My Journal

Perhaps I could predict this:

Lyna: 哇， 詩班很多不會唱的，最後都唱得很好，感謝神。

Me: 詩班唱得怎麼樣，由聽眾心裡決定，上帝知道，不需要您畫蛇添足。

Some think having greencard without citizenship is not "American", some think as long as they are born outside of USA regardless of their country of citizenship, they are not "American", etc.

Personally, I see American as someone who could easily go in and out of U.S.A. without any hassle, just as any U.S. citizen.

Obviously, my criticisms on Americans do not cover every single individuals.

In Bible studies, especially the Evangelical ones, many love the principle of "Speak out your opinion, nobody is wrong".

I am not so. I would point: This one is wrong, that is right, this person is right, wrong, etc.

I wouldn't even consider covering someone's erroneous statements. One must be responsible for one's speech.

Bible study is teaching when there's a teacher present. Not discussion and certainly not a place to bring false principles and false doctrines.

Questions and doubts are always welcome, but one shouldn't be defensive when one's false doctrine is judged. Who can judge? All servants of God, followers of Christ.

As STEMI 2010 September rally approaches, I am part of the music team that will handle chorister registration. I noted a couple objections during yesterday's meeting.

1. The simple 簡譜 musical notation is often used by Chinese congregations as well as many Chinese traditional musicians. I objected its use this time (I was instructed to add the notations for our own church's choir - which I do since I find no alternative). The purpose of such additional notation is meant for those who can't read regular musical notations but can, however, read the simple notation. Therefore, to make the excuse of "for beginners" is absurd. If need be, at least we shouldn't announce that we have numbered notations in Messiah, Elijah, Creation, etc. until the very last second when needed or else it is an obvious vain zeal. I then suggested the use of the website cyberbass.com, also used by OSNY members, which I also donated $20 to yesterday. Using the stupid notation only makes things worse, it prevents people from actually learning from the regular notations. Cyberbass.com uses midi files to train each voice parts in various popular classical pieces.

2.  It was suggested that we buy 140 originals and also make copies so that the choristers are only given the copies and not the originals yet (lest they should lose them) until the week of the rally. I would say this is due to "showing how gracious we can be". Perhaps it was due to my experience with the Oratorio Society I joined, I believe all members of the choir should buy (or pay a partial amount of) their own musics, even if they are volunteering. This would confirm their seriousness, true Christian servitude (evangelically), and responsibility. Not to mention a huge save on papers as well as confusion of switching from copies to originals.

How these objection will turn out, I don't know.

After being told each apartment should have a fuse box inside (I'd always thought fuse box could be outside and I never paid enough attention to notice it indoor) by a building supervisor from a work place, I finally found the time last night around 6-7pm, to take off the 4 old style round screw fuses inconspicuously hidden on the wall next to the bathroom.

Replaced two single pole light switches with dimmers I bought from HomeDepot. With wallplates, and two round knobs for two other broken switches, costing me almost $45. Boy should I get compensation from the landlord, would have been easier if he hadn't "abandoned" here.

My worry was the new light switches. Good thing the 3-way is compatible with the single pole and came with clear instructions. But they work very well after I put the fuses back. A little troubling though, since I couldn't find a wire to connect the ground from the switch to, as instructed by the manual. Well, I supposed we'll have to wait until the fuses blow then.

At least now I get to walk into a bright corridor coming in from outside at night.

Next: I need to fix the paint/cement corroded walls.

In any of my ministry, the American Christians will only have the opportunity to either admit and repent of their "way" or be jealously grinding their teeth. I will not allow them the luxury of thinking that they are my partners.