Pseudonymous
I have a problem.
I’m not proud of it.
I have a curse.
In fact, I share the same curse as many of you who are reading this right now.
Yes it is true—I am Asian;
and I am cheap.
There…I said it.
Whew!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
我是個小氣鬼
Pseudonymous | 中文翻譯：蔡穎
我有一個問題， 一個無法讓我引以為傲的弱點。 這簡直就是我的咒詛！ 事實上，我和正在讀這篇文章的你們有著相同的困擾，真的！ 那就是——我是亞洲人， 而且我是個小氣鬼。
好啦，我終於說出來了！唉！
我有一個問題， 一個無法讓我引以為傲的弱點。 這簡直就是我的咒詛！ 事實上，我和正在讀這篇文章的你們有著相同的困擾，真的！ 那就是——我是亞洲人， 而且我是個小氣鬼。
好啦，我終於說出來了！唉！
Monday, November 1, 2010
Birthdays
By a 25-year-old child of God
Sharon Chan
A speaker once shared a story about a man who did not know his birthday. This was a problem because this man needed to fill out paperwork regarding a student visa. Date of birth is a typical space to be filled on application forms. In our individualistic society, the idea of birth date poses no question for most applicants. But this man could not identify his own birth date. When questioned why he did not know this, he simply answered that in his culture, it was not important to know when a person was born. A man doesn’t need to know his birth date in order to know that he is alive.
Sharon Chan
A speaker once shared a story about a man who did not know his birthday. This was a problem because this man needed to fill out paperwork regarding a student visa. Date of birth is a typical space to be filled on application forms. In our individualistic society, the idea of birth date poses no question for most applicants. But this man could not identify his own birth date. When questioned why he did not know this, he simply answered that in his culture, it was not important to know when a person was born. A man doesn’t need to know his birth date in order to know that he is alive.
生日
陳莎侖：一個25歲的上帝的孩子
中譯： 蔡穎
一位講員曾經讲过这样一个故事，有關一位不知道自己生日的人。不知道自己的出生日期給这人帶來一些麻煩，因為他必須填寫申請學生簽證的相關文件，而出生日期是其中必填的一欄。在我们这样崇尚個人主義的社會里，大多數人對於填寫自己的出生日期是絕對沒問題的，不像這個不知道自己生日的人。別人問他為什麼不知道自己的生日，他只说，在他的文化背景里，知道一個人什麼時候出生并不重要。一個人不需要知道自己的出生日期來證明他活著。
中譯： 蔡穎
一位講員曾經讲过这样一个故事，有關一位不知道自己生日的人。不知道自己的出生日期給这人帶來一些麻煩，因為他必須填寫申請學生簽證的相關文件，而出生日期是其中必填的一欄。在我们这样崇尚個人主義的社會里，大多數人對於填寫自己的出生日期是絕對沒問題的，不像這個不知道自己生日的人。別人問他為什麼不知道自己的生日，他只说，在他的文化背景里，知道一個人什麼時候出生并不重要。一個人不需要知道自己的出生日期來證明他活著。
Night 夜
Kiera Lhys
Moonbeams through a window,
Teardrops of dew clinging to the grass,
A lone rose blooms in the night.
A pale orb shining in the sky,
Crystal jewels litter the ground,
A single flower living out its glory.
中譯：小星星
束束月光穿過窗戶，
眼淚般的露珠依偎於草叢，
一株孤單的玫瑰綻放於夜晚。
一顆寂寞的恆星閃耀於夜空，
水晶寶石照亮大地，
這一株花朵盛開著他的輝煌。
Moonbeams through a window,
Teardrops of dew clinging to the grass,
A lone rose blooms in the night.
A pale orb shining in the sky,
Crystal jewels litter the ground,
A single flower living out its glory.
中譯：小星星
束束月光穿過窗戶，
眼淚般的露珠依偎於草叢，
一株孤單的玫瑰綻放於夜晚。
一顆寂寞的恆星閃耀於夜空，
水晶寶石照亮大地，
這一株花朵盛開著他的輝煌。
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Ten Years
Naomi | English Translation: Linda Yang
At sixteen, she had hair down to her waist.
Father grabbed her by the hair and slammed her head on the wall. He kicked her in the face until she was disfigured.
Through her tears, she saw Mother standing in the doorway, sneering.
Haha
At sixteen, she had hair down to her waist.
Father grabbed her by the hair and slammed her head on the wall. He kicked her in the face until she was disfigured.
Through her tears, she saw Mother standing in the doorway, sneering.
