ascends upwards without a subscription fee because Jesus paid it all. What is luxury?

Luxury of Time and Space
Luxury to one generation may become necessity to the next. Books which were once expensive possessions are now made accessible to the masses by technology. To construct an alphabetical list of luxury goods and services would invariably include accomplishment, architecture, beauty, car, courtier, delicacy, estate, esteem, fashion, gemstones, glamor, holiday, etc.

In today’s world, a new definition of luxury transcends material wealth to a pleasant State of Mind where one possesses Time and Space to Appreciate all surroundings. It is the summation from possessing a piece of luxury to discovering luxury all around. Be it the fruit of life found in literature, art, science, commerce or nature, the spiritual in Creation calls us to enjoy the color of fresh grass, the fragrance of flowers, the music of the ocean, the song of birds, the rhythm of floating clouds... Still there exists a void, a loneliness, a universal human heart’s cry yearning for companionship. As the saying goes, one is rich who has a friend. The ultimate riches free to anyone is in knowing Jesus Christ, Who is luxury delicacy beyond mere necessities such as bread and water, the lasting perfume like a “rose of Sharon”, and “a lily of the valleys” in His spotless purity (see November 5th Morning and Evening Devotional by Charles Spurgeon).

May your enjoyment of Time + Space be filled with the inexhaustible riches of God who loves you with an unfailing love, esteeming you so precious in His sight that He gave the Great Exchange on the Cross to redeem you to inherit everlasting life (1 Peter 1:4). In the busyness of life, may you esteem more highly than anything else, daily time of sweet communion with God, Who dresses the flowers of the field arrayed more excellently than the grandeur of King Solomon (Matthew 6:29).

Luxury of Words
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 11:25
Have you experienced overflowing joy when someone sent you a nice birthday card or a Christmas card, or assorted Thinking of You wishes in between those intervals? Healing, cheering, life-giving words spring from an inner well of goodness (Luke 6:45). To cultivate gracious pure speeches, Proverbs 4:23 instructs us to guard our hearts for which the best source of education can be drawn from the living Bible. Beautiful personal testimonies of Thanksgiving written in Chinese for everyday life to encourage you can be found on:  https://hm.cchcla.org/2021/10/27/不忘感謝/

During this Thanksgiving month, may elevated riches of true luxury surround you as you bless others with the luxury of words, sharing time + space (read meal prep and laughter) with family and friends. Crown it with love exemplified by the Good Samaritan combining passion with contribution to make tomorrow a better world by reaching out to help another soul. Sending you one of the best “Hello Autumn” pictures depicting luxury of woodlands savoring “Favorite Things” set against a refreshing apple tree. Wishing you a delightful November of Thanksgiving from Psalm 34:7 surpassing wishes upon a star!

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“Their prayer reached heaven, His holy dwelling place.” 2 Chronicles 30:27「上帝听到了他们的声音。他们的祷告传到天上，达到上帝圣洁的住处。」历代志下30:27

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18「 要常常欢欣，不断祷告，事事感谢。这就是上帝对你们跟随基督耶稣的人所定的旨意。」帖撒罗尼迦前书5:16-18

The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37
“”…’Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.””
「。。。‘请照料他，还有什么花费，我回来一定补给你。’ 这三个人，你认为谁才爱遇劫的那个人呢？”他说：“是怜悯他的那个人。”耶稣对他说：“去吧，你也要照样做。”」路加福音10:25-37

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 「你要因耶和华而满心喜乐，他就把你心里渴求的赐给你。」诗篇37:4

Secret of Productivity - High Achievers
Productivity is at an all time high for people in all walks of life rebalancing work inside and outside their homes. Success rewards innovative industry leaders who adapt divergent thinking as the world reimagines a new shift in fundamental structures for trade and investment affecting human and capital flows. If success is measured by return on investment, where is your soul’s prosperity in terms of stewarding God given talents for eternal rewards?

Wise Strategy on Profit and Loss
The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-29 reveals a remarkable ROI doubling the returns to good and faithful stewards. Which portfolio or workplace yields such profits? 1 Corinthians 3:5-23 describes the division of labor in God’s field emphasizing that it is God who gives the increase. Moving from agriculture to architecture, verse 12 directs our attention to build on Jesus Christ the only foundation with imperishable materials “gold, silver, precious stones” carrying simultaneous warning that those who build with “wood, hay, straw” will suffer great loss.

Love Cures Burnout
High achievers are desirable factors of production accomplishing high productivities and returns to their companies, families, societies and self. In the pursuit of achievement which supposedly helps one actualize happiness, some have suffered burnout, insomnia, and manifold sorrows. In Matthew 16:26-27, Jesus invites you to follow Him, for what does it profit a person to gain the world but loses his/her soul? Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:8

Today’s reading from Hosea 14:4 discloses Fullness in Miniature as God declares, “I will…love them freely.” To plumb the depths of such love is to see God as the source of all unconditional blessings, freely and spontaneously initiated without merit on our part. May we in simple faith draw near to Christ our Savior, and appropriate this wonderful promise, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Season of Fruitfulness
Wishing you a bountiful Autumn and sharing today’s photo of blessed quiet communion with the God of all Creation. Captured on this California mountain of singing birds and fruitful trees, it embraces external production having received a miniature train loaded with festive nuts and bakery goodness produced in Oregon. Fullness in Miniature beckons us to savor the delights of nature and spiritual goodness in harmony. Tucked in the background are apples that fondly brought to mind this beautiful English pastoral poem in song called “Linden Lea”:

Within the woodlands, flow'ry gladed,

By the oak tree's mossy moot,

The shining grass-blades, timber-shaded,

Now do quiver underfoot;

And birds do whistle overhead,

And water's bubbling in its bed,

And there for me the apple tree

Do lean down low in Linden Lea.

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“I will love them freely.” Hosea 14:4 「我必医治他们背道的病，甘心爱他们。」何西阿书14:4

“Your fruit is found in Me.” Hosea 14:8 「我如青翠的松树，你的果子从我而得。」何西阿书414:8

“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 「你以恩典为年岁的冠冕。你的路径都滴下脂油。」诗篇65:11

One Aspiration - Hot Air Balloon Festivals + Promotions

Happy Fall! This Season of Seasons tinged with golden glow, is filled with joyous celebrations of many sorts. International Hot Air Balloon Festivals dot the map, and hot air balloons lend whimsical pops of color on this California mountain home. Sending you an invitation to a beautiful soaring Garden gathering accessible by RSVP to the indicated directions.

It is a most marvelous work of creation that humans are blessed with the ability to think creatively, to partner with the Divine, erupting in praises while engaging our living senses. The sight of floating hot air balloons always inspires with this New Testament passage which in some music rendition is called “My One Aspiration”: 

“…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

A popular craft project connecting humans in congratulatory career advancement often features greeting card with cut-out rising hot air balloons symbolizing promotions. Knowing that these balloons are carried by the wind brings to mind that the Holy Spirit is like a wind; whether cruising in the sky or on the sea, may our hearts be awakened to the higher source of true promotion as described in the Bible, “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one, and sets up another.” Psalm 75:6-7

Qualifying the promotion from above, the character and integrity of one approved by God is like one who dwells in the presence of God’s tent, enjoying all the protection of His hospitality. What is the acceptable conduct before friends/neighbors/difficult people that God approves of? Psalm 15 lists out honesty, sincerity, soundness, uprightness, adhering to a code of values, doing the will of God, etc. Let’s look closer at verse 4b which defines integrity as a person who keeps his/her promise even when it is no longer advantageous or may incur a loss to oneself to do so. Think contractual obligations, substitution of vows, how money can be used to advance the good of others above oneself. Psalm 15 and 75 affirm that First Cause overrides second causes, the Sovereign being in control above terrestrial/natural alliances/advantages. A Chinese saying goes like this: 人競天择。

This Autumn, may our One Aspiration be to dwell in the presence of God in integrity and righteousness, reaching for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. May you fly higher and nearer to the heart of God, falling into the blessed rest in Jesus Christ that abides forever.

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“But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:25
 
「惟 有 詳 細 察 看 那 全 備 使 人 自 由 之 律 法 的 、 並 且 時 常 如 此 、 這 人 既 不 是 聽 了 就 忘 、 乃 是 實 在 行 出 來 、 就 在 他 所 行 的 事 上 必 然 得 福 。」雅 各 書1:25
 
Psalm 15
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
 Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless,
 who does what is righteous,
 who speaks the truth from their heart;
 whose tongue utters no slander,
 who does no wrong to a neighbor,
 and casts no slur on others;
 who despises a vile person
 but honors those who fear the Lord;
 who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
 and does not change their mind;
 who lends money to the poor without interest;
 who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things
 will never be shaken.
 
