our Prince of Peace

I have been subscribing to InTouch Ministry by Dr Charles Stanley and receiving their monthly letters. Every month he writes about a certain subject to us believers. I'd like to share this month's subject: Peace. As Christmas is near, secondly, I have to confess that my heart hasn't been very close to God, but wandered off with growing worldly desires. I'm thankful for this prompt letter to remind me what we should really be after.

There is a special word found throughout the Christmas story that should be very important and meaningful to you and I as we consider the birth of the Christ child. Used more than 400 times in Scripture, it is a term found interwoven in the prophecies of Jesus' coming as a special gift to us from God.


That wonderful word is peace.


In speaking about the Savior, the prophet Isaiah reported, " A child will be born to us,a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be... Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). Also, recall what the angels said the night Jesus was born: "there appeared...a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,' Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased'" (Luke 2:13-14).


Christmas can undoubtedly be one of the most joyous and revitalizing seasons of the year for us as believers. However, it can also be hectic and nerve-wracking--so much so that we lose our sense of security and tranquility, which is the very thing Jesus came to bring us.
So today I would like to ask you: In the hustle and bustle of Christmas, where do you go to find silence and stillness? Do you rejoice and rest in all that the Lord has given you? Or is this time of year characterized by impatience, agitation, conflict, and pain?
Many people believe the pathway of peace is through possessions---especially during the Christmas season. They believe that if they could just have the latest gadget, they would be happy. If they could only buy their loved ones the special objects they desire, then they could maintain harmony in their households. Sadly, this does not work. Worldly goods can never fill emptiness, give worth, or restore broken relationships.


My son, Andy, understood this from a very young age. I remember one evening when he was still in high school, we were sitting at dinner and he said to me, " Dad, I want to thank you for not giving us everything we wanted." Of course, this had me intrigued. I asked him why he felt this way. I will never forget his explanation:
"Many of my friends---well, their parents give them everything they want, and it's really messed them up," Andy replied. "they think that is all there is to life. Thank you for teaching me what is truly important." I was so thankful my son had learned this vital principle: Peace, joy and fulfillment come through Christ, not through possessions or anything else this world can offer.


So as Christmas approaches, how can you maintain genuine tranquility in the midst of all the activities and pressures of the season? How can you preserve harmony within yourself, with others, and most importantly, with the Father? Jesus said," Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27). How can you take hold of all He offers?


First, realize that the peace of God originates from reconciliation with Him. The Greek word for peace is eirene, and it simply means, "to bind together." When you trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior, He binds you together with Himself for all eternity. You never need to worry about your salvation because He makes you right with the Father through His death on the cross---and no one can ever take that away from you.


Second, embrace the fact that Christ takes full responsibility for your needs as you obey Him. Earthly tranquility is often based on worldly resources, which can---and ultimately will---fail. So whenever you face situations that are beyond your abilities, talents, skills, and wealth to overcome, it is no wonder you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and discouraged. However, God is completely capable of helping you, regardless of your circumstances. Therefore, as a believer, you can calmly and joyfully trust Him, because you know that the One who is best able to give you the victory in every situation will never leave or forsake you.


Third, understand that the Father's peace is the result of your personal relationship with Him. When you feel apprehensive, what do you do? Do you rush about, trying to find solutions to your problems? Do you try silencing your anxieties by shopping, eating, working, or engaging in some destructive habit? It doesn't really help, does it? Friend, the Lord's presence has the power to calm your worries and drive out your fears (1 John 4:18). Whenever these concerns creep up this Christmas, consider it a call to spend time with Him.


When you spend time with the Lord, you realize He's got everything under control. And when you walk in the center of His will and learn to see your circumstances from His perspective, you experience the deepest, most wonderful tranquility---confident that He will work everything our for your good. Not only will you experience peace with the Father, but you'll also be a calming presence to those around you. You'll be able to handle the conflicts that arise with greater grace, wisdom, and composure.


