Seven Stages of Spiritual Development - From Thomas' school Chaplain

Someone shared the following stages of spiritual development with me, and I'd like to challenge you to read and ponder each one.

1. There is no room for sloppiness or laziness in any area of our Christian life. Hebrews 6:12 reminds us not to become lazy but to imitate those who through faith and patience, inherit what has been promised.

2. The most essential form of knowledge for the Christian life is the knowledge of God's will as revealed in the Scripture. Jesus commands us to seek first His Kingdom and all other things will be added.

3. We must discipline our emotions, our attitudes, our appetites and our thoughts. Discipline must govern our actions and most importantly, our reactions. Matthew 5:44 says "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."Second Peter 1:4-8 provides the basis for our stages of development. "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge self-control, and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

4. Develop perseverance which is the ability to overcome various tests and trials that will inevitably expose any weak, undisciplined areas of our personality.

5. Put on godliness which is the mark of a person whose life is centered in God - a vessel to be used by God.

6. Develop brotherly kindness - the way we relate to each other as fellow believers and disciples of Jesus.

7. Put on agape love - the fully ripe fruit of the Christian Character--God's own kind of Love--given to us through the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit.

鸿

最后一次分手是十八年前在成都火车站。昨天夜里梦见了他。这么多年一直不去多想他。也许是最近‘失踪’多年的大学同窗老K的突然出现脑袋里总是呈现那时的情景。

和鸿同窗四载，我们共读张爱玲，席慕容的作品。同爱激昂的交响乐。共同创作梦想中的中篇小说处女作。享尽了奢侈的京城校园文化。其中也不乏青涩的谜惑和失意。

鸿，你如今过的还好吗？为什么始终没有你的音讯？
很珍惜那几年的时光，即使过去的不如意也变成今天美好的回忆。

Naughty ? Funny ? Bored ?

Today Thomas got pulling card in the class, here is what his teacher written : putting glue onto his nose.

I asked me what happened and he told me that he was bored and wanted to glue himself onto paper.

I didn't let him know that I couldn't help laughing when I saw his little dirty nose after he came home.

First Time Rectal

Last night Thomas went to a piano rectal at Steinway hall in Plano. This is the first time for him and he played 'Ode to Joy' and went very well. He was calm and very concentrate and without a bit of mistakes.

After that he told that he thought it should be a big stage and a crowd of audience. I told him that it would be a big stage with crowded audience some day if he keeps playing.

Joy To The World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

"I bring you good tidings of great Joy " - Luke 2:10

喜欢音乐

和我们一样儿子也喜爱音乐。今天在Starbucks随手买了一盘Charlie Brown 的圣诞节的CD。有两首他反复听：Linux and Lucy; For Alice. 听得也非常专注，竟想试着弹出这些曲目，借此机会告诉他只要坚持练，有一天你也会弹出这些美丽的曲子。他听了很是兴奋。

Give Thanks

By Thanksgiving is coming, I give thanks to the lord that given me such a wonderful church so I can worship you and fellowiship with brothers and sisters; given thanks that I has this job I've been enjoying and near to home; given thanks that I have this wonderful family; given thanks that I have so many friends around me to encourage me and enlighten me; most of all given thanks that You found me and let me live a life full of joy and blessings. Here is the song we sung at church on Sunday:

GIVE THANKS
WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
GIVE THANKS
TO THE HOLY ONE
GIVE THANKS
FOR HE'S GIVEN
JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON(X2)
AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY
I AM STRONG
LET THE POOR SAY
I AM RICH
BECAUSE OF WHAT
THE LORD HAS DONE
FOR US (X2)
GIVE THANKS...

Indoor Soccer

Thomas' normal soccer season was over and I signed him up indoor soccer from Blue Sky Soccer Club for winter season. Today is the first game. His team is Titans with blue shinny jersey.

He played really good and you heard everybody shouted his name during the game and he was one of great players in his team. I am so proud of him.

After the game he told me that indoor soccer was different and he likes it.

Nutcracker In Majestic Theater

Saturday we went to Majestic Theater to see Nutcracker performed by Moscow ballet's Great Russian.

It was great show and I'm surprised that Thomas had sit there for almost 2 hours and enjoyed it. Last time he's seen Nutcracker was last year at his school and he loved it. This is also the first he has seen ballet performance at real theater.

After the show he told about the parts he likes most and the parts he doesn't like and has lots of opinion.

Grandparents' Day

Today is the grandparents' day in Thomas' school. Every year this time school will hold this event and some of the grandparents even fly from other part of the country.

Since Thomas' grandparents are out of the states I was there today for him and he was so happy and behaved mostly of the time.

The whole event was so great and kindergartners performed several songs. That's awesome.

I really wish my parents were there for Thomas.