诗篇15
耶和华阿，谁能寄居你的帐幕？谁能住在你的圣山？就是行为正直，作事公义，心里说实话的人。他不以舌头谗谤人，不恶待朋友，也不随伙毁谤邻里。他眼中藐视匪类，却尊重那敬畏耶和华的人。他发了誓，虽然自己吃亏，也不更改。他不放债取利，不受贿赂以害无辜。行这些事的人，必永不动摇。

Wishing you an early Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2021! A lovely treat from our generous volunteers brought culinary appreciation to the next higher level as friends gathered to savor exquisite handmade traditional mini-mooncakes in crab shapes meaning “Thank You”.

Concert halls and many places have resumed live gatherings but have you experienced one place which surpasses them all since antiquity? Psalm 84:10 says that one day in God’s house is better than a thousand elsewhere. Let Heaven and earth rejoice!

人逢喜事精神爽，月到中秋分外明。提早祝大家今年中秋节快乐！赏月时，祝你月圆家圆事事圆。 什么是永恒的团圆？人能照光吗？

居住天涯海角的亲人心里常会盼望在中秋佳节能借着完整的月亮，皎洁的月光，享受不散的宴席。包含在团圆就有分离的意思。在世上一年过一年的中秋会体验到长辈渐渐衰老，最后悄然逝去。人生短暂，古人望星月也寄情于明月抱着称颂与悲思, 如诗人大卫这么说：”耶和华我们的主啊，你的名在全地何其美，你将你的荣耀彰显于天！我观看你指头所造的天，并你所陈设的月亮星宿，便说：“人算什么，你竟顾念他？世人算什么，你竟眷顾他？你叫他比天使微小一点，并赐他荣耀尊贵为冠冕。” 诗篇8:1, 3-5

永恒的团圆 (Eternal Reunion)
上帝怎么顾念你呢？约翰福音3:16 -18 告诉我们 ” 神爱世人，甚至将他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的不致灭亡，反得永生。 因为神差的祂儿子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因他得救。 信祂的人不被定罪，不信的人罪已经定了，因为他不信神独生子的名。”

信耶稣基督的人是新造的人（歌 林 多 後 書 5:17），得了永生。要同神，而不只是同人在一起，才是团圆的根本意义。因为上帝才是永恒，与祂相通，人与人才能真正地相通、相聚、相爱，永不分离。

耶稣是世界的光，照你的光 (Jesus is the Light of the World, shine your light)
耶稣又对众人说：“我是世界的光，跟从我的，必定不在黑暗里走，却要得着生命的光。” 约翰福音8:12

”你们是世上的光。城造在山上，是不能隐藏的。 人点灯，不放在斗底下，是放在灯台上，就照亮一家的人。 你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。” 马太福音5:14-16

“光 明 所 结 的 果 子 就 是 一 切 良 善 、 公 义 、 诚 实 。总 要 察 验 何 为 主 所 喜 悦 的 事 ...被 圣 灵 充 满 。当 用 诗 章 、 颂 词 、 灵 歌 、 彼 此 对 说 ， 口 唱 心 和 的 赞 美 主 。凡 事 要 奉 我 们 主 耶 稣 基 督 的 名 常 常 感 谢 父 神 。又 当 存 敬 畏 基 督 的 心 ， 彼 此 顺 服 。” 以 弗 所 書 5:9, 10, 19-21 （同行经节）

愿今年的中秋，大家能在永恒的主内像被蒙慈 爱 的 儿 女 联想基督的盼望。如月亮反射太阳的光，你我也以耶稣的光照亮世界！

附上2020中秋节美国教会聚会图片。

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Psalm 8:1, 3-5
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
...
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. “ John 3:16-18

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. “ 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”” John 8:12

“”You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord... speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:9, 10, 19-21 (WeWalk verses)

Heaven on Earth 天堂 - Peace and Holy Calm 圣洁的平静
 
"As it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

September 2021 makes its entrance gloriously blessing the week with sweet Holy Calm and overflowing joy which only God’s Spirit can impart to those leaning on the Good Shepherd. Isaiah 26:3 promises that “You (God) will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Crowning previous posts on foretaste of Heaven (Antedate Heaven) and Faith, today’s meditation reveals that Heaven is beyond what we can imagine based on beauty seen or music/words heard with human eyes and ears. From deep holy calm, one is refreshed and strengthened to bless others in good or “bad” times. This is the secret of perpetual Hospitality exhibiting Agape love. To explore this foundational source of personal and corporate Peace, Spurgeon wrote:

“First of all, we think a saint gets a gaze of what heaven is, when in the midst of trials and troubles he is able to cast all his care upon the Lord, because He cares for him (1 Peter 5:7). When waves of distress, and billows of affliction pass over the Christian, there are times when his faith is so strong that he lies down and sleeps, though the hurricane is thundering in his ears, and though billows are rocking him like a child in its cradle, though the earth is removed, and the mountains are carried into the midst of the sea, he says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1-3). Famine and desolation come; but he says, "Though the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall there be fruit on the vine, though the labour of the olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no increase, yet will I trust in the Lord, and stay myself on the God of Jacob." (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Affliction smites him to the ground; he looks up, and says, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." (Job 13:15). It is not stoicism; it is the peculiar sleep of the beloved. "So he gives his beloved sleep." Heaven is something like that—a place of holy calm and trust—
That holy calm, that sweet repose,
Which none but he who feels it knows.
This heavenly calm within the breast
Is the dear pledge of glorious rest..

The only glass through which a poor sinner can see bliss is that formed by the holes in Jesus' hands. All grace and mercy put into the hand of Christ could never have run out to you unless His hand had been bored through in crucifixion…Go and confess your sin to him, and he will wash you, and make you whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Oh! that the spirit of God might give you true repentance and true faith; and then saint and sinner shall meet together, and both shall not only know what "eye has not seen, nor ear heard;" but
"Then shall we see, and hear, and know
All we desired or wished below,
And every power find sweet employ
In that eternal world of joy."
Till that time we can only have these things revealed to us by the Spirit; and we will seek more of that, each day we live.”

Source: Charles Haddon Spurgeon December 16, 1855. New Park Street Pulpit Volume 2

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Psalm 73:24 - “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” 「你 要 以 你 的 训 言 引 导 我 ， 以 後 必 接 我 到 荣 耀 里 。」詩 篇 73:24

“A joyful heart does good like medicine “ Proverbs 17:22

Sending you a pictorial meditation on joyful heart distilling the essences of last month’s sharing on the Valley of Eschol, today’s apple harvest, graced with white Wedding Bible favorite quotes perched atop pristine California water.

Outdoor celebrations usually begin with indoor preparations. To provide an enriching experience for guests, consider incorporating spiritual values into Summer decorations which requires meditative incubation. With summer in full swing and people enjoying more gatherings stretching into light filled evenings, may you be blessed with joyful Sonlight. “Light in Scripture is the emblem of joy. The joy of the saints in heaven is comprised in this: Jesus chose us, loved us, bought us, cleansed us, robed us, kept us, glorified us: we are here entirely through the Lord Jesus. Each one of these thoughts shall be to them like a cluster of the grapes of Eshcol. Light is also the cause of beauty. Nought of beauty is left when light is gone. Without light no radiance flashes from the sapphire, no peaceful ray proceedeth from the pearl; and thus all the beauty of the saints above comes from Jesus…Light is also the emblem of knowledge. In heaven our knowledge will be perfect, but the Lord Jesus himself will be the fountain of it. Dark providences, never understood before, will then be clearly seen, and all that puzzles us now will become plain to us in the light of the Lamb…Light also means manifestation…Oh! to be present and to see him in his own light, the King of kings, and Lord of lords!” - August 3, Morning and Evening by Spurgeon
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“Then they came to the Valley of Eschol (cluster of grapes)…” Numbers 23:13 「他 們 到 了 以 實 各 谷 、 從 那 裡 砍 了 葡 萄 樹 的 一 枝 、 上 頭 有 一 挂 葡 萄 、 兩 個 人 用 杠 抬 著 ． 又 帶 了 些 石 榴 和 無 花 果 來 。」民 數 記 13:23

“Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:8 「求 你 保 護 我 、 如 同 保 護 眼 中 的 瞳 人 ． 將 我 隱 藏 在 你 翅 膀 的 蔭 下」詩 篇17:8

“…whoever drinks of the Water of Life shall never thirst” John 4:14 「人 若 喝 我 所 賜 的 水 就 永 遠 不 渴 ． 我 所 賜 的 水 、 要 在 他 裡 頭 成 為 泉 源 、 直 湧 到 永 生。」約 翰 福 音4:14

 https://bibleproject.com/Mandarin/#!

