Just read the article that was posted on Fridae and this was the headline:
The Singapore Catholic Church says it does not support the repeal of laws that criminalise gay sex acts, and “persons with homosexual tendencies (orientation)… should refrain from irresponsible sexual acts.”
two words/phrases noted were "should" instead of "must" and "refrain from irresponsible sexual acts" as opposed to "refrain from sexual acts"
They further gave examples in these exact words: "that it does not mean that if one is heterosexual, he or she can express this irresponsibly in any way he or she wants. Similarly the Church does not condemn persons with homosexual tendencies (orientation) but asks that they like anyone should refrain from irresponsible sexual acts."
The feel I get from the response is that they are trying their best to give a balanced point of view, and if what I perceive is true, then I applaud them for trying. Could that mean then, that the above statement could imply that responsible sexual acts are okay? Who decides what is responsible and what is not? What is the benchmark we should set our standards against? Did the bible define irresponsible and responsible sexual acts? The need for an absolute truth is so important, isn't it?
Maybe that's why others perceive being gay as being promiscuous? Instead of waiting to be sure that a couple is ready to be with each other for life and then sleep together, couples decide that they will work at the commitment to spend their lives together because they had slept together, either because they feel responsible or they feel more attached to each other after being intimate. which are not bad things, but those might not make for a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship.
I am not saying this doesn't happen in a heterosexual world but because we are a minority doing something supposedly different and supposedly wrong brings us into the limelight, so every little thing that is wrong is highlighted so that it is more apparent that being gay is wrong.
Honestly, I think that if the heterosexual world (especially that world of christians) have premarital sex as quickly as couples who are gay, the whole world will be in chaos. From my current myopic point of view, I thank God that the proportion of heterosexuals is much greater for the health and growth of the nation.
Question: How many gay dating couples actually wait for at least a year before they sleep together? I have never waited that long honestly. I find it extremely difficult to wait if the person I am attracted to is also attracted to me. I am not proud to admit this given the "strong" christian values that I keep wanting to adhere to. I question my authenticity as a christian many times.
So do they sleep together too quickly because they have too high a testosterone? Or that they won't get pregnant or they won't be able to make their partners pregnant? Is it the fear of loss of that someone special or the fear that that special moment will pass ?
Of late, I realised the importance of waiting. All the books I used to read (when I was a younger christian dreaming of the perfect marriage) came to life. And it's true, that when someone is so important to another, and they know they will one day spend the rest of their lives together, they will take their time. Since they have a lifetime together, why do they want to rush?
Though I am not chaste as I want to be, I really do believe that it's such a sweet thing to wait till 2 persons make the commitment to want to spend their lives together before they sleep with each other, and not because their emotions and sex drive drives them, but rather they know that they want to make that commitment to spend the rest of their lives together.
Is it possible that christian gay couples uphold the integrity of what God intends for a lifelong relationship and date the proper way so that we can be blameless? Then truly, the only issue the "mainstream" christians have against the gay christians would be the 6 passages in the bible?
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Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
retreat?
fraser's hill is too far and too much of a hassle to go. I reckon it will be expensive too.
anyone wants to have a retreat(personal retreat) to KL leaving on Sun 25th Jan, returning on Tuesday, 27th Jan? Just to get away from the noise and distractions in Singapore, just catching up on your reading etc?
5 hours coach up to decompress, then 2 days of energizing and refreshing, then another 5 hours back, all energized! *big grin*
Sounds good?
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anyone wants to have a retreat(personal retreat) to KL leaving on Sun 25th Jan, returning on Tuesday, 27th Jan? Just to get away from the noise and distractions in Singapore, just catching up on your reading etc?
5 hours coach up to decompress, then 2 days of energizing and refreshing, then another 5 hours back, all energized! *big grin*
Sounds good?
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woohoo!
I finished reading the book I bought yesterday and gained much from it. It is a new book written by Pastor Edmund called Mentoring Paradigms, his reflections on mentoring, leadership and discipleship.