人生闲谈

看了一些文章，也想说说人生的意义。

人生在我看来不一定要轰轰烈烈。一首歌写的好：平平淡淡才是真。我们的成长背景是很难培养出甘愿‘平庸’而又能享受所谓‘世俗幸福’的人群。我们的教育多是使人清高，傲骨，出于泥而不染，也有些自命不凡。这也是以前的我。

认识神之后，逐渐改变了我的这种心态。我们人面对这无尽的浩瀚宇宙是多么得无知和渺小，是神博大的爱和神奇的创造才有我们的一切。我们时刻被无知和罪恶所包围，被无尽的私欲和争斗所窒息。我们被明利和物质所困惑。我们已拥有了许多但并不真正快乐。因为我们没有神，我们的灵魂没有归宿。

我们人的大多数是平凡的俗人，享受的应改是世俗的幸福。能把这锁碎的人生，点点滴滴的，有滋有味的‘活’出来也是一件不简单的事。如果能在这‘平庸’中品出其中的喜乐，人生也是充实而有意义的。而这样不简单的生活动力的源泉只有来自上天的父。-“耶和华是我们的道，是我们前行的灯。”

Beethoven Symphony No.5

Surprisingly Thomas can recite the first several notes of Beethoven Symphony. No.5.

He told me that he listened it from the movie.
And he was trying to play it by memories last night. I realized that I should encourage him to learn playing piano but sometime it's hard for me and one thing is how to keep him sit still for a couple of minutes without getting him upset.

Wonderful Time Of The Year Again

Feel the holiday is coming. Radio station started to play all Christmas songs again. I always think Christmas songs are the most beautiful songs in the world. I've been wondering why. No doubt that everything comes from Heavenly Father is the most beautiful thing in the world.

Thomas always loves to sing Christmas songs. He can name lots of them preciously.

这几天的流水帐

忙，真忙，忘记了是星期几。

昨天是万圣节又是先生的生日。更忙。

今天的意外收获：大学同学曹竟在奥斯丁住了13年，看来不光是我来德州的都喜欢这里。德州是移民的沃土。

Harvest Hoe Down Dance

Thomas' school has this event every year this time and they dressed up like cowboys and cowgirls and kindergartens danced 'Cotton-Eyed Joe' in the gym.

Thomas with his partner , also his play buddy Sean were so funny in the dance field. They're holding arms and dancing around circles. They both fell down the floor several times and laughing.

转载一篇读的文章

Jackie 一阵不换工作就觉得无聊，劝她也无用，看看这篇写的我同意：

“每个在职场上的朋友，不论是搞技术、做学问、搞管理，时间长了，大概都会有点厌倦，觉得朝九晚五、千篇一律的生活没有什么挑战性。于是呢，就会想着跳槽，换了新工作、涨了工资，是会爽一阵，但迟早又会陷入原有的循环之中。我个人的感觉是，要学会在现有的工作中寻找乐趣，才能真正感受到工作的乐趣。工作不仅是一张支票而已，工作是生活的一部分。曾听到有人说：“我啊，是上班一条虫，下班一条龙”。我是不同意这种心态的，如果这样，生活的三分之一是在熬时间，岂不是太对不住自己了？对我来说，带着好心情去上班，是一个基本点。每天早晨，梳洗完毕，身上是洁净清新的感觉。穿戴完毕，出门之前，我总会在门厅的落地镜前“孤芳自赏”一下，给自己一个微笑，心情一下就明亮起来。

说到穿戴，各个公司的dress code不同，各人的着装风格也迥异，但大方得体是职场的不二原则吧。如果穿衬衫、套装，还是Dry Clean为好，每周小小的一笔投资，可以省去很多自己洗熨的时间，而且整整齐齐的真的很“提气” 。好心情当然不止于外表整齐啦，在一天的繁忙琐事中，“提”起来的气也很容易被“泄”掉。我的一个应对之招是“换位思考”。比如开会，是很烦人的事，但我把它们当作提高英文的好机会，别人发言时，我就想，如果是我，我该如何表述，有时感到别人的用词或语气更好，我就悄悄记在心里，也算是学习吧。有时不是自己主持会议，我就在心里演练，想如果我是主持该如何掌握节奏，这样也就不感到枯燥了。不让压力影响心情，也是很重要的一点。记得我以前有一件广告衫，上面印着“压力之下，毫无惧色” 。我也有连续加班、疲惫得腰酸背痛的时候；也有和老板同事争执、或遇到不公正对待而暗自垂泪的时候。这时我就想，压力是外在的、不可控制的，心情是我自己的，退一步海阔天空嘛。这么一“阿Ｑ” ，压力也就随风而逝了。我保持好心情的另一个办法是在工作中交朋友。当你在工作场所有了朋友，公司就不仅仅是一个埋头干事的地方了，而真正成为日常生活的一个延伸。我是恋旧的人，不常换工作，在一个地方久了，和同事就熟了。自然而然就有了不同的朋友圈子，有一同吃午饭的伙伴、有一起打球的球友、有Happy Hour喝一杯的酒友。有了这些朋友，上班就不单纯是工作上的枯燥事务了，而有了其他的色彩。

