A Coming-of-Age Ceremony

I attended the Bat Mitzvah of a good friend yesterday--a very close friend. How close? As close as our names can be! In other words, we have the same name. That sure gives me an inkling of kindred comrade. I'll call her as "Star" here.


For those who don't know what a Bat Mitzvah is, let me describe it for you.

Bat Mitzvah literally means "daughter of commandment". The word "bat" means "daughter" in Aramaic, which was the commonly spoken language of the Jewish people (and much of the Middle East) from about 500 B.C.E. to 400 C.E. The word "mitzvah" is Hebrew for "commandment".


The term "Bat Mitzvah" refers to two things: When a girl reaches twelve-years-old, she becomes a "bat mitzvah" and is recognized by Jewish tradition as having the same rights as an adult. She is now morally and ethically responsible for her decisions and actions. The term "Bat Mitzvah" also refers to a religious ceremony that accompanies a girl becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Often, a celebratory party will follow the ceremony. That party is also called a bat mitzvah.

[For boys, they would have a Bar Mitvah at the age of thirteen.]

If you want to know the history of the Bat Mitzvah, read more about it here. The quote above was also taken from that site.


The ceremony was beautifully orchestrated--I wasn't the only one moved. And for those who know me in real life, I'm not the kind of person who easily shows deep emotions. Star showed her achievement of her parents' challenge--to memorize the entire chapters of Matthew 5, 6, and 7! I wasn't the only one impressed, I can tell you that.


It was an outdoor ceremony. In their backyard, to be specific. They put up a canopy, and set dozens of portable chairs on the lawn. They even got a jumper for the younger attendees! The theme: Disney's "Frozen". Quaint, but cute.


Star's parents each told on how my friend had been such a positive influence and blessing in their lives. Her older sister sang a Chinese song, dedicated for her. Her younger sister did an adorable version of Frozen's "Let It Go". Tears were freely shown, I might add. [Hey, we have the right to be more relaxed among our friends!] The purity necklace that she got was beautiful (as well as economical, she later told me). It was a gold-plated circle with a heart in the middle. As her mom said, "exactly what she thought a purity necklace should look like."

The fathers, representing their families, laid hands on Star and prayed their individual blessing on her. All of us (her friends), read our blessing cards to her. We laughed and cried together, especially at the end, when my same-name friend read her thank-you speech. I'm not ashamed to admit that I broke down (inwardly) when she did (outwardly).


The food that followed was just as amazing as the ceremony itself. I was told that her mom got up at four in the morning to prepare all that food! The rest of the day was spent in sweet fellowship (the formal word for 'socializing'). xD


All in all, I am again reminded just how much we have to be thankful for. Life may hold dread for some, but for the rest of us, we can rest assured that our Heavenly Father has planned out amazing things to happen in each of our lives.

The Lord is good!

Homemade is Always the Best

I love homemade things, especially regarding food. You know what goes in it, and can rest assured that the calories combined are much lower than any restaurant can boast.

Just the other day I was helping my mom make more dumplings (for ourselves--what else?!). I was so proud of our speed, efficiency, and professional-like looks that I was crazy enough to take a picture of it... Don't laugh! *shifty stare*

Don't they look simply adorable and perfect? Ahem. *cough cough*

ANYWAYS! The important thing is, they tasted good. Correction, no, they tasted...heavenly. It's not like me to say that to dumplings, especially those of my creation, but hey, there's always a first, right?

What homemade things do you guys like best?


"You are what you feed yourself."

The Piano Guys - mass video collection

I have just "rediscovered" this great group called The Piano Guys. xD

If you haven't watched their music videos yet, you haven't known YouTube long enough. Here we go!

This is the original one the group made:

And this one is made by their fans: (ain't they cute?!)

And these below are my all-time favorites:

And my top, top, top recent favorite! :)

Obviously, I might as well tell you to subscribe to their channel. Seriously, you should! Now, as Yoda would have said, "You shall subscribe to The Piano Guys...NOW."

Now, this blogger girl is off to find more new favorites (as if these weren't enough)...

School, SAT, and Stress

I've been so busy recently with much school-related studying, especially with my SAT coming up. Yes, it's my first time taking it, and no, I didn't take the PSAT--which makes me really nervous, obviously.I'd need a lot of prayer for that, especially since I also have music commitments.

I have my annual piano competition/test a week before my SAT testing date, and after that, a flute recital. Yes, those three events are causing me a lot of stress and worry. If I survive the next few months, it'll be a miracle in itself! However, I have to remember that "with God, nothing is impossible". Nonetheless, I shall do my best. But until then, I'd really appreciate your support and prayer. Thank you! <3

[See Post a Prayer Request, my other blog.]

Student in progress...

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!

Today marks the start of the Chinese Lunar Year, the Year of the Horse (my favorite animal!). One of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, the horse signifies kindness, strength, and gregariousness. In the larger Chinese astrological cycle, this year is also associated with the element of wood, which makes 2014 the Year of the Wooden Horse. The combination is supposed to signify twelve months of patience and cooperation ahead. People around the world usher in the new year with firework displays, family get-togethers, temple visits, and street festivals. 

My whole family went to celebrate the new year with my uncle last night, since both sets of my grandparents are either in Canada or in Taiwan this year. And yes, I saw my new cousin! He's so adorable, and his face is so pretty--literally! I mean, most babies have scrunched-out faces, but not this one! His skin is so soft, and everything is all miniature--kawaii!  <3


But anyways, we had an awesome dinner of home-made hot pot. My uncle, who has good taste in food quality (and, I might add, a bit picky with his food sometimes), specially bought a pack of "premium" meat, which we rapidly consumed--despite the fact that we've already finished two other packs of "regular" lamb and beef. xD

Unfortunately, I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a headache...not the best way on how to wake up in the morning of a new year, but eh, it's all right. ^^

To conclude this rough draft of an entry, here are some links to The Chinese Zodiac Story, Lunar Calendar, A Chinese New Year Story, and the ever-important Traditions.


Happy Chinese New Year! *lights fireworks*