The Emblem of All Spiritual Senses - Faith 信心

Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem penning each verse with a Hebrew letter arranged in alphabetical order. To gain deep insight is to experience God’s goodness by faith. To understand what verse 8 means is to discover for oneself the delights of fully engaging all senses beginning with sight, smell, touch, culminating in this exclamation: 「你们要尝尝主恩的滋味，便知道祂是美善；投靠祂的人有福了！」诗篇34:8 ”O taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the one who trusts in Him!” This “taste” is faith in one of its highest operations, and one of the first performances of faith is hearing; see  https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/2021/08/25

“Why is the apple not glossy?”
For faith to be effectual, the object of faith must be pure. If one’s faith is in imitation products, the result may disappoint. God’s majesty in our provision and protection cannot be usurped with glossy worldly gains and security. Sending you an untouched pictorial example of pureness in nature. When my eyes beheld the natural color of apples on this California mountain, the first question that popped up was, “Why is the apple not glossy?” How funny that growing up in the city savoring store bought fruits has ingrained in my mind that apples should look glossy…the redder and glossier, the better; or is it not so? Until I ate a tree fresh mountain apple did I know that natural apples aren’t coated with glossy wax sheens and carry unrivaled complex fragrant sweetness. Amazingly, eating an apple a day from the tree “trained” my senses to prefer the natural ones to commercial versions enhanced with color or wax. Preference is a choice. Spiritually, one can train through daily discipline of Bible reading and prayer to prefer divine delights by craving the pure words of God, leading to righteous acts of kindness and love benefiting self, neighbor, and the world. (Following up on the previous post on gleanings from Leviticus 19, the apples on this tree is free for passerby to pick, birds of the air to feed, gardeners to eat, a joyful blessing in its neighborhood.)

Faith is a compound word in the Chinese language called 信靠。One way to grasp the meaning of faith is this: what my mind cannot comprehend, my heart will apprehend. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” - Ephesians 3:17. Pause. Sitting under the apple tree, may we rest under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

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“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 「人 非 有 信 ， 就 不 能 得 神 的 喜 悦 ； 因 为 到 神 面 前 来 的 人 必 须 信 有 神 ， 且 信 他 赏 赐 那 寻 求 他 的 人 。」希 伯 來 書 11:6

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God.” Romans 10:17 「可 见 信 道 是 从 听 道 来 的 ， 听 道 是 从 基 督 的 话 来 的 。」羅 馬 書 10:17

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering…your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:25-34 「有 一 个 女 人 ， 患 了 十 二 年 的 血 漏 ，在 好 些 医 生 手 里 受 了 许 多 的 苦 ， 又 花 尽 了 他 所 有 的 ， 一 点 也 不 见 好 ， 病 势 反 倒 更 重 了 。她听 见 耶 稣 的 事 ， 就 从 後 头 来 ， 杂 在 众 人 中 间 ， 摸 耶 稣 的 衣 裳 ，意 思 说 ： 我 只 摸 他 的 衣 裳 ， 就 必 痊 愈 。於 是 她血 漏 的 源 头 立 刻 乾 了 ； 她便 觉 得 身 上 的 灾 病 好 了 。。。耶 稣 对 她说 ： 女 儿 ， 你 的 信 救 了 你 ， 平 平 安 安 的 回 去 罢 ！ 你 的 灾 病 痊 愈 了 。」馬 可 福 音 5:25-34

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 「你 的 言 语 在 我 上 膛 何 等 甘 美 ， 在 我 口 中 比 蜜 更 甜 ！」詩 篇 119:103

“Your name is like perfume poured out” Song of Solomon 1:3 「你 的 膏 油 馨 香 ； 你 的 名 如 同 倒 出 来 的 香 膏」雅 歌1:3

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 「因 我 们 行 事 为 人 是 凭 着 信 心 ， 不 是 凭 着 眼 见 。」歌 林 多 後 書 5:7

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 「信 就 是 所 望 之 事 的 实 底 ， 是 未 见 之 事 的 确 据 。」希 伯 來 書 11:1

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 8「你 们 得 救 是 本 乎 恩 ， 也 因 着 信 ； 这 并 不 是 出 於 自 己 ， 乃 是 神 所 赐 的 ；也 不 是 出 於 行 为 ， 免 得 有 人 自 夸 。」以 弗 所 書 2:8-9

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16  「 神 爱 世 人 ， 甚 至 将 他 的 独 生 子 赐 给 他 们 ， 叫 一 切 信祂的 ， 不 至 灭 亡 ， 反 得 永 生 。」約 翰 福 音 3:16

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 「你 们 祷 告 ， 无 论 求 甚 麽 ， 只 要 信 ， 就 必 得 着 。」馬 太 福 音 21:23

Margin of Kindness - Gleanings

“…leave gleanings for the needy, the stranger, the orphan, the widow…I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19

A key test of character is often unseen in the gratuity we leave for servers within a tiny folder or on a digital payment device. A simple lesson in the Bible teaches people to leave gleanings for the needy while allowing land owners to decide the width of the margin. More than an act of compassion or justice, leaving gleanings is a fruit of holiness acknowledging God as the Lord of Providence.

How does one apply the principle of gleaning in contemporary society or in urban cities where farming is not the primary factor of production? Sharing spaces, bringing food to the aged/sick are common examples. You can find many non-profits with gleanings and Good Samaritan acts of kindness as their heartfelt missions. Among the many opportunities for equal access to health, education, capital, transport, jobs, etc., one way we can share from our own abundance is to leave a good tip to essential workers. As pandemic restrictions relax and people catch-up on delayed celebrations in restaurants, may kindness within our hearts leave a broad margin to tip servers well. May such kindness increase the joy of workers and relieve financial stress of people working to make ends meet, to pay off student loans, etc., bringing peace of mind and financial peace in contract obligations. May our highest goal be love to others because God first loved us.

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“Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:9-10 「你們收割的時候，不要割淨田角地邊的莊稼，也不要撿那些掉在田裡的穗子。 不要摘淨葡萄園裡的葡萄，也不要撿掉在地上的葡萄。要把這些留給窮人和寄居在你們中間的外族人。我是你們的上帝耶和華。」利未記 19：9-10

“When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 23:22 「你們收割時，不可割盡田角地邊的莊稼，也不可撿落在地裡的。要把這些留給窮人和外族人。我是你們的上帝耶和華。」利未記23：22

“When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive tree, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not go over it again; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow.” Deuteronomy 24:19-21 「如果你們在田間收割莊稼時忘了一捆，不可回去取，要留給孤兒寡婦和寄居者。這樣，你們的上帝耶和華必使你們凡事蒙福。 你們打橄欖時，打過一次後不可再打，要把剩下的留給孤兒寡婦和寄居者。 你們摘葡萄時，摘過一次後不可再摘，要把剩下的留給孤兒寡婦和寄居者。」申命記 24:19-21

“The three most important things to have are faith, hope and love. But the greatest of them is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 「如今常存的有信、望、愛這三樣，其中最偉大的是愛。」哥林多前書 13:13

Antedate Heaven 早于天堂 + How to Master English 如何掌握英语

A foretaste of divine glory, like a cluster from Eschol, brings enlightenment and consolation to all who calls on the name of Jesus Christ for there is “no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The Paracleate is “A deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” Ephesians 1:14. See  https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/2018/07/20

The Holy Spirit poured out on believers means One called alongside to help, like a friend, an advocate, a witness, a guide, a protector, a teacher, an encourager, illuminating Wonderful Words of Life to those who receive Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. One of the most amazing outcomes powered by the Holy Spirit trickles down to aiding me when I was a student learning English after being given the first English Gideon Bible at Billy Graham Crusade in Asia. Hungering for more of the Words of Life which flooded my heart with immense joy, I prayed to understand the mystery of God’s Word through Chinese translation which somehow lodged deeper in meaning as the mother tongue. This is how mastery of the English language was accomplished through prayerfully using the most enduring literature throughout history:

如何掌握英语为第二语文Choose to read the Holy Bible in both the hardest and the easiest English translations in NKJV and ESV, together with the Chinese Bible. In the beginning, I started with short daily devotionals from Our Daily Bread and read Scripture in this 3-in-1 triangular method. Diligently seek out the pronunciation and meaning for each new word. Decades ago, this was a painstaking process using dictionaries meaning the study table had up to 6 books opened up for each passage. Today, you can easily find online language translation programs to simplify this task.

Ready for the next step? It’s called Bi-Directional and Inverse Learning. This is the most important way to test if you have truly digested what was ingested. Read forward and backward between Chinese and English Bible translations, then cover the English passage and based on the Chinese text, write out the English text, and vice versa. Check for accuracy, repeat. If a passage can be sung whether found in an existing praise song or a tune you have composed, employ your creativity to reinforce learning, this time with exuberant rhythm. Experience how the Bible verses become indelibly etched not only on your mind, but on your heart as well. Attaching a passage from Ephesians 1:3-14 for practice.

