Change. Uncertainty. As much as we, as humans, hate it, there is no avoiding it.

For me, I think the first real encounter with change was in grade four when a good friend moved away. Fortunately, my friends and I were able to continue enjoying the rest of our elementary school careers after only a short grieving period. After changing schools a couple of times, we encountered Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle in Chemistry. ["No duh… what kind of principle is that??"] And now in Masters of Accounting, we had an entire course devoted to Change Management.

One of the more interesting articles that we read was Surfing the Edge of Chaos by Richard Tanner Pascale, Mark Milleman, ad Linda Gioja. This article parallels the dynamics of survival by complex adaptive systems with those of organizations. Although the focus is different, I think the principles are also applicable to individuals. The most noteworthy one:

Equilibrium is a precursor to death

"What do you mean??" was my first reaction, especially considering the intended topic of this blog. In Chemistry, we learned that all reactions tend towards the equilibrium state; finding balance or equilibrium is often the objective to most efficiently utilize resources.

The authors argue their case based on a law of cybernetics, which states that survival of any organism depends on its capacity to cultivate, and not just tolerate, variety in its internal structure. For example, fish in the ocean are subject to many threats and variation, but are more robust as a result. Compare those fish to fish in aquariums, which are much more sensitive to the slightest disturbances.

Thus, yes, equilibrium is an objective, but not an end goal. To be able to cultivate variety in an equilibrium state means that we must not only be adaptive to change, but actively embrace it. As my friend Sherrie says, (who is on the more extreme end of the "embrace" spectrum,) "Life is about change: change means progress, and progress means that life is not stagnant. I certainly don't want to live a stagnant life."

Our comfortable lives now are only a result of *some* generation of individuals who decided to pursue a better life abroad. Consistent with the principle of the markets, the higher returns require the higher risks – and definitely, not only referring monetary or tangible rewards – think of the risks that people like Dietrich Bonhoeffer or Martin Luther took, and their effective rewards.

Although death as a result is a huge exaggeration for individuals, the significance of being averse to change is emphasized.

Looking to Scripture, nowhere does it indicate that we are to be happy where we are. In fact, complacency is one of the greatest dangers that we are to avoid. Instead, we are to constantly develop, mature, and transform ourselves [Philippians 1:9-11, Romans 12:2].

And even though uncertainties are inevitable along the way, we are comforted by his promise to guide us:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
-- Proverbs 3:5-6

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Regularity, what a concept.

After having training in Toronto for 2 weeks, and currently adhering to a regular study schedule, it feels nice to go into a routine and just prepare for the UFE, which is on September 16-18... so that is coming up *very* quickly!! In any case, it has been quite nice... I guess to me, the UFE is just like any other final examination, and that's a good thing, because I *love* finals. Haha...

I *have* been sleeping early too! Usually, no later than 2am, which is quite significant! This brings me back to my pre-university days! Haha, it feels good to be regular though. =)

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Praise God. =)

It's this time of year again... if you know what I'm referring to. =p

In any case, I guess this is supposedly also kind of a "big year," with graduation, UFE, and whatnot... and yes, I praise God for bringing me through these five years of development. But as these five years draw to a close, these accomplishments were not the significant things that touched me today...

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from an old friend in Toronto. We were never really that close, and we didn't talk very much throughout my university life, but there were those times before when I guess I took some time to listen to his ranting and helped him figure some stuff out. It is humbling to see that he remembers and still appreciated little things like that... it has been very encouraging to receive simple notes from a number of people... much more appreciated than any gift I could ask for.

I am not proud of the many friendships with which God has blessed me over all these years...

But I am in awe from seeing how God has worked throughout all of my friendships, to know that people are touched and inspired and challenged not by my prompting or wisdom, but by His guidance and work... it is truly amazing to know that it is God who has used me in my weaknesses, and to be blessed with seeing the many fruits of his work.

It has been nice to hear from many old friends back in Toronto, and I look forward to going home and reconnecting from where we left off. And to a select audience, you know who you are, it does not mean that I will disconnect my friendships here, but that God will continue to challenge you in many different ways... as He continues to challenge me in many different ways in my new, old environment...

Praise God. =)

"Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge Him.
As surely as the sun rises,
He will appear;
He will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth."
-- Hosea 6:3

test test testing the new blogger interface -- i guess i haven't been here for a *long* time! =)

Yes, indeed, convocation was fun on Saturday... thanks to all who came out, especially if you came from afar! =)

Even though convocation is intended as a celebration of academic achievement, it was a significant reminder to me of God's grace... of the many, many blessings that he has bestowed on me: beautiful weather =), opportunity to study, strength to get through the program, wonderful family, fun and caring friends, a community of believers... all despite my sinful human nature... our God is indeed an awesome God. =)

Here is my family [yes, I know, my siblings and I all don't look alike =p] and a sample of accountants: 3 more months to go, and we shall reconvene in October! =)

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

What excites me?

