Today was one of those days in your life where you wish you didn't have to have.
In the morning I woke up at 5.45. Did a quick QT, shower, dress up, then breakfast. But when I leave my house, I realised that the clock was already showing 7.20am. I was like, "No...." Then I prayed for God to clear the traffic for me. Walaaah... no traffic. Praise God.
Then when I got to the parking lots (free public parking lots), I quickly ran to the coach/shuttle bus. When, I got to office I quickly went to the bathroom as I got stomachache. When I finished,I noticed this big hole at the back of my trousers, I was like "HAH". I must have tore the fabric (exactly next to the back pocket) .I called my colleague in panick, and he couldn't stop laughing. Hate him for that. But he said that as people can't really see it as long as I don't tuck in my shirt, it shouldn't be a big issue. Praise God the hole wasn't so big.
Then when I got to my desk, I realised I left my wallet in my car, which was quite visible from outside. Then my other colleague offered to drive me to the car park to get my wallet. Praise God for her.
So yeah, in all, I did have a day full of unpleasant things, but at the same time, I also did have a day full of God's blessing, where my colleagues came to my rescue. ah... though it's such a cloudy day, cold, torn trousers, stomachache, it was still a beautiful day, thanks to God. :)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wonderful weekend
Man... I tell you, I just had one of the most awesome w/e in my life.
Yday - Friday - wa/s my day off, it was GC show-day, same as the show-day (for Ekka) in Bne. So how I spent my day-off?
Woke up at 7.30pm, dropped my car to Honda for service in W'gabba, walked/jogged back home (took me 1.5hr), quick rest at home, then caught up with a friend whom I haven't seen for ages over lunch at himawari.
After that I had ice chocolate in Mt Cootha then altered my trousers in city, picked up my car from Honda, then quick rest at home before heading off to have dinner with my LG people in Sunnybank, which was then followed by bowling in Greenslopes. And after bowling, we headed back to Ruth's place for the board game (Man Laws, Women Rules) and dessert. Thanks Ruth for the mochi.
Today, I went for bushwalking. It's part of the Band of Brothers (and Simply Women) church seminar. I personally enjoyed it so much, though I know some people would rather be doing something else.But anyway, 1 thing that I learned is that teamwork requires each members to bring their individuality into the team to work together so we can achieve the goal, because without them, we won't be able to achieve it, that is also called synergy, when 1 + 1 = 3. I also learned that I really need to grow in the area of attention to details. I missed one landmark which I was supposed to take picture of. Besides that, I also learned that no matter what, we must always stick together. Leave no man behind. If you wanna reach a destination quick, go yourself. But you can't do that when you are in a team, cause it's not about you, it's about everyone, hence we need to shoulder each others' burden. From leadership perspective, team leader must know where we are going, clear direction must be given so people would know and hence able to participate and contribute their different skills and ability to the team. As followers, I need to support my leader no matter what, unless he's absolutely off-tangent, ehehhe....
Yday - Friday - wa/s my day off, it was GC show-day, same as the show-day (for Ekka) in Bne. So how I spent my day-off?
Woke up at 7.30pm, dropped my car to Honda for service in W'gabba, walked/jogged back home (took me 1.5hr), quick rest at home, then caught up with a friend whom I haven't seen for ages over lunch at himawari.
After that I had ice chocolate in Mt Cootha then altered my trousers in city, picked up my car from Honda, then quick rest at home before heading off to have dinner with my LG people in Sunnybank, which was then followed by bowling in Greenslopes. And after bowling, we headed back to Ruth's place for the board game (Man Laws, Women Rules) and dessert. Thanks Ruth for the mochi.
Today, I went for bushwalking. It's part of the Band of Brothers (and Simply Women) church seminar. I personally enjoyed it so much, though I know some people would rather be doing something else.But anyway, 1 thing that I learned is that teamwork requires each members to bring their individuality into the team to work together so we can achieve the goal, because without them, we won't be able to achieve it, that is also called synergy, when 1 + 1 = 3. I also learned that I really need to grow in the area of attention to details. I missed one landmark which I was supposed to take picture of. Besides that, I also learned that no matter what, we must always stick together. Leave no man behind. If you wanna reach a destination quick, go yourself. But you can't do that when you are in a team, cause it's not about you, it's about everyone, hence we need to shoulder each others' burden. From leadership perspective, team leader must know where we are going, clear direction must be given so people would know and hence able to participate and contribute their different skills and ability to the team. As followers, I need to support my leader no matter what, unless he's absolutely off-tangent, ehehhe....
