stop, lOOK, reflect..
our God never gives us less than what we need.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Know your Creator in the days of youth...
I love you. Sometimes I really would like to say this to you. But sometimes fear ate up the chance, lack of courage visited, or moments of anger brushed that thought of. But all these didn't had any value that last... Because, I love you.
Come to think of our 0203 and 0104, there are many things which you all did are amazing. How you all faithfully attend service and tq without having to call and how you all willing fulfill demanding requests made just because people would think youths have lots of free time. We shouldn't take all these efforts that you guys made for granted!
From time to time, you grow into more mature and thinking-alike with Jesus. From time to time, you start to understand the confusions in life. Nevertheless from time to time, you also find the higher purpose of living. That's growing up, and that's healthy!
From letting your leaders track your tithes and doing up styroforms wordings for services and weddings... Your energy to talk all night round, your strength to move the sound systems, your willingness to come few hours early for most of the events... WOW! So much efforts put in!
Although we always make mistakes, anger the adults and frighten our parents especially with our results, but at least we live a life truthful to ourselves. We are living a life of our own. However, as you grow, you may find life beyond your control in many more areas. And you'll find yourself struggling to balance what you want to do, what you should do and then comes up with something kind of balancing both.
That kind of life has more value, because you start to live for others more than for yourselves. Moreover, for Christ. But there's a good news to this kind of life! And the secret is... You can enjoy it! Yes, I'm saying you can enjoy the struggles and the troubles which comes along the way. Not that we will enjoy struggling or troubling, but these trials often bring about greater joy, peace and love to your life.
Find your position. Find your balance. Don't be upset if you're trying very hard but seems just not to get it right. Sometimes it's only the process you have to go through to make you a better and stronger person. Eagles carry their babies high up in the sky and throw them down. Their mothers look at them struggle, kick about and many a times in great frustrations. Before they reach the ground, their parent will be there to pick them up safely and carry them to heights to throw them down again.
Youth days are like that. It's the few throws you are facing now which will prepare you to soar higher than other birds. Don't worry, His hands will always be there to reach out for you before you crash to ground, He's in total control!
0204 and 0104 have been brave and I'm so proud of all of you. Sometimes whenever I have chance, I'll brag about how good our youth performance, unity and mature values are to other churches... Oh I really think many many many of us should learn from you guys in a lot of ways. Like, your sincerity, your courage and humbleness.
SO let's keep up the good work, and not let our guards down, because in time to come, YOU are the one answering YOUR life to God. Hopefully then it's not full of regrets but rewards! Share your weights around, let others dress your wounds.
THEN, love will...
grOW!
PS: I love you.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
hey!
my dearest 0104, thanks for all the encouragements, smses, cards, and presents.
you know, i wouldn't mind having all these often.. and im sure nobody minds either, so do it more often yah.. don't belittle what your one word, one card can do.. cause it's YOUR encouragement that brought me through those few days.. =))
and here's a little story for you:
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'-John 3:16
My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours?
my dearest 0104, thanks for all the encouragements, smses, cards, and presents.
i feel so loved! =))
you know, i wouldn't mind having all these often.. and im sure nobody minds either, so do it more often yah.. don't belittle what your one word, one card can do.. cause it's YOUR encouragement that brought me through those few days.. =))
and here's a little story for you:
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'-John 3:16
My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours?
Monday, April 7, 2008
I'm Sorry...
Guys, I owe you all much. Sorry for not replying smses. Sorry to have you to send reminding smses for me to send down smses. I kind of just dislike handphones. Dislike using them. Dislike learning the functions of it as well... But guess all these dislikeS have to be reduced, right?!
My reflections for this week:
1. Samantha took leave to accompany SY for medical checkup on 15th April. That's too sweet of her to miss to appreciate. So can I tag along with you guys on that day to make myself, MAYBE... HOPEFULLY... a little sweeter?!
2. Melissa's determination. Both in her studies and her love for Charis. Sometimes you just have to fall for her for the fact that she has fallen for Charis! Girl, read Matthew 10:39?! If not your CJ7 will not revive ehh~
3. Wenjie & Chun Quan, you both bascially covered an area I kind of cannot reach to help in the youths - Their studies. You may not understand how much your time and effort showered upon us are surely treasured. When should we give you guys a good treat?!
