The other day I was just pondering 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. " Faith, hope, and love. These words are thrown around quite casually, you know I've got to have faith faith faith... Faith by George Michael that popular song which was number one back in my year that I was born, 1988! (hahaha I know this cuz one day sitting around with friends at Bistro Chez Fio we were talking about how music has changed so much and wonder what was our hit song on our birth year was and we searched it up) anyways faith in what? Hope, we hope the Canucks win their next game, hope for the latest Apple product. Hope has kind of lost its direction. What are we even hoping for, what should we be hoping for? now Love. How has something so amazingly sacred become so insignificant, temporary, and even abused. How and why has lust over taken love? This idea that love is found with a swipe of a finger sorry Tinder. Im kind of embarrassed how shallow we can be or how much we live in a it's all about "me" world. Or even worse is we are such bandwagoners, jumping onto any social cause thats trending at the time on Twitter. Who doesn't like to feel like they are part of something just by a #? But really who remembers that a month down the line that I #cared.
I know my actions or even my inactions they matter. It's the little things that make up a day, and the days turn into weeks, months, years. When we look back at the day to day, its the sum of those little things that make us who we are, that shape those around us. At the end of the day these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. So I say life is about having faith, giving hope, and sharing love. But its the lostness of the source where we derive faith, hope, and love that causes strife. We are connected to people around the world more than ever before but we are also so distant. There are so many different values, beliefs, and opinions which is exciting and dynamic, but can we get along? In light of the terror, sadness, and injustice that faces us everyday I want to make these three words faith, hope, and love so real, so tangible.
Friday, 9 January 2015
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
A Season of Growth
I've been back in Vancouver for three weeks now. Vancouver is so beautiful. There is so much life, creativity, just prettiness and care everywhere. I absolutely love being in a city that comes together. Like just going to Stanley Park for bright lights, thinking about all the hours the firefighters put in to put up the lights and deco. The effort just to make the place festive for families. It's nice you know. Then back in Brunei i had a customer msg me asking me if i had to take down my Christmas deco! what? so now we are not allowed to put up even a tree in public places...a new religious enforcement thing. Its really sad. Where is the openness?
Ive been thinking a lot the last few days on where im going to be in the new year. If i decide to stay here what about my Bistro. I dont want to leave my work but I think there is a limit of growth happening in Brunei. I went for a job interview the other day. It was just a last minute decision when i saw a posting for a nutrition and life skills coordinator to apply. It was a really good interview but ironically after the interview I had the feeling that i rather go back to school. Going through with the interview showed me that I am capable yet there is part of me that wants me to really follow my heart. I think with certainty now i can enrol in culinary school.
random things why i love vancouver
ppl compost and recycle
mountain views
chilly air
diversity of ppl
transit
ppl on transit
grocery shopping
downtown
libraries
community
hockey
watching the news
asians who speak perfect english
artsyness everywhere
fam & friends
2015 is just a sleep away. 2014 has been an absolutely awesome adventure. Be brave, be true to yourself, and don't settle for less.
Ive been thinking a lot the last few days on where im going to be in the new year. If i decide to stay here what about my Bistro. I dont want to leave my work but I think there is a limit of growth happening in Brunei. I went for a job interview the other day. It was just a last minute decision when i saw a posting for a nutrition and life skills coordinator to apply. It was a really good interview but ironically after the interview I had the feeling that i rather go back to school. Going through with the interview showed me that I am capable yet there is part of me that wants me to really follow my heart. I think with certainty now i can enrol in culinary school.
random things why i love vancouver
ppl compost and recycle
mountain views
chilly air
diversity of ppl
transit
ppl on transit
grocery shopping
downtown
libraries
community
hockey
watching the news
asians who speak perfect english
artsyness everywhere
fam & friends
2015 is just a sleep away. 2014 has been an absolutely awesome adventure. Be brave, be true to yourself, and don't settle for less.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Connections
"It is only with the heart that one can see clearly, anything essential is invisible to the eye." the little prince
My flight over was amazing, for such a long time in a plane it
felt like a bus ride away. It was so good to hear “Canadian” English on the
announcements followed by French. Just to feel the professionalism in their
voice was a nice change.
Relationships itself are invisible. It’s not like an object,
not like a cat, you can see a cat, touch the cat, snuggle up with a cat. I
think it’s so philosophical the whole topic of relationships. No one was born
without a relation. Our DNA strands can confirm that. Relationships are what
connect. It is this need to belong and to be longed for. It is so important. It
drives, sustains, and gives hope. God really created us like this for a
purpose. A craving to desire what can only fully sustain, and what can really
give us love, joy, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. At the root of the why and how’s of relationships
is God.
Relationships can only be seen when an out pouring of love
happens which creates an action. How do we build and celebrate connections with
people? How do we get to really know someone? Spend time with them, talk, be
real, open up to trust, share truth and not lies, want the absolute best for
them, do what matters, laugh, cry, and support.
It feels like I was just here yesterday due to the
relationships that pick right back up. Let’s not take for granted the people in
our lives that know and care for us. Colman picked me up and pulled out a gift
from his hoodie front pocket. It was so awesome a free Budweiser Canucks
toque. So perfect really. My family is such a blessing. I forgot about this
thing called commuting and traffic on the way back from the airport, I need
time to adjust back to “real” life. I’m really excited to be able to be around
Abby and Riley even though Chey Leng keeps on warning me! Haha im ready to have
some energy zapped out by kids that want to play, how can I say no to their
cute Aunty Fiona, Aunty Fiona calls. Will see how long I can last. Haha!