Haha
Growth and Training
Brad Snider
When I was growing up, my family lived in a house that had both a front yard and a back yard. As my sister and I grew up, taking care of the yards became a full family effort. I would mow the lawns during summer, my dad would prune the trees and bushes in the spring, my sister looked after the vegetable garden in the back, and my mom planted and cared for the seasonal flower beds. Through our team effort, we kept our home looking good! Sometimes, people would walk by on the street and comment about how beautiful the yard was and would ask my mom what she did to make it so beautiful. I’m not exactly sure how my mom responded to those comments, but I guarantee you there were a few things she never said. “Oh thanks, we just let everything grow wild and this is what it ended up looking like!” probably never came out of her mouth.
When I was growing up, my family lived in a house that had both a front yard and a back yard. As my sister and I grew up, taking care of the yards became a full family effort. I would mow the lawns during summer, my dad would prune the trees and bushes in the spring, my sister looked after the vegetable garden in the back, and my mom planted and cared for the seasonal flower beds. Through our team effort, we kept our home looking good! Sometimes, people would walk by on the street and comment about how beautiful the yard was and would ask my mom what she did to make it so beautiful. I’m not exactly sure how my mom responded to those comments, but I guarantee you there were a few things she never said. “Oh thanks, we just let everything grow wild and this is what it ended up looking like!” probably never came out of her mouth.
成長和訓練
Brad Snider | 中文翻譯：楊光
小時候，我住的房子前後都有院子。當我和妹妹年齡夠大時，管理這兩個院子成了我們一家四口的工作。夏天我剪草坪，爸爸春天時修剪樹枝和灌木叢，妹妹照顧後院的蔬菜園，而媽媽精心地栽種培養季節性的花壇。通過一家人的努力，我們的院子可好看了！有時，過路的人會誇我們院子有多麼漂亮，並且會問我媽她是怎麼收拾的。我不知道媽媽的回應是甚麼，但我敢保證她肯定不會說：「哦，謝謝，我們只是讓它亂長，結果就成這樣啦！」這種話她大概從來沒有說過。
小時候，我住的房子前後都有院子。當我和妹妹年齡夠大時，管理這兩個院子成了我們一家四口的工作。夏天我剪草坪，爸爸春天時修剪樹枝和灌木叢，妹妹照顧後院的蔬菜園，而媽媽精心地栽種培養季節性的花壇。通過一家人的努力，我們的院子可好看了！有時，過路的人會誇我們院子有多麼漂亮，並且會問我媽她是怎麼收拾的。我不知道媽媽的回應是甚麼，但我敢保證她肯定不會說：「哦，謝謝，我們只是讓它亂長，結果就成這樣啦！」這種話她大概從來沒有說過。
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Who’s Doing Who the Favour?
Pseudonymous
Do you ever feel like God owes you something? Like you’re doing God a favour by going to church, by studying the Bible, or by tithing? I did. Ah, who am I kidding, I still do. But God is working that out in my heart.
This is the true joy in life—being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
—George Bernard Shaw
Do you ever feel like God owes you something? Like you’re doing God a favour by going to church, by studying the Bible, or by tithing? I did. Ah, who am I kidding, I still do. But God is working that out in my heart.
是誰在幫誰的忙?
Pseudonymous | 中文翻譯：蔡穎 & Kevin Poon
這是最真實的喜樂—為自己認為重大的目的而活；像垃圾般地被丟棄之前幹得精疲力盡；做有勢力的人，而不是一團充滿神經失調和憤世嫉俗，只會埋怨著世界無法為你帶來幸福的狂熱而自私的混合物。
—蕭伯納(著名劇作家)
你是否覺得上帝虧欠了你？你去教會、讀經、十一奉獻，好像在幫上帝的忙似的。我曾經是這樣想的。我這是在騙誰啊？我依然這樣想，但祂正在我的心裡動工。Tuesday, August 3, 2010
義路 Path of Righteousness
小米 Naomi
主啊！主啊！主啊！
創造天地的主······
你可知
你是我
心中唯一渴慕
不管是在高山或低谷
還是在那面對紅海的絕路
你是那無所不能的主
引導我走義路
你領我到安靜的溪水旁
教我作世上的鹽和光
告訴我
你是主耶穌
耶穌基督
走過了那高山和低谷
還有那紅海底的路
我才知道 你就是唯一的主
唯一的主
English Translation: Linda Yang
O Lord, Lord, Lord!
Creator God of the universe…
Do you know
You are
The only desire of my heart
Whether on mountains or in valleys
Or on the road to the Red Sea
You, God, are omnipotent
You direct me on the path of righteousness
You lead me beside quiet waters
Teach me to be salt and light of the earth
And tell me that
You are Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Over mountains and valleys
Through the Red Sea road
I finally know that
You are Lord
The One and Only
主啊！主啊！主啊！
創造天地的主······
你可知
你是我
心中唯一渴慕
不管是在高山或低谷
還是在那面對紅海的絕路
你是那無所不能的主
引導我走義路
你領我到安靜的溪水旁
教我作世上的鹽和光
告訴我
你是主耶穌
耶穌基督
走過了那高山和低谷
還有那紅海底的路
我才知道 你就是唯一的主
唯一的主
English Translation: Linda Yang
O Lord, Lord, Lord!