保持好心情的最后一个绝招是“拿着鸡毛当令箭” （笑）。很多聪明人往往因为太聪明而感到工作没有什么挑战性。常听到有些朋友抱怨：这点小事还值得这么费劲，给我一小时就做好了。但公司里（特别是大公司）往往是要team work，所以把小事当大事来做，是很重要的。做Project Plan、开会、follow up，反正“拿着鸡毛当令箭”就对了，这样自己高高兴兴地把工作做了，还体现了professional的精神，何乐而不为呢？

让我们都带着好心情去上班吧！”

The Leader Of The Band By Dan Fogelberg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1_0PC8gPAM

Two Songs I Love From Michael Buble

Home - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flfDuYuy6aQ

Everything - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUJIbXN0WY

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

「神所賜出人意外的平安，必在基督耶穌裡，保守你們的心懷意念。」（聖經腓立比書四章 7 節）

　　海洋深處有一個最鎮定的中心，人們稱它為「海墊褥」。無論海面波浪多大，狂風多猛，「海墊褥」決不會受到絲毫擾動。從海底裡撈起來的動植物的遺跡，能對我們證明：它們在海底裡數百年數千年之久，從來沒有受到絲毫擾動過。神的平安是永久的平安，像「海墊褥」一樣，是在人的最深處的 ── 是外面的困難和騷動所不能摸到的：凡進到神前的人，都能享受這樣的平安。

Middle Kids

I read this today:

Middle kids are said to be great negotiators and peacemakers, with laid-back attitudes and a love of socializing. As such, they're thought to be natural schmoozers and consensus builders when they grow up. According to Linda Dunlap, Ph.D., a birth-order--theory expert and professor of psychology at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, they're the most likely to move far from home once they grow up, partly because they're seeking a clear identity after having spent their early years sandwiched between sibs.
Some middle kids suffer from the firstborn's long shadow, and because of it, it's said, are prone to rebelliousness and competitiveness.

It's true, at least it's look like me.

Humble

After Sunday School in the church Thomas told me that they learned bible story today " God rewards Humbles". And he asked me what was humble meant.

It's hard to explain this using bible words. I just told him that humble meant - listening teachers in the school, listening parents at home , be nice to your friends and willing to learning new things by listening other people.

Pumpkin Patch

Thomas loves to do craft , especially in the pumpkin patch. We got several pumpkins during weekend and he couldn't wait for curving them.

He draw on the pumpkins and I help him to curving it and he also put some little candles inside the pumpkin and made a real nice lighted pumpkin.

He got some pumpkin seeds from school and wanted to plan it in the backyard. I promised to him to do some more this coming weekend with him.

First Time Played In The Front Of Judge

Thomas went to a music festival sponsored by Plano Music Teacher Association on Sunday and he played 'Up and down the keyboard' in the front of two judges.

He was so cool and calm without our presence. We watched him playing from outside the room. He looked so adorable while he dressed up.

After his playing he told me that one question that the judge asked him " how many beat in a quart note ? " he told me that he said 'one beat'.

I am so proud of him. It doesn't matter how good he played. I was amazed that he was so calm and confident because I didn't even know this festival was like this I thought it's more like a recital. He did so good.

Forever Young

很喜欢Rod Steward 的这首歌，特别是歌词：

May the good lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
With a prince or a vagabond
And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young, forever young
Forever young, forever young
Forever young Forever young

And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I’m right behind you, win or lose
Forever young, forever young
Forever young ,forever young
Forever young, forever young
For, forever young, forever young

What'd You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

"Mom , can I graduate from POPCS ? "
"Yes , you may"
"After graduated from Prince of Peace I want to be a teacher at POPCS. "
"That's awesome idea. How come ?"
" I saw Mac's mom today , she is a teacher at Prince of Peace and she always has her smile on her face. "
" Ann... I like your idea. "

I've Got Peace Like A River

"I've got peace like a river;
I've got peace like a river;
I've got peace like a river in my soul;

I've got love like an ocean;
I've got love like an ocean;
I've got love like an ocean in my soul;

I've got joy like a fountain;
I've got joy like a fountain;
I've got joy like a fountain in my soul;"

This is one of songs I taught them in the Team Kids'class at church. It's a beautiful song. I actually learned at the same while I was teaching them. The enthusiasm of kids were very contagious. My heart felt soft and joy.

一本好书 - 游子吟

我曾几年前读过这本书，没记错的话，作者是北大生物系研究生毕业。

http://www.oc.org/web/modules/tadbook2/index.php?op=view_one_book&book_sn=1&lang=schinese

转载-仰望星空

　　　　　　　　　　　　　
文/温家宝
　　　　　　　　　　　　　
我仰望星空，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
它是那样寥廓而深邃；　　　　　　　　　　　　　
那无穷的真理，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
让我苦苦地求索、追随。　　　　　　　　　　　　　

我仰望星空，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
它是那样庄严而圣洁；　　　　　　　　　　　　　
那凛然的正义，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
让我充满热爱、感到敬畏。　　　　　　　　　　　　　

我仰望星空，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
它是那样自由而宁静；　　　　　　　　　　　　　
那博大的胸怀，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
让我的心灵栖息、依偎。　　　　　　　　　　　　　

