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Today I stumbled upon a power word I rarely hear: halcyon. And it’s a cousin to another quiet powerhouse: idyllic. Both feel like rare gems in a world obsessed with louder, faster, bigger. Halcyon. Idyllic. Words that don’t roar. They whisper. They carry the kind of strength that doesn’t need applause — The strength of stillness. Of peace. Of a moment so beautiful, so gentle, that it feels like time itself pauses to watch. It got me thinking… Maybe real power isn’t always found in storms, victories, and big headlines. Maybe, it’s in those halcyon moments — The kind where you sit by still waters. Where the breeze brushes your face, And your heart dares to exhale. The Psalmist once wrote about those moments: He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. I felt that verse today, more than I read it. In these halcyon spaces, You realize that power can be soft. Power can be quiet. And perhaps the most powerful thing I can do today is to slow down, still my soul, and savor the moment. What’s your halcyon space today? It doesn’t need to be grand. It might be your first sip of coffee. The morning sun brushing through your window. A silent prayer whispered between meetings. Some words aren’t just definitions. They’re invitations. Today, halcyon is my invitation. And I’m holding onto it, softly, but firmly. #HalcyonMoments #PowerInStillness #IdyllicPause #QuietStrength

These tender buds are in no rush. They know beauty takes time. Fragrance takes patience. And Nature follows the rhythm set by the Creator. In this season of waiting, I'm reminded of what Lao Tzu once said: "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." And the Bible echoes: "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:25) So I wait… not passively, but attentively, expectantly, letting God and Nature reveal their wonders in their perfect timing. Sometimes, the most fragrant blooms in life are the ones that invite us to slow down, breathe, and trust the process. #WisteriaBloom #PatienceAndHope #TrustTheProcess #BloomInHisTime

I’ve always found it curious how car mirrors warn us with that little line: “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.” It’s a design feature — meant to give us wider vision and better safety. But sometimes, what’s behind us becomes more than just a reference point. It becomes a distraction. Or worse… a blinding danger. Ever been on the highway at night with high beams glaring into your rearview mirror? The light’s not in front of you, but it still blinds your vision , makes you anxious, and tempts you to drift. It can be unsettling — and in some cases, even deadly. And life is no different. We often live our lives through the mirror — constantly glancing back at: ➤ past failures that haunt us, ➤ past achievements that define us, ➤ or past attractions — success, power, validation — that glimmer just enough to pull us off course. But here’s the thing: Rearview mirrors themselves aren’t the problem. In fact, just like in driving, they’re essential tools  — not for direction, but for awareness . They help us: ✔ stay alert to what’s catching up ✔ reflect on what we’ve passed✔ assess when to shift lanes or slow down But they’re not meant to steer our lives . Spiritually, the same is true. God may allow us to look back — to learn, to repent, to remember His faithfulness. But if we stare too long, the past can: ✘  blind  us with regret, ✘  distract  us from the present, ✘ or cause us to miss  His voice calling us forward. That’s why faith — real faith — looks through the windshield , not the mirror. 🕊️  “…forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”  (Philippians 3:13)🕊️  “…if your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light…” (Matthew 6:22) So next time a glare from the past tries to steal your focus, ask yourself: Is this light from the Son … or just a distraction  in the rearview? ✨ Use your mirror — but don’t live in it. Your purpose is not behind you. Eyes forward, heart steady, and faith fixed on the road ahead. #RearviewMirrorFaith #BlindedByThePast #FaithAndFocus #EyesForwardFaith #LearnFromThePast #DoNotDriveByTheMirror #FixYourEyesOnJesus #SpiritualAwareness