I was troubled by 3 things since last night and was praying to God for peace and for Him to speak into my life. I didn't quite expect to get anything from this type of mentoring book given the type of content expected, yet I didn't want to read the bible until I finish the book. When I reached the last chapter of the book, this was what was written in the second last paragraph : Whatever our anxious thoughts are- Trust in Him. Whatever our troubled soul holds back- release to Him. God is faithfully faithful. Always.
That was really comforting to me. I know of people who are troubled too..I want to encourage you to release your troubles and worries to the Lord. He is faithfully faithful. Always.
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I was troubled by 3 things since last night and was praying to God for peace and for Him to speak into my life. I didn't quite expect to get anything from this type of mentoring book given the type of content expected, yet I didn't want to read the bible until I finish the book. When I reached the last chapter of the book, this was what was written in the second last paragraph : Whatever our anxious thoughts are- Trust in Him. Whatever our troubled soul holds back- release to Him. God is faithfully faithful. Always.
That was really comforting to me. I know of people who are troubled too..I want to encourage you to release your troubles and worries to the Lord. He is faithfully faithful. Always.
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A Blue-Bar Person is someone who.....
focuses on the inner life as opposed to focusing on externals
values authenticity as opposed to valuing accomplishments
values growth and learning as opposed to valuing performance and results
puts character first as opposed to putting competence first
does good as an outflow of being good as opposed to doing good with the aim of looking good
esteems substance as opposed to status and stature
genuinely celebrates others as opposed to being competitive and boastful
is self-effacing as opposed to craving for attention/approval
has a quiet confidence/security as opposed to being insecure without the limelight
is steady and calm as opposed to being stressed and flustered
responds to criticisms as opposed to reacting to criticism
empowers others as opposed to not being able to let go of control
is rested in spirit as opposed to being restless in spirit
Depth: Inward security as opposed to Display: outward show
Discipleship way of God as opposed to the default way of the world
I pray to be more of the Blue-Bar person and less of the Red-Bar person!!
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values authenticity as opposed to valuing accomplishments
values growth and learning as opposed to valuing performance and results
puts character first as opposed to putting competence first
does good as an outflow of being good as opposed to doing good with the aim of looking good
esteems substance as opposed to status and stature
genuinely celebrates others as opposed to being competitive and boastful
is self-effacing as opposed to craving for attention/approval
has a quiet confidence/security as opposed to being insecure without the limelight
is steady and calm as opposed to being stressed and flustered
responds to criticisms as opposed to reacting to criticism
empowers others as opposed to not being able to let go of control
is rested in spirit as opposed to being restless in spirit
Depth: Inward security as opposed to Display: outward show
Discipleship way of God as opposed to the default way of the world
I pray to be more of the Blue-Bar person and less of the Red-Bar person!!
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Sunday, December 28, 2008
warrau
in today's papers, under the HOT BODS section, there was this lady who was featured. She looked toned for a 35 year old, but check out what she has to do to get that body.
-she plays tennis and water ski
-she hits the gym nearly every morning
-she works out with a trainer 3 times a week, focusing on cardio and strength training.
-for breaky, she takes a glass of water, then coffee and milk.
-for lunch and dinner, she takes low=carb meals.
-she snacks on almonds and cashew nuts.
-she avoids gravy and sweetened drinks.
I rather be fat lor... I don't mind exercising everyday, but her food consumption is so measly.... i like snacking on chocolates and nachos lor, and I like curry, 7-up, pasta, potato, noodles.
cheers to the gift of good food. Burps.
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-she plays tennis and water ski
-she hits the gym nearly every morning
-she works out with a trainer 3 times a week, focusing on cardio and strength training.
-for breaky, she takes a glass of water, then coffee and milk.
-for lunch and dinner, she takes low=carb meals.
-she snacks on almonds and cashew nuts.
-she avoids gravy and sweetened drinks.
I rather be fat lor... I don't mind exercising everyday, but her food consumption is so measly.... i like snacking on chocolates and nachos lor, and I like curry, 7-up, pasta, potato, noodles.
cheers to the gift of good food. Burps.