我仰望星空，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
它是那样壮丽而光辉；　　　　　　　　　　　　　
那永恒的炽热，　　　　　　　　　　　　　
让我心中燃起希望的烈焰、响起春雷。

无奈

近期觉得像是药罐子。大病小病交替不段。想做的事情不能，真有点儿力不从心的感觉。
临近中午，儿子的球队一年一次的照像和之后的比赛。答应儿子一起要去的，忽然的疼痛又来了，只好让儿子和老公一起去。儿子很失望，有些不高兴。老公对儿子的态度有些生硬。两人之间的‘争战’又开始了。我只好又哄又劝两人终于走了。最怕周末生病，无法休息，精神很累。

Something Funny

This morning I sat in the waiting room at doctor office and read some jokes, here are some of them I still remembered:

"First I got a good news from doctor, he told me that I got a new disease named after me" - this is from Steve Martin who is one of my favorite actors.

"You'll know you're getting old when the work is more less fun and the fun is more work" - I think this is me, it's funny but it's true. Every time I came back from vacations I have to take extra days to relax.

"A guy went to a bookstore and he asked the saleswoman ' Where is the self-help section?' and the woman said if I told you then it would defeat the purpose. "

"My sister dated the captain of Chess class at high school. And my parents liked him. They were OK with any guy that take hours to make a move. "

I kept laughing at waiting room and my pain fade away.

Soul

Last week Thomas asked me what word 'soul' was. I paused for a moment. It's really hard to explain to him. Today I found it from dictionary as the followings:

the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part.

Recent year I realized that my 'soul' started from high school even though I consider the life in high school was plaint, simple like a routine. But my 'conscious' dream started from there.

Sometime I feel that people may need more physical space with others but spiritually need to be close enough to be content.

中秋夜的球赛

今年的中秋的月亮时隐时现。虽没有赏到天空的明月但是儿子的一场晚上的精彩足球赛也让人心旷神怡。儿子说是因为球场的灯还没有关掉月亮才没有出现。

每次踢球回来他总是兴奋，今晚更是令人意外，坚持要作做业，作业是星期五才交的。只好依他，难得这么听话，作业做的特别用心。看来今天是用了踢足球的劲头做作业的。

最后是被我逼着放下笔的。看得出来他是真的喜欢足球，可惜我们并没有能力和时间教，和同龄孩子相比他的反应敏捷，速度快，脚法准，球感好。今天是中场断球转身快速反攻设进一球。整场后卫防守也是很出色。真希望他保持这份热情。

有一种美丽总在放弃后

每一次默默的放弃，
放弃某个心仪已久却无缘份的朋友，
放弃某种投入却无收获的事，
放弃某种心灵的期望，
放弃某种思想，
这时就会生出一种伤感，
然而这种伤感并不妨碍我们去重新开始，
在新的时空内将音乐重听一遍，将故事再说一遍！
因为这是一种自然的告别与放弃，它富有超脱精神，因而伤感的美丽！

曾经有种感觉，
想让它成为永远。
过了许多年，
才发现它已渐渐消逝了。
后来悟出：原来握在手里的不一定就是我们真正拥有的，
我们所拥有的也不一定就是我们真正铭刻在心的！
继而明白人生很多时候需要一种宁静的关照和自觉的放弃.

世间有太多的美好的事物，
美好的人。对没有拥有的美好，
我们一直在苦苦的向往与追求。
为了获得，
忙忙碌碌，
真正的所需所想往往要在经历许多年后才会明白，
甚至穷尽一生也不知所终！
而对已经拥有的美好，
我们又因为常常得而复失的经历而存在一份忐忑与担心。
夕阳易逝的叹息，
花开花落的烦恼，
人生本是不快乐的！
因为拥有的时候，
我们也许正在失去，
而放弃的时候，
我们也许又在重新获得。
对万事万物，
我们其实都不可能有绝对的把握。
如果刻意去追逐与拥有，
就很难走出外物继而走出自己，
人生那种不由自主的悲哀与伤感会更加沉重！
所以生命需要升华出安静超脱的精神。

明白的人懂得放弃，
真情的人懂得牺牲，
幸福的人懂得超脱！
当若干年后我们知道自己所喜爱的人仍好好的生活，
我们会更加心满意足！
“我不是因你而来到这个世界，
却是因为你而更加眷恋这个世界。
如果能和你在一起，
我会对这个世界满怀感激，
如果不能和你在一起，
我会默默地走开，
却仍然不会失掉对这个世界的爱和感激——感激上天让我与你相遇与你别离，
完成上帝所创造的一首诗！”

生命给了我们无尽的悲哀，
也给了我们永远的答案。
于是，安然一份放弃，固守一份超脱！
不管红尘世俗的生活如何变迁，
不管个人的选择方式如何，
更不管握在手中的东西轻重如何，
我们虽逃避也勇敢，
虽伤感也欣慰！
我们像往常一样向生活的深处走去，
我们像往常一样在逐步放弃，
又逐步坚定！

有一种感觉总在失眠时，
才承认是“相思”；
有一种缘分总在梦醒后，
才相信是“永恒”；
有一种目光总在分手时，
才看见是“眷恋”；
有一种心情总在离别后，
才明白是“失落”；
有一种美丽总在放弃后，
才知道。。。

Church Retreat

这个周末是我们教会一年一度的退休会。离家一个半小时的路程。整个周末住在那里。主讲是林三纲牧师和师母。他们今年82岁。育有十个子女。讲道和鉴证非常感动。真希望多住几天。

陪他们长大

这是玉捷的名言。'他们‘是指老公。一句话：累。觉得自已要撑不下去了。

Why Do I Have To Work?

