'The Christian life is about the journey as well as the destination.' Philip Yancey writes.
Due to copyright, please view the article here, from the online magazine Christianity Today. It's not long! Only two pages, so do take the time to read. :)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Solid Rock Oldies Reunion Part 1
And so on one fine day...presumably I think it was a Saturday, Lena came up to KL. Unfortunately that day it was the Agong's birthday and the traffic at the palace was at a standstill, so Chung En and Wei Leong got to Jalan Imbi 1.5 hours later.
So only the three of us took Lena to the infamous Jalan Alor to feed her stomach with REAL Malaysian Food not like some copy-cats in the country island to the south *hint* *hint*
The rest were meant to come like: Ivan, Ee Ling, Juni, Allistair, Daniel but it was too short of a notice so only the three of us.
What we ate:
1. Rice
2. Timpan Taufoo ??
3. Some deer meat
4. Kangkung with belacan
5. Grilled stingray
What we drank:
1. water
2. liquid
3. lin chi kang
That was semi-part 1. Now onto the rest of part 1:
On the next Thursday night, Daniel, Lena and Wei Leong met up at Saujana Club. Daniel suggested to go to some place called Little Chinatown near Kayu Ara. Little did he know that they are closed. So off we went to Ming Tian in Taman Megah to eat the remainings of Lena's desired food:
1. Bak Kut Teh
2. Satay
3. Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun
4. Popiah
5. something I can't remember what.
And when we all were together, we talked about various issues: like stuff happening in current SR, news, happenings, famous and infamous ppl, Jason singing with Helium, Lydia's comments about someone, news of former SR ppl with some other ppl...etc.
If you wanna know more, attend one of the SR Reunions in Malaysia to get to know more oldies and the crazy stuff we did that you would never imagine it happening in current SR.
But just to let you all know:
Next one is June 20th. As Andrew is coming up. Until June 22nd, where Yan Shiang comes up too.........
Note: We miss Rob.
Posted by Wei Leong
So only the three of us took Lena to the infamous Jalan Alor to feed her stomach with REAL Malaysian Food not like some copy-cats in the country island to the south *hint* *hint*
The rest were meant to come like: Ivan, Ee Ling, Juni, Allistair, Daniel but it was too short of a notice so only the three of us.
What we ate:
1. Rice
2. Timpan Taufoo ??
3. Some deer meat
4. Kangkung with belacan
5. Grilled stingray
What we drank:
1. water
2. liquid
3. lin chi kang
That was semi-part 1. Now onto the rest of part 1:
On the next Thursday night, Daniel, Lena and Wei Leong met up at Saujana Club. Daniel suggested to go to some place called Little Chinatown near Kayu Ara. Little did he know that they are closed. So off we went to Ming Tian in Taman Megah to eat the remainings of Lena's desired food:
1. Bak Kut Teh
2. Satay
3. Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun
4. Popiah
5. something I can't remember what.
And when we all were together, we talked about various issues: like stuff happening in current SR, news, happenings, famous and infamous ppl, Jason singing with Helium, Lydia's comments about someone, news of former SR ppl with some other ppl...etc.
If you wanna know more, attend one of the SR Reunions in Malaysia to get to know more oldies and the crazy stuff we did that you would never imagine it happening in current SR.
But just to let you all know:
Next one is June 20th. As Andrew is coming up. Until June 22nd, where Yan Shiang comes up too.........
Note: We miss Rob.
Posted by Wei Leong
Monday, June 09, 2008
Updates! because evil wei leong is harrassing the DBKL.
Hi everyone!
Have promised to deliver some updates, but surely you would've seen pictures of the leaver's party on Facebook! Hrmmm. Is there a way to include Joanne's pictures under SR's group picture profiles? Anyway, I've had trouble uploading this...internet connection is slowww:
I will try to get some more on facebook! If the internet allows me. Sigh.
Eh. I don't think I like blogger much because I cannot position the pictures in positions I want. They all go in the middle! Cheh. What is this.
Have promised to deliver some updates, but surely you would've seen pictures of the leaver's party on Facebook! Hrmmm. Is there a way to include Joanne's pictures under SR's group picture profiles? Anyway, I've had trouble uploading this...internet connection is slowww:
I will try to get some more on facebook! If the internet allows me. Sigh.
Eh. I don't think I like blogger much because I cannot position the pictures in positions I want. They all go in the middle! Cheh. What is this.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Last (official) SR meeting for 2007-2008. Sniff.
Today was the last official meeting for the year. So sad. :(
We started with an awesome time of praise and worship, and then ended with a time of sharing. 3-minute allocation to each did not work out well 'cause each of us talk so much. Hopefully we can do more sharing during the Leaver's Part on the 31st.
Anyway, just some pretty random pictures! :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A post, for 2008
Hi everyone (or anyone) who is still reading this blog!
I've decided to update the look of this blog and hopefully keep it running, posting updates of the happenings of SR, any brilliant testimonies and such. It's a pity I didn't do this sooner, but there are still a couple of events on before term ends.
Recently, we had a feet-washing session as we handed over SR's leadership to the new committee of 2008-2009.
As God is continuing His work through our lives everyday, we see, expect, and believe of exciting things ahead!
Below is a pic of the committees of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
(sorry, a bit blur, but this pic screams a MUST to post!)
left to right:
JD, Jason, Rudi C., YingYing, Michelle, Edmund
MingHooi, Joy, YanShiang, Lamia, Lydia, WeeVien
Rudi S.
ps. I've temporarily granted myself on admin so that i don't have to keep signing in on SR's email to update some links on the side bar! hope that's ok.
I've decided to update the look of this blog and hopefully keep it running, posting updates of the happenings of SR, any brilliant testimonies and such. It's a pity I didn't do this sooner, but there are still a couple of events on before term ends.
Recently, we had a feet-washing session as we handed over SR's leadership to the new committee of 2008-2009.
As God is continuing His work through our lives everyday, we see, expect, and believe of exciting things ahead!
Below is a pic of the committees of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
(sorry, a bit blur, but this pic screams a MUST to post!)
left to right:
JD, Jason, Rudi C., YingYing, Michelle, Edmund
MingHooi, Joy, YanShiang, Lamia, Lydia, WeeVien
Rudi S.
ps. I've temporarily granted myself on admin so that i don't have to keep signing in on SR's email to update some links on the side bar! hope that's ok.