This Easter weekend, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, I found myself under a thick cloud of flu and sinus misery: coughing, sneezing, congested, and completely bedridden. Those moments felt like walking through my own shadowed valley—like journeying with Christ through His suffering, death, burial, and empty grave. Then came Easter Monday—and with it, a flicker of strength, renewal, and grace. Half of me felt like I was back to life. Back to my desk, a laptop I hadn’t touched for three days, I woke up to the word "resurrection," which is listed as Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day. And it stopped me in my tracks. It said, “In Christian theology, Resurrection (typically capitalized in this use) refers to the event in which Jesus Christ returned to life after his death…” Even in a secular dictionary, the Resurrection is acknowledged — capital R, bold and unmistakable. The dictionary doesn’t just define a generic concept; it honours the Resurrection as the once-and-for-all moment when Christ conquered death and the grave.  Had Christ not resurrected, would there even be a capital-R Resurrection to hope in today? The same word hit me differently. The word doesn’t just describe an event in the Christian faith, where Christ rose from the dead. It also speaks of renewal, of something lost or broken coming alive again. The dictionary shared two sentences using the word ‘resurrection”: // Church members look forward to celebrating the Resurrection every Easter. // The community applauded the resurrection of the commuter rail system. From death to life, despair to hope, brokenness to healing — we all carry stories of resurrection.  Take a moment to reflect: What does resurrection mean to you — not just in belief, but in your personal walk? How have you seen resurrection show up in your life? In a world quick to forget, may this word — Resurrection — help us remember what’s eternal. And next year this time, it will happen again as a ‘resurrection’ from your mind.

"Ever wonder what a butterfly can teach about survival, faith, and new life?" 🦋✨ I recently read an article titled “Every day is survival’: See the extraordinary lives of ordinary bugs” from National Geographic Magazine with great interest —and honestly, it felt like I was living a bug’s life myself. 🦋✨ My spiritual mind naturally started a conversation with my Spirit-led AI Wingman, exploring whether there were parallels between the daily survival of bugs and our Christian journey. Here’s our story. The Monarch Butterfly starts small and fragile — first as an egg, then as a caterpillar, hungry and restless. It grows, it consumes, but soon it must face a greater calling: death to itself. Inside the hidden chrysalis, a miracle unfolds. The old body dissolves. A new life is formed — delicate, radiant, free. ✨ But the butterfly can’t soar alone. It needs the warmth of the sun to strengthen its wings for the long, courageous migration. ☀️ Our spiritual life mirrors this so closely. We begin hungry for meaning. We chase, we consume, but deep down we know: our old self must die. When we accept Christ, we are not patched up, but transformed — reborn. Yet even with new wings, survival is still part of the journey. Just like the butterfly must dodge predators, hide among leaves, and camouflage itself to survive, we as believers must stay alert, resist temptation, and guard against spiritual predators. The Bible warns us clearly: 🦁 “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV) Without vigilance, new believers can be "consumed" by short-term pleasures, easy compromises, or worldly traps. Survival in faith requires discernment, courage, and constant soaking in the Son-light. 🌸 Like the butterfly carries pollen, we carry Gospel seeds — each word a precious seed of life. 🌟 Like the butterfly depends on sunlight, we depend on the True Light (Christ’s presence and Word) to guide every step. Maybe today, the invitation is simple: 🌱 Surrender your old self. 🌞 Soak in the Son-light. 🦋 Stay vigilant on the journey. 🚀 Live the new life you were created for! #ABugsLife #TransformationInChrist #SonLightLiving #SpiritualSurvival #NewCreation #FaithJourney #ButterflyFaith #SpiritualGrowth #WingsOfGrace #GospelSeeds #ChristianLiving "Just as the Monarch needs sunlight to soar, our souls need the Son-light to truly live." "Two paths stretch before us: One wide, leading to destruction... One narrow, leading to life. Every day, every choice, every step — which path are you walking?"