Creator God of the universe…
Do you know
You are
The only desire of my heart
Whether on mountains or in valleys
Or on the road to the Red Sea
You, God, are omnipotent
You direct me on the path of righteousness
You lead me beside quiet waters
Teach me to be salt and light of the earth
And tell me that
You are Lord Jesus
Jesus Christ
Over mountains and valleys
Through the Red Sea road
I finally know that
You are Lord
The One and Only
Time and Eternity 光陰和永恆
Kiera Lhys
Down the path of life we walk
With all the twists and turns we’ve never sought.
Dreams, hopes, and failures all pass us by,
And then we are gone; a ripple in time, and then we die.
That is our fate as humans, on the journey that we walk.
Time is but an image of eternity;
A snapshot of life, something that we see.
The ticking of the clock, the passing of the sun.
Every dawn becomes dusk, then everything is done.
Our time is gone, nothing but a flash of eternity.
中文翻譯：小星星
我們在人生的道路上趕路
總是遭遇意想不到轉折和崎嶇
夢想，希望，和失敗和我們插肩而過，
然後我們自己也會離去；仿佛時間長河中的一點漣漪，隨之消失無遺。
那就是我們作為人類的命運，
光陰只不過是永恆的一個縮影；
生命的一個片段，一種我們看得見的東西。
隨著時鐘的嘀嗒和日轉星移，
每天黎明變成黃昏，萬事也隨之結束
我們的光陰逝去，徒留永恆中的一絲回憶。
Down the path of life we walk
With all the twists and turns we’ve never sought.
Dreams, hopes, and failures all pass us by,
And then we are gone; a ripple in time, and then we die.
That is our fate as humans, on the journey that we walk.
Time is but an image of eternity;
A snapshot of life, something that we see.
The ticking of the clock, the passing of the sun.
Every dawn becomes dusk, then everything is done.
Our time is gone, nothing but a flash of eternity.
中文翻譯：小星星
我們在人生的道路上趕路
總是遭遇意想不到轉折和崎嶇
夢想，希望，和失敗和我們插肩而過，
然後我們自己也會離去；仿佛時間長河中的一點漣漪，隨之消失無遺。
那就是我們作為人類的命運，
光陰只不過是永恆的一個縮影；
生命的一個片段，一種我們看得見的東西。
隨著時鐘的嘀嗒和日轉星移，
每天黎明變成黃昏，萬事也隨之結束
我們的光陰逝去，徒留永恆中的一絲回憶。
Practicing Loneliness with Jesus
Ephesus
I recently read about new breakthroughs in video gaming, including a handheld device that produced 3-D images. At a restaurant, I was surprised to find a toddler poking curiously at an iPad while, at the mall, several adults peer just as curiously into 3D TVs. Most would think that technological advances help bring people closer together, but it is often quite the opposite. Because of these technological advances, many people rather spend most of their time surfing Facebook than actually meeting people face-to-face. People use technology in an attempt to fill the void of loneliness that exists in each of us.
I recently read about new breakthroughs in video gaming, including a handheld device that produced 3-D images. At a restaurant, I was surprised to find a toddler poking curiously at an iPad while, at the mall, several adults peer just as curiously into 3D TVs. Most would think that technological advances help bring people closer together, but it is often quite the opposite. Because of these technological advances, many people rather spend most of their time surfing Facebook than actually meeting people face-to-face. People use technology in an attempt to fill the void of loneliness that exists in each of us.
與耶穌一同經歷寂寞
以弗所｜中文翻譯：楊光
我最近聽說電動遊戲有新的突破，包括設有三D的手持遊戲機。有一次在餐館裡，我驚訝地發現一個小孩好奇地玩iPad，就像成人們在商場裡好奇地看著三D電視一樣。大多數人會認為科技進步有助於拉近人們之間的距離，但現實往往是恰恰相反的。因為這些科技的進步，許多人寧願將時間浪費在Facebook上，也不願意與人面對面交流。人們使用科技試圖填補每一個人都會有的寂寞感。
我最近聽說電動遊戲有新的突破，包括設有三D的手持遊戲機。有一次在餐館裡，我驚訝地發現一個小孩好奇地玩iPad，就像成人們在商場裡好奇地看著三D電視一樣。大多數人會認為科技進步有助於拉近人們之間的距離，但現實往往是恰恰相反的。因為這些科技的進步，許多人寧願將時間浪費在Facebook上，也不願意與人面對面交流。人們使用科技試圖填補每一個人都會有的寂寞感。
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Unconditional Love
Janet Lui
This isn’t a story to celebrate me, but to celebrate Jesus and what He has done for me and what He continues to do every day. I write this because this is my way of thanking Him for loving me and washing my sins away. I never deserved any of this for a second, yet He loves me so much that he has led me out of the darkness. I want to share with you my love for Him and how I am ready to dedicate my life to Him.
