Rejoice Greatly

"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'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.

I was feeling so depressed on Thurs. Everything just seemed to be falling apart.

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.

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.

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.

i miss..

I miss the explosive emotion of kicking a ball..

I miss running on a pitch of lush green grass..

I miss getting lost in the ecstasy of dribbling past a challenge or two..

I miss the satisfaction of putting on into the back of the net..

I miss seeing the joy in a teammate's face when they score a goal.. and know that I contributed to it somewhat.

You´re better then the best

I´m lucky just to linger in your life

Cooler then the flip side of my pillow that´s right

Completely unaware

Nothing can compare to where you send me

Lets me know that it´s ok yeah it´s ok

And the moments when my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed

Sing like a bird

Dizzy in my head

Spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold

Buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh you make me smile

Even when you´re gone

Somehow you come along

Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack and just like that

You steal away the rain and just like that

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of

bed sing like bird

Dizzy in my head spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold

buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh you make me smile

Don´t know how I lived without you

Cuz everytime that I get around you

I see the best of me inside your eyes

You make me smile

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold

buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun

Fall out of bed

sing like bird

Dizzy in my head

spin like a record

Crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool

Forget how to breathe

Shine like gold

buzz like a bee

Just the thought of you can drive me wild

Ohh you make me smile

Ohh you make me smile

Ohh you make me smile

thanks for making me smile. I miss you :)

Things I'm grateful for:

1) Having a good chat over dinner with Jin, Tommy, and Tom.

2) A very encouraging week at uni

3) My dad's safe return from Sydney

4) Yvonne and Alvin's visit from Singapore

5) Laughter.

Chunky Soup with Puff Pastry..YUM!

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.

She'll be gone for 3 weeks. I know I'll miss her.

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.

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.

Two weeks on from breaking my ankle: I wish God gave us unbreakable bones.

I was reading the BSF notes today and something really stood out. It read:

"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."

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.

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).

"Sometimes the good is the enemy of the best."

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.

3 blessings I'm grateful to God for:

1) My dad who works tirelessly to support my family

2) Laughter

3) The lesson He's going to teach me from my broken ankle

the path.

"You make me thank God for all the mistakes I made because each one led me down the path closer to you."

- Legend-wait for it-dary black dude from HIMYM.

4 hours of coffee

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.

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.

How effective would it be to display the Word of God on clothing?

"Jesus loves YOU. But I'm his favourite"

"Jesus PRAYS for YOU" - Hebrews 7:25

"Jesus LOVES the HELL out of you" - John 3:16

"He keeps me in PERFECT PEACE." - Isaiah 26:3

"I can do ALL things through HIM who gives me STRENGTH" - Philppians 4:13

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.

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.

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.

3 blessings I'm grateful for:

1) Friends who truly love the Lord (Mink, you're someone who really inspires me :D)

2) Memories of both the good and the bad

3) The breath I just took

Brush Your Teeth!

A new medical study shows that individuals who do not brush their teeth twice a day have an increased risk of heart disease.

"Kids, brush your teeth or you'll get a heart attack!"

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 :)

Thanks guys, you're awesome.

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.

Can't you see that it's just raining

Ain't no need to go outside...

But baby, you hardly even notice

When I try to show you this

Song is meant to keep ya

From doing what you're supposed to

Like waking up too early

Maybe we can sleep in

I'll make you banana pancakes

Pretend like it's the weekend now

And we could pretend it all the time

Can't you see that it's just raining

Ain't no need to go outside

But just maybe, laka ukulele

Mommy made a baby

Really don't mind the breakfast

'cause you're my little lady

Lady lady love me

'cause I love to lay here lazy

We could close the curtains

Pretend like there's no world outside

And we could pretend it all the time

Can't you see that it's just raining

Ain't no need to go outside

Ain't no need ain't no need Mmmm MMmmm

Can't you see can't you see

Rain all day

And I don't mind.

