tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81040002024-03-07T19:10:13.224+11:00Tool BoxRolling emotions.Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.comBlogger537125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-14822483879692073662010-07-26T11:01:00.002+10:002010-07-26T11:16:24.090+10:00Rejoice Greatly<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a LIVING hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an INHERITANCE that can never perish, spoil or fade - KEPT in heaven for you, who through FAITH are shielded by God's POWER until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you GREATLY REJOICE, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." - 1 Peter 1:3-6</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been struggling with personal relationships and having to deal with personal goals being shattered by physical consequences. I was told by the surgeon on Thursday that my ankle wasn't healing fast enough to warrant a cast removal. It'll take at least another two more weeks to heal. I've already taken six weeks of my hospital placements, and I won't be able to take anymore. If I'm still unable to walk independently by next Sunday, I will probably have to take a year off uni.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was feeling so depressed on Thurs. Everything just seemed to be falling apart.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so grateful for this passage in Peter. It reminded me that all human hope will fade away and will eventually serve to discourage us; there is only a living/growing hope in our inheritance in heaven which will never perish.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to surrender all my personal goals to God and just rest in his mercy and grace. Everything that I accomplish in this world will surely fade away so why should I strive so hard to obtain blessings that God hasn't graciously given? I shall receive them should he decide to give them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so grateful that my inheritance in heaven is being kept not by my spirituality, but by the faithfulness and power of God who is able to keep those who are committed to him. I rejoice greatly that God chose me and glorified me even before I was born. The trials and temptations that snare me presently will only last for a season. God's faithfulness is forever.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-88403351779005845602010-07-03T15:44:00.006+10:002010-07-03T16:07:19.880+10:00i miss..I miss the explosive emotion of kicking a ball..<div><br /></div><div>I miss running on a pitch of lush green grass..</div><div><br /></div><div>I miss getting lost in the ecstasy of dribbling past a challenge or two..</div><div><br /></div><div>I miss the satisfaction of putting on into the back of the net..</div><div><br /></div><div>I miss seeing the joy in a teammate's face when they score a goal.. and know that I contributed to it somewhat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><i>You´re better then the best</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I´m lucky just to linger in your life</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cooler then the flip side of my pillow that´s right</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Completely unaware</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nothing can compare to where you send me</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lets me know that it´s ok yeah it´s ok</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And the moments when my good times start to fade</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me smile like the sun</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fall out of bed </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sing like a bird</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dizzy in my head </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Spin like a record</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Crazy on a Sunday night</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me dance like a fool</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Forget how to breathe</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Shine like gold </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buzz like a bee</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just the thought of you can drive me wild</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ohh you make me smile</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Even when you´re gone</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Somehow you come along</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack and just like that</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You steal away the rain and just like that</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me smile like the sun</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fall out of </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>bed sing like bird</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dizzy in my head spin like a record</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Crazy on a Sunday night</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me dance like a fool</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Forget how to breathe</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Shine like gold </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>buzz like a bee</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just the thought of you can drive me wild</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ohh you make me smile</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Don´t know how I lived without you</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Cuz everytime that I get around you</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">I see the best of me inside your eyes</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me smile</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me dance like a fool</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Forget how to breathe</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Shine like gold </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>buzz like a bee</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just the thought of you can drive me wild</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me smile like the sun</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fall out of bed </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>sing like bird</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dizzy in my head </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>spin like a record</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Crazy on a Sunday night</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You make me dance like a fool</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Forget how to breathe</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Shine like gold </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>buzz like a bee</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just the thought of you can drive me wild</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ohh you make me smile</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ohh you make me smile</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ohh you make me smile </i></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(238, 238, 238); font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"> thanks for making me smile. I miss you :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Things I'm grateful for:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1) Having a good chat over dinner with Jin, Tommy, and Tom.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2) A very encouraging week at uni</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3) My dad's safe return from Sydney</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4) Yvonne and Alvin's visit from Singapore</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5) Laughter.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-49972300594860828142010-06-23T16:35:00.003+10:002010-06-23T16:59:30.887+10:00Chunky Soup with Puff Pastry..YUM!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqQSz9_AK4ihaMTnL0gcElxE5NSdczHgtpacB11MWKjyU31E4Ed0DALMtKVNqv59YC2RZ3nSv_bjT8LUNdBvdr8cbjC_i0GvZDCl8EYlZTSl1PgMQoKByFB-eB65LY_jJ9-p8QA/s1600/Broken+Ankle.png"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3owbBm11u_s5Y6C1sLjjvolK52-HKS6hxDDFNY-Wxg8os2z7VtUqHnH_wGS2xN4viIe4DcCS3SWHWmueKWkH0neKHoogXAwUx_JPkbGEKjq6Gq8FY1nf3GG53zapUhdlQ7CYWaA/s1600/Puff+Pastry+Soup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3owbBm11u_s5Y6C1sLjjvolK52-HKS6hxDDFNY-Wxg8os2z7VtUqHnH_wGS2xN4viIe4DcCS3SWHWmueKWkH0neKHoogXAwUx_JPkbGEKjq6Gq8FY1nf3GG53zapUhdlQ7CYWaA/s400/Puff+Pastry+Soup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485854072700162562" /></a>Booyah! I'm gonna attempt to cook that tmr night :) After whipping up a chicken and prawn risotto and a ox tail stew in my first week of the hols, I've gotten quite lazy. So I thought I'll cook something cool for Jules before she leaves for Europe on Friday.<div><br /></div><div>She'll be gone for 3 weeks. I know I'll miss her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday night BSF was fun. What was so fun? I got to park in the handicap parking lot so I didn't have to walk for 200m to get into the church. I got to meet a few cool new pple at combined fellowship. I got to pull heaps of Yin-Yang and Singapore's>Malaysia jokes.</div><div><br /></div><div>But most of all, I had a awesome chat with Tim over coffee to celebrate the end of his exams :) Everyone craves for friends that genuinely love and accept them for who they are. Friends whom they can just be themselves with. Tim's one of those friends to me, and I really thank God for him. He's going away to Canada for the whole of next semester! Ah, I think Sunday's would be very different without him around.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqQSz9_AK4ihaMTnL0gcElxE5NSdczHgtpacB11MWKjyU31E4Ed0DALMtKVNqv59YC2RZ3nSv_bjT8LUNdBvdr8cbjC_i0GvZDCl8EYlZTSl1PgMQoKByFB-eB65LY_jJ9-p8QA/s400/Broken+Ankle.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485859927329085330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Two weeks on from breaking my ankle: I wish God gave us unbreakable bones.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I was reading the BSF notes today and something really stood out. It read:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Instead of following a routine of merely obvious actions and decisions, let us first acknowledge God by prayer in all our ways so that He may direct our paths into His ways (Proverbs 3:5-6), resulting in new reactions and meaningful attitudes. Sometimes the good is the enemy of the best."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus' dear friend, Lazarus, was dying from a terminal illness in a location that was a day's journey from where He was. Jesus loved Lazarus dearly and wanted to go back immediately to heal him. But he deliberately waited two whole days before traveling back in accordance to the will of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus was so in tune with God that he knew the perfect time for everything, even when it was contrary to the rational mind. This resulted in a far greater miracle and glory to God than if He had simply healed Lazarus. It resulted in the development of Martha's faith and confounded all doubts that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (he had been dead for 4 days).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Sometimes the good is the enemy of the best."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I know God wants the best for me. I just have to trust in Him enough and not rush into actions to resolve my problems impulsively.</div><div><br /></div><div>3 blessings I'm grateful to God for:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) My dad who works tirelessly to support my family</div><div>2) Laughter</div><div>3) The lesson He's going to teach me from my broken ankle</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-74284288763478871752010-06-22T11:17:00.002+10:002010-06-22T11:24:31.397+10:00the path.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WNMBL8WBe6rS8MSvRevKPEFFgQIG_vrbEibgDHErhrIcieqo5LRLohI6QjkaciCGUT3OOTM91R6GwjOJIX6nf5M3wB1NiPsA756mum0PCXrKnIovZyiEcrDYpx7BCQ1S0WnQBQ/s1600/Railway+Path.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WNMBL8WBe6rS8MSvRevKPEFFgQIG_vrbEibgDHErhrIcieqo5LRLohI6QjkaciCGUT3OOTM91R6GwjOJIX6nf5M3wB1NiPsA756mum0PCXrKnIovZyiEcrDYpx7BCQ1S0WnQBQ/s400/Railway+Path.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485402475116826546" /></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"You make me thank God for all the mistakes I made because each one led me down the path closer to you." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- Legend-wait for it-dary black dude from HIMYM.</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-72759681161163962472010-06-21T17:18:00.002+10:002010-06-21T18:17:59.909+10:004 hours of coffee<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TphRPo7XHacHYXcqvghGxEPz_ADNi89lOtpr_rCuUrhkH53dpShxeLSYTZcMvagT0CPyaGIFTXU4zZubHtqy-bQxjGIjb8mpmJeRd2fTSM8hzXt2JtIPXNxuse2eBlfzzoPYAA/s1600/Coffee.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TphRPo7XHacHYXcqvghGxEPz_ADNi89lOtpr_rCuUrhkH53dpShxeLSYTZcMvagT0CPyaGIFTXU4zZubHtqy-bQxjGIjb8mpmJeRd2fTSM8hzXt2JtIPXNxuse2eBlfzzoPYAA/s400/Coffee.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485130733930593602" /></a><br />I had a 4 hour chat with Tracey over coffee today about starting a Christian t-shirt business. Jo somehow remembered that I had told her about this idea I had some time last year, and she told Tracey about me. I wasn't sure about how much help I would be, but time just flew by us as we were sitting there in Word bookshop. We talked about everything from t-shirt designs, market trends, business plans, personal goals, focus groups, marketing, etc.