well in a reflective post... Teck Hong (my brother, josh's mentor's mentor??) put it very aptly....
"Leaders should identify and meet the needs of their people and serve them. They should not try to meet the wants of their people, be slaves to them. Slaves do what others want, servants do what others need. There is a world of difference between meeting wants and meeting needs."
Monday, April 30, 2007
Non-Negotiables.
The MUST DO-s of DAILY living.
1. Read and/or Write the word of God
(One effective way of doing this, i picked up from my mom... she would sit and write a passage of scripture every night in her notebook. And as i watched, i realised that's how she processed and absorbed the word, by writing it out in black and white. And maybe, just maybe... at the end of our lives we can say we've touched on or at least seen a majority of God's word and etched it in our hearts. Like what Ps Michael Battersby touched on, if we nourish our bodies with physical food, what less feeding our spirit? Isn't that more important? "Man shall not live by bread alone...But by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God Matt 4:4")
2. Eat healthy meals.
(Just started doing this, trying to cut down on snacks/ coffee. And including salads and fruit in my diet. The perils of growing up/old--- delete where appropriate.)
3. Get enough sleep.
(how much is enough? Well, for a pre-service teacher nothing is enough. But 7-8 hours is wise)
4. Stretch.
(Research proves that stretching (legs and arms) keeps you flexible, helps blood circulation and is an idiot proof method to staying agile and nimble.)
5. Brush my teeth
(Okay, sometimes when i'm tired i admit that i don't always do this. BUT i'm going to make it a must before my dentist- who sees my teeth once a year- flips!)
So 5 non-negotiables seem do-able.
I'm not intending on increasing this list anytime soon. Less is more! HOO HAA!
1. Read and/or Write the word of God
(One effective way of doing this, i picked up from my mom... she would sit and write a passage of scripture every night in her notebook. And as i watched, i realised that's how she processed and absorbed the word, by writing it out in black and white. And maybe, just maybe... at the end of our lives we can say we've touched on or at least seen a majority of God's word and etched it in our hearts. Like what Ps Michael Battersby touched on, if we nourish our bodies with physical food, what less feeding our spirit? Isn't that more important? "Man shall not live by bread alone...But by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God Matt 4:4")
2. Eat healthy meals.
(Just started doing this, trying to cut down on snacks/ coffee. And including salads and fruit in my diet. The perils of growing up/old--- delete where appropriate.)
3. Get enough sleep.
(how much is enough? Well, for a pre-service teacher nothing is enough. But 7-8 hours is wise)
4. Stretch.
(Research proves that stretching (legs and arms) keeps you flexible, helps blood circulation and is an idiot proof method to staying agile and nimble.)
5. Brush my teeth
(Okay, sometimes when i'm tired i admit that i don't always do this. BUT i'm going to make it a must before my dentist- who sees my teeth once a year- flips!)
So 5 non-negotiables seem do-able.
I'm not intending on increasing this list anytime soon. Less is more! HOO HAA!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Only to discover
Bright and early morning....
i walked to the stairs only to discover i had forgotten to bring my notebook for class....
So i walked back up to take my notebook.... closed the door, went down to the bike...
Only to discover i'd left my bike keys on the dining table!
So i walked back up again to grab my bike keys... grabbed them... went back downstairs...
Only to discover i'd left my jacket upstairs when i went to take my notebook...
So i walked back up to take the jacket (this time trying not to forget anything else).
Back at the bike (finally) and very sure i hadn't forgotten anything now....
was 5 mins late for class =(
...... and..... i had forgotten to bring a pen to take notes with ???!!!?
A week before my 24th birthday and i'm losing my memory!!!!
okay the worst case scenario.... was last night when we were on our way to CATS at regal theatre in Subi... we were all in Roy's car at the traffic light in front of Chutney Mary's... and only to discover...upon seeing the flashing lights of the Regal theatre...that i'd forgotten to bring the tickets (yes, i pre paid and bought everyone's tickets... all freaking 10 of them!!!) i choked on the mint i had in my mouth for 10 seconds b4 yelling out "the tickets are at home!!" and to add to the chaos... my house keys were at Marianne's place...
O the horrors. Then Roy managed to get us to Nedlands from Subi in like.... 5 mins??
Upon reaching Nedlands (and getting the keys from Cass, thanks girl).... David called up to say we could get in without tickets anyway, we just had to tell the counter my name and clarify we bought the tickets etc.... So we zoomed back to Subi in like 6mins???
ok, there's no moral to this anecdote... just don't ever try making this into a movie. haha. Anxiety levels are too high, plus the horrible lack of plot.
i walked to the stairs only to discover i had forgotten to bring my notebook for class....