🌴 The palm tree—resilient, fruitful, and enduring—offers us more than shade. Often found near the sea, its roots are not only deep-reaching to find water in dry places, but also salt-tolerant, thriving where others might wither. It reminds us that true strength comes not just from growing tall, but from reaching deep—even in life’s harshest soil. 🌱 Its waxy leaves, stretched wide like open hands, serve many: woven into roofs, plates, mats, and even handcrafted into expressions of worship. On Palm Sunday, we see them folded into crosses, flowers, and hearts—symbols not just of praise, but of love and surrender. As the vibrant green fades into a soft ivory, it’s not death, but a quiet offering—a transformation from momentary celebration to lasting devotion. 📖 On the road into Jerusalem, palm branches lined the way. People shouted “Hosanna!” not knowing this humble King on a donkey would soon carry a cross. Not to overthrow Rome, but to redeem hearts. Not to conquer by force, but by obedient love. Jesus chose a donkey—not a warhorse. 🌾 A beast of burden, a sign of peace. And just as the palm leaf did not demand glory, neither did the Savior. He came to serve, to heal, and to give His life as a ransom. Palm Sunday calls us to reflect: 🔸 Have we rooted ourselves deeply enough to endure spiritual droughts? 🔸 Are our praises just green and loud, or are we willing to be transformed, even emptied, for a higher purpose? 🔸 Can we offer our lives like a folded leaf—into crosses, flowers, and hearts for Him? This week, hold your palm creation not just in memory of a moment, but in honor of a journey—from Hosanna to sacrifice, from waving leaves to resurrected life. 🕊️ Blessed Holy Week to all. May we be like the palm: steadfast, fruitful, surrendered—pointing always to the One who reigns. #PalmBranches #TheCross #HolyWeekReflections #MarkOfFaith #BlessingOfTheLeaves A cross made from the leaflet of a Palm tree leaf. Five years old now as the colour faded from leaf green to pale white. 🌿 Handwoven from palm leaf, this heart and flower design speaks of love offered and beauty surrendered. From branch to art, it reminds us that true worship is shaped by hands, rooted in heart, and destined to bless.

In nature, we often see love and devotion reflected in the lives of birds. Cardinals feed their mates (see image), swans mourn their lost partners, and doves stay together for life. Their bond is steadfast, unwavering, and deeply connected to survival. A male Cardinal feeding his other half ... The same is true of God’s Word—a precious seed that seeks to pair with our hearts. It is not meant to sit dormant but to take root, transform, and bear fruit. Yet, just as a seed must fall to the ground and die before it grows, we must surrender our will to Christ so that we may be renewed in Him. Jesus said in John 12:24, "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." Our old self must be crucified with Christ, just as He laid down His life for us. Through this surrender, we receive new life, just as a sprouting seed breaks through the soil into the light. #FaithfulLikeTheBirds #BuriedToBloom #WordThatTransforms #SpiritLedStories "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

In 2000, when Rock House Publishers translated and published The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, we couldn’t have anticipated the creative opportunities that would emerge decades later. Lee Strobel, a journalist-turned-Christian apologist, crafted this book as a powerful investigative journey into the life and divinity of Jesus Christ. The compelling story has touched countless lives, inspiring both believers and seekers to dive deeper into the evidence for faith in Christ. Fast forward to 2024—our Traditional Chinese (TC) edition of this book had completely sold out, with only a few copies of the Simplified Chinese (SC) edition remaining. This presented a unique challenge: how could we reprint this classic in a way that served readers of both character systems simultaneously? Out of necessity came inspiration, as we embraced the opportunity to design a Bi-Character Chinese Parallel Read edition. Have you noticed the intricate design of the characters “審” and “宙” on the cover of The Case for Christ? These two characters have different forms in Traditional Chinese (TC) and Simplified Chinese (SC), yet we skillfully merged them into one, allowing readers to recognize both versions at a glance. Moreover, the design incorporates two distinct colors: the “white” portions highlight the SC character, while the “purple” portions emphasize the TC character. This creates a harmonious yin-yang effect, enhancing the visual appeal and enabling readers to naturally follow the text from left to right and top to bottom. The possibility of such a design seems almost preordained 20 years ago, as the selection of the title’s characters paved the way for today’s Bi-Character Chinese Parallel Read Edition. Step by step, grace by grace, this is truly God’s wondrous work in our literary ministry. This milestone reminds us of God’s foresight and grace. Twenty years ago, the Chinese title for this book was thoughtfully crafted, paving the way for this harmonious design today. Moreover, the interior layout echoes this spirit, presenting both TC and SC characters side-by-side for a unified reading experience. Have you noticed the intricate design of the characters “審” and “宙” on the cover of The Case for Christ? At its heart, this project demonstrates the unity and diversity within God’s creation. Through this bi-character design, readers can encounter and learn from the cultural nuances embedded in each writing system. It’s an opportunity to spread His Word more effectively and inclusively, allowing readers to delve into The Case for Christ while reflecting on the richness of our shared faith. We thank the Lord for enabling us to accomplish this, and we invite you to join us in this journey—to sow seeds of the Gospel into hearts across the world, one precious word at a time.