Overtime, through the trials and triumphs of life, in prayer and praise may you find the Paracleate, the wellspring of living water within you, the Spirit of God, bring to remembrance those learned passages to guide your decision making onto paths of peace. May the Lord’s favor be upon us all as we seek His face daily, only, now and forever.
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Ephesians 1:3-14 - Redemption in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

以弗所书1:3-14 基督徒的属灵恩福
3 赞美我们主耶稣基督的父上帝！祂在基督里赐给了我们天上各样属灵的恩福。 4 早在创造世界以前，祂已经在基督里拣选了我们，使我们在祂眼中成为圣洁无瑕的人。
5 上帝因为爱我们，就按照祂自己美好的旨意，预定我们借着耶稣基督得到做祂儿女的名分。 6 我们赞美祂奇妙无比的恩典，这恩典是上帝借着祂的爱子赐给我们的。 7 我们借着祂爱子的血蒙救赎，过犯得到赦免，这都是出于祂的洪恩。 8 上帝用各种智慧和聪明把这恩典丰丰富富地赐给我们， 9 照着祂在基督里所定的美好计划叫我们知道祂旨意的奥秘， 10 等所定的时候一到，叫天地万物一同归在基督的名下。
11 我们也在基督里被拣选成为祂的子民。这都是按自己旨意行万事的上帝预先定下的计划， 12 好让我们这些首先在基督里得到盼望的人都来颂赞祂的荣耀。
13 你们听过真理之道，就是那使你们得救的福音，而且也信了基督。你们既然信祂，就领受了上帝应许赐下的圣灵为印记。 14 圣灵是我们领受产业的担保，直到上帝的子民得到救赎，使祂的荣耀受到颂赞。

Showers of Blessings 夏季温暖祝福

“God will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessings.” Ezekiel 34:26

Showers in Summer take on many forms with an abundance of Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, and in the Biblical sense, God showers us with blessings to bless others, in season and out of season! Biblical blessings are often associated with happiness and divine protection, guiding us in paths of righteousness to give us hope and a good future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Of all the blessings God sends from above, the most precious is a new baby to love! On this note, we are thrilled to share with you a simple 90 minutes successful Baby Shower packed with games, prizes, multiplied blessings, and loads of love. Traditionally hosted by good friends of the parents-to-be, we enjoyed a laughter saturated Sunday after morning worship service, putting faith into action. Enclosed is a confetti collage of our beautiful garden Jack-and-Jill Baby Shower with an overdose of cuteness.

Thanks to all volunteers, everything fell into place magically starting with souvenir customized stylus pens writing their first lines of baby blessings. Thus, a new group is born after this pandemic, not returning to the old familiar but leaping into transformed newness. There’s no better character grooming than to prioritize wellbeing of others above ourselves. If you are hosting a Baby Shower, consider incorporating eternal values by adding a Baby Bible book in each goody bag (trending bring-a-book showers) and Bible verse stickers on delicious homemade confections. Sprinkle gentle touches throughout your event decor and keep the atmosphere 轻松愉快。Finally, add Benedictions with congratulatory prayer and uplifting verses: “May joy fill your moments as a little bit of heaven comes down when a baby is born. May God always guide you with wisdom and strength as you embark on this delightful journey!” Relevant Bible promises filled with joy, peace, and love are:

Psalm 127:3 - “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.“
詩 篇 127:3 「兒 女 是 耶 和 華 所 賜 的 產 業 ； 所 懷 的 胎 是 他 所 給 的 賞 賜 。」

Isaiah 54:13 - “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
以 賽 亞 書 54:13 「你 的 兒 女 都 要 受 耶 和 華 的 教 訓 ； 你 的 兒 女 必 大 享 平 安 。」

Matthew 18:10 - “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
馬 太 福 音 18:10 「你 們 要 小 心 ， 不 可 輕 看 這 小 子 裡 的 一 個 ； 我 告 訴 你 們 ， 他 們 的 使 者 在 天 上 ， 常 見 我 天 父 的 面 。 」

James 1:17 - “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
雅 各 書 1：17 「各 樣 美 善 的 恩 賜 和 各 樣 全 備 的 賞 賜 都 是 從 上 頭 來 的 ， 從 眾 光 之 父 那 裡 降 下 來 的 ； 在 他 並 沒 有 改 變 ， 也 沒 有 轉 動 的 影 兒 。」

Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
耶 利 米 書 29:11「耶 和 華 說 ： 我 知 道 我 向 你 們 所 懷 的 意 念 是 賜 平 安 的 意 念 ， 不 是 降 災 禍 的 意 念 ， 要 叫 你 們 末 後 有 指 望 。」

欢庆父亲节Celebrating Fatherhood takes on many forms of which the pinnacle is giving thanks and praises to our Heavenly Father. For great verses in toasting Happy Father’s Day this Sunday, June 20th, consider the positive impacts of fathers/grandfathers/fatherly mentors who provide, protect, guide, teach, comfort, and cheer their own families especially through pandemic challenges. Appreciate and encourage them with timeless words of wisdom attached below. For missing a departed dad or childhood/adulthood trauma which sometimes show up in nightmares throughout one’s life, consider daily living the Lord’s Prayer for cleansing, forgiveness, empowerment, taught by Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, Savior, Healer, Good Shepherd, Way, Truth, Light, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End. In thus praying, may we victoriously live with compassion towards others, placing our hands in Abba Father’s Hand, loving people as God loves us. Sending you a special upward look collage of Father’s Day praises and thanks ensconced in God’s Word. Wishing you a Happy Father’s Day! 祝你父亲节快乐！
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Proverbs 17:6 - Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father. 箴 言17:6 - 子 孫 為 老 人 的 冠 冕 ； 父 親 是 兒 女 的 榮 耀 。

Proverbs 20:7 - The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. 箴 言20:7 「行 為 純 正 的 義 人 ， 他 的 子 孫 是 有 福 的 ！」

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 箴 言22:6 「教 養 孩 童 ， 使 他 走 當 行 的 道 ， 就 是 到 老 他 也 不 偏 離 。」

Ten Commandments, the Fifth Commandment with a Promise Exodus 20:12 - “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” 出 埃 及 記 20:12 「當 孝 敬 父 母 ， 使 你 的 日 子 在 耶 和 華 ─ 你 神 所 賜 你 的 地 上 得 以 長 久 。」

Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” 民 數 記 6:24-26 「願 耶 和 華 賜 福 給 你 ， 保 護 你 。願 耶 和 華 使 他 的 臉 光 照 你 ， 賜 恩 給 你 。願 耶 和 華 向 你 仰 臉 ， 賜 你 平 安 。」

Matthew 6:9-13 “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” 馬 太 福 音6:9-13 「我 們 在 天 上 的 父 ： 願 人 都 尊 你 的 名 為 聖 。願 你 的 國 降 臨 ； 願 你 的 旨 意 行 在 地 上 ， 如 同 行 在 天 上 。我 們 日 用 的 飲 食 ， 今 日 賜 給 我 們 。免 我 們 的 債 ， 如 同 我 們 免 了 人 的 債 。不 叫 我 們 遇 見 試 探 ； 救 我 們 脫 離 兇 惡 （ 或 作 ： 脫 離 惡 者 ） 。 因 為 國 度 、 權 柄 、 榮 耀 ， 全 是 你 的 ， 直 到 永 遠 。 阿 們 」

Dear Friends 亲爱的朋友，

Sending smiling duckies to brighten your day, even as a piece of heaven came down to visit this cheerful company floating on tree tops. May fresh perspectives on friendships and service to humankind rooted in friendship with God, bring blessed assurances found in 1 Corinthians 13:12. 愿小鸭们的笑脸带给你欢乐。思考以上帝的爱建立友情和关怀人类，歌林多前书13:12。
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“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 「朋友常顯愛心，兄弟為患難而生。」箴言17:17

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20 「與智慧人同行的，必得智慧；與愚昧人為友的，必受虧損。」箴言3:20

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 「鐵磨鐵，磨得鋒利；朋友互相切磋，才智（“才智”原文作“面”）也變得敏銳。」箴言27:17

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 「要以手足之愛彼此相親，用恭敬的心互相禮讓。 」羅 馬 書 12:10

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. “ Colossians 3:12 「所 以 ， 你 們 既 是 神 的 選 民 ， 聖 潔 蒙 愛 的 人 ， 就 要 存 （ 原 文 作 穿 ； 下 同 ） 憐 憫 、 恩 慈 、 謙 虛 、 溫 柔 、 忍 耐 的 心 。」歌 羅 西 書 3:12

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:8-10 「最 要 緊 的 是 彼 此 切 實 相 愛 ， 因 為 愛 能 遮 掩 許 多 的 罪 。你 們 要 互 相 款 待 ， 不 發 怨 言 。各 人 要 照 所 得 的 恩 賜 彼 此 服 事 ， 作 神 百 般 恩 賜 的 好 管 家 。」彼 得 前 書 4:8-10

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 「你 們 願 意 人 怎 樣 待 你 們 ， 你 們 也 要 怎 樣 待 人 。」路 加 福 音 6:31

“Made perfect.” Hebrews 12:23 「成完美」希伯来书12:23

Desiring to share tips with you on going from Zoomed to Groomed as people restart gatherings, I ventured outside to collect fresh floral petals for an organic drink recipe. Engulfed by the beauty of roses springing so fresh after California showers, an unfurling beauty called to mind a better recipe on perfection found in Hebrews 12:23.