Friday, June 01, 2007
unique?
hope you are touched and encouraged by this.. there is only one of you.. haha :P
Believing Your Uniqueness
by Jon Walker
Believing Your Uniqueness
by Jon Walker
“The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me — to tell people the Good News about God's grace.” (Acts 20:24 NCV)
God gave you a unique role to play in his Kingdom.
You’re the only person in the world who can live your particular life for the glory of God. There is no one else in the world with your unique mix of spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences. God shaped you for a very specific ministry, and no one else can fulfill your mission.
If you don’t do it, nobody else can!
Paul writes, “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me — to tell people the Good News about God's grace.” (Acts 20:24, NCV) To Paul, the most important thing we can do is to be on a mission to tell others about God’s Good News.
Telling people about Jesus is more than just a matter of life and death; it involves the eternal destiny of those waiting to hear about Jesus from you. God doesn’t want us to waste a precious minute of our lives doing things that don’t matter — if the most important thing we can do is left undone.
It’s never too late to move faithfully into your mission for God. You may think you don’t have any skills God can use, but the truth is that God would never send you on a mission without making sure you had everything you needed – including your unique shape – and the Holy Spirit active within you.
So what?
· Take inventory – Through your spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences, God has uniquely shaped you for your mission. Take an inventory of your life and think it through: What mission do you see God has prepared you for?
· Don’t waste God’s grace – The Apostle Paul writes, “But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I'm not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven't I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn't amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it.” (1 Corinthians 15:10 MSG)
· What if it’s true? – How would you live differently if you really believed God had created you for a unique mission, one that only you could accomplish?
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Reflections
As I reflect upon the things I have done, the mistakes that I have made, I cannot but only regret them. Though I know that everything happens for a reason, and nothing except for God is everlasting, I still regret some of the choices I have made.
It is only when I lose something so dear and precious to me, that I only realise the importance of it all. To think that I myself prided for being thick skin, only to realise that no one is invincible except God.
I remember the times and yet those times seem like only yesterday. I remember when you loved what you did, when you were adventurous even when the age is catching up. I miss you now more dearly than before.
"Oh Lord, help me in these times Lord. As it is in your Word, thy will be done. Lord, the gracious giver, lay down a calming peace over my entire family Lord. Strengthen me, Lord. I give myself to you, Lord. Amen."
It is only when I lose something so dear and precious to me, that I only realise the importance of it all. To think that I myself prided for being thick skin, only to realise that no one is invincible except God.
I remember the times and yet those times seem like only yesterday. I remember when you loved what you did, when you were adventurous even when the age is catching up. I miss you now more dearly than before.
"Oh Lord, help me in these times Lord. As it is in your Word, thy will be done. Lord, the gracious giver, lay down a calming peace over my entire family Lord. Strengthen me, Lord. I give myself to you, Lord. Amen."
Monday, March 19, 2007
Update
Dear all,
it's been some time since i last posted.
I wonder if anyone still reads?
I'm sorry that i haven't been faithful in updating...
Thanks for those who still faithfully drop by to see if anyone updates, and thanks for those who have posted to encourage/ edify/ challenge.
It seems i've lost my passion to share what God teaches me, i guess this year i've been concentrating a lot on 'doing' and end up being very tired at times... but thank God for His grace and strength.
Just an update on how solid rock has been doing this term.
We've been doing a book called 'Network' this term, some of us had some reservations but we also had confirmations from God that it was something He wanted us to do. it's quite different from the usual bible studies we do, cos it's more of a practical course, than 'solid food', which i do miss. But it's been exciting learning more about one another's gifts and personal styles in terms of service. Also, encouraging to see many new people helping out in the worship team. We've got a drumset now!!! Well, just electric drums but better than nth lar. heh.
Also, our longest solid rock member is sadly leaving us soon (tentatively 10th april). Yes, Rob has got a job in the university in Guangzhou, and will be there for at least 6 months, likely to extend to a year. I remember how i used to be intimidated by this big british guy when i first came to sr, but when you get to know him, he's actually a really warm guy with lots of experience, wisdom and interesting stories to share :) We had a steamboat dinner at his place last weekend. You'll be missed Rob!
Easter break is near. This year, we decided to organize our own solid rock retreat, instead of going for spring harvest or mec (midlands easter conference). it's been sometime since sr had it's own retreat, and we thought it'll be warm and cosy :) Thorsten will be speaking on the theme on the spiritual life and disciplines.
Sadly i won't be able to go though, kinda sad... especially since it's my last year here. But i decided to go for a mission trip to malta instead. Wish to focus on fewer things, and not try to put my feet into too many ponds as a friend would say ;) About 6 solidrockers are going for the mission trip, as well so guess it'll be a mini solid rock retreat too. heh. we're going to help out on board the logos2 which will be docked there while we're there. i'm looking forward to washing the decks for some reason or other!
Hope everyone's doing well, wherever you may be, may His grace and peace be with you. Solid rockers, rock on for Jesus! ;)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easilt hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." Hebrews 12:1-2
Praise God all ye people!
For Him,
Pam
it's been some time since i last posted.
I wonder if anyone still reads?
I'm sorry that i haven't been faithful in updating...
Thanks for those who still faithfully drop by to see if anyone updates, and thanks for those who have posted to encourage/ edify/ challenge.
It seems i've lost my passion to share what God teaches me, i guess this year i've been concentrating a lot on 'doing' and end up being very tired at times... but thank God for His grace and strength.
Just an update on how solid rock has been doing this term.
We've been doing a book called 'Network' this term, some of us had some reservations but we also had confirmations from God that it was something He wanted us to do. it's quite different from the usual bible studies we do, cos it's more of a practical course, than 'solid food', which i do miss. But it's been exciting learning more about one another's gifts and personal styles in terms of service. Also, encouraging to see many new people helping out in the worship team. We've got a drumset now!!! Well, just electric drums but better than nth lar. heh.
Also, our longest solid rock member is sadly leaving us soon (tentatively 10th april). Yes, Rob has got a job in the university in Guangzhou, and will be there for at least 6 months, likely to extend to a year. I remember how i used to be intimidated by this big british guy when i first came to sr, but when you get to know him, he's actually a really warm guy with lots of experience, wisdom and interesting stories to share :) We had a steamboat dinner at his place last weekend. You'll be missed Rob!
Easter break is near. This year, we decided to organize our own solid rock retreat, instead of going for spring harvest or mec (midlands easter conference). it's been sometime since sr had it's own retreat, and we thought it'll be warm and cosy :) Thorsten will be speaking on the theme on the spiritual life and disciplines.
