i am leaving the phd programme.
made a decision over the weekend and gave myself time to think about it. today is thursday and it is clearly the best decision ever.
no regrets.
and no turning back.
woohoooo!!!
gracey happy child. :)
Thursday, July 26, 2007
mm..mmm.mmm
"So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you."
1 Peter 5
1 Peter 5
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
crossroads
The LORD God is my strength,
my personal braverry,
and my invincible army;
He makes my feet like hinds' feet
And will make me to walk
(not to stand in terror, but to walk)
And make [spiritual] progress upon
My high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility).
Habakkuk 3:19 (Amplified Bible)
***
this will be a week of some major decision making. how easy would it be should someone be around to make a decision for me. or if indeed fortune tellers exist.
ah well.
my personal braverry,
and my invincible army;
He makes my feet like hinds' feet
And will make me to walk
(not to stand in terror, but to walk)
And make [spiritual] progress upon
My high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility).
Habakkuk 3:19 (Amplified Bible)
***
this will be a week of some major decision making. how easy would it be should someone be around to make a decision for me. or if indeed fortune tellers exist.
ah well.
Monday, July 02, 2007
virus
had never been this sick before. am now in brett's place after he dragged me kicking and screaming from my new residence over here coz he didn't wanna leave me alone in my cabin. i didn't wanna go coz it was a long trek to his place but now im glad i did. was in the hospital on saturday and had a series of blood tests for all the usual suspects but everything came out negative. that's the good news. the not so great news is that i can only treat the symptoms, hence am popping paracetamol and ibuprofen every 4-6 hours. my liver!! other than the physical me feeling quite rollercoaster-ish.. i feel fine when the medicine takes effect and shivering and aching when the effect wears off.. like a druggie. am enjoying putney and asda though.. have a pot of chicken soup boiling in the slow cooker downstairs and a pot of fish broth with ginger on the stove..mmmm..mmm.mmmm.mmmm... brett's flatmate, dan, certainly has his kitchen well equipped. except he doesn't have sesame oil.. but that's okay too coz asda's just round the corner. other than that, all is really well. margie came over to help me pack and brought her friend the following day to help me move after hospital.. man that was a godsend, as brett and i were both knackered. he came straight from the airport off the plane from uganda to the hospital. haha. i think it's just amazing how things work out so smoothly, considering how sick i was on saturday. getting better!!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
goodbye penang.. again
the past two weeks in penang and borneo went by too quickly!! had such a good time with the family and friends new and old it seemed like a dream. had a great time in sabah and just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the village(r)s we visited in sarawak completely knocked us off our feet with such hospitality and kindness. twin-otter airyplanes, longboats and four wds are the way to go. :D
i'm out of here in about 18 hours. am sad to leave the family but am looking forward to friends and "real life" in london.. and moving (again)... and work.. and the library. :)
i'm looking forward to what's ahead. the best is yet to come, as always.. and you better believe it. :D
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
turning point
had a meeting with my supervisor today. the first thing she said was, "well done!" and that was such a miracle in itself. heaved sigh of relief and was just truly grateful that she liked the 10,000 draft that i produced in er.. er... 4 days? it's unreal and illogical. god is amazing in my life.
also passed the 6,000 word essay that i had to write in er... 4 days too.
and now just one final exam to go on friday and i'll be homeward bound for 15 glorious days of food, rest, family, doggies, sunshine, shorts, vans, trips, love and everything warm and fuzzy and nice.
muahahhahahahaa..hahahahah ..ahhaha..hahhahah..hhahahahahahaha
bring it on.
bobbie houston last week at church was super.. strengthening my heart and enriching my soul.. supernatural. i'm blessed beyond logic.
also passed the 6,000 word essay that i had to write in er... 4 days too.
and now just one final exam to go on friday and i'll be homeward bound for 15 glorious days of food, rest, family, doggies, sunshine, shorts, vans, trips, love and everything warm and fuzzy and nice.
muahahhahahahaa..hahahahah ..ahhaha..hahhahah..hhahahahahahaha
bring it on.
bobbie houston last week at church was super.. strengthening my heart and enriching my soul.. supernatural. i'm blessed beyond logic.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Revelations 21
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
***
Be at peace Aunty Fatima, we love you.
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son."***
Be at peace Aunty Fatima, we love you.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
a new day
"our reach must exceed our grasp."