<div><br /></div><div>She basically wants to start a business that produces custom-made t-shirts presenting Godly valued that are "uplifting" to the human soul. I thought about a very similar idea last year based on the fact that the Word of God is "living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Heb 4:12) The Word of God has the power to feed the soul; the ability to bring deep satisfaction and fulfilment.</div><div><br /></div><div>How effective would it be to display the Word of God on clothing?</div><div><br /></div><div>"Jesus loves YOU. But I'm his favourite"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Jesus PRAYS for YOU" - Hebrews 7:25</div><div><br /></div><div>"Jesus LOVES the HELL out of you" - John 3:16</div><div><br /></div><div>"He keeps me in PERFECT PEACE." - Isaiah 26:3</div><div><br /></div><div>"I can do ALL things through HIM who gives me STRENGTH" - Philppians 4:13</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgA5vaC00iV3TFH4nigruOTtWQsBGsUllXbZCPcmJkEf8CnIMTpk3A0DzCzsXAFs9luZ0YOan3Ht3aExtSGyJ_orRbDbcYFYRjx1UFmugGGmEOmcsJ7kxyDyffVEBXw4Qbpq8cA/s400/Bubble.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485130731752106002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px; " /></span></div><div>I felt like I did something today helping Tracey get a clearer idea on how to pursue her dream. Quite often, I get crazy and fun ideas that pop up in my mind just like bubbles. They amuse me for just a little while and then they go "pop!" The next time I get a bubble in my mind, I wanna take a good look at it, capture its reflections, and then pursue it even after it pops.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuERrS_IsTO_Nh1yzHGhOfnGQ6CQe7oQykBn8VKvvyKpfpFa8hILJkUHcP2DimmRPb1_pK9jnjUy-eg-wUWzT4gzsv-4UP3ewpV-oPVCDQdgio_yMN8bmISe24XwBKDs5WURCfKQ/s400/Kaka+sent+off.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485130774641128178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 220px; " /></span></span></div><div>I CAN'T believe Kaka got sent off against Ivory Coast last night. He's such a legend of the game with such a humble spirit. He doesn't deserve a red card just because some dude felt like randomly falling over and whining cuz his mum didn't give him a gun for his 1st b'day present. Seriously, Abdul Kader Keïta, you are a bloody diver and I've lost all respect for you. Grow some balls, and a conscience while you're at it.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJBzKh-3xUwI2nImahymFg_xE7q175PQDrBDMOUjalX3HXPSbCuV38zR1rEvIJDOhN2-MM_NNnNChhfE2SY1epf-vd6cNN-UpMh8oZvam109lT-YEN-6ITQ15N59bGlW51wLArA/s400/Casting+nets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485130747541832114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px; " /></span></span></div><div>I miss fishing. It's less than 2 weeks since I broke my ankle, but it already feels like forever! :( I wanna go fishing. I wanna run. I wanna be able to walk to the toilet.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2mDLvCyh7_ms4WvyUInnF6ZcPygdzHpjtqEnunT6kSE7XqdfvJAHtO2_U1ZDYvNKaSSrGfO-ghRMxuFOJb8rkwiiPVuWzrx19OCOk0ojCU2JSVg01VSW4DSWfS3YYH18oym36A/s400/Hut+in+Rearview.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485130754842066754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>3 blessings I'm grateful for:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Friends who truly love the Lord (Mink, you're someone who really inspires me :D)</div><div>2) Memories of both the good and the bad</div><div>3) The breath I just took</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-60763505381532630742010-06-19T17:03:00.005+10:002010-06-19T17:44:58.953+10:00Brush Your Teeth!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq6HTFYC1Th0GRD2IaED5KY__I0TFqAjrw-YDG25EFVOpDt5oGhqopUCedI7PNevzdgVR1Jb1Atj6k6qv99Q-WZUqkRl4ZB4BM7UbCwH6u48micd8imULLXEqVyWXPpDJwlZL6Q/s1600/Rain+in+the+distance.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dfYHENY7XqDVsTuOsjamzWcNdtFRXhccN0ZZQvFSh655wDRpKRXKWwQqWizbxgzgLtgqpAKQjuVfTWK1WOtGuSEzzek3QD47A0k4lAE-cIsmtkQdmGO7w2g8YRgHRkJ0Oy3x9w/s1600/8+Stilt+Birds.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXhs2e-FRoRCOWXbFad2Lb1__6HJ6uQZrkcxK-ltrB5PsqBUHPuG31epaqE1UCkGe7VmKQ1QTLo2DwnYmnRdXeL_nax-2AJmK3JVEpyMnqkRyTNWRRbiSrmncpYBJsPx30pcyuw/s1600/Brushing+teeth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXhs2e-FRoRCOWXbFad2Lb1__6HJ6uQZrkcxK-ltrB5PsqBUHPuG31epaqE1UCkGe7VmKQ1QTLo2DwnYmnRdXeL_nax-2AJmK3JVEpyMnqkRyTNWRRbiSrmncpYBJsPx30pcyuw/s320/Brushing+teeth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484378292721303154" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>A new medical study shows that individuals who do not brush their teeth twice a day have an increased risk of heart disease.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div>"Kids, brush your teeth or you'll get a heart attack!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was pretty cool, Sharon, Nick, and Jules came over to visit me at different times of the day. I had good conversations and a fun night :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks guys, you're awesome.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dfYHENY7XqDVsTuOsjamzWcNdtFRXhccN0ZZQvFSh655wDRpKRXKWwQqWizbxgzgLtgqpAKQjuVfTWK1WOtGuSEzzek3QD47A0k4lAE-cIsmtkQdmGO7w2g8YRgHRkJ0Oy3x9w/s1600/8+Stilt+Birds.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dfYHENY7XqDVsTuOsjamzWcNdtFRXhccN0ZZQvFSh655wDRpKRXKWwQqWizbxgzgLtgqpAKQjuVfTWK1WOtGuSEzzek3QD47A0k4lAE-cIsmtkQdmGO7w2g8YRgHRkJ0Oy3x9w/s400/8+Stilt+Birds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484380204060643330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px; " /></a><div>I learnt how to play "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson yesterday. My finger tips felt so sore from all the hammering and sliding. It's a song that I've always wanted to learn. I'm glad that I actually took the time to sit down and learn it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:13px;"><i>Can't you see that it's just raining</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:13px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ain't no need to go outside...</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>But baby, you hardly even notice</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>When I try to show you this</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Song is meant to keep ya</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>From doing what you're supposed to</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Like waking up too early</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Maybe we can sleep in</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>I'll make you banana pancakes</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Pretend like it's the weekend now</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>And we could pretend it all the time</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Can't you see that it's just raining</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Ain't no need to go outside</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>But just maybe, laka ukulele</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Mommy made a baby</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Really don't mind the breakfast</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>'cause you're my little lady</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Lady lady love me</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>'cause I love to lay here lazy</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>We could close the curtains</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Pretend like there's no world outside</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>And we could pretend it all the time</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Can't you see that it's just raining</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Ain't no need to go outside</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Ain't no need ain't no need Mmmm MMmmm</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Can't you see can't you see</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Rain all day</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>And I don't mind.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>The telephone is singing</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Ringing it's too early</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Don't pick it up</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>We don't need to we got everything</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>We need right here</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>And everything we need is enough</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Just so easy</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>When the whole world fits inside of your arms</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Don't really need to pay attention to the alarm</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Wake up slow, yeah wake up slow</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>You hardly even notice</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>When I try to show you this</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Song is meant to keep ya</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>From doing what your supposed to</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Like waking up too early</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Maybe we can sleep in</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>I'll make you banana pancakes</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Pretend like it's the weekend now</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>And we could pretend it all the time</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Can't you see that it's just raining</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Ain't no need to go outside</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Ain't no need, ain't no need</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Rain all day and I really really really don't mind</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Can't you see can't you see,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>You gotta wake up slow </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq6HTFYC1Th0GRD2IaED5KY__I0TFqAjrw-YDG25EFVOpDt5oGhqopUCedI7PNevzdgVR1Jb1Atj6k6qv99Q-WZUqkRl4ZB4BM7UbCwH6u48micd8imULLXEqVyWXPpDJwlZL6Q/s400/Rain+in+the+distance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484382020833484130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></div></i></span></div><div>So I was reading the Word yesterday (Mark 5:21-43) about how Jesus healed a woman who was sick for 12 years. She had haemophilia, which meant that she bled really easily and couldn't stop bleeding. She was damaged not just physically, but also socially and psychologically as she would have been ostracised by the Jewish community. ONE DAY, in a single MOMENT, Jesus came along and healed her.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the same place was Jairus, a rich and happy Jewish politician, had all he ever wanted - a happy family, fame, wealth, and a nice camel to ride on. Yet ONE DAY, in a single MOMENT, his world was crushed at the news that his daughter died. Though Jesus raised his daughter back to life later on.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler [Jairus], "Don't be afraid; just believe." - Mark 5:36</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Point is: we don't know what the next moment holds. We can be suffering for 12 years, or living in bliss for 12 years, and it can all change in one SINGLE moment. So I'm going to be close to the Lord always; praying and building my relationship and faith in Him. I'm not going to be living in ignorant bliss or wallowing in suffering because I know that it can and WILL change in just a single moment :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm gonna watch the Australia vs Ghana match at Dan's place tonight. Hopefully it'll be an entertaining match! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>3 blessings I'm grateful for:</div><div>1) Julia Donald</div><div>2) Not waking up to watch the England vs Algeria game this morning</div><div>3) A loving God.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-5772227592915694932010-06-17T16:55:00.009+10:002010-06-17T18:15:24.076+10:00Breaking Seeds. Sowing Ankles.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN4oGCYU8KGSM5oKTweRBQdvHUvhIuAKE0Y_wNBEtd-UTYgULF2TYMLXJODPUP9HWA6PILVUbNt-95X9yceWK7hQ0FTnlUf7i0O2ftR-jgWMu4vcCWY89YOn4ztMAKFAKsi2xgA/s1600/Photo+on+2010-06-17+at+16.57.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN4oGCYU8KGSM5oKTweRBQdvHUvhIuAKE0Y_wNBEtd-UTYgULF2TYMLXJODPUP9HWA6PILVUbNt-95X9yceWK7hQ0FTnlUf7i0O2ftR-jgWMu4vcCWY89YOn4ztMAKFAKsi2xgA/s320/Photo+on+2010-06-17+at+16.57.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483634285758832850" /></a>I broke my ankle last Wednesday while playing mixed Futsal. A desperate stretch to take a shot on goal landed me with a spiral fracture to my lateral malleolus and a purple cast which I will have to leave on for the next 6 weeks :(<div><br /></div><div>I was rushed to the hospital straight from the futsal match by my dear friend, Shaz. The doctor didn't bother to wash or sterilise my sweaty skin before casting up my ankle. I'm not allowed wet the cast, so that means that the dirty skin underneath would be uncleaned for 42 days. I sure hope I don't find anything green or black growing on my skin when I get the cast removed.</div><div><br /></div><div>So.. I decided to revive my blog being filled with inspiration after reading Mink's blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just finished watching "500 Days of Summer". I loved every lame joke and every awkward moment in that movie. Near the end, the narrator reads:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Most days of the year are unremarkable. They begin, and they end, with no lasting memories made in between. Most days have no impact on the course of life. But the 23rd of May was a Wednesday..."