 | For your eyes only | Aug 21, 2006 |
Yeah...you're here. Don't yawn when I start yelling...
Found this in my inbox forwarded to me by my Dad. Very interesting and refreshing representation of Christmas - the birth of Jesus - itself.
Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ
Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible..
Time: Whenever you're ready, (please don't be too late, though; or you'll miss out on all the fun!!)..
Place: In your heart ... He'll meet you there (you'll hear Him knock)..
Attire: Come as you are ...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last..
Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone..(He says you would not have been able to afford it ...it cost Him everything He had!!)..
Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "living water, followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!!
Gift Suggestions: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return though; just wait until you see what He has for you)..
Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! (All rated "G" so bring your family and friends)..
R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life").
Party Being Given By His Kids (That's us)
Hope To See You There!
Got this in a forwarded, circulated email. Was really touched and realised how easy it is to just go through life taking things for granted and not being grateful for them.
Here's it:
I am thankful for....
For the husband who snores all night, because he is at home asleep
with me and not with someone else.
For my teenage daughter who is complaining about doing dishes, because that
means she is at home & not on the streets.
For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I
have been surrounded by friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means
that I have enough to eat.
For my shadow that watches me work, because it means that I
am out in the sunshine.
For a floor that needs mopping, and windows that need
cleaning, because it means that I have a home.
For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we
have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot,
because it means that I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with
transportation.
For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means that I have clothes to
wear.
For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means that I
am capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I
am alive.
Soon it shall begin.
Somehow or rather, to say the truth, I'm petrified every single time I flip open the question paper and realise that the 1st question is a never-see-before kind. The one that stuns the candidates.
I have been stunned many times. That's why I only begin writing at the 2nd or 3rd question.
Been talking about it with a few of my cellmates and it's true that memory-type-of-questions require a lower level of thinking rather than those which assess your application skills.
The good thing is that if you got the formula/concept/fact in your head, just vomit it out, and you got the marks. If not, then don't have lor...
The higher level questions test how you interpret the question. They want to see how you put whatever you have been taught so far into practice. Different enemy, but similar battle procedures.
How true. And these type of questions are usually the ones which stun me. My palms suddenly shiver a little, my body temperature drops and my mind runs all sorts of funny thoughts, pessimistic ones, though.
But usually after a prayer and pleading, my Master, in His omniscience, shed some light on me. And the question doesn't seem as intimidating as before. Once I got pass that, the rest of the workings are rather short and poo...I got the answer out!
Thank God! And indeed, man's wisdom is foolishness in His sight and His foolishness is much greater than all of man's wisdom combined.
I still can vividly remember that cell outing we had at J's place after the 4pm healing service. We packeted food from our beloved hawker center and headed to her place for dinner and then it's board games time.
Funny thing is, she (the host) and I decided at first to try playing a few songs together. She on the piano, I on the guitar. Was a little discontinuous at first, with frequent jerks, but once we got into the flow, I didn't want to stop.
It's an adrenalin rush when you get to play a song with a fellow musician. Like complementing one another's styles and dynamics, while worshipping God simultaneously.
And the good thing with having more than one instrument being played concurrently (other than musical vibrance) is that if I accidentally hit a wrong chord, the damage is minimised cos the other musician(s) can cover it up for you.
I long to play in a band. Add in the keyboardist, the bassist, electric guitarist, the drummer and I'll take the acoustic guitar...haha. Then let's play many many songs. Let's try different styles and apply variation to the worship dynamics. Like for the 1st verse, only the keyboardist plays, then the 2nd one can have the guitars and the drummer comes in only at the chorus.
"Then join the worship team, lah." Some said to me. But I know that this isn't the time to join that ministry. Not yet, I guess.
Got to brush up my playing skills, expand my chord vocabulary, learn new and more songs, and basically get more experience, at least a few years worth. After that, then will I consider and pray more deeply about it.
As for now, I shall pray for non-ministry, informal, jamming seasons...haha...
I have this friend in my clique who's the (hall) roommate of my ex-platoonmate. Somehow or rather, I think I'm starting to lose grip on my patience.
Thing is, he asks way too much questions. I don't mind inquisitive tendencies or the passion for more knowledge, but his case is way out of the picture.
Simple, fundamental concepts he wants to know why. Formulae and the like he needs to know why. I wonder why.
Put it nicely, I would like to tell him that the bottom line is that in certain parts of our education we just need to accept them (knowledge, facts, rules, principles, etc) as they are. Put it bluntly, I would like to tell him to shut up.
Honestly, his questions are somehow slowing us down. They aren't that constructive and some of them even force us to think too hard and too much, that we may begin to doubt certain facts which we already have grasped tightly.