This Christmas, instead of focusing on all the presents you must buy, think of the one you most need to receive---the gift of His peace. Surrender your life to the Prince of Peace---and enjoy the rest, tranquility, and hope He created you to enjoy.


Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas everybody!!

伤害 hurt

张小娴说过：男人对女人的伤害，不一定是他爱上了別人，而是他在她有所期待的時候让她失望，在她脆弱的時候没有扶她一把，在她成功的時候竟然妒忌她。


xiaoxian Zhang wrote: " when a man hurts a woman, it's not necessarily because he falls for another woman, but disappoint her when she expects from him the most; doesn't offer a hand when she is the weakest; and envy her when she succeed. "

From ordinary to great

... ...

" God isn't looking for impressive people; He wants willing ones who will bow the knee in humble submission.
Being weak and ordinary doesn't make you useless. Rather, it positions you for a demonstration of divine power
in your life. He takes insignificant ones and delights in making them great."

blood is always thicker

while we were busy being mad at each other, the last we wanted was a touch.
but a touch is so priceless after all when I realize there're not many days left for me to give you 
tender touches.
blood is always thicker than water, a sincere touch always wins anger.


I'm thankful for being able to touch you, and be touched by you.

26th, october, 2010

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

24th, Oct. 2010

more and more discounts are revealed between us, little things, little cracks we try to compromise and hide but they will eventually differentiate our two worlds.
We don't understand each other, without understanding there won't be care, without care, there won't be sacrifice, without sacrifice, there won't be resurrection.
however, my heart, hides in the deepest place, nobody, not even myself, has found it yet.

Dealing with manipulative people

from blog What really matters



If you think you may be dealing with a manipulative person, ask yourself these questions....

*Have your friends or family members remarked on how you don't seem like yourself since you entered this relationship? Are they looking at you sideways?

*Have your family relationships become filled with tension at the mention of the manipulator's name?

*Are the people who care about you the most getting worried about you?

*Have you severed ties to the familiar stability of the world you have known and placed the manipulator at the center of your universe?

*Are you losing your individuality and strength?

*Do you find yourself doing things you wouldn't ordinarily do?

*Have the goals and dreams that previously defined you all of a sudden been pushed to the back burner?

*Does the manipulator try to isolate you from your friends and family members?

*Are your attitudes changing to more closely mirror the manipulator's rather than who you really are?

*Do you willfully close your eyes to behavior that you know is wrong?

*Do you excuse the manipulator's behavior? Are you constantly defending him/her?

*Does it seem that it's always "all about him/her?"

*Does the manipulator know how to pull your strings? Do you find yourself doing things you really wish you hadn't?

*Does the manipulator try to take over your financial decisions?

*Do you find that you are being controlled or manipulated through half-truths or omissions? Are you slowly finding out that you have been lied to repeatedly?

*Does the manipulator in your life play the victim and blame others for his/her problems?

*Is there just enough weirdness to make you stop and think, but not quite enough to get you to re-evaluate the entire relationship?

*Are the manipulator's apologies shallow?

Here is some information that you should know if you are dealing with a manipulative person....

*Being in a relationship with a manipulative person is a destructive cycle.

*People in healthy relationships have nothing to hide or defend.

*Don't blow off the opinions of your friends and family. They have your best interests in mind. When you cut off your support system, it only helps the manipulator gain dominance over you.

*Compassion is not easily understood or accepted by manipulators. It will only hurt you more in the end.

*Manipulative people are often very insecure. The root of their selfish control is their own damaged self esteem.

*Don't try to point out the above warning signs to the manipulator. This type of person won't recognize it and you will only be wasting your time.

*This control doesn't happen overnight, but it happens subtly over a period of time. Manipulators will invest months or even years in "training" you to accept and carry out their will.

*Severely controlling and manipulative people often have clinical mental disorders. You cannot hope to change or rescue such a person. As much as you may care for them, the best help you can give them is to refuse to be their victim and direct them to professional help - although most of the time they won't admit they need help.

*Manipulators are legends in their own mind, but the truth eventually comes to light.