Life sometimes takes away our joy. Disappointments, regrets, and everyday struggles can leave us weary. Yet, deep within, we long for a fresh beginning, a willing heart, and the strength to carry on. Three beautiful words remind us that renewal is possible: RESTORE — Rediscover the joy we have lost. GRANT — Receive the strength and willingness to begin again. SUSTAIN — Find the inner strength to keep going. These thoughts are inspired by an ancient prayer from the Bible: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. — Psalm 51 verse 12 - New International Version (NIV) For King David, this was more than positive thinking. It was a heartfelt prayer for forgiveness, renewal, and restored joy in God. Whether we are exploring faith or already walking with God, perhaps today is a good day to reflect: What joy needs restoring in my life, and where can I find the strength to begin again? 💖 Joy is not simply something we find; sometimes it is something we need to have restored. #RestoreJoy #RenewedHope #InnerStrength #Psalm51

September 29 is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. We work hard to grow food, harvest it, transport it, sell it and prepare it. Yet some food is lost before it ever reaches a store—and still more is wasted after it reaches our homes. That is especially bitter when so many people in our world still go to bed hungry. But perhaps change can begin right at our own dining table. At home, our mentality should be “waste no food,” rather than thinking that throwing food into a green bin makes waste acceptable. The green bin has its purpose—but preventing waste is better than composting waste. Serve for the appetite, not for appearance. Better a small first helping and a second helping later than an impressive plate that ends in the bin. I like to think of a finished plate as a little mirror: when we can see the plate again, perhaps we prepared just about the right amount. Not because anyone should be forced to finish too much food, but because we learned to portion wisely. September 29 is the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Even after eating, stewardship can continue. I often wipe grease and food residue from plates and utensils with the used napkin before washing them, so less grease and residue go down the drain. Small habits? Yes. But food waste begins with small decisions—and so does food conservation. Jesus told His disciples after feeding the multitude: “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” — John 6:12 (New International Version). Perhaps those words belong not only beside the miracle, but also beside our dining table today. Take what we need.Finish what we take.Share what we can.And give thanks for what we have. #FoodLossAndWaste #WasteLess #GratitudeInAction #LetNothingBeWasted 。 From farm to sink, every step matters. Waste less, share more, and be thankful.

September 22, 2026 marks the Autumn Equinox—the astronomical beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The word equinox comes from the Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, meaning “night.” In simple terms: Equinox = “equal night” — a time when day and night are nearly equal in length. But perhaps the equinox can remind us of something beyond astronomy. Under the same sun and moon, breathing the same life-giving air, we all stand equally before the Divine Giver—the Creator of day and night, seasons and skies, and the breath of life we receive freely every moment. Autumn itself invites us to slow down. The days grow shorter, the air becomes cooler, and green leaves gradually turn gold, orange and red. The fall flowers that inspired my song-writing Perhaps this is a good moment to pause, look around, and simply say: “Thank You, Creator, for another season and another day of life.” 🍂🙏 And here is my Mandarin song, 《四季的旋律 — The Melody of the Seasons》, celebrating the rhythm and beauty of the changing seasons. https://youtu.be/zoZtUOAHVeA If you enjoy the song, please feel free to Like, Share and Subscribe. Thank you—and enjoy the cool air and colourful beauty of fall! 🍁🎶 #AutumnEquinox #MelodyOfTheSeasons #SeasonOfGratitude #ThankTheCreator

September 21 — International Day of Peace With wars, broken relationships and angry voices filling so much of our world, peace can sometimes seem like something only governments and negotiators can create. But while writing “Let Peace Begin Here,” another thought kept returning: before peace reaches nations, it must somehow reach human hearts. Peace needs negotiation and cooperation, but also humility—the willingness to listen, understand, forgive and sometimes take the first step. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (NIV) Notice He said peacemakers—not simply peace-lovers. Peace is something we help to make. That thought also shaped the song “Let Peace Begin Here.” As you listen, I invite you to pay particular attention to the lyrics. The song begins with the wounds we see across the world, then gradually moves closer—from nations to neighbours, from families to the human heart. It asks whether peace is created only at negotiating tables, or whether it must also begin with listening, humility, forgiveness and the willingness to understand one another. The music eventually becomes a prayer. So perhaps listen first to the melody, then listen again to the words. Some lyrics may continue speaking even after the music has faded. So on this International Day of Peace, perhaps the question is not only: “When will the world have peace?” but also: “Am I willing to let peace begin with me?” 🕊️ A Mandarin song, written, composed, and produced by yours truly with ChatGPT and Suno, to commemorate this day. https://youtu.be/131FR7mEw7k #InternationalDayOfPeace #LetPeaceBeginHere #Peacemakers #PeaceStartsWithin

