If winter comes, can spring be far behind?

O Gentle Savior

⊆ 3:21 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

"Let me at thy throne of mercy
find a sweet relief,
kneeling there in deep contrition;
help my unbelief.

Trusting only in thy merit,
would I seek thy face;
heal my wounded, broken spirit,
save me by thy grace.

Thou the spring of all my comfort,
more than life to me,
whom have I on earth beside thee?
Whom in heaven but thee?

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
hear my humble cry;
while on others thou art calling,
do not pass me by."


1920

⊆ 11:40 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 1 comments »



Listening to this song/watching the video has become a birthday tradition for me. I watch the video while listening to the song every single time, otherwise it feels like something's missing. It's a good song, one of my favorite songs of hers. I've always liked it.

Aside being sick, it's been a nice weekend. I've had friends time, family time(sorta), alone time, casual conversations and deep conversations. Very well balanced. Leaving my teenage years behind, what God has in store for me this new decade and onwards, I can't wait to see. And a big thank you to everyone in my life. Happy or sad, I'm truly grateful.


geometry

⊆ 2:01 AM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 1 comments »




























Let's just say, this is a marvelous piece of advertising design, despite the product. One of the best cubist posters, I think. (Modiano, Robert Bereny, 1928)


L+V Day

⊆ 4:30 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 1 comments »

I've been going around telling people that the last time St. Valentine's Day and Chinese Lunar New Year landed on the same day was 56 years ago! And after today, the next time will be in 2048. So, it's a pretty big deal, at least in China it is. Apparently my parents were very indecisive about what to do on this special day. They wanted to have their own activities, but then it's also the day for family-get-together and stuff. So that amused me, and I wonder what they ended up doing.


The punchline is, whatever you do today, make it worthwhile and remember to show some gratitude and appreciation to the wonderful people in your life. I guess that's the attitude we should have every day. I'm truly thankful for Heavenly Father's endless mercy and love. I can not ask for more.

Well, happy holidays to my dear ones! This year is off to a good start.

(On a completely irrelevant and random note: my stats professor sent us the link to this comic website made for (and possibly by) maths people...)



"Oh My God, Charlie Darwin"

⊆ 6:28 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

This movie merely presents the life of a man who once lived. Nothing more.


moon walk

⊆ 12:24 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »


Thanks to No Theft, yesterday I rediscovered this piece of gold in a removable hard drive that I no longer use, along with a couple of other older albums of Air. I miss the fusion era back when synthesizers and MIDI controllers were heavily used. It is delightful to hear the sound effects again, in a late 90s album. Plus it's got some very enjoyable bass lines.


Lately

⊆ 9:58 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 2 comments »

Life's been hectic since the very second I got back from the break. It was very difficult to readjust to the fast pace within one day and catch up on school. For the past couple of weeks, I've been changing the way I used to treat myself. I now go to bed before the clock strikes midnight every night and get up at 7 the latest. I get an hour reading and devotional time in the morning, and that starts my day right. I haven't had coffee since the beginning of the quarter. Strange how I don't need it any more. Also, no more long naps during the day has been very helpful. I'm still less motivated to go jogging, but I've been doing it at least twice a week. This new system is great. It's amazing how much more my productivity has gone up that I can steal an entire evening during the week to do some other stuff. However, this system has a drawback. It requires a lot alone time, which means I don't even get to spend time with my study buddies (because studying in groups isn't as efficient you know what I mean...). And I only see some of my friends on Sabbath day. I just need to figure out how to reduce some of my alone time within the new system. Maybe I can use my evening off to make human connections instead of playing chess against the machine and never win.


That's all. Just a brief summary of my life as of late. Hopefully I don't slip back to my old habits. And I need to catch up on blogging as well.






piled higher n deeper

⊆ 3:49 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »





This site has killed my longing for grad school. If you don't plan to become a grad student, the site is good for some giggles. For its complete archive click here.