So i walked back up to take my notebook.... closed the door, went down to the bike...
Only to discover i'd left my bike keys on the dining table!
So i walked back up again to grab my bike keys... grabbed them... went back downstairs...
Only to discover i'd left my jacket upstairs when i went to take my notebook...
So i walked back up to take the jacket (this time trying not to forget anything else).
Back at the bike (finally) and very sure i hadn't forgotten anything now....
was 5 mins late for class =(
...... and..... i had forgotten to bring a pen to take notes with ???!!!?
A week before my 24th birthday and i'm losing my memory!!!!
okay the worst case scenario.... was last night when we were on our way to CATS at regal theatre in Subi... we were all in Roy's car at the traffic light in front of Chutney Mary's... and only to discover...upon seeing the flashing lights of the Regal theatre...that i'd forgotten to bring the tickets (yes, i pre paid and bought everyone's tickets... all freaking 10 of them!!!) i choked on the mint i had in my mouth for 10 seconds b4 yelling out "the tickets are at home!!" and to add to the chaos... my house keys were at Marianne's place...
O the horrors. Then Roy managed to get us to Nedlands from Subi in like.... 5 mins??
Upon reaching Nedlands (and getting the keys from Cass, thanks girl).... David called up to say we could get in without tickets anyway, we just had to tell the counter my name and clarify we bought the tickets etc.... So we zoomed back to Subi in like 6mins???
ok, there's no moral to this anecdote... just don't ever try making this into a movie. haha. Anxiety levels are too high, plus the horrible lack of plot.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Leftovers
Been getting into the habit of varying my leftovers from dinner for lunch =)
Today, i've got yummy pasta with asparagus and bacon with cheese and mashed potatoes.
Eat hot pasta! cold pasta is a no no.
Was also chatting with a couple of cell members about The Parable of the Talents. (i know it's been overused, but it's these things that are overused that highlight the point of revelation and how teachable we really are)
So service to the Lord cannot (and will not) be defined by ministry within the church. Yes, serving in church helps us to grow and learn and "stretch", but it is our rship with God and our lives outside of church that really reinforce what it means to be a christian. So often we forget that God has called us to reach the unchurched, to be a light where there is darkness- how do we do that if we're always in church? On the other hand, don't try to be of the world- yes we can be relevant and stay "trendy" to appeal to the unreached but it doesn't mean we become like the world. There really is a healthy balance.
And we were also chatting about how all of us have gifts and talents- whether on stage or off, whether some talents are more glorified/popular compared to others.... God sees the heart. You can have a voice like Mariah Carey's or Whitney Houston's - and when you sing worship songs, people are ministered and you facilitate the presence of God. Thing is, your intimate rship with God must be that foundation upon which you build your 'talents' on. We will just be 'clanging cymbals' or hollowed out people. Or as the bible states that our arrow head is sharp and piercing but our wooden shaft that follows is crooked.
The life that i live must back up the service which i offer to God or else all is naught. Don't give God your leftovers. He deserves much more- he is worthy of your 'first fruit'.
Pastor preached about Child dedication and praying for your children. And all i could think of and be thankful for was the fact that i've been so blessed to have parents who first gave. I strongly believe i'm blessed today and my brothers also- because of my parent's faithfulness and obedience to God. It has/ and will not be easy for mom and dad... but they still want to please God's heart, they know what it means when obedience is required more than sacrifice.
I'm so blessed. =) Thanks daddy and mommy.
Today, i've got yummy pasta with asparagus and bacon with cheese and mashed potatoes.
Eat hot pasta! cold pasta is a no no.
Was also chatting with a couple of cell members about The Parable of the Talents. (i know it's been overused, but it's these things that are overused that highlight the point of revelation and how teachable we really are)
So service to the Lord cannot (and will not) be defined by ministry within the church. Yes, serving in church helps us to grow and learn and "stretch", but it is our rship with God and our lives outside of church that really reinforce what it means to be a christian. So often we forget that God has called us to reach the unchurched, to be a light where there is darkness- how do we do that if we're always in church? On the other hand, don't try to be of the world- yes we can be relevant and stay "trendy" to appeal to the unreached but it doesn't mean we become like the world. There really is a healthy balance.
And we were also chatting about how all of us have gifts and talents- whether on stage or off, whether some talents are more glorified/popular compared to others.... God sees the heart. You can have a voice like Mariah Carey's or Whitney Houston's - and when you sing worship songs, people are ministered and you facilitate the presence of God. Thing is, your intimate rship with God must be that foundation upon which you build your 'talents' on. We will just be 'clanging cymbals' or hollowed out people. Or as the bible states that our arrow head is sharp and piercing but our wooden shaft that follows is crooked.