I'm scared of sitting beside him during lectures. Everytime, he goes "Huh? I don't understand..." I take up my shield and don my bulletproof vest. And yes, he begins his 'quest' for knowledge. Moreover, he's asking me to explain something straightforward on the spot when the lecturer's discussing new topics. I feel so trapped.
And there seems to be a lack of connection between the both of us. Other than academic work, there just seems to be nothing else to talk about.
It's not that I hate him or what, but I just don't feel as comfortable being around him as compared to the first day we met. I do love him as a fellow brother, but certain things he does I don't really like.
And the thing is, I really need to warm-up to a person - thoroughly, extremely thoroughly - before I can point out his mistakes to him. If not, I usually just keep silent and bear with it.
You can say I'm a risk adverse person. And there's also a saying that "true friends can take what you say to them". Not really true. I've experienced cases where the person just gets pissed off when I'm trying to rectify things with him.
So? I stay mum, lah.
| God Of Wonders | | City On A Hill | | Third Day | |
I'm not sure how to explain it, but for the past 3 weeks, I have been more conscious of what I gobble down and what I crave for.
Like what they say, "Health is wealth." And somehow I agree with that statement. You might say I'm missing out on the tasty things mankind had invented with great culinary skills, but I say, the long term benefits definitely outweigh the short term gains. And also, I do take occasional snacks and indulgences - so I'm still fine, don't worry.
As much as God provides and satisfies our needs according to His riches in glory with food, we must also exercise prudence in what we eat. He also said that everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. That's why He gave us human intellect and discernment.
I believe that we have to preserve this temple for His Spirit. By eating well and exercising regularly.
Eating poorly also has negative effects. You might be the happiest person of earth, having your cravings satisfied but in due time, there's a price to pay. Healthy foods build up your immune system and ensure that your body has what it requires.
=====
I cannot stand fast-food. I think it's disgusting. Pardon me if I happen to touch on politically incorrect topics.
Do people who crave for fast-food make a parallel with the MTV generation? Those who merely want things now (who lack patience), want things which taste good, and want things to make them feel good.
I am disturbed. I had enough doses of procrastination and complacency. I want to puke them all out. They make me feel bad. May diligence flow in my veins, thicker than blood. But not to the extend that it makes me a workaholic.
Trying to embrace the present as it slips by my fingers and my grasp at an alarming rate.
Before I know it, some things are gone for the better and some good things will never come again.
Unfortunately, I can only do so much right here, right now. I'm ain't omniscient nor omnipresent nor omnipotent. I am a mere pillar of dust.
I can't do much but things which are really dear to me, I put in my best - even though it's slipping away.
Good times, wonderful moments - now, a mere facade of my memory. Jokes, laughter, pranks, joyful company and merrymaking in the past tense.
Flashback is the most I can do. Wandering in my memory bank. Daydreaming.
Future things are uncertain. Things yet to come, come, and are soon gone.
What have I done so far? What did I do? What am I doing? What can I do?
Their voices still ring in the depths of my brain. Their words, sentences and action-sequence I can still remember. I love those so much I wish I could take the film out and replay them again.
But flashback is the most I can do. The more I dream and think about them and those, the more the present is slipping by.
Now - is slipping by.
Before the Hi's quickly turn to Bye's,
I'll do my best - I'll try
Before the good times fade and die
And I will ponder why?
Not too long ago I was listening to some hillsongs tracks on my laptop. There are some which are studio recorded (I think) and also those which are recorded in front of a live audience.
The thing which took my attention was that when a particular lead singer comes in halfway during the song's progression, the crowd cheers and they sound really ecstatic.
So I wonder are they giving their praises to that man on stage or to God on the throne? Or maybe they are just giving him encouragement or so. But they sound like his fans. And I sense that we are just about heading to a grey area.
When we love a particular Christian album or the singer himself, we must be aware that we are not idolising him or her. God is still in the picture no matter what. The songs are sung by men for Him. The songs aren't sung by men for men. If that's the case, go over to the secular side then.
We have to be clear and distinct. Don't fall in love with a song or singer till you forget about God. Song affinity is fine, so long as it serves as a means of glorifying God.
I definitely look forward to learning more songs. As to what kind of songs, that's subjective. New chords, new chord progressions, new songs...haha...something like that.
And it's great to have new additions to my chord sheets collection. So that I have more choices to pick from for future worship sessions.
Thank God for this study break too. More time for Him, friends, guitar, chords and songs. Gotta learn more from that worship DVD which I got. So much things to do with such a limited time span. We can't ask for less things to do or cut short on our labour but we can ask God for better time management. That shall be it then.
=====
Need to harden my character and thicken my skin. Be brave, be strong, be very courageous. God is my shield and my fortress, what can man or fears or reservations do to me?