"we must never make our moments of inspiration our standard; our standard is our duty."
"we must never make our moments of inspiration our standard; our standard is our duty."
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
songskis
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
Amazing Grace, by Chris Tomlin
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
Amazing Grace, by Chris Tomlin
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Your vocation or "calling" is
“the place where your deepest gladness meets the world’s deepest need.”
- Frederick Buechner
- Frederick Buechner
Thursday, April 19, 2007
some updates
it's been a while since i've written anything here which could classify as an "original thought".. ok an original sentence, at least. I doubt many original thoughts exist anymore but meanwhile, here's an attempt on my part to make sense of the last couple of weeks since I wrote down anything substantial here. So, as a disclaimer, I am writing the next couple of paras partly as documentation for my own personal purposes, and partly to update the 3 or so people who actually read this blog. :D
I was browsing through my journal yesterday night at ministry school (in church, every tuesday nights, led by the very inspirational mark wilkinson) and came across this entry, dated 22 Feb 2007, where I wrote: "It is in the menial tasks which we find ourselves doing that God is exalted. In the backwater, where nobody sees nothing, where the limelight is not focused, it is there that I find joy abounds, and grace abounds even more, for a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving is offered up, in the midst of apathy, doubt, fear, laziness, depression and anger."
Ok, so, the latter part of that previous sentence pretty much summed up frustrated feelings with regards to school that I've experienced in the past year or so. I have never been this unmotivated and apathetic and I have no single source of blame (except maybe myself, for allowing attitudes and work ethic to slide to an all time low). That, with a measure of wrong thinking about life, purpose, destiny - the age old question of "what on earth am I here for?", had led to a long season of paralysis of the brain and will, which for all intent and purposes, I hope is finally coming to an end as I allow truth to renew my thinking, and change my prayer to "ok god, let it be done on earth as it is in heaven".
Anyways, long story short, I was in the shower today and it occurred to me that it's not about how well or badly you start, it's about how well you finish. And yes, I did not exactly had a great start off the blocks this academic year in terms of studies, and yes, I have myself to blame for a lot of the consequences that come about when your default mode is procrastination, yet I am confident that it is God's grace that will ultimately see me through this very challenging season. "There is now no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". God has forgiven. New life awaits. I'm shaking off the guilt and moving into new life. Am also resolving to give it my all again (and again and again), despite previous disappointments, hurts, and all the rubbish that comes with life. Acknowledge it, deal with it, and move on, I say.
Hehheh..
It's definitely a battle I am fighting. But I am confident that God is making my way perfect and arming me with strength. As Shiels my dear mate used to tell me, "we gain strength from the battle, not for the battle.
****
Being thankful in all circumstances, I can definitely look back and think that "wow, god has done great things among us". In school (despite the hang-ups), in church - our connect group is just overflowing and each week is better than the last, in relationships - brett is just about the sweetest, funniest, most generous guy I've met in my life and while I don't think "madly in love" characterizes our relationship just yet, I do know that we are building a solid friendship which will last for life. Brendan in church last night was talking about how important it was to find a "friend of destiny", especially in our partners. Not just someone to fall in love and do life together with, but someone whom you know will run with you with the same amount of passion (or more) for god's purposes of love to be accomplished on this earth.
I did get a job with the accommodation office which is such a blessing. Working two days a week now and i'm so thankful for god's favour. Have amazing friends and colleagues. I think the only thing that's kinda bugging me now is my school work, so please pray for me peeps (ie, you, among the 3 or so people who have read through the ramblings this far:).
it's brett's birthday today. he turns 32. we're just so blessed with the people in our world, with a great church, with our jobs/school, and just about everything in between. challenges are great. they make us stronger. frustration is my friend. he makes me more determined to do well. (or at least he's supposed to. i hope he does!)
:D
God's been just so amazing as well, in engineering circumstances and people to just come and bless us and speak into our lives. I'm just continually being challenged by other people's examples of faith and love.