The telephone is singing

Ringing it's too early

Don't pick it up

We don't need to we got everything

We need right here

And everything we need is enough

Just so easy

When the whole world fits inside of your arms

Don't really need to pay attention to the alarm

Wake up slow, yeah wake up slow

You hardly even notice

When I try to show you this

Song is meant to keep ya

From doing what your supposed to

Like waking up too early

Maybe we can sleep in

I'll make you banana pancakes

Pretend like it's the weekend now

And we could pretend it all the time

Can't you see that it's just raining

Ain't no need to go outside

Ain't no need, ain't no need

Rain all day and I really really really don't mind

Can't you see can't you see,

You gotta wake up slow

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.

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.

"Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler [Jairus], "Don't be afraid; just believe." - Mark 5:36

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 :)

I'm gonna watch the Australia vs Ghana match at Dan's place tonight. Hopefully it'll be an entertaining match! :)

3 blessings I'm grateful for:

1) Julia Donald

2) Not waking up to watch the England vs Algeria game this morning

3) A loving God.

Breaking Seeds. Sowing Ankles.

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 :(

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.

So.. I decided to revive my blog being filled with inspiration after reading Mink's blog.

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:

"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..."

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.

So I've decided to make short posts about what God's taught me through each day lest I forget.

"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 felt convicted when I read that passage today because I know that I've been subject to these 3 pitfalls: worries, greed, and discontentment.

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.

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.

"The happy man is not the one who gets what he wants but the one who wants what he gets." - some wise dude

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."

I was like: "What? Are you sure?"

Experienced Dr: "Prove me wrong!"

I can still remember the smug look on his face when he said that.

Dear Dr. Smug-face,

"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. No study has established a positive association between acne and chocolate, saturated fat, or salt intake."

Yours truly,

Skin Therapy Letter. 2010; 15(3):1-2.

P.S. Try to have some respect for your patient's queries in the future.

Three things I'm grateful to God for:

1) The powerful gust of wind that woke me up. I actually thought the rapture was happening!

2) My dad, mum, sis, and granny who've been waiting on me in love

3) Love.

The Shack

"...sequestering his emotions securely in the padlocked basement of his own heart." - Young

Psalm 34

"Fear the Lord, you his saints,

for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." - v.9,10

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?

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.

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.

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.

So how do I fear you, God?

“Come, my children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Whoever of you loves life

and desires to see many good days,

Keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good;

Seek peace and pursue it.” (vv. 11-14)

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.

I just want you, Jesus

More than a nice melody,
More than the sweetest of word's,
This is love i have found,
and with this love i am found.

I just want you Jesus, I just want you my lord,
I just want you Jesus, I just want you.

Never could I comprehend,
The love you so freely give,
Never could I be with you,
But your love covers all of my sin.

I just want you Jesus,
I just want you my lord,
I just want you Jesus I just want you.

There is no greater love than yours,
Nothing else could ever compare,
And even if I search all the world
I will never find a love like yours, God.

I just want you Jesus,
I just want you my Lord,
I just want you Jesus,
I just want you,
Jesus!

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.

I love you, Lord. Thanks for loving me so much and for being so good to me.

Help me not to chase after anything else but you.

Dizwanger

I found a Dizwanger one day,
Looking intently into the vast blue sky.
Her search was for the One,
The only Apple of her eye.

I found a Dizwanger one day,
Staring across the deep blue sea.
I saw her smile and laugh,
And I wondered if it could be.

Predictability is a Dizwanger's unnature,
And Mystery is her crown of gold.
I long to understand it,
But I doubt my heart's bold.

The journey's long,
I've picked up a knock or two.
But what's victory without hurt?
And what's love in the absence of sacrifice?

I found a Dizwanger one day,
Resting on my side.
I wish it was forever,
Fall asleep in her eyes.

Isaac
5.10.09

Life's been hard, but God's been great over the last few months.

Praise the Lord! :)

Jesus, I'm tired of walking alone
I can't hold this world up on my own
I'm a man in need of the cross.
Each time I see a running stream
So satisfying it may seem
But my soul; it's thirsting for more!

More of you, Lord Jesus
More, more of you, My Lord

I want to sing to you intimately
I want to hear you say, that you love me
I want to know you more than a friend
I want to feel the scars in your hands

Isaac
4.10.09

Wild At Heart

“The wisdom’s in the trees

Not the glass windows.”