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Suicidal
I just got home, from a great dinner with few friends.
While driving back home, focus on family was talking about the yellow ribbon campaign about stopping teens from taking their own life, due to various reasons.
Suicidal is permanent solution to temporary problem
Have I ever thought about it? yes I have
Do I know anyone who is suicidal? I'm afraid yes
Can I help the person? no
So what do I do? pray for the person, and refer the person to doctor for counselling
Yeah, I had a couple of instances where I wanted to take my own life. The last one was like 10yrs ago when I had issues with my bgr. I thank God that I didn't do it, and to finally found God and have Him in my life helped me overcome root issues in my life.
Anyway, enough about suicidal.
After dinner, while we're just chatting away, out of nowhere I almost cry. Somehow I felt so good that it made me wanna cry. At that time I couldn't help but appreciate what God has done in the life of this friend who has changed so much, from a guy who couldnt think of anything else but money, to someone who gave up a his high position so he doesn't have to work so long/hard so he can serve in LG and can occassionally cook for few friends. Man... looking at him tonight just made me wanna cry. ah.... Thank you Lord for letting me be part of this friend's life.
While driving back home, focus on family was talking about the yellow ribbon campaign about stopping teens from taking their own life, due to various reasons.
Suicidal is permanent solution to temporary problem
Have I ever thought about it? yes I have
Do I know anyone who is suicidal? I'm afraid yes
Can I help the person? no
So what do I do? pray for the person, and refer the person to doctor for counselling
Yeah, I had a couple of instances where I wanted to take my own life. The last one was like 10yrs ago when I had issues with my bgr. I thank God that I didn't do it, and to finally found God and have Him in my life helped me overcome root issues in my life.
Anyway, enough about suicidal.
After dinner, while we're just chatting away, out of nowhere I almost cry. Somehow I felt so good that it made me wanna cry. At that time I couldn't help but appreciate what God has done in the life of this friend who has changed so much, from a guy who couldnt think of anything else but money, to someone who gave up a his high position so he doesn't have to work so long/hard so he can serve in LG and can occassionally cook for few friends. Man... looking at him tonight just made me wanna cry. ah.... Thank you Lord for letting me be part of this friend's life.
Monday, August 24, 2009
updates
1. laptop
My laptop died (as in stop working) last week. Though I didnt expect it to die, everyone said that my laptop had done well by being so reliable in till last week, never crashed, never hang and never give me any problem at all. So to have such a reliable laptop for 5yrs can be considered as blessed, me that is. I praise God for that.
2. Catching up with friends
Last friday as usual I had LG meeting. We had a visitor from NZ, she's visiting Abby, one of the girls in our group. 1 thing like about our group is that we're always excited when we see a visitor. It's crazy. After G meeting finished, abby asked if anyone would like to accompany her and her friend for coffee. Everyone (except 1 person as he was very tired) said yes. crazyness, I love my LG.
Then on Sat, I went out with Francis for breakfast followed by golf - driving range, where I got all the blister on my fingers, man... so painful. Afterward, we met up with Abby and her friend in GC and had lunch together, followed by windowshopping in Harbor Town, where I bought a sports jacket from Polo RL shop, thanks to the massive discount. RRP was over $300, and paid only $99, ehehhe....
Oh ya, last friday I also got a good deal on my car service. i called and booked a honda authorised mechanic to service my car. Before I hung up the phone, I asked him how much it'd cost me, he said $215. I thought, cool. But afterwards I felt the urge to call my honda dealer and ask how much they'll charge me for car service. Guess how much? $177. I was like, WHAT THE!!! Man... praise the Lord. So today, I canceled the other mechanic.
