新年快樂!

Xin Nian Kuai Le to you who celebrate it! :)
Hope you did enjoy the Celebration and bien sur, the pocket money that you got! ^^, Don't forget to share your earnings yah! =p

For me, I celebrated this Chinese New Year with the family that I have here. They're from my grandma's side. (Sometimes I am wondering how it would be different if my grandma were migrating to Taiwan, too.. and would it be me.. my bro.. my mom.. Hmm. "Ni hao! Wo shi Yu Ling, wo shi Taiwan ren.." haha.. Sounds funny..:p)

Anyways, I spent 4 days staying with them and it was a new experience for me. I found that since the house here is mostly smaller in size, it is not a tradition for them to have people coming into the house during Chinese New Year. In addition, not many cakes prepared and also food :0 Besides, for every dish prepared is not so much in portion, but more on the variety. Being me, I still ate a lot. haha. And on that day, however, I went to another family's place, not too far from the family's house where I stayed with. They're brothers - my grandma's younger brothers. ^^,

In this Guo Nian, I got to eat Taiwan's dumpling, Fried NianGao, Kuaci, and some Chinese dishes..

- Niu Nian a.k.a. Tahun Sapi -

- The family whom I spent my 4 days with.. -

- The other family whom I visited on CNY's day -
(The 2 grandpas sitting higher are my grandma's brothers ^^,)

A call to persevere - One cannot live alone

Hebrew 10:24-25

Taken from: the Word Among Us daily meditation.. www.wau.org

How does a lion take down an elephant? You would think such massive creatures as elephants would be virtually invincible.

But in some areas of Africa, lions will hunt together and isolate one of these giant beasts from its group. And in that way, they can overpower a creature many times their size.

We too are most vulnerable when we are separated from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Throughout history, God’s people have seen themselves as belonging together, whether through communal prayer, sabbath observance, major feasts, or Temple celebrations. Yet somehow even the believers addressed in this marvelous epistle were tempted to try to go it alone, neglecting the Eucharistic celebrations and times of corporate prayer that were meant to be a regular part of their lives. And so the author exhorted his readers: “Consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly … but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Christianity simply was not meant to be lived in isolation. We are all members of the body of Christ, and it is through this body that the real blessings flow. The more separated we are from one another, the more vulnerable we are to temptation. Without the witness of fellow believers, our perspective can get muddled, and we can lose sight of how much God can do in our lives. Even the wordless testimony of the different families and individuals who show up for Mass every Sunday can speak volumes, lifting our hearts and urging us to keep seeking the Lord.

St. John Chrysostom once said, “You cannot pray at home as at church … the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity, the prayers of the priests.”

Not only can we be encouraged by the other members of our church. We have the opportunity to do the same for them. So let’s keep in mind what is happening when we come together to celebrate the Eucharist. Nothing can equal the blessings of true brotherhood and sisterhood. For it is there, in the assembly of the believers, that the Lord lavishes blessings—even to eternal life (Psalm 133:3)!

Word of Prayer: “Jesus, our great high priest, I join with my brothers and sisters throughout the world to praise and adore you, and to proclaim you as our King!”

P.s: Read also Psalm 133 on the Blessedness of Unity. ^^,

God bless!

Are you ready to say: "Here I am, Lord.."

Taken from: the Word Among Us - daily reading

Gospel reading: Mark 3: 13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted
and they came to him.
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him
and he might send them forth to preach
and to have authority to drive out demons:
He appointed the Twelve:
Simon, whom he named Peter;
James, son of Zebedee,
and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,
that is, sons of thunder;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;
Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,
and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

“Who? Me? I can’t do that!” How many times have you heard comments like this, or even made them yourself when you were called upon to take up an important but daunting task?

Don’t you think that the twelve men Jesus called to be his apostles had some of those same feelings? It was still early in his ministry, and they knew he was special. But they still had no idea exactly who he was.

This Gospel reading tells us about three important things that happened. First, Jesus decided who he wanted for his ministry. He had many followers, some of whom were probably more qualified than these twelve. But he chose these men anyway.

Next, Jesus summoned them. They didn’t volunteer; they didn’t run for election or ask for special positions. Jesus chose them.