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God's surpassing strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Moses spent forty years thinking he was somebody. He spent the next forty years learning he was nobody. He spent the last forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody. - D.L Moody
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A great song
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at the table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Matthew 26:6-13 (ESV)
This song I believe is inspired by the reading of this passage. I found it lovely. It brings about an image of submission to Jesus, to use all that we have and surrender it at the foot of the Jesus, and he returns us with manifold blessings, the greatest blessing of all, His presence.
http://www.imeem.com/perfreclusado/music/ZacZZHD-/christ_for_d_nations_institute_alabaster_jar/
Alabaster Jar - CFN
This alabaster jar
Is all i have of worth
I break it at your feet, lord
It's less than you deserve
You're far more beautiful
More precious than the oil
The sum of my desires
And the fullness of my joy!
Prechorus:
Like you spilled your blood,
I spill my heart as an offering
To my king
Chorus:
Here i am, take me
As an offering
Here i am, giving every heartbeat
For your glory take me
The time that i have left
Is all i have of worth
I lay it at your feet, lord
It's less than you deserve
And though i've little strength
And though my days are few,
You gave your life for me
So, i will live my life for you
Worthy, worthy
You are worthy
Worthy is the lord
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Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at the table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
Matthew 26:6-13 (ESV)
This song I believe is inspired by the reading of this passage. I found it lovely. It brings about an image of submission to Jesus, to use all that we have and surrender it at the foot of the Jesus, and he returns us with manifold blessings, the greatest blessing of all, His presence.
http://www.imeem.com/perfreclusado/music/ZacZZHD-/christ_for_d_nations_institute_alabaster_jar/
Alabaster Jar - CFN
This alabaster jar
Is all i have of worth
I break it at your feet, lord
It's less than you deserve
You're far more beautiful
More precious than the oil
The sum of my desires
And the fullness of my joy!
Prechorus:
Like you spilled your blood,
I spill my heart as an offering
To my king
Chorus:
Here i am, take me
As an offering
Here i am, giving every heartbeat
For your glory take me
The time that i have left
Is all i have of worth
I lay it at your feet, lord
It's less than you deserve
And though i've little strength
And though my days are few,
You gave your life for me
So, i will live my life for you
Worthy, worthy
You are worthy
Worthy is the lord
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Gaze upon the Lord, not merely glance at Him.
gaze /geɪz/
verb, gazed, gaz⋅ing, noun
–verb (used without object) 1. to look steadily and intently, as with great curiosity, interest, pleasure, or wonder.
That was my take home message from Covenant. I remember how much richness gazing upon the beauty of the Lord brought. I really felt like the plant described in Pslam 1, a plant by streams of water which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither, whatever it does prosper.. I guess I am guilty spending much of my time doing many things, failing to spend time in solitude drawing from God. The disciplne of Solitude is what i need, deliberately taking time to be alone with Him.
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gaze /geɪz/
verb, gazed, gaz⋅ing, noun
–verb (used without object) 1. to look steadily and intently, as with great curiosity, interest, pleasure, or wonder.
That was my take home message from Covenant. I remember how much richness gazing upon the beauty of the Lord brought. I really felt like the plant described in Pslam 1, a plant by streams of water which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither, whatever it does prosper.. I guess I am guilty spending much of my time doing many things, failing to spend time in solitude drawing from God. The disciplne of Solitude is what i need, deliberately taking time to be alone with Him.
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Saturday, December 27, 2008
Yes Man
Watching Yes Man sort of summed up my entire holiday in Australia and China. Being in these 2 places with friends cause me to experience many first times I wouldn't have experienced if I was travelling alone or with my partner. I had to go beyond my comfort zone and say yes to certain activities. And it has been good.
1) Taking a camel ride through the forest
2) Kayaking to islands to watch seals and penguins
3) Being driven when I am in the car boot
4) Trekking up a very high mountain - Frenchmen's Peak
5) Seen roadkill up close (50cm away)
6) Travel with PLU group
7) Walking in the dark @ King's Park
8) Swimming @ Lucky Bay in Esperance
9) Changing accommodation 9 times in 14 days
10) Climbing up and walking the top of Wave Rock
11) Attending church in Perth
12) Riding on a motorbike for more than 1 minute with mountains in the background with 2 other persons
13) Cycling on double bike on main roads for an hour and a half.