Being groomed for eternity far outweighs any temporal party tips. Are you “made perfect” for an eternal celebration? Two simple words in a capsule tells us there are two kinds of perfection every righteous soul needs. The perfection of justification in the person of Jesus Christ, and the perfection of sanctification wrought by the Holy Spirit. For deeper understanding on this marvelous work of grace, see  https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/1669/05/15

Did you hear the choo-choo music ringing in the background announcing our rose and basil drink is ready to serve? Simply add honey to taste and garnish with a rosemary sprig best displayed in a tall clear glass. Enjoy this healthy drink after dinner tonight, wishing you the pink of health!

A responsible host during this pandemic reopening would show loving care by seating guests according to one household per table. Always use new or freshly laundered tablecloths, give each guest a restaurant ordered individual boxed meal (in support of local businesses plus ensuring food meets hygiene regulations), individually bottled drinks and encased desserts. Spacing tables apart with no common food sharing, your guests would enjoy the heights of concierge dining being treated like VIPs. Give thanks for the hope of heaven where one day, souls made perfect in Christ would feast at heaven’s banqueting table hosted by our Heavenly Father. Blessings to you and your loved ones from this California kitchen to yours!

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Hebrews 12
Renew Your Spiritual Vitality
Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled...

The Glorious Company
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Hear the Heavenly Voice
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.

希伯来书12
所 以 ， 你 们 要 把 下 垂 的 手 、 发 酸 的 腿 、 挺 起 来 ；也 要 为 自 己 的 脚 ， 把 道 路 修 直 了 ， 使 瘸 子 不 至 歪 脚 （ 或 作 ： 差 路 ） ， 反 得 痊 愈 。你 们 要 追 求 与 众 人 和 睦 ， 并 要 追 求 圣 洁 ； 非 圣 洁 没 有 人 能 见 主 。又 要 谨 慎 ， 恐 怕 有 人 失 了 神 的 恩 ； 恐 怕 有 毒 根 生 出 来 扰 乱 你 们 ， 因 此 叫 众 人 沾 染 污 秽。。。
 你 们 乃 是 来 到 锡 安 山 ， 永 生 神 的 城 邑 ， 就 是 天 上 的 耶 路 撒 冷 。 那 里 有 千 万 的 天 使 ，有 名 录 在 天 上 诸 长 子 之 会 所 共 聚 的 总 会 ， 有 审 判 众 人 的 神 和 被 成 全 之 义 人 的 灵 魂 ，并 新 约 的 中 保 耶 稣 ， 以 及 所 ? 的 血 ； 这 血 所 说 的 比 亚 伯 的 血 所 说 的 更 美 。你 们 总 要 谨 慎 ， 不 可 弃 绝 那 向 你 们 说 话 的 。 因 为 ， 那 些 弃 绝 在 地 上 警 戒 他 们 的 尚 且 不 能 逃 罪 ， 何 况 我 们 违 背 那 从 天 上 警 戒 我 们 的 呢 ？当 时 他 的 声 音 震 动 了 地 ， 但 如 今 他 应 许 说 ： 再 一 次 我 不 单 要 震 动 地 ， 还 要 震 动 天 。这 再 一 次 的 话 ， 是 指 明 被 震 动 的 ， 就 是 受 造 之 物 都 要 挪 去 ， 使 那 不 被 震 动 的 常 存 。所 以 我 们 既 得 了 不 能 震 动 的 国 ， 就 当 感 恩 ， 照 神 所 喜 悦 的 ， 用 虔 诚 、 敬 畏 的 心 事 奉 神 。因 为 我 们 的 神 乃 是 烈 火。

Of Gardens + Tropical Remedy (热带天然医料）

Sending you royally stunning bunches of Spring flowers, a timely celebration of collaboration between humans and God’s nature, mirroring community harmony embodied in Ephesians 5:2 “WeWalk in Love”.

Ardent lovers of gardening would have developed self-care regimens while caring for their orchards. Last autumn, while sprucing up the backyard, I had the misfortune of prolonged cracked feet due to exposure to ashes from wildfires and a neighbors’s tree felling. Initially thought to be winter dryness, I applied various over-the-counter creams and soaks only to see advanced cracked feet to the point of hobbling around. Unbeknownst to others, I continued hosting holiday outdoor events spreading love with new resolves which did yield great inner joy in spite of outer pain. After finishing yet another bottle of super expensive floral marine oil on the feet to little success, an answered prayer came through a name popping up in my head: coconut oil.

Natural coconut oil (椰子油）is a traditional nutrient that our grandmothers used on their hair and skin besides being a popular fragrant ingredient used in many Asian cuisines. This time, I applied it to the feet and within weeks, the painful cracked skin healed to baby soft texture. (While this works in my case, it’s not a prescription for everyone as you would need to check with your health professional for individual situations.)

Some of the best remedies are natural, a testament to God’s goodness in abundance shown in His creation. It’s our responsibility to cultivate and care for the earth for continued enjoyment, health and healing for our posterity. In enjoying fresh food surrounded by beautiful Springtime, remember the sacrifices of agriculture/garden/essential workers, some of whom braved harsh elements to bring beauty to the world. From the first garden of Eden, another garden which yields far sweeter restoration is the garden of Gethsemane. May the meditations on these two gardens bring healing to your body and soul as you commune in the King’s garden:  https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/morningandevening/

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“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

「蒙愛的人哪，我願你凡事安順，身體健康，正如你的靈魂安順」約翰三書 1:2

“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12

「在河這邊與那邊的岸上必生長各類的樹木，其果可做食物，葉子不枯乾，果子不斷絕。每月必結新果子，因為這水是從聖所流出來的。樹上的果子必做食物，葉子乃為治病。」以西結書 47:12

“And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” Genesis 1:29

神說：「看哪，我將遍地上一切結種子的菜蔬和一切樹上所結有核的果子，全賜給你們做食物。」創世記 1:29

“Through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:2

「從城的大街中間穿過。河的兩邊有生命樹，結十二種果子；每個月都結果子，樹上的葉子是為了醫治萬民。」啟示錄 22:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy” Psalm 103:2-4

「我的心哪，你要稱頌耶和華，不可忘記他的一切恩惠。他赦免你的一切罪孽，醫治你的一切疾病。他救贖你的命脫離死亡，以仁愛和慈悲為你的冠冕。」詩篇 103:2-4

He is Risen! Happy Easter! Sending you Good News of joyful blessings from God above! Whether your cup is half full or half empty, Jesus promises abundant life to overflowing for anyone who trusts in Him! See illustrated photos. 耶稣基督救主复活了！祝你复活节快乐！附上福音愿主赐福与你！

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3

我们主耶稣基督的父神是应当称颂的。他照着自己的大怜悯，借着耶稣基督从死人中复活，重生了我们，使我们有永活的盼望。彼得前书 1:3

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”” John 11:25-26

” 耶稣说：“我就是复活和生命；信我的人，虽然死了，也要活着。 所有活着又信我的人，必定永远不死，你信这话吗？” 约翰福音 11:25-26

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

你若口里认耶稣为主，心里信神使他从死人中复活，就必得救。罗马书 10:9

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” Philippians 2:8-9

”既 有 人 的 样 子 ， 就 自 己 卑 微 ， 存 心 顺 服 ， 以 至 於 死 ， 且 死 在 十 字 架 上 。所 以 ， 神 将 他 升 为 至 高 ， 又 赐 给 他 那 超 乎 万 名 之 上 的 名。” 腓 立 比 書 2:8-9