Airport and stuff

⊆ 12:30 AM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 1 comments »

I'm flying out tomorrow, to the other side of the globe. I really look forward to seeing my parents, but the 15 hour flight is not going to be so pleasant. And I have to go to the airport in the morning. Among all non-geographic locations, airport is my least favorite. I dislike the experience of getting to the airport, going through customs and security, and waiting for hours at the gate before you get on board. It's often a rather dreadful procedure. But that's not the only negative airport feeling I get. For me, it doesn't matter where I'm heading, whether a place I like or not. It's the feeling of "leaving" saddens me. I like places that I can grow attached to and airport doesn't do it for me. It is cold, impersonal and unfriendly in some ways. Though, I do love picking up people at the airport, it is always delightful.


This year I'm a little frustrated that the break is less than three weeks, yet the air fare is just as much. It's still worth it all. I will see my parents whom I haven't seen in a year. I will also get to babysit my little first cousin once removed. It's going to be precious.




time too, go on

⊆ 12:00 AM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

I'm pretty good with dates, and as I remember, it's been exactly a year since I met this sailor who survived a shipwreck. Throughout the year I have been adjusting to some changes and I finally come to the realization that time doesn't heal, nor does it kill. What you do with it is what matters. It gives you something you can always look back at, whether good or bad. And when you do look back, though it could be painful, you will know what to leave behind.


brief

⊆ 4:46 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

War, is the stage of life I'm at. And it has only just begun.


Salute those who bled and sacrificed for freedom, who fought the battles and now deserve peace.

Happy Veterans day!


panic and choke

⊆ 4:46 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »











































Gladwell's new book comes out in a week. Well, it is more of a collection of his selected articles published in The New Yorker magazine from the past decade. Though the contents aren't necessarily "new", I am expecting the book to be a well-put-together photo album of modern american culture and civilization, which by no means am I talking about only the positive aspects. It will be well worth the time to read some of Gladwell's old works and find out how his perspectives have changed over the years. He's a journalist after all. The book should have a fairly high gold content. I don't think I can wait till Oct. 20. I'm going to dig out some if not all the articles in The NYer's archive database to get a sneak peak of the selection.

Funny thing, one of the writings "The Ketchup Conundrum" was published in September 2004. I actually remember seeing it in The New Yorker at the time because I was in RI and the household had subscription.

"Mustard now comes in dozens of different varieties. Why has ketchup stayed the same?" Who would ever come up with that besides Gladwell? I sometimes wonder what this guy's brain is made of.


Drummer

⊆ 5:15 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »


This album is on my queue.

Patrick Carney of The Black Keys put the group together and he himself plays the role of bassist. All the members are drummers. You can see it as a "side-project" they are doing to kill time aside from their own bands' stuff. But it's clear that they came together for a change, as well as a challenge.

Don't be stereotypical, drummers are usually just being humble. They are great composers too. If you know what I mean.





i hide myself within my flower

⊆ 1:00 AM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

Rediscovered my Emily Dickinson collection today while organizing closets, sat down and read this:


"I hide myself within my flower
That wearing on your breast -
You - unsuspecting, wear me too -
And angels know the rest.

I hide myself within my flower
That, fading from your vase -
You - unsuspecting, feel for me -
Almost a loneliness."

- I Hide Myself Within My Flower (1859, 1864)



I could sing of Your Love forever

⊆ 11:15 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 1 comments »

I could sing of His Love forever. That's right!

I preached (kind of) for the very first time tonight. It didn't go as smoothly as I would like it to. Went blank and stumbled over my second language a couple of times. BUT, nonetheless, I did it. To me, it was a huge deal. Public speaking has been one of my biggest fears, and especially preaching, I'd never thought I would deliver a message someday. Now I have had my breakthrough, I know He will continue to give me the courage and strength that I need to reach higher goals. And it doesn't matter if I just take baby steps.

When I read "You have never disappointed me..." on the bus the other day, all at a sudden I felt an heavenly arm wrapping around me, and it was SUCH a great relief! I felt like I had never fully understood before. It was hard to not tear up at that moment. It was the best realization ever.