14) Sitting in a goods vehicle (the china type)
On another note. 24 days of being away from Singapore actually does some good in these areas
1) I moisturise my skin every night
2) I take extended baths almost every night
3) I sleep before midnight almost every night
4) I spend more time reading
5) I spend quality time with God
6) Not sms-ing incessantly
7) Not being on the internet
8) Not having to pack my timetable with meet ups and rush from one place to another.
Yes. I am feeling a bit drained from the meet ups and gatherings though not all meet ups drained me, only those where I can't be myself. I have 2 more tonight. Looking forward to Ezer meeting.
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1) Taking a camel ride through the forest
2) Kayaking to islands to watch seals and penguins
3) Being driven when I am in the car boot
4) Trekking up a very high mountain - Frenchmen's Peak
5) Seen roadkill up close (50cm away)
6) Travel with PLU group
7) Walking in the dark @ King's Park
8) Swimming @ Lucky Bay in Esperance
9) Changing accommodation 9 times in 14 days
10) Climbing up and walking the top of Wave Rock
11) Attending church in Perth
12) Riding on a motorbike for more than 1 minute with mountains in the background with 2 other persons
13) Cycling on double bike on main roads for an hour and a half.
14) Sitting in a goods vehicle (the china type)
On another note. 24 days of being away from Singapore actually does some good in these areas
1) I moisturise my skin every night
2) I take extended baths almost every night
3) I sleep before midnight almost every night
4) I spend more time reading
5) I spend quality time with God
6) Not sms-ing incessantly
7) Not being on the internet
8) Not having to pack my timetable with meet ups and rush from one place to another.
Yes. I am feeling a bit drained from the meet ups and gatherings though not all meet ups drained me, only those where I can't be myself. I have 2 more tonight. Looking forward to Ezer meeting.
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the gifts from christmas
I have received some very thoughtful gifts this Christmas. I am appreciative because I see the heart behind the choice of the gifts. It made me very grateful that God has blessed me with the friendship of these special friends. A friend has not failed to give me guide books and travel books for the past 3 birthdays and christmasses. Now, she has resigned to just a sigh when she hears about my trips to Australia. Another friend got me a bottle of fragrance that I have been using since 1997 which can only be gotten from 3 parts of the world. Yet another friend got me a Koala stuff toy before I left for my Australia trip. Another friend gave me something blingy because she knows that's something that I like. All the other people who took the effort and time to shop for gifts and write sweet notes of appreciation really cause me to give thanks. Who am I to deserve so much? I can only pray that God will use me to contribute to their lives in a special way.
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Friday, December 26, 2008
PMSsing post
I was editing one of my post that I left unfinished yesterday. I gave up after a while because I thought the entry was very boring and heavy and it made me irritated with myself for writing boring stuff. I reckon I am PMSsing and having no students to be irritated with, I felt irritated with myself.
Anywayz, the time last night with the Aussie group of friends I used to spend 2 years of my life with was good, much more intimate sharing than our past meetings. I figured that it was because I am not attached now and have nothing to hide. It helped that I didn't have to rush off to meet anyone and stayed on till 11ish to talk and joke.
I had a Hoegarden and a flute and a half of VCP Champagne, my favourite. There were 6 toddlers around (age range from 1 to 2 year olds). I am so thankful I don't have a kid lorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. But it was hilarious how one 2 year old boy was so affectionate that he kept wanting to hug and kiss another 2 year old boy (gay tendencies??). But being a kid, he could not control the strength of his hugs and ended up charging at the other boy, it didn't help that both of them got big tummies so they end up not hugging properly, falling over each other. It was so funny to watch. But I still don't want kids, for now. Heh.
I miss Ozzieland cereal breakfast @ the hostel........... Off to NTUC I go!