Getting frustrated because of tiredness never go away for a while. No time to workout, no time to go shopping , no time to read, no time to write and no time to sleep. Feel guilty of being away from Thomas whole day. Best buddy at work trying to leave.

Suddenly feel should not work.

Ode To Joy

This is one of the songs Thomas has played. He loves this one and can play part of notes without looking at.

No wonder he loves this piece. This one is came from one of his classic books by Beethoven.

一些故人旧事

最近很多过去的事和人会忽然涌现出来，只是用中文写的太慢，英文写又觉得不真切。

似乎留在我记忆里的都是美好的。既使是悲伤的事也有中凄美的感觉。曾听说人的记忆是有选择的，我比较喜欢选择美好的记忆。

想哪说哪吧。还是写英文吧-这样快.

I miss one of our old place in my hometown very much. It was a very old house with big yard. We grew lots of plants there (mostly my grandparents did it, I was just a little helper). I remember we got grapes growing just outside of our window. Under the grape branches for a period time we grew some peanuts. I still miss that fresh smell of that peanut. I don't eat peanut now but I loved the fresh raw peanuts. We also grew some vegetables, one of them was some kind of bean with purple color. I haven't seen that kind of vegetable for a long time but I still miss that tasty purple bean so much. Oh, thinking about it makes me so hungry.

I miss the time I spent with my grandmother when I was young at hometown. She was such a lady - you would never forget her once you met her. She was a dominant person but she was very outgoing, funny and open-minded. She loves animals, we had cats all the time at home. We raised some chicken for a period of time. I loved those yellow fluffy chicks when my grandma brought them to home.

I always put cat inside my blanket/comforter while I was sleeping at that time. One of our cats was stubborn and smart, she didn't like to sleep inside blanket so she sneaked out of my blanket after I fell asleep. Whenever I woke up and found her outside of my blank I would put her in again, she never refused it but she would sneak out again after I fell asleep, sometime this occurred sever time during the night until I was too tired to track her down.

I also love the dogs. We were not allowed to have dog at that time. But after 76's earthquake, we lived in my father's company for a while. And there was one employee who had a dog. Me and my younger brother who was 5 year old played with that dog all day long, one time my little brother tried to ride that dog like a horse and got that owner mad. But he knew my father knew very well and my little brother didn't get any trouble.

It was there we lost one of my cats. She was ran over by a big truck and died on the street right away and I was crying for her for several days.

Play Chess

On weekend his daddy got one set of Chess for Thomas. Last night for the first time Thomas can play Chess with his daddy. Somehow his daddy let him win and he was so excited and run to me and told me that he beat his daddy.

So far he has been enjoying play it, this morning he asked me to play with him just after he got up from bed. At least it's not bad idea to start learning it. At every beginning his daddy didn't agree to sign up the program for him because he didn't believe he could learn it. I think it's good for him to learn - don't expect much just give him opportunity to know it. He can keep learning it if he likes it.

I always think Chess is good for people to learn how to think, especially for boys. I had seen my father playing Chinese Chess with my younger brother all the time when we were young at home. Chess can also teach patience, focus ,problem-solving skill and fun to play.

又是缘分吗？

昨天去看中医，她是我们教会的一个姐妹。我很信中医，只是在这里对找到好的没有信心。后来知道这姐妹是中医，想就试试吧。一聊，原来是同乡，老公是来自南开大学的，父亲是南大教授。她自小至大在南开长大的。感觉特亲切。

感性还是理性？

星期天主日崇拜后又遇到小萍。她还没受洗但一直参加主日学，而且亲眼见证了神在我们教会的恩典。

Every time we see each other we would have a little chat. She always asks me some questions. Mostly how I become to believe in God and accept Jesus as my savior. I'm impressed that she has been so eager to search the truth of life and what's really Jesus means in our life. But one thing I told her that you can not use our 'logic' to think everything God does for us. If you keep doing that you never get out of it and you'll be confused.

It only took me about several months to accept Jesus as my life savior after attending a Bible study in a church back about 10 years ago. I still feel that it's God's calling because we got a very talent pastor in that small church. After several months' studying , one Easter night I was so touched by God and at that moment I made up my mind with my tears full of my eyes and joy in my heart.