I enjoy watching Jiangsu Television's dating show, If You Are The One (《非誠勿擾》). Is it for the girls? Not really. What captivates me is the young gentlemen from all walks of life, each bringing stories from different provinces of China—rich with insights on culture, food, work philosophy, and travel adventures. In a recent March episode, one gentleman’s statement stood out to me: "Laziness and comfort are synonyms. Technology has helped cultivate my laziness—idle hands." His words sparked a thought—does laziness indeed breed comfort? Is technology a liberator or a silent enabler of our inertia? Let’s explore. "Laziness and comfort are synonyms. Technology has helped cultivate my laziness—idle hands." In today's fast-paced world, technology has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, offering unparalleled convenience. Intelligent assistants like Google Gemini, Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri allow us to control various aspects of our homes with simple commands—turning on the TV, setting timers for our morning coffee, adjusting thermostats, or even compiling shopping lists via smart refrigerators. For writers, this means more time to focus on crafting narratives, as chores like vacuuming are delegated to robotic cleaners. Chores like vacuuming are delegated to robotic cleaners. Readers can immerse themselves in books, completing them in days rather than weeks, thanks to uninterrupted leisure time. Entertainment enthusiasts, however, may find themselves cultivating the "couch potato" lifestyle, indulging in endless content streams. Streaming services like Pluto TV have tapped into this cultural shift, humorously acknowledging our "couch potato" tendencies. Their commercials feature actors dressed as potatoes, lounging comfortably, embodying the quintessential sedentary viewer. The play on words is evident, as "Pluto" phonetically mirrors "potato," reinforcing the brand’s identity with a touch of whimsy. The play on words is evident, as "Pluto" phonetically mirrors "potato," reinforcing the brand’s identity with a touch of whimsy. While these technological advancements offer comfort and save time, they also contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged periods of inactivity, like continuing to ‘cultivate’ the couch potatoes, have been linked to various health issues, including obesity, heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and increased feelings of depression and anxiety. Moreover, studies have shown that even with regular exercise, extended sitting can still pose significant health risks. Incorporating regular physical activity into our routines is crucial to counteract these harmful effects. As the Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians Chapter 6: verses 9-20 (NIV): "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? ... Honor God with your bodies." Enjoying the comforts provided by technology while intentionally scheduling time for movement and exercise. This doesn’t necessarily mean intensive workouts; simple changes like standing while on the phone, taking short walking breaks, or using a standing desk can make a difference. Engaging in moderate activities such as brisk walking or gardening has been associated with a reduced risk of death compared to sedentary individuals. The key is balance—enjoying the comforts provided by technology while intentionally scheduling time for movement and exercise. Maintaining our physical health is more than just self-care—it is a form of respect and gratitude for the life we've been given.

Strong winds and rain aren’t the only invisible forces we face. Viruses, too, are unseen yet incredibly powerful. They can spread silently, causing illness and disruption. Just as we protect ourselves physically—through vaccines, masks, and hygiene—we must also guard our spirits against unseen spiritual threats. The Bible tells us that our battle isn’t just against physical forces but against “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Satan, though invisible, is real. He roams the earth, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But we have a powerful defense: the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He countered Satan’s lies with Scripture, showing us the power of God’s truth. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) puts it this way: "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." This verse reminds us that faith isn’t blind—it’s based on the confidence that God’s promises are true, even when we can’t see the full picture. Saint Augustine once said, "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." This is the hope we have as believers. Though we can’t see God, we see His handiwork in the world around us. And one day, we will see Him face to face, just as the disciples saw the resurrected Christ in His glorified body. So, as we face the invisible forces of this world—whether storms, viruses, or spiritual battles—let’s hold fast to our faith. Trust in the unseen God who loves you, fight the unseen enemy with the armor of God, and look forward to the day when every eye will see Him. The Unseen Battle – Viruses, Faith, and the Hope of Resurrection

