finding true peace

I collected my management business plan today. It wasn't good at all. Sigh. Now I have to do very well for the finals to get an A. On the other hand, I'm really encouraged by the email Ps Jared sent- about how we're able to experience a peace which the world can't give. I sometimes take that for granted: by worrying, complaining, worrying some more, and end up using all my time worrying instead of getting things done and having to do things at the last minute.

Final assignment of the year only 2 days away! My bioinformatics presentation is on Thursday- 10 minute talk about a topic of interest. I'm so glad I was placed in the same presentation group as 2 other friends, less pressure as well as it is partly peer-reviewed. Getting back my micr business plan and lab reports tomorrow, very very anxious to know how we did.

Anyway. Yesterday night was FUN. We all headed to Aunty Tung Siew's beauuuutiful house at Waverly (10-15 min drive) for a night of curry and assam laksa. After the awesome spicy food (which made me miss Kuching laksa even more), she sort of shared her experience on the topic of "how to find the perfect mate". Mate as in partner-for-life mate. ;P Very interesting.

Some photos as below. I won't upload these onto Facebook this time: excluded the Bernard-post-makeup-with-bright-red-nails pics as they were slightly disturbing ;P

makeup galore.

america's next top model?

intriqued by the little pretty things in the house, like this one

and this...

...and this deco on one of the switches.

janice's teeth so white

Rachel (YES I can pronouce her African name!) & Shaza

foooooooood!

the music team

Finally. A widescreen (3456x1944) wallpaper for u!
amazing view, eh.

Blast it!

Alabaster Box rocks!






A few songs by them for a quick listen. I like "New York".

I admit, it was so scary walking into church this morning and seeing the band looking so professional and serious while they were doing their soundcheck. But as time went on, I felt more at ease; they even made jokes about one of the band members, Tim's (bassist & vocalist) American accent. I even felt less pressure when we had to OUR soundcheck after theirs, but I was reminded that we're playing and performing not for people, but for the man above.

So yeah, Josh is the keyboardist. He even brought along his Roland Fantom-x7, which was packed into a $500 heavy duty case for touring around. So expensive just for a case! It was even spray-painted with the band's name, so cool. Felt so honoured having him play my humble keyboard; he offered his for me to play but I just used mine- his was set up too high and gosh, I have no idea how to play on 2 keyboards at the same time.

The drummer (Gary?) played Tai's drumset, on one condition: Tai wanted them to sign his drumset! Naarah, the female lead singer, was sick so Tim had to do the singing. The cds and tee shirts were on sale after service; I bought a red one which had "rocker chick" written in front. Daniel bought the same one and wore it straightaway -___-

Tim on the bass.

Josh playing Waszowski!!!
I look so awestruck happy.

Naarah sharing.

They're having another concert at Apostolic church this Tuesday night, door sale tickets are selling for $10 I believe. To go or not to go?

A good friday indeed

Blessed Friday everyone!!!

Church was awesome today. Loved the non-conventional Good Friday service: no long preaching, instead heartfelt testimonies, acoustic music, and beautiful backdrop. My favourite part was when Jared asked everyone to write a sin down on a piece of paper and nailed it to the cross. Literally. We lined up, took a hammer and nailed our "sins" to the cross.

The cross bearing all our sins.

One of the paintings painted during service.

Another artwork.

***

Some random photos from frequent unicol visits. Heh.

Sarah S. and Ah Chan.

A very huggable Ah Chan. No I'm not harassing him.

Cute!

Currently revamping my wardrobe. I have far too many casual clothes! Making space for the corporate ones... I gave back my Domino's uniform today with a heavy heart, half of me is happy to leave the fast food scene, half of me is wanting back a fun job where I can be surrounded by food all the time. =( Oh well it does take time to get used to a new job. Right?

Untitled.

You never fail to surprise me every day

Little obstacles pop up along the way
I worry, complain, and sigh
Yet You assure me never to fear
For what would worry add to problems?

