Filed under after thought …

May 08 2012
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after thought, charity, society

Goodbye Chuck

I have not heard from Chuck Colson for a while as I subscribe to his commentary at Prison Fellowship and the Worldview a long time ago. Only on Sunday night at a radio channel I was tuning in to I heard the host giving her tribute to Chuck Colson hence I realize Chuck has passed away. Chuck is well known for being the hatchet of the President Nixon back in the 70s. I was drawn by his dedication for the people in the prison and soon after once I paid a visit to the people in prison here in HK, I don’t know how I stumbled upon Chuck’s website and sign up for his update thereafter. Getting close to prisoners is not easy not to mention physically there are a whole lot of barriers that prevent us from being physically accessible to this bunch of people, but more importantly these people have done things wrong and some have done super wrong things which a lot of people would not forgive and forget. I could recall during those time when I was sitting in front of these guys, they appear to be exactly the same as you and I, but their freedom is taken away. The most precious thing is taken away from them and it tells me that there is always a price for things we do. When situations seem bleak, God will be there for you, imagine when being locked inside a prison cell, how hopeful could one get? But it’s only God that can safe the desperate ones. When the prison mates were listening to how we preach about the Bible, when they listen attentively, you know there is a second chance given to these weak souls. I understand that because of this, Chuck has persisted and although now returned to the heavenly Father, He will continue to bless those guys behind bars.
Daily Quote
You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
Hebrews 10:34
I pray to God that we could pray for everyone, and not just those we know and love, but all those who need help.

Postscript Quote 
Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contract. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated. 
Nelson Mandela 
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May 07 2012
2 Comments
after thought, concept

it’s not mine

I was watching Charles Stanley’s TV show yesterday, and his topic is about our body. It’s quite obvious he would be preaching that each of us be taking good care of our body so that we could focus on what we need to do, such as staying Godly and focused in Him. But one thing he brought up strikes me quite bit is that he emphasizes that our body is not ours. God created us and our body and hoping (coz He gives us free will of choice to choose) that we would treat it with good care, but we don’t own it. It’s like that our body is on lease for us for this life, and we can’t do things that is not good or beneficial to ourselves. Our body is like the Holy Temple, and we usually behave better when we are in a church building, right? But have you treated your body with the kind of respect and care you think it deserves? This perspective is quite ‘different’ coz I have always considered ‘my body’ is mine, I can do whatever I want! And I suddenly think that maybe that is why suicide is illegal!? Charles quoted one powerful analogy, he said if one is seen to be tearing down a Bible, we would say that person is committing an act of desecration, but when we do not put our body to good use or treat it with respect such as over-eating, over-working, not sleeping / resting, taking drugs, smoking, drinking or abusing with improper sexual relationships, that is also desecration. If a Bible is destroyed, we can buy another one anytime, but if our body is not well, we can’t turn it back, we have only on body for this life and once only. Have we treated it the best way we could? I am going to sleep more now!
Daily Quote
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
1 Corinthians 6:19
I pray to God that I will in every single way be good to myself as I am just something God created and own. He is my master.

Postscript Quote 
To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
Buddha
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May 03 2012
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after thought, charity, culture, environment, social-economic, travel, volunteering

post-trip post

I am back from my Bacolod mission trip! Mixed feelings surface: the moment when ifc is in front of me, Causeway Bay hustle in the day time, concrete building, suits and high heels bustling, caring mom trying to prepare me food, massive work and persona emails, my lovely bed and macbook etc…I am back to the ‘real world’, the world which is real in my context. But I just can’t get my mind off the trip, the people and the land. The intensive 4-day trip is like a crash course telling you so much about the other side of the world where poverty means life; where scarcity equates normal; where heat is nothing; where you exchange things with labor; where smiles is natural. I’ve been to some other similar trips before, but never a place with so much smiles. Bacolod is also known as the City of Smiles, it’s nothing like those you see in the ad for airlines or tourism board, it’s not a city branding campaign, it’s REAL. I get to know so many new friends now – both kids and adults, I get to know where God is at work in another context, I get to know it’s really a matter of choice on how you want to live your life. My mom although could not find the destination of my trip agreeable, when I showed her the photos of the trip, she shows interest! During this trip, the Key Performance Index is our progress in building a Comfort Room (aka Toilet) for 3 families at a slum area. So many things are intertwined in this process, team spirit with a bunch of people you don’t really know, your tolerance of the harsh weather and un-hygience location, your trust and belief in God.  Take a look at my photos, click here to browse them and read through my captions, hope that can inspire you a bit. If you want to know how you can experience something similar, let me know – bring your gang and try something larger!
Daily Quote
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’
Job 9:27
I pray to God that I wouldn’t just stop at this trip but pray that this is just the beginning.