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.

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.

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.

What’re the innate yearnings in your heart?

Eldredge’s convinced God’s placed a “wild heart” in every man that craves for 3 things:

1. A battle to fight
2. An adventure to live
3. A beauty to rescue
   
   

How true.. Somewhere in scripture it says:

“The Lord is a Warrior. The Lord is his name.”

I remember pretending to fight imaginary ninjas along the corridors of my old house. Punch, Dodge, Kick, Smackdown!

Just some random thoughts on a train..

Love

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.

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.

I’ve been thinking recently and I’ve come to a conclusion that I really don’t have much love within me.

Love is asking: “How are you?” on a Monday morning.
The lack of love is asking: “How are you?” on a Wednesday afternoon.

Love is to prepare a nice hot cup of Chai Latte for a friend.
The lack of love is to prepare a nice hot cup of Chai Latte for a friend.

Love is praying for her no matter how heavy your eyelids may be at night.
The lack of love is praying for her no matter how tired you may be.

Love is looking at his faults and knowing that his heart’s purer than his actions.
The lack of love is looking at his faults and laying down judgment within.

Love is to be genuinely interested in his life.
The lack of love is to be interested in her life.

Love is the willingness to make a complete fool of yourself just to make her smile.
The lack of love is to make a complete fool of yourself to eventually get her fooled.

Just some thoughts on a train ride...

The Anthem

Worship was amazing last Friday night.
Hallelujah! You have won the victory.
Hallelujah! You have born it all for me.
Death could not hold you down
You are the risen King
Seated in majesty
You are the risen King

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!

Things that happened in the last month:

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 :(

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.

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?

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!

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.

Box Hill. Time to get off the train!

Prac prac prac...

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.

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.

I never expected this.

Thank you, Kirsten.

Thank you, God! :)
I know that you'll never let me down if i put you first above ALL ELSE - exams, friends, wealth, health.

Is Grass Really Green?

"The grass is always greener on the other side...
If only our eyes weren't so firmly fixed on the other side
We'd notice that there's actually grass on our side
Really?
Yes, lush green grass..."

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 green colour of grass...

Grass has always been green.. so have the leaves on the trees.

I've just never been able to appreciate it. Colour.

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?!

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.

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6 NIV

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:

"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."

"Are you a religious person?"

"So are you saying that I'm going to hell if I don't believe in Jesus?"

"You're stupid for wanting to go back to Singapore for National Service."

"You should just quit doing Physiotherapy if you don't like it."

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).

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.

I want to make a commitment to be careful with my words.

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.

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.

The Conclusion of the Matter

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.

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 everyday. 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.

I came across a beautiful psalm yesterday:

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely,
O Lord. You hem me in - behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me."

"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths,
You are there.
If I rise on wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast."

"For you created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."


"My frame was not hidden from you
When I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
You eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
Were written in your book
Before one of them came to be."

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting."

- Excerpts from Psalm 139

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!

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!

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.

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.

God Bless! :)

Quotes...

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.

-

" 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

-

"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

-

"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." - an email from Sha

-

"I don't think he likes me anymore... I mean, me and Jan!"
- Ann Lee Chin

-

"Yum! Andrea's birthday cake is so nice! It's better than Julia's!"
- Ann Lee Chin

*She didn't realise Julia was right beside her* -.-"

-

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.

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 -.-""

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.

I've been procrastinating since 10am this morning.. I better get back to work.

Nat!

Thank you, Lord for your Son.
Thank you for this day
And for all the ups and downs it brings
For the ups because they bring joy;
They give vibrancy and meaning to an otherwise dull life
For the downs because they help me see You clearly
They are the foundation for Hope
I cherish the times that I can rest in Your strength
It's through them that I get to know You better
It's in them that I feel... Strong.

19/5/09

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.

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.

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..

Oh yes, I'll be going for a MRI brain scan today! Hope they don't find anything wrong with me!

A Cold Autumn Morning

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?

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”.

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?

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.

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.

I need a real meaning and purpose in my life. I want something, someone to live for...