I'm beginning to have more faith now
Leaning on Your Word, I do
Reminding me of Your never-failing promises
You show me that with faith comes hope

Joy.
Just knowing that I'll never walk alone
My future, my aspirations, they're all in Your hands

Gratitude.
I'm forever changed by Your blessings
So I'll put a smile on my face
To remind others that You place the stars in the skies
And it's You who give the sun its rays

For You I'll live
Always.

Art Attack

Thanks Rachel for the fun time of painting and creativity!

Soooooo tired after a full on day (including walking under the rain) , so I'll let these pictures do the talking, or rather typing.

Rachel, the "art mistress". heh

Ron, the new incredible hulk!

My artwork: the theme was chosen for a specific question I've been wanting desperately to find out for the past few weeks (or even years), and though I'm still far from finding out the answer, FAITH will eventually lead me there. =) *hush, it's a secret!*

Unfinished Journey

Seems like almost every single post I blog about now has a common theme: Music.

Back in secondary school days, the only music I knew of was those played on the airwaves and the famous few Hillsong and Planetshakers albums. Total songs on computer back then: probably less than 100. (insert exclamation mark here).

Wow, things sure have changed a lot.

Anyway, we had a surprise visit by a NZ artist- Hannah Donald & her band. Based in Auckland now, she used to attend Nations Christian Church for 9 years a very long time ago. =)

Hannah Donald & the band performing at Union Hall.

The 2nd electric guitarist on the left (bright blue guitar) = very cool riffs but amp wasn't loud enough to blast the hall. keke. 1st guitarist on the right plays beautifully especially the intro of "Beautiful Child". I want his Mini Martin!!!

I've never actually heard of her before, but after listening to her performance, one song in particular stood out among the rest. The song was "Cornerstone" (track 6 off her album "Unfinished Journey")- and how I remembered it was because it was the background song used for the drama during Allure Conference held 2 weeks ago!

I just love the lyrics, profound yet able to relate to.

Twenty years has reduced you to a beg and crawl
Set your life in shadows cast
by its corporate wall
Mask your feelings there's no room here
for the awkward fitting one

Finding love in compromise lest your soul emerge
Although worth more you’ve given in
To that desperate urge
To take your values from opinions
of some broken hearted men

Everyday walls are laid
Guarding those who’ve made the grade
But there is hope I still believe
For the rejected to be the redeemed
All the unchosen, brittle and numb
In his hands can become a cornerstone

In years to come all of this
Will be a distant past
With tables placed and ordered names
As if the first were last
Come to your senses, there’s no sense
in running after kingdoms gone

Beautiful eh? I'm currently suffering from last song syndrome of this song. Short clips off the album can be found at her official website, or click here to listen to sample clips.

Mrs Pancake bought her cd and got a personalised autograph ($20, free if signed up for sponsor-a-child by Tearfund).

Nice cover.

See the little scribble art? *someone up there*-> so cute!

Love the description at the back too: "made in the good ol' country of NZ" &
"Someone up there Records" haha!

Seems like it's becoming a trend for artists to go to a third world country and then write songs about what they've encountered there. How I yearn to visit the African countries and visit my sponsored child of 3 years, Adama, someday. =)

Battle Cry- last night

Tonight - my 3rd consecutive night playing the keys @ the Battle Cry.

Songs are basically the same, "King", "Point of Difference", "Saviour King" etc Hillsong songs. It seems so ironic that we're playing these songs when there's a speaker from Hillsong church here. hehe. There's almost a little pressure knowing that Ben Little has been hearing the songs been played so well by the band over at Sydney that he feels weird listening to us from humble Dunedin play.

Good thing is that playing songs over and over again builds up confidence, and gives us the ability to practice as a band, to know when and how to play (not just the basic chords), but filling in the gaps and making the sound just right. I've always dreaded the thought of playing during alter calls; one little mistake could throw the whole mood off. But as always, everything turned out GREAT.