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Thinking out loud.
"life can only be understood looking backwards, but it must be lived forwarid"
im in hong kong right now, waiting for my flight back to vancouver. and really thought it is such a perfect time to blog. it has been two years since my last post. even before Bistro Chez Fio opened! oh how time has flown. Chez Fio is not just a random blog of my thoughts anymore hahaha i hope random customers dont google search and find this ... perhaps time for a blogspot name change ... ill think about it later... what has played out over two years!
i cannot of imagined the experience and people i have met and what has played out in Brunei. it has been nothing but amazing. living a dream really. doing what i love and getting to feed so many people. i realize how awesome being out of vancouver has been, there were times i was so home sick, times i wanted to give up. even extremely frustrated with how things are run. yet my appreciation for the simplest things has grown. living in a small country def has its pros.
Bistro Chez Fio has grown so much since the first day- from different menus, opening hours, staff, but what always remains was that no matter what God always provided. It has only been two years am i ready to move on? I mean what comes next? I dont really know what it means to be a restaurant owner actually. I do know that I believe in people and trust that when people see the passion and care that is placed into a goal things are done well. Love goes a long way. i feel like i have contributed to the Brunei food scene and that makes me happy.,giving people a special place to dine and even hold events and most of all expanding their food vocab..it amazes me when someone has never had a candy apple in their life or even had pecan pie! hahahaa.... over the past two years the food industry has expanded with a ton of new restaurants, better eating choices, and a closer community of restaurant owners... what is next? im hoping farm to table dining, increase in sustainability, local eating, and maybe even one day in brunei they would have its own dairy farms! i think that might take 20 years hahaha jk
Its interesting how life just happens sometimes. you meet people, share experiences, and grow. sometimes i feel like im still 16 other times i feel like im an adult and can make my own decisions and mistakes..yet times i feel so ready to just be an adult cuz im not there yet. whatever that means. maybe it means paying more bills getting married and having kids... lol i dunno. is that what defines adulthood... or when your financially independent and living on your own?
how do we know what we want out of life? im not really sure if there is even anything i want... maybe im more of a giver.. i dont know what i want yet i know i want to give as much as i can to others...
can it just be as simple as Living simply, Laughing often, and Loving deeply....
Im going to just enjoy my time back in vancouver. excited to spend so much time with people. and just be present. i will make the most out of every day.
im in hong kong right now, waiting for my flight back to vancouver. and really thought it is such a perfect time to blog. it has been two years since my last post. even before Bistro Chez Fio opened! oh how time has flown. Chez Fio is not just a random blog of my thoughts anymore hahaha i hope random customers dont google search and find this ... perhaps time for a blogspot name change ... ill think about it later... what has played out over two years!
i cannot of imagined the experience and people i have met and what has played out in Brunei. it has been nothing but amazing. living a dream really. doing what i love and getting to feed so many people. i realize how awesome being out of vancouver has been, there were times i was so home sick, times i wanted to give up. even extremely frustrated with how things are run. yet my appreciation for the simplest things has grown. living in a small country def has its pros.
Bistro Chez Fio has grown so much since the first day- from different menus, opening hours, staff, but what always remains was that no matter what God always provided. It has only been two years am i ready to move on? I mean what comes next? I dont really know what it means to be a restaurant owner actually. I do know that I believe in people and trust that when people see the passion and care that is placed into a goal things are done well. Love goes a long way. i feel like i have contributed to the Brunei food scene and that makes me happy.,giving people a special place to dine and even hold events and most of all expanding their food vocab..it amazes me when someone has never had a candy apple in their life or even had pecan pie! hahahaa.... over the past two years the food industry has expanded with a ton of new restaurants, better eating choices, and a closer community of restaurant owners... what is next? im hoping farm to table dining, increase in sustainability, local eating, and maybe even one day in brunei they would have its own dairy farms! i think that might take 20 years hahaha jk
Its interesting how life just happens sometimes. you meet people, share experiences, and grow. sometimes i feel like im still 16 other times i feel like im an adult and can make my own decisions and mistakes..yet times i feel so ready to just be an adult cuz im not there yet. whatever that means. maybe it means paying more bills getting married and having kids... lol i dunno. is that what defines adulthood... or when your financially independent and living on your own?
how do we know what we want out of life? im not really sure if there is even anything i want... maybe im more of a giver.. i dont know what i want yet i know i want to give as much as i can to others...
can it just be as simple as Living simply, Laughing often, and Loving deeply....
Im going to just enjoy my time back in vancouver. excited to spend so much time with people. and just be present. i will make the most out of every day.
Monday, 31 December 2012
Commit to the Lord in whatever that you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
I'm sitting at my bistro right now. and i just feel it in my bones and in my heart. everything is going to be awesome. If God is for me than who can be against me. 2012 wow ... if u asked me at this time last year.. what i would be doing in a years time... i would of never been able of told u. i am doing what im doing right now. I sitting in a restaurant that i call my own.... hmmm not bad fio... 24 and starting up my own business..not everyone can say they have this opportunity of a life time..My hope is coming to pass.. What God has planned me for is coming to pass! It is His will.. no matter what happens in the next 5 years.. i can tell myself i tried .. i did what i always wanted to do...yet the awesome thing is new dreams are still to come...greater things are yet to come.. i wonder what lies ahead.. haha like pocahontas.. just around the river bend.of course i couldn't have done this with out the unconditional love and support of my family. my parents believing in me and always encouraging me even at the time i truely wanted to give up. at times where i have been so unlovable to my closest people.. they still love me.. they still believe in me and gave me the best... i really miss all the ppl back home who have been there for me. i can be there for u in time of your need...
