Author: Mzchele

Growing up

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So I was watching this “makeover” show on TV tonite.  And they’re trying to change an Asian-American college student from a “sportsy tom boy” into a more outgoing, assertive, sexy gal.  They did everything from cleaning up her bedroom,  giving her a brand new wardrobe, and making her jump out of air planes, just to get her out of her comfort zone.

They gave her a new hair style, make up and a new wardrobe. At the end of the show, she looked stunning. But, behind all that glamour still stands a shy little girl.  They, and even her self tried with all of their effort to become an Adult.  But I think what she really needed to do was to be more confident about herself. To achieve that, changing your look will only go so far.  She will need to truly grow up on the inside.  To become the fullness of who she is without trying to please others or be apologetic about it.  To enjoy her strengths while working through her weakness.  To know that the value of who she is does not depend on the opinion of society or family or a man.  To become a woman uniquely her own – now that’s Beautiful.

The Power of the Blood Covenant by Malcolm Smith

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The title may be somewhat intimidating. What is it with our culture that we have an aversion to “blood”? Or maybe I’m speaking only for myself.  In any case, this book has the best description/explanation of the Good News that I’ve read…and it doesn’t start/end with NT (or John 3:16 for that matter)

The author focuses on God’s covenant to us. This idea really isn’t anything new, but it’s refreshing when it comes from someone who has personally experienced this.  There has been many books on sharing about Christ written from the evangelical framework.  This one stands out because it emphasizes the Divine purpose through a relational lens.

I enjoyed the book greatly, and highly recommend it.

 

 

Practice, practice, practice

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I admit, I have a short attention span… from music to crafts to games or any hobby of the moment, i never stay interested on one thing  for long.  That’s why my mom never bought me a piano.  She didn’t think I’d last long enough for her to invest THOUSANDS of bucks on the whim of a 5 year old.

Thank God for generous piano-teaching neighbors and piano store-rentals.  ^_^

The major obstacle I face is that the fun of learning new things is completely drowned out by the feeling of…”being stuck.”  That’s gotta be the worst feeling – no movement. Nada, zilch, zero. Or rather, the perception that there is no movement.

It’s weird, isn’t it? You’d think that creativity happens spontaneously. That’s why people say you’re “gifted”. That it seems to just happen like “magic.” Except that… it’s not.

Creativity is more like a birthing process… or rather, a PROCESS, period. It’s learning how to use the tools. Observing why the masters are Masters. Speaking a new language.  And it…. all… takes… time. Time to adapt – time to learn – time to allow your brain to make the synaptic connections – time that me and my generation just don’t quite appreciate.

So practice it is! Practice, practice, practice! Practice my color combinations.  Practice my finger exercises.  Practice organizing my blubbering thoughts… and hoping – Expecting – transformation.

Surrender

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You have been so kind, so gentle, time after time.

Of all of the years that I’ve come, You’re still the one to whom I run

When everything changes, You remain the same. When all around, the world is shaken,

You remain*

Finally broke out of that frustration, bad-attitude, pouting state today.  Every once in a while, I get in moods like that.  Mainly frustrated at God’s timing. And all it took, at the end of the downward spiral, was the simple realization – He is God.

He IS.  At the end of the day, will I chose any other? no.  To whom shall we go? Who else has the Word of life?

So I surrendered. and Peace rushed in.

*Lyrics from “Made to Love You” by Misty Edwards

WordPress, here i come!

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Whew, walking away from the blogsite I’ve had for the past 5 years was *almost* a relief… Not sure if I can bring my old archive, but i almost don’t miss it.  Like that great advice you get while moving… if you havn’t looked/opened/needed it for the past year… you don’t really need it. (Except for your financial/tax documentation!!)

It almost feels like shedding an old shell or getting rid of an old jacket that just don’t fit anymore. In all honesty, I’ve grown into a different person in the last few years. It’s rather refreshing to move on.

So hello WordPress!  “Hello world!”… sigh, that is such a nerdy phrase to use. It’s the welcome message you get when you sign up here.  Seriously, how many remembers your first programming assignment where you have to write a program to print “Hello world!”  But I digress… :)  Off with the old and on with the NEW!