My brothers and sisters, I Invite you to share with me some thoughts...

I have been greatly impacted by the Manila hijack incident for the past few days.

Being saddened by the tragedy and disappointed by the poor handling, I grieve with many others. Anger seems to be one of the emotions that come along with this tragedy. I see many Hong Kong people expressing their anger and frustrations verbally online. I can understand their reactions, yet I don't agree with the slanderous accusations, especially towards ordinary Filipinos.

Now I ponder:
How would this affect our corporate worship this Sunday? Thinking of our communal congregation, how should the pastoral team/lead worshippers respond to this incident through prayers, songs, scriptual readings, and sermon?

I still remember the first Sunday after the June 4 incident, our worship service was very different than our usual one. It was a lament service which I saw many grieving for the victims and nation. I was only 13 and I can no longer remember the details. But apparently, Christians can express their grief and concerns corporatively in worship services, providing that it is being encouraged among the worship ministry team.

What's your thoughts over this concern? How would you plan/make changes to this coming service?

How should one respond to one's anger and expressions biblically in this context?

由參選香港先生說起…

昨晚我偶爾上到電視三色台網頁，看到今一屆參加香港先生競選的介紹。當我好奇地看一看不同參賽者的檔案，參賽者的檔案中有兩欄問到自己最滿意的（身體）部位，以及最希望改善的部位；另外，參賽者亦從網民投票中得出網民對其個人特質的評分：分別從「人氣」、「型格」、「談吐」、「魅力」、和「氣質」中看看自己的表現和得分。不過最吸引我看的是參賽者的參賽原因。因有參賽者道：I want a self achievement before 30. Breakthrough and reach to another stage of life (想在30歲前有所成就，突破自我，向人生另一階段邁進) 。我心暗暗欽敬這參賽者的想法…umm… achievement before 30。想一想自己也已過了這個年紀，自己是否一個追求有achievement人生的人？

然而很快我便轉念：過了三十歲是否能參選香港先生？看那些參賽者都算年輕，我正想看看有否一些較成熟的面孔，又想到：一個有了家室的男仕可否參加這比賽？是否都是要英俊年輕？可會是一個成熟或甚至是年邁的長者？種種的問題都是我把自己投射進這個瀏覽的過程上。

從網頁的活動相片及一些對以往香港先生競選的回憶，比賽都是大概圍繞「晒肌肉」、才藝表演、答問，以及逗女藝人嘉賓及司儀們歡心的環節。心想，其實香港先生競選無非是在那些參賽者中從眾多條件中選出最受人歡迎的一個，亦為參賽者提供知名度及進入影視娛樂的門徑。問題還在：什麼是「香港先生」/「港男」？一個「香港先生」應具備什麼條件？社會上對男子漢的看法是受民族及身處的文化stereotyping主觀印象影響。是要有過人身材、口材、受女性歡迎？抑或是學歷、財力、社會地位？ What’s a man? 我作為男性，‘Man’ 些是否對自己性別的應有取態，令自己在朋輩中及社會裡取得認同？

我轉念又想：香港裡男子至少有幾百萬位，其實每位都是「香港先生」，問題只是大家會是一個怎樣的「香港先生」。怎樣的being/becoming去活得可以代表著香港的男子漢？作男人之道？

寫這blog時我還未對這topic作很深的反思，只知道自己有太多的弱點與限制，感激的是一直被身邊家人及朋友的愛接納與支持。我渴望自己能有更多幽默感去把歡樂帶給身邊的人，亦渴望更有情趣的愛太太及更有智慧耐性去做個好爸爸，教養女兒們；若健康能力許可的話，讓我在餘下三、四十年裡更成熟的活，為主耶穌、為祂所愛的世人，特別是身邊的華人，作點點影響、貢獻。

我期待和其他男子漢、香港先生，散發真正 ‘manhood’ 的氣息！我會成為真正的「香港先生」！

後記：大學時代的roommate—Raymond時常用一句 “Be a man!” 去鼓勵、鞭策大家做個真正男子漢。今日就讓我以此和其他男仕說聲 “Be a man!”