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Anywayz, the time last night with the Aussie group of friends I used to spend 2 years of my life with was good, much more intimate sharing than our past meetings. I figured that it was because I am not attached now and have nothing to hide. It helped that I didn't have to rush off to meet anyone and stayed on till 11ish to talk and joke.
I had a Hoegarden and a flute and a half of VCP Champagne, my favourite. There were 6 toddlers around (age range from 1 to 2 year olds). I am so thankful I don't have a kid lorrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. But it was hilarious how one 2 year old boy was so affectionate that he kept wanting to hug and kiss another 2 year old boy (gay tendencies??). But being a kid, he could not control the strength of his hugs and ended up charging at the other boy, it didn't help that both of them got big tummies so they end up not hugging properly, falling over each other. It was so funny to watch. But I still don't want kids, for now. Heh.
I miss Ozzieland cereal breakfast @ the hostel........... Off to NTUC I go!
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Thursday, December 25, 2008
Spiritual Warfare
I think the team is experiencing some sort of warfare after the trip. During the trip, we were blessed with a coverage of intentional prayer support from prayer warriors(friends, cg members, loved ones) with updates of our trip regularly sent out to the prayer warriors.
Since we came back, one reported feeling very exhausted and on the verge of falling sick, another's cough became a lot worse and she even vomitted while coughing, another shared about a very heavy spirit laid upon her heart and I was sniffing and sneezing the whole of yesterday, signs of a cold.
Spiritual warfare is real. Pray ceaselessly peeps. When we are doing God's work, Satan works hard too.
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Since we came back, one reported feeling very exhausted and on the verge of falling sick, another's cough became a lot worse and she even vomitted while coughing, another shared about a very heavy spirit laid upon her heart and I was sniffing and sneezing the whole of yesterday, signs of a cold.
Spiritual warfare is real. Pray ceaselessly peeps. When we are doing God's work, Satan works hard too.
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With a thankful heart
I am thankful, that from the moment I received Jesus into my life in 1998 Nov, that Christmas is no longer just another public holiday with santas, christmas trees and presents(although all that is nice too:)). I am thankful as I look back and see how his love for me is steadfast and unchanging from the way he has worked in my life through the past 10 years. Truly, Jesus is alive and this season of celebration is all about him. I am reminded how thankful I am for the gift of eternal salvation, the most expensive sacrifice, yet free for us to receive; the message of the gospel so easy to understand, yet difficult to comprehend. I am truly thankful for Jesus, and the work he has done, is doing and will continue do in my life till the day he comes back.
Merry Christmas to one and all. I am praying that Jesus will continue to do a good work in our lives for his glory and purpose as we allow him to take the lead and take control.
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Merry Christmas to one and all. I am praying that Jesus will continue to do a good work in our lives for his glory and purpose as we allow him to take the lead and take control.
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Wednesday, December 24, 2008
I am hungry
I felt frustrated buying gifts for 1=2 year olds. Felt handicapped. THe best thing is.. i left the shop to walk around while waiting for them to wrap the 3 gifts. I just went off for the gathering without returning to the shop. BIG SIGH. I must be so distracted dunoo thinking about wat! Now I got to go back to Tanglin Mall tomorrow to pick up the stuff. Yawn...
checking out at 411.
It was nice seeing such a big group today. Real nice. Too bad WL could not be with us.. Come back soon!
ANd ya, I think I might not have eaten enough.
signing off 414a.m.
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checking out at 411.
It was nice seeing such a big group today. Real nice. Too bad WL could not be with us.. Come back soon!
ANd ya, I think I might not have eaten enough.
signing off 414a.m.
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Monday, December 22, 2008
warm up
*turns on the engine* VROOM VROOM! :)
I miss writing. I really do.
I was really glad when the plane landed. It was funny. Much as i wasn't anxious about the flight and that I know I am under God's protection, I did hold back making plans/responding to text messages asking for confirmation of presence @ celebrations because things felt uncertain when I was in C. It seemed like James 4:13-15 was speaking :
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."