I fell away from God during the first few years of post-secondary. I didn’t feel as if I belonged in church with all the “good kids.” Christians were just too good, while I felt sinful, guilty, and ashamed every time I stepped into church. I told myself: this is not where I want to be. I didn’t want to pretend that I’m a good person. So I left altogether.
This isn’t a story to celebrate me, but to celebrate Jesus and what He has done for me and what He continues to do every day. I write this because this is my way of thanking Him for loving me and washing my sins away. I never deserved any of this for a second, yet He loves me so much that he has led me out of the darkness. I want to share with you my love for Him and how I am ready to dedicate my life to Him.
I fell away from God during the first few years of post-secondary. I didn’t feel as if I belonged in church with all the “good kids.” Christians were just too good, while I felt sinful, guilty, and ashamed every time I stepped into church. I told myself: this is not where I want to be. I didn’t want to pretend that I’m a good person. So I left altogether.
無限的愛
Janet Lui | 中文翻譯：楊光
這個故事慶祝的不是我的成就，而是耶穌，慶祝他為我所作的並每天繼續做的一切，用我的方式感謝他給我的愛並洗淨我的罪。雖然我根本不應得，但他很愛我，帶領我走出黑暗。我想與大家分享我對他的愛，我怎樣準備好將生命奉獻給他。
大學的前兩年內，我遠離了上帝。我覺得自己與教會裡的「好小孩」太不一樣了。基督徒們實在是太好了，而我每次走進教堂都會感到有罪惡感、很羞愧。我告訴自己：我不想在這兒呆下去，我不想假裝自己是個好人。所以我徹底離開了。
這個故事慶祝的不是我的成就，而是耶穌，慶祝他為我所作的並每天繼續做的一切，用我的方式感謝他給我的愛並洗淨我的罪。雖然我根本不應得，但他很愛我，帶領我走出黑暗。我想與大家分享我對他的愛，我怎樣準備好將生命奉獻給他。
大學的前兩年內，我遠離了上帝。我覺得自己與教會裡的「好小孩」太不一樣了。基督徒們實在是太好了，而我每次走進教堂都會感到有罪惡感、很羞愧。我告訴自己：我不想在這兒呆下去，我不想假裝自己是個好人。所以我徹底離開了。
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
More Than Enough
Brad Snider
About a year ago my wife and I went on a tropical vacation. I had just finished my busiest time at work, and my wife (who is a school teacher) was looking forward to her spring break away from the bustle of the classroom. When we arrived at our destination, we were greeted with warm and sunny weather, a gorgeous beach, swimming pools, palm trees, friendly people, and an opportunity to rest and relax far away from home and responsibility. We had a great week. When we came back home people asked how the trip was, and I would say: “It was great. I got a lot of rest.”
About a year ago my wife and I went on a tropical vacation. I had just finished my busiest time at work, and my wife (who is a school teacher) was looking forward to her spring break away from the bustle of the classroom. When we arrived at our destination, we were greeted with warm and sunny weather, a gorgeous beach, swimming pools, palm trees, friendly people, and an opportunity to rest and relax far away from home and responsibility. We had a great week. When we came back home people asked how the trip was, and I would say: “It was great. I got a lot of rest.”
绰绰有余
Brad Snider | 中文翻译：杨光
差不多一年前，我与太太去热带地区度假。我的工作刚刚度过非常紧张的阶段，而做小学老师的太太也正积极地等待着春假的来临，离开繁忙的教室。到了目的地，我们遇到的是温暖天晴的气候、漂亮的沙滩、游泳池、棕榈树和友好的本地人，并且是一个能离开家、放下所有责任好好能休息和放松的机会。这一个星期度过的很愉快。我们回来后每当别人问起度假怎么样，我就会说：「很棒，我休息的很好。」
差不多一年前，我与太太去热带地区度假。我的工作刚刚度过非常紧张的阶段，而做小学老师的太太也正积极地等待着春假的来临，离开繁忙的教室。到了目的地，我们遇到的是温暖天晴的气候、漂亮的沙滩、游泳池、棕榈树和友好的本地人，并且是一个能离开家、放下所有责任好好能休息和放松的机会。这一个星期度过的很愉快。我们回来后每当别人问起度假怎么样，我就会说：「很棒，我休息的很好。」
Dawn 晨曦
Kiera Lhys | 中譯：小星星
A midnight-blue sky dotted with stars;
Countless in their sparkle, twinkling above.