Sadly i won't be able to go though, kinda sad... especially since it's my last year here. But i decided to go for a mission trip to malta instead. Wish to focus on fewer things, and not try to put my feet into too many ponds as a friend would say ;) About 6 solidrockers are going for the mission trip, as well so guess it'll be a mini solid rock retreat too. heh. we're going to help out on board the logos2 which will be docked there while we're there. i'm looking forward to washing the decks for some reason or other!
Hope everyone's doing well, wherever you may be, may His grace and peace be with you. Solid rockers, rock on for Jesus! ;)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easilt hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." Hebrews 12:1-2
Praise God all ye people!
For Him,
Pam
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
sharing...
A mail I shared with J,A,P,SL and WX the other day...
These couple of days, God had been waking me up quite a lot in the middle of the night. First two nights, I didnt know what it was all about. Tonight, I really felt God speaking to my heart. Making me aware of things. Just to share one with you.
I was thinking about the topic of 'sharing' with others. There were times where I get really excited and just feel like sharing a bible verse with others, or sharing with them a song in my heart or letting them know about how God's been working in my life, but then, something stopped me. The thought of maybe, the other party will just look at my message and do feel anything at all and dont appreciate it at all, just like how I can be. How I sometimes feel that I dont need God at all. Especially when life is adequate, I've got most of the basic things I need and want, and I am happy. Then, even knowing that I still believe in God, but the passion for God isn't there anymore. I dont feel excited seeking Him or needed Him. I was led to thinking about my attitude towards receiving words of encouragement and sharing from SR's email or from other fellow christians, who would send me bible verses or words of advice, and I just look at the mail and didn't even bother to read it, then closed the window, forgetting about it. Wonder if you guys do experience this as well?
Ya, so perhaps God wants me to learn from this lesson. I used to think that the 'caterpillar turning into a butterfuly' process is just a one off event. That I'll just experiencing it once, but I think, I would have to experience it many many many times in my walk withe Lord. Every lesson that God teaches me is like another butterfly in process effect. We are all the caterpillar and the butterfly at the same time. We are all growing. We are in a process of becoming. In some areas of our life, maybe we are the caterpillar, vulnerable and hungry. In some relationships maybe we are in a cocoon, taking time and space, or doing our best to give it to others. And in some ways, we are all fully grown, mature and free, like the butterfly. And thus it is our task to emulate God, to grow and to become and to improve ourselves throughout our whole lives.
Reading a book now by Joshua Harris "Not even a hint"
These couple of days, God had been waking me up quite a lot in the middle of the night. First two nights, I didnt know what it was all about. Tonight, I really felt God speaking to my heart. Making me aware of things. Just to share one with you.
I was thinking about the topic of 'sharing' with others. There were times where I get really excited and just feel like sharing a bible verse with others, or sharing with them a song in my heart or letting them know about how God's been working in my life, but then, something stopped me. The thought of maybe, the other party will just look at my message and do feel anything at all and dont appreciate it at all, just like how I can be. How I sometimes feel that I dont need God at all. Especially when life is adequate, I've got most of the basic things I need and want, and I am happy. Then, even knowing that I still believe in God, but the passion for God isn't there anymore. I dont feel excited seeking Him or needed Him. I was led to thinking about my attitude towards receiving words of encouragement and sharing from SR's email or from other fellow christians, who would send me bible verses or words of advice, and I just look at the mail and didn't even bother to read it, then closed the window, forgetting about it. Wonder if you guys do experience this as well?
Ya, so perhaps God wants me to learn from this lesson. I used to think that the 'caterpillar turning into a butterfuly' process is just a one off event. That I'll just experiencing it once, but I think, I would have to experience it many many many times in my walk withe Lord. Every lesson that God teaches me is like another butterfly in process effect. We are all the caterpillar and the butterfly at the same time. We are all growing. We are in a process of becoming. In some areas of our life, maybe we are the caterpillar, vulnerable and hungry. In some relationships maybe we are in a cocoon, taking time and space, or doing our best to give it to others. And in some ways, we are all fully grown, mature and free, like the butterfly. And thus it is our task to emulate God, to grow and to become and to improve ourselves throughout our whole lives.
Reading a book now by Joshua Harris "Not even a hint"
This song is gonna be a hit!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart
And all your soul and all your mind
And love all mankind as you would love yourself
Love the Lord your God with all your heart
And all your soul and mind
And love all mankind
We've got Christian lives to live,
We've got Jesus' love to give,
We've got nothing to hide because in Him we abide
p/s : gonna sing it this friday!
And all your soul and all your mind
And love all mankind as you would love yourself
Love the Lord your God with all your heart
And all your soul and mind
And love all mankind
We've got Christian lives to live,
We've got Jesus' love to give,
We've got nothing to hide because in Him we abide
p/s : gonna sing it this friday!
What He Does Best
I saw a man, he was sitting,
Alone at the top of a building,
So I climbed up all the stairs,
Just to sit by his side,
I asked him what he was doing,
He said that all hope had left him,
And the promise life once held,
Was slowly slipping away,
And I wished that I could save him,
But I can't even save myself,
So I prayed the Lord would step in
And do what he does best......
I see a lady at the bustop,
She's cold and she's lonely,
And I watch her as
She quickly wipes away,
The tears from her eyes,
She's overworked, kids are hungry,
There are more bills than there's money,
And the weight of life has washed away,
All her joy and her youth,
And I wished that I could save her,
But I can't even save myself,
So I prayed the Lord would step in,
To do what he does best,
There was a time in my life,
When I just knew all hope was lost,
Then I found God and He said,
Come child,
Take up your cross and follow me,
That's when the Lord he saved me,
There's no way,
I could have saved myself,
When I asked the Lord to step in,
He did what He Does Best.........
Don't give up hope,
God will be right there
When times are hard and spirits are low,
Take up your cross and follow, follow, follow....................
c. 2002 T. Worth, F. Offard, R. Walters, Jr.
yeahhh.. there are times when we dont know how to help someone.. or that person might not want to be helped or we feel too discouraged/weak to help.. the best we can do is hand that person/friend over to God. God's mighty arms can do beyond what we can possibly do with our human hands.
This is indeed a shared journey.. for the journey of life is not an easy one. Jesus tells us to take heart (=be brave)! for He has overcome the world. We face challenges each day..can be frustrating n discouraging but God is with us! He will never leave us nor forsake us..I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper (Heb 13:5-6)
finally, a blog that i want to recommend : www.therebelution.com check it out!