This whole year has been a testimony. A testimony of a step of faith, change, the calm before the storm, a storm, growth, perserverance, and ...
basically ..confident hope
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
count down to 2013!Friday, 28 December 2012
2012 Drawing to an End
So much has happened in 2012 i would of never have of imagined the outcome of this year... it wasnt just one of those years that take a long time.. this year was a whirl wind.. a whirl wind of change, fun, laughter, family reunions, saddness, tears, struggles, success, growth, and courage. i have to continue to ask myself is this real life... am i doing what i am doing right now... am i seriously living in brunei, opening a bistro, and adapting to life here.. im still terrified of settling in brunei tho... coming close to my mid twenties i cant help to think about where i would want to have a family, raise kids, and livelife... i guess i really have to think about what is seriously important for me...so many things about vancouver i miss yet at the same time im ok that i miss it you know... its a weird feeling..its like emotions that have no definition hahaha =]
the last few days Robert Frost's poem has been constantly in my head... i feel like my life im taking the road not taken...im so grateful that all my circumstances have gave me experiences that trained me to be more that capable in dealing with employees, suppliers, random things... grateful that i studied in FNH now at UBC and lol and all about AGSC and food security... i want to teach ppl about food security in brunei that would be interesting...
life is so confusing right now i wish i wish i knew what is yet to come like Robert Frost said "Sorry I could not travel both." i wonder what would of happened if i never decided to come to brunei (yet that is history) ... funny i may not know what is going to happen in the future.. but i know who holds the future.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
the last few days Robert Frost's poem has been constantly in my head... i feel like my life im taking the road not taken...im so grateful that all my circumstances have gave me experiences that trained me to be more that capable in dealing with employees, suppliers, random things... grateful that i studied in FNH now at UBC and lol and all about AGSC and food security... i want to teach ppl about food security in brunei that would be interesting...
life is so confusing right now i wish i wish i knew what is yet to come like Robert Frost said "Sorry I could not travel both." i wonder what would of happened if i never decided to come to brunei (yet that is history) ... funny i may not know what is going to happen in the future.. but i know who holds the future.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Monday, 10 December 2012
This is My life
I was reminded of this song today after having a conversation about life and life decisions...
Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you've broken
Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you've got now
Yeah, and today is all you'll ever have
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose
Yesterday is a kid in the corner
Yesterday is dead and over
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose
And you had everything to lose
Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you've broken
Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you've got now
Yeah, and today is all you'll ever have
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose
Yesterday is a kid in the corner
Yesterday is dead and over
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose
And you had everything to lose
Friday, 7 December 2012
Electrical Circuit
Today when i was watching the electricians work on the bistro i was just blown away at the skill, complexity, and organisation needed to run a circuit board. Now i imagine every single house, every office, every place with electricity has a network of cables running through. Not just electrical cables, how about phone lines, Internet cables, tv cables, ect. WOW I've never really stopped to think about how each cable had to be installed, pulled through, and connected. Electricity is something taken so for granted until it is not available. I think our developed society has just become so used to having electricity that it has become like a right. We need it to function. We need it to survive. We need it to charge our phones, use our hair dryers, and heat up our water. However, do we think about it and really appreciate the complexity of it all.
One of the things that just struck me was that sure there can be the cables and the nice light fixtures hanging, however, really if the wires are not connected to the source, if the wires do not make a complete circuit there would be no light. A bulb without a circuit is just a bulb..
BUT a good bulb connected shines.
When bulbs shine they complete their purpose.
A bulb that is blown gets thrown out.
Life is like a light bulb, one has got to be connected to the source of power to shine.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
The connections we make in life is like the complex workings of the circuit wiring. It all fits together tho pre planned and organised by the electrician. Cuz they know what they are doing. From the outside point of view it just looks confusing but once the whole thing is done. It just comes together like a master piece, when the light switch is turned on. There is just an awe. and ooo.
just some random truths i thought about when i saw the electricians working just now..
One of the things that just struck me was that sure there can be the cables and the nice light fixtures hanging, however, really if the wires are not connected to the source, if the wires do not make a complete circuit there would be no light. A bulb without a circuit is just a bulb..
BUT a good bulb connected shines.
When bulbs shine they complete their purpose.
A bulb that is blown gets thrown out.
Life is like a light bulb, one has got to be connected to the source of power to shine.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
The connections we make in life is like the complex workings of the circuit wiring. It all fits together tho pre planned and organised by the electrician. Cuz they know what they are doing. From the outside point of view it just looks confusing but once the whole thing is done. It just comes together like a master piece, when the light switch is turned on. There is just an awe. and ooo.
just some random truths i thought about when i saw the electricians working just now..