Was talking to gail and brett today about coming to a point in my life where i'm just so singlemindedly focused on what i know god wants me to do, that i don't know any other way. Just don't know. Other options do not exist. I was thinking about this in reference to a memorial that is just on the field in front of the london eye. The memorial consist of a stone carving of a group of men and women looking south together, with this inscription beneath it: "In memory of the men and women of the who gave their lives in the war of 1941-1945: They went because they saw no other way". I think that whole memorial just encapsulated what I know to be true deep down in my soul, that I want to "go" because I can see no other way. No other cause to live for, and need be, to die for. Reminds me Kierkegaard's famous "Purity of heart is to will one thing" quote which has been resonating in my head for the longest time. The ONE THING. I'm beginning to think that we make the one thing, the one thing. We kinda decide, and god engineers circumstances to lead us time and again to make that decision. Sometimes though we become careless and allow weeds to grow in our garden and circumstances and wrong thinking to cloud our minds and hearts and numb us towards feeling, acknowledging or even caring about what we know to be true deep down in our bones. Or maybe most of the time, we are just too stubborn and proud to acknowledge the true master of our lives. Whichever, however, whatever: the great news is that god's mercy and grace abounds and i imagine he's just waiting for us to turn back to him and seek his purposes again, no matter how many times we have "failed". we were destined to fail time and time again. perfection, unfortunately, lies on the other side of eternity.
The weather's perking up as well, with just beautiful sunny skies the past week, although someone today told me it might snow next week. England weather is crazy this year. :)
Ok I hope that's enough updates for now. I'm just "going flat out like a lizzie drinkin'" (i'm learning all these aussie-isms) for school right now as the deadlines are all looming up in my face. Please keep praying for me.
"For who is God, except our LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on high places.
He teaches my hands to make war
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You have also given me the shield of salvation
Your right hand has held me up
Your gentleness has made me great"
Psalms 18:31-36
I was browsing through my journal yesterday night at ministry school (in church, every tuesday nights, led by the very inspirational mark wilkinson) and came across this entry, dated 22 Feb 2007, where I wrote: "It is in the menial tasks which we find ourselves doing that God is exalted. In the backwater, where nobody sees nothing, where the limelight is not focused, it is there that I find joy abounds, and grace abounds even more, for a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving is offered up, in the midst of apathy, doubt, fear, laziness, depression and anger."
Ok, so, the latter part of that previous sentence pretty much summed up frustrated feelings with regards to school that I've experienced in the past year or so. I have never been this unmotivated and apathetic and I have no single source of blame (except maybe myself, for allowing attitudes and work ethic to slide to an all time low). That, with a measure of wrong thinking about life, purpose, destiny - the age old question of "what on earth am I here for?", had led to a long season of paralysis of the brain and will, which for all intent and purposes, I hope is finally coming to an end as I allow truth to renew my thinking, and change my prayer to "ok god, let it be done on earth as it is in heaven".
Anyways, long story short, I was in the shower today and it occurred to me that it's not about how well or badly you start, it's about how well you finish. And yes, I did not exactly had a great start off the blocks this academic year in terms of studies, and yes, I have myself to blame for a lot of the consequences that come about when your default mode is procrastination, yet I am confident that it is God's grace that will ultimately see me through this very challenging season. "There is now no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". God has forgiven. New life awaits. I'm shaking off the guilt and moving into new life. Am also resolving to give it my all again (and again and again), despite previous disappointments, hurts, and all the rubbish that comes with life. Acknowledge it, deal with it, and move on, I say.
Hehheh..
It's definitely a battle I am fighting. But I am confident that God is making my way perfect and arming me with strength. As Shiels my dear mate used to tell me, "we gain strength from the battle, not for the battle.
****
Being thankful in all circumstances, I can definitely look back and think that "wow, god has done great things among us". In school (despite the hang-ups), in church - our connect group is just overflowing and each week is better than the last, in relationships - brett is just about the sweetest, funniest, most generous guy I've met in my life and while I don't think "madly in love" characterizes our relationship just yet, I do know that we are building a solid friendship which will last for life. Brendan in church last night was talking about how important it was to find a "friend of destiny", especially in our partners. Not just someone to fall in love and do life together with, but someone whom you know will run with you with the same amount of passion (or more) for god's purposes of love to be accomplished on this earth.
I did get a job with the accommodation office which is such a blessing. Working two days a week now and i'm so thankful for god's favour. Have amazing friends and colleagues. I think the only thing that's kinda bugging me now is my school work, so please pray for me peeps (ie, you, among the 3 or so people who have read through the ramblings this far:).
it's brett's birthday today. he turns 32. we're just so blessed with the people in our world, with a great church, with our jobs/school, and just about everything in between. challenges are great. they make us stronger. frustration is my friend. he makes me more determined to do well. (or at least he's supposed to. i hope he does!)