I saw a man, he was sitting,
Alone at the top of a building,
So I climbed up all the stairs,
Just to sit by his side,
I asked him what he was doing,
He said that all hope had left him,
And the promise life once held,
Was slowly slipping away,
And I wished that I could save him,
But I can't even save myself,
So I prayed the Lord would step in
And do what he does best......
I see a lady at the bustop,
She's cold and she's lonely,
And I watch her as
She quickly wipes away,
The tears from her eyes,
She's overworked, kids are hungry,
There are more bills than there's money,
And the weight of life has washed away,
All her joy and her youth,
And I wished that I could save her,
But I can't even save myself,
So I prayed the Lord would step in,
To do what he does best,
There was a time in my life,
When I just knew all hope was lost,
Then I found God and He said,
Come child,
Take up your cross and follow me,
That's when the Lord he saved me,
There's no way,
I could have saved myself,
When I asked the Lord to step in,
He did what He Does Best.........
Don't give up hope,
God will be right there
When times are hard and spirits are low,
Take up your cross and follow, follow, follow....................
c. 2002 T. Worth, F. Offard, R. Walters, Jr.
yeahhh.. there are times when we dont know how to help someone.. or that person might not want to be helped or we feel too discouraged/weak to help.. the best we can do is hand that person/friend over to God. God's mighty arms can do beyond what we can possibly do with our human hands.
This is indeed a shared journey.. for the journey of life is not an easy one. Jesus tells us to take heart (=be brave)! for He has overcome the world. We face challenges each day..can be frustrating n discouraging but God is with us! He will never leave us nor forsake us..I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper (Heb 13:5-6)
finally, a blog that i want to recommend : www.therebelution.com check it out!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Awsome God
I've been inspired by two songs today and also Psalm 147. I posted the psalm in my blog, but the two songs in SR's blog coz I dont want to over crowd my blog...Heehee. Hope you are inspired by God everyday as well. Praise Him.
Emm...I dont really know how to sing the verses for this song, but I just know the chorus. I think the verses are 'rapping' but anyhow, hope I get to listen to the full song one day, or maybe soon. God bless.
When He rolls up His sleeves
He ain't just putting on the ritz
(Our God is an awesome God)
There's thunder in His footsteps
And lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)
And the Lord wasn't joking
When He kicked 'em out of Eden
It wasn't for no reason
That He shed His blood
His return is very close
And so you better be believing that
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
And when the sky was starless
In the void of the night
(Our God is an awesome God)
He spoke into the darkness
And created the light
(Our God is an awesome God)
Judgement and wrath He poured out on Sodom
Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross
I hope that we have not
Too quickly forgotten that
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God (Our God is an awesome God)
He reigns from heaven above (He reigns from heaven above)
With wisdom, power, and love (With wisdom, power, and love)
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
Emm...I dont really know how to sing the verses for this song, but I just know the chorus. I think the verses are 'rapping' but anyhow, hope I get to listen to the full song one day, or maybe soon. God bless.
When He rolls up His sleeves
He ain't just putting on the ritz
(Our God is an awesome God)
There's thunder in His footsteps
And lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)
And the Lord wasn't joking
When He kicked 'em out of Eden
It wasn't for no reason
That He shed His blood
His return is very close
And so you better be believing that
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
And when the sky was starless
In the void of the night
(Our God is an awesome God)
He spoke into the darkness
And created the light
(Our God is an awesome God)
Judgement and wrath He poured out on Sodom
Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross
I hope that we have not
Too quickly forgotten that
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God (Our God is an awesome God)
He reigns from heaven above (He reigns from heaven above)
With wisdom, power, and love (With wisdom, power, and love)
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God
I could sing of your love forever
Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I'm happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when Your love came down
I could sing of Your love forever
I could sing of Your love forever
Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I'm happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when Your love came down
Oh, I fell like dancing
It's foolishness I know
But when the world has seen the
Light
They will dance with joy
Like we're dancing now
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I'm happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when Your love came down
I could sing of Your love forever
I could sing of Your love forever
Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I'm happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when Your love came down
Oh, I fell like dancing
It's foolishness I know
But when the world has seen the
Light
They will dance with joy
Like we're dancing now
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The Same Old Story
The Same Old Story
by Michael T. Powers
In the twenty or so years that my wife and I have been doing youth ministry, we have dealt with a lot of teens who have gotten themselves into some dire straits. In fact, I thought there was nothing that could possibly surprise us anymore.
I was wrong.
There is one teenage girl that we know that I had to tell you about. However, before I do, I want you to understand that in our youth ministry, we always strive for confidentiality, to protect both the teen and the teen's family. So it is with great trepidation that I share this with you for I know that some of you will figure out who this girl is. But I am hoping that by the end of these few pages, you will understand why I had to share what I am about to tell you.
But before you rush to judgment, I want you to hang with me here. In fact, more than anything else, I want you to put yourself in this teen's shoes. Try and feel what she must be feeling.
This young girl is about 14 years old and she comes to the stark realization that she is pregnant. Not only does she realize that her life is going to drastically change, but to make matters worse, she is afraid to tell her boyfriend. Normally she can go to her boyfriend with any problem. He is a pretty stable, understanding and dependable guy. But this time it's different. You see, the baby is not his.
She lays awake that first night thinking about all the people she has to face that next day.
Her parents.
She has always been worthy of the trust her parents have put in her. In fact other families have remarked to her parents how they wish their daughters were more like her. But now she has to stand before them and explain how she got pregnant. And if that is not bad enough, she is going to have to explain to them that the father of the baby is not the young man that her parents think she should marry.
Her boyfriend.
She loves her boyfriend more than anyone! Well, almost more than anyone. How is she going to face him? Where is she going to get the courage? It would almost be easier if she could tell him that it was just a big mistake and that she is oh, so sorry for it. But she can't lie to him. She will have to look into his trusting eyes and tell him that she willfully chose the path that led to this little life growing inside of her. She knows deep down inside, that if she had to do it all over again, she would make the same decision, and end up in the same precarious situation. "Please God! Please let him understand and not abandon me. I need him so much right now!"
Her friends.
Right or wrong, they have always put her on a pedestal. Always looked to her for answers. Always modeled their life after hers. But she knows instinctively that they will not understand. In fact she knows that she may never be able to explain to them what made her do what she did.
So she lays there in bed, afraid, overwhelmed, and reaching out to God for strength to face what is ahead of her.