A bond. A pledge. A commitment. "The Covenant" Netflix movie. These are the three words used in The Covenant movie on Netflix to describe what a covenant means. They also help us reflect on our relationship with Christ. Our covenant with Christ is a spiritual bond rooted in His grace, a faithful pledge to answer His divine calling, and a lifelong commitment to follow Him. A promise kept can become a lifeline—from John and Ahmed’s covenant of honour to our daily covenant with Christ. It calls us to remain humble, listen to His voice, obey His Word, and allow His character to be seen in our lives. As His people, we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world—and to participate faithfully in fulfilling His Great Commission. A covenant is not merely a promise spoken once. It is a relationship lived out daily—with faith, obedience, humility and love. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (NIV) About the Movie Set during the war in Afghanistan, *Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant* follows U.S. Army Master Sergeant John Kinley and Ahmed, an Afghan interpreter who joins his unit after the previous interpreter is killed. When their team is ambushed, Ahmed risks everything to save the seriously wounded John and carry him through dangerous territory to safety. Later, John discovers that Ahmed and his family have not received the protection and visas they were promised. Bound by honour and gratitude, John returns to Afghanistan to keep his own promise—to rescue the man who once saved his life. The film is fictional, but it reflects the real danger faced by many Afghan interpreters who assisted American forces and were later left vulnerable. At its heart, *The Covenant* asks a powerful question: When someone gives everything to save you, what does your honour require you to do in return? That question also invites us to reflect on our covenant with Christ. The Anglican Church calls this one’s “Baptismal Promise.” In the “What “I Never Knew You” Actually Means in Matthew 7” video, the word ‘covenant’ is used multiple times as a sovereign act of identifying someone as belonging to God. What a blessed relationship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsHAr_RUW8U #CovenantWithChrist #FaithfulCommitment #LiveAsSaltAndLight #TheGreatCommission

Hosta flowers lift their purple bells, Where summer’s gentle fragrance dwells. Green leaves gather morning rain, While autumn whispers through the lane. The garden pauses, fresh and bright, Preparing for a golden light. Each flower seems to softly say, “Give thanks for this remaining day.” Soon leaves will turn, then drift away, Yet beauty blooms in every change. So welcome fall with grateful hearts, For every season has its part. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” — Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verse 1 (New International Version) Let Nature speak to you—and inspire you to live well and do good for others. ✨🌿🍂 Let every season find you blooming. ✨🍂🌿 #HostaFlowers #AutumnHours #SeasonalBeauty #GratefulHeart

Today, August 12, 2026, is World Elephant Day. It brings to mind the ancient story of the blind men and the elephant. One touched its trunk and called it a snake. Another felt its ear and said it was a fan. Its leg was a tree, its side a wall and its tail a rope. Each man honestly described what he felt—but mistook one part for the whole. There were not many different elephants. There was one elephant—and several incomplete perspectives. How often do we do the same? We see one action and judge a person, experience one failure and judge our entire life, or face one unanswered prayer and wonder whether God is still present. Wisdom begins when we can say, “What I see may be real, but it may not be all there is.” Listen before answering. Ask before judging. Remain humble—and trust the One who sees the whole picture. “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” —1 Corinthians, Chapter 13, Verse 12 (New International Version) On World Elephant Day, may we protect these magnificent creatures—and remember their giant lesson: Before saying, “I know,” ask yourself: Am I seeing the whole truth—or am I only holding the tail? #WorldElephantDay #TheWholePicture #ListenBeforeJudging #WalkWithHumility

Today, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, I pause to remember the peoples whose lives, languages, stories, and care for the land came long before the cities, roads, homes, and comforts many of us now enjoy. For many of us who came to Canada from elsewhere, remembrance should lead to humility—not guilt without action, but gratitude that listens, learns, and respects. We can learn the names and histories of the Indigenous peoples of our own region, care more faithfully for the land and water, and treat the past honestly rather than conveniently forgetting it. The Bible reminds us that the earth is ultimately not ours to possess as we please. We are all guests and stewards of God’s world. May we honour those who have long called this land home, and may our gratitude today become respect in the way we live tomorrow. “Do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” — Micah Chapter 6 Verse 8 #IndigenousPeoplesDay #TruthAndRespect #CareForCreation #WalkHumbly