The more you seek, the more appears,
Those gems that decorate the heavens.
The darkness of the night appears,
Diffusing midnight to navy,
From navy to indigo-violet while
The shining orb of life rises in the east.
Soft lavender light filters through the window.
The cool night air rises from the misty ground.
Birds awaken and begin to fill the silent space
With cheerful voices, songs of joy.
The clouds are clothed majestically
In gold, purple, pink, and blue
To welcome the rising star of morning-
The heavens declare the glory of the Maker.
The mountains stand in all their splendour,
The flowers display His awe-inspiring designs,
And all the while the little birds are singing
God’s praises sweetly in the trees.
午夜的藍天繁星點點；
無數光芒在上空閃爍。
你越是尋找，發現得越多，
那些點綴著天堂的寶石。
每當夜幕降臨， 將深夜染成藏青色，
又從藏青色過渡到深紫色之時
一個充滿生機的天體從東方升起。
柔軟的薰衣草輕輕穿過窗戶。
夜晚的清新空氣從迷霧中的地面升起。
鳥兒睡醒後填補了寂靜
並用它們特有的歡快歌聲歌唱。
雲朵盛裝而來 呈現出
金色，紫色，粉紅和藍色
一同迎接啓明星的升起。
天堂述說著造物主的光輝。
壯麗的群山聳立， 花朵展現著
他驚為天人的設計。
此時此刻小鳥正在歡唱 在樹叢中
甜美地稱頌著他們的主。
A midnight-blue sky dotted with stars;
Countless in their sparkle, twinkling above.
The more you seek, the more appears,
Those gems that decorate the heavens.
The darkness of the night appears,
Diffusing midnight to navy,
From navy to indigo-violet while
The shining orb of life rises in the east.
Soft lavender light filters through the window.
The cool night air rises from the misty ground.
Birds awaken and begin to fill the silent space
With cheerful voices, songs of joy.
The clouds are clothed majestically
In gold, purple, pink, and blue
To welcome the rising star of morning-
The heavens declare the glory of the Maker.
The mountains stand in all their splendour,
The flowers display His awe-inspiring designs,
And all the while the little birds are singing
God’s praises sweetly in the trees.
午夜的藍天繁星點點；
無數光芒在上空閃爍。
你越是尋找，發現得越多，
那些點綴著天堂的寶石。
每當夜幕降臨， 將深夜染成藏青色，
又從藏青色過渡到深紫色之時
一個充滿生機的天體從東方升起。
柔軟的薰衣草輕輕穿過窗戶。
夜晚的清新空氣從迷霧中的地面升起。
鳥兒睡醒後填補了寂靜
並用它們特有的歡快歌聲歌唱。
雲朵盛裝而來 呈現出
金色，紫色，粉紅和藍色
一同迎接啓明星的升起。
天堂述說著造物主的光輝。
壯麗的群山聳立， 花朵展現著
他驚為天人的設計。
此時此刻小鳥正在歡唱 在樹叢中
甜美地稱頌著他們的主。
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Olympic Reflections
By Ephesus
The Olympics are over and life is “back to normal” again. No more line-ups, no more ziplining over Robson Square, and no more cranberry-filled Olympic rings. The Vancouver Olympics was filled with nervousness, anticipation, and patriotic pride. Each of us have definitely been affected in one way or another.
The Olympics are over and life is “back to normal” again. No more line-ups, no more ziplining over Robson Square, and no more cranberry-filled Olympic rings. The Vancouver Olympics was filled with nervousness, anticipation, and patriotic pride. Each of us have definitely been affected in one way or another.
反思奧運
原文：以弗所 | 中譯：蔡穎
冬季奧運会結束了，生活恢复正常，不再大排長龍，不再有Robson广场的高空吊繩，也不會有蔓越莓在水中堆成的奧運五環。溫哥華冬季奧運充滿了緊張氣氛、期待和为國家的自豪。我們每個人必定都因冬奧受到某種程度的影響。
冬季奧運会結束了，生活恢复正常，不再大排長龍，不再有Robson广场的高空吊繩，也不會有蔓越莓在水中堆成的奧運五環。溫哥華冬季奧運充滿了緊張氣氛、期待和为國家的自豪。我們每個人必定都因冬奧受到某種程度的影響。
My Trip to China
By Stephanie Young, guest contributor
This November, I had the unexpected opportunity to use my skills as an occupational therapist and joined a team from EMAS on a short term medical trip to China. I say “unexpected” because I had other plans for myself this fall. Needless to say, I had a lot of doubts and fears going into this trip at first, but with a few encouraging nudges from friends and family and the prayer support of countless warriors, I said yes, and, two months later, found myself flying across the Pacific to a city in China.