Postscript Quote 
Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Finly Peter Dunne
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Apr 27 2012
6 Comments
after thought, travel

forget it

I only told my mom about my mission trip last night as I have to fly out today. The moment she knew I am heading to the Philippines, she was super unhappy and kept on asking me why, why and why?! She dislikes the Philippines a lot…sorry to say, especially after the hostage tragedy that happened to some Hong Kong tourists in 2010 where 8 people were killed. It’s interesting how some people captured the negative things in their minds way much easier than the good things – there would be a thousand good things happening and just one negative thing, and they would focus on that very single not so good thing. I meet these type of people aaaa lot and always have no idea where their negativity comes from? Negativity breeds hatred and that just drags everyone down. The only thing I hope that would happen to them is that these people would be more forgetful, when they forget, they could forgive. I hope my mom would learn to be less tense and don’t let the negative thoughts rule over her life, and my life!
Daily Quote
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”
Genesis 41:51
I pray to God that He would bless my mom and bring her worries away!

Postscript Quote 
You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.
C. Joybell C. 
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Apr 26 2012
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after thought, donation, culture

parting with the parts

The news headline yesterday in HK reported a mother chooses to donate the useable organs of her deceased daughter to 6 people who all are not far from dying if they still couldn’t replace their worn body parts. What have been shared include a heart, liver (2 people benefited), retina and her kidneys. The mom was interviewed and shared with all her dilemma earlier about how torn she feels between wanting to preserve her daughter’s body and the sense to helping others. At the same time we got to know how those people who benefit from her generosity thank the donor because that means rebirth to them and not just feeling hopeful, but they actually face regeneration through the mother’s decision. This decision has given hope to not only 6 individuals but 6 families and the people around them, including me and you and countless others. I couldn’t really relate why people is so concerned about having the body in ‘one piece’ when they die, many years ago I have already completed the organ donation form agreeing on giving away all my useable organs to the others when I die and I believe my family would not object to this wish should that day happen. I feel that this is something quite Asian that the westerners wouldn’t understand too well. Is this conservatism, I don’t know. The values of sharing or giving is quite different between the East and the West. And that is why something like open-source community in the internet such as Wikipedia, and monastery or preaching also started from the West! Adoption of kids and handicap children also are more popular in the western society…This is just a very limited view of the situation and not meant to be comprehensive or fair at all, but it’s just a top-of-mind association. I truly believe with more understanding and education, the sense of giving or donation could be achieved so much better in the Asian cultures.
Daily Quote
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.
Matthew 21:43
I pray to God that we are willing to give continuously what we have!

Postscript Quote 
The measure of life is not its duration, but its donation. 
Peter Marshall 
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Apr 25 2012
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after thought, books, business

don’t shxt talk others

My studio is going through another ‘corporate exercise’ by getting an external strategist to do a company audit to review our studio’s structure, our positioning and general direction where it should turn to – just to be better, smarter and happier. The first move is to have internal workshop with different members and go through a Q&A session. Quite many of them we all would be asked by your Human Resource Department from time to time such as what goals do you have, does company match you on those level, if not, what could they do or what would you do…etc. It’s just alignment. But something the workshop asked me reminds me what is important to all of us and is something my Church keeps on reminding us to be – it’s to be encouraging. My studio is very encouraging, we encourage colleagues to develop passion projects, to try new things, to go to different venues and observe how other people do things, and if we fail – we fail, we just have to be smarter next time by not committing the same mistake second time. This character I have  picked up and notice it’s just essential wherever you go. I just received an EDM from a book author, Neil Strauss, and he wrote this last night to his subscribers: “Don’t Shxt Talk Others.  One of my favorite 30 day challenges was not saying negative things about myself and other people. If you do this, what you’ll most likely discover is that you either put down other people because you consider them competition or because you’re trying to justify your own beliefs or behaviors by getting someone else to agree with you. Both are pointless and destructive.” I would like to join him at his 30 day challenge sometime soon!
Daily Quote
But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5
I pray to God that I would stay encouraging all time all season!

Postscript Quote 
Flatter me, I may not believe you. Criticize me, I may not like you. Ignore me and I may not forgive you. Encourage me and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. 
William Arthur Ward 
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Apr 24 2012
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after thought, books, business

Delivering Happiness

I have just picked up a new book called Delivering Happiness and I always read who the book is dedicated to, and it’s interesting to see that it says “This book is dedicated to Ava Zech and all of the other aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders of tomorrow. Happy eleventh birthday, Ava!” It’s a business book about Zappos, one of the most popular eCommerce site in the States. Who could Ava be and it does not sound like the author’s wife or family at all!? And I googled it and found out that Ava is an 11 year old 16th grade school kid who developed an idea for an organic dog tattoo product after noticing her English Labrador, Tank, was losing the black on the tip of his nose. Her dad did some research, and the duo began testing products on their dog. Zech’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs: “Really keep going at what you believe in and it can become possible. Start small and go big.” It’s amazing how this young girl came about into inspiring some other adults and even to the extent of moving a US$1 billion business. Children has always been one of the most admired people in our Bible, why? Because they are pure and simple at hearts. I am not good at dealing with children at all, and I am going to a mission trip working with small kids and that worry me a bit, coz most of the time, I feel that they drive me crazy. But God has something special for each one of us, the more you fear something, the more you would see that happening because He wants you to overcome those – I hope I would be fine with the kids in the coming trip!
Daily Quote
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven
Matthew 18:3-4
I pray to God that I don’t worry but receive His blessings and grace and spread those to the needy ones.