My character has been rapidly shaped recently. It's an interesting feeling. I feel like I'm becoming more real, more direct with people and as well as the way I communicate with God. Breaking out of an eggshell, is a fitting analogy to describe my current stage.

I've been trying real hard to burn the "list" I have kept. And I'm so amazed how unbelievably well this process is going. It's so hard to imagine that Jesus lives in us, like literally. God is able, and He has enabled me in so many unexpected good ways. I can't believe how determined I am when dealing with things now. I'm grateful for the people He's brought into my life, His way of using people is incredible. I can hardly wait for His next steps. Growing can be painful but beautiful at the same time. At the end, it will be all rewarding.

Je sais qu'avec Jésus je suis fort. C'est vrai. :)


free time...finally

⊆ 7:37 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

So, my internship contract ends in two days, which means starting from friday I'll be the "freest" person for at least two weeks, which means I'll be unemployed till whenever I find a suitable position somewhere.

But that's not my point. What I was trying to say was that I finally have some free time of my own, after almost a year, and I'm excited about it! I need a break and some good rest. I will after all have time to study for my first acturary exam, which I've been putting off for the last three months or so. I will also have time for cooking, guitaring and diving into some good reads. There are so many things I want to do during this break, and I can really use some motivations.

I have goals for the break, and to exaggerate a little, I want it to be a turning point of my life. Yes, it's that serious ;)

Ok, what I was REALLY trying to say was, I have time to hang out! Yeah, I know, when I'm finally free, everybody else is busy...shoot! But hey, just in case you have some free time or lucky enough to get a day off or something. Call me up!


life/me/you came and got me...impression of the day

⊆ 11:10 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

you've striked hard but never enough

you've hidden your heart yet exposed the tail

you've repined for treasures only the false ones

you've blown everything to sacrifice for something cherished

why be bitter; why resent

what have I given

the humble expect nothing

O Father, take my troubles away

for I know in your purpose I am worthy

no past

no future

the present, I long to live in


Inbox (1)

⊆ 11:25 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

Last night, I dug out an old message a friend sent me over a year ago after I turned 18, and I simply couldn't help holding back my tears. It meant so much and still means a lot to me. Things have changed. And it almost feels nostalgic.

Cherish the ones you love, and enjoy every single second you spend with them. I know it sounds like a cliche. But, really, don't take them for granted.

I love you friend. And please keep smiling.


my life according to cat stevens

⊆ 7:44 PM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

Interesting stuff...

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 15 people you like and include me. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Re-post as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist:
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)

Are you a male or female:
Lady

Describe yourself:
On The Road To Find Out

How do you feel:
I'm So Sleepy

Describe where you currently live:
Wild World

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Heaven/Where True Love Goes

Your favorite form of transportation:
Peace Train

Your best friend is:
Jesus

You and your best friends are:
Father And Son

Your favorite color is:
Into White

What's the weather like:
Silent Sunlight

Favorite time of day:
Midday(Avoid City After Dark)

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Roadsinger

What is life to you:
It's a Supa (Dupa) Life

Your relationships:
Whispers From A Spiritual Garden

Your last relationship:
How Can I Tell You

Your fear:
This Glass World

What is the best advice you can give:
One Day At A Time

If you could change your name, you would change it to:
Lilywhite

Thought for the Day:
I Think I See The Light

How I would like to die:
But I Might Die Tonight

My soul's present condition:
Miles From Nowhere

My motto:
Dream On (Until...)


Got peace?

⊆ 11:39 AM by Yasi Xu | ˜ 0 comments »

I pray for a peaceful mind. I want it more than anything. It's easy to get yourself lost in a world of chaos. The devil is a strategist who always finds ways to turn your focus to men, makes you think that you have to be like the rest of the world and look down on yourself for various reasons.

I would sometimes spend hours to sort out my thoughts, and each time I end up drowning in a state of blindness and confusion. This battle makes me shiver, it is happening and I long for the end and victory.

"Peace, be still." So easy to say, when the words don't mean anything. May it be my prayer for you too.