I'm enrolled in a new degree program--Master of BBQ

This summer, I've been able to try a number of BBQ dishes.
This is one of the most interesting assignment so far--my favorite pork belly

Special thanks to Marine Li from Toronto, who generously share with me this recipe.

材料 : 五花腩肉 2-3 斤 粗鹽 適量
醃燒肉料 : 紹興酒 1 湯匙, 幼鹽 2茶匙, 糖 1/2茶匙 , 五香粉1 茶匙

Steps:
1. 先用刀在五花腩肉表皮上刮去污穢物及毛, 用水洗淨, (Optional step: 再將五花腩放入滾水內煲大約10-15分鐘至五成熟, 然後取出過冷河)
2. 五花腩抹淨.. 抹乾. 將紹興酒抹上五花腩上. 再將其他醃料拌勻後再平均抹上.... 皮不用醃..
3. 再把全塊豬皮篕上鹽,放入雪柜at least 5小時。用鹽焗的方法是令到豬皮表面水份全部蒸發, 達至表皮鬆脆效果. 所以, 沒有被鹽覆蓋的地方表皮會較韌.
4. 預熱焗爐至380F，把肉從雪櫃取出,把豬皮上的鹽全部刮走,然後用幾油捽勻豬皮,放入焗爐, ,焗45分鐘至熟,
5. Set 焗爐 to BROIL. 焗多大約8分鐘至豬皮全起細泡。
6.出爐侍凍,斬件上碟;

This is quite simple, isn't it? Bon appetit! ^_^

艾莉是「超級撒亞人」？

昨天晚上與宣小同事Skype後，之後竟然又在夢裡見到自己回了宣小教書，派發成績表與家長會面。熟悉的情景又再現夢境，很有趣。期待真正再會的日子。

早上起來見到Abby & Elly在我床上，她們一起玩時Elly竟以雙手擺出「龜波氣功」的姿態，「OOH!」一聲後又將雙手放在腰間擺出一副儲氣的樣子「EH! EH! EH!」，莫非她打算變身成為漫畫龍珠裡的「超級撒亞人」？ ^_^

Recurring dreams

Have you ever dreamt about something over and over again? In Canada, I often dream about teaching back in Alliance Primary School Kowloon Tong, where I had taught for 10 years and was also my home school. In those dreams about APS, I would see faces of my dear colleagues and students. The school building and people appear so vividly to me. I don't recall much of the details in the dream, only knowing that they relate to the typical teaching life in APS. The general mood of those dreams is quite happy, but I also recall once that I had to bid farewell to a good colleague of mine. I can tell I really look forward my return after finishing my theological study here at Regent. I guess these dreams do reflect such yearnings in my subconscious state.

Recently, as an alumnus, I have written a poem for the 55th anniversary of APS. It captures some unforgettable scenes of school life back then. I'm posting it here to share with you.


Blessings by Philip Cheng, Class of 87
To APS, past and present

M any sweet memories came in mind
Y es, as fond melodies rewind

Y earning to live in that space again
E ach moment of past retain
A s I think of that three-storey school
R ecesses ended with a way so cool
… “Ding Ding Ding” as you’re having a groove
S hall you no longer move

I am glad true friendships grow
N ow in touch and still we know

A fter so many years gone by
P ast reminiscence does not subside
S ing our school song with me again
... To God: “Amen” our joyous refrain

明年今日

感謝天父，今日終於完成今個學期要交的最後一份功課！這一個月來的緊張狀態可以告一段落了。今個學期在系統神學及講道學中的學習真是滿足！今日寄出功課後除了感恩，還憧憬著明年的今日自己會在做什麼。明年四月到了這個時候，應該是櫻花盛放的初春，期待可以完成在Regent College這個Master of Christian Studies (Applied Theology)，可以畢業，和Connie、Abby、Elly回香港了！祈求在剩餘的這一年繼續經歷神的帶領，去完成這段在加拿大學習之旅。