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
The preciousness of life
within a day.
a heard about a death
i could not imagine the pain
of things that will not be experienced
loved ones who have to deal with something missing
yet there is assurance
in eternal life
goodbye
until
i see
you
again
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 NKJV
within a day
i heard about a new birth
i cannot imagine the now sleepless nights
of a baby's cry
loved ones who get to share
in the new experiences
new hopes
new dreams
a journey
to make
memories
a life ended on earth
a new life born to this world
both reasons to say life is precious
both reasons to celebrate
a heard about a death
i could not imagine the pain
of things that will not be experienced
loved ones who have to deal with something missing
yet there is assurance
in eternal life
goodbye
until
i see
you
again
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 NKJV
within a day
i heard about a new birth
i cannot imagine the now sleepless nights
of a baby's cry
loved ones who get to share
in the new experiences
new hopes
new dreams
a journey
to make
memories
a life ended on earth
a new life born to this world
both reasons to say life is precious
both reasons to celebrate
Monday, 3 December 2012
Music to my soul
Music has always been such a big part of my life... since a young age with typical Chinese parents i was put into piano lessons without consent LOL. i remember always crying cuz i hated practicing and i cried during my lessons cuz the teacher was mean or i didnt get it... i was too young.. it felt too hard..my hands were too small..lol... but you know through it all im so so thankful my parents put me through that... it has been the foundation to other things like playing the guitar, flute, tuba (!) lol... but really im just mediocre at the intrument playing... my real love is just listening and watching people who are amazing performers.. cheering ppl on as they perform.. esp back in the jazz band and choir days... I love how music can make you dance, cry, reminisce, relate, hope, wonder, smile, laugh.. music is used to praise. Music can stop you in your tracks and make u think.
The other day was walking out of store and i caught the song "I won't give up" by Jason Mraz playing.. and i just stopped and listen and i thought yes jason mraz totally got the lyrics right!.. its nice to hear music that has meaning these days.. it is really music to my soul...
"I Won't Give Up"
When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find
'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No: I won't give up
I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got, yeah, we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not, and who I am
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up, still looking up.
The other day was walking out of store and i caught the song "I won't give up" by Jason Mraz playing.. and i just stopped and listen and i thought yes jason mraz totally got the lyrics right!.. its nice to hear music that has meaning these days.. it is really music to my soul...
"I Won't Give Up"
When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find
'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No: I won't give up
I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got, yeah, we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not, and who I am
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up, still looking up.
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Happy December
Driving out of my house this morning seeing the amazing blue sky and white fluffy clouds and just feeling the warm sun, i just felt like ahh life is good. =].. no matter what the circumstances are I can praise and thank God that I'm alive. Today really feels like a summer day back in Richmond when there are no worries in the world ahh... I thought about Steveston. and I always remember Sam getting raspberry frozen yogurt. it's his fav. I'd love to walk around the warf, check out what they were selling, all the salmon usually and prawns. When I was young my dad would let us feed the ducks and swans with bread we would bring. Hahaha i dont think there were signs that said dont feed the birds back then.... Snip Bits of good memories of the past.
I'm now looking forward to the memories I have yet to make. I can't believe it is December. I should start saying i believe instead of i cant believe LOL! It is December First. This year will be such an interesting Christmas Season. I haven't spent a whole month of December here since i was probably 9 or 10 years old. I do miss the Christmas atmosphere back home but hey who says i can't have it here right.. most of the world doesn't get cold during Christmas anyways.
By the end of this month I believe Bistro Chez Fio will be ready to open. I just know though I want to have the best start, with the best service, and the best casual comfort food Brunei has yet to see! ahh this journey is all unfolding and wow if you told me a year or two ago that I'm going open a Bistro in Brunei I would of said really?! how?... truly God has equipped, provided, and lead. All little decisions and big decisions in life coming to this point. Even if i have thought maybe i've made the wrong decisions i know those decisions where already written in God's plan for my life.. so in the large scheme of things they weren't wrong. just a big picture thought. You know what ever happens I can say I have tried.
The old school sunday school that has been in my head these days is Christmas Is A Time to Love!
We often start to worry
And people get upset
If things don't go alright on Christmas day.
What we should remember
In all the push and shove
Is Christmas is a time to love.
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time to love.
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time to love.
Maybe things don't sound right
Or look the way they should
And maybe they're not perfectly in tune.
It really doesn't matter
Lets keep our eyes above
Cos' Christmas is a time to love.
I'm now looking forward to the memories I have yet to make. I can't believe it is December. I should start saying i believe instead of i cant believe LOL! It is December First. This year will be such an interesting Christmas Season. I haven't spent a whole month of December here since i was probably 9 or 10 years old. I do miss the Christmas atmosphere back home but hey who says i can't have it here right.. most of the world doesn't get cold during Christmas anyways.
By the end of this month I believe Bistro Chez Fio will be ready to open. I just know though I want to have the best start, with the best service, and the best casual comfort food Brunei has yet to see! ahh this journey is all unfolding and wow if you told me a year or two ago that I'm going open a Bistro in Brunei I would of said really?! how?... truly God has equipped, provided, and lead. All little decisions and big decisions in life coming to this point. Even if i have thought maybe i've made the wrong decisions i know those decisions where already written in God's plan for my life.. so in the large scheme of things they weren't wrong. just a big picture thought. You know what ever happens I can say I have tried.
The old school sunday school that has been in my head these days is Christmas Is A Time to Love!
We often start to worry
And people get upset
If things don't go alright on Christmas day.
What we should remember
In all the push and shove
Is Christmas is a time to love.
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time to love.
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time
Christmas is a time to love.
Maybe things don't sound right
Or look the way they should
And maybe they're not perfectly in tune.