Some things I want to do but it's fear or reservations which hold me back. I've got to embrace God tightly and face them no matter what. It's Him I have even when all else forsake me.
I thank God for being such a great and awesome God who's far beyond our human comprehension. The one who created the heavens and the earth. The one who made universe and the galaxies. And also the one, so close, so near to me, in fact, He's living inside of me.
God of wonders beyond our galaxy.
You are holy, holy.
The universe declares Your majesty.
You are holy, holy.
Lord of heaven and earth.
Lord of heaven and earth.
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth.
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth.
Songs never fail to speak to me. They always remind me of Him - His splendour, His greatness, His unfailing love, His power, His omnipotence, His promises, etc.
I don't know why but I feel that I have been slacking in my work performance lately. Its not that I'm a workaholic or what but I need to keep track of my progress. Then will I know whether I'm heading in the right direction or not.
Doing just enough is not enough. This is called scraping through. Never do things half-heartedly. Either you go all the way, or you don't do it at all. No half-past-six labour. And sometimes, you may even have to do more than what's required of you to survive. Hmm...harsh reality, huh?
Sleep early and wake up early. Have proper time management. Handle the most important things first. Put God first then all will follow suit. Don't whine or grumble, God placed you here for a reason. Appreciate the opportunity you have to embrace education because some people out there are dying for university education but don't have the chance.
Don't take things for granted.
=====
Very stressed now. Head gonna explode. Was doing tutorials from 3 plus till 9 plus. Formal lab report tomorrow morning, life sciences test on Friday morning.
I really need good discipline and proper time management. God, please help me with this. I really feel bad when things aren't in order and work starts piling up. The accumulation of academic backlog is tremendously disturbing.
There's just so much things to do. I can never run out of things to do. Yet the ironic thing is that there are times indeed when I just simply can't find anything to do. However there are also times when how I wish I had more time and if only I had settled this thing when I was less preoccupied and not leave it to the last minute.
Argh!!!
From what I learnt from myself so far is that I need to write down what I need to do for the day/week/moment. If I just keep them in my head, they will soon disappear or have a dramatic shift in priority out of a sudden.
Yeap. And having that to-do list serves as a reminder especially if there's really crucial work to be done.
=====
I think it's the time management which is paramount. Once you get it right, all things should flow and move in place. Place God first - definitely! After that, do the important things then the less critical ones.
So easy to say, so much to learn....Need rest now, seriously...
Birthday's here and gone! Haha...5th sept just went like a breeze. But it was definitely more than worth it. Had indescribable fun, food and fellowship. Even though it wasn't as hyped up as birthday parties and bashes which my other friends had, I still enjoyed mine and surely preferred this style of celebration.
In essence, it's quality time spent with close and dear people which matter more to me. I may not be as outgoing as others, so bashes and such is not my taste though. I'm not saying it's wrong or I hate it but it's a matter of preference.
Heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those who organised the entire day and event. You know who you are. =) Thanks for everything, in short. Your company and presence was what made it different and memorable. Without you folks, I really wonder where I will be spending my birthday at.
The day's itinerary, the restaurant booking and reservation, the present, the card, the brown cake (hahah...), the smiles, jokes and laughter (some uncontrollable ones too), the birthday greetings (call and SMSes), blessings and well-wishes and this blessed occasion with wonderful friends....
Yup..it's another phase of life right now. As what they say - adulthood...
======
Although it's birthday week for me, there's work to be done. But I'm still in the celebration mode....hmm....got to switch back to academic mode soon.
Tutorials, tests, academic and uncertainty backlog. God, grant me discernment and discipline to face these...Amen.
I dislike pride. And when I feel that I'm doing something well, or getting the hang of something, I am a little terrified that the evil one may soon sow seeds of pride into my heart
And he does. Often, too.
Previously when I was far from God, I was puffed up in my achievements - no matter how great or little they are. When I do something well, my head expands and in my mind I start comparing and putting others below me. (very bad, right?) The seeds of pride successfully germinated in such a short time span. All that was going in my head was for the glory of my name.
But now that I'm much closer to Him, it's way different now. Still, I do have my concerns regarding the pride issue.
Which is why I have to pray much more frequently than ever before. That whatever I can do well is a testimony of His faithfulness and goodness in my life. That whatever I do should reflect His awe and glory.
When I do something well, I feel good. Nothing wrong about that. But why do I feel good? That's the deciding question. [1] Because I am able, I am good and I gain recognition from that or [2] Because God is glorified in my works?
I must constantly remind myself that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). And apart from Him I can do nothing (John 15:5).
Thanks, Father!