I don't know, actually, I can't really pinpoint it. For one thing, I *really* do not care about my birthday... and really, very few significant events excite me... except that I started to jump up and down when I found a classic Stabilo Boss highlighter at Grand & Toy last term... so I don't know. =p

Hm... about anniversaries... I think it's interesting to see how different people regard them. [And maybe you can enlighten me, Sherrie] but I wouldn't be bothered to celebrate subannual anniversaries! Haha... [Sherrie: I just think your 9-month blog entry was funny... =p]

I suppose my analysis is as follows:

Birthdays, anniversaries all celebrate history: the completion of milestones, but yet the journey does not end. Besides, I don't particularly wish to celebrate aging. =p The few events that *do* excite me are perhaps just the celebrations of completion, for example:

ARCT Convocation - the end of I-don't-know-how-many-years-of-piano-practising and perhaps the development of expression and passion...

CCF Grad Dinner - the end of a short period where God has developed my spiritual walk and molded me into his servant, where I have been taught by many people and where I hope to have impacted others...

and finally:

My B.Math Convocation - the end of 4 years of post-secondary education has quickly come to an end, and I invite you to come join me this Saturday, June 14 @ 12pm outside the Student Life Centre at the University of Waterloo for pictures...

Hopefully it will be as fun as stationery! =p

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

I guess it's about time for an update... a summary of my going-ons in the past month:

April 20 - 27: Dominican Republic was a nice break, and it was fun to just hang out with my classmates for a week on the beach. =) Aside from the fun, it was awesome to see huge and beautiful God's creation... the expanse of the sea, the calming crashes of waves along the shore, the cool evening air... this hardly captures the scene, but I guess we can all imagine... =)

April 28 and on: Back to Waterloo for accounting UFE training before class on May 5. For whatever reason, I was *extremely* looking forward to training [really, no sarcasm there.] I was not at all sleepy despite my lack of sleep! Mainly because the topic for the first day was Assurance, and I knew I really need a brush-up of my technical skills in that area.

I know I often complain about my class (of accountants) being too keen... and they *are*!!! At the same time, I know it is something to really cherish. I mean, what could be a better study environment? Everyone's keenness is a natural motivator: everyone collectively creating an environment where a positive work ethic [*no* one is ever late for class... *everyone* does all the assigned readings in preparation for class...] and competence (technical, verbal, written, analytical) are respected, where everyone mutually encourages one another as we all proceed towards the UFE... even if it's out of fear of falling behind, it is a motivation just to be in this class. =p

Although it's only been a month since our last vacation, we're already planning our post-UFE cruise. [UFE is September 16, 17, 18.] My classmate scared me the other day: "You know what, in four months, we'll be on a cruise!"

Aiya... huge reality check for me. I am nowhere near being technically competent and able to succinctly write cases to pass the UFE! As a result, machine-mode has been engaged... for the next 3 and a half months... haha...

Of course, I know that my source of strength comes from God alone. No way could I sustain 20+ hour days on my own. =p

The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
— Psalm 29:11

Yes, yes, yes, I am back!

Sorry I didn't really get many chances to blog over this past week...

In case you don't know from where I'm coming back, I went to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic for a week with my classmates!

I *just* got back, but I have to get back to Waterloo tonight, and take care of some other stuff, like tuition... ugh... errands... =p so give me some time to update, please? =)

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Hey hey hey, quick blog...

Haven't had a chance to use internet, but will try to soon...

Trying to keep myself as white as possible, but that wasn't too effective since we played tennis at 12 noon today!!

Crazy? Yes.

Anyway...

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

One more exam to go! But it's going to be a crazy week just making sure I take care of all my errands and living arrangement preparations before I leave on Friday and come back for training on April 28...

Here's an interesting article that I read today... well, maybe only especially interesting to me. =p

[excerpted]

We like to walk and talk, study says
By Roma Luciw, Globe and Mail Update

When it comes to cellphones, Canadians are among the world’s chattiest.

According to a study issued Monday by Ericsson Canada Inc., only the long-winded Americans ramble more than we do, logging an average 29 minutes a day on their mobile phones.

Meanwhile, Canadians spend an average of 19 daily minutes on their cellphones, well above the global average of 16 minutes. (Worldwide results were gathered from Brazil, China, Japan, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the U.S.)