It really doesn't matter
Lets keep our eyes above
Cos' Christmas is a time to love.
"Love is more than attraction and more than arousal. It’s also more than sentimentality, like so many of today’s songs suggest. By this standard, is love dead when the emotion is gone? No, not at all. Because love is an action; love is a behavior." Rick Warren
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Surrender
It always seems like it is at night, or middle of night, or odd times when i wake up that God teaches me, or speaks, or rebukes me of things... I woke up at 4:30... i still would consider that the middle of the night haha..sleep was disturbed cuz i felt a bit warm and my hands were super dry cuz of the a/c..
I know when i wake up in the middle of the night its the best time for me to just have some quiet time.. cuz i know there must be a reason why im up right..it's not just because i felt hot...if that were the case i would just throw off my blanket and fallen back asleep.... so i just spent time reading and praying... and u know the last few times when in the presence of the HS.. i have this feeling that my heart is being literally stitched up.. stitched back together... like there is slight pain like someone actually working on it... kinda crazy right? my brokenheart is slowly being sewn back together by God. Funny then the song Surrender pops into my head. Wow... exactly what i feel like im going through! Gosh.Old school sunday school song I always used to sing ..exaclty ministering to me so personally.
God you are awesome!
I know when i wake up in the middle of the night its the best time for me to just have some quiet time.. cuz i know there must be a reason why im up right..it's not just because i felt hot...if that were the case i would just throw off my blanket and fallen back asleep.... so i just spent time reading and praying... and u know the last few times when in the presence of the HS.. i have this feeling that my heart is being literally stitched up.. stitched back together... like there is slight pain like someone actually working on it... kinda crazy right? my brokenheart is slowly being sewn back together by God. Funny then the song Surrender pops into my head. Wow... exactly what i feel like im going through! Gosh.Old school sunday school song I always used to sing ..exaclty ministering to me so personally.
God you are awesome!
"I'm giving you my heart, and all that is within
I lay it all down for the sake of you my King
I'm giving you my dreams, I'm laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride for the promise of new life
And I surrender all to you, all to you
And I surrender all to you, all to you
I'm singing You this song, I'm waiting at the cross
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You for the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain"
i guess i just wanted to share this experience and blog about it in the early morn still before the day comes and business takes over. eh its 6:30 now.. i wonder if i should go back to sleep or get up and make breakfast.. ooo i totally actually feel like pancakes right now haha.. i think ill get up and make some!! =]
laters <3
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Disneyland
The other day i woke up from a really sad dream in the morning. one of those dreams where u feel like you are at war with your emotions..it felt so real that you think you are in reality until u wake up.. and the few mins when awake u still feel the feelings that were from the dream... ya ... it was a dream that i wish i knew the ending to but it was too painful going through it that i had to just wake up in the middle...
the dream reminded me of my past and revealed things that i will not get to experience anymore in the future... i felt so much saddness and pain
the most intense part of the dream where i woke up was because you told me our hopes of one day going to Disneyland together will never happen anymore..and u gave me back the map i kept... yet on the map of the park there happened to be a branch of Bistro Chez Fio in Disneyland! haha of all places the Happiest Place on Earth...
what the heck i didnt really see what this dream was about till i just typed it out... gosh i guess my happily ever after was never with you... you gave me back the map of Disneyland i thought we would share .. and now it included something better
i dont know exactly what my future holds.. i've been thinking a lot about where would i end up "settling" down. like right now i am in brunei... im adjusting and everything but what if i adjust so well that i end up wanting to really live more than the next 5 years of my life here.. what if i want to settle here? ...what about vancouver? ahh i shouldn't be thinking about this kinda of stuff right now its not n e time soon at least or in the near future..
i shared my thoughts about this brunei and canada thing with my mom and two things she said that was like a "yaa true moment".. first she said nothing changes the fact that you are Canadian by birth but also Bruneian.. and nobody is in one place forever...
her two things she said just brought me out of like "ahhh what do i do mode?!".. to focus on God made me mode and He knows what he is doing... Especially cuz i am in no control over who my family was going to be or where i was born.. and im only here on this earth for so long..
there are no coincidences.. no doubt things happen for a reason even though i may not understand the reason
i finally changed my location of my profile to brunei now..and a new profile pic woohoo
the dream reminded me of my past and revealed things that i will not get to experience anymore in the future... i felt so much saddness and pain
the most intense part of the dream where i woke up was because you told me our hopes of one day going to Disneyland together will never happen anymore..and u gave me back the map i kept... yet on the map of the park there happened to be a branch of Bistro Chez Fio in Disneyland! haha of all places the Happiest Place on Earth...
what the heck i didnt really see what this dream was about till i just typed it out... gosh i guess my happily ever after was never with you... you gave me back the map of Disneyland i thought we would share .. and now it included something better
i dont know exactly what my future holds.. i've been thinking a lot about where would i end up "settling" down. like right now i am in brunei... im adjusting and everything but what if i adjust so well that i end up wanting to really live more than the next 5 years of my life here.. what if i want to settle here? ...what about vancouver? ahh i shouldn't be thinking about this kinda of stuff right now its not n e time soon at least or in the near future..
i shared my thoughts about this brunei and canada thing with my mom and two things she said that was like a "yaa true moment".. first she said nothing changes the fact that you are Canadian by birth but also Bruneian.. and nobody is in one place forever...
her two things she said just brought me out of like "ahhh what do i do mode?!".. to focus on God made me mode and He knows what he is doing... Especially cuz i am in no control over who my family was going to be or where i was born.. and im only here on this earth for so long..
there are no coincidences.. no doubt things happen for a reason even though i may not understand the reason
i finally changed my location of my profile to brunei now..and a new profile pic woohoo
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Center
The best place is being in the center of God's will.