4. Darryl, you are in a position where you can reach out to a wide range of people in the church and which you of course made the best out of it! When we sent Lin Gang off, when you volunteered your cg to Laoshi, all these amazed me of how important your enthusiasms are...
5. WL, Xinyi, Sam & Zhenni. Sorry to always make you guys have to nag at me for this and that. Thank you for allowing me to behave kidish and child-like in all your care and concerns. Surely those encouragements and teachings, discussions and debates helped me a LONG way as I serve in church.
6. YQ, I appreciate and salute you to your answering to chou-de. (Eh, I didn't reveal his name huh... Haha!) I thought you deserve that chocolate and chips, in fact, much more... From how you settled your problems. Keep a good eye on people beside you, they may need your help very much!
7. ZS... That Muslim, no! Christian's testimony you showed me today impacted me alot. If I were to listen to it alone, for sure tears will flow. Our Lord is awesome for His love is extended to EVERYONE! The thought of Jesus actually love everyone should motivate us to love more, shouldn't it?
8. WJ & LX, I can only say one thing. Today's the most organised study week I've ever known. WELL DONE!
9. JJ and grandma gave me a bottle of cognac for my hair. Thank you for the care even to my hair! Haha... That's a warm gesture I'll learn to do it unto another the next time. Thanks!
Let's take nothing for granted. Because the walk of faith is tedious, and these good things will fade without sufficient support and encouragements...
My reflections for this week:
1. Samantha took leave to accompany SY for medical checkup on 15th April. That's too sweet of her to miss to appreciate. So can I tag along with you guys on that day to make myself, MAYBE... HOPEFULLY... a little sweeter?!
2. Melissa's determination. Both in her studies and her love for Charis. Sometimes you just have to fall for her for the fact that she has fallen for Charis! Girl, read Matthew 10:39?! If not your CJ7 will not revive ehh~
3. Wenjie & Chun Quan, you both bascially covered an area I kind of cannot reach to help in the youths - Their studies. You may not understand how much your time and effort showered upon us are surely treasured. When should we give you guys a good treat?!
4. Darryl, you are in a position where you can reach out to a wide range of people in the church and which you of course made the best out of it! When we sent Lin Gang off, when you volunteered your cg to Laoshi, all these amazed me of how important your enthusiasms are...
5. WL, Xinyi, Sam & Zhenni. Sorry to always make you guys have to nag at me for this and that. Thank you for allowing me to behave kidish and child-like in all your care and concerns. Surely those encouragements and teachings, discussions and debates helped me a LONG way as I serve in church.
6. YQ, I appreciate and salute you to your answering to chou-de. (Eh, I didn't reveal his name huh... Haha!) I thought you deserve that chocolate and chips, in fact, much more... From how you settled your problems. Keep a good eye on people beside you, they may need your help very much!
7. ZS... That Muslim, no! Christian's testimony you showed me today impacted me alot. If I were to listen to it alone, for sure tears will flow. Our Lord is awesome for His love is extended to EVERYONE! The thought of Jesus actually love everyone should motivate us to love more, shouldn't it?
8. WJ & LX, I can only say one thing. Today's the most organised study week I've ever known. WELL DONE!
9. JJ and grandma gave me a bottle of cognac for my hair. Thank you for the care even to my hair! Haha... That's a warm gesture I'll learn to do it unto another the next time. Thanks!
Let's take nothing for granted. Because the walk of faith is tedious, and these good things will fade without sufficient support and encouragements...
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable ...
Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle;
the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
~Dr Martin Luther King Jr.~
Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle;
the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
~Dr Martin Luther King Jr.~
Oh... My dear dear dear friends (& of course many others unmentioned...), you are important in a very special way. Your personalised features to build the Kingdom of God. And whenever we overcome that sacrifice, suffering or struggle, great rewards await us!
Hereby CL gives her salute to everyone who are still finding their way of of sacrifice, suffering or struggle. Let me give you a big PUSH! if you need any... (Pray Until Something Happens) 91148493 is still in use btw...
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