For our friends in the East, Far East, and Southeast Asia, June 21 has arrived — and that means it is World Giraffe Day! It also comes around the summer solstice, 夏至, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. How fitting to celebrate the world’s tallest animal on the year’s longest day! Have you ever wondered why God’s creation includes such a tall-necked animal? Maybe one reason is simple: so there is still food left for the short-necked ones! The giraffe reaches high into the trees, while many other animals enjoy what grows closer to the ground. Different heights, different appetites, different places at the table. Even in nature, there is room for everyone. And for those who have seen so many wonders in nature — from the tall giraffe to the beauty of a wild orchid to the intricate details of a dragonfly or a bee — perhaps it is worth pausing to ask: could all this marvellous design also be pointing us to the Creator behind it all? So today, let us smile at the giraffe — graceful, gentle, and wonderfully designed — and remember that creation is full of quiet wisdom, playful beauty, and thoughtful provision. #WorldGiraffeDay #SummerSolstice #Giraffe #GodsCreation

We cannot see air, yet we breathe it every moment. We cannot see wind itself, yet we see what it moves. Air is free, but it is not cheap. Without it, life stops. God created trees and oceans as part of His wonderful design to renew the air and sustain life on earth. So the question is simple: whom do we thank for this invisible gift? The same question applies to faith. Jesus lived on this earth. History still remembers Him. The calendar itself was shaped around His coming. Places connected to His life, such as Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, and Jerusalem, are still visited today. Many people enjoy Christmas and Easter as holidays, yet remain blind to the One these days point to. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, is often remembered as “Doubting Thomas” because he said he would not believe unless he saw the risen Lord for himself. After he saw Jesus, he believed. But Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 We believe in air, though we cannot see it. We believe in wind because we see its work. May we also open our hearts to Christ, whose life, death, resurrection, and continuing work have moved history, touched lives, and still call us to believe. #GlobalWindDay #BelieveWithoutSeeing #ThankGodForLife #FaithInChrist

World Environment Day reminds us that caring for creation is not only about protecting forests, oceans, air, and wildlife. It also calls us to care for the everyday environments where people live, work, learn, and serve. A healthy work environment can nurture dignity, creativity, cooperation, and joy, allowing workers to contribute their talents with purpose and hope. Each of us has been entrusted with gifts, skills, influence, and opportunities. When we use them wisely, not merely for personal success but for a good cause and the benefit of others, we help shape a better tomorrow. Whether we are planting a tree, reducing waste, improving a workplace, encouraging a colleague, or building systems that serve people well, every faithful act of care becomes part of a larger stewardship of God’s creation and His blessing to the world. #WorldEnvironmentDay #CareForCreation #BetterTomorrow #FaithfulStewardship

A recent Stanford University LinkedIn post featuring Tina Seelig, executive director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, offered a helpful distinction: Fortune is what happens to you. Luck is what you help create. That thought stayed with me. We often think of luck as something random — a surprise, a chance encounter, an unexpected opening. But Seelig uses the image of wind: opportunities for luck are like the wind, constantly blowing, always moving, powerful but invisible. To catch them, we need a sail. And before the sail, we need a ship. That means doing the internal work first — preparing ourselves, building character, sharpening skills, cultivating readiness, and setting the stage for what may come. Then we need a crew, because luck seldom sails solo. Many doors open through people: mentors, friends, colleagues, encouragers, and those who journey with us. Very few meaningful opportunities are caught alone. Finally, we need to hoist the sail. Preparation and relationships matter, but there comes a moment when we must act — step forward, take initiative, watch the conditions, and become attentive to the winds around us. But one more thing is needed: a compass. A ship may be strong, the crew may be faithful, and the sail may catch the wind — but without a compass, movement can become drifting. Opportunity alone is not enough. We also need direction: a clear work goal, a life purpose, a sense of calling, and the wisdom to know where we are heading. This is where fortune and luck meet: we cannot control every wind that blows, and we cannot decide exactly when the wind will come. But we can control our preparedness, choose the right crew, stay ready, watch the conditions, and decide when to hoist the sail. In that sense, luck is not simply waiting for something good to happen. It is preparing the vessel, gathering the crew, raising the sail at the right time, checking the compass, and moving forward toward a set goal. For me, this also echoes a deeper spiritual truth. We do not command the wind, and we do not control every circumstance. But we are called to be faithful, prepared, discerning, and ready when God opens a way. Sometimes opportunity is not a door suddenly appearing. Sometimes it is a wind already blowing — waiting for a prepared ship, a faithful crew, a raised sail, and a compass pointing the way. Inspired by Stanford University’s LinkedIn post featuring Tina Seelig on catching the winds of opportunity and why luck starts with us. We cannot command the wind, but we can prepare the ship, gather the crew, raise the sail, check the compass, and move toward the goal when the wind begins to blow. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.” — John Chapter 3 verse 8 #FortuneAndLuck #OpportunityAndReadiness #LeadershipJourney #FaithAndWisdom