This November, I had the unexpected opportunity to use my skills as an occupational therapist and joined a team from EMAS on a short term medical trip to China. I say “unexpected” because I had other plans for myself this fall. Needless to say, I had a lot of doubts and fears going into this trip at first, but with a few encouraging nudges from friends and family and the prayer support of countless warriors, I said yes, and, two months later, found myself flying across the Pacific to a city in China.
我的中國一行
原文：Steph Young | 中譯：蔡穎
去年十一月，在出乎意料的情況下，我能夠使用自己職業療法的專長，隨著傳愛醫援會短宣隊前往中國。我之所以說這是「出乎意料」因為我本來已計畫好了秋季的活動。不用我多說你也可能知道，我開始的確對這次行程有很多疑惑和懼怕。但在朋友和家人鼓勵的推動，及無數代禱勇士們的支持下，我終於答應前往。兩個月後，我已在太平洋上空飛往一中國城市。
去年十一月，在出乎意料的情況下，我能夠使用自己職業療法的專長，隨著傳愛醫援會短宣隊前往中國。我之所以說這是「出乎意料」因為我本來已計畫好了秋季的活動。不用我多說你也可能知道，我開始的確對這次行程有很多疑惑和懼怕。但在朋友和家人鼓勵的推動，及無數代禱勇士們的支持下，我終於答應前往。兩個月後，我已在太平洋上空飛往一中國城市。
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Early Retirement
By Pseudonymous
If you’re like me, you dream of the day when you retire. Or better yet, the day when you win the lottery so that you can retire early (Bonus: you’re young enough to actually enjoy it). You know what I’m talking about: the day when you are free to do whatever you want, whenever you want, and have the means to do it. After all, isn’t that what we labor so hard for? We work 40+ hours a week, invest in RRSPs so that one day we can retire with our nest egg and take it easy. After all, didn’t God tell us to be good stewards of money?
If you’re like me, you dream of the day when you retire. Or better yet, the day when you win the lottery so that you can retire early (Bonus: you’re young enough to actually enjoy it). You know what I’m talking about: the day when you are free to do whatever you want, whenever you want, and have the means to do it. After all, isn’t that what we labor so hard for? We work 40+ hours a week, invest in RRSPs so that one day we can retire with our nest egg and take it easy. After all, didn’t God tell us to be good stewards of money?
提早退休
原文：Pseudonymous | 中文翻譯：蔡穎
也許你象我一樣夢想著退休後的生活。或更棒的是，當你中了樂透彩劵，就可以提早退休了，而且額外的好處是你還夠年輕，可以享受生活。你明白我的意思：就是可以在任何時間、任何地點、有足夠的財產做任何你希望做的事。這不正是我們天天努力工作想得到的嗎？我們一星期工作四十個小時以上，將薪水投資到註冊退休儲蓄計畫裡（RRSP）讓我們有一天能在儲蓄金窩裡退休享受。畢竟，上帝不是要我們做金錢的好管家嗎？
也許你象我一樣夢想著退休後的生活。或更棒的是，當你中了樂透彩劵，就可以提早退休了，而且額外的好處是你還夠年輕，可以享受生活。你明白我的意思：就是可以在任何時間、任何地點、有足夠的財產做任何你希望做的事。這不正是我們天天努力工作想得到的嗎？我們一星期工作四十個小時以上，將薪水投資到註冊退休儲蓄計畫裡（RRSP）讓我們有一天能在儲蓄金窩裡退休享受。畢竟，上帝不是要我們做金錢的好管家嗎？
Dance of Peace 安靜地舞蹈
By Kiera Lhys | 中譯：小米
How is it that such gloominess captures me?
Rain streams from the heavens without end.
Are they God’s tears? Or the Gardener’s care?
Falling and falling, continuously, endlessly, falling
Such a strange repetition with a wry beauty.
A visit from above, a soft pitter on the ground.
The rain continues to come, continues to fall.
In falling it entrances me, enslaves my eyes.
Though exhausted, my mind is ablaze with thoughts
While I watch this greyness pouring down and down
Safely from inside the window, away from the wind
And rain that never ceases, long as I may watch.
Such calm steals through my soul as I sit,
A peace that cannot exist fills my heart, my mind.
I worry over nothing, no stress can touch me
As long as I am still, unmoving, listening to the quiet,
Listening to the whisper of my own thoughts, listening
To the gentle pattering of the rain’s dance, nature’s song.