Tomorrow, Ontario is bracing for strong winds and rain—a powerful reminder of nature’s way of ushering out winter and welcoming spring with a bang. These winds, though invisible, carry immense force, capable of reshaping landscapes and even damaging homes. It’s fascinating how something we can’t see can have such a tangible impact on our lives. This isn’t the only invisible force at work. Think about heat: you can see fire, but the heat itself is invisible. It can warm you on a cold day or burn you if you’re too close. Cold, too, is invisible, yet it can cool you down or freeze you in an instant. And then there’s air—something we can’t see but can’t live without. Oxygen sustains life, fuels flames, and in excess, can even cause oxygen toxicity. Trees and oceans are nature’s oxygen factories, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen—a system beautifully prepared by God in Genesis Chapter 1. On the third day, He created the environment for life, and on the sixth day, He formed man from the dust and breathed into him the breath of life, making Adam a living being (Genesis 2:7). For Christians, this concept hits even closer to home. We can’t see God, but we see His work everywhere—from the beauty of creation to the love we share with others. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Faith is about trusting in what we cannot see, yet knowing it is real because of its effects. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." This is the essence of our relationship with God. We may not see Him, but we feel His presence in the air we breathe, the warmth of the sun, and the changing seasons. Who created the air? Who designed the plants to produce oxygen? Who set the winds in motion and balanced the climate for heat and cold? The answer is clear: the unseen God, whose power and love are evident in every breath we take. As John 3:8 says, "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." God’s work is like the wind—invisible yet undeniable. We may not always understand His ways, but we can feel His power and guidance in our lives. As we prepare for the winds of tomorrow, let’s also prepare our hearts for the unseen battles around us. Equip yourself with faith, prayer, and God’s Word—the ultimate armor against the invisible forces of this world. The Invisible Forces – Nature, God, and Power

We live in a world that we can see, touch, and measure, but is that all there is? Many people believe in things beyond the visible—love, conscience, intuition. These are real, yet intangible. But what if there’s more to reality than just emotions and thoughts? Take air and wind, for example. Air is invisible, yet it sustains life—without it, we would not survive. Wind cannot be seen, yet we feel its presence. A breeze cools us on a hot day, bringing comfort and refreshment. A storm, however, reminds us of its power, shaping landscapes and even causing destruction. The spiritual world is just as real, affecting our lives, thoughts, and choices, even when we cannot see it. The Bible describes two realms: the physical and the spiritual. The physical world is what we experience daily—nature, society, human relationships. The spiritual world, though unseen, is just as real. It includes God, angels, Satan, and spiritual forces that interact with and influence our lives. The separation between these realms is not infinite—it is as thin as a veil, just beyond our reach. One of the most striking illustrations of this veil comes from Jesus’ story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man lived in luxury, ignoring the suffering of Lazarus, a poor beggar outside his gate. When both died, Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s side, while the rich man found himself in torment. He could see Lazarus in comfort but could not reach him. Crying out for relief, he begged for someone to warn his family so they would not share his fate. The Bible does not explicitly call this place hell (Gehenna), but it describes it as a place of agony and separation from God, where regret and suffering exist without escape. The rich man’s fate was sealed because, during his lifetime, he rejected the truth. The story reminds us that the spiritual realm is near, and our choices in this life determine our place in eternity. If this unseen world is real, what does it mean for us? How does it affect our lives and the choices we make daily? In the same way, the spiritual world exists all around us—influencing, sustaining, and shaping our lives, even if we cannot see it with our eyes. Some feel God’s presence like a gentle breeze, guiding them through life, while others ignore it until they face the storms of life. To be continued...... The Reality of the Spiritual World