The life that i live must back up the service which i offer to God or else all is naught. Don't give God your leftovers. He deserves much more- he is worthy of your 'first fruit'.
Pastor preached about Child dedication and praying for your children. And all i could think of and be thankful for was the fact that i've been so blessed to have parents who first gave. I strongly believe i'm blessed today and my brothers also- because of my parent's faithfulness and obedience to God. It has/ and will not be easy for mom and dad... but they still want to please God's heart, they know what it means when obedience is required more than sacrifice.
I'm so blessed. =) Thanks daddy and mommy.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
hey mishi
Thanks for all the _______ all these last few years. My life is certainly richer because of you.
We see each other every day now (and sometimes more than once in a day).
I'm still not sick of you.... yet.
Love M.E
-P/S this is from the girl i see more than my boyfriend. =)
Awwww.... Hugs to you too!
We see each other every day now (and sometimes more than once in a day).
I'm still not sick of you.... yet.
Love M.E
-P/S this is from the girl i see more than my boyfriend. =)
Awwww.... Hugs to you too!
Monday, April 23, 2007
On a day like today
Today is quickly becoming one of those days i wished i slept a little earlier the night before, or at least drowned myself bright and early in coffee to begin my week with. I always try to look presentable when i step out despite the fact that i wake up very close to the time (15mins??) i absolutely must leave the house by. (Some of my friends argue that is a skill, but my daddy would comment that it is more of a bad habit). My hunk of a man says it's alright if a girl doesn't comb her hair or anything, as long as you can pull it off. Today is also the day i realised that I used to wear earrings, but got sick of it after secondary school- also because we can't have watches or studs on the court. So i did wear some dangly ones at uni or on special occassions, now they've just become unique display items in a nifty box. It's also a 'girl phenomenon' to want to look nice now and then, so guys: do compliment the females in our zone. It's the gentlemanly and right thing to do! Affirmation is number one! (note to abel-not sarcastically okay)
Today i also got back the feedback for lesson plans and microteaching. This is all beginning to become very daunting for me. Got a pass for my TESOL one, i felt that i could have planned it all with more details but i was hung up on the fact that my technical knowledge of grammar, tense and the 'mysterious inner workings' of the english language were inadequate. Told my mom last night, for us as (almost) native speakers of english- we don't necessarily quote the rules of the language to correct a sentence. We just know that the sentence "sounds" wrong, but we can't tell you where exactly and why. I think that is my biggest challenge.
Today I also got pleasant feedback for my microteaching session. Highly Satisfactory. Nice sounding words. Essentially you've got to be enthusiastic when you're teaching something. Students pick up boredom fairly quickly. Today, when i woke up... i was also thinking about what pastor mentioned in his message about children- and about committing them to the Lord. And i immediately thought about my girls. In alot of ways i feel more like a spiritual mother today, more than 4-5 years ago when i had tonnes of girls under me. I feel that my girls are a gift from God, they are eager to learn... not just that, but sometimes are self-correcting, teachable, resilient, punctual, modest, brilliant note-takers, and lots more... Everything a 'mom' becomes blessed with.
I can't remember what else i was going to say about today.
Today today today.... is not over yet.
Today i also got back the feedback for lesson plans and microteaching. This is all beginning to become very daunting for me. Got a pass for my TESOL one, i felt that i could have planned it all with more details but i was hung up on the fact that my technical knowledge of grammar, tense and the 'mysterious inner workings' of the english language were inadequate. Told my mom last night, for us as (almost) native speakers of english- we don't necessarily quote the rules of the language to correct a sentence. We just know that the sentence "sounds" wrong, but we can't tell you where exactly and why. I think that is my biggest challenge.
Today I also got pleasant feedback for my microteaching session. Highly Satisfactory. Nice sounding words. Essentially you've got to be enthusiastic when you're teaching something. Students pick up boredom fairly quickly. Today, when i woke up... i was also thinking about what pastor mentioned in his message about children- and about committing them to the Lord. And i immediately thought about my girls. In alot of ways i feel more like a spiritual mother today, more than 4-5 years ago when i had tonnes of girls under me. I feel that my girls are a gift from God, they are eager to learn... not just that, but sometimes are self-correcting, teachable, resilient, punctual, modest, brilliant note-takers, and lots more... Everything a 'mom' becomes blessed with.
I can't remember what else i was going to say about today.
Today today today.... is not over yet.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
@ work
Perks of my job
- i can use the internet and surf.
- i can use the computer to do uni work, or plan lessons.
- I can (if i want) use the laser printer to get my notes online.
- i can read a book.
- i can watch youtube with head phones.