It has really been a long time since I played computer games. Yeah...since I seen the last of them down the rubbish chute. Such a hobby really took up a great deal of my time, and at certains points, it became my life.
On hindsight, it wasn't a nice experience. Or a constructive or meaningful one, so to speak. But in the process of it, it's definitely almost indescribable. Blowing your enemies to bits, accomplishing objectives, rescuing hostages, mind-blowing effects and visuals, etc.
Yeah...okay...so what do you gain at the end of the day? Nothing. What did you lose then? Your time, your life.
Not to mention thick eyebags the next schooling day, severe exhaustion and sleepiness, lack of concentration, tons of academic backlog, demonic oppression, etc.
I guess the guitar took its place.
And now the guitar did take up a considerable amount of my time. But it's well worth it. It's a talent (if you start real well) to harness, a skill to develop and a potential to unleash. You can take up all the courses and training you want but the question is what you're going to do next with your skills?
Glorify yourself or God? Satisfy the creation or magnify the Creator?
But I do enjoy my time with God, chord sheets and these stringed instruments.
Surfing and googling around to find chord sheets to my favourite songs. Playing the simple version (with simpler chords). Getting used and familarised with the song and progression. Longing for more. Googling around for the same song but with more challenging chords (as they are more accurate to the actual recorded version of the song). Watched instructive worship videos where they show the chords and their progression. And so on...
Each time I progress and look back, I see how much God had seen me through this journey ever since the first day He planted the interest in my heart. Of how greatly He had blessed me with the time, instruments and patient people to teach me.
And once He gave me all these, it's my turn to give them back to Him. Blessed to be a blessing. And blessed be His name.
In the midst of academic-related stress, pressure and expectations, I feel peaceful deep inside of me. Externally, I may be badly shaken up or tormented but inside, I feel at ease.
Speak of the eye of the storm, huh? But that's so natural. I believe mine's supernatural or divine.
It is indeed His peace and assurance that holds me together. I may feel like giving up, trashing all the notes and tutorials or even incinerating all the lecturers, but I am still under control. As in, He keeps me and things under control.
No wonder it's peace which transcends all understanding. Means that you simply can't understand with your intellect how this peace works about in your situation.
Like, "How come I still feel so relac even when deadlines are drawing near?" It's divine intervention, not human indifference (aka heck care).
In the days to come, I would need Him more than before. Sometimes it's common sense: Why work with your own hands when you can get divine help from Him?
He's only a prayer away...
Yeah...those sticky fella's. You scribble your reminders, tasks and chores on it. You stick it somewhere easily and frequently seen.
I'm currently developing a habit of writing down the things-to-be-done on those sticky pads and stick them on my file's timetable. So, everytime I check my lesson schedule, I get a glimpse of the day's have-done's and have-not-done-yet's.
As I finish up those tasks whether in order of difficulty or the listed order or their level of urgency, I feel a great sense of satisfaction as I cancel them out from the list. I feel lighter as the list gets shorter.
On the other hand, when such a list is possible, some side of me will think that I have great capacity for work today, so let me add more stuff to the list. And when I'm exhausted from all the day's activities, attending to that list is such a turn-off.
But overall, it's good lah. That list is what I can pray for also, before I set off for the day - asking God to lead and guide me as I fulfil what I need to do, not by might, nor by strength, but by the spirit of God.
21 "Naked I came from my
mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has
taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1
Every
good and perfect gift comes from above. And if the Lord takes away some
things from us, we must know that they are effected with His good
intentions in mind.
Today, a very close brother and cell-mate of
mine, Timothy, left for Brunei for good. Just when we got to know each
other much better after the mission trip (which was a few months back),
he has to leave.
Just as much as I long for him to stay longer,
or even a little while longer, I still know that it is His will which
will overrule all.
21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Prov 19
Some
things which happen around us we will never be able to understand even
with the greatest of all intellect. For the wisdom of man is
foolishness in His sight.
Despite the shortcomings in my
knowledge and wisdom, I still know that His plans for Timothy are good
and purposeful. Not my will but His be done.
Definitely his
departure isn't the end, but only the beginning. We may be separated by
great land masses and bodies of water but we are still one in the body
of Christ. And thank God for advancement in modern technology which
makes telecommunication so much more accessible.
So, we aren't really that separated after all, aren't we?
1. Wash-up
2. Quiet time (Word and short worship)
3. Touch on maths tutorial 2
4. Go for Life Sciences lecture
5. (return to hall) Finish up on maths tutorial 2
6. Finish up on Economics tutorial 2
7. Prepare maths notes
8. Worship self-practice
- God of Wonders
- F chord
- You are the One (key: E)
- Let my Words be few (with new chords; old ones of B7 and F as secondary)
- any other song (should be familiar) which God leads me to play
| |