Last but not least, do you know this sign <3 is? If you dont know it's ok, cause I didnt know till yday night, when abby said that it represent the shape of heart, which means love. You know how people always type regards, or yours truly, or with love, or whatever? so instead of writing those words, people would just use that sign. Man... I never knew what that sign is till last night, ahhaha....
My laptop died (as in stop working) last week. Though I didnt expect it to die, everyone said that my laptop had done well by being so reliable in till last week, never crashed, never hang and never give me any problem at all. So to have such a reliable laptop for 5yrs can be considered as blessed, me that is. I praise God for that.
2. Catching up with friends
Last friday as usual I had LG meeting. We had a visitor from NZ, she's visiting Abby, one of the girls in our group. 1 thing like about our group is that we're always excited when we see a visitor. It's crazy. After G meeting finished, abby asked if anyone would like to accompany her and her friend for coffee. Everyone (except 1 person as he was very tired) said yes. crazyness, I love my LG.
Then on Sat, I went out with Francis for breakfast followed by golf - driving range, where I got all the blister on my fingers, man... so painful. Afterward, we met up with Abby and her friend in GC and had lunch together, followed by windowshopping in Harbor Town, where I bought a sports jacket from Polo RL shop, thanks to the massive discount. RRP was over $300, and paid only $99, ehehhe....
Oh ya, last friday I also got a good deal on my car service. i called and booked a honda authorised mechanic to service my car. Before I hung up the phone, I asked him how much it'd cost me, he said $215. I thought, cool. But afterwards I felt the urge to call my honda dealer and ask how much they'll charge me for car service. Guess how much? $177. I was like, WHAT THE!!! Man... praise the Lord. So today, I canceled the other mechanic.
Last but not least, do you know this sign <3 is? If you dont know it's ok, cause I didnt know till yday night, when abby said that it represent the shape of heart, which means love. You know how people always type regards, or yours truly, or with love, or whatever? so instead of writing those words, people would just use that sign. Man... I never knew what that sign is till last night, ahhaha....
Monday, August 17, 2009
The challenge
I've been trying to get back to my normal routines of having regular quiet-time. Man I tell you... it's so very challenging. In the morning when I wake up, I'd feel so sleepy and lazy. My eyes are like fighting so hard not to open. And at night, I feel so tired.
ah... why does it have to be this hard and challenging just to hear God.
Here's a quote my housemate said to me:
"The pain of discipline is no greater than the pain of disappointment."
ah... why does it have to be this hard and challenging just to hear God.
Here's a quote my housemate said to me:
"The pain of discipline is no greater than the pain of disappointment."
Saturday, August 15, 2009
My funeral
I was just thinking about it the other day.
Wouldn't it be cool if in my funeral people can be saved, as in repent and accept Jesus into their life to be their Lord and Savior?
So I was wondering, how can I prepare my own funeral, in such a way I can share the message of Salvation through a pre-recorded video clip and play it as my last message in the 'wake' (ceremony before actual funeral)?
I don't think I'll die soon, but it would be wonderful in some time in the very near future I can make the recording/video clip. I would say something along this line "yeay... I have changed my address, I don't live in Saint Lucia, Brisbane, Australia, Planet Earth anymore. I now live in Heaven, woohooo... how do I know this? Because Jesus said so in the bible, for I have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, and forgiven by Him whom I call Abba, Father. You can also come here (when it's your time obviously) when you acknowledge that you are a sinner, you repent from your sins and invite Jesus to come into your life, and so on... "
Man... if in my death I can bless people through the pre-recorded message so those of my friends or relatives can come to know Jesus, uh... that would just make my day, ahhaha....
Wouldn't it be cool if in my funeral people can be saved, as in repent and accept Jesus into their life to be their Lord and Savior?
So I was wondering, how can I prepare my own funeral, in such a way I can share the message of Salvation through a pre-recorded video clip and play it as my last message in the 'wake' (ceremony before actual funeral)?
I don't think I'll die soon, but it would be wonderful in some time in the very near future I can make the recording/video clip. I would say something along this line "yeay... I have changed my address, I don't live in Saint Lucia, Brisbane, Australia, Planet Earth anymore. I now live in Heaven, woohooo... how do I know this? Because Jesus said so in the bible, for I have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, and forgiven by Him whom I call Abba, Father. You can also come here (when it's your time obviously) when you acknowledge that you are a sinner, you repent from your sins and invite Jesus to come into your life, and so on... "
Man... if in my death I can bless people through the pre-recorded message so those of my friends or relatives can come to know Jesus, uh... that would just make my day, ahhaha....