- Best of all, i get paid quite abit for not alot of strenous work.
'Musts' of my job
- I have to complete shelving, rearranging of books before i get to the above.
- The books just get heavier and broader.
- I get asked questions to which sometimes i have no answers to.
- I must be detail orientated.
- I must be alert. (apparently in case of fire or emergencies, i wear a red cap- literally)
- I cannot be sensitive to dust. (plenty, esp on wednesdays)
- i can use the internet and surf.
- i can use the computer to do uni work, or plan lessons.
- I can (if i want) use the laser printer to get my notes online.
- i can read a book.
- i can watch youtube with head phones.
- Best of all, i get paid quite abit for not alot of strenous work.
'Musts' of my job
- I have to complete shelving, rearranging of books before i get to the above.
- The books just get heavier and broader.
- I get asked questions to which sometimes i have no answers to.
- I must be detail orientated.
- I must be alert. (apparently in case of fire or emergencies, i wear a red cap- literally)
- I cannot be sensitive to dust. (plenty, esp on wednesdays)
Friday, April 20, 2007
I love Anagrams
The following are Women in the Bible!
See how many you can get!
1. A rash (e.g Sarah)
2. Aargh!
3. Brake! Eh?
4. Heal
5. A tram
6. Rim aim
7. Bad hero
8. Hide all
9. Amino
10. Sabbath, eh?
11. Threes
12. Bite heals
13. At harm
14. Cars do
15. Daily
16. Clips rail
17. Soil
18. Has a dash
19. Rap a ship
20. Habitat
21. Hash tune
See how many you can get!
1. A rash (e.g Sarah)
2. Aargh!
3. Brake! Eh?
4. Heal
5. A tram
6. Rim aim
7. Bad hero
8. Hide all
9. Amino
10. Sabbath, eh?
11. Threes
12. Bite heals
13. At harm
14. Cars do
15. Daily
16. Clips rail
17. Soil
18. Has a dash
19. Rap a ship
20. Habitat
21. Hash tune
Breakfast to signal end of Break.
Had brekkie with Ting and Mari this morning at Funtastico in Subi=)
Didn't know they served breakfast- actually alot of cafes do, but i'm most ignorant when it comes to the first meal of the day.
Had poached eggies, bacon, mushrooms... *drools*
Making Tiramisu and Avocado Shake for cell tonight... =)
Decided to go luxurious on sweeties.
It's been a relaxing 2 week break.
Had a teaching session at Taylors' college yesterday! Really a good first time "hands-on" experience, and i'm sure mari wanted a taste of it before actually starting her pract in Taylors' as well! So it was quite pressurizing also cos we had 2 supervisors sitting at the back of the class watching us teach! =p
i'm happy to welcome the working week back on monday with open arms.
I think i work better under pressure. Too relaxed, no increase in productivity.
Didn't know they served breakfast- actually alot of cafes do, but i'm most ignorant when it comes to the first meal of the day.
Had poached eggies, bacon, mushrooms... *drools*
Making Tiramisu and Avocado Shake for cell tonight... =)
Decided to go luxurious on sweeties.
It's been a relaxing 2 week break.
Had a teaching session at Taylors' college yesterday! Really a good first time "hands-on" experience, and i'm sure mari wanted a taste of it before actually starting her pract in Taylors' as well! So it was quite pressurizing also cos we had 2 supervisors sitting at the back of the class watching us teach! =p
i'm happy to welcome the working week back on monday with open arms.
I think i work better under pressure. Too relaxed, no increase in productivity.
Your Courts
Was preparing for cell's word today, and this song popped up.
How lovely is your dwelling place
O lord God almighty
My soul yearns even faints, for the courts of the Lord
My heart and my strength cry out for the Living God
How lovely is your dwelling place.
i want to be in that place.
How lovely is your dwelling place
O lord God almighty
My soul yearns even faints, for the courts of the Lord
My heart and my strength cry out for the Living God
How lovely is your dwelling place.
i want to be in that place.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Motivation!
i will do 12 kms a week if i had this!!!!!
Read more about it here
all you need to do is slot a plastic chip into the sole of your shoe, attach a small device to your ipod Nano and you're all set!!?? It will tell you how much distance is covered, your pace and time... and estimated calories burnt as well (altho i won't need to know that last bit of info).
Mishi likes it very much..... *hints*
Read more about it here
all you need to do is slot a plastic chip into the sole of your shoe, attach a small device to your ipod Nano and you're all set!!?? It will tell you how much distance is covered, your pace and time... and estimated calories burnt as well (altho i won't need to know that last bit of info).