The next day she finally gets up the courage to tell her boyfriend. He reacts just as she feared he would react. He is going to leave her.
She becomes distraught and questions God: "Why God? Why? I know that I am in this situation because of a decision I made, but please don't take my boyfriend away from me! I desperately need him now!"
This unnamed teen goes to bed that night more afraid than ever, feeling every bit the young child that she is.
Her name? Normally I wouldn't give that to you. But in this case she asked that her name be known so that others will understand what she has gone through and be encouraged.
Her name is Mary and she lived 2000 years ago.
Have you ever thought of the Christmas story in this way before?
Think about it! You are a 14-year old girl and an angel appears to you and says, "I'm going to place a baby inside of your womb." Most 14-year old girls I know would say, "I'm sorry, but that doesn't fit in with my plans for my life. I have my whole life ahead of me and I can't be held back by a baby! How am I going to go to prom now!?"
How does Mary tell Joseph? Have you ever thought of that? She has to go to her future husband and say, "I'm pregnant and the baby is not yours.
The conversation may have gone something like this:
Mary: "Joe, before you get angry at me I want you to know that I didn't cheat on you."
Joseph: "Come on Mary! You know full well that we have not known each other in the biblical sense, so the baby can't possibly be mine!"
Mary: "Joseph, you have to believe me. I did not have sex with anyone!"
Joseph: "Please Mary, don't do this to me. You know that I love you and care for you. But I can't listen to this."
Mary: "OK, Joseph, I won't lie to you." (She pauses, searching his eyes for the understanding that she knows is not humanly possible.) "The baby is from God."
Joseph: "Mary! Please! This is not like you! In fact, I am beginning to think I don't even know you any more!"
Mary: "You have to believe me Joseph!"
Joseph: (The wheels already turning in his head as to what he needs to do) "Mary, you know that I love you. But I won't stand for this. I have every right to put you away from me publicly, but I don't have the heart to do that to you. I won't marry you now, but I will allow you to find some dignity and not make a big deal out of this. But go you will."
Mary: "Please Joseph! You've got to believe me! Why would I make something like this up!"
Joseph: "Enough! I don't want to hear another word."
And he walks away, leaving Mary distraught and worrying.
You know the story. An angel appears to Joseph and verifies that what Mary says is truth.
Hopefully by now you are not thinking of the story of Jesus' birth as the same old boring story that we read every Christmas season!
Stop your busyness and ponder with me these next few weeks.
Think of God as a fetus, leaving Heaven and all of its splendor and becoming one of the most fragile things on Earth: a human baby. An animal baby is more able to defend and adapt when they are born than a human is.
As a writer, I would never have written the story this way. If I'm going to write the story of God coming to Earth, He's going to be on a white stallion when He rides out of Heaven. Every hoof-beat will leave lightning-like sparks on the streets of gold and peals of thunder in the air. The stars will line up as letters in every language that will blink: "The King of Kings is Coming!" He's going to burst through the ozone layer in a fiery explosion that will rock the foundation of the earth and send humans and animals to a prone position on the ground. Then He's going to circle the entire earth from east to west and the clouds will trail behind Him like a pure white flowing robe. There'll be the deafening sound of heavenly trumpets and the majestic pureness of millions of angels' voices hitting your ears as if they were right next to you.
That's how I'd write it.
God says, "Nope. He's going to live inside of an unwed teenage girl and He's going to be born in a stable." Which is a really nice word for a cave where smelly animals live. There was manure and urine on the floor, and the stench was almost unbearable. Priceless paintings and works of art did not hang on the walls in this nursery. No, if you were to look on these walls you would see cobwebs.
Psalm 33:6 reads, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth." The One who breathed galaxies into existence, now depended on an umbilical cord for His oxygen. Amazing!
In your wildest dreams, can you equate the deity of the King of Kings making his entrance into this world through the human process we call birth.
Instead of noticing a crown of purest gold on his head, you notice the cone-shape of his head as he was forced through the birth canal. Instead of wearing the finest robes money can buy, he is wrapped in rags.
Instead of a finely crafted bed made by the most gifted craftsman in the land, he is laid in a feeding trough. Don't give me this "manger" stuff. Manger sounds too romantic. God was put in a feeding trough where cows put their tongues to lick up food. That's where the King of the universe slept.
He who sustains the entire universe is now being sustained through the milk of a teenage girl.
If Mary could have written a book, it would be on the New York Times' Best-Selling List. The title of the book would have been, "I Changed God's Diapers." Have you ever thought of that? Someone had to change the God of the universe's diapers. This gets a little gross, and I'm used to talking to youth, so forgive me, but, human waste was next to Jesus' skin. Is it hard to imagine Jesus in such a mundane and human way? In fact it is almost irreverent. But the God of the universe loved us so much that he was willing to humble Himself and give us the most precious Christmas present ever given: His Son Jesus.
May we never let ourselves say, "The same old Christmas story," ever again. And, may we never get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that we don't stop and take the time to reflect about what an amazing God we have.
May this Christmas, and every Christmas from here on out, never lose it's magic or it's meaning.
Michael T. Powers
HeartTouchers@aol.com
© 2006 by Michael T. Powers
by Michael T. Powers
In the twenty or so years that my wife and I have been doing youth ministry, we have dealt with a lot of teens who have gotten themselves into some dire straits. In fact, I thought there was nothing that could possibly surprise us anymore.
I was wrong.
There is one teenage girl that we know that I had to tell you about. However, before I do, I want you to understand that in our youth ministry, we always strive for confidentiality, to protect both the teen and the teen's family. So it is with great trepidation that I share this with you for I know that some of you will figure out who this girl is. But I am hoping that by the end of these few pages, you will understand why I had to share what I am about to tell you.
But before you rush to judgment, I want you to hang with me here. In fact, more than anything else, I want you to put yourself in this teen's shoes. Try and feel what she must be feeling.
This young girl is about 14 years old and she comes to the stark realization that she is pregnant. Not only does she realize that her life is going to drastically change, but to make matters worse, she is afraid to tell her boyfriend. Normally she can go to her boyfriend with any problem. He is a pretty stable, understanding and dependable guy. But this time it's different. You see, the baby is not his.
She lays awake that first night thinking about all the people she has to face that next day.
Her parents.
She has always been worthy of the trust her parents have put in her. In fact other families have remarked to her parents how they wish their daughters were more like her. But now she has to stand before them and explain how she got pregnant. And if that is not bad enough, she is going to have to explain to them that the father of the baby is not the young man that her parents think she should marry.