小萍说我很感性。她说她的背景和受的教育也许让她太理性。我说我是学理工你是学文出身应该你很感性才对。她说她信也特喜欢我们的教会，也喜欢和我们教会的兄弟姐妹们交谈分享。只是一听到上帝的神迹，她无法想通接受。我说不能用人的逻辑去思考神的作为。信心是需要感性的。

其是感性也是神赐予的，回想我决志要受洗的那个时刻，确实是圣灵充满的时刻，无法用言语表达。

感谢天父赐我智慧的感性。也祈求小萍早日归属主内。Amen!

Do I look That Old ? (Cont.)

Took this at Thomas' room before he get it too messy. :)

Do I look That Old ?

No, I don't think that way, but suddenly feel I should take more pictures of myself so I won't regret someday when I am really old.

找到家平了

那天在网上看到她的踪迹，给她留了言，今天收到她的邮件。真是很兴奋。我们十多年没连系了。

我们在南开的时候并不认识，但在理工时确成了知己。她告我她大学同学二十年聚会8月18刚在理工举行。自然想起了我很多。是啊，她班上的人我也认识很多。

看来有缘还是能再见的。

Friendship

I really appreciate the friendship from Jimmie. He has been so supportive to me for everything, not only for work, but really being a good friend of me.

Jie always says that she is so jealous about the fact I have close friends around me all the time. I am not very outgoing and I am not very shy neither, I am somewhere in the between. I never really go out and search for friendship intentionally. But I guess God send angles to protect me all the time. I consider myself lucky and blessed.

I just feel so happy to have Jimmie as a friend and enjoy to chat with him. He treats me like a real sister.

Play Date

One of his classmates from last year class, Christian, his mom sent me email and really wanted Thomas go their house to play after school this Friday.

I was OK about that and happy for Thomas that I know he would love to go, but his dad had a little concern about safety since Christian's mom wanted to pick him up at carpool just after school. Finally we both agreed on - just let him go with Christian's mom and play for afternoon and then we pick him up.

Thomas certainly got good time over there. He had hard time to leave every time he had play date but this time I promised to him that we would invite Christian to our house some time in the near future.

To Remember Or Not ?

On Monday after school Thomas was starting to learn Chess at school. I signed up for him this school year. He learned some odd numbers there , like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 'king', 'queen', and 'knight', etc...

On that night he told me that he won't sleep because he would forget what he learned after sleep. I was trying to explain that you would remember things better if you get good sleep every night.

The second day he told me what I told him was true because he still remembered what Mr. Frank taught him in Chess program.

The next day morning he tried to remember what he learned and told me that he still could remember. Then he really believe that good sleep make his mind remembering things better.

What a stubborn boy ! Seems everything you told him, you have to convince to him.

To Dye Hair

Sunday worship was a special event, all kids from kindergarten to youth group attended sermon with us together. So Thomas sat with other kids on the other side. He noticed that one of our deacon's hair changed from gray to black.

He asked me why he changed his hair after that morning. I told him that made him look younger and better. Then he told me " mom , can I dye my hair to gray so I can be the oldest kids. " I replied " nobody wants hair to be gray, kids don't dye hair. "

Tonight he brought this topic again, asked me:
" mom, can I dye my hair to blue when I am 10 years old. "
"no, kids are allowed to dye their hair."
"how about blond ?"
"No, your hair looks perfect for you."
" but I want my hair blond because Brody's hair is blond." (Brody is his classmate and plays with Thomas most of the time at school.)
"we just keep whatever we have and that's way God wants to be. "
"how come Ava's hair is yellow ?"
"Everybody is different and special. That's just the way it is. You look good on your black hair."

"Are you going to have gray hair when you're getting older ?"
"of cause. "
"how about daddy?"
"yes."
....

First Soccer Game This Season

This morning Thomas got his first soccer game this season and he was so excited. He was doing so well , scored once and running so hard , even he looked tired at the very end because of not eating much breakfast but he really enjoyed it as always.

Good thing about soccer is to learn team work and hard work. Also got good opportunities to interact with other kids.

Parents Orientation

Tonight was parent orientation for preschool and Kindergarten in Thomas' school.

Lower school principal made a short speech and we watched a little slice of video about Prince of Peace Christian School, met other parents in his class, of cause his teacher Mrs. Moody. Also we signed up for volunteers for field trips and lunch relief , etc... Thomas always love to see us in his class.

We've been falling in love this school since Thomas enrolled it two year ago. Kindergarten has been growing so fast from 3 classes last year to 5 classed this year. Around 14-16 kids in each class.

Orientation was well organized as always. We had great time with other parents , teacher and knew better how Thomas did for the first two weeks in the school.

We have so much faith in this school. Hope Thomas grows up well academically and spiritually here.

VIP

Thomas was the VIP in his class today and he brought a bag with a note saying he needs some special duties to do tonight. He needs to find 3 things that sounds starting with letter 'L' and let parents help him write down 3 clues so tomorrow he will show and tell in the class. Here are three things he found in the house tonight:

1. Lego
2. Lightning McQueen (from movie cars)
3. Letter ( he let me write a letter to his friend Sean)

He is so proud of himself being chosen to be VIP today.

Where ?

Looking this picture, feel like still in Yellowstone. I took this in Dallas just after raining. Suddenly I realize how beautiful the sky was.

