What's Happening until now

China leading ahead USA. According to my dad's favorite New York Youtuber, Mr. You:

It seems that this is based on the number of billionaires between Beijing and New York City. NYC (99) lost to Beijing (100) in 2020.

Stephen Tong in his recent sermon has already warned young people (or parents) against studying/moving abroad to USA, due to the failing Christendom there.

Seeing dying fish on the beaches in our area had puzzled me for around a year now. I thought they were shads. But according to the news, they are menhaden. Apparently it wasn't a mystery just for me, many had wondered if it had to do with low oxygen levels in the water, but scientists are saying that the Vibrio bacteria is to be blamed. This makes me fear more of our nearby water, definitely not fishing here until I tested the water myself or something. I feel sorry for those still fishing by the water fronts. Perhaps they did it just for sports, not for food.

After one week of hiatus from swimming, I'm back to LA Fitness this morning (Thursday), first day I am able to work it out with Greg to just come into office twice, instead of thrice a week, while work the rest of the days from home, like the others. That's at least $380-$212 = $168 NJ transit train savings. Now I just have to work it out with Nadia's Flexpass (the Transit's new pandemic deal of 20 tickets for 20% off for 30 days), to save even more. If I could reduce it to just one day in office a week, not only would I save (roughly $212-$106=$106) more, I may actually be able to get my desk station back because Rudy wouldn't need to be there on the day I come in (Social Distancing). But Greg was right, we need a way to retain a backup in case one goes off for vacation. Oh well, I guess as IT, one still can't fully work from home (WFH). Well, at least I get to improve my butterfly stroke today. My lesson in the dolphin stroke had been interrupted when I was little while being trained in USM. Why? I don't remember, perhaps just a matter of late timing. My only tutor in this favorite stroke of Michael Phelps is Youtube. It is indeed to most exhausting stroke. There is kick twice per arms dive/swing method that works, but I think I should pursue kick-swing-kick-swing method as well. Thus far, I clocked my records at: 20 secs for 25m

Made me looked up the USM swimming pool (50m x 25m). Ah what memories I had, my parents would bring me and my brother, we would bring a large thermos of hot Milo, which tasted 10 times better after an exhaustive swim (or water play), we would drink it by the stair-bench on the left shown below:

Exterior photography — Jordan Lye Photography

The USM pool definitely looks smaller than I imagined. Yup, like my dad said, when you grow up, things you used to remember will seem smaller.

I have rekindled my interest in Astronomy yet again, after trying out the EVScope a few months ago and then stopped due to cold weather and not able to get out of Bortle scale high than 6, 7. I'll just do it with my binoculars for most parts for now. Astrophotography will have to wait a bit, though it is not too distant away, I hope. So below is the Spring sky of 4/8/2021 around 10PM in our backyard in South Amboy:

Backyard Observation, 4/8/2021, around 10PM, South Amboy, NJ. Labeled ones are seen by naked eyes, unlabeled ones are found via binoculars, i.e. the stars in Corona Borealis.

When some trashed Ravi Zacharias' books after the slander becomes real, I thought like what most with some brain think, that you listen to what they preach you don't do what they do. Even that, I thought, that any minister who love writing books more than preaching (real life confrontation) already have problem. Now, I look at these kinds of books burners as idol worshippers. I don't buy books to show support or admiration, unlike them.

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Sermon - Stephen Tong Sunday Service 04/04/2021

Hymn #1: Kristus Bangkit Soraklah (Christ the Lord is Risen Today 基督今复活)by Charles Wesley, Lyra Davidica

Hymn #2: Mulia dan Menang (Thine is the Glory 荣耀与胜利归复活神子)by George Matheson, Albert Peace

Pembacaan Alkitab: Markus 16:1-8

Hymn #3: S'bab Dia Hidup (Because He Lives 因他活着) by Gloria and William Gaither

Crucifixion Darkness mentioned. The length of it therefore. I read that the Mormons believe that it's 3 days of darkness in the New World at the time.

