我的快樂 – My Happiness

Just finished watching another Taiwanese TV drama : 命中注定我爱你 or Fated to Love You.  (oh btw, the english translation of the Title is such a poor representation of the real meaning behind the Mandarin Title).  Here’s the second theme song of the Drama.  Love the song.  The simplicity of the words seem to capture the complexity of the story so beautifully. Love the Drama.

The Drama’s storyline tells of 2 strangers making really big mistakes, seemingly like they’ve screwed up their entire lives.  But towards the end, it tells of how although it seems like they’ve made huge mistakes, it’s like it’s all part of a bigger Plan, bigger Picture… like ’someone up there’ is looking after them.

Why I like this Drama so much? Maybe cos somehow bits and pieces of my own life is portrayed in it.  When I think of how I’ve screwed up big time, yet it somehow it worked out all okie.  I thank God for second chances.  Where would I be without His Love and Grace?  I thank God that He turned everything around for good.  I thank God that He holds my world in the palm of His hands.  No matter what happens, God is always in control.  Most of all, I thank God that He loves me.

Shifting Seasons…

Have you ever watched the Japanese Anime “Rurouni Kenshin” (or sometimes titled as “Samurai X” in some countries)? It’s one of my favourite animes, and this is the 4th time I’m watching the series again.  Totally love the sword fighting scenes and also the portrayal of Kenshin’s strong sense of justice and loyalty in the series.

But this time round, as I was watching it again, I saw something I didn’t see before.  See, “Rurouni Kenshin” is about the story of a peaceful wanderer, Himura Kenshin, during the early Meiji period in Japan.  However, before Kenshin became a peaceful wanderer, he was an assassin (known as Hitokiri Battosai) during the Bakumatsu war, in the final years of the Edo period in Japan.

After the war, Kenshin quits being an assassin and lives as a peaceful wanderer instead.  He reverses his sword into a Sakaba, and uses it now to protect the innocent and those in need. However along his journey, he meets many enemies, both old and new.

In the many fights that follow, it suddenly dawned upon me that many of Kenshin’s old enemies were not only challenging him to settle old scores, but also because they were not willing to give up their old way of life.  They refused to accept the changes that came with the new Meiji government, instead they were desperately trying to hold onto what was familiar and known of the Edo period.

Kenshin on the other hand, embraced the change fully and moved on.  Using his superb sword skills for new purposes.  He saw what the others couldn’t see.  He saw the new possibilities (of a peaceful Japan) and new opportunities. Even though he was a wanderer, Kenshin lived the rest of his life with great purpose.

In those 99 episodes of “Rurouni Kenshin”, I am reminded that the only thing that is consistent in life is change!!!  Time flies!  We can either embrace change or resist it.  Change is never easy.  It often requires steps of FAITH to move into the unknown, into the unfamiliar.  However that choice is ours.  So my question is this: When you look back, what do you see?

Are you one who watches things happen, or like many who wonder what happened, or are you that someone who makes things happen?

Lord, I pray that in the shifting seasons of my life, may I always embrace change and always be learning.  May I live my life according to the purposes You have for me.  Help me to see with Your eyes.  Help me to take those steps of FAITH and to lean on You, trusting in Your Faithfulness and in Your unfailing Love.

I love you Jesus, with everything I am.

“Here I stand my life before You,
Can’t believe the price you paid,
Gave it all just for me.
I lay my life upon the altar.
Take me now, I place my life in Your hands.

King of Heaven, You’re my Saviour,
You left Your place of glory,
Giving Your life just for me.
How could I ever repay You?
You came into my life, Lord,
You set me free.

Chorus
Everything I am I give to You,
For You are holy, holy.
Take my life and everything I do.
For You are holy, holy.” … Planetshakers

Faith to Carry Through

I’ve been listening to Jaci Velasquez’s new album: Love Out Loud, and am absolutely loving it. Clearly the album carries with it the message of where she’s been and where she’s at right now. Through her music she shares her life’s journey.

Yet somehow the song “Nothing But Sky” seems to resonate deeply within my own heart. It seems to speak of where I’ve been and where I’m at now. Every word, every note struck a chord within my inner being. Such is the power of music. The power to influence and to affect. And I love it!

“I’m here
With all the scars and the tears
I’ve survived
It takes time
To find forgiveness
Get on with my life

(Chorus)
I’ve gone through the heartache
Learned from the pain
Walked through the broken, and all that remains
Is a heart that’s wide open
Ready and willing to fly
Now, there’s nothing but sky
Nothing but sky

It’s clear
That what doesn’t kill you
Makes you strong
I’m here
Right where I should be
In your tender arms

(Chorus)

Nothing but blue sky around me
Nothing but sky
Nothing but this moment now
Floating high above the clouds
It’s all I need, You here with me

(Chorus)

There’s no sign of rain
Ain’t no clouds in my way
Nothing but blue sky around me
Nothing but sky” … Jaci Velasquez: Love out Loud

Oh Lord, in your tender arms I find rest. In your tender arms is where I belong. In your tender arms there is faith to carry me through.