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>It is quite true that very few lasting memories are made in between most days of the year. Yet I believe that every day endows lessons and memories, be they significant or not, that shape our mindsets and influence our thoughts, words, and actions. They are the sum of who we are. They are forgotten not because they're not important; they are forgotten simply because we do not remember them.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>So I've decided to make short posts about what God's taught me through each day lest I forget.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJ4ZW2f9T7ilt6K4P1b6DU1uEzaOTRxEsxuq8OyGTANgS8PJ3Xd-dcavnRZPhZk0D73ebaWVEZqilXcM7hp1VUTjziXOVNgbF75gvUbeEcKB3s2yN6fgpw5UC96I-3fyo8q1FMQ/s320/Plants.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483650329710489042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." - Mark 4:18</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I felt convicted when I read that passage today because I know that I've been subject to these 3 pitfalls: worries, greed, and discontentment. </div><div><br /></div><div>The seed is the Word of God which brings freedom from sin, freedom from the fear of death, freedom to forgive, freedom to love, eternal life, joy and peace. Yet I know that I have been "unfruitful" because I worry about my future. I worry about my relationships. I worry about whether my friends will remain true. I worry about whether I'll get a job that I enjoy doing; about whether I will earn enough money; about getting an iPhone 4; about getting a bigger and better house, about getting a spiffy car. I worry about soo many things.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know that all worries, greed and discontentment draws my attention away from the things of God. So I'm going to trust God to provide for my needs and I'm going to focus my time, finances, and attention into doing his will.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHFAHmKn6qmoGUgLMpjfZj7OikZ4ragU-UVvTSebu99tqCsxsbKJ9ARnUCjdQWpXs8cpa5deSagjiElqSP0flsVQ0Wt-nkKy9z5HUcQ0M5fJiEgVcaCZ73G_DpGw-1Pb17petRQ/s320/Sowing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483650578079547650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"The happy man is not the one who gets what he wants but the one who wants what he gets." - some wise dude</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll finish off with a completely unrelated medical piece of information. An experienced doctor once told me: "Your diet doesn't affect acne at all."</div><div><br /></div><div>I was like: "What? Are you sure?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Experienced Dr: "Prove me wrong!"</div><div><br /></div><div>I can still remember the smug look on his face when he said that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Dr. Smug-face,</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">"Population-based and migration studies have suggested a correlation between diet and acne. Large, well-controlled, observational studies have demonstrated that diets high in dairy products are associated with an increase in the risk for and severity of acne. Researchers have found significant associations between all varieties of cow's milk and acne. The relationship between milk and acne severity may be explained by the presence in dairy of normal reproductive steroid hormones or the enhanced production of polypeptide hormones such as IGF-1, which can increase androgen exposure, and thus, acne risk. Recent findings also describe an association between a high-glycemic-index diet and longer acne duration. In addition, randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that a low-glycemic-load diet can influence hormonal levels and improve insulin sensitivity and acne. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">No study has established a positive association between acne and chocolate, saturated fat, or salt intake."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yours truly,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Skin Therapy Letter. 2010; 15(3):1-2.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. Try to have some respect for your patient's queries in the future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzq9sQth6_qLl_axz6O-bf31ynBGImHypSg20RYzV7c6yA_UJebqZeTs4aA5D0rjyENz9qylyP7jMRlMt7DNba655sfvVE6j8lTvY75iaGDSKQPaPYS5HgI_H9KSR-_XkrcGZJA/s320/Baby.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483652231413913522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;">Three things I'm grateful to God for:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;">1) The powerful gust of wind that woke me up. I actually thought the rapture was happening!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;">2) My dad, mum, sis, and granny who've been waiting on me in love</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#C0C0C0;">3) Love.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-53712968549998555002009-11-11T11:23:00.001+11:002009-11-11T11:25:27.545+11:00The Shack"...sequestering his emotions securely in the padlocked basement of his own heart." - Young<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-1967164354632443412009-11-05T09:12:00.003+11:002009-11-05T09:46:23.096+11:00Psalm 34<div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Fear the Lord, you his saints,</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">for those who fear him lack nothing.</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The lions may grow weak and hungry,</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." - v.9,10</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's funny how much I think I don't have at times, and then, at others I forget about what I lack at all. What do I lack? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In a material sense, I want a dog, I want a manlier car, I could always do with more clothes, maybe a huge plasma TV for my soccer matches. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination: none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In a spiritual sense, I need to be able to hear from God more clearly. I need direction to where God wants me to be. I need intimacy with him and with my friends. I need wisdom in my actions. I need a heart of humility. I need to be filled with his love so that I can love. I need his strength to overcome my sin. I need him to renew my purpose for living.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I like how David draws a contrast between mighty lions and those who seek the Lord. No doubt the sheer power and tenacity of lions could ensure them a stack of Angus steaks. But whilst their strength is merely of a finite measure, the Lord’s strength is infinite.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So how do I fear you, God?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Come, my children, listen to me;</span></span></span></div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I will teach you the fear of the Lord.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whoever of you loves life</span></span></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and desires to see many good days,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Keep your tongue from evil</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and your lips from speaking lies.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Turn from evil and do good;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Seek peace and pursue it.” (vv. 11-14)</span></span></div></i></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Keeping my tongue under a leash is something I really struggle with. Please help me with that. The words of my mouth are but expressions of my heart. Lord, consecrate my mouth. Make it meek and pure so that no evil may stem from it. Help me to flee from words of malice, envy, aggression, and indignation. Let my mouth speak only words of love and encouragement.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-38556710598527168632009-10-26T11:57:00.004+11:002009-10-26T12:05:44.635+11:00I just want you, Jesus<object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wKzs9tnJALc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wKzs9tnJALc&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="285" width="340"></embed></object><br /><pre style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">More than a nice melody,<br />More than the sweetest of word's,<br />This is love i have found,<br />and with this love i am found.<br /><br />I just want you Jesus, I just want you my lord,<br />I just want you Jesus, I just want you.<br /><br />Never could I comprehend,<br />The love you so freely give,<br />Never could I be with you,<br />But your love covers all of my sin.<br /><br />I just want you Jesus,<br />I just want you my lord,<br />I just want you Jesus I just want you.<br /><br />There is no greater love than yours,<br />Nothing else could ever compare,<br />And even if I search all the world<br />I will never find a love like yours, God.<br /><br />I just want you Jesus,<br />I just want you my Lord,<br />I just want you Jesus,<br />I just want you,<br />Jesus!</pre><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I attended the PS Mighty Men Conference over the weekend. Amidst all the hyped up praise songs, this one really stood out. I love it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I love you, Lord. Thanks for loving me so much and for being so good to me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Help me not to chase after anything else but you.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-84203561902342521862009-10-11T15:53:00.004+11:002009-10-11T16:01:16.054+11:00Dizwanger<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-style: italic;">I found a Dizwanger one day,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Looking intently into the vast blue sky.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Her search was for the One,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The only Apple of her eye.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I found a Dizwanger one day,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Staring across the deep blue sea.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I saw her smile and laugh,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And I wondered if it could be.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Predictability is a Dizwanger's unnature,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And Mystery is her crown of gold.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I long to understand it,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But I doubt my heart's bold.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The journey's long,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I've picked up a knock or two.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But what's victory without hurt?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And what's love in the absence of sacrifice?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I found a Dizwanger one day,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Resting on my side.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I wish it was forever,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fall asleep in her eyes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Isaac</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">5.10.09</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Life's been hard, but God's been great over the last few months.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Praise the Lord! :)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Jesus, I'm tired of walking alone</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I can't hold this world up on my own</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I'm a man in need of the cross.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Each time I see a running stream</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">So satisfying it may seem</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">But my soul; it's thirsting for more!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">More of you, Lord Jesus</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">More, more of you, My Lord</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I want to sing to you intimately</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I want to hear you say, that you love me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I want to know you more than a friend</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I want to feel the scars in your hands</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Isaac</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">4.10.09</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-58304850097102952812009-09-02T20:45:00.002+10:002009-09-02T21:24:29.337+10:00Wild At Heart <meta name="Title" content="Normal Template"> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/user/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <title>Normal Template</title> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:subject>Single spacing</o:Subject> <o:author>Antony W Goodwin</o:Author> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:created>2007-09-05T22:37:00Z</o:Created> <o:lastsaved>2007-09-05T22:37:00Z</o:LastSaved> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>226</o:Words> <o:characters>1293</o:Characters> <o:company>Melbourne University</o:Company> <o:lines>10</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>1587</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; 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font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">“The wisdom’s in the trees<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Not the glass windows.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Train rides are pretty darn boring. So here’s another blog post to make my time a little more productive. I wonder what everyone else is thinking/doing in this metal box with wheels. I see some people reading the MX (I believe people only read that paper just to amuse themselves with ridiculously stupid facts), some people are just looking around, staring out the window at the chilly darkness outside. Some people are reading books.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Talking about reading books. I’ve just started to re-read “Wild At Heart” by John Eldredge. Despite reading it before, I’m able to more fully appreciate and understand his concepts. The book’s basically about the innate nature that God created in man – a Wild Heart – and how that’s been corrupted/tamed by social pressures and expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">When God created man and woman “in his image”, he didn’t create us to look physically like him; that’s just absurd. He created within us a innate nature; a heart that reflects the very nature of God! There are striking differences in the natures of both man and woman; so isn’t that contradictory? That’s the beauty of it! God’s mighty and aggressive, yet loving and gentle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">What’re the innate yearnings in your heart?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Eldredge’s convinced God’s placed a “wild heart” in every man that craves for 3 things:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ol><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:Arial;" >A battle to fight<o:p></o:p></span></li><li style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Arial;">An adventure to live<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">A beauty to rescue</span>