Beloved

Although presently struggling with school work before school ends this week, I came across a few nice quotes from Henri Nouwen in his book The Only Necessary Thing:

"We are called to convert our loneliness into solitude. We are called to experience our aloneness not as a wound but as a gift--as God's gift--so that in our aloneness we might discover how deeply we are loved by God." (p.43)

...Henri urges us to claim ourselves as beloved children of a God who longs for our love. This is a whole new perspective on life. Do we dare to believe that a relationship of love and intimacy is possible between our God and ourselves?... "Prayer, is listening to that voice--to the One who calls you the Beloved". (p.12)

Yes, we are God's beloved children. May we learn to trust in Him more and live in His love daily.

Fear and Acceptance

Palm Sunday—To remember that very Sunday, a week before Jesus was crucified, entering Jerusalem in triumph. Yesterday in the Palm Sunday service, I was touched again by the grace of Jesus while singing this song:

Hosanna (Praise is rising)

Praise is rising, eyes are turning to you;
We turn to you;
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for you;
We long for you;

‘Cause when we see you,
We find strength to face the day;
In your presence all our fears are washed away,
Washed away.

Hosanna, Hosanna, you are the God who saves us,
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna, come have your way among us;
We welcome you here, Lord Jesus

by Paul Baloche & Brenton Brown. Integrity’s Hosanna Music & Thankyou Music, 2006.

…Thinking back to my lustful sins, the words “see” and “find strength to face” got my attention.
How lowly I am! How unworthy I am! How then can I face God?
Yet “In your presence all our fears are washed away” …yes, fear…there is fear deep down in my heart of not being accepted by God…
But I know there's a greater calling, a calling to return, for God is gracious. How blessed it is to have such a calling to return! To return to the gracious God who washed our sins and fears away.
As the second verse goes:

Hear the sound of hearts returning to you,
We turn to you;
In your Kingdom broken lives are made new,
You make us new;

‘Cause when we see you,
We find strength to face the day;
In your presence all our fears are washed away,
Washed away.

Hosanna, Hosanna, you are the God who saves us,
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, Hosanna, come have your way among us;
We welcome you here, Lord Jesus

…Oh Lord, I need your mercy. Forgive my trespasses and renew me, that my heart rests in you always. Amen.
.

Lining Up For A Cause...

This is quite a queue! Is this a queue for bus? (I had thought so) NOPE. They're lining up for HOTDOGs!! This hotdog stand is no ordinary. It's selling hotdogs with an oriental twist...the Japanese taste....called the Japadog. It's quite well-known in Vancouver (even though I haven't heard of them until during the Olympics) The Japadogs have different flavor. To me, one of them tasted like those octopus balls (but now a sausage and bun instead). The Japadogs are not that expensive (~$5-6) comparing to ordinary hotdogs. But the line-ups can get really long......guess how long it took for us to get our order.......1 hour!!! Would you be willing to wait that long for a hotdog? ^_^

It was quite fun to hear the chef keep thanking his customers loudly and proudly, saying "Thank you ~~~~" in English with a Japanese tone.

The Japadogs are quite yummy. Give it a try if you have a chance! ^_^ I wish to try it again!