Her boyfriend.
She loves her boyfriend more than anyone! Well, almost more than anyone. How is she going to face him? Where is she going to get the courage? It would almost be easier if she could tell him that it was just a big mistake and that she is oh, so sorry for it. But she can't lie to him. She will have to look into his trusting eyes and tell him that she willfully chose the path that led to this little life growing inside of her. She knows deep down inside, that if she had to do it all over again, she would make the same decision, and end up in the same precarious situation. "Please God! Please let him understand and not abandon me. I need him so much right now!"
Her friends.
Right or wrong, they have always put her on a pedestal. Always looked to her for answers. Always modeled their life after hers. But she knows instinctively that they will not understand. In fact she knows that she may never be able to explain to them what made her do what she did.
So she lays there in bed, afraid, overwhelmed, and reaching out to God for strength to face what is ahead of her.
The next day she finally gets up the courage to tell her boyfriend. He reacts just as she feared he would react. He is going to leave her.
She becomes distraught and questions God: "Why God? Why? I know that I am in this situation because of a decision I made, but please don't take my boyfriend away from me! I desperately need him now!"
This unnamed teen goes to bed that night more afraid than ever, feeling every bit the young child that she is.
Her name? Normally I wouldn't give that to you. But in this case she asked that her name be known so that others will understand what she has gone through and be encouraged.
Her name is Mary and she lived 2000 years ago.
Have you ever thought of the Christmas story in this way before?
Think about it! You are a 14-year old girl and an angel appears to you and says, "I'm going to place a baby inside of your womb." Most 14-year old girls I know would say, "I'm sorry, but that doesn't fit in with my plans for my life. I have my whole life ahead of me and I can't be held back by a baby! How am I going to go to prom now!?"
How does Mary tell Joseph? Have you ever thought of that? She has to go to her future husband and say, "I'm pregnant and the baby is not yours.
The conversation may have gone something like this:
Mary: "Joe, before you get angry at me I want you to know that I didn't cheat on you."
Joseph: "Come on Mary! You know full well that we have not known each other in the biblical sense, so the baby can't possibly be mine!"
Mary: "Joseph, you have to believe me. I did not have sex with anyone!"
Joseph: "Please Mary, don't do this to me. You know that I love you and care for you. But I can't listen to this."
Mary: "OK, Joseph, I won't lie to you." (She pauses, searching his eyes for the understanding that she knows is not humanly possible.) "The baby is from God."
Joseph: "Mary! Please! This is not like you! In fact, I am beginning to think I don't even know you any more!"
Mary: "You have to believe me Joseph!"
Joseph: (The wheels already turning in his head as to what he needs to do) "Mary, you know that I love you. But I won't stand for this. I have every right to put you away from me publicly, but I don't have the heart to do that to you. I won't marry you now, but I will allow you to find some dignity and not make a big deal out of this. But go you will."
Mary: "Please Joseph! You've got to believe me! Why would I make something like this up!"
Joseph: "Enough! I don't want to hear another word."
And he walks away, leaving Mary distraught and worrying.
You know the story. An angel appears to Joseph and verifies that what Mary says is truth.
Hopefully by now you are not thinking of the story of Jesus' birth as the same old boring story that we read every Christmas season!
Stop your busyness and ponder with me these next few weeks.
Think of God as a fetus, leaving Heaven and all of its splendor and becoming one of the most fragile things on Earth: a human baby. An animal baby is more able to defend and adapt when they are born than a human is.
As a writer, I would never have written the story this way. If I'm going to write the story of God coming to Earth, He's going to be on a white stallion when He rides out of Heaven. Every hoof-beat will leave lightning-like sparks on the streets of gold and peals of thunder in the air. The stars will line up as letters in every language that will blink: "The King of Kings is Coming!" He's going to burst through the ozone layer in a fiery explosion that will rock the foundation of the earth and send humans and animals to a prone position on the ground. Then He's going to circle the entire earth from east to west and the clouds will trail behind Him like a pure white flowing robe. There'll be the deafening sound of heavenly trumpets and the majestic pureness of millions of angels' voices hitting your ears as if they were right next to you.
That's how I'd write it.
God says, "Nope. He's going to live inside of an unwed teenage girl and He's going to be born in a stable." Which is a really nice word for a cave where smelly animals live. There was manure and urine on the floor, and the stench was almost unbearable. Priceless paintings and works of art did not hang on the walls in this nursery. No, if you were to look on these walls you would see cobwebs.
Psalm 33:6 reads, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth." The One who breathed galaxies into existence, now depended on an umbilical cord for His oxygen. Amazing!
In your wildest dreams, can you equate the deity of the King of Kings making his entrance into this world through the human process we call birth.
Instead of noticing a crown of purest gold on his head, you notice the cone-shape of his head as he was forced through the birth canal. Instead of wearing the finest robes money can buy, he is wrapped in rags.
Instead of a finely crafted bed made by the most gifted craftsman in the land, he is laid in a feeding trough. Don't give me this "manger" stuff. Manger sounds too romantic. God was put in a feeding trough where cows put their tongues to lick up food. That's where the King of the universe slept.
He who sustains the entire universe is now being sustained through the milk of a teenage girl.
If Mary could have written a book, it would be on the New York Times' Best-Selling List. The title of the book would have been, "I Changed God's Diapers." Have you ever thought of that? Someone had to change the God of the universe's diapers. This gets a little gross, and I'm used to talking to youth, so forgive me, but, human waste was next to Jesus' skin. Is it hard to imagine Jesus in such a mundane and human way? In fact it is almost irreverent. But the God of the universe loved us so much that he was willing to humble Himself and give us the most precious Christmas present ever given: His Son Jesus.
May we never let ourselves say, "The same old Christmas story," ever again. And, may we never get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that we don't stop and take the time to reflect about what an amazing God we have.
May this Christmas, and every Christmas from here on out, never lose it's magic or it's meaning.
Michael T. Powers
HeartTouchers@aol.com
© 2006 by Michael T. Powers
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
poem
Dear all,
it's been sometime since i've last posted. Read this on a friend's blog, really helps me put things into perspective, take my eyes off myself, and realize how fortunate i am, and to spur me to pray for other brothers and sisters-in-Christ.
When you have no food to eat,
You feel hard-pressed to provide,
When I have no food to eat because of my faith,
I have faith that God will provide.