My life truely has been so blessed. From the family I was born into, to being raised in Canada. From moving from house to house and school to school, to my university education. From working my first summer job at Bun Masters, to now beginning to start my own bistro in Brunei! Wow. What a blessing!
Where am I? I am in the center. and Jesus is my center. I thank you for the journey so far..and the journey yet to come.
The last two nights i went to wedding dinners back to back! Being at these weddings reminded me that..
God is a God of love stories. of unity. of perseverance. true love do not give up. it does not get tired. it always waits. without God in the center of a relationship...it will often fail .. because God is love. and His love is perfect.
Today at church the sermon was about the Parable of Talents.
It really spoke to me and confirmed what im doing with my life.
Even though i have no idea what starting a business is going to be like.. if it will even work
I just got to try. I try and have faith. I am going for it!!!!
Using my talents and skills that God has given me.
My life truely has been so blessed. From the family I was born into, to being raised in Canada. From moving from house to house and school to school, to my university education. From working my first summer job at Bun Masters, to now beginning to start my own bistro in Brunei! Wow. What a blessing!
Where am I? I am in the center. and Jesus is my center. I thank you for the journey so far..and the journey yet to come.
The last two nights i went to wedding dinners back to back! Being at these weddings reminded me that..
God is a God of love stories. of unity. of perseverance. true love do not give up. it does not get tired. it always waits. without God in the center of a relationship...it will often fail .. because God is love. and His love is perfect.
Today at church the sermon was about the Parable of Talents.
It really spoke to me and confirmed what im doing with my life.
Even though i have no idea what starting a business is going to be like.. if it will even work
I just got to try. I try and have faith. I am going for it!!!!
Using my talents and skills that God has given me.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
So Amazed by Your Sovereignty
Lord you are Sovereign
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
These few days God has just been amazing me. Romancing me in ways of my inner most being. He knows me so well from displaying his handwork in the sunset, rain, family, and food. He deserves all honor, glory, and praise.
Psalms 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
experiencing God in ways i never would of expected here in this new season of my life.
the old has gone and the new has come
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
These few days God has just been amazing me. Romancing me in ways of my inner most being. He knows me so well from displaying his handwork in the sunset, rain, family, and food. He deserves all honor, glory, and praise.
Psalms 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
experiencing God in ways i never would of expected here in this new season of my life.
the old has gone and the new has come
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Praise Challenge
I remeber before I went off to Hong Kong the idea to do a praise challenge popped into my mind..
To write down or blog everyday how I have experience who God is, how great He is, basically why Christ deserves my all. I remember back in BSF leaders meetings Kevin said just if you need help to get the ball rolling declare praise by saying "God You are ..." That one kind of lesson he shared has stuck with me and I am so thankful.
This morning I woke up at 4am.. my body the last few weeks justs keeps waking up middle of the night ?! subconsciously lots of things wrestling with i guess ...
I read Psalms 66 (NLT)
God you are glorious, awesome, mighty, great, forever, and unfailing!!
God you make a dry path, you watch every movement, you keep my feet from stumbling, you test me, you purify me like silver, you capture me in your net, you laid the burden, you brought great abundance, you listen, you paid attention, you did not ignore, you did not withdraw.
How great are you God!
I praise you no matter my circumstance
To write down or blog everyday how I have experience who God is, how great He is, basically why Christ deserves my all. I remember back in BSF leaders meetings Kevin said just if you need help to get the ball rolling declare praise by saying "God You are ..." That one kind of lesson he shared has stuck with me and I am so thankful.
This morning I woke up at 4am.. my body the last few weeks justs keeps waking up middle of the night ?! subconsciously lots of things wrestling with i guess ...
I read Psalms 66 (NLT)
1 Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!
2 Sing about the glory of his name!
Tell the world how glorious he is.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.
4 Everything on earth will worship you;
they will sing your praises,
shouting your name in glorious songs.” Interlude
2 Sing about the glory of his name!
Tell the world how glorious he is.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.
4 Everything on earth will worship you;
they will sing your praises,
shouting your name in glorious songs.” Interlude
5 Come and see what our God has done,
what awesome miracles he performs for people!
6 He made a dry path through the Red Sea,[a]
and his people went across on foot.
There we rejoiced in him.
7 For by his great power he rules forever.
He watches every movement of the nations;
let no rebel rise in defiance. Interlude
what awesome miracles he performs for people!
6 He made a dry path through the Red Sea,[a]
and his people went across on foot.
There we rejoiced in him.
7 For by his great power he rules forever.
He watches every movement of the nations;
let no rebel rise in defiance. Interlude
8 Let the whole world bless our God
and loudly sing his praises.
9 Our lives are in his hands,
and he keeps our feet from stumbling.
10 You have tested us, O God;
you have purified us like silver.
11 You captured us in your net
and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.
12 Then you put a leader over us.[b]
We went through fire and flood,
but you brought us to a place of great abundance.
and loudly sing his praises.
9 Our lives are in his hands,
and he keeps our feet from stumbling.
10 You have tested us, O God;
you have purified us like silver.