Family Fun @2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics was an one-of-a-kind experience! Though I'm not a big fan of sports, I'm so grateful that I could still enjoy the atmosphere and the vibe of the city, the hospitality, and the cheer......for Canada!! ^_^

Here are some memorable moments:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=156086&id=516726454&l=fd0d2349fd

Surely you don't want to miss these cherry blossoms

Spring has arrived in Vancouver! It's the season of cherry blossom. We've been checking out different places in our neighborhood for these wonders. Just wanna share with you some beautiful scenes here. You may want to plan for a trip to Vancouver next Easter to check out the cherry blossoms. Next year will be our last year here...so treasure the opportunity to visit us while we're still around! ^_^

Check out the photo album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=155511&id=516726454&l=2eb1fdf408

The Cheng's Recent Updates (Jan-Feb)

關心我們的大家：

轉眼已從香港回來兩個月了！這次香港之旅我們很開心！感謝天父！

自一月從香港回來以後，我們一家都更體會健康的重要。原來大朋友會因小朋友適應時差的問題而失去正常的規律，晚上不能有好的休息，我們竟要花兩星期適應回溫哥華的時差！Philip便是在此時加上忙於新學期的適應而患上感冒了（儘管他已在較早前打了流感針）。這次感冒對我們一家來說影響頗大，Philip未能在幾天內康復，反而一直病了兩星期。其實Philip很久也沒有病得那麼嚴重，病患的期間他經常發冷又感到疲憊；每天只能勉強上課，其餘的時間都在睡覺，一睡便十多小時，連看書及做功課做不來；平日好吃的他胃口也大減，但慶幸此時得嚐Connie第一次煲的愛心白粥，令他在軟弱中仍覺窩心；而Connie、Abby及Elly都要搬床鋪到書房，以免受到感染。幸好她們到最後也沒有受到感染，整個一月真是很難熬呢！

Philip這次的大病確實影響了他學習的進度，但感激老師的體諒，讓他可以延遲交功課。Philip大病初癒後一直還經歷天父的恩典，二月初時他在學校的講道課堂裡嘗試了第一次的講道。Philip雖然一直至站到台前仍感到戰戰兢兢，但他很感激天父在這次的講道中體會了在課堂裡教授常教導的信念：就是認定當人忠心宣講上主的說話時，其實是參與主祂自己向眾人說話。Philip在三月尾時會再次有講道的機會，他期待可以繼續享受學習、領受、以及分享和宣告上主好信息的機會！請記念他，為他整個準備的過程禱告。

最近已有半歲的Elly BB可以坐得穩定，亦開始了吃固體食物了！Connie花了不少心思參考育嬰書裡的建議，逐一讓Elly嚐嚐不同的食材，例如香蕉、梨、蘋果，甚至魚！Elly BB最愛吃的是香甜的牛油果及蕃薯。Elly很愛吃，甚至看見家姐吃東西時也會「呀呀」叫地爭取，她吃時亦會露出一副滿足甜美的笑容，很窩心呢！真的想Abby家姐也可以有這種開心的態度進食呢！

近日我們發現Abby時常會感到沒有安全感，她害怕被遺棄的感覺，往往會令她大發脾氣，她的一些說話令我們相信這種感覺多少是來自她被領養的經歷。面對這些挑戰，縱是為人師表的Philip也未懂開解自己的女兒，還不時因小小的事端便貿然喝罵她；幸而Connie可以耐心地引導她說出心裡的不安而加以安撫她的情緒。從領養Abby開始，我們便知道往後要與Abby在她不同的人生階段不斷面對過去留下的影響，我們真要求天父賜恩惠教我們如何做父母，讓她感到愛，以至她能勇敢地面對自己的過去！

相信大家都或有機會從電視裡收看到在溫哥華剛舉行完畢的冬季奧運會，雖然我們一家平日都不是怎麼熱衷運動，但今次我們很欣賞主辦單位及贊助商的心思，在溫哥華市中心幾處的地方安排了與奧運有關的遊樂場館及攤位─例如有在鬧市半空中滑行的吊索，好剌激！（不過要排隊至少四小時！我們當然沒有等）又有親切的吉祥物在露天冰場上的精彩表演；我們還有機會在可口可樂場館裡手持奧運火炬拍照留念，離開時又得到別出心裁的發光可樂樽作記念品。這次盛事令整個城市大部份人都雀躍地投入，我們一家亦趁著Philip學校因配合奧運而停課兩星期的空檔期間遊玩了幾天，享受家庭樂。我們除了有為加拿大國家隊打氣外，還能真正地與民同樂，熱鬧一番！