When your dreams of owning Treo Phones, diamond rings or cars are crushed,
You look for a job in Burger King, a credit card, or a car loan,
When my dreams of freedom and liberty are crushed,
God gives me dreams and visions for His Kingdom.
You wish you had less home work and no religion,
You look for the best tuition teacher,
I wish I could get an education but I can’t because of my religion,
In all subjects God is my Teacher.
You despair because because you have too much work,
You feel that the church has left you in a lurch,
I despair because my family is hungry, I can’t find work,
I know that God wants me to build His church.
You feel that Bible Study is like doing chores,
You don’t want anymore,
I am so glad for the bibles provided by Open Doors,
God gives me the desire to know Him more.
You feel isolated without your lap-top, I-pod or I-phones,
You live out your characters in a virtual world,
I feel abandoned when imprisoned,
God is the Light of my world.
When you are betrayed by your brother in your church,
You just go to another church as you have more believers than us,
If I am betrayed by my brother in my church,
I have to reconcile with him as there are only two of us.
You live in fear of ridicule and persecution in college,
You live in fear of being imprisoned, you don’t know whether God is real
If I stand up for my faith in college,
People will throw me into prison, I know my God is real.
You deride terrorists and suicide-bombers,
You feel that they are inhuman and justice should be done,
I was a terrorist and I blew up my hopes,
I am human, I felt God’s compassion weighing a tonne.
If you went home and told your Christian parents, “I’m going to be an evangelist!”
Your parents dreams for you may be destroyed,
If I went home and told my parents, “I’m going to be a Christian!”
My parents will be ostracised and I may be killed and destroyed.
You want to keep your life and go your own way,
You proudly pursue pharasaic self-righteousness,
I want to lose my life and go Heaven’s way.
I know I am a sinner, only God can make me righteous.
it's been sometime since i've last posted. Read this on a friend's blog, really helps me put things into perspective, take my eyes off myself, and realize how fortunate i am, and to spur me to pray for other brothers and sisters-in-Christ.
When you have no food to eat,
You feel hard-pressed to provide,
When I have no food to eat because of my faith,
I have faith that God will provide.
When your dreams of owning Treo Phones, diamond rings or cars are crushed,
You look for a job in Burger King, a credit card, or a car loan,
When my dreams of freedom and liberty are crushed,
God gives me dreams and visions for His Kingdom.
You wish you had less home work and no religion,
You look for the best tuition teacher,
I wish I could get an education but I can’t because of my religion,
In all subjects God is my Teacher.
You despair because because you have too much work,
You feel that the church has left you in a lurch,
I despair because my family is hungry, I can’t find work,
I know that God wants me to build His church.
You feel that Bible Study is like doing chores,
You don’t want anymore,
I am so glad for the bibles provided by Open Doors,
God gives me the desire to know Him more.
You feel isolated without your lap-top, I-pod or I-phones,
You live out your characters in a virtual world,
I feel abandoned when imprisoned,
God is the Light of my world.
When you are betrayed by your brother in your church,
You just go to another church as you have more believers than us,
If I am betrayed by my brother in my church,
I have to reconcile with him as there are only two of us.
You live in fear of ridicule and persecution in college,
You live in fear of being imprisoned, you don’t know whether God is real
If I stand up for my faith in college,
People will throw me into prison, I know my God is real.
You deride terrorists and suicide-bombers,
You feel that they are inhuman and justice should be done,
I was a terrorist and I blew up my hopes,
I am human, I felt God’s compassion weighing a tonne.
If you went home and told your Christian parents, “I’m going to be an evangelist!”
Your parents dreams for you may be destroyed,
If I went home and told my parents, “I’m going to be a Christian!”
My parents will be ostracised and I may be killed and destroyed.
You want to keep your life and go your own way,
You proudly pursue pharasaic self-righteousness,
I want to lose my life and go Heaven’s way.
I know I am a sinner, only God can make me righteous.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
true story
Read this on an Operation Mobilization website. Thought i'd share it with you all. Be encouraged :)
Roma, a man raised in the traditions of Ukrainian Orthodoxy but never having a true conversion experience, was also on the trip. Zhenya was excited to have Roma join the team because the two are good friends from playing football together for several years. Although Roma wasn’t a Christian, OM Ukraine gave the OK for Roma to join the team, praying for the Lord to open his eyes to his own need for Christ.
The Lord was at work! Roma shares of one day when the team worked with a community living in a trash dump. He had taken a break from the tours, talking and teaching to rest atop the precipice of building. Behind him lay an entire neighborhood of trash, shacks, broken bottles and the wastes of the world. Before him was a church building built into the rock face of the surrounding cliffs encircling the community. Paintings of Bible scenes and Bible verses decorated the towering rock walls, and in the center was a large picture of Christ holding out open arms. It was in this moment that Roma saw how his physical location was a representation of his own spiritual life -behind him lay the trash of his life, the bad decisions, the selfishness, and the junk of this world. Before him is the decision to run to Christ who waits with open arms.
Roma, a man raised in the traditions of Ukrainian Orthodoxy but never having a true conversion experience, was also on the trip. Zhenya was excited to have Roma join the team because the two are good friends from playing football together for several years. Although Roma wasn’t a Christian, OM Ukraine gave the OK for Roma to join the team, praying for the Lord to open his eyes to his own need for Christ.
The Lord was at work! Roma shares of one day when the team worked with a community living in a trash dump. He had taken a break from the tours, talking and teaching to rest atop the precipice of building. Behind him lay an entire neighborhood of trash, shacks, broken bottles and the wastes of the world. Before him was a church building built into the rock face of the surrounding cliffs encircling the community. Paintings of Bible scenes and Bible verses decorated the towering rock walls, and in the center was a large picture of Christ holding out open arms. It was in this moment that Roma saw how his physical location was a representation of his own spiritual life -behind him lay the trash of his life, the bad decisions, the selfishness, and the junk of this world. Before him is the decision to run to Christ who waits with open arms.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Cracked Pots
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For two years this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to
pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.
with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to
pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.
Friday, November 03, 2006
photo
We went for laserquest tonight. Was quite good fun. I shot my own team member quite a lot of times. heh. Came in 10th overall, out of 33! Nubbad. From the last time when i got a negative score. Heh. Came back to celebrate Rob's 50th Birthday at 'Dunkirk Inn' :)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Song
Dear all,
Just wanna share a song by Jadon Lavik. It's called 'Today'. Found the lyrics especially meaningful and thought-provoking. May it challenge us to spend the days here on earth wisely.