<br />
<br /></span></span></li></ol> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">How true.. Somewhere in scripture it says:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">“The Lord is a Warrior. The Lord is his name.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I remember pretending to fight imaginary ninjas along the corridors of my old house. Punch, Dodge, Kick, Smackdown!</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Just some random thoughts on a train..</span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--EndFragment--> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-48382480344960413812009-08-22T10:54:00.003+10:002009-08-22T11:00:05.320+10:00Love<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Love is so complex that all of creation is baffled by it. Man tries to put a finger on it, but it’s erratic and unfathomable nature engulfs it whole. Love’s too big to be subject to man’s comprehension, too small to be captured by a mortal’s grasp. If it were not so, Love would mean a bag of peanuts; a mere song sung for the sake of it’s own interest. Only it’s Creator shall wield it in the palm of his hands.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Love is powerful; it’s the substance that keeps the fabric of existence in place. It’s grasp so forceful that it held Christ on the cross. Yet it’s delicate and submissive like a master washing his servant’s feet.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">I’ve been thinking recently and I’ve come to a conclusion that I really don’t have much love within me.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-style: italic;">Love is asking: “How are you?” on a Monday morning.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-style: italic;">The lack of love is asking: “How are you?” on a Wednesday afternoon.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">Love is to prepare a nice hot cup of Chai Latte for a friend.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">The lack of love is to prepare a nice hot cup of Chai Latte for a friend.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;">Love is praying for her no matter how heavy your eyelids may be at night.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;">The lack of love is praying for her no matter how tired you may be.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-style: italic;">Love is looking at his faults and knowing that his heart’s purer than his actions.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-style: italic;">The lack of love is looking at his faults and laying down judgment within.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">Love is to be genuinely interested in his life.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">The lack of love is to be interested in her life.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">Love is the willingness to make a complete fool of yourself just to make her smile.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">The lack of love is to make a complete fool of yourself to eventually get her fooled.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Just some thoughts on a train ride...</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-52629532816865115362009-08-22T10:50:00.002+10:002009-08-22T10:54:24.591+10:00The Anthem<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Worship was amazing last Friday night.<br />Hallelujah! You have won the victory.<br />Hallelujah! You have born it all for me.<br />Death could not hold you down <br />You are the risen King<br />Seated in majesty<br />You are the risen King<br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The anthem was sung with such passion and sincerity. It was the first time in a long time that I was encouraged and inspired by my fellow worshippers. My spirit was bursting with joy within me as I joined voices with my friends to proclaim the sovereignty of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. I must confess that I wasn’t “spiritually right” with God last week, and I wasn’t in a position to lead worship on that Friday night. Praise be to God that my righteousness isn’t found in my own strength or merit, but in the death of my Saviour, Jesus Christ! So often the guilt of my sin weighs me down, and a spirit of unworthiness chains my mind. Fact is: I am unworthy; we all are. I am a sinful man covered by the blood of Christ. Now that’s reason to rejoice, that’s an overwhelming reason to be joyful!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Things that happened in the last month:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Crashed “Squeaky” into a pillar while reversing out of the Box Hill church office carpark. She had to undergo car surgery for 2 weeks. I’m delighted to have her back. Had to pay $950 for the repairs; that's a huge chunk of my $1000/season salary :(</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I’ve been finding the work at the footy club rather repetitive and boring. It’s seriously quite draining and depressing having to sacrifice practically my entire Saturday. It’s taken a huge toll of my studies. I know that for sure.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">FGA United’s first season in the Super 5’s league has finally ended. We came 3rd after losing the semi-final 2-1 to Hollywoods and defeating TTP the 3rd/4th playoff 6-3! I would’ve liked to come 1st, but I can’t deny that I’m happy with our achievements. The younger boys have really improved by heaps and bounds. Thanks for all the fun we had guys! It’s been a pleasure running circles around defences and getting run over by crazy bald headed aggros. I’ve seen determination and the willingness to head advice and learn. What more can I ask for?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Spent most of Sunday at the Melbourne Uni Open Day with Tim and Chris. We went around uni talking to random people informing them about our Christian group (Studentlife) and just chatting to them about what they thought about God. It took quite a great deal of courage to approach random pple and talk to them, but I think the 3 of us helped to build boldness in each other. I love the God-devoted servant hearts in these 2 blokes. They encourage me so much! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Went out with quite a few people last night to celebrate Josh’s 16th! I can’t believe he’s only 16 -.-“ I didn’t know what Sector 9 was about. When I got to Westfield, they told me that it was an alien movie -.-“” I started to grow a disgust against alien movies after watching Knowing and The War of the Worlds. I didn’t expect much from Sector 9, but it turned out to be a delightful mix of action, thriller, COMEDY, and Sci-fi. It was a very unique movie, so ridiculous at times that I couldn’t help but burst out in laughter. I rate it an 8/10. It’s got a amusement factor of 10 despite that rather mediocre storyline. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Box Hill. Time to get off the train!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-70597625150950310472009-06-16T15:42:00.002+10:002009-06-16T15:49:06.101+10:00Prac prac prac...<span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">I just finished my most stressful prac exam by far. I wasn't confident at all walking into the exam room. But I walked out with a brimming with a smile of relief knowing the God had, without a doubt, pulled me out of this one.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">My examiner, Kirsten (not her real name), was so lenient towards me! She was practically throwing marks at me. She kindly corrected my many mistakes and showered me with wave over wave of encouragement. When she showed me my score sheet at the end (she's not meant to do that), I was shocked when she gave me 9/9 for my exercise component! haha! My exercises were good, but my communication was jittery due to my lack of confidence. Nevertheless, she gave me awesome marks.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I never expected this.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Thank you, Kirsten.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Thank you, God! :) </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I know that you'll never let me down if i put you first above </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">ALL ELSE</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> - exams, friends, wealth, health.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-61271951906980904012009-06-11T10:20:00.002+10:002009-06-11T11:04:37.461+10:00Is Grass Really Green?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">"The grass is always greener on the other side...</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">If only our eyes weren't so firmly fixed on the other side</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">We'd notice that there's actually grass on our side</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Really?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Yes, <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">lush green grass</span>..."</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">It's been raining incessantly over the past few weeks and the blades of grass on my lawn are starting to surpass me in terms of height. I peered out the window during breakfast one morning and was amazed at the rich <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">green</span> colour of <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">grass</span>...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Grass has always been <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">green</span>.. so have the leaves on the trees.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">I've just never been able to appreciate it. Colour. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I thank God for putting colour into this world - to make it bright and vibrant. Can you imagine a world without colour?! How dull and gloomy would it be?!</span><br /></div></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">The Yee's dropped by my place last night while waiting for Dani to finish worship prac nearby. It's been a long time since I last had a proper chat to Elysia. I remember her begging me to tickle the soles of her feet. It's peculiar. She's gets a relaxing sensation instead of a ticklish one. Anyway, I was shocked when she said that she was in Year 5! I never noticed that there was a massive 9 year gap between us! haha! I just assumed that she was older cuz she used to have a maturity that was way beyond her years.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6 NIV</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Today's devotion was apt. I've been praying for Godly wisdom on how to respond to awkwardly satirical/insulting comments. I've been receiving a lot of that recently, and I'm sure a lot of people get it too. I've had conversations like these recently:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">"I hate it when people talk about their religion and try to convert others. I respect that they have their own beliefs, but they should keep them to themselves."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">"Are you a religious person?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">"So are you saying that I'm going to hell if I don't believe in Jesus?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">"You're stupid for wanting to go back to Singapore for National Service."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">"You should just quit doing Physiotherapy if you don't like it."</span><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Some of these comments are very hurting, especially when they come from friends that I care for. Nevertheless, Paul reminds us to be "full of GRACE" and to let our words be "seasoned with SALT" (that is, to be with purpose and meaning).</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Frankly, it's difficult to respond with Grace in every situation and it takes a mountain of wisdom to be able to season our words with purpose and meaning. That's where humility comes in. I pray that God would grant me humility to consider everyone as more important than I, and for Godly wisdom/salt to season my words with.