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”” Matthew 28:1-10

”安 息 日 将 尽 ， 七 日 的 头 一 日 ， 天 快 亮 的 时 候 ， 抹 大 拉 的 马 利 亚 和 那 个 马 利 亚 来 看 坟 墓 。忽 然 ， 地 大 震 动 ； 因 为 有 主 的 使 者 从 天 上 下 来 ， 把 石 头 滚 开 ， 坐 在 上 面 。他 的 像 貌 如 同 闪 电 ， 衣 服 洁 白 如 雪 。看 守 的 人 就 因 他 吓 得 浑 身 乱 战 ， 甚 至 和 死 人 一 样 。天 使 对 妇 女 说 ： 不 要 害 怕 ！ 我 知 道 你 们 是 寻 找 那 钉 十 字 架 的 耶 稣 。他 不 在 这 里 ， 照 他 所 说 的 ， 已 经 复 活 了 。 你 们 来 看 安 放 主 的 地 方 。快 去 告 诉 他 的 门 徒 ， 说 他 从 死 里 复 活 了 ， 并 且 在 你 们 以 先 往 加 利 利 去 ， 在 那 里 你 们 要 见 他 。 看 哪 ， 我 已 经 告 诉 你 们 了 。妇 女 们 就 急 忙 离 开 坟 墓 ， 又 害 怕 ， 又 大 大 的 欢 喜 ， 跑 去 要 报 给 他 的 门 徒 。忽 然 ， 耶 稣 遇 见 他 们 ， 说 ： 愿 你 们 平 安 ！ 他 们 就 上 前 抱 住 他 的 脚 拜 他 。耶 稣 对 他 们 说 ： 不 要 害 怕 ！ 你 们 去 告 诉 我 的 弟 兄 ， 叫 他 们 往 加 利 利 去 ， 在 那 里 必 见 我 。” 馬 太 福 音 28:1-10

”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” John 3:16

”神爱世人，甚至把他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生。” 约翰福音3:16

Prelude to Easter. Fenestra. 天窗。“I know that my Redeemer lives” Job 19:25 「我 知 道 我 的 救 贖 主 活 著 」約 伯 記 19:25

Greetings as we welcome Spring 2021 looking to God’s promises to Renew, Restore, Refresh, synchronizing with the awakening of flowers and herbs to chirping birds and dancing butterflies! These signs of nature waking up from winter dormancy are vibrant reminders that Jesus Christ Our Savior has conquered death to give us Resurrection New Life at Easter.

Resurrection is the key of many precious truths which by Faith conceptions become reality unblotted by unbelief. However, unbelief can blot out our present enjoyment of divine blessings right by our side. After angels at the empty tomb proclaimed that Christ has risen (Luke 24:6), Jesus appeared to his disciples on the road to Emmaus. Due to unbelief, they did not recognize Him until Jesus ate with them and broke bread, “Then their eyes were opened”. A few verses down, Jesus again appeared in the midst of His disciples saying, “Peace to you” (v. 36) and verse 45 says, “He opened their understanding that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” May fixing our eyes on the Risen Christ increase our faith. Just as the stone is rolled away from the tomb signifying freedom of its captive, may difficulties whether financial, physical, spiritual, or relational, be rejoiced as things to be overcome by the Resurrection power. For Jesus said, “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

Sending you “Window into Easter” photo of in-person fellowship warmth and love held at Lake Ave. Church the first Sunday of March 2021. May glimpses through the Fenestra, 天窗, illumine spiritual truths in Easter celebrations around the world. If you are hosting or participating in any upcoming Easter egg-hunt, consider including redemptive messages such as mini Bibles, Holy Week story booklets, or reminders to manifest the Golden Rule of kindness to others as to self; encouraging others along the itinerary from the Cross to the grave to the sky. Above all, put on love (Colossians 3:14)

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「你 們 既 是 神 的 選 民 ， 聖 潔 蒙 愛 的 人 ， 就 要 存 （ 原 文 作 穿 ； 下 同 ） 憐 憫 、 恩 慈 、 謙 虛 、 溫 柔 、 忍 耐 的 心 。倘 若 這 人 與 那 人 有 嫌 隙 ， 總 要 彼 此 包 容 ， 彼 此 饒 恕 ； 主 怎 樣 饒 恕 了 你 們 ， 你 們 也 要 怎 樣 饒 恕 人 。在 這 一 切 之 外 ， 要 存 著 愛 心 ， 愛 心 就 是 聯 絡 全 德 的 。又 要 叫 基 督 的 平 安 在 你 們 心 裡 作 主 ； 你 們 也 為 此 蒙 召 ， 歸 為 一 體 ； 且 要 存 感 謝 的 心 。當 用 各 樣 的 智 慧 ， 把 基 督 的 道 理 豐 豐 富 富 的 存 在 心 裡 ， 用 詩 章 、 頌 詞 、 靈 歌 ， 彼 此 教 導 ， 互 相 勸 戒 ， 心 被 恩 感 ， 歌 頌 神 。無 論 做 甚 麼 ， 或 說 話 或 行 事 ， 都 要 奉 主 耶 穌 的 名 ， 藉 著 他 感 謝 父 神 。」歌 羅 西 書 3:12-17

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:12-17

Dear Friends 亲爱的朋友，
 Merry Christmas with Love！祝你聖誕快樂！神爱你！
 
Wonders of God’s Love 救主耶稣降生
Many of us would have heard or personally been awed beholding magnificent spectacles named “natural wonders of the world.” UNESCO Heritage Sites, World Atlas images of the tallest mountain, largest living ecosystem, best places to watch a spray moonbow at the world’s largest waterfall, mesmerizing enchanting aurora at the Earth’s magnetic poles, propel us to marvel at the intricate enormity of Creation. The wonders of nature point us to the wonders of God’s love for you and for me.
 
“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6
“ 因 有 一 婴 孩 为 我 们 而 生 ； 有 一 子 赐 给 我 们 。” 以 賽 亞 書 9:6
 
This Christmas, ponder the wonder of God’s free gift in sending Jesus born in a lowly manger heralded by angels on high, worshipped by shepherds, illuminated by celestial bright star bringing rejoicing to people near and far. May we treasure this priceless gift of salvation in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus our Messiah, Light of the World, Prince of Peace, King of kings and Lord of lords, as we enthrone Christ in our hearts.


Advancing from Isaiah 9:6 (以 賽 亞 書 9:6 ) to Isaiah 54 (以 賽 亞 書 54), we see promising hope of how people in sorrow and under oppression receive divine aid to enjoy honor and splendor as the knowledge, righteousness and peace of and from God flourish. Temporal adversity and loss, at length become rebuilt and beautified on eternal glistening foundation (Christ) with walls and windows made of precious gems. The image speaks of how precious God values our human race, redeeming us from sin and death, adopting us as heirs of righteousness into a holy habitation where there is no more terror nor fear of terror, but abundance of joy and peace.
 
Windows of Blessings
Attaching a 2020 pictorial Christmas Celebration at Lake Avenue Church to bless you. Creatively shaped as a Christmas Tree composed of gift boxes bearing windows where you may catch glimpses of Noel, Peace, Faith, Hope, and Love, may our smiling eyes, serving hands, and loving hearts inspire you. Kept by the power of God, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 因 信 蒙 神 能 力 保 守 的 人。
 
Christmas Wishes

May this Christmas be more than a magical time of the year, as we observe spiritual traditions and make new memories with each other, experiencing Peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), renewing our faith in God (Ephesians 2:8-9), with eyes fixed on Jesus our Hope (Hebrews 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 1:1), and hearts overflowing with Love filled by God Almighty who is Love (1 John 4:8). Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 
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Christmas Hymn Carol:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!"



Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings
!
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!"
 
1 Peter 1:3-9 A Heavenly Inheritance
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

赞美诗: 聽啊! 天使高聲唱
聽啊! 天使高聲唱 榮耀歸與新生王
天人從此長融洽 恩寵平安被萬方
起啊 萬國眾生靈 響應諸天歌頌聲
加入天軍傳喜信 基督生於伯利恆
聽啊! 天使高聲唱 榮耀歸與新生王

歡迎天降和平王 歡迎輝煌公義光
他賜世人新生命 他消痛苦治創傷
舍棄榮華離天上 降生奮鬥滅死亡
消滅死亡賜再生 再生宏福萬古長
聽啊! 天使高聲唱 榮耀歸與新生王

彼 得 前 書 1:3-9
願 頌 讚 歸 與 我 們 主 耶 穌 基 督 的 父 神 ！ 他 曾 照 自 己 的 大 憐 憫 ， 藉 耶 穌 基 督 從 死 裡 復 活 ， 重 生 了 我 們 ， 叫 我 們 有 活 潑 的 盼 望 ，可 以 得 著 不 能 朽 壞 、 不 能 玷 污 、 不 能 衰 殘 、 為 你 們 存 留 在 天 上 的 基 業 。你 們 這 因 信 蒙 神 能 力 保 守 的 人 ， 必 能 得 著 所 預 備 、 到 末 世 要 顯 現 的 救 恩 。因 此 ， 你 們 是 大 有 喜 樂 ； 但 如 今 ， 在 百 般 的 試 煉 中 暫 時 憂 愁 ， 叫 你 們 的 信 心 既 被 試 驗 ， 就 比 那 被 火 試 驗 仍 然 能 壞 的 金 子 更 顯 寶 貴 ， 可 以 在 耶 穌 基 督 顯 現 的 時 候 得 著 稱 讚 、 榮 耀 、 尊 貴 。你 們 雖 然 沒 有 見 過 他 ， 卻 是 愛 他 ； 如 今 雖 不 得 看 見 ， 卻 因 信 他 就 有 說 不 出 來 、 滿 有 榮 光 的 大 喜 樂 ；並 且 得 著 你 們 信 心 的 果 效 ， 就 是 靈 魂 的 救 恩 。

“Practice Hospitality” Romans 12:13 “客 要 一 味 的 款 待 “ 羅 馬 書12:13

Today is a special workday as I created “artificial rain” with the garden hose, washing away fine ashes which descended on the backyard and the vicinity, carried by winds from California wildfires many miles away. Why, you may wonder, is it necessary to labor thus when Autumn rainy months are soon approaching?