Sacrifice
Just had a late-night chat with my housemate, and this thought came to my mind while talking to him, 'not all sacrifice are meant to be made', in other words, some sacrifice are not meant to be a sacrifice at all, or we're not meant to sacrifice some things.
I don't know how to explain it as it just came to my mind and I don't have any passage from the bible to support it. We will know what to sacrifice when we walk closely with God, when we know what pleases Him and what He wants us to do or to sacrifice.
I don't know how to explain it as it just came to my mind and I don't have any passage from the bible to support it. We will know what to sacrifice when we walk closely with God, when we know what pleases Him and what He wants us to do or to sacrifice.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Just reminiscing
Was talking to my housemate last night about life-group and outreach activities when I suddenly remember how many people have left my life-group.
Started by Ruth Boey who left for Singapore, one by one people were just leaving the life group. When Lead Tao -my unit leader- left 3 weeks later (after Ruth), it took me quite some time to realised that I was actually on my own (though my shepherd became the acting unit leader for our group). And then 4 months later Jasmine Lee went back to Singapore. Last month, Sophie left us for China. Man... as if it's not enough, another guy in my group is finalising his move to Hong Kong end of this yr.
I was like, 'LORD, what's going on?'
ah... this group is truly the best life-group I've been so far, and yet I can say that this group is the only group where goodbye is no strange word to us. People come and go, and all of them went away (back to their countries or some other places) in a sudden. All I can do is to try to cherish my time with them as much as I can, to maximise every single moment to edify and build one another up.
It takes a life-time to know someone, but I don't even have a life-time to know my group member, only few weeks or few months (let alone few years). Oh God, help me Lord to cherish my time with them and help me to be a blessing to them as well.
To you all, Ruth Boey, Lead Tao, Jasmine Lee and Sophia Liang, continue to grow in and shine for Him. Be a blessing to people and to Him wherever you are. I hope you can all come back here again, ahahhaa...
Started by Ruth Boey who left for Singapore, one by one people were just leaving the life group. When Lead Tao -my unit leader- left 3 weeks later (after Ruth), it took me quite some time to realised that I was actually on my own (though my shepherd became the acting unit leader for our group). And then 4 months later Jasmine Lee went back to Singapore. Last month, Sophie left us for China. Man... as if it's not enough, another guy in my group is finalising his move to Hong Kong end of this yr.
I was like, 'LORD, what's going on?'
ah... this group is truly the best life-group I've been so far, and yet I can say that this group is the only group where goodbye is no strange word to us. People come and go, and all of them went away (back to their countries or some other places) in a sudden. All I can do is to try to cherish my time with them as much as I can, to maximise every single moment to edify and build one another up.
It takes a life-time to know someone, but I don't even have a life-time to know my group member, only few weeks or few months (let alone few years). Oh God, help me Lord to cherish my time with them and help me to be a blessing to them as well.
To you all, Ruth Boey, Lead Tao, Jasmine Lee and Sophia Liang, continue to grow in and shine for Him. Be a blessing to people and to Him wherever you are. I hope you can all come back here again, ahahhaa...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Congratulation
Almost forgot to share this.
Last w/e 2 of my friends got married, ahhaha... it's Han and Joy, yeay.... and yday I received the news from Jessie that she's now engaged to Tach, and ahaha..... there's more, yday I also received the news that Kanae and Justin are getting married soon, yeay... Besides Kei (my x-shepherd), Kanae is the closest friend from Japan that I have in this church. I know other people from Japan in this church, but haven't got the chance to talk/share much about God and their calling in God's Kingdom.
So yeah, congrats to Han and Joy, and I'm really happy for Kanae and Jessie.
Last w/e 2 of my friends got married, ahhaha... it's Han and Joy, yeay.... and yday I received the news from Jessie that she's now engaged to Tach, and ahaha..... there's more, yday I also received the news that Kanae and Justin are getting married soon, yeay... Besides Kei (my x-shepherd), Kanae is the closest friend from Japan that I have in this church. I know other people from Japan in this church, but haven't got the chance to talk/share much about God and their calling in God's Kingdom.