現在溫哥華到處可以看見美麗的櫻花在樹上綻放，很快其他的樹亦會跟著長起綠葉來迎接春天的到來，美麗的景象令我們想起造物主的恩情，我們一家也是每天領受著天父的愛眷、保守。Philip這個學期還有兩個月才完成，現在他記掛的是下一個學年（即九月開始）為期八個月的實習，為了配合寫畢業論文的方向（兒童事工），我們一家或許要到另一間英語教會聚會及參與事奉，跟那裡的兒童及家庭事工統籌學習。Philip已和那兒的部門主管見過一次面，亦很想跟她好好學習，但大家仍未知日後的安排會是如何，請記念我們，為我們未知的前路禱告。

願你也因著天父的信實、恩典，在主耶穌裡有平安！

Philip, Connie, Abby, Elly

My Recent Parenting Experiences = Mad Mad Mad x Bad Bad Bad

I feel very much challenged and defeated in parenting recently. I am struggling with bad temper and poor attitudes towards Abby all the time recently. Just a little matter would fire me up and have me bring down my “judgment call” upon her. I must admit that I am reacting too quickly without much thoughts and considerations, instead of a wise way of responding. I feel regret every time after I was angry and being rude like a mad dog. I wonder what’s behind all these. Would this reflect a deeper issue of me (self-image / past wounds / character)? Is it stemming from my longing to have things/people be put under “my” control? How to deal with the conflicts when Abby wants her own set of rules out of “my” expectations?

I don’t know the answers yet. Meanwhile, I just hope there’ll be more love and patience (or better ways of disciplining) to show Abby (and Elly, Connie as well) ~_~ I am grateful that Connie is more patient and kind. She has been handling Abby well. I really hope my weaknesses would impact Abby less negatively in her personhood formation.

Note: This photo isn't a 'real' scene of conflict, but it kind of portrays the emtions well(though I'm usually much angrier and meaner). It's fun to check out the expression on each of us, especially Elly's. ^_^

陳年舊事—跟這Sci-Fi 的情意結

請你猜一猜這套科幻電視劇“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”是哪個年代的作品？ （tips: 從下文內容應可猜到）

這套電視劇對我很有意義，甚至可以說我是因它而被影響了一生！我沒有誇大，的確是源自一段往事……

在我三至五歲時，我爸因修讀碩士課程而舉家到了美國兩年。當時的電視劇繼電影“Star Wars” 後掀起了一陣科幻太空歷險熱，我最深刻的電視劇有“Battlestar Galactica” ，繼而便是這套“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” ，那些戰機的外形特別令我著迷。

在我們一家從美國回港後不久的一個晚上，爸媽照常在我和弟弟睡了時在客廳看電視，早已臥在床上的我卻未有入睡，反而被外面客廳電視劇的聲音吸引著，那些激光鎗戰的聲音彷佛似曾相識。我定意下床出去看個究竟，發現原來三色台播映這套劇，當我還以為可以重溫這套「我最喜愛的電視劇」時，卻被爸媽阻止，要我立即回睡房睡覺。儘管無奈，一向聽話的我當然照他們的意思做，奇怪的是，我回到床上後不久竟不知為何腦子裡想著的不是這套電視劇的情節，卻是自己很多「唔聽話」的片段，而心裡激盪著一種後悔的情緒：為何我會這麼多「唔聽話」的時候？為何我會這麼壞？淚水隨著內心的悔過流下，繼而飲泣。在客廳的爸媽聽到孩子的哭泣聲便一起進來看個究竟，見到我飲泣，以為是因為他們不讓我看電視的緣故，我卻告訴他們我覺得自己很壞，很「唔聽話」！（現在想起自己竟會這樣想，很驚奇！不知道我這反應會否令爸媽驚訝呢？）結果，爸媽安慰我，指出人有罪性，亦教我向主耶穌求赦免，還帶我作了一個禱告，我便釋然了…到最後是我立即睡了，還是出去和他們一同看完劇集呢？我就記不起了…或者爸媽會有印象吧！弟弟…還是熟睡中zzz