:D
God's been just so amazing as well, in engineering circumstances and people to just come and bless us and speak into our lives. I'm just continually being challenged by other people's examples of faith and love.
Was talking to gail and brett today about coming to a point in my life where i'm just so singlemindedly focused on what i know god wants me to do, that i don't know any other way. Just don't know. Other options do not exist. I was thinking about this in reference to a memorial that is just on the field in front of the london eye. The memorial consist of a stone carving of a group of men and women looking south together, with this inscription beneath it: "In memory of the men and women of the who gave their lives in the war of 1941-1945: They went because they saw no other way". I think that whole memorial just encapsulated what I know to be true deep down in my soul, that I want to "go" because I can see no other way. No other cause to live for, and need be, to die for. Reminds me Kierkegaard's famous "Purity of heart is to will one thing" quote which has been resonating in my head for the longest time. The ONE THING. I'm beginning to think that we make the one thing, the one thing. We kinda decide, and god engineers circumstances to lead us time and again to make that decision. Sometimes though we become careless and allow weeds to grow in our garden and circumstances and wrong thinking to cloud our minds and hearts and numb us towards feeling, acknowledging or even caring about what we know to be true deep down in our bones. Or maybe most of the time, we are just too stubborn and proud to acknowledge the true master of our lives. Whichever, however, whatever: the great news is that god's mercy and grace abounds and i imagine he's just waiting for us to turn back to him and seek his purposes again, no matter how many times we have "failed". we were destined to fail time and time again. perfection, unfortunately, lies on the other side of eternity.
The weather's perking up as well, with just beautiful sunny skies the past week, although someone today told me it might snow next week. England weather is crazy this year. :)
Ok I hope that's enough updates for now. I'm just "going flat out like a lizzie drinkin'" (i'm learning all these aussie-isms) for school right now as the deadlines are all looming up in my face. Please keep praying for me.
"For who is God, except our LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on high places.
He teaches my hands to make war
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You have also given me the shield of salvation
Your right hand has held me up
Your gentleness has made me great"
Psalms 18:31-36
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
new new song
here i am
humbled again
before unending grace
reminded of the deepest love
my life forever changed
and i'll say you're the christ
the most sovereign lord
jesus take my life
to establish your cause
nothing could i do to fix
the empty soul within
but you consumed my every need
now here i stand complete
and i'll say you're the christ
the most sovereign lord
jesus take my life
to establish your cause
you've captured my heart
and arrested my soul
you gave it all
so i give you control
now and forever
my life is all yours
cause you are the king
the king of all
now i see so now i choose
surrendered to your call
my every breath
and every thought
is for your kingdom's cause
and i'll say you're the christ
the most sovereign lord
jesus take my life
to establish your cause
you've captured my heart
and arrested my soul
you gave it all
so i give you control
now and forever
my life is all yours
cause you are the king
the king of all
so do in us now what is needed for change
so most desperate souls
can be rescued and saved
your voice will be heard
through your church in the earth
we'll establish your name
so all who call out
can find your refuge and your grace
humbled again
before unending grace
reminded of the deepest love
my life forever changed
and i'll say you're the christ
the most sovereign lord
jesus take my life
to establish your cause
nothing could i do to fix
the empty soul within
but you consumed my every need
now here i stand complete
and i'll say you're the christ
the most sovereign lord
jesus take my life
to establish your cause
you've captured my heart
and arrested my soul
you gave it all
so i give you control
now and forever
my life is all yours
cause you are the king
the king of all
now i see so now i choose
surrendered to your call
my every breath
and every thought
is for your kingdom's cause
and i'll say you're the christ
the most sovereign lord
jesus take my life
to establish your cause
you've captured my heart
and arrested my soul
you gave it all
so i give you control
now and forever
my life is all yours
cause you are the king
the king of all
so do in us now what is needed for change
so most desperate souls
can be rescued and saved
your voice will be heard
through your church in the earth
we'll establish your name
so all who call out
can find your refuge and your grace
Thursday, March 22, 2007
updates
it's the holidays. just got back from a four-day first aid course that made me want to be a paramedic. :) i'm cool. working on research proposal and looking for a job. please pray. have applied to various but no replies just yet. mmm.. yeah. happy. :)
ecclesiastes 3:11
he has made everything beautiful in his time. but he has left us in the dark - so we can never know what god is up to, whether he's coming or going. eat, drink, and make the most out of your job - it's god's gift.
i love how it's always about doing the simple things and doing it well. elementary, my dear watson. heheh.
ecclesiastes 3:11
he has made everything beautiful in his time. but he has left us in the dark - so we can never know what god is up to, whether he's coming or going. eat, drink, and make the most out of your job - it's god's gift.
i love how it's always about doing the simple things and doing it well. elementary, my dear watson. heheh.
