February: Festivities, Holidays, and Traditions

I enjoy listening to sermons by foreign pastors because they cover a wide range of topics, helping my perspective from being confined to a single ethnicity, group, or country. Lately, I've been particularly fond of sermons from HOPE Taiwan, readily available on YouTube. The best part is that they're bilingual! After listening to the English version, I will listen to the Mandarin version also, which is immensely satisfying and helps me improve my language skills. One sermon delved into the concept of tithing, where willing Christians contribute one-tenth of their monthly income to the church, and the video also discussed how Christians should manage money. Pastor Peter noted that many people tend to wait until they have surplus money or become wealthy before giving to those in need. However, the undeniable truth is that humans are inherently greedy. How long are we willing to wait for that day? While this viewpoint may not be novel to many, in this era of information overload, occasional reminders like this are necessary. I believe that when we give to those in need, we're not just helping them but also ourselves—by restraining our own desires and not allowing money to control our lives.

If you're interested in watching the video or understanding the significance of Christian tithing , you can check out:
#1 Building a Dream House 打造財務夢想屋
#2 8 Rules For Money 人生必學的8條理財法則
#3 A Generous, Beautiful Life 慷慨富足的生活

Speaking of money, there's a Bible verse that has resonated with me since childhood.
Luke 21:1-4  "As Jesus looked up, he saw rich people putting their gifts into the temple offering boxes. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘What I’m about to tell you is true,’ Jesus said. ‘That poor widow has put in more than all the others.’ People gave out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

There's a distinction between giving out of abundance and giving with gratitude and sacrifice. While people measure generosity by quantity, God looks at the heart. 😇

Matthew 6:1-3 also warns about giving, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them….So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret."

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The Chinese New Year of 2024 feels like a successful celebration to me! This year, I refrained from buying new clothes or shoes. While it may not sound so great, it's personally fulfilling! I reminded myself that I have MANY beautiful dresses in my wardrobe, worn only once or twice, hence it's really kinda extravagant to purchase new ones. As for doing nails and hair, those have never interested me, so it wasn't much of a sacrifice haha. Regarding Chinese traditional customs, be it for Chinese New Year, Chinese weddings, Chinese moving into a new house, or Chinese funerals, are numerous. Before the holiday, a colleague suggested that people born in the Year of the Dog should visit the temple to avoid clashing with the Year of the Dragon, which could bring misfortune. "I know you're a Christian, but you should take note of this too! It's important!", she said.  Words were on the tip of my tongue, but since she did not ask, I chose not to explain further, since people who do not want to listen will never truly listen. Despite such beliefs, I refrain from discussing them unless when asked directly, I would be more than happy to share.  Many people might not know, but in fact, Christians believe in matters of the spiritual realm more than others do. It is because we believe, that we always approach spiritual matters with utmost caution.  We believe that when you choose to submit (worship) to a force/power/authority,  you are giving them the power to control your life.  The Bible assures us that the spirit (Holy Spirit) living within us is greater than the spirits/powers/authorities of the world, so we do not need to fear, to submit, or be subjected to these worldly powers. 

1 John 4:4 "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world."

so when John 8:32 assures, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free", it also means that you're free from the bondage of the spirits of the world.

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Speaking of the new year, there's one thing that has been weighing on my mind. While we always advocate for environmental protection and going green, also going to the extent of using reusable bags, and using our own containers for food takeaways, why do we continue to set off fireworks and firecrackers during festivals? Can anyone see the irony? The hypocrisy? Some may argue that car emissions and household appliances (refrigerators and air-conditioners etc) also contribute to pollution, but these are necessities that we do not have the power to make changes, yet. Are fireworks and firecrackers necessities? I dunno about you, but each time I read how Malaysians proudly proclaim the vibrancy of our festivals due to fireworks, I do not feel proud. All I feel is shame. It only reflects poorly on our knowledge and cultural refinement. While others may indulge, my family and I choose not to, this is our silent protest.

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During the school holidays, I travelled to Bintulu to visit YS and her baby. With little else to do, Tony persuaded me to watch "Money Not Enough 3" at the cinema. I was initially reluctant as I preferred to stay in the hotel and binge-read a book that I'd been obsessed with (hopefully I can share it in my next post!). However, after watching, I was pleasantly surprised by the movie's content and instantly grateful to Tony for insisting, as I would have otherwise missed out on a good movie! I appreciated how the movie addressed the conflicts between Buddhism and Christianity head-on, resonating with many Christian sentiments through the character, Grace. I was also surprised that this movie, with all the Christian issues addressed, even made it to the cinema, given that our country is Malaysia (you get what I mean). Perhaps they do not know yet? 😅 Anyway, I truly recommend this movie. 

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Holidays are almost over. I'm preparing and sorting out my emotions for the new school term. And to that "loyal fan", I'd added a little of your suggestion to my blog. Better? Hahaha😆