And lastly, they responded. They must have felt honored being selected, but at the same time must have wondered, “What am I getting myself into?” They had seen Jesus heal the sick and cast out demons, but none of them had done these things themselves. And still, this is what Jesus called them to do. He knew that, left to themselves, they were incapable of fulfilling this call, so he gave them his authority.

We can be encouraged by the legacy of these apostles—and all those who came after them. Like them, many of us wonder why God calls us to serve him in a particular way. And like them, we should all remember that we are a “chosen race … a people of his own” (1 Peter 2:9). He has summoned us to the mountain. Now it is up to us to respond.

Believe that God has planted seeds of greatness in you. Know that he will equip you with everything you need. Step out in faith as the twelve did. Go ahead and evangelize a neighbor. Offer to pray with a sick friend. Teach a class. Pray in front of an abortion clinic. You are capable of serving Jesus in ways that you have not imagined because he will empower you. Remember, the Lord doesn’t call those who are equipped. He equips those who are called.

Word of Prayer: “Lord, give me the courage to say yes when you call and to believe that you will provide the wisdom, strength, and ability to do your will.”

Hebrews 8:6-13; Psalm 85:8,10-14

God Bless!

Do you believe in God?

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the Problem Science has with GOD, the ALMIGHTY. He asked one of his New Christian Students to stand and...

Professor : You are a Christian, aren't you, son ?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, you Believe in GOD ?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD Good ?
Student : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL ?
Student : Yes.
Professor : My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill.
But GOD didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent)

Professor : You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, Young Fella. Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good ?
Student : No.
Professor : Where does Satan come from ?
Student : From . . . GOD . . .
Professor : That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer)

Professor : Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who Created them ?

(Student had no answer)

Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe the World around you. Tell me, son . . . Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student : No , sir.
Professor : Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD?
Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor : Yet you still Believe in HIM?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor : Yes, Faith. And that is the Problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor : Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor : Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn't.

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events )

Student : Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat,
a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don't have anything called Cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as Cold. Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat.
We cannot Measure Cold.
Heat is Energy.
Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.

(There was Pin-Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre )

Student : What about Darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student : You're wrong again, sir.
Darkness is the Absence of Something
You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light ...
But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and its called Darkness, isn't it?
In reality, Darkness isn't.
If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you?
Professor : So what is the point you are making, Young Man ?
Student : Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor : Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality.
You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD.
You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought.
It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that
Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing.
Death is Not the Opposite of Life: just the Absence of it
Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your Students that they evolved from a Monkey?
Professor : If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the Argument was going )

Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and
Cannot even prove that this Process is an On-Going Endeavor,
Are you not teaching your Opinion, sir?
Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?

(The Class was in Uproar )

Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?

(The Class broke out into Laughter )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it?
No one appears to have done so.
So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says that You have No Brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then Trust your Lectures, sir?

(The Room was Silent. The Professor stared at the Student, his face unfathomable)

Professor : I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir . . . Exactly !

The Link between Man & Lamp: GOD is FAITH.
That is all that Keeps Things Alive and Moving.

International -C- Youth Gathering

Fu Jen Catholic University

After seeking, knocking, asking and trying, my friends and I will finally hold the first gathering for the Christian Youths at the Language Centre in the University, Praise God!

The D is tomorrow. We've decided to make it simple and yet, fun. Together with the Brother, Father, and Sister, we'll gather the Youths and get the first introduction of the community.
Excited, happy, nervous.. the feelings are all mixed-up!
Yesterday we had practised for the songs that we're gonna sing together and also a bit of the games that are to be played. In addition, English is still our main language. Though Chinese is also used. :)

And I am thinking of getting some snacks/drinks for the gathering. I've told myself, I'll sacrifice some of my allowance in order to get this stuff. :) I don't know why I want to get something for the gathering. Maybe I am used to being in a gathering where there's always food served? haha. Maybe.. I feel there's something missing if there is nothing served in a gathering. :p
What do you think? Will you do as what I plan to do or will you let it just be a gathering and there's no need for some drinks, at least? ^^,

But on top of that, what's more important is the people who will be present tomorrow. We expect for 10-15 people to be there. More will be great. And of course, God's presence during the event. I hope that we're doing as what He wants us to do and He'll continually bless and guide us. I know it isn't something easy to do, but with Him, things are gonna work out. This is our chance to reach out and at the same time, it's enriching us in knowing Him better and to listen to Him, through the people we meet, the Bible - His own word, and even from Himself.