Mishi likes it very much..... *hints*
Captivating
"Your heart matters more than anything else in creation. The desires you had as a little girl and the longings you still feel as a woman--they are telling you of the life God created you to live. He offers to come now as the Hero of your story, to rescue your heart and release you to live as a fully alive and feminine woman. A woman who is truly captivating."
-Book by John and Stasi Eldredge "Captivating"
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Tagged by melumosmaxima :)
Part 1: on the outside
name : mishilau
date of birth : 6 May 1983
current status : i still have my maiden surname thanks
eye color : Dark brown
hair color : black with some brown
right of left handed : Right
zodiac : Taurus
Part 2: on the inside
my heritage : Cantonese (Dad) and Teochew (mom)
my fear : Rejection
my weakness : being forthcoming
my perfect pizza : what has pizza got to do with the inside? haha. anything woodfired.
Part 3: yesterday, today & tomorrow
your first thought waking up : Get up first, think about it later.
tomorrow : I will drink more coffee
your bedtime : must develop regular hours
most missed memory : Playing Tug of war with Jean
Part 4: your pick
pepsi or coke : None
mcD or burger king : Macs! love the fries!
adidas or nike : Nike's always tops for me.
lipton tea or nestea : Any tea is good
chocolate or vanila : Vanilla
cappuccino or coffee : Flat white? latte?? milk goes well with coffee
Part 5: do you..
smoke : No
curse : under my breath, muttering (nothing too repulsive)
Part 6: in the past month
drank alcohol : Yes (wine mainly)
gone to the mall? : Yes (shuffles feet)
been on stage : Sort of. Easter weekend.
eaten sushi : Once i think.
Part 7: what were you doing
1 minute ago : Shelving books in the library
1 hour ago : still at work
4 1/2 hours ago : Walking in the City with Mari
1 month ago : Adapting to Uni life in a competitive Grad dip program
1 year ago : Pulling my hair out over writing my thesis introduction
Part 8: finish the sentence
i love : being underwater, in water...
i feel : itchy and sunburnt.
i hate : cold toes.
i hide : my cold toes under my butt when i sit down
i miss : scuba diving and the quietness of that world.
i need : to travel!
Part 9: Tag 5 people!
Zi
Ting
Ray
Abel
Jon
Jo
Mavis
(okay i know i can't count...)
name : mishilau
date of birth : 6 May 1983
current status : i still have my maiden surname thanks
eye color : Dark brown
hair color : black with some brown
right of left handed : Right
zodiac : Taurus
Part 2: on the inside
my heritage : Cantonese (Dad) and Teochew (mom)
my fear : Rejection
my weakness : being forthcoming
my perfect pizza : what has pizza got to do with the inside? haha. anything woodfired.
Part 3: yesterday, today & tomorrow
your first thought waking up : Get up first, think about it later.
tomorrow : I will drink more coffee
your bedtime : must develop regular hours
most missed memory : Playing Tug of war with Jean
Part 4: your pick
pepsi or coke : None
mcD or burger king : Macs! love the fries!
adidas or nike : Nike's always tops for me.
lipton tea or nestea : Any tea is good
chocolate or vanila : Vanilla
cappuccino or coffee : Flat white? latte?? milk goes well with coffee
Part 5: do you..
smoke : No
curse : under my breath, muttering (nothing too repulsive)
Part 6: in the past month
drank alcohol : Yes (wine mainly)
gone to the mall? : Yes (shuffles feet)
been on stage : Sort of. Easter weekend.
eaten sushi : Once i think.
Part 7: what were you doing
1 minute ago : Shelving books in the library
1 hour ago : still at work
4 1/2 hours ago : Walking in the City with Mari
1 month ago : Adapting to Uni life in a competitive Grad dip program
1 year ago : Pulling my hair out over writing my thesis introduction
Part 8: finish the sentence
i love : being underwater, in water...
i feel : itchy and sunburnt.
i hate : cold toes.
i hide : my cold toes under my butt when i sit down
i miss : scuba diving and the quietness of that world.
i need : to travel!
Part 9: Tag 5 people!
Zi
Ting
Ray
Abel
Jon
Jo
Mavis
(okay i know i can't count...)
Passion
Really, as we grow older... what does this word mean?
Is it true that older, more mature people don't go jumping around or vibrantly expressing their views or desires? Is it presumed that they just behave in a socially acceptable manner, and make everything seem "contrived" (that's my new recent favourite word)? Regardless of your age has your passion simmered? Has it wilted away into a corner? Do you know why you are even where you are, doing what you are? It's not about the external, but you cannot put a lid on passion- it overflows!