Because of Hospitality. Because friends and strangers alike are welcome to pick seasonal fruits throughout the year and a clean backyard speaks welcome to all. The Greek word for hospitality is “philoxenia”, which translates, “love of strangers.” Hospitality is not an extension of wealth, it is an extension of self. It involves giving one’s time, resources, labor, and heart, creating positive impact without expecting anything in return. In its highest form, it’s Agape love in action (Matthew 11:9, Hebrews 13: 1-2).

Not surprisingly, WeWalk has never stopped outdoor in-person Hospitality throughout this pandemic while observing social distancing, masks and cleaning protocols. Miraculously, countless visits of excited chatter created memorable experiences as people joyfully embrace our signature free Hospitality which brings love, friendship, comfort, peace, happiness, and healing to dozens of people who enjoyed sharing photos of their hand-picked fruits from bulging shimmery gift bags. Talk of exceeding expectations, we are thankful to God above whose providence loads trees with yearlong supply of nutritious fruits! If you are an immigrant like us, take heart that a stranger can find friendship and family near the altars of God, like the sparrow of Psalm 84:3 mentioned in the previous post.

詩篇84：3，11 – “万军之耶和华，我的王我的神啊，在你祭坛那里，麻雀为自己找着房屋，燕子为自己找着抱雏之窝。。。因为耶和华要赐下恩惠和荣耀”

Psalm 84: 3, 11 - “Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young - Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God…The LORD will give grace and glory.”

WeWalk started in Lake Avenue Church, Springtime 2018 offering a free lunch celebration for 100 guests, followed by a bigger free luncheon in 2019 for 200 guests, growing to free treats for 1,000 people in January 2020. Surprisingly, it just dawned on me that these overflowing blessings are a result of collaboration of diverse people with the spiritual gift of Hospitality! How amazing to be supernaturally empowered to cheerfully and generously serve with the sole reward of bringing smiles to others, without expecting anything in return! How happy is this moment of realization because I had been perplexed by a question some people posed in the past: “What is the purpose of giving free celebrations, what is your goal in terms of getting people to join groups?” A person with the spiritual gift of Hospitality would have no answer except to bring happiness to others giving witness to the Love of God. Love is the Source and Goal, Love is of God, and God is Love!

May our continuing gracious Hospitality in all its beauty, thoughtfulness, gentleness, kindness, goodness, sweetness, free generosity, and love, warm your heart! We love because God first loved us (1 John 4). God Loves You!

1 John 4:8 “God is Love” 約翰一書 4:8 ”神就是愛”

Leviticus 19:34 - "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."
利未記 19:34 “和 你 們 同 居 的 外 人 、 你 們 要 看 他 如 本 地 人 一 樣 、 並 要 愛 他 如 己 、 因 為 你 們 在 埃 及 地 也 作 過 寄 居 的 ． 我 是 耶 和 華 你 們 的 　 神”

Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
希 伯 來 書 13:2 “不可 忘 記 用 愛 心 接 待 客 旅 ； 因 為 曾 有 接 待 客 旅 的 ， 不 知 不 覺 就 接 待 了 天 使 。”

October Blessing:
Bridging East and West in Christ. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 “你們當彼此接納，就像基督也接納了你們歸於神的榮耀。” 羅馬書 15:7

Happy Mooncake Festival, may you enjoy sharing mooncakes paired with traditional authentic tea leaves in last Sunday's gold shimmer goody bags, compliments from WeWalk Mid-Autumn Festival Fellowship.

A special blessing opened before my eyes when I started this morning looking for Living Water in the Living Word. Psalm 84:11 says the LORD will give favor and honor, also translated as the LORD will give grace and glory. Preceding verses give praises to the loveliness of finding family safety and nourishment near the altars of God (v. 3). This special passage has deep significance for foreigners or immigrants: that wherever you may lodge, draw near to God in His place of worship with His people where you may find acceptance, safety, and nourishment both for yourself and for your posterity. Sending you today’s inspirational photo greeting which blessed me, to bless you! 祝你月圓家圓事事在主内都圓滿！詩篇84：3，11 – “万军之耶和华，我的王我的神啊，在你祭坛那里，麻雀为自己找着房屋，燕子为自己找着抱雏之窝。。。因为耶和华要赐下恩惠和荣耀”

From “Evening and Morning” daily devotional by Charles Spurgeon  https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/morningandevening/
Grace in all its forms God freely renders to His people: comforting, preserving, sanctifying, directing, instructing, assisting grace, He generously pours into their souls without ceasing, and He always will do so, whatever may occur…The little conjunction "and" in this verse is a diamond rivet binding the present with the future: grace and glory always go together. The Lord will never deny a soul glory to whom He has freely given to live upon His grace; indeed, glory is nothing more than grace in its Sabbath dress, grace in full bloom, grace like autumn fruit, mellow and perfected. How soon we may have glory none can tell! It may be before this month of October has run out we shall see the Holy City; but be the interval longer or shorter, we shall be glorified ere long. Glory, the glory of heaven, the glory of eternity, the glory of Jesus, the glory of the Father, the Lord will surely give to His chosen.

Wishing you a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 祝你中秋节快乐！

May the joyous reunion among people from around the world at Lake Avenue Church Mid-Autumn Festival Fellowship shown in this greeting card bless you with beauty, peace, and laughter! May the diligence in sanitizing microphones, masks donning, and posting of safe protocols assure you of care and health. May the generous free gifts of mooncakes, tea, sweets, lanterns, LED lights, and souvenirs in gold colored goody bags contributed by friends fill your hearts with thanksgiving for friends, family, and bountiful harvest from God. May the hand painted art and creative lanterns social distancing color your today and tomorrow (watch demo video in our previous post). Above all, may the message of hope for eternal reunion in heaven light up your life!

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7

“你們當彼此接納，就像基督也接納了你們歸於神的榮耀。” 羅馬書 15:7

“...let your light shine” Matthew 5:16 “...照你们的光” 马太福音5:16

”Bless the Lord, O my soul” Psalm 103:1「我的心哪！你要稱頌耶和華」詩篇103:1

Breezy Summer Bliss and Bloom: Pure Flower Drinks
夏天芙蓉花茶和玫瑰柠檬饮料
On this beautiful August day, nothing quite surpasses the beauty of summer in its full glory. A cultivated garden mirrors a cultivated soul. Amidst chirping birds signifying abundance of fruits, swaying branches, rustling leaves, and fragrant flowers, I savor the delights of simple partnership with God in His marvelous creation.

Kissed by dancing butterflies and floating hummingbirds, the garden hibiscus evokes dreams of sunny tropical paradise. Caressed by balmy breeze and hushed to sleep by songbirds, the hibiscus wakes to sparkling morning dew, beaming in the sun graced in its bejeweled radiance. Pretty enough to eat? It’s easy to make fresh hibiscus tea which is rich in flavonoids and vitamins. A healthy garden needs cultivation, the basics of which are watering and weeding. It’s harvest is astonishing, like figs ripening “overnight” to deep scarlet sweetness, thrilling me like finding manna in the morning. Playing hide and seek rewards with bunches of ripe organic grapes peeking from underneath edible palm shaped leaves. How does one cultivate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health? By applying the same basic principles. Abiding in Jesus the Water of Life (John 4:14), watering by the Word of God ( Ephesians 5:26-27), and living in purity as children of God ( Ephesians 5:8). Sharing on Garden of the Lord  https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/2019/06/18

This pandemic though distancing many dear ones, can bring hearts closer as leisure times give rise to private garden appointments where relationships are knitted in cheerful conversations, generously sharing laughter under the apple tree. Blessing others with overflowing bags of immunity boosting homegrown fruits and herbs is an experience more precious now than before. Today, if you long for a touch of heaven, I invite you to join in looking up. It’s the surest way to identify the ripest figs or citrus...by squatting under a fruit tree and looking up. “O Lord; In the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will look up.” Psalm 5:3

Sending you 100% natural fresh flower pictorial drink recipes for hibiscus tea and rose lemonade in the attached photo collage. Delicate fresh hibiscus petals set on quick cook mode in my rice cooker yielded a bright red drink which can be scented with basil leaves, lime juice, mint stirrer, and honey to taste. People asked, “When is the drink done?” Answer: when the cooker sings “twinkle, twinkle little star“. Stovetop drink cooking requires 20 minutes on slow flame, my first choice when it’s not so summery hot indoors. Likewise, blushing pink roses in the garden have found their way into the kitchen, emerging in a jug of rose lemonade set against lush green canvas.