Still, the Ericsson research shows that Canadians favour landline phones over mobiles by a large margin, spending 103 minutes a day on the fixed-line phones. The global average was 68 minutes a day on land phones.

More than half of Canadians, 56 per cent, own a mobile phone, compared with a global average of 68 per cent. Sweden topped the list of cellphone nations, with 93 per cent of Swedes owning a mobile phone.

Canadians spend an average of $41 a bill on their cellphones, lower than a global tally of $60. In comparison, Canadians dish out $50 a month on their regular phones and $34 a month for Internet access.
...

Anyway, my only reaction is: 19 minutes?? That's *nothing*!! =p

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam

What a day... actually, what a week. It's been one of those really long weeks... I can't believe management project was only 3 days ago — it feels like it was at least a couple of weeks ago. I guess time just stands still when we're having fun studying for finals... LOL =p

On an aside, I went to the passport office with a friend today because we both needed to renew our passports. Having been cautioned with a personal horror story, [two Fridays ago, Vonne went to get hers done and the process took upwards of 6 hours, (?!?)] we decided to trek out early and get there by 8:45, when the office opened. Duration of process: in and out in 45 minutes. Nice! So the moral of the story is, if you want to get your passport done quickly, go early in an ice storm. Also, on the way back, I thought this was worth capturing:



I tell you! Icicles are really hazardous! They're scary! =p

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Completed! I must say, I was quite impressed with our management group, turning around our 30% project in a couple of days... I would estimate the number of productive hours that we spent on writing the report and preparing the presentation to be less than 24 hours. =p Yesterday, Teresa's house was basically the "management project house"... her housemate is in our class too. Typical of accountants — this looks like a typical audit team. =p

But now that our management project is complete, we have now finished all of the work for this term, which means that I am back into final exams mode.... [sigh]... finals, oh finals... how I enjoy thee...!! LOL... Back to my home away from home away from home in DC! =)

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

CCF Grad Dinner... typical of the fellowship: a couple weeks of hard work leading to many recent late/sleepless nights in preparation for the night that, in my opinion, epitomizes the essence of the Chinese Christian Fellowship.

Haha, also typical of the fellowship, I'm sure all of the hundreds of photos have already been transferred to computer and uploaded by now. =p [sorry for my untimely blog -- it's been busy...]

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 1:3-6

Although main objective of night is to honour this year's graduates for their many different roles in our lives, in the end, it is inevitable that we direct our attention to the sovereign God who put us here, together, in the first place. God has formed this fellowship for his purpose, and as a body of Christ, we each play a different part in it. As a fellowship, we've stuck together through many things, and grad dinner is one of these perhaps rare nights when we just rejoice:

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. —1 Corinthians 12:26

And so, we praise God for his providence, for his perfect plan, for having let us experience one another's lives, for developing some of our friendships that may soon dissipate, and others that will last a lifetime — all that will last an eternity. Although it is difficult to say whether we have successfully achieved what a fellowship should be, that has been our goal... and of course, that goal does not stop here, and we (grads) henceforth challenge the undergrads to carry on the vision and the good news... =)

To make this night possible, *many* people were behind the scenes [literally, behind the camera, behind the computer workstations]... and I think they were extremely underappreciated... so many thanks to:

Pearl — amazing job... aren't you glad the chaos has come to an end??

Dennis, Yu-ling — very good directors, both of you! and excellent job on the movie! Dennis: sorry if us actors drove you crazy with our silliness [well, especially Tim, haha] during filming =p

Alexis, Johny, Mike, Patty, Waiki, and other honorary residents of the Westcourt house Grad Dinner headquarters — I know you all practically lived there last week! Hope you guys finally caught up on sleep. =)

Alex, Candy, Dan, Deb, Genuine, Jeff, Raph, Sophia, Steph, Tania, and many many more that I'm sure I missed — I know how busy everyone has been this term, and all of your time is greatly appreciated! =)

"I thank God each time I think of you..."

Soli Deo Gloria.

Mentorship and Leadership... Just a couple of topics that have been on my mind lately, what with the outset of the University of Waterloo Chinese Christian Fellowship elections subcommittee...

Signs of age -- discussions of the fellowship: the future direction of the fellowship, how we are to carry the vision out, and with what resources would we employ to fulfill the vision...

Resources, undoubtedly, being people.

It never ceases to amaze me -- the talent with which God has blessed our fellowship. It is somewhat mindboggling to fully grasp the extent of manpower that the fellowship requires and utilises to complete the many initiatives that it establishes. To name a few, weekly Friday night programs that cater to 100+ people, a number of various small groups that meet weekly, once a term productions including refreshments for upwards to 400 people... all on top of our normal academic careers and personal lives. Incredible. Definitely, nothing could happen without the strength of God; we would not be able to accomplish anything.