In addition, I hereby, would like to request for your prayers, especially for tomorrow's.

"Ini adalah awal dari perjuangan kita disini. Sukses tidaknya, kita serahkan semua kepadaNya.."

Gracias, amigos! ^^,

2 Days at Taipei 101

Hi again! ^^,

Last week I went to Taipei for a walk with some friends here.
The first one was on Thursday, where Gaby and I took our Korean friends to Taipei 101. They have been in Taiwan for almost 5mts and yet, they've never been to Taipei city! So that day was their real first time to touch down on Taipei 101 building! For me, I think it was my second time. In addition, Gaby and I were sorta being their tour guide for the day. They were really happy and so were we. ^^,



Besides 101, we also went to Ximending. It's one of the famous place in Taipei city, where the youths usually go and it's also the place where people can see their favourite singers/artists, like.. Fahrenheit, Rainie Yang, Xiao Zhu, Lee Hom.. they're the ones who recently had their albums promotions there.

Moreover, not only them whom I 'took' to Taipei 101. On last saturday, there were 8 of us heading to Daan Park in Taipei for their Flower Festival. It was actually a random plan which I proposed to my fellow kurcaci friends here. hehe. Then we just randomly asked around whoever wants to go with us. So there where the other 5 came! :p
I was excited because it was the first time for all of us to hang out together and we all come from different nationalities. I thought it was cool, wasn't it? :p
So they were Indonesians, French, Mexican, and Vietnamese too!


After Daan, the 5 of us decided to go to Taipei 101 as some of them had not been there. Again, I was sorta being the tour guide, though I only know how to ask around and where the food court in Taipei 101 located. haha. But honestly, there's nothing special about Taipei 101. In my opinion, KLCC (Petronas Twin Tower) in Malaysia is still better and by the fact that it has more to offer to tourists than Taipei 101. ^^,

So, within a week, I step on Taipei 101 twice! Not bad huh?! haha..


Ciao!

Taiwan.. the little China island

This is already a third week of the year and I don't think I have much resolutions for the year, besides getting a job. I let God decide what is good for me and afterall, He's the one who draws my life story, so yeah..

I just decided to extend my stay in Taiwan for another 3 months / another term. It was a tough decision for me, there were pros and cons. But after much discernment, I chose to stay and He let me stay and so does my dad. I also managed to change my flight date.

What I think about Taiwan after -+7 weeks living here..
>> Nice place to live in.

>> The people are really nice, at least the ones I've met so far. They are really kind.

>> Yummy food, but to be honest, I am more into the Korean/Japanese food here rather than Taiwanese food itself as Taiwanese food is Chinese food, so .. whereas for Korean/Japanese, you hardly get it for an affordable price and good taste in both Malaysia and Indonesia. But here, it's cheaper and yummier. :)

>> The winter is indeed much better than the other countries with winter season as Taiwan's does not drop til even 0 degree. So far the lowest here during my stay is 8 degree. But I am still freezing because there's no heater here! (and there's no carpet in my room especially). Something I find strange, but it's the fact. They say that heater is not necessary as the weather does not reach 0. -_-". But for me, I still need one, but can't afford. So, I am trying my best here to survive!

>> You rarely see rubbish-bin on the road. And you gotta throw your own rubbish when the rubbish-bin-car is passing by your home.

>> There's a lot of Koreans and Japanese here. No wonder you see a lot of Korean/Japanese restaurants everywhere you go.

>> Not only that, churches are also spreading around the country. Where ever you go, you see at least one church in that area. They are all different domination for sure. Something sad about Christian on this earth..

>> Motorcycles here are more than you can imagine! Did you watch Meteor Garden 1? There you see San Chai is riding a motorcycle, it's exactly like that! And the traffic here is improper. One side of the road shows that it's time for pedestrians to cross the street and yet, another side of the road shows a green light for vehicles to go on (turn). So how's that? I still do not understand Taiwan's traffic.. It's even scary sometimes, have to watch out the traffic from your left side before crossing the street, even it says that it's YOUR turn to walk
Apart from that, transportation system here is really good. There are buses and MRT to take you around. They're clean too.. compared to the ones in Malaysia (except the Monorail and LRT Putra, they're good.. ^^ ).