Friday, March 09, 2007
some comforting words
So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs.
God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.
Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
1 Peter 5: 6-7
**
Last night's leadership session with gary was just mind-blowingly amazing. i thought i had been pretty much church-ed out with all kinds of sermons and teachings but man, there was just such a freshness and insight last night that made my hair stand up, my spirit lift and my heart scream... GIVE ME MOREEE!!! :)
the best is yet to come.
these are crazy crazy times.
God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.
Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
1 Peter 5: 6-7
**
Last night's leadership session with gary was just mind-blowingly amazing. i thought i had been pretty much church-ed out with all kinds of sermons and teachings but man, there was just such a freshness and insight last night that made my hair stand up, my spirit lift and my heart scream... GIVE ME MOREEE!!! :)
the best is yet to come.
these are crazy crazy times.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
majesty majesty
your grace has found me just as i am
empty-handed but alive in your hands
majesty majesty
forever i am changed by your love
in the beauty of your majesty
***
sigh..
empty-handed but alive in your hands
majesty majesty
forever i am changed by your love
in the beauty of your majesty
***
sigh..
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
happy chinese new year
it was definitely something to remember this year, celebrating with gail and brett first at aunty wai's on new year's eve, and then new year dinner in chinatown with some duck, scallops, tofu and crispy noodles. and tomorrow, there's more at chinatown with uncle peter. :) also, had the family thing going with gail and brett with breakfast, sleepover and (random) dinner/food in putney. definitely chinese new year family-ish complete with sardine sleeping, camping in front of tv, lazy days, sleeping after meals, eating off the wok in kitchen, corny jokes and teasing... minus the firecrackers, proper chinese food and ANG POWS!! also definitely miss the folks back home and the dogs and cousins and gambling and cookies and all that.. but it was great being in london with the gail and the brett. it gets better. today was a miracle of sorts with my supervisor.. god's favour is so evident in my life i think i'm continually humbled and blown away by how incredibly good He is.
My running bottom line: God is good; He is God and I am not. :)
My running bottom line: God is good; He is God and I am not. :)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Love
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Friday, February 02, 2007
t.g.i.f.
i'm ready to sleep all weekend..
but we're going for an outing to john's tomorrow. up at basingstoke.
:)
it's been quite the week. my life is a miracle. god is amazing in my life. i'm growing. all is good. god is good. ok. i'm. outta here.
but we're going for an outing to john's tomorrow. up at basingstoke.
:)
it's been quite the week. my life is a miracle. god is amazing in my life. i'm growing. all is good. god is good. ok. i'm. outta here.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
i kinda need to sleep
the days are getting longer.. it's so pretty outside.. i had two hours of sleep coz was working on this essay. i'm taking baby steps in getting back into school again. god's been so good in my life. and it's gonna be a great night later. i need to do laundry, vacuum my room, and wash all my sheets. it's too yucky. arrghhh..
but meanwhile, good nights. and studio 60 is back. :)
but meanwhile, good nights. and studio 60 is back. :)
pause and reflect
"We know that we all possess knowledge.
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
But the man who loves God is known by God."
1 Cor 8: 1-3
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
But the man who loves God is known by God."
1 Cor 8: 1-3
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
revelation
i used to operate on this impression that i was waiting for my real life to begin.. know what i mean? like for the past years (or almost as long as i could remember), it always seemed like i was constantly dreaming of another life to start that'll be different from the life i was presently living.
i was talking to a friend today and suddenly i had this realization that this is it. my life is for real right now. this is my real life.. heheh... all that is in my hand right now is for real: church, friends, connect, warden, school.. everything. i'm no longer dreaming of another life. i'm happy here.. at this juncture where it seems like my real life is meeting my dreams.
i was talking to a friend today and suddenly i had this realization that this is it. my life is for real right now. this is my real life.. heheh... all that is in my hand right now is for real: church, friends, connect, warden, school.. everything. i'm no longer dreaming of another life. i'm happy here.. at this juncture where it seems like my real life is meeting my dreams.