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I want to make a commitment to be careful with my words.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I've got a Physiotherapy paper to sit for at 2.15pm this arvo. I'm only half prepared for it.. but I'm just gonna entrust it to God. There's no use worrying about it now. I'm not happy with the effort that I put into this subject this semester.. and naturally, I'd want to make a commitment to do better next sem. But I shan't do that... it takes the meaning out of a "commitment". What I will do is to pray for God to grant me a genuine interest in this subject.. and to find joy in learning new concepts.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">It's a cold day today. Hopefully it'll make the uncool people feel a little cooler, and blow humble chill on those who're obsessed with being hot.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-82540105803611479192009-06-10T11:53:00.002+10:002009-06-10T12:16:10.201+10:00The Conclusion of the Matter<span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I've only made 8 posts in the last 6 months! That's just appallingly lazy. I stopped blogging because I thought there wasn't really much to blog about; and there were a lot more "interesting" and "meaningful" things to do than blogging. Nevertheless, I've been inspired by Jon to continue blogging. He seems to find a lot of encouragement from my previous blog posts; and I'm truly grateful that God can use the previous pages of my life story in such a fulfilling way. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I have a morbid feeling deep in my gut, almost a sense of fear, that the past few months in my life has been very uneventful, a complete waste of time. But I know that there ARE heaps of memories that I can thank God for </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">everyday</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">. I want to cherish these moments. I want to seal them away in a safe place where I can always find hope and encouragement through them in the future.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I came across a beautiful psalm yesterday:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">You know when I sit and when I rise; </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">you perceive my thoughts from afar. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">You discern my going out and my lying down; </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">you are familiar with all my ways. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">O Lord. You hem me in - behind and before; </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">you have laid your hand upon me."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"Where can I go from your Spirit?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Where can I flee from your presence?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">If I go up to the heavens, you are there;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">If I make my bed in the depths,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">You are there.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">If I rise on wings of the dawn,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">If I settle on the far side of the sea,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Even there your hand will guide me,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Your right hand will hold me fast."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"For you created my inmost being;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">You knit me together in my mother's womb.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Your works are wonderful,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">I know that full well."</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"My frame was not hidden from you</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">When I was made in the secret place.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">You eyes saw my unformed body.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">All the days ordained for me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Were written in your book</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Before one of them came to be."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"Search me, O God, and know my heart;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Test me and know my anxious thoughts.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">See if there is any offensive way in me,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">And lead me in the way everlasting."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">- Excerpts from Psalm 139</span><br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Wow! What a beautiful psalm! God knew our frame and the very nature of our souls before we were born. God has planned every day of our lives and has written them in his book!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This is reason to celebrate each day with everything that it entails - whether it be "eventful" or "boring". I will rejoice for this is the day that the Lord has made!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I was doing some last minute studying before, but I felt this sudden urge within me to stop and hop onto my email. There was an email of encouragement from Jon about being faithful with the talents that God has blessed us with. He's always sending these exhorting emails that never fail to inspire me. I'm grateful that God has entrusted Jon to me as a disciple, and I truly pray that God will continue to embolden his spirit and empower him with Godly strength.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I've gotta rush off to sit for my exam. But I was thinking about this today.. how I really detest studying. I believe it's a wrong attitude that has to be corrected. I pray that God will enable to me really enjoy and embrace learning about the interesting aspects of his creation.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">God Bless! :)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-43899918961963915382009-05-22T11:19:00.003+10:002009-05-22T11:40:58.010+10:00Quotes...<span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Whenever I come across a good quote, I write it down on stickies in the hope that I'll do something useful with them some time in the future. I'm cleaning up my table now and I just thought I'd post them up online before I throw the stickies away.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">-<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">" People can be loud, demanding, rude when they are in need but behind that wall of 'look' and 'manner' lie the unmistakably perfect masterpiece of the Creator - a human being with thoughts and feelings" - Mink</span><br /><br />-<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">"After a while, I just don't care much if this church is Baptist or Pentecostal, for we all worship one God - that is Christ Jesus. I think our Lord is a very creative Person, and He wouldn't pick only one colour because it'd be a little too boring for Him." - Mink</span><br /><br />-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit."</span> - an email from Sha<br /><br />-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">"I don't think he likes me anymore... I mean, me and Jan!"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">- Ann Lee Chin</span><br /><br />-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">"Yum! Andrea's birthday cake is so nice! It's better than Julia's!"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">- Ann Lee Chin</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">*She didn't realise Julia was right beside her* -.-"</span><br /><br />-<br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This week's been pretty easy-going.. not too stressed with work (although the exams are around the corner and I should really be getting stuck into my books). The most annoying part of my week is having to nurse my hip. I still don't know what it is.. probably a minor fracture.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Everyone seems to be getting injured. My mum decided to go play badminton with my Dad at Grace church last night. She hadn't played sport in a VERY LONG time and, hence, she was unfit. Not long after Sha and I came back from our soccer training session, we received a call from mum saying that she thinks that she might have torn her Achilles tendon -.-""</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I assessed her when she got back and confirmed that she'd a complete rupture -.-" I felt really helpless as a Physio student because I couldn't do anything to treat her.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I've been procrastinating since 10am this morning.. I better get back to work.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-58547571792358914802009-05-20T08:59:00.003+10:002009-05-20T09:16:20.710+10:00Nat!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you, Lord for your Son.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for this day</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And for all the ups and downs it brings</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the ups because they bring joy;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">They give vibrancy and meaning to an otherwise dull life</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the downs because they help me see You clearly</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">They are the foundation for Hope</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I cherish the times that I can rest in Your strength</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's through them that I get to know You better</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's in them that I feel... Strong.<br /><br />19/5/09 <br /></span></div><br />The highlight of my weekend was receiving a letter from Nat! Frankly, I was quite disappointed with her first letter which I received 2 weeks ago because it was impersonal. This one, on the other hand, was real and sincere! She even drew pictures for each of us (Gab, Haney, Grace, and I). I'm gonna scan it and upload later on.<br /><br />The lowlight would be getting injured during Sunday futsal. The opposition were agitated as we came from 2 goals down to leave them chasing us with 2 minutes to go at 5-3. Amidst all of that, some dude cleaned me up from behind after I took a shot. I lost my balance and landed abruptly on my behind (Dad reckons I should stop using the word "arse"). It's worse than I thought.. i think I might have done a hairline fracture to my hip joint. Pain shoots up my back whenever I try to run or squat. Oh well, looks like I'm out of action for 2 weeks.<br /><br />I was pretty frustrated on the sidelines as I watched my futsal team bow out over penalties after a ridiculous 1-1 draw to Nigel's team -.-""" They weren't that good.. we were just disappointing..<br /><br />Oh yes, I'll be going for a MRI brain scan today! Hope they don't find anything wrong with me!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-24493510173181714872009-04-29T08:47:00.002+10:002009-05-03T08:53:51.913+10:00A Cold Autumn Morning<span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I like breathing out a mist with every breath. It gives expiration an interesting twist, and it reminds me that I’m still respiring. Breathing is such an automatic process; a life-giving necessity that we take for granted. How many times in our busy day do we actually get to give our autonomic system a break and take a voluntary breath?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I’m glad that I’ve stopped to take a breath this chilly morning. Winter’s just around the corner and it’s making its presence felt already. There’s a cold front beaming over Melbourne this entire week with heavy showers and an average daily temperature range of 5-13 degrees. COLD! Rain hammered down incessantly through the night and it has left almost everything wet – the grass on South lawn, that leaves of the trees, the roads, the signboards, the statue in front of Ballieu library, even the person walking past me; somehow all rubbed shoulders with the phenomenon of falling clouds we call “rain”.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">I got to Melbourne Uni really early this morning and the libraries aren’t open till 8.30am so I thought I’d blog for a bit. It’s a hobby of mine that I’ve neglected for a significant while. It feels so peaceful seated on a ledge just in front of the Ballieu library just admiring the berth of the sun’s rays greeting the green grass with a warm hug. I envy the grass… wouldn’t it be cool to wake up to a warm hug each cold winter morning?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Life’s been a little puzzling to me over the last month or so. I’m beginning to catch a glimpse of what Solomon meant when he said that everything on earth is futile; a “chasing after the wind”. Sports – I love soccer but the joy and fulfillment that it brings only lasts for bouts of 90 minutes, and it’s severely limited in its magnitude. The same concept applies to music and movies. There’s definitely more to life than sports, music, and movies. There are parties happening every weekend – people drink, dance, and get wasted – a fun night where you don’t have to feel responsible for your actions; a night lost in the drug highs of alcohol. Is life only about time-fillers that bring temporary joy. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The only thing in life that seems to have value is relationship. Through the course of this week, I found myself thanking God for the friends He's given me and all the fun (although temporary) that we shared together.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">I need a real meaning and purpose in my life. I want something, someone to live for...