Postscript Quote 
We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.
Stacia Tauscher 
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Apr 23 2012
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after thought, performance, society

Fat Pig

I saw a theatrical play this last weekend called Fat Pig (Rerun) which is inspired by MCC Fat Pig in the States and it appears to be just a romance comedy about how a rather handsome man with a great job and many beautiful women going after him got attracted to a very over-weight librarian. The play besides being hysterical touched on a quite a number of issues we all encounter no matter how heavy you weigh: Do you care how others perceive you? Could you defend what your like or interest if they are very different from the mainstream trend? Could you resist peer influence or judgement? Would you lose yourself at the extent of rescuing a seemingly right relationship which deep down you know is not? A lot of these you probably won’t know the answer unless the situation demands your stance, but it makes me feel like to relate some of the people we know in the Bible. Such as the followers or disciples being challenged by the Pharisees always doubt Jesus because Jesus is not doing what the majority are doing! And when the disciples know in their heart that Jesus is God, but they were so weak that they have to betray Him. It’s just so much like all of us now, in all generations – we are all weak. My pastor’s sermon on Sunday preached that it’s our vulnerability and weakness that bring us closer to God. If we are not weak, we would not rely on Him and we would not lean on Him and those stronger ones next to us. It’s true that we need to know that we all have our weaknesses one way or the other, so we have to be accepting to the weaknesses of the others, and ours.
Daily Quote
We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
2 Corinthians 13:9
I pray to God that I will not be scared to reveal my weaknesses and plead to God to strengthen me.

Postscript Quote 
When we lose 20 pounds…we may be losing the best 20 pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty!
Woody Allen
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Apr 20 2012
2 Comments
after thought, Christianity, design, politics, religion

Mormon or Christian?

President Barack Obama is known to have Mormon ancestry and I got to see from several occasions people are doubting if they should vote Obama because they are Christian. I have a dilemma here, I have doubt and wonder if I were an American, do I vote base on his religious belief or his work and ability? The obvious answer to a lot of people would definitely be judging by the criteria of his ability to rule and lead, but if a person does not have a his heart and head’s thoughts put together right with conscience and faith, how far could he go? Plus I have the thought, even when a Christian claims he or she as Christian, that does not imply they are the ‘model’ believers and they still could be a less capable person. Does religion play a role in this situation, it would be a pretty tough one to decide here. Let’s pray for all the Americans that they would be given a wise and righteous leader who could bring them peace, order and hope, and also to the rest of the world.
Daily Quote
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
I pray to God that we won’t get divided but only united to walk the path He has planned for us.

Postscript Quote 
Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right thing.
Peter Drucker 
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Apr 19 2012
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after thought, faith, social-economic

master shifu

My married friend encounters some dark period of her marriage now, she is very superstitious and she always goes to see fortune teller when she feels lost and needing some kind of direction. Many years ago, almost 5, she brought me along to meet this master whom I believe should be at his 70s, and my role is to take notes of the conversation we had, and I still remember bits of things I witnessed that he said and those forecast have not been true till now – particularly about her relationship. And so happened she saw this ‘master’ again in person, and she quickly brought things up to this fortune teller about what he said has not happened! And he further looked into my friend’s ‘statistics’ meaning her birth date and time and palm etc. plus her husband’s details. Upon looking, he said that their numbers don’t match and things w0uld be difficult, the only thing is to be patient – if not a divorce is not surprising.  WOW! The amazing thing to me is not about the fortune teller’s quotes, it’s my friend. Up till today, she still is convinced of her future in the hands of a fortune teller. If I were to tell her that God tells her to be patient, would she believe and submit herself to God? People always turn to fung shui, fortune telling, tarot card, reiki, astrology when they are confused about certain things in their life, especially when the panic button is on, and fear drives people crazy. I never hear someone who feels completely peaceful after seeking these means to soothe their but they felt that something has done and situations could be fixed. They feel that they have done something I suppose. But the ultimate peace is missing.
Daily Quote
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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Romans 10:9-10
I pray to God that I will rely on Him for total trust and peace.

Postscript Quote 
For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.
African Proverb 
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