I want passion. I want to do things with new fervour. Why? because i have purpose and meaning in life, in relationships, friendships, family, ministry, worship. Looking back on all the years of service, the highs and the lows- the non existent servant (me). Even when i got tired, disappointed, weary and lacked much talent or ability. God will still choose to use broken vessels, He will not despise a broken spirit.
Because we have a God who is passionate about people, about lives. Because we are the earthern vessels- so fallible and weak, but He is that treasure within us. Because God will choose the weak things in this world to confound the wise. He operates well in broken vessels. Because charisma without character will not last. Because your image is not found on tv neither on magazines, You were created in His image. You are more than a conqueror in Christ.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed....Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4: 7-8, 16-18
Is it true that older, more mature people don't go jumping around or vibrantly expressing their views or desires? Is it presumed that they just behave in a socially acceptable manner, and make everything seem "contrived" (that's my new recent favourite word)? Regardless of your age has your passion simmered? Has it wilted away into a corner? Do you know why you are even where you are, doing what you are? It's not about the external, but you cannot put a lid on passion- it overflows!
I want passion. I want to do things with new fervour. Why? because i have purpose and meaning in life, in relationships, friendships, family, ministry, worship. Looking back on all the years of service, the highs and the lows- the non existent servant (me). Even when i got tired, disappointed, weary and lacked much talent or ability. God will still choose to use broken vessels, He will not despise a broken spirit.
Because we have a God who is passionate about people, about lives. Because we are the earthern vessels- so fallible and weak, but He is that treasure within us. Because God will choose the weak things in this world to confound the wise. He operates well in broken vessels. Because charisma without character will not last. Because your image is not found on tv neither on magazines, You were created in His image. You are more than a conqueror in Christ.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed....Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4: 7-8, 16-18
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The long and ardous journey
Firstly, easter camp was a blast! Met new people, great games (pat on the back Josh!), fun fellowship. Would have liked to stay the last night tho! i think it will take another post about the NEW things/ dreams/ visions God has planted in my heart. "See, i have made all things NEW" says the Lord. Had loads of fun in Weijun's team! Food could have been better, but was supplemented by the uwa people going out for Boost and Maccers. =) Seen the best dancing ever- award winning by David Tang! hahahah. amazing. And the UWA guys are too hot for the dance floor okay! don't play play.
Some pictures from the exmouth trip below! No underwater pictures this time- cos no camera and casing! but i have some sample pictures of what some of the fish look like, which i will post separately also!
Some pictures from the exmouth trip below! No underwater pictures this time- cos no camera and casing! but i have some sample pictures of what some of the fish look like, which i will post separately also!
20 hour bus ride~ Hot and dry weather!~ Great company~ good food~ Very happy to be diving again~ Swimming with large creatures~ Showering in weird places (like public toilets)~ watching Zi eat, alot~ mixing nitrogen with a bottle of Strongbow (giddy)!~ meeting many people from all over the world~
Dive Log
- Guitar Shark- Moray eels- Manta Rays- Loggerhead turtle- Hawks' bill turtle- octopus- White tip shark- nudie branch- many crustaceans (camouflaged kind, with some sort of coral on their backs)- lion fish- cat fish-
- Guitar Shark- Moray eels- Manta Rays- Loggerhead turtle- Hawks' bill turtle- octopus- White tip shark- nudie branch- many crustaceans (camouflaged kind, with some sort of coral on their backs)- lion fish- cat fish-
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Concealed Pride.
"The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching. If there is an itch one does want to scratch; but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch. As long as we have the itch of self-regard we shall want the pleasure of self-approval; but the happiest moments are those when we forget our precious selves and have neither but have everything else (God, our fellow humans, animals, the garden and the sky) instead...."
C.S Lewis explains how one of the manifestations of pride is the craving for human approval. The itch of self-regard craves the scratch of self-approval. That is, if we are getting our pleasure from feeling self-sufficient, we will not be satisfied without others' seeing and applauding our self-sufficiency.
Hence Jesus' description of the scribes and Pharisees: "They do all their deeds to be noticed by men.... And they love the place of honour at banquets, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called by men, Rabbi" (Matt 23:5-7)
This is ironic. Self-sufficiency should free the proud person from the need to be made much of by others. That's what "sufficient" means. But evidently there is a void in this so-called self-sufficiency. THe self was never designed to satisfy itself or rely upon itself. It can never be sufficient. We are but images of God, not the real thing. We are shadows and echoes. So there will always be an emptiness in the soul that struggles to be satisfied with the resources of self.
Jesus saw the terrible effect of this itch for human glory. He named it in John 5:44, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?" The answer is, You can't. Itching for glory from other people makes faith impossible. Why? Because faith is being satisfied with all that God is for you in Jesus; and if you are bent on getting the satisfaction of your itch from the scratch of others' acclaim, you will turn away from Jesus.