Most artists painted the Crucifixion without wounds, except for: Mathias Grünewald

John & Peter Running towards the Sepulcher Painting by Eugene Burnand shown. 1898. https://www.artbible.info/art/large/49.html

Eugène Burnand: Peter and John Running to the Tomb

Many artists based on this for their works. But I found an earlier piece by Valentine Green, 1784, Mezzotint:

File:Peter and John run to the tomb of Christ. Mezzotint by V. Gr Wellcome  V0034822.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Facial expressions are the only differences I could analyze.

Threat of life can force someone to tell the truth or lie. Lie, because the truth one stands on was not valuable than his own life. But such treat cannot make someone a liar, when the truth he stands for is more valuable than his life. So the what is the truth, is important here. If the truth is mere pride, then it's useless, despite steaking one's life on it.

As a side note, I suddenly thought of if Tim Keller had a bad impression of Stephen Tong due to Tong's criticism of him in KL 2020, thus fell for the most common trap of “Who do you think you are, criticism me without knowing me first". We often never take kindly to stranger's criticism, be it right or wrong. Also we often do not criticize those whom we know/close to as hardly. Bringing this before Christ, I reflect upon who, what type, Christ rebukes. It appears that strong criticisms upon those taking the role of a teacher: Pharisees, Mary mother of Jesus when she asked Jesus to perform miracle, Peter when he rebuked Jesus out of loyalty.

Where will you be when Jesus comes. Rev 6:16 "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!"

Psa 2:12, mentioned first time in the OT, kiss the son. In NT, only one person mentioned that kissed the son, Judas. Fake kiss. Your worship is useless if you mouth is close to Christ but your heart far. Who can stand before Christ when he appears? Kiss him now!

Hymn #4: 寶血權能

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Kebaktian Jumat Agung 2021 - Pdt. Dr. Stephen Tong

2021 受難節崇拜會 - 唐崇榮 牧師博士

A Japanese conductor who is reformed, Masaaki Suzuki, loves to listen to Tong's sermons in Singapore.

This song was mentioned, regarding someone local cello player in his concert hall, so I just searched Youtube for a random player of this piece:

新派的用头脑认识上帝,越想越离开上帝。

在各各他,只有一个看不见智慧,看不见神迹,却得到更大的智慧,神迹。

各各他是上帝把他的心破开给全人类看的一个地方。

各各他是上帝把完全没有爱临到却从那边产生了爱的源头,供应每个人需要的一个地方。

Two things when man sins he does not realize:
1. When he is proud, he knows not his pride - He would never say "Look I am being proud now"
2. When he is jealous, he does not realize he is being jealous.

There are other sins as well that is not realized, such as when we misunderstood others, etc.

Thus, Luke 23:34. Upon which the thief on the cross reflected. Contrasted his position with Christ's.

Some listen and think. Some listen but never think.

Jesus' last breath was unique, for it was a loud command. No one does that when they die.

Though we learned from Paul in Romans that God raised Christ from death, The Holy Spirit raised Christ. But in the book of John Chapter 10, Jesus has authority to give and take back his life.

@1:48:41 道成肉身,基督的人性和道是有关系的。这个人性超过所有的人性。他有自己舍去生命的权柄,有自己取回生命的权柄。

The conversion of the thief shows that salvation does not come from work.

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What's Happening up to now

So I got my Pfizer vaccine first shot today, well, 4/1, at Mount Sinai. Took a day off from SPG. Went there around 1:30pm. Line's not bad, about 3 people before me. The only negative part, slightly, was after signing in, I went through a survey process with a young chubby black lady who's rather slow or having issue with her computer. But her work attitude wasn't great either, it was as if she really didn't want to be there. But I kept my bright attitude to hopefully encourage her. The rest of the staffs are great. I didn't feel anything wrong after the shot. It's 1:51AM now, and if I touch my left arm where the shot was, I could feel something, similar to that of a slight contusion and that's about it for now. My wife said that the real deal is after the second shot, so let's see. Mine's on 4/20, supposedly 3:10pm, but I don't know what this lady did because I got 9:15AM on my MYCHART app instead. Can't make it that early, just need to bring this 3:10pm appointment paper to show as proof then.