這套劇引起的這個遭遇，在我長大後回顧我信仰歷程中重新回想起來，而且片段還印象深刻。這樣的經歷仿佛像一粒種子，種下了主的恩情在我心中，讓我自小明白悔過被接納的感覺。所以我最近動動腦筋找到這劇原來的英文名稱（因我一直只記得這套劇的中文名稱，現在身處異邦有時都不知怎去告訴我的外國朋友），最終都給我找到了這“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”！ YEAH!! （在搜尋時，有趣地發現原來這劇取材自三十年代的一部漫畫小說，而這小說將會在明年拍成電影版！從宣傳資料所見，原著的造型風格跟電視版的很不同呢！）

最後考一考大家，知不知道這劇的中文名稱呢？其實它的英文名稱多少都給了點蛛絲馬跡的！開始及結尾共有兩條問題，看看有沒有人猜到啦！ ^_^

Love expression

I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and creativity of Connie for her beautiful Valentine gift to me this year. ^_^ This gift is so unique as there are fingerprints from all of us, featuring Elly's first Valentine...and also my fingerprints: It's funny that Connie asked for my fingerprints while she was preparing the present. As the years go by, she is getting better and better in expressing love through handmade presents. I really need to catch up a bit! ^_^ Thank you again, my dear.

A terrible January

What a crazy January!! After a merry trip from Hong Kong, we suffered 2 weeks of jet lag. Not only Connie and I rested so little, but it was the kids who kept waking up early in the mornings (e.g. 3 am, being very energetic) Now we know the 'pain' of taking kids on a trip is not during the flight, but to endure the jet lag afterwards.

I fell sick probably due to the restlessness of this new rhythm of life. It was most likely a fiercesome flu which struck me down for more than 10 days!! Those days were really dark: Sleep...get up for classes...eat little...sleep again. School work came to an halt. Connie, Abby and Elly moved to the study room. I was 'quarintined'.

I really feel bad for not bing able to take care of the family. I haven't been so sick for a long time, which made me really treasure a healthy body. Now I'm still feeling weak...keep wearing 4 layers of clothes all the time. May this dark time be gone soon.

Dear God, you are the giver of life. May your light shine upon me. Cast away the darkness in me.

我心內的敗犬呼喊

The theme of the recent sermon series is "The wholeness of life". It touches on one important issue the unmarried Christians (singles) are easily misled nowadays: Singleness is less than truly human.

I am grateful to hear from the pulpit that the wholeness of life is to live a Christ-centered life (click for a revision). The biblical teachings never defined a person in terms of being married or not. What an important truth that is easily forgotten nowadays!!

Yet even among our congregation, I confess it is easy to be insensitive to brothers or sisters who are struggling with "being single". Our un-intentional words/gestures/actions may like salt sprinkling on the wound. As I reflect more on such struggles, I acknowledge it's not easy to go through the mixed emotions of being lonely, shameful, and regretful. The dynamics of loniness and yearning for intimacy play an important mood factor within. The feelings are so real to my past experience.

I notice a process of grieving should be involved in order for one to move on. The video made by the Art Dep (Click to view) well triggered the frustration one may face. I recall my own frustrations that overwhelmed me years ago that I found myself indulged in pornography and masturbation. Only when I realize the notion behind was about longing and intimacy, then I begin to see my real needs. Man, thank God for such a gracious revelation back in my days of struggle. It helped me to go through the grieving process quicker.

The recent Pastoral Care class on sexuality echoed with this sermon series. I was deeply touched by identifying the needs behind the issue:

A brief note from the lecture:
On Longing…a longing of intimacy with God…all our longings are symptomatic to our longing for God…if it’s not fulfilled, we will put expectations on other longings; and often the expectation is so much that you can’t be satisfied.