So yeah, congrats to Han and Joy, and I'm really happy for Kanae and Jessie.
Beautiful
Yes, I feel beautiful and I also think life is beautiful.
Today I went to work when most -if not all- of my friends were either taking rest at home or having fun as it's a holiday for brisbane, but not Gold Coast. Gold Coast will have its show day holiday 2 wks later.
So what does it have to do with me feeling beautiful? nothing, ahhaha... I just feel beautiful, can't I?
Anyway, I feel like sharing how much I cherish the people in my life-group. Yday night we had corporate (church) prayer meeting in Wgabba. On the way from office, I felt so sleepy that I decided to pull over so I could take power nap, but as I drove slower trying to stop, all of a sudden my sleepiness was gone. I myself was quite shocked. So I continued on driving to princess theatre. At PM, it was so refreshing. God's Word was spoken forth by different ones and I really enjoyed it. It's always good to be surrounded by people who have the same heart, seeking God.
After PM, though I felt physically tired, I decided to join few people from my group for late dinner at Little Singapore in Sunnybank. We had a pretty quick dinner. When I tried to excuse myself, Francis asked if I were in a hurry, I said I was feeling tired and I had to write weekly email updates to the group. Then Abby quickly offered her help to write the email and send it to the group if it's ok with me. I was like, "wow...". I quickly accepted the offer, aahhahaa.... but yeah, this small and little things really made my day.
Many people in my group are so nice and have that servanthood heart which really bless my heart. I learn a lot from them, at least their attitude to always wanting to help one another. If I can say this frankly without offending anyone from my former group (Judah 2, Judah 6 and the original Joseph), this group (Joseph 3) is the best group so far. I am so looking forward to grow more and deeper in God together with them. I tell you, this is life group, a group of people doing life together.
Today I went to work when most -if not all- of my friends were either taking rest at home or having fun as it's a holiday for brisbane, but not Gold Coast. Gold Coast will have its show day holiday 2 wks later.
So what does it have to do with me feeling beautiful? nothing, ahhaha... I just feel beautiful, can't I?
Anyway, I feel like sharing how much I cherish the people in my life-group. Yday night we had corporate (church) prayer meeting in Wgabba. On the way from office, I felt so sleepy that I decided to pull over so I could take power nap, but as I drove slower trying to stop, all of a sudden my sleepiness was gone. I myself was quite shocked. So I continued on driving to princess theatre. At PM, it was so refreshing. God's Word was spoken forth by different ones and I really enjoyed it. It's always good to be surrounded by people who have the same heart, seeking God.
After PM, though I felt physically tired, I decided to join few people from my group for late dinner at Little Singapore in Sunnybank. We had a pretty quick dinner. When I tried to excuse myself, Francis asked if I were in a hurry, I said I was feeling tired and I had to write weekly email updates to the group. Then Abby quickly offered her help to write the email and send it to the group if it's ok with me. I was like, "wow...". I quickly accepted the offer, aahhahaa.... but yeah, this small and little things really made my day.
Many people in my group are so nice and have that servanthood heart which really bless my heart. I learn a lot from them, at least their attitude to always wanting to help one another. If I can say this frankly without offending anyone from my former group (Judah 2, Judah 6 and the original Joseph), this group (Joseph 3) is the best group so far. I am so looking forward to grow more and deeper in God together with them. I tell you, this is life group, a group of people doing life together.
Monday, August 10, 2009
I am no angel
Today a friend of mine got so upset and angry at me for not coming to the rescue last wk. When he sms-ed me asking for help, I was having dinner with few friends celebrating a friend's bday as well as her farewell.
When I received his sms, I decided not to go and meet him.
I don't know if it's just me or people do struggle with saying 'no'. I used to struggle a lot (and still struggle sometimes) with saying no to people who ask for help. When people ask for help, the pressure -to say yes because of our pure heart wanting to help (as much as possible) that comes from God's command to love our neighbour as we love ourselves- is so big that we can't find ourselves in a position to say no. When we say no, we will feel so guilty and condemn ourselves. We'll ask ourselves, what if it's the chance to share the Gospel, what if it's the chance to bless them so they know that God loves them.