I'm definitely grateful for Jo for putting me on the roster, and being able to play during this camp/conference. First time I've ever played so hard until my fingernails chipped and my lower arm muscles sore just from playing keyboard. ;P

Randomness: "tua tua" is actually a kind of shellfish. haha "old old"...

The decorated stage.

Self explanatory.

After being sprayed with dry ice, colourful spotlights.

Cream on pancakes!!! =)

Last but no least, the last picture is a picture of hard work. *hiak hiaks* Those hands belong to Rob and Amy, the cutest new couple in church. It's during times like these when I peak over and see their hands intertwined together that I believe true love is still out there, somewhere.

Awed

WOW.

Tonight's worship during Battle Cry was awesome beyond words.

It was one of those few times that every hand in the room was raised, every eye closed, every soul touched beyond explanation.

For me, it was one of those few times that I truly felt I wasn't playing the keyboard with my own knowledge, or what I've learnt.

It almost felt as if my fingers were guided by an invisible hand, gliding across notes, and doing chord progressions I never knew how to do before.

Even Jo came up after the service and told me "Wow, I've never seen you play like that before".

Before the whole things, I was nervous. Olivia decided to do 2 extra songs, one of which I had never played during an actual service yet (Saviour King). But once I started playing, all fear went away. =)

There's nothing I'd rather do, than to play for Him always.


Photos up by Sunday the latest. =P

Allure

Instead of having the usual music practice last Friday night, the Allure Conference was held.

Allure is specially for the ladies only, and I was very impressed how much preparation and little details those who were involved had put in to make it a success.

It was particularly fun to see the guys serving that night: especially when they served us with chocolate/cheese cakes, performing, and being extra polite that night. *hiak hiaks*

The setting was very classy: round table seating, dips and nibbles, beautiful tickets, white roses, silver twigs on every table, and most importantly it was because almost everyone dressed up for the event. ;P


The main highlights were Amy performing her very own song she wrote, Susannah in the hauntingly beautiful musical/drama, haka dance, and a choir performed by incredibly talented students from a local high school.

Cute little angels.

Super talented Amy.

Speaking of which, congratulations to Amy and Rob for being the latest couple at Nations. :)

Growth

A Millionaire's First Love is such a tearjerker.

Yeap, I still enjoy watching these sad movies and end up with wet tissues when I should be studying.

The soundtrack for the movie is awfully sweet, too bad I can't read or understand Korean to appreciate it more. Love the instrumentals, as always.

Is it only me or does Hyun Bin look unlike himself in that movie?

***

Walking past the registry building today and seeing the flowers blossom is such a beautiful and calming sight. =)

Spring, to me, is the season of hope & change.

Reminds me of this beautiful song:

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

~Every season by Nichole Nordeman

***

Things WILL be better from now onwards.

It is already showing: the seeds planted, the prayers said, the effort put in, the passion felt by everyone. All that's needed now is a whole lot of faith.

For the first time in many months, I feel and see growth happening. =)

Believing

It has been said, "A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing." No one proved this statement to be true better than Jesus' own brothers. They were born of the same mother, raised by the same father, yet blind to the truth in front of them. Honestly though, it's hard to say that I could blame them for being skeptical about their half-brother's claims to be the Christ. After all, they were first introduced to the prophecies concerning a coming Messiah at the same time. They grew up together, ate dinner together, and most likely shared the same bedroom. Now Jesus, their older brother, was claiming to be this Christ.

Unfortunately, not much has changed today. Many times, those that have the most difficult time accepting Christ as their Savior are the same individuals that have grown up closest to the Church. They have godly mentors, are active in Sunday School, have become versed in the Bible and doctrine, yet remain miles away from truly understanding the person of Jesus. The difference between those who simply know about the Lord and those who believe in Him can often times be found in their fruit.