Incorporating elements of nature’s seasonal edible bounties can spruce up any alfresco backyard celebration (think birthday, graduation, anniversary, memorial, friendship, or virtual tablescape), offering a radiant appeal besides revitalizing one’s energy, beauty, and health. Elevating the experience illumined by the Living Word has the power to speak peace, comfort, Faith, Hope, and Love to the soul. May God’s Overflowing Grace and Love Bless You this Summer!

Psalm 103:1,5
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
...
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

詩篇103:1，5
我的心哪！你要稱頌耶和華；在我裡面的一切，都要稱頌他的聖名。
...
他用美物使你所願的得以知足，以致你如鷹返老還童。

Isaiah 40:28b-31
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

以 賽 亞 書 40:28-31
你 豈 不 曾 知 道 麼 ？ 你 豈 不 曾 聽 見 麼 ？ 永 在 的 神 耶 和 華 ， 創 造 地 極 的 主 ， 並 不 疲 乏 ， 也 不 困 倦 ； 他 的 智 慧 無 法 測 度 。
疲 乏 的 ， 他 賜 能 力 ； 軟 弱 的 ， 他 加 力 量 。
就 是 少 年 人 也 要 疲 乏 困 倦 ； 強 壯 的 也 必 全 然 跌 倒 。
但 那 等 候 耶 和 華 的 必 從 新 得 力 。 他 們 必 如 鷹 展 翅 上 騰 ； 他 們 奔 跑 卻 不 困 倦 ， 行 走 卻 不 疲 乏 。

A Hymn of Faith
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

哈巴谷書 3:17-19
虽 然 无 花 果 树 不 发 旺 ， 葡 萄 树 不 结 果 ， 橄 榄 树 也 不 效 力 ， 田 地 不 出 粮 食 ， 圈 中 绝 了 羊 ， 棚 内 也 没 有 牛 ；然而 ， 我 要 因 耶 和 华 欢 欣 ， 因 救 我 的 　 神 喜 乐 。主耶 和 华 是 我 的 力 量 ； 他 使 我 的 脚 快 如 母 鹿 的 蹄 ， 又 使 我 稳 行 在 高 处 。 这 歌 交 与 伶 长 ， 用 丝 弦 的 乐 器 。

Goodness: “...overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

Sending you abundant health giving wishes! God’s goodness is marvelous and free like the figs springing up from “nowhere” to the songs of birds shown in the photo captured today. It enriches a garden both cultivated and naturally occurring from an amazing ecosystem harmonizing with the birds of the air, the bees and butterflies, the ladybugs and more. What’s in the “more” category which we can do less with? Potential pests and weeds that inhibit the growth of good plants to name a few. Diligent husbandry sowing more of the good and weeding the bad can cultivate a flourishing garden.

Spiritually, when evil abounds, more good is needed to overcome it. Through the strength of God who loves us, we can show grace and do good to others, show kindness and humanity even to those who have wronged us. This is nobility of the highest character powered by God who loves us so much that He gave His Only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins that we may by grace through faith in Him live holy righteous lives now through eternity. Consider how we can increase good in gentleness and in humility to overcome evil as revealed in Romans 12:21.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

「你 不 可 為 惡 所 勝 ， 反 要 以 善 勝 惡 。」羅 馬 書12:21

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Hymn: At Calvary
Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary

Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

「 神 愛 世 人 ， 甚 至 將 他 的 獨 生 子 賜 給 他 們 ， 叫 一 切 信 他 的 ， 不 至 滅 亡 ， 反 得 永 生 。」約 翰 福 音 3:16

“Because I live, you will live also.” John 14:19 「因為我活著，你們也將活著。」約翰福音 14:19

Dear Friends 親愛的朋友，

Each Good Friday leading to Resurrection Easter Sunday brings cherished promise of salvation in Jesus Christ. Looking skyward at the blue expanse above following recent rainy days in California, I breathed words of hope and thanksgiving to God that Mother is in heaven with her Savior and someday we’ll meet again and be together forever.

復活節帶來深深難忘的永生希望。不久以前，搭上飞机回国见躺在医院的母亲。心里晓得这是最后的告别。手里来拿着亲自为妈妈设计的追思礼拜程序 单，里边写了温柔的词语。在此附上这美丽的蓝天白云照片与经文。天天陪伴在病房，唱妈妈喜欢的诗歌，祷告。那时的感受难以形容 - 要面对死亡的悲痛与复活的盼望。日夜祷告，靠主耶稣的爱和圣灵所赐的力量，加添信心，飞越每一个高山低谷，坚强起来。妈妈在复活节不久后回天家。在主里去世的母亲，并非死乃是睡着。应为信耶稣的人，都要复活，享受永生，得享上帝永远的荣耀。今天，若有人心裏悲傷，就來到十字架得安慰，應爲耶穌愛你。

Several years ago, I had the privilege of being in the hospital daily with Mother gently finishing her last days on earth with quiet faith and serene courage. On her tableside were copies of the original funeral service program I had designed for her, attached here to wish you a Happy Easter. Practicing her chosen goodbye hymns and showing her our grateful eulogy was an experience deeply etched in my memory. Anticipation mixed with sorrow, joy, thanksgiving, peace and hope, reached deep into the human soul. Praise God that in the darkest day, Jesus Christ is the brightest light. Today, if anyone is sorrowing, if there be any prayer for hope, there is One Way to eternal life. By trusting, confessing sins and repenting to live the new life in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, putting your hand in the Hand of God, He promised you:

John 11:25 - Jesus said… “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” 約翰福音11:25 「耶 穌 對 他 說 ： 復 活 在 我 ， 生 命 也 在 我 。 信 我 的 人 雖 然 死 了 ， 也 必 復 活。」

John 14:6 - Jesus said… “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 約翰福音 14:6耶穌說：「我就是道路、真理、生命。要不是藉著我，沒有人能到父那裡去。」

John 14:19 - “Because I live, you will live also.” 約翰福音 14:19「因為我活著，你們也將活著。」

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 約翰福音 3:16「神愛世人，甚至將他的獨生子賜給他們，叫一切信他的不致滅亡，反得永生。」
______________________________________________
Final Hymns of Faith (some of Mother’s Favorites):

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

All the way my Savior leads me,
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Trust and Obey
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
…
Thanks to God!
Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem’ry,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
…

Hosanna is a special prayer and praise which I cherish and wish to share during this upcoming Palm Sunday in the midst of global COVID-19. In Psalm 118:25, it means “Save now, I pray, O Lord”. This original plea for help turns into a proclamation of salvation in the following verse. Psalm 118:26 says “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” May faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, bring you hope and peace of everlasting life.

WeWalk hosted a beautiful Palm Sunday virtual meeting on April 5, 2020. Many friends joined us for Safer at Home virtual live streaming of Hosanna music, prayer and praise, care and support. In March, we launched lovely hand made Free Care Packages laden with organic home grown healthy fruits ripened with heavenly dew and sunlight, and sent to people via contactless front-door drop-off, abiding by CDC guidelines at all times. This Free Care Package service has transitioned to prepaid Free Care Kits offered by local restaurant for curbside pick-up or home delivery. Each person is blessed with a loving prayer from our hearts to yours. Wishing you spiritual, physical, and emotional health in God’s divine providential care. Shalom.

Mark 11:9
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

馬 可 福 音 11:9
和 散 那 ． 〔 和 散 那 原 有 求 救 的 意 思 在 此 乃 是 稱 頌 之 話 〕 奉 主 名 來 的 、 是 應 當 稱 頌 的 。

A huge thanks to all volunteers, friends, and staff of LAC for an amazingly beautiful and successful Lunar New Year Celebration! Thanks to everyone for your generosity, hard work, cheerful service, creative talents, giving of your time and resources to bless a huge crowd in this extraordinary Community event! Attaching colorful photos of our snacks, lunch, program, gifts and greetings. May our happy time continue to bless you with countless laughter. Wishing you health, happiness, hope, peace, and God’s overflowing abundance!

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

非常感谢所有义工，朋友，和大家的支持，今年的LAC农历新年午餐庆祝会特别精彩欢乐！附上五颜六色的照片，希望这些美好的节目，点心，午餐，礼物，贺年，继续带给你无数的欢笑。祝大家新年快乐，身心健康，心想事成，出入平安，主恩满溢！

雅 各 書 1:17
各 樣 美 善 的 恩 賜 和 各 樣 全 備 的 賞 賜 都 是 從 上 頭 來 的 ， 從 眾 光 之 父 那 裡 降 下 來 的 ； 在 他 並 沒 有 改 變 ， 也 沒 有 轉 動 的 影 兒 。