We can still find beautiful things without going anywhere. We didn't see it becuase we've being so busy and didn't pay attentions.

我家的枣树接果了

两年了，今天终于看到果实了。

纯真的童年

上周日在朋友家聚会。小孩都差不多大，3岁到五岁。其中一个朋友的女儿4岁多是最听话懂事的，我头一见到这么早熟的孩子，知道帮妈妈作家务，爸爸海归多年了似乎对这边的家谟不关心了。聚会的那天还帮做饭的主人阿姨按摩。据她妈妈说从来不哭。

开始特羡慕这小女生的妈妈，后来想想孩子还是应该有个天真烂漫的童年。看着儿子疯玩傻笑的快乐样儿其实是上帝赋予父母的最大的幸福。

何尝不是呢？没有希望他长大后功成名就，只盼望他有颗敬畏神的心，享受普通人的喜怒哀乐；也希望他有宽广的胸怀待人待己。

Conversation

After I turned off the light, my son asked me:

"Mom, can God make babies ? "

"Yes."

"How can he make babies? Can I see it ?"

"No, you can not see it, He has secrete power. "

"Oh, I really want a new born baby to be my brother. "

....

Don't Sweat With Small Stuff

Tony came back from his sister house and told me that his sister complained lots of small stuffs about his brother-in-law. I told him that you should persuade her not focusing on small stuffs. Who can survive the marriage if you are picking small things all the time? We're un-perfect human beings.

I was teasing him that we won't be together today if I was being so picky.

中年有感

沉默是金-这是这几年真正经历和体会到的。它的威慑的力量有时会化解一切。

钱钟书说过：将忍受可以当作享受。。。

眼前过不去的事和情并不都需要用言语表达和争辩。事过境迁之后的结局往往出乎你的意料。

生命中的点点滴滴让你学之不尽。这真是上帝无比的大能。渺小的人啊怎能予知浩瀚无穷的未来呢？就让自己满怀快乐新奇的心境享受上帝赋予的一切吧 - 无论是痛还是喜。

Questions From Thomas

"Mom, what's sexy mean ?"
"that word is for adults, not for the kid, you'll understand it when you grow up."
"So you'll be sexy when you grow up ? "
"Don't worry about that, it's not for kids.... Where did you learn that word ? "
" I forgot, maybe when I was two year old, somebody said one of the teachers was sexy. "

OK, now I knew where that come from, Second week of August before we were on vacation his school was closed for two weeks and I sent him to one of Chinese school for a week and they put him in the 1st grade and he must hear that word from older kids.

Later on just before he got on bed, he asked me again how old I am.
After I told him, he said " Mom I wish you were 21 years old, you are too old, I don't like you being old. You could die if you are too old-I don't want you die."

I replied " I'm not going to die, I am older than you and your dad but I'm not that old. Don't worry I'm not going to die."

Am I too old ? He brought up this topic several times. Maybe most of his friends' parents are younger than we are - this really makes him curious.

Getting Old ??

I sent some pictures taken in Yellowstone Park to my sister-in-law. She told me that Thomas looks much bigger than the pictures she saw a couple of months ago and me looked really getting old.

Did I really look that bad on pictures ? maybe... for the last two year I looked much older than before, especially for the last year.

Sister-in-law came to our family since I was in high school. She knows my family very well. Like my mom, I always looked younger than my age. First year in the state when I started to work in a restaurant , one customer asked my manager if I was old enough to work. For the first several years in the states I was always asked to show my drive license to enter some places. Maybe that's the reason when I met Tony, he didn't realize I was older than he was. After Thomas was born I sent some pictures to Zhen and she told me that I looked nothing but like a 'real' mom. - I was a little bit upset about that. Now I'm OK with what my sister-in-law said about me. :)

Aging is irresistible. For the last year I've been seeing doctors more often than seeing Thomas' teacher. Being at middle age is tough. At home I've been struggling with 'boys'. Comparing at home I am less stressful at work, but still need efforts for that job.

One thing is encouraging though - the older you get , the more wise you could be.

First Week Of School Year 07-08

On 1st day of school, Thomas came back home and told me that it was boring. I asked why, he replied " nothing to play". I guess kindergarten is more learning than free-playing like preschool. He needs some time to adjust.

On second day of school, when he got home he looked tired and fell asleep in the car like 1st day. At dinner, he ate 3 slices of raisin Cinnamon toast; 3 chicken wings, a cup of cauliflowers; a small cup of milk; 1 mozzarella cheese string; 1 strawberry yogurt; and a big bowl of watermelon; at the end he begged for another peach. I thought that's too much for him. Maybe his body needs more nutrition to grow fast.

I notice that he seems grow every time we came back from vacation or traveling.

Thank You Letter From Mrs. Moody At 1st Day Of School

"Thank you for entrusting your child to me. I promise to do my best every day to be your child's companion in learning. After you have wiped your tears, make yourself a nice warm cup of tea. Put your feet up and relax. Then hold that cotton ball in your hand. The softness will help you recall the gentle spirit of your child. I will work alongside you this year to help your child grow.
Thanks,
Mrs. Moody. "

This little note along a bag of tea and soft ball inside the bag came from Mrs. Moody. She is so thoughtful and I feel she is a good teacher.