The fruit that is produced from a tree is dictated not by its surrounding environment, but from its inner makings. An orange tree in the center of an apple orchard will still produce oranges. In the same manner, individuals who grow up in the church and are taught the stories of Jesus, yet fail to truly believe, will never be able to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). It is with this knowledge that I challenge you to evaluate your own fruit. Does the outcome of your day-to-day living support your claims to know Christ? Or does your fruit more closely resemble that of Christ's own brothers... so close, yet miles away.

My prayer is that everyone who reads this will find his or her name written in the Lamb's book of life. I want to remind you, however, that just because you know a great deal about who Jesus was, that does not place you in His book of life. Only a personal belief in Jesus as the Christ will save you from your sins. The book of Acts records that James, the brother of Jesus, eventually came to the conclusion that Jesus was the Christ. His conversion was not on account of growing up so close to Jesus, but rather, because of His personal decision to believe that his brother was who He said He was. Do you believe?

I pray that you have not grown up so close to Jesus that you fail to understand who He really is.

~from Daily Devotions

DF Day 14: 1 more week to go

New layout!

I get excited for a while when a new layout is up and running. That explains why a layout on this blog never lasts over 2 months unless it's one that I really like.

So I hope this new layout/template is more user friendly and easy on the eyes. No graphics at all on the template, which increases loading time of course. It still takes time getting used to the new beta blogger template based on xml instead of good ole html.

Changes are good.

***

This is the final ad 3rd week of Daniel Fast. So far, I can say that I've been about 70% consistent. :P The last few days was hard for me to wake up at 6am as I had late nights playing CS. So that's it, I felt a strong conviction in my heart today to stop playing CS (at least for the time being) and focus on the more important things at hand.

***

Flat hunting this year is great. So far, we have about 4 potential flats, each with good and bad point to consider. Personally I would prefer either a flat at Leith Street (provided that the landlord fixes the shower area and lower the rent) or the odd shaped flat at Dundas/Clyde Street. Though the lounge is orientated in a funny way and the kitchen not really accessible, I guess I just love the homey feeling I got walking into that flat. Oh well, fat chance we'll choose that one though.

So it could be Leith Street then. The shower was the only main downside, was so shocked to find out it was not tiled or properly cemented. The interior design, power consumption, and location is awesome though. Also, no wardrobe poses a HUGE problem for me, considering I would need to either buy a big enough wardrobe to fit all my clothes or find another way to magically store my increasing amount of clothes.

***

My low protein diet for the Biochem experiment starts today, but the urine sample is only taken during the last 24 hours (on Tuesday and early Wednesday). *gulps*

Keep reminding myself to NOT have eggs, meat, and too much milk. It's basically a vegan diet if you ask me. The annoying part is NOT having to pee inside a 5 litre container, but having to record down every single thing that goes into your mouth, down to the butter and nutella I spread on my toast.

I'm so tempted to call the other people in my group who didn't volunteer cowards, but hey I'm the one getting this experience, and will find out how efficient my body is in processing nitrogenic wastes.

***

I feel that there's so much going on right now that there's not enough time to just stop, take a step back, and BREATHE.

So that's why I'm trying (especially this week) to learn how to say NO to doing things that are pulling me back and putting extra load on me emotionally.

DF Day 3: Devotion

Since the first day of the fast I've been playing Devotion by Hillsong United very frequently.

I've been running, trying to be one who sees
I've been working, salvation out on my knees
There is nothing better than knowing
That we are redeemed
Unbelieving trusting in creative hands,
I am praying for our world to bow to your plan
And this one thought is unmistakable
I take up my cross and follow you Lord

In a way, it has become my personal theme song. At 6am every morning, I plug the earphones into my phone, listen to the lyrics and just amaze at the how much meaning it brings; at the same time trying to imagine how much more would it mean to the composer of the song when it was written.