The truth of the matter is we are no saviour, we are not God, only God can save everyone, and people need to learn to depend on God more than others.
My friend got so upset and angry he called me names. I apologise to him sincerely for not being able to meet him last wk and told him that 'I am no angel, nor am I God. I can't always be there for you.'
I'm still struggling now and then, but it becomes easier to overcome when I learn to seek wisdom from God and prioritise my activity on a daily basis.
When I received his sms, I decided not to go and meet him.
I don't know if it's just me or people do struggle with saying 'no'. I used to struggle a lot (and still struggle sometimes) with saying no to people who ask for help. When people ask for help, the pressure -to say yes because of our pure heart wanting to help (as much as possible) that comes from God's command to love our neighbour as we love ourselves- is so big that we can't find ourselves in a position to say no. When we say no, we will feel so guilty and condemn ourselves. We'll ask ourselves, what if it's the chance to share the Gospel, what if it's the chance to bless them so they know that God loves them.
The truth of the matter is we are no saviour, we are not God, only God can save everyone, and people need to learn to depend on God more than others.
My friend got so upset and angry he called me names. I apologise to him sincerely for not being able to meet him last wk and told him that 'I am no angel, nor am I God. I can't always be there for you.'
I'm still struggling now and then, but it becomes easier to overcome when I learn to seek wisdom from God and prioritise my activity on a daily basis.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Astigmatism
It's been quite an interesting few weeks.
Tomorrow most likely I have to stay back at work till very late (yes, I'm also surprised) to finish my work. But it's ok, strangely enough I'm looking forward to it.
Y'day morning my friend got married. They looked so beautiful and lovely.
Then at night, I went to a friend's farewell dinner. There I heard a new word, 'astigmatism'. Curious, today at church I went and asked her what it is. I don't think I can explain it well here, but it's a condition whereby a person loses the ability to see fine details. To fix the condition, or rather to help the person see better, the person needs to wear contact lenses or undergo a refractive surgery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astigmatism) .
Come to think of it, I also suffered from astigmatism. Many times I could not see clearly what is going on around me. To make matter worse, spiritually, I can be so blurred that without even noticing it I am walking so far off from God's direction. The only way I can see better is to use the Holy Spirit's eyes, that is seeing things from God's eyes.
But to do that, I need to continually put on the contact lenses, while God gently and slowly do the refractive surgery on my spiritual eyes. I know it's not easy, but I want to do it. I've been seeing things so blurry, and I'm not happy with my condition at all. When I put on my HS glasses I realised I can see better, so I will continually put on my HS glasses and let God operate on my eyes. I look forward to the day where God finished with the refractive surgery on my eyes, it will be awesome. That day is gonna be so awesome.
Tomorrow most likely I have to stay back at work till very late (yes, I'm also surprised) to finish my work. But it's ok, strangely enough I'm looking forward to it.
Y'day morning my friend got married. They looked so beautiful and lovely.
Then at night, I went to a friend's farewell dinner. There I heard a new word, 'astigmatism'. Curious, today at church I went and asked her what it is. I don't think I can explain it well here, but it's a condition whereby a person loses the ability to see fine details. To fix the condition, or rather to help the person see better, the person needs to wear contact lenses or undergo a refractive surgery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astigmatism) .
Come to think of it, I also suffered from astigmatism. Many times I could not see clearly what is going on around me. To make matter worse, spiritually, I can be so blurred that without even noticing it I am walking so far off from God's direction. The only way I can see better is to use the Holy Spirit's eyes, that is seeing things from God's eyes.
But to do that, I need to continually put on the contact lenses, while God gently and slowly do the refractive surgery on my spiritual eyes. I know it's not easy, but I want to do it. I've been seeing things so blurry, and I'm not happy with my condition at all. When I put on my HS glasses I realised I can see better, so I will continually put on my HS glasses and let God operate on my eyes. I look forward to the day where God finished with the refractive surgery on my eyes, it will be awesome. That day is gonna be so awesome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