But if you would turn from self as a source of satisfaction (=repentence) and come to Jesus for the enjoyment of all that GOd is for us in Him (=Faith), then the itch would be replaced by a well of water springing up to eternal life. (John 4:14)
The irony of this insatiable itch in the self-sufficient soul becomes even more evident when pride cannot get what it wants and begins to flounder in weakness. This calls for discernment. Weak pride is not easily recognised. It sounds like an oxymoron- like round squares. But it is not. Consider this relationship between boasting and self-pity.
Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, "I deserve admiration because i have acheived so much." Self-pity says, "I deserve admiration because i have sacrificed so much." Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing.
The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego and the desire of the self-pitying is not really for others to see them as helpless, but heroes. The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognised worthniness. It is the response of unapplauded pride.
John piper, Desiring god: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist.
When pride is not strong, it begins to worry about the future. In the heart of the proud, anxiety is to the future what self-pity is to the past. What did not go well in the past gives us a sense that we deserve better. But if we could not make things go our way in the past, we may not be able to in the future either.
So becareful when you are anxious for nothing. Turn from self-reliance to God-reliance, because one hindrance to casting your anxieties on God is pride. Pride does not like to admit that it has any anxieties. Faith admits the need for help. Pride won't. Faith banks on God to give help. Therefore the way to battle the unbelief of prise is to admit freely that you have anxieties, and to cherish the promise of the words, "He cares for you."
Something to think about
"Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches. But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for i delight in these things, declares the Lord." Jer 9:23-24
How do you fight pride? Be amazed and satisfied that we know God- and that He knows us. This "all-satisfying admiration" of all that God is for us in Jesus becomes the end of ourselves and the start of making much of God and who He is!
Bulks of passages taken from John Piper "Future Grace"
C.S Lewis explains how one of the manifestations of pride is the craving for human approval. The itch of self-regard craves the scratch of self-approval. That is, if we are getting our pleasure from feeling self-sufficient, we will not be satisfied without others' seeing and applauding our self-sufficiency.
Hence Jesus' description of the scribes and Pharisees: "They do all their deeds to be noticed by men.... And they love the place of honour at banquets, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called by men, Rabbi" (Matt 23:5-7)
The Void of Self-Sufficiency
This is ironic. Self-sufficiency should free the proud person from the need to be made much of by others. That's what "sufficient" means. But evidently there is a void in this so-called self-sufficiency. THe self was never designed to satisfy itself or rely upon itself. It can never be sufficient. We are but images of God, not the real thing. We are shadows and echoes. So there will always be an emptiness in the soul that struggles to be satisfied with the resources of self.
Jesus saw the terrible effect of this itch for human glory. He named it in John 5:44, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?" The answer is, You can't. Itching for glory from other people makes faith impossible. Why? Because faith is being satisfied with all that God is for you in Jesus; and if you are bent on getting the satisfaction of your itch from the scratch of others' acclaim, you will turn away from Jesus.
But if you would turn from self as a source of satisfaction (=repentence) and come to Jesus for the enjoyment of all that GOd is for us in Him (=Faith), then the itch would be replaced by a well of water springing up to eternal life. (John 4:14)
The Irony of Weak Pride
The irony of this insatiable itch in the self-sufficient soul becomes even more evident when pride cannot get what it wants and begins to flounder in weakness. This calls for discernment. Weak pride is not easily recognised. It sounds like an oxymoron- like round squares. But it is not. Consider this relationship between boasting and self-pity.
Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, "I deserve admiration because i have acheived so much." Self-pity says, "I deserve admiration because i have sacrificed so much." Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing.
The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego and the desire of the self-pitying is not really for others to see them as helpless, but heroes. The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognised worthniness. It is the response of unapplauded pride.
John piper, Desiring god: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist.
When pride is not strong, it begins to worry about the future. In the heart of the proud, anxiety is to the future what self-pity is to the past. What did not go well in the past gives us a sense that we deserve better. But if we could not make things go our way in the past, we may not be able to in the future either.
So becareful when you are anxious for nothing. Turn from self-reliance to God-reliance, because one hindrance to casting your anxieties on God is pride. Pride does not like to admit that it has any anxieties. Faith admits the need for help. Pride won't. Faith banks on God to give help. Therefore the way to battle the unbelief of prise is to admit freely that you have anxieties, and to cherish the promise of the words, "He cares for you."
Something to think about
"Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches. But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for i delight in these things, declares the Lord." Jer 9:23-24
How do you fight pride? Be amazed and satisfied that we know God- and that He knows us. This "all-satisfying admiration" of all that God is for us in Jesus becomes the end of ourselves and the start of making much of God and who He is!