The Covid19 is a time of trial God revealed what we hide in our hypocrisy. When churches in America refused to wear masks or laugh at the policy setup for the pandemic, they reveal themselves to actually be lack of caring, despite what care missions they try to promote verbally, not to mention the apparent care in evangelism. Individual freedom over true care, is what it is.

Good Friday, listened to GRII Stephen Tong. I thank God for such blessing. After much reflection, I can firmly say, in all seriousness, if I ever have to respond to CCCNY's Laura Lin's (林美云) action FOR me (such as given me this or that title, or introducing me to this or that person), this is my response: 我对乌撒的手段没兴趣。The work of God, requires the LOVE of God, the LOVE FOR God. Not the pride of status, not the pride of humility, not the unholy solutions to sins. If God does not struck her, that means He is still using her. Her title as pastor still stands, that means God in His mysterious ways worketh in CCCNY, that I cannot deny, never had, never will. How can I turn the LOVE of Christ into such blasphemy? No. May God forgive me, even for the slightest and unrealized derailment from His holy precepts.

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Vocab: Strident

Kathy’s Word of the Week

Weekly Brain Food brought to you by our CHRO

strident

Pronunciation:
strahyd-nt

Definition:
loud and harsh

As used in a sentence:
his voice had become increasingly sharp, almost strident

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Sermon - Stephen Tong Sunday Service 03/28/2021 Revelation 2:12-17

Hymn #1: Kemuliaan Dan Hormat (All Glory, Loud and Honor)

Hymn #2: Penebus Yang Mulia (Blessed Redeemer) by Avis M. Christiansen, Harry Dixon Loes

Pembacaan Alkitab: Yohanes 12:12-19

Hymn #3: Tinggal Sertaku (Abide with Me) by H.F. Lyte, William H. Monk

Double Edged Sword - the Word of God, truth, etc. To the Pergamos Church, know that I am your Lord who will judge you.

Third church, Pergamos, most celaka.

Elgin Marbles of British Museum mentioned. Arts brought from Greece. Venus de Milo mentioned.

Story of Balaam. Only two incidents in the Bible where animals talk.

Tong again criticized America and other high tech countries in their failure in handling Covid-19.

Pinehas killing Kozbi & Zimri, Numbers 25, synchronized with God's emotion, if he hasn't killed them, God's punishment would be worse.

Tong mentioned his anger against those walking around during service, despite other pastors' criticizing him, is synched with God's anger.

Hymn #4: Pandanglah Pada Yesus (Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus) by Hellen H. Lemmel

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What's up until today

On President Biden, Ben Shapiro's take on Biden's first Press Conference is funny. Trump was vile, but Biden has gone literally senile, and that's not to say he's actually just stupid. It's obvious that many voted for him because they just couldn't stand Trump's uncouth behavior. They do it because they are liberal and young and proud, which aligns with today's American (or rather Western) education system. Biden is well-known to brain freeze during his speech, perhaps that's why he's reluctant to come out in public. Despite encouraging bipartisan cooperation prior to his election, now he would bash the Republicans whenever chance he gets.

First, everyone's afraid that he'll die on us before his first term ended, because he's just so senile, and that Kamala would take over, Alamak! I highly doubt he'll get reelected, and the opposing parties (What's Trump's new party going to be? or is it just a new social media app?) would have such a big fat chance to beat the Democrats the next time that it would definitely have to be election fraud for real if the next presidential victor goes to Democrats again.

On Church, seeing some postings on Facebook and listening to Pak Tong's sermons brought me to reflect on various things. Memories. Wondering where everyone has been. Those actively leading youth fellowships tend to become taciturn now. Yes, they have their own families and children, but still, it does not extrapolate rightly. Extrapolating backwards only show that something's wrong. That their desire to lead, to be active in their youth has ulterior motive. They would deny it for sure, but the numbers don't lie, they are not what they were. This is not even touching on the subject of unconverted ministry.