11 You captured us in your net
and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.
12 Then you put a leader over us.[b]
We went through fire and flood,
but you brought us to a place of great abundance.
13 Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings
to fulfill the vows I made to you—
14 yes, the sacred vows that I made
when I was in deep trouble.
15 That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—
the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,
and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. Interlude
to fulfill the vows I made to you—
14 yes, the sacred vows that I made
when I was in deep trouble.
15 That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—
the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,
and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. Interlude
16 Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he did for me.
17 For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
and I will tell you what he did for me.
17 For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me.
God you are glorious, awesome, mighty, great, forever, and unfailing!!
God you make a dry path, you watch every movement, you keep my feet from stumbling, you test me, you purify me like silver, you capture me in your net, you laid the burden, you brought great abundance, you listen, you paid attention, you did not ignore, you did not withdraw.
How great are you God!
I praise you no matter my circumstance
Monday, 29 October 2012
Come Home Running
Today when i went running at tasek i decided to bring my ipod with me mostly cuz i wanted to test out the earphones that came with my iphone 5 =] I put on ipod on shuffle and just ran.. While I was running Chris Tomlin's song Come Home Running started to play...there is something about old school songs that just move me... the lyrics were exactly what i needed to hear.. God has such perfect timing. and such awesome ways of moving that He even can speak through the songs that come onto your ipod when it is on suffle mode! not so random is suffle mode...
I've been thinking a lot about where I am now, family, what is important to me, what my future holds, what i have done in the past and all these things, how desires of the flesh have strayed me, why things worked out the way they have, but u know I feel like I'm coming home in a sense... like being here in Brunei is like my own revival, last few months stripped away from my own desires to God's way of making me rediscover Him and His call. I know i'm definitely a work in progress. Yet i still can come as I am...I know there are still great things in store for me and I know that what i thought was good for me God has something far better planned. I just need to wrap my head around that and stop being so stubborn. I'm still in the process of letting go it is taking one finger at a time.
Come Home Running
Oh heart of mine, why must you stray?
From one so fair you run away
And one more time you have to pay
The heaviness of needless shame
Oh heart of mine, come back home
You've been too long out on your own
And He's been there all along
Watching for you down the road
So come home running
His arms are open wide
His name is Jesus
He understands
He is the answer
You are looking for
So come home running
Just as you are
Oh child of God so dearly loved
And ransomed by the Savior's blood
And called by name, daughter and son
Wrapped in the robe of righteousness
I've been thinking a lot about where I am now, family, what is important to me, what my future holds, what i have done in the past and all these things, how desires of the flesh have strayed me, why things worked out the way they have, but u know I feel like I'm coming home in a sense... like being here in Brunei is like my own revival, last few months stripped away from my own desires to God's way of making me rediscover Him and His call. I know i'm definitely a work in progress. Yet i still can come as I am...I know there are still great things in store for me and I know that what i thought was good for me God has something far better planned. I just need to wrap my head around that and stop being so stubborn. I'm still in the process of letting go it is taking one finger at a time.
Come Home Running
Oh heart of mine, why must you stray?
From one so fair you run away
And one more time you have to pay
The heaviness of needless shame
Oh heart of mine, come back home
You've been too long out on your own
And He's been there all along
Watching for you down the road
So come home running
His arms are open wide
His name is Jesus
He understands
He is the answer
You are looking for
So come home running
Just as you are
Oh child of God so dearly loved
And ransomed by the Savior's blood
And called by name, daughter and son
Wrapped in the robe of righteousness
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Rainy Days
It is amazing how much weather effects my mood. Today waking up to a cooler day in Brunei was nice but when the clouds came and rain it made me think so much of Vancouver. I got kind of sad. Rain and Vancouver go hand in hand. I think of it as perfect weather to snuggle up with someone have hot chocolate and watch food network! LOL then get hungry and make food or go out to find something awesome to eat. I love the rain (haha when u dont have to go from class to class struggling with an umbrella and packing into a smelly bus that is...but i do miss those days too) It wasn't a good day to wear flats as right when I got out of the car my feet were soaked already!
I wonder how long it will take for me to get used to the "relaxed" culture here. I know once the Bistro is open i'll be super busy and not have much time.. But I still can't believe I'm going to be the "owner." I promise that I still will be sure to make time... I think I'm going to be in denial that im doing all this until it really opens... Like really i should working a 9-5 job and ya doing that... that would be easier.. and i dont need to think so much LOL ... eh but i know that is not the path set out for me. Doing all the little decisions eg. like which way the tiles go. so many little things that add up that i never really thought about before... too many things to decide in one day was kinda stressing out.
I just stopped took a breather and read my bible after lunch. My bible has like daily readings suggested and i turned to todays which was Psalm 136. And i was like wow yup God you obviously are telling me to just remember your love. "His faithful love endures forever." Just repeated every other verse, plus GIVE THANKS.
Reminding myself that my life, my path is a blessing. Holding on to the truth that His faithful love endures forever. Even when all else fails, even when i fail, God love is forever.
I wonder how long it will take for me to get used to the "relaxed" culture here. I know once the Bistro is open i'll be super busy and not have much time.. But I still can't believe I'm going to be the "owner." I promise that I still will be sure to make time... I think I'm going to be in denial that im doing all this until it really opens... Like really i should working a 9-5 job and ya doing that... that would be easier.. and i dont need to think so much LOL ... eh but i know that is not the path set out for me. Doing all the little decisions eg. like which way the tiles go. so many little things that add up that i never really thought about before... too many things to decide in one day was kinda stressing out.