</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-28848463741927127382009-04-14T12:32:00.004+10:002009-04-14T12:52:28.523+10:00I Need You, Lord...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From whence comes my help?</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My help comes from the Lord,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Who made heaven and earth."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Psalm 121: 1-2</span><br /></div><br />I've been treading through a vast desert of spiritual dryness over the past few months. They're some of the most difficult times I've ever been through. Not long ago, I began to lose my passion and love for serving God. I admit to being extremely sloppy and unmotivated in serving Fungus - and i am sorry.<br /><br />I've been feeling an unexpected sense of utter spiritual dryness. I seek God through his Word, prayer, and worship.. but I don't feel the sense of fulfillment that I had been receiving in the past. It's been very dejecting, and honestly, I've been lingering on the verge of depression.<br /><br />I struggled intensely within my mind trying to rationalise why I wasn't "feeling" God; why I felt so distant from my friends; why I didn't feel comfortable with people, and why I felt so broken and left out of the world. I found myself getting increasingly susceptible to sin; I was giving in to lusts and I was seeking fulfillment in many other places. Guilt started to overwhelm me, and it compounded my separation from God.<br /><br />While I was worshiping God on Easter Sunday morning, I was hit with an epiphany. I gained a new perspective of how innately sinful I am; of how unworthy I was to worship God; and yet He loves me. I reflected on my actions over the last few months, and I finally realised what God was teaching me.<br /><br />I was oblivious to the fact that whilst I was seeking God, I was also seeking validation and fulfillment through my friendships, television, and soccer. Whenever I felt down, I would feel a deep craving to vent my bottled-up emotions on the soccer pitch. Whenever I was bored or depressed, I'd pop myself in front of the TV to watch movies or a soccer match. Whenever I needed encouragement, I would go on Facebook or Hotmail hoping to receive a comment or an email of exhortation. When I needed validation, I'd ask a few friends out for a coffee or a movie.<br /><br />Although many of these things are perfectly fine, they only temporarily filled a void that only seemed to be getting deeper with each bout of false fulfillment.<br /><br />I realised that through the last 4 years, I had subconsciously been seeking fulfillment in other relationships, be it with friends or sport, rather than in my relationship with God!<br /><br />I'm still trying to find my feet on God's path for me, and I pray that He will renew my love for serving Him.<br /><br />-<br /><br />On a lighter note, Gab left for Singapore last night to begin his 2 year stint in the army. My bet is that he'll pick up a Singaporean girl and bring her back! :)<br />If you're reading this, I wish you a joyful time in the army.. remember to KEEP PRAYING... i'll be praying for you too, bro! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-72483747428432278812009-03-14T22:23:00.002+11:002009-03-14T22:26:18.236+11:00Report: Thailand Mission TripI wrote a report on our mission trip to Thailand for FGA's monthly magazine.<br /><br />I thought I'd put it up:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“My expression towards the end of the trip was like the total opposite to my expression at the start of the trip... in the beginning I was like, all apathetic and stuff and towards the end I was like a hyperactive jihad man of hilarity and doom.” – Andrew Au</span><br /><br />I have never seen a change in anyone that can match up to Andrew’s incredibly inspiring conversion from a nihistic pessimist chained down by many years of self-alienation and isolation into a wittingly hilarious man who has gained acceptance and a sense of belonging in Christ.<br />As the trip progressed, the group continually showed Andrew that he was valued and very well loved. Our numerous meaningful conversations allowed Andrew to open up and reveal the internal conflicts and struggles that he faced. He told us that it was a fear of rejection, coupled with his inability to trust others, which was the underlying reason for his self-alienation. I remember telling him that we chatted to him and prayed for him not because we had to, but because we genuinely love him. I could see that he did not believe me at the start, but our continual acts of love eventually convinced him. The love of Christ enabled him to “break free” from his shell of bondage and rediscover his exceedingly entertaining sense of humour.<br />Our mission trip to Thailand stands as a fervent testament of God’s faithfulness. His hand was with us from the beginning to the end of the trip; continually filling our hearts with courage and encouragement.<br /><br />Our pioneering mission trip for Fungus consisted of a team of 7 lead by Quentin Loke. Despite the small size of the team, there was a contrasting array of different personalities in the persons of Gabriel Goh, Haney Kang, Grace Ling, Andrew Au, Brian, Quentin Loke, and Isaac. Some were very out-going and enthusiastic, whilst others preferred to keep to themselves. We had several training sessions and fundraisers prior to the trip. However, the stigma of formality and stark personality clashes were obstacles that restricted us from getting to know each other genuinely. Personally, I felt that it was going to be a difficult challenge to generate synergy within the group through deep friendships.<br /><br />Against all my expectations, God filled our group with great joviality and unity. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in sharing their lives and struggles with the others; while the others seemed even more interested to listen. Our morning devotions were a particular highlight for me. Regardless of the topic, we could sense a strong presence of the Holy Spirit within our midst speaking to us. We would share with open hearts and in complete trust. I can still remember the powerful prayers that we prayed over one another – I felt encouraged and my spirit was joyful within me because of our love for one another demonstrated through fervent prayer.<br />God blessed our fellowship. Our trip to north-eastern Bangkok was a 10 hour van ride. During the ride, he filled our conversations with heart-wrenching humour. Andrew and Haney had deep philosophical discussions concerning ethics and food wastage that were simply hilarious. There was no end to the laughter and noise within the van.<br /><br />Compassion runs projects in various towns in Thailand. Each project consists of a church, a multi-purpose area, and a canteen. The Compassion staff overseeing each project consist of a minimum of 1 pastor, 1 director, 2 child workers, 2 teachers, and a cook (food is essential!). We spent most of our time at project TH-422 in a town called “XXX” northeast of Bangkok. I can still remember the sheer excitement on the faces of the children upon our first arrival. There were two major highlights during my stay at TH-422.<br /><br />Firstly, I got to meet my sponsor child, Nat. Gabriel, Grace, Haney and I decided to sponsor a child for $44/month a month prior to the mission trip. What I had regarded as a mere donation to a charitable foundation turned out to be a gift of love to someone I genuinely care for. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to meeting Nat, yet an overwhelming sense of excitement filled my heart when I first saw her. She was beautiful! She had silky brown hair, hazel eyes that emanated innocence, and a smile that made my heart go soft and feeble. We got to know her more of the span of two days. Our interaction was interesting because of the language barrier – she couldn’t understand English, while we were as good as deaf to her. We communicated through the use of verbal “noises”, facial gestures, hand signs, and pointing to objects. She loved taking pictures with our cameras – she made a significant contribution to the 3,500+ photos we captured on the trip collectively. I remember the joy on her face whenever we gave her a hug or performed a funny gesture. My heart was, in turn, filled with an inexpressible joy accompanied by a sense of complete fulfilment. By God’s grace, I had brought some joy into someone’s life!<br /><br />We visited Nat’s home to get a first-hand experience of her lifestyle. Her father works as a janitor at the local school while her mum sells food by the roadside. They live with Nat’s grandmother at the moment, but they are in the process of saving up for a house of their own. It was comforting to know how our small contribution of $44/month helped give Nat an education and food for most of the week. However, our hearts were wrenched when we heard about the 3,000 baht (AUD 150) loan her mother had to take up to buy a rice-cooker, other essentials and contingency food for the family. We felt compelled to help, so we relieved them of their debt. In just two days, I developed a strong bond of love for Nat despite the fact that I wasn’t able to mutter a single comprehensible word to her. I think about her even till this day, and I still pray for her.<br /><br />Sponsoring a child and visiting them makes a real difference in their life; it is by far, the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Being able to put a smile on a face that has been disfigured by poverty brings a transcendental joy and a fulfilment like no other. I urge you, as reflectors of Jesus’ love, to sponsor a child and make a difference in their life.<br /><br />I developed an extreme admiration for the compassion staff (pastors, translators, child workers, cooks, etc.). I admired them because they had made a decision to sacrifice their lives to spend every day showing God’s love to children who so desperately need it. I envied them because they had such meaning and purpose in their lives. My admiration for them peaked into action. I want to spend every single day God grants me showing his love to others – there’s nothing more fulfilling than that! Each compassion staff had unknowingly inspired me through their selfless actions to live selflessly.<br /><br />The second highlight of the trip was the way the Holy Spirit swept through the room as we worshipped and praised our Almighty God. We were to lead the youth group program on that Sunday – we had a skit prepared, a few worship songs in mind, and I was to deliver a message. To our folly, we were severely unprepared: we made significant amendments to the casting of our skit the night before; we were unsure of how we were to overcome the language barrier in worship; I changed my intended message entirely at 12am the night before as I felt lead by the Spirit. We were nervous out our skin as we gathered for devotions that Sunday morning. Significantly, Quentin shared about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and acknowledging that we can’t do anything by our own efforts apart from Christ. I remember us praying fervently for the Spirit to empower us and to grant us faith that day.<br /><br />When we got to the project (TH-422), we were still unprepared. We were still nervous. God was priming our hearts up for His grand entrance. Against the odds, we managed to pull off our skit in an understandable fashion, and I believe my message spoke to a few in the audience. But what I remember most is the worship. We were eager for the youths to worship in their tongue, but we didn’t know any Thai Christian songs! Minutes prior to the worship session, we recalled hearing their guitarist playing the tunes of “One Way” and “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”. We decided to sing those songs. Worship started off on a slow pace but it grew into a blazing furnace (physically and spiritually!) within minutes. Quentin, Grace and I started jumping to the tune of “One way, Jesus” and a couple of the others followed. Grace then explained that we were jumping because we were excited about praising God, and that God would be pleased with us when He sees us worshipping him with such enthusiasm and passion. Once that said, the kids, aged 7-17, started jumping and praising God at the top of their lungs! They sang in Thai, while we sang in English. There was no stopping them. They held our hands and jumped with us, praising God amidst all their troubles. There was no stopping them; we repeated the songs over and over again until we were too tired to continue. The presence of the Holy Spirit was remarkably strong in that place. I know that hearts were convicted and lives were changed. God had raised the level of worship to whole new dimension. I can picture the day when “every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!”<br /><br />The trip to Thailand was nothing short of life changing for me. I experienced what it truly means to find joy in the midst of tribulations, to worship God and rejoice in his sovereignty in the midst of real poverty. The significance of my problems paled in comparison to those experienced by these Thai children – I pray that my reaction to trials may be similar to theirs. Above all, this trip has given me a glimpse of what it truly means to be living each day for God; to show his love to anyone every day. I’m motivated to love my friends and my adversaries in sport, in university, in Fungus, in church, and at home. God has sparked a little flame within me; a desire to do some sort of mission work in the future. I know it’s more than a possibility. Lastly, I thank God for all the deep bonds of friendship that were woven tightly during the course of the trip. I know they will stand the test of time.<br /><br />I strongly encourage you to take up the chance to go on a mission trip should the opportunity present itself.