More things to buy more clothes to wear
The perfect job the perfect wife
A new color for the hair
Take a look around the way we’re livin’
It’s no secret we think that just a little more
Just a little bit further then we’re there
but time asks no questions it moves on in spite of me
it’s not about my style of life my own prosperity
it’s time we open up our eyes to find there’s so much more
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for today
he say the hurts saw the pain and knew our needs
cured the sick healed the lame and made the
blind man see
a life laid down the perfect gift for you and me
loves greatest sacrifice a picture of how
it ought to be , how it ought to be
but time asks no questions it moves on in spite of me
it’s not about my style of life my own prosperity
it’s time we open up our eyes to find there’s so much more
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for today ,(oh today)
so take a look around go find a brother and help him stand
take the risk to love another with an outstretched hand
‘cause time asks no questions it moves on in spite of me
it’s not about my style of life my own prosperity
it’s time we open up our eyes to find there’s so much more
so much more,
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for, today
what you’re living for, what you’re living for
Just wanna share a song by Jadon Lavik. It's called 'Today'. Found the lyrics especially meaningful and thought-provoking. May it challenge us to spend the days here on earth wisely.
More things to buy more clothes to wear
The perfect job the perfect wife
A new color for the hair
Take a look around the way we’re livin’
It’s no secret we think that just a little more
Just a little bit further then we’re there
but time asks no questions it moves on in spite of me
it’s not about my style of life my own prosperity
it’s time we open up our eyes to find there’s so much more
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for today
he say the hurts saw the pain and knew our needs
cured the sick healed the lame and made the
blind man see
a life laid down the perfect gift for you and me
loves greatest sacrifice a picture of how
it ought to be , how it ought to be
but time asks no questions it moves on in spite of me
it’s not about my style of life my own prosperity
it’s time we open up our eyes to find there’s so much more
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for today ,(oh today)
so take a look around go find a brother and help him stand
take the risk to love another with an outstretched hand
‘cause time asks no questions it moves on in spite of me
it’s not about my style of life my own prosperity
it’s time we open up our eyes to find there’s so much more
so much more,
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for
and all I’m asking is what you’re living for, today
what you’re living for, what you’re living for
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Story
DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK!
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.
Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously
This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman but was studying with the intent of going into the seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well-liked and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the Professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?"
Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good Steve," Dr. Christianson said, "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know. I've never done 300 at a time."
"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson
"Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of 10 for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it!" said the Professor.
Steve said, "Well, I think I can. Yeah, I can do it."
Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room.
When class started, the Professor pulled out a big box of doughnuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of doughnuts; they were the extra fancy BIG kind with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.
Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these doughnuts?"
Cynthia said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a doughnut."
"Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten.
Then Steve again sat in the desk. Dr. Christianson then put a doughnut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a doughnut?"
Joe said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a doughnut."
Steve did ten push-ups; Joe got a doughnut. And so it went, down the first aisle. Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their doughnut.
Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacked for female companionship.
When the Professor asked, "Scott, do you want a doughnut?"
Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"
Dr. Christianson said, "No. Steve has to do them"
Then Scott replied, "No, I don't want one then."
Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a doughnut he doesn't want."
With perfect obedience, Steve started to do ten push-ups.
Scott said, "Hey! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desk and these are my doughnuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it."
And he put a doughnut on Scott's desk.
Now, by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now, the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a doughnut?"
Sternly, Jenny said, "NO!"
Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve would you do ten more push-ups so that Jenny can have a doughnut she doesn't want." Steve did ten; Jenny got the doughnut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room.
The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten doughnuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each doughnut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push-up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all those uneaten doughnuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the Professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next.
Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups.
You're in charge now. You can do them any way you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"
Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No. Let him come in."
Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in, you will have to do ten push-ups for him."
Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a doughnut."
Dr. Christianson said, "Okay Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a doughnut?"
Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "Give me a doughnut."
"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a doughnut?"
Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a doughnut and sat down.
Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time, sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Linda can have a doughnut that she doesn't want."
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.
Then, Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a doughnut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"
Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a doughnut whether they want it or not.
When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade.
Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."
"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a doughnut."
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'into Thy hands I commend my spirit.' with the understanding that he had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up his life. And, like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant," said the Professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the Professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept his gift to us, the price has been paid.
"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
--Author Unknown
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.
Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously
This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman but was studying with the intent of going into the seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well-liked and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the Professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?"
Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."
"200? That's pretty good Steve," Dr. Christianson said, "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know. I've never done 300 at a time."
"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson
"Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of 10 for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it!" said the Professor.
Steve said, "Well, I think I can. Yeah, I can do it."
Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room.
When class started, the Professor pulled out a big box of doughnuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of doughnuts; they were the extra fancy BIG kind with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.
Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these doughnuts?"
Cynthia said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a doughnut."
"Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten.
Then Steve again sat in the desk. Dr. Christianson then put a doughnut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a doughnut?"
Joe said, "Yes."
Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a doughnut."
Steve did ten push-ups; Joe got a doughnut. And so it went, down the first aisle. Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their doughnut.
Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacked for female companionship.
When the Professor asked, "Scott, do you want a doughnut?"
Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"
Dr. Christianson said, "No. Steve has to do them"
Then Scott replied, "No, I don't want one then."
Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a doughnut he doesn't want."
With perfect obedience, Steve started to do ten push-ups.
Scott said, "Hey! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desk and these are my doughnuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it."
And he put a doughnut on Scott's desk.
Now, by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now, the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a doughnut?"
Sternly, Jenny said, "NO!"
Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve would you do ten more push-ups so that Jenny can have a doughnut she doesn't want." Steve did ten; Jenny got the doughnut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room.
The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten doughnuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each doughnut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push-up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all those uneaten doughnuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the Professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next.
Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.
Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"
Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups.
You're in charge now. You can do them any way you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.
A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"
Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No. Let him come in."
Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in, you will have to do ten push-ups for him."
Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a doughnut."
Dr. Christianson said, "Okay Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a doughnut?"
Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "Give me a doughnut."
"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a doughnut?"
Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a doughnut and sat down.
Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time, sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"
Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."
Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Linda can have a doughnut that she doesn't want."
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.
Then, Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a doughnut?"
Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"
Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a doughnut whether they want it or not.
When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade.
Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."
"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a doughnut."
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'into Thy hands I commend my spirit.' with the understanding that he had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up his life. And, like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant," said the Professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the Professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept his gift to us, the price has been paid.
"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
--Author Unknown
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)