Monday, October 29, 2007

Faith in God



Faith in God

My faith in God is rewarded in ways not defined by material things, but defined by simple expressions of joy, hope, love and strength in spirit. For though everything belongs to God, His reward is beyond human perceptions limited by the physical world, and instead resides in the nourishment of our souls and spirits. He means to build up the part of us that will face eternal life, and not the temporal part of us that spoils with time.

So let me work for the things that please God. For He knows what is best for me beyond all understanding. If it pleases the Lord that I suffer, that in my suffering I am humbled and conditioned to receive His reward from His word, then let me suffer. If its pleases Him that I deny myself for His sake, that in my denial of my worldly self I attain eternal life in Him, then let me deny me. But if it pleases God that I live with joy, like a bright lamp chasing away darkness, then let me rejoice throughout my days.

How can it be so wrong if it is what God requires? He who is imperfect, does he not follow the one who is perfect? For it is only by following the perfect one that we attain hints of perfection. So let our days be perfect in God, through our faith in Him through His son Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Song Therapy


Song Therapy

I know we have something called movie therapy at church. I think it is wonderful how we use technology to inspire people and bring out the Word of God. Though I am not sure how many people are reading my blog (I think I should do a little marketing), I still continue to use this space to pour out my thoughts.

Been really down lately. Though I resolved to be happy in any way, I found it tougher these past few days. It has been really busy for me. I have poured out so much of my time for my work, which I am really grateful for, in the expense of my quiet times, fellowships, and prayers. I am glad though that I would get occasional calls and visits from disciples but then sometimes it would not be enough.

It is a tough struggle. Specially when you feel so alone. I feel tired and spent. But I realize that there will points in life that you just have to spend time with God. And I guess this is the part where it has been rather uncomfortable for me. Being alone means that I have no one else to talk to- to laugh with, talk with, share stories with. Being alone means, for that moment in time, God has to be enough. No one else but me and God.

Frankly, that is the challenge because for His own reasons, God is not a talkative God. Many times I have asked for signs, a signal, a message, a heavenly apparition to descend on to my bedroom without success. Perhaps, there is a part of me that wants to really make sure He is real.

I do not know why I still have this doubts about Him. Though I pray and talk to Him every now and then, there are times when I can't help but ask. Or maybe, side-consciously, I also want to provoke Him to make His presence felt.

I do feel that my approach is wrong. My maturity as a Christian is not yet to point that God requires of me. Which is of course, in the irony of it, requires that I become like a child. Full of innocence, full of trust, full of joyful wonder.

Despite my wrong approach, God does have a way of reaching out to me. A sister from the campus named Tong Wei sent a link for this song by Mercy Me titled Home Sick. And when I heard it-oh wow- the song hit "home." It basically sums up all that I felt up to this point. The longing for His companionship, His awesome presence, His love and Fatherly care. That is why the posts is titled Song Therapy. Another wonderful way we can use technology to encourage each other and inspire one another. Nothing is as soothing as a good song. Nothing so personal as lyrics that seem to give expression to how one feels.

So I want to share this song as well to all of you who reads my posts. Be it just one or two of you, I am okay with that. In reality I feel that what I am writing are not just blog posts but actual letters to God. So Father, if you are up there, I hope you are reading these "letters." I know one day I will see you but for now, I will live my life in a way that pleases you. I love you God. And I know you love me too.

Here is the song link and the lyrics.



HOME SICK

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Monday, October 1, 2007

Oh wow I've been so busy with my new job. But still I'm glad I was able to go for a date last Saturday. Although we were all quite tired from Cheshire home, we were quite glad that we went anyway! Here are some of the awesome shots we took. Tell me if you like it.

These are pictures of me, Jessie, Daniela and Alicia at Mt. Faber at Faber Point. The view from up there is amazing and we had great time fellowshipping. We took these winning photoshots out of fun.




The night was very memorable and I was glad to have this souvenir.

















Having fun at the Faber point. We know a good idea when we see one. And we just could not resist taking these poses.









Had dinner first at Vivo City. Even then, we were excited to take out cameras out.