這樣的陰鬱何時擄獲了我心？
這從天而降的雨啊，
無窮無盡……
是上帝在落淚嗎？
還是園丁在澆水？
下吧，下吧，不要停……
這反反復復的綺麗，
這別具一格的美
是來自天堂的訪問嗎？
還是親吻著地面的嘴？
雨一直下，
還是一直下個不停
在墜落中迷惑了我，
征服了我的——眼睛
在迷離間，面對這不斷下落的灰幕
思想的火花，點燃我心
窗戶的這邊，悠然無風
我定睛看著雨，
看到雨，始終不停
坐在寧靜裡，
寧靜掏空我靈
不可思議的祥和，
充滿了我心
再沒有甚麼能讓我困擾，
沒有甚麼壓力能夠靠近
只要我停下來，
不動，
在寂靜中聆聽
聽那來自靈魂深處的呢喃，
聽雨的舞步，
自然的——旋轉音……
How is it that such gloominess captures me?
Rain streams from the heavens without end.
Are they God’s tears? Or the Gardener’s care?
Falling and falling, continuously, endlessly, falling
Such a strange repetition with a wry beauty.
A visit from above, a soft pitter on the ground.
The rain continues to come, continues to fall.
In falling it entrances me, enslaves my eyes.
Though exhausted, my mind is ablaze with thoughts
While I watch this greyness pouring down and down
Safely from inside the window, away from the wind
And rain that never ceases, long as I may watch.
Such calm steals through my soul as I sit,
A peace that cannot exist fills my heart, my mind.
I worry over nothing, no stress can touch me
As long as I am still, unmoving, listening to the quiet,
Listening to the whisper of my own thoughts, listening
To the gentle pattering of the rain’s dance, nature’s song.
這樣的陰鬱何時擄獲了我心？
這從天而降的雨啊，
無窮無盡……
是上帝在落淚嗎？
還是園丁在澆水？
下吧，下吧，不要停……
這反反復復的綺麗，
這別具一格的美
是來自天堂的訪問嗎？
還是親吻著地面的嘴？
雨一直下，
還是一直下個不停
在墜落中迷惑了我，
征服了我的——眼睛
在迷離間，面對這不斷下落的灰幕
思想的火花，點燃我心
窗戶的這邊，悠然無風
我定睛看著雨，
看到雨，始終不停
坐在寧靜裡，
寧靜掏空我靈
不可思議的祥和，
充滿了我心
再沒有甚麼能讓我困擾，
沒有甚麼壓力能夠靠近
只要我停下來，
不動，
在寂靜中聆聽
聽那來自靈魂深處的呢喃，
聽雨的舞步，
自然的——旋轉音……
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Christ-centred Compassion
By H. Lo
I went to East Africa this past summer for several weeks doing community development work in two villages, one in Kenya and one in Ethiopia. I had just joined staff with a humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) and so I went on this trip to get an idea of the kind of project I would be taking Canadians on in the near future.
In Kenya, we built a dormitory for teachers who walked 4 hours a week to work and worked on implementing a new sprinkler system for the farm in the village. In Ethiopia, we built a school in a Somali village.
It was a life-impacting trip, but I didn’t get any explosive, life-altering moments.
I went to East Africa this past summer for several weeks doing community development work in two villages, one in Kenya and one in Ethiopia. I had just joined staff with a humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) and so I went on this trip to get an idea of the kind of project I would be taking Canadians on in the near future.
In Kenya, we built a dormitory for teachers who walked 4 hours a week to work and worked on implementing a new sprinkler system for the farm in the village. In Ethiopia, we built a school in a Somali village.
It was a life-impacting trip, but I didn’t get any explosive, life-altering moments.
以基督為中心的慈善
原文：H. Lo | 中譯：趙泰和
去年夏天我到非洲東部的兩個村莊裡做了幾個星期的社區發展工作，一個村莊在肯尼亞，另一個在埃塞俄比亞。我當時剛加入一個非政府的人道主義組織（non-governmental organization 或 NGO），這次出行正好讓我瞭解以後帶其它加拿大人去應該開展甚麼樣項目。
在肯尼亞，我們蓋了一間宿舍，給那些一星期須要走四個小時去上班的當地老師們住。我們還幫助村莊裡的農場安裝新的灌溉系統。在埃塞俄比亞，我們在一個索馬裡族人的村子裡建了一所學校。
那是一次影響一生的旅行，但我沒經歷到甚麼驚天動地、改變生命的時刻。
去年夏天我到非洲東部的兩個村莊裡做了幾個星期的社區發展工作，一個村莊在肯尼亞，另一個在埃塞俄比亞。我當時剛加入一個非政府的人道主義組織（non-governmental organization 或 NGO），這次出行正好讓我瞭解以後帶其它加拿大人去應該開展甚麼樣項目。
在肯尼亞，我們蓋了一間宿舍，給那些一星期須要走四個小時去上班的當地老師們住。我們還幫助村莊裡的農場安裝新的灌溉系統。在埃塞俄比亞，我們在一個索馬裡族人的村子裡建了一所學校。
那是一次影響一生的旅行，但我沒經歷到甚麼驚天動地、改變生命的時刻。
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Chinese Olympic Diver’s Baptism Testimony
Source: www.gospeltimes.cn | English translation: Linda Yang
Chinese Olympic diver, Fu Mingxia and her husband, Antony Leung, former Financial Secretary of Hong Kong shared their testimony on Yuan Zhiming’s blog. Known as China’s diving queen, Fu is a former member of the Chinese Olympic diving team and winner of three Olympic gold medals. Leung, a successful Hong Kong businessman, had previously left the business world for a tenure as Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary. They married in 2002 and were baptized in November 2009.