Such is the brevity of life. I decided to just place all the plans at the back of my mind and only started replying to the messages only after I touched down. Not that I did not enjoy the company of my DG mates. They had been great and I had been very encouraged by how they gave of themselves throughout the trip. I have much to learn from them in terms of their dedication to serve the Lord and one another. It's truly by God's grace that 6 women who travelled together for 10 days doing really intense work ended up as better friends as before.
For the longest time since I accepted Jesus into my life, I never had the desire to go on M trips. Being in C, visiting the villages, interacting with the children, sensing their joy, enthusiasm and hunger to learn everything we have to teach them really touched me and warmed my heart. Truly, for once, I understood what unreached people groups mean; they stay about an hour and a half up the mountains, making them very inaccessible to people. It cost 50SGD dollars for a return trip (bumpy, narrow roads and all). I also understand now why people keep returning to their adopted groups. Because I feel that I want to go back again, particularly to that 1 village with those 8 kids.
I was touched and almost near to tears on the 1st day of ministry, when a 13 year old girl gave thanks for the food, praying so sincerely, thanking God for the food because it is Him who gave the food to us. Being in a poor village, and having them slaughter one of the few chickens for us made the prayer more real, that truly, God has given the food to us.
Thank you all who prayed. We were truly protected in more ways than one. When we work, we work, when we pray, God works, and indeed, it was very evident how He worked during this trip. All glory to God. 44 children/teens and 6 adults PRCed. I really felt very privileged to be serving with this team and being used as a vessel by God because truly, God could have done all of these without us. He didn't need us to "help". He only wanted us to grow in faith and character and learn to rely on His grace through the different experiences.
One thing I learnt about God that touched me also is that He is a God with a nurturing heart. He yearns for us to grow from spiritual babes to adults. He is our great and awesome heavenly Father!
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I miss writing. I really do.
I was really glad when the plane landed. It was funny. Much as i wasn't anxious about the flight and that I know I am under God's protection, I did hold back making plans/responding to text messages asking for confirmation of presence @ celebrations because things felt uncertain when I was in C. It seemed like James 4:13-15 was speaking :
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."
Such is the brevity of life. I decided to just place all the plans at the back of my mind and only started replying to the messages only after I touched down. Not that I did not enjoy the company of my DG mates. They had been great and I had been very encouraged by how they gave of themselves throughout the trip. I have much to learn from them in terms of their dedication to serve the Lord and one another. It's truly by God's grace that 6 women who travelled together for 10 days doing really intense work ended up as better friends as before.
For the longest time since I accepted Jesus into my life, I never had the desire to go on M trips. Being in C, visiting the villages, interacting with the children, sensing their joy, enthusiasm and hunger to learn everything we have to teach them really touched me and warmed my heart. Truly, for once, I understood what unreached people groups mean; they stay about an hour and a half up the mountains, making them very inaccessible to people. It cost 50SGD dollars for a return trip (bumpy, narrow roads and all). I also understand now why people keep returning to their adopted groups. Because I feel that I want to go back again, particularly to that 1 village with those 8 kids.
I was touched and almost near to tears on the 1st day of ministry, when a 13 year old girl gave thanks for the food, praying so sincerely, thanking God for the food because it is Him who gave the food to us. Being in a poor village, and having them slaughter one of the few chickens for us made the prayer more real, that truly, God has given the food to us.
Thank you all who prayed. We were truly protected in more ways than one. When we work, we work, when we pray, God works, and indeed, it was very evident how He worked during this trip. All glory to God. 44 children/teens and 6 adults PRCed. I really felt very privileged to be serving with this team and being used as a vessel by God because truly, God could have done all of these without us. He didn't need us to "help". He only wanted us to grow in faith and character and learn to rely on His grace through the different experiences.
One thing I learnt about God that touched me also is that He is a God with a nurturing heart. He yearns for us to grow from spiritual babes to adults. He is our great and awesome heavenly Father!
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
saying hi plus a bit more
after a hiatus of not blogging for 2 weeks, I decided to share a piece of thanksgiving in the midst of practising for worship.