Practically speaking, however, it would be impossible to start everything from scratch. I mean, whatever learning curve we pick up should be transferred to the next generation -- a sensible concept whether it be explained in terms of the environment (reuse and recycle!), management efficiency (eliminate non-value-added and redundant activities), economics (reduce fixed costs), or whatnot.

Anyway, my point is that as a fellowship, we are continuously in training, equipping the future leaders of the fellowship. Which brings me to my main topic: Who is a leader? What makes a person a leader?

Sure, a gesture such as the undertaking of an initiative rings a clear message. What about age? I know that age itself does not necessarily say anything in particular. Nonetheless, I think it is a reality [whether you choose to accept it or not] that "seniors" (i.e., 3rd year and on?), at least, are automatically perceived as leaders. The question is, then, do perceptions of someone affect how he/she chooses to *be*?

As always, extremities are never desirable. On one hand, we are not to be as callous as to go about our own ways without regard to what people think at all. On the other, we are not to be as easily influenced as to lack any personal conviction. The balance? "...make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." —Romans 14:13. It would be ignorant to avoid perceptions of oneself; at the very minimum, one should examine one's conduct, that it not cause others to stumble. However, what people perceive and thus take as examples of leadership will be retained and carried on. Ultimately, one must think hard of the question of choosing to accept these perceptions, and resultingly, choosing to adopt the role of a leader. I do not think it is a question to be ignored -- ignorance is unacceptable.

On a recent car ride home, we were challenged to think about people who have made us up -- those who have spent time to mentor, influence, and nurture our growth. I know that who I am today is greatly attributed to their time and care. Although it is easy to just be grateful for them, the next logical question is, For whom have you had the honour to mentor, to influence, to nurture *their* growth?

I know that my mentors have been a true blessing in my life, and I have learned much from them. As with all of God's gifts, however, I think that they are to be used. The parable of the talents [Matt. 25:14-30] / ten minas [Luke 19:14-27] illustrates that we are to invest with whatever God has entrusted us; it would only be selfish to receive his gifts for ourselves and keep it at that.

Now that I'm in my last year, at times I have been regarded as "ancient" in the fellowship [but I still challenge anyone to DDR anyday! =p], I think I have more or less adopted a role as a leader. As much as I have tried to challenge some of the younger ones in the fellowship, it has been a two-way street, which has been cool. =) I do not agree that only mentors can influence us; I think any number of people can challenge us and make us think, and I have learned much from many people younger than me.

Notwithstanding the pragmatic issue of training, I think mentorship stems out of love, that we want to expend the energy to build up a fellow brother or sister. Indeed, it is a privilege to be allowed into someone else's life, to know that they honestly consider my opinions and advices... and most gratifyingly, to the point where I can reach out to the person, not "below" me as a mentee, but alongside as a peer -- a beginning of a lifelong partnership to carry on the good work until the day of completion.

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

An article that my sister brought to my attention a little while back. Well, at least it was amusing to us. =p

I yam what I yam

Today's question, brought to you by Knight-Ridder news agency is: What's the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? First, potatoes are tubers. Sweet potatoes are roots. Also, U.S. growers would like for all of us to stop writing two words for sweet potatoes. They insist the proper spelling is sweetpotato — one word. There was no word on whether Dan Quail would add an "e" or not.

A real yam is grown primarily in Africa and the Caribbean, and is darker on the outside, pure white inside. The sweet potato is copper-coloured with a golden-red flesh. The confusion began when slaves compared the sweet potato with the "nyamis" of their homeland. Nyamis became yams, and the two terms became interchangeable. The confusion continues today as the duo are often mislabelled.

The original article in the Toronto Star

Until next time, this is Gladys YAM.

Well, to continue some analysis of Les Miserables, I am sure it is apparent to all, but I thought it was cool how the theme of grace constantly prevailed over the law...

Despite the righteousness that comes with abiding with the law: "You have done your duty, nothing more," in the end, the law cannot prevail over grace:

And must I now begin to doubt,
Who never doubted all these years?
My heart is stone and still it trembles
The world I have known is lost in shadow.
Is he from heaven or from hell?
And does he know
That granting me my life today
This man has killed me even so?
...
It is either Valjean or Javert!

And what of the final statement,
"To love another person is to see the face of God."?

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
–– Matthew 26:40

Peace.