>> Oh, night market is really booming here. Everywhere you go, there is night market. There you can get almost everything you want, especially clothes, shoes, accessories, food, etc.. and with cheaper price of course. In the case of clothes, most of them are imported from Korea.
I love to go to the night market here though, despites the fact that I need to watch out on my spending.

>> Fruits here are slightly expensive than Malaysia (In my opinion, Malaysia is one of the fruits heavens :p). I hardly eat fruits here due to the price. However, since Chinese New Year is coming, the price of oranges is low. Therefore, from today onwards, I'll feed myself with some oranges. hehe.

>> Taiwan is well-known for its smelly toufu, but I have not tried it yet and so far, I don't think that I want to try it, so yeah. Many foreigners do not like it either. Besides, bubble-tea is also Taiwan's specialty. Everywhere you go, you can find at least one small shop selling it. From all the flavours I've tasted so far, I like Chocolate, Green Tea and Milk Tea plus the Pearl of course.
Thinking of getting me one? :p

>> I heard that the income and ownership tax here is very high, including the cost for one house. That's why you see a lot of people living in a small apartment (a.k.a Rumah Susun) rather than on one land-one house. And most of the 5-storey apartments do not have lift, so you know what you will do, take the stairs and exercise! :p

>> You can find a lot of roti Canai here,too! Not only in Malaysia! hehe. But of course, Chinese Version of Canai.

I think this is pretty much about Taiwan that I can think of right now. Will write more next time and bien sur, with some pictures attached.


Au Revoir!

First words

Hi everyone!
This post was actually supposed to be my first post here. But since there was an error on my account, so I let a friend of mine, Daniel, to write the first post for the blog. ^^,

Anyways,
On this first post of mine, I'd like to review my life journey back in 2008..
ANd here it goes..

Janvier:
>> Nothing much here besides back to college after Christmas and New Year's holiday. I think it's pretty much about my preparation for a French trip.

Février:
>> French Trip! Je suis aller à Paris, à Foix et à Toulouse. Elles sont magnifique!

Mars:
>> Preparation for Bachelor Degree Final Exams et des examens.

Avril:
>> Craziest thing I've ever done! Went back home for a 5-days holiday. In the end, it became a 3-days holiday as the other 2 days I was stuck in the airport, both on the way home and on the way back to Malaysia.
>> I started my 2-months internship in an Events Management company.

Mai:
>> Still doing my internship. Here I had the opportunity to travel around Malaysia, provided by the company which I was working for.

Juin:
>> End of Internship.

Juillet:
>> World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. I used this opportunity to travel around Australia as well. I went to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Hudson Bay, Sydney bien sur, Melbourne, and Canberra. Besides, I also went to Brunei Darussalam as the airline I took was Royal Brunei.
WYD '08 was a wonderful thing and one of the most exciting events in my life.

Août:
>> Back to Malaysia. Started to look for a job while enjoying my moments serving in the local Catholic Youth Community called CKK-Lifeline.

Septembre:
>> More or less the same as the month of August. And I decided to finally end my stay in Malaysia and to go back home.

Octobre:
>> Precious moment of life: GRADUATION! Yes, I am a Degree Holder a.k.a Sarjana Muda! ^^,
>> Back home in Balikpapan, Indonesia.

Novembre:
>> A sudden decision to go to Taiwan to take a Chinese Language Course (Really never thought of learning Mandarin even many of my friends were telling me to). At the end of the month, I really did come to Taiwan. And here I am now!

Décembre:
>> My first time in Taiwan and it is not bad afterall.
>> Had my first Christmas away from home for the first time, too.


I think this is pretty much about my 2008. I guess, my 2008 was a lot about traveling to different parts of the world and fyi, that's why I major in Tourism. ^^

And just like everyone, I, too, wish all the best for this year - 2009.


Happy Belated New Year and may God's blessings be upon us always!


God bless!

Fridz ^^,

Mon petit journal. Bienvenue!!!

Hi all! This is Frida and I'm writing my first blog! Thanks to Daniel for helping me with sorting out the complications!

Frida & Daniel

Love y'all! Muakss~~~

Fri Fri