Monday, January 29, 2007
georgie porgie
georgie porgie pudding and pie
kissed the girls and made them cry
when the boys came out to play
georgie porgie went away.
***
and everything about you still makes me smile. :)
kissed the girls and made them cry
when the boys came out to play
georgie porgie went away.
***
and everything about you still makes me smile. :)
Friday, January 26, 2007
new song in my head
new from church.. it's gonna feature in the new album i think? stay tuned!
it's a pity that lyrics on blogs alone can't convey the heart and soul of songs the way songs are supposed to be conveyed. heheh.. but it is mostly to remind me of the songs attached to certain seasons of my life, that I am writing the lyrics here. :)
**
let now the weak
say, I have strength
By the spirit of god
that raised Christ from the dead
let now the poor
stand and confess
"Oh my portion is Him
and i'm more than blessed"
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
a fire consuming all
for your son's
holy name
and with the heavens we declare
you are our king
*We love you lord
we worship you
You are our God
You alone are good
Let now your church shine as the bride
that you saw in your heart
as you offer up your life
Let now the lost be welcomed home
By the saved and redeemed
Those adopted as your own
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
a fire consuming all
for your son's
holy name
and with the heavens we declare
you are our king
*We love you lord
we worship you
You are our God
You alone are good
You asked your son
to carry this:
the heavy cross
our weight of sin
I love you lord
I worship you
hope which was lost
now stands renewed
I give my life
to honour this:
The love of Christ
Our Savior King
it's a pity that lyrics on blogs alone can't convey the heart and soul of songs the way songs are supposed to be conveyed. heheh.. but it is mostly to remind me of the songs attached to certain seasons of my life, that I am writing the lyrics here. :)
**
let now the weak
say, I have strength
By the spirit of god
that raised Christ from the dead
let now the poor
stand and confess
"Oh my portion is Him
and i'm more than blessed"
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
a fire consuming all
for your son's
holy name
and with the heavens we declare
you are our king
*We love you lord
we worship you
You are our God
You alone are good
Let now your church shine as the bride
that you saw in your heart
as you offer up your life
Let now the lost be welcomed home
By the saved and redeemed
Those adopted as your own
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
a fire consuming all
for your son's
holy name
and with the heavens we declare
you are our king
*We love you lord
we worship you
You are our God
You alone are good
You asked your son
to carry this:
the heavy cross
our weight of sin
I love you lord
I worship you
hope which was lost
now stands renewed
I give my life
to honour this:
The love of Christ
Our Savior King
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Rent!
525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes - how do you measure,
measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you
measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How about love?
Measure in love. Seasons of love.
525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan. 525,600 minutes -
how can you measure
the life of a woman or man?
In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
or the way that she died.
It’s time now to sing out, tho the story never ends
let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends.
Remember the love! Remember the love! Remember
the love! Measure in love. Seasons of love!
"Seasons of love" from Rent (2005)
525,600 minutes - how do you measure,
measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you
measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How about love?
Measure in love. Seasons of love.
525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan. 525,600 minutes -
how can you measure
the life of a woman or man?
In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
or the way that she died.
It’s time now to sing out, tho the story never ends
let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends.
Remember the love! Remember the love! Remember
the love! Measure in love. Seasons of love!
"Seasons of love" from Rent (2005)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
some great news
i got my passport back from home office.
my visa's extended till april 2011.
it was written as 1 APR/AVR 11 and my first reaction was.. oh no.. april the 11th? that's it?
I was looking for the "O8" number.
couldn't find it. almost panicked. and then realized that OH MY GOD IT'S APRIL 2011!!! wooohooo...
hooohhooowooohooo.. heheehhe.. like for real.
yeah.
so..
it's all good. :)
my visa's extended till april 2011.
it was written as 1 APR/AVR 11 and my first reaction was.. oh no.. april the 11th? that's it?
I was looking for the "O8" number.
couldn't find it. almost panicked. and then realized that OH MY GOD IT'S APRIL 2011!!! wooohooo...
hooohhooowooohooo.. heheehhe.. like for real.
yeah.
so..
it's all good. :)
a higher calling
"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.
Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love.
Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant.
He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us.
Love like that.
"Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting.
Christ's love makes the church whole.
His words evoke her beauty
Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness."
Ephesians 5: 1-2; 25-28
(disclaimer: i think the last bit is not reserved to husbands only.. the model of christ-love is for all.. guys just have no excuse now. heheh)
i love how the bible paradoxically sets us a standard of living that is super-high yet incredibly simple and basic at the same time: just love. "extravagant.. giving everything of himself to us..love like that." yet how easily and often we fall short and give up on people.
i'm committed to being your friend. (**except when im busy, in a bad mood, having anxiety attacks, pissed off at the world, having pms, post-teen angst, you get the idea.. then i think it's time for you to be my friend and show some love my way.)
:)
Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love.
Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant.
He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us.
Love like that.
"Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting.
Christ's love makes the church whole.
His words evoke her beauty
Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness."
Ephesians 5: 1-2; 25-28
(disclaimer: i think the last bit is not reserved to husbands only.. the model of christ-love is for all.. guys just have no excuse now. heheh)
i love how the bible paradoxically sets us a standard of living that is super-high yet incredibly simple and basic at the same time: just love. "extravagant.. giving everything of himself to us..love like that." yet how easily and often we fall short and give up on people.
i'm committed to being your friend. (**except when im busy, in a bad mood, having anxiety attacks, pissed off at the world, having pms, post-teen angst, you get the idea.. then i think it's time for you to be my friend and show some love my way.)
:)
Monday, January 22, 2007
Day of days
1. I met with my supervisor and she was happy with my progress. (This is a big deal. She hasn't been happy with my progress for a long time. I had not shown progress in a long time. My last indication of progress was finishing my Master's reasonably well).
2. I presented my research proposal to my cohort and they liked it. The questions weren't too un-unswerable. I withstood a whole solid hour-long session of question and answer. Phew.
3. I came up with a good 10-sentence critique of D's research. (This is a big deal. One of my self-imposed challenges this year is to speak up more in class).
4. I had a free dinner.
5. I am tired. And relieved. And just feel like celebrating coz last week I was quite sure I was gonna get kicked out of school this week. Like mega-relieved.
6. It's a new day tomorrow. New in every sense of the word.
7. London's freezing overnight. Just three days ago, you could happily walk out with a summer jacket. Today, I had four layers (three thick, one thin) and I felt like I could do with another layer. And I've heard rumours of snow for tomorrow.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23
2. I presented my research proposal to my cohort and they liked it. The questions weren't too un-unswerable. I withstood a whole solid hour-long session of question and answer. Phew.
3. I came up with a good 10-sentence critique of D's research. (This is a big deal. One of my self-imposed challenges this year is to speak up more in class).
4. I had a free dinner.
5. I am tired. And relieved. And just feel like celebrating coz last week I was quite sure I was gonna get kicked out of school this week. Like mega-relieved.
6. It's a new day tomorrow. New in every sense of the word.
7. London's freezing overnight. Just three days ago, you could happily walk out with a summer jacket. Today, I had four layers (three thick, one thin) and I felt like I could do with another layer. And I've heard rumours of snow for tomorrow.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23
Thursday, January 18, 2007
echoes
"I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time." Romans 7:18-20
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
i love
how the days are getting longer.
feeling just slighty bitty ill. like tired. like physically tired.
and like.. like..
feeling just slighty bitty ill. like tired. like physically tired.
and like.. like..
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
ggrrr
not smiling anymore.
i stupidly left my library card home
and it's annoying me so.
of course i shouldn't let it get to me..
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
ok. gggrrr.. sharks.
breathe.
i found my student oyster.
i wanna sleep.
time to go home.
i stupidly left my library card home
and it's annoying me so.
of course i shouldn't let it get to me..
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
ok. gggrrr.. sharks.
breathe.
i found my student oyster.
i wanna sleep.
time to go home.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
arghh
my right eye hurts. think been reading with lousy light too long. have to close one eye to ease the ache. feeling like a one-eyed-jack right now..
***
on a sudden-fit-of-inspiration note..
Ephesians 1: 11-12: It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
so yeah..
:)
***
on a sudden-fit-of-inspiration note..
Ephesians 1: 11-12: It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
so yeah..
:)