<br /><br />Isaac<br />A Fool For Christ<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-60290105206786173642009-03-10T08:10:00.000+11:002009-03-10T08:11:52.410+11:0009.03.09I haven't haven't had to time to just relax and write my thoughts down. I came out of a difficult cardiorespiratory lecture. I was intending to do a little more catch up study so that I can finally get up to date; but I now find myself lounging in the Frank Tate. My mind feels utterly exhausted; like a race car after a continuous 48 hour race. It's been relentless from 8am this morning till now. I need a break.<br /><br />My head feel sore from fatigue. I don't feel like blogging about anything that requires me to think. I'm going to write whatever comes to my mind.<br /><br />I'm grateful for the peace that I can experience when I just sit back, relax, and close my eyes - not worrying about anything. No cystic fibrosis, no pleura, no ARDS, no pulsus paradoxus, nothing but silence.<br /><br />I thank God for my friends. A whole heap of them are having their birthdays in March! We celebrated Gab's 18th last night. We had dinner at The Booth (like we used to in the past) last night. I'll never forget how we tied him to the basketball pole and creamed/vegemited/egged him all over. He was a helpless white platter of whipped cream stinking of Vegemite. We thought it was all over until Gab managed to rip the tape around his wrist to break free. All hell broke loose! He went around creaming/vegemiting the instigators with the cream/vegemite on his body. I had a taste of my own medicine too.. but I was glad to share in the mess. I hope you had a memorable night, Gab!<br /><br />I've got my driving test booked in for tomorrow! I'm finally going to get my P's! (That's IF i pass). I can still remember getting driven by my dad and grand dad while I was young. I've always had this inate desire to take over the wheel - driving gives me a heightened sense of freedom. I can go anywhere I want without having to trouble my parents. I don't have to waste time waiting on the inefficient public transport system. Yep, Nicole's agreed to take me to Vic Roads for my driving test cuz my parents will be busy entertaining the Balmers (who've just arrived from America). She's such a helpful person. I'm gonna carve a medal out of pure gold for her for her 80th birthday.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-3085910917813455602009-02-19T20:01:00.004+11:002009-02-19T23:49:01.639+11:00Thailand Mission Trip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhRmZSFqDAMLal1692ZxSaga7ygbCyFCLUmR-azATvJTvZRPu0qFUNsraDnGeMIRkocANmTWG2yXupNKJXUw696vDtJ0LGu7cwwNLEnxgTrhGnpmQMOb4pntEsRGi9SlElp5GUA/s1600-h/IMG_4566.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhRmZSFqDAMLal1692ZxSaga7ygbCyFCLUmR-azATvJTvZRPu0qFUNsraDnGeMIRkocANmTWG2yXupNKJXUw696vDtJ0LGu7cwwNLEnxgTrhGnpmQMOb4pntEsRGi9SlElp5GUA/s320/IMG_4566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304489226607629394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UBZFA7XNxsEpnDCw5l4ONB0sjAj7x-5e6BgSemjnkmClz1TBef3_UWS7hXCpTmp9jyXD8dFxNq1BaBpP6CkHoXvMUG6czS7kylzvV0uiOEAyX0Kh6nR9iP21NnYhpxIxQBKTXQ/s1600-h/IMG_4542.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UBZFA7XNxsEpnDCw5l4ONB0sjAj7x-5e6BgSemjnkmClz1TBef3_UWS7hXCpTmp9jyXD8dFxNq1BaBpP6CkHoXvMUG6czS7kylzvV0uiOEAyX0Kh6nR9iP21NnYhpxIxQBKTXQ/s320/IMG_4542.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304489218524723970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgS4-zCI7m0M0jk6OuRpf95W_W_vaMJBunTT5tEz3PLT2Anehg3yF5CJR58AnRzG7Q5B4gY06lQ9QaZNAP7N76FzfACYSJl62mc5e5ZN5B0aMC2ecJY0j-rPiwZLKRiVWHlCNog/s1600-h/IMG_4498.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgS4-zCI7m0M0jk6OuRpf95W_W_vaMJBunTT5tEz3PLT2Anehg3yF5CJR58AnRzG7Q5B4gY06lQ9QaZNAP7N76FzfACYSJl62mc5e5ZN5B0aMC2ecJY0j-rPiwZLKRiVWHlCNog/s320/IMG_4498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304489216378078786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFezmH4Z0nlRSArKZEY-QRw_RvD8sljm4qXRSgSrazXCYThsvZ9fuRk-EwJBZy_bz23Eectyu1IZslkBKtOh57kvbyfG3E9AIR98zqbelbkxJSG7lBWm4SiNLnqebr7M56eAFx2g/s1600-h/SV407389.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFezmH4Z0nlRSArKZEY-QRw_RvD8sljm4qXRSgSrazXCYThsvZ9fuRk-EwJBZy_bz23Eectyu1IZslkBKtOh57kvbyfG3E9AIR98zqbelbkxJSG7lBWm4SiNLnqebr7M56eAFx2g/s320/SV407389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304489206127826482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu_sIPDujj9wjmWPku05jxY8KGP9JbFhwDzjrZ13JmNA9W1YffWu4wqmyqjtAsPNovDihCpYYvcC8ZX_4rjLmJueE7gJi4p7MnGLpk42cAWAvUTAhom4b_d0xnjtmydAqGIQrGA/s1600-h/n786809224_2026728_3027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu_sIPDujj9wjmWPku05jxY8KGP9JbFhwDzjrZ13JmNA9W1YffWu4wqmyqjtAsPNovDihCpYYvcC8ZX_4rjLmJueE7gJi4p7MnGLpk42cAWAvUTAhom4b_d0xnjtmydAqGIQrGA/s320/n786809224_2026728_3027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304469903656872770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRJ2BYU_NMLCdt9MN8auW5DG_OkY5QMiAsO93O6tu3DR23Zzf-Un3QcwRv2IL73ONkEdXWYciXKxL3V__0hxpdR7RLtCvUp_Kp5bRkllb0z-BBp59330Ld9mfR3z6aTv2yFip_A/s1600-h/IMG_5023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRJ2BYU_NMLCdt9MN8auW5DG_OkY5QMiAsO93O6tu3DR23Zzf-Un3QcwRv2IL73ONkEdXWYciXKxL3V__0hxpdR7RLtCvUp_Kp5bRkllb0z-BBp59330Ld9mfR3z6aTv2yFip_A/s320/IMG_5023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304469898003326306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlEHfNaiJf90mmDmJrpJNw59Gj0NjDieuCe0_aAKoFtP9m9m_JRZyjYiH4SDUnqqkNStH6ujU8t0vcC3iV0BOyRwwa8-G98pD_YK7ECdVJ1Xe5r4zkAlKsW1lK0UXv_mbIgV28w/s1600-h/IMG_4882.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlEHfNaiJf90mmDmJrpJNw59Gj0NjDieuCe0_aAKoFtP9m9m_JRZyjYiH4SDUnqqkNStH6ujU8t0vcC3iV0BOyRwwa8-G98pD_YK7ECdVJ1Xe5r4zkAlKsW1lK0UXv_mbIgV28w/s320/IMG_4882.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304469894936877970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">This post is long overdue. I wanted to blog about it before Uni started, but i couldn't find a right time and the right frame of mind to write. After a hectic first week of Uni, I'm convinced that if I don't blog about my amazing trip to Thailand tonight, I'll probably not do it at all. Hence, I've put all my books aside tonight to reflect on my life-changing trip to Thailand.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Qynn lead a group of us - Gab, Grace, Andrew, Haney, Brian and myself - on a 12 day </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">mission trip to the North-eastern part of Bangkok, Thailand. I don't intend to invent the</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> cure to insomnia, so I'll just blog about the breathtaking significant highlights of my trip.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Grace's Miracle</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">We had done 2 months of fund raising and preparation for worship, skits, teaching, games, etc. We were set to leave for Thailand on the Tues 13th of Jan, only to be notified at the airport that it was impossible for Grace to fly with us on that day! All international flights require a minimum validity period of 6 months, but her Malaysian passport only had 3 months!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQAzlfKl21EjlzCO5foaZ_X-2-8MqpK1e93l3wPOXOhm8KwhxYQ7NXUy2aJ6ebEbxTsZiyWDpliryf4G-xHkonXItzrPu-B8OGbo2B88oFxHuRnl_p6cfBuKqh8vhCrF5gFHvHw/s1600-h/IMG_4852.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQAzlfKl21EjlzCO5foaZ_X-2-8MqpK1e93l3wPOXOhm8KwhxYQ7NXUy2aJ6ebEbxTsZiyWDpliryf4G-xHkonXItzrPu-B8OGbo2B88oFxHuRnl_p6cfBuKqh8vhCrF5gFHvHw/s320/IMG_4852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304469889178719762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Our cheerful and expectant moods were absolutely CRUSHED. Our enthusiasm was replaced with uncertainty and panic in just an instant. It's amazing how quickly the tides can change. Grace was a VITAL of our team - she had done heaps of preparation for the skits, the games, and the worship sessions. We would have struggled greatly without her. Qynn spoke to the manager, made several phone calls to the embassy, etc. He was desperately trying all he could to get Grace on that flight - but God had other plans for her.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo857gcJn1Cv-zoT75LO4eD8Wy8ulr6Ssj-jBZQlLAo7hV-RqCtC8um6t6YbxVx_nmv4W9YQAIUWJjT5QJSB0QvWo2SLHKUPSfGHJi6IZmN98MP28lMMUawpmkx96jb-QqrHlRA/s1600-h/IMG_3464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo857gcJn1Cv-zoT75LO4eD8Wy8ulr6Ssj-jBZQlLAo7hV-RqCtC8um6t6YbxVx_nmv4W9YQAIUWJjT5QJSB0QvWo2SLHKUPSfGHJi6IZmN98MP28lMMUawpmkx96jb-QqrHlRA/s320/IMG_3464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304478160798424930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Reluctantly, we got on the plane to Thailand without Grace. The 7 hour flight was torturious for Qynn because he couldn't do anything except to pray and to trust God - we were all forced to have faith in God and to trust in his sovereignty. I learnt a lesson too: m</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">any times we SAY that we trust God, but immediately after saying so we strategise and act to solve the problem ourselves. I've got to learnt to REALLY place the situation in its ENTIRETY in God's hands; and just sit and wait on the Lord in silence.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">"And God was faithful..." He allowed Grace to join us 3 days later on the Thursday; just in time for all the real action! It was great having her around, I personally got to know her a lot more. I find her to have an extremely helpful spirit, and a teachable heart. I couldn'</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">t ima</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">gine the trip without her.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Nat</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The absolute highlight of my trip would definitely be getting to meet my sponsor kid, Nat. Gab, Grace, Haney, and myself donate $44/month to Compassion to provide for her education and some food. However, we didn't know her personally, and it felt like we were just donating to a generic charity.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxjEiXtTxG6zhvAfynVyLovIr4Ass7wmNnVpzAUWRN8uf5PR_a6qPm-EGfliVWKHo6aJLaItI6PHSktmS7ddsAli0QpCJeVBXLLNLilAISYOs3hs5EtxTKdD8YpjOh0X7x4oHPQ/s1600-h/SV407328.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxjEiXtTxG6zhvAfynVyLovIr4Ass7wmNnVpzAUWRN8uf5PR_a6qPm-EGfliVWKHo6aJLaItI6PHSktmS7ddsAli0QpCJeVBXLLNLilAISYOs3hs5EtxTKdD8YpjOh0X7x4oHPQ/s320/SV407328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304469883205216466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBP8B3iOa8q7Ivdik2caH4Vnq57l1hfCgfMvYkM_D7bAWqb_mlD2DKGCCOPLCeESvLMxcxcoOIijl6iTU9IUD3T9hAGnloWI0wDdsK4TA9eBd2DCsH6WiwsweYZXlgNMXeqgdVQ/s1600-h/IMG_5253.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBP8B3iOa8q7Ivdik2caH4Vnq57l1hfCgfMvYkM_D7bAWqb_mlD2DKGCCOPLCeESvLMxcxcoOIijl6iTU9IUD3T9hAGnloWI0wDdsK4TA9eBd2DCsH6WiwsweYZXlgNMXeqgdVQ/s320/IMG_5253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304478161466986274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Meeting Nat transformed my sympathetic "donation" of $11/month into a life-long c</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">ommitment of true and genuine love. I still remember meeting Nat for the first time at project TH-422. That adorable 6 year old girl with light brown silky hair, eyes of perfect innocence, and a sweet smile that makes krispy kreme doughnuts taste bland.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR5uk6jvELXl2sgY5spQ_Bc2vVn4usD7AtGVWafQlGVEVaMQNtW3qvH3cCGTBPUphyl3xm5hVygYaOXfmoUS0yqRja4XVVrYNxoE3NuqeXMxNNuBh0eD1Yaqfxi2wsNKE-i4UMg/s1600-h/IMG_2993_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR5uk6jvELXl2sgY5spQ_Bc2vVn4usD7AtGVWafQlGVEVaMQNtW3qvH3cCGTBPUphyl3xm5hVygYaOXfmoUS0yqRja4XVVrYNxoE3NuqeXMxNNuBh0eD1Yaqfxi2wsNKE-i4UMg/s320/IMG_2993_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304478175316722402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Despite the language barrier, we had a lot of fun with Nat. We would co</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">mmunicate with her mainly through hand signs and facial expressions. She LOVED our cameras. She loved taking photos with us. She loved taking photos of herself too! That was really cute!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">We visited her family at their home one evening. Her mum sells food by the road and her dad is a janitor at the local school. They're too poor to afford a house, so they currently live in a small room in her grandmum's house; and sometimes they stay in a provisional house provided by the school for her dad when he works late shifts. We feel compassionate and somber as we toured around her house. Her mum showed us 6 concrete pillars already erected in their backyard which were the foundations of their future house. They're currently trying to save up enough money to finance the materials and the construction. I was distressed whe</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">n she told us that she had to take up a 3000 baht (~$150 AUD) loan to buy a rice cooker and food for the family. So the four of us (Gab, Grace, Haney, myself) decided to pay the debt off for them - just to relief them of the interest burden.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FcHXl-8yFduyzrck_s8kDp5xYdu_5uBHbxxRgNKfOZpEtQXwn8WT8hWe9SaGgjgW9Ya-IhGLwuRy-wTU8LMebnz9RkBtaT9iuxzH02ZWV4ZlMo4ewWx1Yumc6Ig5lyU_Ylo4gw/s1600-h/IMG_5248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FcHXl-8yFduyzrck_s8kDp5xYdu_5uBHbxxRgNKfOZpEtQXwn8WT8hWe9SaGgjgW9Ya-IhGLwuRy-wTU8LMebnz9RkBtaT9iuxzH02ZWV4ZlMo4ewWx1Yumc6Ig5lyU_Ylo4gw/s320/IMG_5248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304478151305509154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I remember taking her out to dinner twice. She'd always order the Thai fried rice - I think that's her favourite. She'd always get her food before me, and I would tease her by acting like I was hungry to see if she would offer me her food. haha! She just stare at me</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"> with innocence topped with a hint of cute annoyance. I remember feeding her with the "aeroplane routine". She absolutely loved that! I even got her to feed Gab with the "aeroplane". haha!