On Intimacy…we were made into intimacy…not just relationship, but also sharing of our inner selves…a quest to connect with right intimate relationships:
Relationship with creation / relationship with self / relationship with others / relationship with God

But twisted…e.g. longing for the relationship with creation becomes Mother Earth…‘Mother Earth’ (We should called it ‘sister’ or ‘brother’ earth instead ^_^)

Even now after getting married, I understand that the yearning for intimacy and longing is still present. Yet I thank God for giving me the chance for experiencing true relief in Him. For the past term at Regent, I see the reality of brokenness from sin, the grace that God has been showing, and the wholeness of life that can only be found in Jesus alone.


In practice, I'm learning to be intimate with God. Moreover, I'm learning how to be relational with others. I guess it takes my whole life to learn and experience well. I wish that WE can go further together.

從鬼王節到天堂門: A One-of-a-kind Halloween Party

This year, we had a one-of-a-kind Halloween this year in Vancouver.

How it all happened......
One October morning, I heard from the Chinese radio broadcasting about the coming of Halloween...in fact, I was surprised to hear the way Chinese people call it here: 鬼王節
Isn't it called 萬聖節 in HK? What's going on?

In fact, I had been wrong for a long time. Oct 31 was really a pagan festival. People used to believe a lord of death who sends evil spirits into animals to trick people; so people wore disguise to escape them and got involved with cruel ceremonies. That's why I hear the Chinese name 鬼王節 here. In contrast, historically, Christians attempted to change the event into a festival of joy. Nov 1 became ‘All Saints’ Day’ to remember the dead whom we love. Oct 31 then became ‘All Hallows’ Eve’. 萬聖節 (All holies / all the saints) In HK, 鬼王節 is packaged as 萬聖節 for commercial purposes.

This year, we had a chance to see something different.
Thanks to Oyan, my buddy at Regent, for inviting my family to an event held by his church on Halloween. We made a visit to heaven!! ^_^ Please take a look at the album, and you'll have a glimpse of our experience (Click me). The night was filled with one-of-a-kind activities that let us see the reality--Jesus is Lord.

Back in HK, we would see Halloween as a really commercialized event. In a spiritual sense, I even think of it as a connection with the evil spirits. Thank God for giving me a new perspective to see Halloween.

Reflection:
Does heaven look like this? The setting of this party may seem a bit Platonic and may not seem theologically/biblically 'right'. Yet I appreciate the thoughts behind this event. Historically, Christians have been countering culture by ‘reframing’ it with Christian’s perspectives. How can one respond to our culture nowadays? I would say this is all about how we can reframe it, like what we do in a pagan funeral / Ching Ming Festival. Instead of offering incense, we can pray for the family or have a moment of silence.

With our children, we can surely remember our loved ones who are actually alive with Jesus. Being thankful for God’s grace to our family/friends, we can take this opportunity to celebrate with our kids.

Other Christian groups (e.g. Lutheran) take this opportunity to tell the reformation story. They’d invite children and families to church to celebrate about their history.

What a great way to witness together as a community!

靚仔爸B

今晚飯後一家在看電視劇「與敵同行」，突然阿比望著螢幕的鄭嘉穎說：「好似爸B，叔叔。」我正為此會心微笑時，阿比媽媽再追問我們什麼相似，原來鄭嘉穎當時和我一樣正穿著一件背心……我似鄭嘉穎，就此而已！~_~
阿比媽媽還提起阿比以前話我似火車站廣告的陳豪，會否正正只是陳豪在廣告中的禿頭look，唉……阿比的觀察力真獨特！

Fall...short

Got so much that I would like to jot down to share with you...reflections from my everyday life. Although there's just so little time......I still want to make an opportunity to remember the beauty and blessings which we may easily overlook everyday.

To see more photos, CLICK ME!