I just stopped took a breather and read my bible after lunch. My bible has like daily readings suggested and i turned to todays which was Psalm 136. And i was like wow yup God you obviously are telling me to just remember your love. "His faithful love endures forever." Just repeated every other verse, plus GIVE THANKS.
Reminding myself that my life, my path is a blessing. Holding on to the truth that His faithful love endures forever. Even when all else fails, even when i fail, God love is forever.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Sun, Blue Skies, & Beautiful Sunsets
I'm still appreciating the amazing year round weather in Brunei. Even though it does get hot sometimes.. ba ba ba ba ba I'm Loving it! hehehe.. (McDonalds slogan) it seriously adds to the feeling that im on a year long vacation! hehehe... if i had an umbrella drink in hand that would be perfect right now. Ehh but i know when Christmas comes I'll be wishing for snow... seriously this year is going by like lightening speed so much stuff is happening it is crazy. For a slow paced country, i mentioned before my days seem to be going by so fast!
Been so busy picking out different things for the Bistro. I realized i took forgranted little things back in Canada that were so readily available like windows that open upwards, or auto faucets and toilets, and fake candels LOL. While all the coming together is quite stressful i know everything will be awesome when it is all completed! There is still lots to do! Taking small steps everyday. I Praise God for this opportunity seriously, is this real life?! Wow God I'm totally not worthy.
Another really cool thing that is happening now is seeing all the different ppl that God has placed and is placing in my life at this season!
something that has been on my mind a lot is deciding on a church to settle down to here.. ahh i think im really scared of making a committement cuz then i will find myself really starting to be rooted n Brunei.. i dunno... it seems aboiut time... yet im still kinda drifting around .. i just need to make a choice
Been so busy picking out different things for the Bistro. I realized i took forgranted little things back in Canada that were so readily available like windows that open upwards, or auto faucets and toilets, and fake candels LOL. While all the coming together is quite stressful i know everything will be awesome when it is all completed! There is still lots to do! Taking small steps everyday. I Praise God for this opportunity seriously, is this real life?! Wow God I'm totally not worthy.
Another really cool thing that is happening now is seeing all the different ppl that God has placed and is placing in my life at this season!
something that has been on my mind a lot is deciding on a church to settle down to here.. ahh i think im really scared of making a committement cuz then i will find myself really starting to be rooted n Brunei.. i dunno... it seems aboiut time... yet im still kinda drifting around .. i just need to make a choice
Friday, 19 October 2012
Precious and Loved
when i stop and think about everything... like my life so far... i can only say wow! i would never imagine myself where i am right now even a few years back... even though i kinda feel like a lot of the times im just "faking it till i make it" or just kinda trying to figure this whole thing called life out... what is comforting is that God has it already planned out... i just got to trust Him even when i have no idea what is going on a lot of the times.. seriously really taking it one day at a time now. It's not like being back in school, when u knew when the deadlines were or even what was expected to come because we were given course outlines! hahaha
if only there were a course outline for life.. and the percentages beside each stage LOL! midterm 40% final 60%
last week i was just in hk enjoying the privilege of travelling ... it just amazes me every time i fly.. how a giant metal structure can transport ppl in the air to different places. but really what a privilege it is to catch up with friends and just chill and share our life, our ups and downs, and just be in each others presence. a plus when it is over great food and drinks.
availability is something i have always cherished. one of the blessings of being in Brunei right now is the time to be available. i guess cuz my bistro isnt in full swing yet but it is just nice not to be tied down to a schedule.. like today my dad and i were window hunting for the bistro and we ran into one of his old friends.. we could just stop and spend time catching up in a store.. he was able to shared with me his experience of moving back to Brunei after being in the UK and sharing how tough it was for him at first..but now he loves it... how he says you really feel the difference here.. that everyone is just a phone call away and available to go for food or ect... i was encouraged because this guy was able to just take time and talk and share... wow! hehehe why are the ppl i meet so free to be available here? it is just nice. a nice change from always hearing that ppl are busy. busy. too busy.
this week Isaiah 41 - 43 has really been encouraging.
Praise God for having my back
if only there were a course outline for life.. and the percentages beside each stage LOL! midterm 40% final 60%
last week i was just in hk enjoying the privilege of travelling ... it just amazes me every time i fly.. how a giant metal structure can transport ppl in the air to different places. but really what a privilege it is to catch up with friends and just chill and share our life, our ups and downs, and just be in each others presence. a plus when it is over great food and drinks.
availability is something i have always cherished. one of the blessings of being in Brunei right now is the time to be available. i guess cuz my bistro isnt in full swing yet but it is just nice not to be tied down to a schedule.. like today my dad and i were window hunting for the bistro and we ran into one of his old friends.. we could just stop and spend time catching up in a store.. he was able to shared with me his experience of moving back to Brunei after being in the UK and sharing how tough it was for him at first..but now he loves it... how he says you really feel the difference here.. that everyone is just a phone call away and available to go for food or ect... i was encouraged because this guy was able to just take time and talk and share... wow! hehehe why are the ppl i meet so free to be available here? it is just nice. a nice change from always hearing that ppl are busy. busy. too busy.
this week Isaiah 41 - 43 has really been encouraging.
Praise God for having my back
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