Bulks of passages taken from John Piper "Future Grace"
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Isaiah 53: 4
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered Him stricken by God,
smitten by Him and afflicted.
But He was pierced for our transgressions.
He was crushed for our iniquities,
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.
and by His wounds we are healed.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Fish Eating Fairy
"Not I, not I" cried out loudBut so it seemed, still I he found
That hand! reaching out and clutching air
I started to run quickly somewhere
But too slow was I, violated and disregarded
People should read signs when posted
"Do not touch the penguins" it read
Next time he should give me some bread.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
My new home
i realised i haven't posted up some pics of my new place... =) Also for my dad n mom back home to see that i'm settled in and cosy.
My Room! which was a balcony converted into a room.
The bed and my stuffed-toy home.
My dining Area and my workspace on the right.
The kitchen.
And the toilet!
My Room! which was a balcony converted into a room.
The bed and my stuffed-toy home.
My dining Area and my workspace on the right.
The kitchen.
And the toilet!Heavenly Father's love
When i want to understand or fathom my heavenly Father's love, i just stop and think of my own earthly father's love to get a glimpse of God's unconditional and all-accepting love.
Had this conversation with my dad before i left singapore.
Me: Dad, we won't give Jean away if she gets old and becomes a hassle right?
Dad: Why? are you afraid we will?
Me: Nods.
Dad: When we brought her into our family, we've already decided that we will keep her no matter what. She's part of us now.
And that was just so re assuring. So secure.
No matter how much of a hassle or trouble we may cause, God will never give up on us or kick us out of his family. We are secure in Him.
Had this conversation with my dad before i left singapore.
Me: Dad, we won't give Jean away if she gets old and becomes a hassle right?
Dad: Why? are you afraid we will?
Me: Nods.
Dad: When we brought her into our family, we've already decided that we will keep her no matter what. She's part of us now.
And that was just so re assuring. So secure.
No matter how much of a hassle or trouble we may cause, God will never give up on us or kick us out of his family. We are secure in Him.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Macbeth
haha, i remember i did William Shakespeare's Macbeth at O levels and i loved it.
When asked which of Will's work i like best, i can safely say Macbeth has it all. (i loved The Tempest when i did it at A levels as well.... hard to decide)
Plot intrigue, murder, betrayal... alot of the quotes i can still remember!
Anyway, i just watched Geoffrey Wright's 2006 version of Macbeth on dvd. It was filmed in Melbourne and released in September last year. Typical replacement of swords with guns, like in Baz Lurhmann's R&J, but the lines are said exactly as in the text and... no surprise, in Australian accent! It features King Duncan as a mega crime boss and Macbeth as a loyal drug dealing henchman. Well, it follows the original in every sense of the plot as Macbeth takes the leadership of the gang by murdering Duncan and maintaining his power with his tyrannical but self-destructive rule. I particularly like the portrayal of Lady Macbeth in this version. And we all know she becomes a raving lunatic at the end, and her acting is really good! (actress' name is Victoria Hill, she was co-producing the show with Wright)
okay, my favourite quotes from the play!!
"There's no art
To find the mind's construction in the face" 1.4
"I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself,
And falls on the other. " 1.7
"Out, damned spot! out, I say! All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. " 5.1
And my Favourit-est! (there's a line in The Tempest which echoes this as well!)
"Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing" 5.5
When asked which of Will's work i like best, i can safely say Macbeth has it all. (i loved The Tempest when i did it at A levels as well.... hard to decide)
Plot intrigue, murder, betrayal... alot of the quotes i can still remember!
Anyway, i just watched Geoffrey Wright's 2006 version of Macbeth on dvd. It was filmed in Melbourne and released in September last year. Typical replacement of swords with guns, like in Baz Lurhmann's R&J, but the lines are said exactly as in the text and... no surprise, in Australian accent! It features King Duncan as a mega crime boss and Macbeth as a loyal drug dealing henchman. Well, it follows the original in every sense of the plot as Macbeth takes the leadership of the gang by murdering Duncan and maintaining his power with his tyrannical but self-destructive rule. I particularly like the portrayal of Lady Macbeth in this version. And we all know she becomes a raving lunatic at the end, and her acting is really good! (actress' name is Victoria Hill, she was co-producing the show with Wright)
okay, my favourite quotes from the play!!
"There's no art
To find the mind's construction in the face" 1.4
"I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself,
And falls on the other. " 1.7
"Out, damned spot! out, I say! All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. " 5.1
And my Favourit-est! (there's a line in The Tempest which echoes this as well!)
"Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing" 5.5
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