But of course, many church leaders/pastors these days are no different. They may very well be the progenitors of these goats. Unconverted ministry aside, it's like becoming a pastor was so hard that once the position is obtained, they have no more energy to do more. Loosing their first love, so to speak. If they do not watch themselves, they would mutate their theology thinking that no one would find out because they believe they are smart enough to hold theology A and not A at the same time. Recalling Rev. Laura Lin of CCCNY. Our last conversation was that I told her I cannot in my good conscience be associated with her nor her church.

To think that she actually thought I needed her church to climb in some "ranks". I think that's probably most Western influenced Christians are. They treat Christendom as some Caste System. Pastors are respected because they have gone through great deals, not because they are anointed by God. The case with Michael Liu was definitely a clear red flag against Laura. Seeing her pushing Michael away was like when you thought you've won the lottery and you wipe your arse with the ticket, treating it like garbage. Her despise of Michael in an unChristian way became obvious when she tried to discourage me to get close to Michael by telling me how if Michael graduated first from seminary he would be my teacher. Do you go to school because you want to learn or because you want climb the ladder of fame and pride? Why couldn't she show the faintest love to Michael, I don't know. Perhaps we'll see when God puts them as roommates in heaven, if, either of them would end up there. All I know is, the signs were enough for me to leave her church. There had been many, such as having an elder who's universalist (why that's just plain heresy already), justifying white lies, not gospel-centered (in fact, hating gospel-centeredness - because she claimed there can be no pleasure in serving God, Rev. Laura Lin actually CLAIMED IT SO!!! Boy what sorrowful reward system she must be holding on to). God may very well be moving his lamp from this church, her sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god, her drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up her name into my lips...Psalm 16:4

Rev. Lin wasn't the only one I recall. There were others, the bullies in Stony Brook. Bullies of pastors, basically. They may deny it, but it is what it is. When I stood strong against such behavior, many turned away silently, why? Because bullies don't care to cast the first stones. They continue to hold grudges, they chose to be indifferent, they reveal the nature of their true fellowship - the fellowship of men, not of God. The fellowship of you scratch me I scratch you. When they praise God, what they praise is not God, for they do not know how to be joyful IN GOD. They are joyful, they invoke God's name in their joy, but they are joyful in themselves using God's name, perhaps not carefully breaking the 3rd commandment. To be joyful in God, to praise God's name, is not: Oh God, I thank you, I praise you, for I have 10 As!!! I have such great...That's the Pharisee's prayer/praise. Indeed, history repeats. True joy in the name of God is found in the joy when other sees your ACTION, they would know they MUST praise God themselves if they love the Lord! And they know, you are an active agent of God. They may or may not be converted, but they know the praise at the very least. I say they may not be converted, because I've experienced such folks. Thought they were converted, but they actually were not. Perhaps yet to be.

I shall pray for them. Pray for myself to discern such and destroy such wickedness with such a blow that severe their souls into million pieces, but in a Godly manner, that seek God's mercy always in lightening my eyes before His straight path, so that I have room to forgive even such folks.

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Event Recap: Wine & Cheese Virtual Workshop

I missed this one, I think because of the timing as well as the fact that we need to pay for it, I think. But the notes below are worth it, so I kept it. Learning to be an expert in Wine Tasting like the French!

Mar 01, 2021 by Meaghan McKeever in Company News, Culture Committee 200 20

This past Thursday, March 18th, Solomon Page employees gathered virtually for a Wine & Cheese workshop. Led by an expert in the field, participants learned about various wine and cheese pairings, which we will now share with you!