It has been a while since I have experienced peace in our apartment -- my roommates have left Waterloo for reading week. Not that I don't enjoy the [yeet lau] loud fun when it *is* here, but it is definitely nice to once in a while recline from my usual whirlwind of activities, throw on some jazz tunes, and reflect...

Les Miserables

Definitely my favourite musical. I used to, and still do, empathize with the character of Eponine, the tragic heroine who does not win the heart of her guy. I've always loved "On My Own" due to its relability, although right now, I can't say I really pine for anyone in particular... =p Anyway, the point of this reflection is not about relationships...

If I were to sum up the musical in one word, it would be grace. No doubt, it was writen with such a theme in mind, but the following are just a few extracts of my analyses...

Contrary to the functionings of the world, not everything is about what we deserve... Yes, the world is unfair; he did not deserve to be ostracized by society when he tried to look for a normal job, but after the Bishop of Digne treated him kindly, Valjean stepped back and asked, "Why? Why are you so nice to me?" To which the bishop replied,

But remember this, my brother
See in this some higher plan
You must use this precious silver
To become an honest man.

Following the Bishop's challenge, Valjean decides to turn from his old self. No, actually, more than that: he kills his old self and begins anew. Easier said than done, I know, but with a complete change in attitude and mindset towards his new goal, obstacles *will* be overcome.

[more to come]

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Good morning. =)

Oh, the joys of online courses: supplemental in-class sessions on Saturdays at 9:30am.

I'm in a lab in Carl Pollock Hall... I cannot get over how nice this lab is!!

Anyway, back to work...

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Sorry, I've been busy with various things, as usual... This is a cheap post, actually; it's not written by me, but I thought it was interesting and it also goes back to the initial topic of this blog: BALANCE. =)

-----

Keeping the balance in your life
By Rick Warren

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” —Luke 2:52 (NIV)

The Law of Balance is built into our universe. For things to function properly there must be equilibrium.

For example …

… The Earth doesn't vibrate when it rotates because it is balanced on its axis. And we neither freeze to death nor burn up because we are just the right distance from the sun.

… Nature exists in balanced ecosystems. God has built checks and balances into nature that keep the food chain in order.

… In Architecture, the stress on a building must be balanced or it will collapse.

… The Human Body works best when our systems are balanced. Imbalance is called "illness.” Restoring balance is called "healing.”

One of the most common problems I see are people living imbalanced lives. It’s a disease with many symptoms but the same root cause. You can become imbalanced with anything - working, eating, sleeping, playing, TV, sex …etc.

The fact is - many people tend to pay more attention to their PUBLIC lives and neglect their PRIVATE side. Like poor photographs, they are overexposed and underdeveloped.

The results of imbalance are always the same: frustration and fatigue. Like imbalanced tires, you wear out quickly. Imbalance unchecked eventually leads to burnout.

A number of years ago, Dr. Charles Garfield did a landmark study on "Peak Performers"- those who were leaders in their respective fields. One of the common denominators of peak performers was that - contrary to popular myth - they were not single minded workaholics but rather balanced
individuals.

The most balanced person who ever lived was Jesus Christ. In one translation, the Bible says he "grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.” (Luke 2:52)

How would you rate yourself in these four categories of growth?
Is there balance in your life or have you neglected one or more of these key areas?

Let me challenge you to do a personal check-up this week:

- Am I mentally sharper than 5 years ago? Why not?
- Will I do anything about it?
- Am I frequently complaining of fatigue or poor health?
What's my plan to change?
- Am I developing the spiritual side of my life? What am I doing
to better understand God and his purpose for my life?
- Am I cultivating meaningful relationships where support is
given and received?
- Who can count on me as a genuine friend?

-PDL-

Copyright 2002 by Rick Warren.
Rick Warren is the author of “The Purpose Driven Life” and pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

Agism.

Or, if you prefer, ageism; both spellings are acceptable.

“Prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group.” [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]. Based on empirical occurrence, I mainly try to address the discrimination of maturity against younger age groups.

It is a concept that I never knew existed until now; when I was younger I seldom had the privilege of dealing with many of my elders to be on the receiving end of any discrimination. Either that, or I was never possessed such strength of character to be resentful of any subordinate treatment due to my age.

It appears that younger age groups have had to endure the judgement that they are less mature or even immature solely because they are younger. From this assumption stems the argument that maturity is not solely dependent on one’s age.

And I agree.

Maturity, (I think) an elusive concept that we attempt to achieve in our years, does not possess a causal relationship to age. An associated relationship though, perhaps. [Herein kicks in my statistical background. =P] However, to explore this issue, “maturity” must first be defined…

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.