A replied to the email I sent, and it was all good. She seemed grateful to me for being honest with her and she clarified certain matters. I am very thankful that all turned out well. And I am looking forward to taking our friendship up to a higher level. One thing that she brought up was the reason why we drifted apart. She said that I seemed to be very busy with my personal matters to spend time with her. I guess I would have to make a decision to share more about what I do with my time, and that might just mean coming out to her. At least she knows that the time I spent is not on fun and frivolous things over spending time with her.. Pray for wisdom and God's perfect timing. I have learnt that saying the right things at the wrong time is almost the same as saying the wrong things.
After the trip, I do feel more rested. Someone asked me, why Australia again and again. I guess it is the air, the humidity or the lack of it, the familarity; the way the shops are structured and built in every suburb, the long drives down isolated highways surrounded by the vast amount of empty land, the horses, lambs, cows along the way, the occasional roadkill which make me give a squeal nearly everytime ( and that amuses peeps, I dun know why), the bottleshops, the trips to the supermarkets and shopping warehouse; like I know which shops are bookshops and which shops are supermarkets and which shops are pharmacies and how David Jones and Myers are the equivalent of Robinsons and Tangs, how Woolsworth is the equivalent of NTUC and Coles the equivalent of Cold Storage, how Hungry Jack is the same as Burger King, the way the maps are drawn in the street directory, the scenery, the traffic system, just everything that reminds me about how relaxing every trip is for me.
This trip was a great one. It was a bit different because I didn't quite have a lot of alone time to myself, which is essentially the way I draw strength and refreshment through stuff like sitting alone in front of the ocean for some hours reflecting, reading, praying, worshipping. The trade off is precious though. Spending time with a group of easygoing pals, enjoying the sharing sessions, laughing @ silly things, at one another, being able to be real and authentic. It was just a beautiful and treasured experience and I would really like to do that again.
Need to pack and practise over 30 songs to play during the small group worship during M trip. The maxi cab comes @ 5.15a.m. to pick me up tomorrow. Shall blog more when I feel restless with the stuff I got to do. Ciaoz. Miss you all the gals heaps. Catch you soon.
.
A replied to the email I sent, and it was all good. She seemed grateful to me for being honest with her and she clarified certain matters. I am very thankful that all turned out well. And I am looking forward to taking our friendship up to a higher level. One thing that she brought up was the reason why we drifted apart. She said that I seemed to be very busy with my personal matters to spend time with her. I guess I would have to make a decision to share more about what I do with my time, and that might just mean coming out to her. At least she knows that the time I spent is not on fun and frivolous things over spending time with her.. Pray for wisdom and God's perfect timing. I have learnt that saying the right things at the wrong time is almost the same as saying the wrong things.
After the trip, I do feel more rested. Someone asked me, why Australia again and again. I guess it is the air, the humidity or the lack of it, the familarity; the way the shops are structured and built in every suburb, the long drives down isolated highways surrounded by the vast amount of empty land, the horses, lambs, cows along the way, the occasional roadkill which make me give a squeal nearly everytime ( and that amuses peeps, I dun know why), the bottleshops, the trips to the supermarkets and shopping warehouse; like I know which shops are bookshops and which shops are supermarkets and which shops are pharmacies and how David Jones and Myers are the equivalent of Robinsons and Tangs, how Woolsworth is the equivalent of NTUC and Coles the equivalent of Cold Storage, how Hungry Jack is the same as Burger King, the way the maps are drawn in the street directory, the scenery, the traffic system, just everything that reminds me about how relaxing every trip is for me.
This trip was a great one. It was a bit different because I didn't quite have a lot of alone time to myself, which is essentially the way I draw strength and refreshment through stuff like sitting alone in front of the ocean for some hours reflecting, reading, praying, worshipping. The trade off is precious though. Spending time with a group of easygoing pals, enjoying the sharing sessions, laughing @ silly things, at one another, being able to be real and authentic. It was just a beautiful and treasured experience and I would really like to do that again.
Need to pack and practise over 30 songs to play during the small group worship during M trip. The maxi cab comes @ 5.15a.m. to pick me up tomorrow. Shall blog more when I feel restless with the stuff I got to do. Ciaoz. Miss you all the gals heaps. Catch you soon.
.
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