Chinese Olympic diver, Fu Mingxia and her husband, Antony Leung, former Financial Secretary of Hong Kong shared their testimony on Yuan Zhiming’s blog. Known as China’s diving queen, Fu is a former member of the Chinese Olympic diving team and winner of three Olympic gold medals. Leung, a successful Hong Kong businessman, had previously left the business world for a tenure as Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary. They married in 2002 and were baptized in November 2009.
中國著名跳水運動員伏明霞、梁錦松一家信仰見證
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Jobless Meanderings
By Pseudonymous
Being laid off isn’t fun. Your identity, to a large extent (although it shouldn’t be), is attached to what you do for a living. I am particularly proud of my living because I have a cool job: I’m a fashion designer. I went to Ryerson. I’m artistic. I’m creative. I’m different. I’m unique—and I’m proud of it. Landing my first job was a proud moment. Prestigious agency, fancy job title, working downtown—and I loved what I did. I was on my way. Or so I thought.
Being laid off isn’t fun. Your identity, to a large extent (although it shouldn’t be), is attached to what you do for a living. I am particularly proud of my living because I have a cool job: I’m a fashion designer. I went to Ryerson. I’m artistic. I’m creative. I’m different. I’m unique—and I’m proud of it. Landing my first job was a proud moment. Prestigious agency, fancy job title, working downtown—and I loved what I did. I was on my way. Or so I thought.
漫步在沒有工作的小徑上
原文：Pseudonymous | 中譯：蔡穎
被解雇不是件好玩的事！ 一般來說，人的身分建立在他的職業上（雖然這是不應該的）而我尤其以工作而自豪 –– 我是一名時裝設計師，我畢業於多倫多的Ryerson大學，我是個藝術家，我充滿創意，我與眾不同、獨一無二 –– 而且為此我感到驕傲！得到我第一份工作是個令我驕傲的一刻 –– 有名望的工作室，高級職稱，在市中心工作，而且做得是我喜愛的工作。一切都安置妥當、向前進，至少我是這麼認為的。
被解雇不是件好玩的事！ 一般來說，人的身分建立在他的職業上（雖然這是不應該的）而我尤其以工作而自豪 –– 我是一名時裝設計師，我畢業於多倫多的Ryerson大學，我是個藝術家，我充滿創意，我與眾不同、獨一無二 –– 而且為此我感到驕傲！得到我第一份工作是個令我驕傲的一刻 –– 有名望的工作室，高級職稱，在市中心工作，而且做得是我喜愛的工作。一切都安置妥當、向前進，至少我是這麼認為的。
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Summer Reflections
By Kendrick Lee, guest contributor
Sometimes it’s easy to forget. Forget? Forget what? Your name? Hopefully not…although I did forget my name once in Chinese school when I was ten. But maybe it’s something just as integral to my identity as my name is. I’m talking about forgetting what it means to be a Christian. You know, what it means to be one of those “followers of Christ.” Has this ever happened to you?
Sometimes it’s easy to forget. Forget? Forget what? Your name? Hopefully not…although I did forget my name once in Chinese school when I was ten. But maybe it’s something just as integral to my identity as my name is. I’m talking about forgetting what it means to be a Christian. You know, what it means to be one of those “followers of Christ.” Has this ever happened to you?
夏日裡的反思
原文：Kendrick Lee | 中譯：蔡穎
有時候我們很容易就會忘記，忘記…忘記什麼？你的名字？不會吧…（我十歲時在中文學校上課忘記過自己的名字）。我想說得是與名字一樣對我的身分而言有著象徵性，不可缺少的一部份。我說的是，忘記身為「基督徒」的意義，也就是忘記所謂做一名「跟隨耶穌的人」的意義。這種情況是否也曾發生在你身上？
有時候我們很容易就會忘記，忘記…忘記什麼？你的名字？不會吧…（我十歲時在中文學校上課忘記過自己的名字）。我想說得是與名字一樣對我的身分而言有著象徵性，不可缺少的一部份。我說的是，忘記身為「基督徒」的意義，也就是忘記所謂做一名「跟隨耶穌的人」的意義。這種情況是否也曾發生在你身上？