20 Years College Reunion

Best friend from College Zhen sent me email to ask me if I could come to Beijing 9/15 for our college graduation reunion. She told me she didn't want to go if I couldn't make it.

I told her that I couldn't make it. I just came back from vacation and Thomas just started his school year. It's impossible for me to take that trip to Beijing.

I haven't seen Zhen for almost 20 years. Last time I saw her it's less than a year after graduation when she came back to Beijing for her English training. Last year when I was in Beijing she went to XiZang. She mailed me two beautiful traditional blankets to Tianjin before she went to XiZang.

I really miss her and wish I could make the trip to meet all my college friends.

First Day Of School

After long summer, finally he is back his school and in the Kindergarten. We met his teacher Mrs. Moody yesterday morning.

She is a young lady and pretty nice and grew up in a little town church. She is also new to POP. I have the impression that she is a good teacher and Thomas will enjoy his class.

This morning traffic was bad and Thomas was not feeling well inside the car. He was a little bit late and on the way to his classroom we saw several parents and lower school's Principal and they all were so excited to see Thomas back School.

When he got into classroom , his buddies Charlie and Seam already looked for him.

Another Beautiful One At Midway Geyser

Thomas enjoyed seeing geysers , springs , and mudpots in Yellowstone Park.

Another Picture At Midway Geyser

Midway Geyser was our last stop inside Yellowstone Park. We were kinda late and I was trying to snap more photos for Thomas.

After we came back home and looked at those I took at Midway Geyser me and his dad kept laughing - we're so surprised that they both looked so happy and cute. In my mind I didn't remember any harmony moment of his like this since he started to walk.

Surprising Photos At Midway Geyser

It's really surprising to see Thomas being so good to take pictures. He had been so naughty and funny all the way in the Yellowstone park while we were in the car.

He made up songs to teasing Ashley and he always started to fight with Joshua over anything including Ashley. For the last two days in Yellowstone Park he kept asking Ashley the same question " who are you going to marry?" We were wondering what that come from. We never talk about anything like that in front of him.

But Ashley enjoyed Thomas a companion and always asked him to sing that silly song for her. It's really made me laugh a lot though.

Jenny Lake At Grand Teton

Closer Look Of Grand Teton

Grand Teton is so pretty and someone told me that it looks like a pretty woman if you think Yellowstone looks a handsome man.

The Highest Elevation Fight Ever

Thomas was mad when I asked him to take a picture because me and his dad just had a big argument on the top of Teton Glacier Mountains.

Another One At Jackson Lake

Here it's again. Every time I took a picture on him, he would make funny look.

Enjoying Jackson Lake

Finally Thomas cooperated with me to take a picture at Jackson Lake, he must really enjoyed it there.

Jakson Lake At Grand Teton

Grand Teton is another national park next to Yellowstone.

Closer Look Of Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

We stayed this hotel for 3 nights and every earlier morning and evening we saw Elks outside the hotel.

Terrance In Mammoth Hot Springs

Geyser

Beautiful View From Hotel

I took it inside our hotel room at earlier evening.

Elk - Outside Of Hotel

Fight In The Woods

On the way to beavers pond. We didn't make it because it was about 4 miles one way-didn't think those kids could make it that long walk.

Picture at Gardiner River

Gardiner River

It is located in Gardiner, Montana, close to north entrance of Yellowstone Park.

The Roosevelt Arch

The Roosevelt Arch was designed by Robert Reamer, the same architect who designed the beautiful Old Faithful Inn.

Another Beautiful View

Caterpillar

Kids always were fascinated by different bugs, flowers, and rocks on the way.

Beautiful Terrance

Outlook Of Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

Down the hill it is Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel where we stayed.

Elk In Terrance

We saw him just outside Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel where we stayed for 3 nights.

Another Bison

When you see a bison alone then it must be a male bison.

Bacteria Mat

Another Look of Old Faithful

Lower Basin Geyser

Chromatic Pool

MudPot

Another Specular Colorful Spring

Ear Spring

Thomas said it looked like a pickle for him.

Enjoying Hiking

After more than a mile hiking , they still were in good mood.

Outlook of Old Faithful

After half mile tough hiking we finally were on the outlook of Old Faithful to wait to see erosion of geyser. Kids were awesome they were been walking a lot.

Old Faithful Geyser Erosion

Star Spring

Famous Old Faithful Inn

Beautiful Color

Chinese Spring

Among those specular springs, one of them was name Chinese Spring.

Inside Of Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn was made of wood. It's very unique.

Blue Sky

Elks Walk Cross Road

Male Elk

Great View While Driving

What Kids Enjoy Most ?

Kids more enjoyed picking rocks than looked at great view.

The Petrified Tree

This petrified tree is actually a redwood - a good reminder that climate conditions in Yellowstone were once much warmer and wetter than today.