</span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwwXakcUmDkYYfIP-IgCvWFdbdTPbL4oq5q5ns6DiPZgD3R1NrAHC2sIgM6DPjkVt_uBRL2wjDQqg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Nat's fortunate to have 4 sponsor parents because that meant that she was to receive presents from each of us! Gab bought her a special towel from Disneyland that expands when you soak it in water from the size no bigger than two 50 cent coins to a full-sized face towel. Nat was VERY excited about that! haha! It was probably her first time witnessing "magic". I remember her picking it up from the jug of water and walking off briskly without saying a word. We all looked to each other in shock at her poor mannerisms, only to rea</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">lise that she was drying the towel in the sun! haha! I love that girl. She's got this shy attitude about her that really intrigues me. She's really shy initially and that makes it hard to win her trust. But she's just so adorable once she opens up to you.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Grace got her a recorder and Haney got her a barbie doll. I got her some crayons, coloured pencils, markers, and a drawing book - everything she needed to wield her creative prowess. Our hearts melted when she opened the drawing book immediately and started drawing a picture of us (she only drew Grace, really). She drew her red dress and the but</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">tons on it without even taking a 2nd look at Grace!!! That's amazing! I couldn't have done </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">that! haha! And she topped it off by writing: "Nat loves her (sponsor) dads and mums" in Thai. She stole my heart then, and it's been with her ever since. I love her. I think about her everyday. I pray for her everyday.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Andrew's Amazing Adjustment</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Andrew's complete transformation is the most radical one I've wi</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">tnessed. Prior to the trip, many would have labelled him as "anti-social" or "disinterested in socialising". I personally tried to chat to him in Fungus, but I found myself confronting a brick wall of single-word answers. Even during the bonding sessions prior to the trip, there was some obvious tension between Haney's enthusiastic fervour and Andrew's indignant attitude. I remember this convo:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Haney: So Andrew, have you got any prayer requests?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Andrew: No, my life is perfect.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Haney: Nor-ma-gi-le!!!!!!!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Through the trip, Andrew started to open up. He really is funny and talkative by nature, but several things have supressed that through all these years confining him to a hermit shell of alienation: Alienation to reprise the Fear of Rejection. There were many glimpses of his amazing hilarity (I LOVE his jokes!! And the way he gets on Haney's nerves all the time!!) and he started to open up to us in devotions. There was a point when he even agreed to do a mock-up serenade to Haney! He sang "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade for her with the most hilarious gestures! Unforrunately, the video's too huge to upload, but i'll see what I can do! :P</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IhaYL6I0iihIFfqF6Iw8Oc3GqVOC2fQNKN498CRowq6L-kULd1rhLDWFNOdjjv1dv4jeIMGkpJsbjFQGvN1GTu2ls9liNmTWJXOCCLVaW1oSubagvbwWhfprp_tbErTSJTU0LQ/s1600-h/IMG_3253.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IhaYL6I0iihIFfqF6Iw8Oc3GqVOC2fQNKN498CRowq6L-kULd1rhLDWFNOdjjv1dv4jeIMGkpJsbjFQGvN1GTu2ls9liNmTWJXOCCLVaW1oSubagvbwWhfprp_tbErTSJTU0LQ/s320/IMG_3253.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304478167805545298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcVLe-gtQfWle06EU4Kbp3y3wL7ixgCJ91fbnj8l63KRIQNd4MbTX7VZlpFCRYs1w0ZjFAbytoRE4TPHZ5Xa4KaCBuJ3nB_OvWp25vV6pgBlP0eQ_M9qQue2ZQZIlvO4BZJavXQ/s1600-h/IMG_4582.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcVLe-gtQfWle06EU4Kbp3y3wL7ixgCJ91fbnj8l63KRIQNd4MbTX7VZlpFCRYs1w0ZjFAbytoRE4TPHZ5Xa4KaCBuJ3nB_OvWp25vV6pgBlP0eQ_M9qQue2ZQZIlvO4BZJavXQ/s320/IMG_4582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304489212183381954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">It was really encouraging to see him get involved in our activities with the kids, and to hear him pray with such sincerity. Nevertheless, he would always revert to his alienative self once in a while.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">It was not until the 2nd last day when we were all having a real conversation that the real change happened. Andrew told us the reasons why he had been so "anti-social" in the past, and how he didn't see the value in developing our friendship when he's going to be in Adelaide for the next 5 years or so. I know it sounds pretty gay, but I told him that we weren't being friends just because we had to on this mission trip. We were friends that prayed for each other because we genuinely loved and cared for him. I don't think he believed me right away that night.. but I'm sure it simmered in because he was just a completely new person the next day! haha!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Qynn, Gab and I bought him a makeover at a high-class hair salon. Hence, his new hardcore hairstyle. That cost us 1300 baht! The most hilarious thing was when he wore the Mr. Jihad T-shirt that I bought him through the customs and onto the plane back to Australia!!! LOL!!!!!!! That was classic! He even wore it through the Aussie customs!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Andrew, you're a legend. Don't ever forget that, bro! :)</span><br /><br /><br />TO BE CONTINUED...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Kids at TH-422</span><br /><br />Compassion plants one project in each poor region,I'll never forget the innocent faces of the kids at the project. They were so excited to see us when he got there.<br /><br /><br />Food!<br /><br /><br />Worship<br /><br /><br />Mink<br /><br /><br />Hilarity TV in the Van<br /><br /><br />Prayer: Adjustment of Faith<br /><br /><br />TH-421<br /><br /><br /><br />Motivation<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104000.post-91466250729984528662009-02-04T23:07:00.002+11:002009-02-04T23:34:49.724+11:00I need Strength..<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">It's been too long since I last blogged. I've been wanting to do a massive blog post about my mission trip to Thailand; but I've been too busy with packing my room and sorting other things out. Amidst all that, I think I'm going through a rather important time in my life right now where I'm evaluating where God's leading me this year and in the future.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I didn't want to blog, but I'm been inspired to do so by Jon's encouraging emails elaborating excerpts from my previous blog posts! I'm truly grateful for such a friend like Jon. He's overwhelmingly encouraging. He's the only person I know that would search the archives of my blog for inspiration and encouragement. Hence, I've decided to share what I wrote in my journal today. It's a rather long post about how God's spoke to me specifically today:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">" Sha and I had our first driving lesson today. We got our instructor, Susanne, through a recommendation by the Hoe's. Susanne alerted me to all the knitty-gritty things that I negligently overlook when I drive casually - to the extent that I got nervous before every maneuver. Nevertheless, I started to get the hang of driving cautiously and getting into the habit of making pronounced headchecks and mirror checks. I finally learned the proper technique for the 3-point turn and the reverse parallel park. They're very simple low-speed maneuveres really.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">My willingness to be completely detachd from Fungus/101, coupled with my immense apprehension about joining Vive; shaken together thoroughly; sprinkled with my enthusiastic eagerness about treading the unfamiliar and daunting grounds of University minitry through Studentlife; has been an overwhelming burden upon my weary heart, mind and soul.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Vive is the uni-group in my home church, Crossway Baptist. And I rightfully should be part of and serving in it. However, my apprehension is greatly due to the drastic culture difference between Vive and Fungus. Vive is a lemon cake sprinkled with sesame seeds; while Fungus is a tasty mudcake with the most stringent spray of icing. Obviously, they taste completely different: it would take a great deal of confidence, motivation, and perseverance to overcome the inertia of learning to love lemon cake.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Fungus, on the other hand, is a place I feel at home. I sincerely love the people in it. I grew up in Fungus. I am part of it. And it definitely possesses a significant portion of my being. People like Qynn, Chris, John, Gab, Shaun, Nick, Aud, Alv, Sonjia, Lashes, Ruth, Jon, Franny, Pete, Vernis and Nicole have had great influences on my life; they have no doubt helped to shape me into who I am this day. I am eternally grateful. I've been serving as a Fungus leader for a year now, and I'm loving it. I feel that God has primed me up by giving me an opportunity to be part of the core leadership so that I can contribute greatly to the growth of Fungus this year. However, my parents feel that the greater church, FGA, has got flawed biblical teachings and would prove an unsuitable church to be part of. Hence, they have warned me not to continue serving, or being part of, a ministry in FGA. My parents are great, God-fearing, bible-studying, people-loving, Jesus-following people whom I respect greatly. So I take their opinions with considerable importance. And frankly, that is a tough nut for me to swallow. I wouldn't even call it a nut, it's more like a massive durian with razor sharp stainless steel spikes. I know it's going to hurt if I swallow it; I might even bleed. I know I will bleed.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">About Studentlife. During my short mission trip to Thailand, God convicted my heart about doing something that significantly changes LIVES with my life. I was inspired by Mink, Prue, Alexandra, and all the other Compassion staff (interpreters, child workers, teachers, cooks, pastors, etc.) They've committed their lives to serving Christ in their profession - and in some way to bring joy and hope into the lives of poverty-stricken children. They have seized a marvellous opportunity to show the unconditional and unfailing love of God to those who would listen! Seeing the overwhelming joy that permeats through the childrens' smiles and actions because of our acts of love, brings such joy and warmth to my innermost being. It makes me feel as though my life was well-spent; truly meaningful. What could be more rewarding than to spend everyday sharing and multiplying the love of Christ to poverty-stricken children who would ever so openly receive it?!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">That has inspired me to share that same love, the Love of God, to people in uni. I remember seeing somewhat of a vision of a group of enthusiastic CHristians worshipping God on a stage right in the middle of South Lawn. And everyone who walked past glanced by in awe and amazement. There's nothing we can do to save souls; but I envisaged the Holy Spirit flowing ever so strongly in that place to touch and convict the deepest parts of everyone that looked on. So much so that they too would worship the Lord our God. I foresaw a new revolution - a love revolution totally devoted to Jesus Christ.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Honestly, I lack faith, although I do beleive that it is possible. Hence, my worry; my anxiety; my doubt.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">As I worshipped God just then, he subtly put images into my mind about what he wanted me to do in each of these 3 ministries this year.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Vive was first. As I sang, the theme of me surrendering my life to the will of God came up over and over again. now I know that altohugh it makes no sense to learn to eat lemon cake, God is saying: "Trust in Me."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">O Lord, would you please have your way in me. I humbly offer my life to you. Give me confidence and strength by the power of your Holy Spirit.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Studentlife was second. I began to think about gathering all the Christian friends I knew in Uni and uniting us all. God put names into my heart to invite to Studentlife's kick-off camp: Alv, Aud, Chris, NIgel, Ven, Tim, Nic, etc. I thank God for showing me the first stop to take in making a difference in Uni. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I pray, O Lord, that you'd continue to grant me wisdom and vision from your Holy Spirit.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">I didn't expect it: Fungus was third! God caused me to think about the lack of passion in the leadership; and what I could offer to it. I thought about the opportunity I would have to further encourage people like Jon, Franny, Harold, Tony, etc. And even to mentor the Assistant Leaders like Shaun. I take this as a clear sign that I should remain serving in Fungus.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I'm glad that you answered when I sought you, Lord. Forgive me of my short-comings and grant me strength</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">."</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">I'll blog about my trip to Thailand tmr should time permit! :)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jesus loves ya! =)</div>Isaachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02666608364124562687noreply@blogger.com0