PAIRINGS INCLUDE:
French Sauvignon Blanc and French Goat Cheese
Argentinian Malbec and Sharp Cheddar

INTRODUCTION:
– Proper tasting technique is used to experience flavor of wine more fully
– Pair one white and one red with a classic cheese pairing (Sauvignon Blanc with French Goat Cheese is an iconic pairing)
– Argentinian Malbec is good paired with Sharp Cheddar
– Pairings are best with congruent or contrasting flavors
– Argentinian Malbec and Sharp Cheddar are congruent (both big, bold flavors)
– Sauvignon Blanc and French Goat Cheese are contrasting
– Another contrasting pairing is sweet wine (port) with a funky blue cheese
– Weight of food should match the weight of wine (red meat with red wine, etc.)
– White wine goes well with fish and red wine goes with red meat

HOW TO PROPERLY TASTE FRENCH SAUVIGNON BLANC (MULTI-STEP PROCESS):
– Take wine glass
– Pour 2 oz portion in your glass (half a glass)
– Give it a sniff. First step is combining aromatics with the flavor, the more you can smell the wine, the more you can taste
– Put the glass on the base of table, put your hand on the base of glass, and swirl around on the table. The goal is to swirl in circular motions because the wine is more aromatic after swirling
– Take a sip
– Inhale and take a sip as inhaling
– Chewing the wine gives you maximum flavor out of the wine

HOW TO TASTE WINE AND CHEESE TOGETHER:
– Eat cheese with a bit of wine in your mouth
– Wash it down with some wine
– When we taste cheese with wine, it changes how the cheese tastes. It often makes cheese creamier after the wine

OTHER NOTES ABOUT SAUVIGNON BLANC:
– Citrus is the first taste receptor we pick up
– Sauvignon Blanc and Brie cheese are also a good pairing
– Sauvignon Blanc goes well with grilled fish and green vegetables (asparagus, spinach)
– It is also a great brunch wine. It goes great with eggs
– New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has citrus notes and is tangy (higher in acid)
– California Sauvignon Blanc is softer and more subdued in acid department (stay around $10.00 range and up. Less expensive Sauvignon Blanc is higher in acid
– Sauvignon Blanc has good minerality that goes well with food. Minerality is to describe a smell. Smells remind us of flavors. Ex: how stone pavement and first drops of rain hit those stones. It has a distinct smell. That smell is associated with tasting minerality
– French style is more approachable than New Zealand for Sauvignon Blanc
– Oysters and Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing – briny and salty from seawater

ARGENTINIAN MALBEC:
– Tannins make the tongue feel dry while drinking red wine
– Red wine is made from the skin of the grapes. The skin is set on top of the juice and color leaks out and into the juice, making it red
– Red wines are more bitter than white wines
– Reds are good with gamey meat. Stewed lamb and Malbec is a good pairing
– Roasted eggplant is also good with Malbec and brings out smokiness
– Malbec is not good with tomato-based meals (not good with spicy food)

RINSING YOUR GLASS BETWEEN TASTINGS (SO THEY DON’T INTERFERE WITH EACH OTHER):
– Take new wine and pour a tablespoon to rinse
– Turn glass on its side and roll it around so it picks up other wine in glass
– Give it nice swirl
– You can try the wine or dump it out

MISC. NOTES:
– Don’t use flavored crackers; best wine and cheese tasting is with plain crackers
– Cloth bound cheese –this gives it more texture because it traps moisture
– Rind on cheese is edible and keeps in moisture of cheeseTags: Culture Committee

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Vocab: Impetuous

Kathy’s Word of the Week

Weekly Brain Food brought to you by our CHRO

impetuous

Pronunciation:
im-pech-oo-uhs

Definition:
of, relating to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc.; impulsive

As used in a sentence:
Her friend was headstrong and impetuous.

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Sermon - Stephen Tong Sunday Service 03/21/2021 Revelation 2:8-11

Hymn #1: Hosana, Puji Tuhan (Hosanna, Loud Hosanna) by Jennette Threlfall

Hymn #2: 'Ku Bernyanyi Tentang Yesus (Why do I sing about Jesus) by Albert Ketchum

Pembacaan Alkitab: Markus 10:35-45

Hymn #3: Aku Berserah (I Surrender All) by J.W. van De Venter, W.S. Weeden

Richness of material is nothing. Richness of boldness is great.

Letter of Revelations, in 95AD, in the of Domitian.

Hymn #4: 'Ku Percaya Pada Yesus ('Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus) by Louisa M.R. Stead, William J. Kirkpatrick

Chinese Version:

Smyrna: Most loyal city to the emperor. Most patriotic. Rich.

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