here & there

Went to see the zoo lights with Sara tonight. It was really cold but we had so much fun.

I've been watching this Singaporean drama series at home. The story is set in the 60's and it's interesting to learn about the way of life back then.

Christmas can be about a lot of things--good things--family, giving, Christmas lights, Christmas tree, Christmas songs...
but if you don't have all of these things but you have Christ, then you have everything.
Let this Christmas be about Jesus CHRIST, who came to bring us peace--peace with God and a peace that lasts.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” --Isaiah 9:6

Yesterday at church.

I want to take more pictures of Chicago and share about life in Chicago.

It's winter break now. Besides going to church, I've been staying at home a lot. Life at home with no homework or deadlines make me lazy.
I hope to read some books, sort out the photos in my computer, and organize some things so I can be set for the new semester next year.

If you've never heard of Compassion, I really encourage you to consider sponsoring a child. I just received my child's information and photo yesterday and I already love him so much. He's 9 years old.
I have a few friends here at Moody who were Compassion children and their lives are truly testimonies of God's love.
I have been encouraged and touched by their lives.
When you sponsor a child, you pray for him/her and write letters to encourage your child. It's a $38 per month commitment but it is so worth it.
Here's the Compassion website.
Watch their videos on youtube.
Or this video on facebook of the four Moody students I know.

I am a person who loves to receive and I often forget to give. God didn't tell us to live this life to get as many things as we can to satisfy ourselves but He tells us to give--to share with the hungry and the poor (Isa 58ish). I am learning to give.

Here are a few questions Jenny shared in our devotion time at Women's Choir yesterday that really reminded me of what really matter in life.
1. When you look at your life 20 years from now, what are the things that you do now that will no longer matter?
2. 20 years from now, what are the things that will STILL matter?
3. What are things that will matter for eternity?

Since final exams are approaching and the semester is coming to an end, life gets busier and I start seeing my life only in terms of all the thing that i need to accomplish this week etc. It's good to examine my life and remember what are the important things.

It finally snowed for the first time this year! =)

The Christmas tree in front of the Hancock tower.

at one of the host homes from spring tour last year. It reminds me of the blessings that God has given me every day.

I'm thankful for everything in life...

"And therefore a man should rest himself so fully in God, that he need not to seek many comforts of men." -Thomas A Kempis

Had brunch after Sunday service at Mong Kok cafe last Sunday. 冻奶茶，皮蛋瘦肉粥and udong noodles for less than 7 bucks for the two of us. We really enjoyed it.

another day to be thankful for...
enjoying listening to Norah Jones' songs...

Elizabeth painted these pumpkins.

A diptych.

Happy birthday, roommie!

We talk about faith and sing about it all the time, but often, I forget to live by faith. Instead, I have chosen to live by sight and become anxious. I've traded the joy and peace God gives me with worries and plans of my own.
I want to keep living by faith and not forget how great and faithful my God is.

Heb 11:1-2 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for."

May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day, by his love and power controlling all I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour, so that all may see I triumph only through his power.
May the peace of God my Father rule my life in everything, that I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me as the waters fill the sea, him exalting, self abasing--this is victory.
May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe, looking only unto Jesus as I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me as I seek the lost to win, and may they forget the channel, seeing only Him.

WORDS: Kate B. Wilkinson, 1925

May the words of this hymn encourage you as you continue to live out the Christian life God has called all of His children to.

I woke up at 6.30am today even though Saturday is supposed to be a sleep-in day. I love being awake when all the other girls are still sleeping because it is so quiet. Read 1 Samuel and some readings for class, then went to breakfast. Then, I went to korean market to buy some snacks with Sara, then had brunch with these girls.
Hmm..it's a good Saturday so far...

I love the scarf, the leaves, the fountain, the hat, the perfect fall weather, and walking around downtown Chicago with my favorite roommate and friend.