When You stand the tall trees and mountains bow
When You speak the fiercest of oceans is still
And I see the sinner seek devotion
The lost become chosen, and I fall to my knees

I was especially surprised when the dvd shown yesterday night during home group was specifically about just how indescribable God is. The dvd was AWESOME: it was a recorded preaching of Louise (apparently he's Chris Tomlin's manager) in Houston, USA. He showed many astronomical images, all very cool and surreal. I liked it when he even gave the exact measurements in light years (1 light year = 5.87 TRILLION miles long), how big the universe out there really is, and that the earth is just a tiny speck of dust caught in a ray of light when compared to the whole universe. The statistics given just wowed me again and again.

Unforgiven, my Saviour who did not deserve death
He was blameless and I was lost in shamefulness
Undelivered, but it doesn't seem right
Unless I keep my eyes focused on the Saviour who gave His live
In the middle of a world that denies it believes
It is breaking apart at the very seams
There is one thing to be alive for
And it's to take up my cross and follow You Lord

Then he concluded about how he did not meant for us to FEEL small, but to realise that we ARE indeed ridiculously tiny and insignificant. He also said that since God is able to hold the universe in His hands (which is probably gazillion miles wide), how much smaller are we really are? Though tiny in existence, He still knows every one of us by name, our favourite colour, and even our deepest secrets.

I will take up my cross and follow Lord where You lead me
And I will take up my cross and follow wherever You go

Which is why I'm so keen and excited about singing this song during next week's home group. Go buy the album "All of the Above" if you haven't done so yet. It's Hillsong United's best yet. =)

DF Day 2: Blessings galore

I feel guilty for falling back to sleep at 7am. =( I did wake up around 6, prayed, and read the bible before snoozing off again though.

So I've decided the only way is to get a cup of coffee IMMEDIATELY after 6am. Guess what? I skipped afternoon nap today! *feeling accomplished*

***

Seems like the good news keep coming in since I started on the fast. The BIG good news is that Brooke Fraser is having another nationwide tour with the OpShop this October 21st at the Regent Theatre! =D That news made my day week.

If I go to this concert (which I will make sure that I am), this will be my 2nd Brooke concert this week alone. =) Hope hope hope for an autograph signing session as there wasn't one the last time. Also, I'll make sure to get some merchandise this time.

***

The other good news is that I've finally changed my MANV tutorial time, after 2 unsuccessful attempts. No more broken English Vietnamese/Chinese tutor, this new tutor is supposedly one the best there is.

I was so fortunate to fill up the last space for his tutorial, as the other time was already full too. So 9am every Thursdays it is, from now on.

Daniel Fast, Day 1

Waking up early wasn't as bad as I thought; the alarm rang at 6am, it was still pitch black outside but I managed to spend some quiet time with God.

The not so easy part is trying to stay awake for the rest of the day.

I was dozing off by my 2nd lecture at 10am, couldn't concentrate fully on the ridiculously complicated metabolism pathways in biochemistry lectures. *pinches myself* Coffee didn't help; I'll make it 2 teaspoons tomorrow and see if that works.

I'm thankful that genetics lab only lasted for half an hour. Yeap, that is a record. I'm sure the lab demonstrators were happy to get paid for 4 hours and work only one eighth of that time. I tried to do some biochem revision after that, but managed only one lecture's worth of study. =( I tried, I really did. So I decided to pack up and get some rest.

Now, I'm all refreshed. *Yawns again* Oops. The first few days are always harder, my biological clock still working 2 or so hours behind myself. Hopefully tomorrow won't be as hard, and I'll try to make it through without an afternoon nap.

Ice skating fun

Ice skating was FUN!!!

Group pic.

Right after church (which was awesome because "Hosanna" was sung), the 18 of us packed into 4 cars and went to the ice skating rink despite the cold, gloomy weather these days.

There were so many of us that we were given free chips! We were told it was going to be 3 packs of large chips, lo and behold it was 3 freaking TRAYS of hot chips! *all smiles* Thanks also to the girls at flat 4/777 for preparing the tuna, garlic bread, and drinks.

The ice skating was fully packed when we got there. There were kids skating around with their sledges, people who are obviously skating for the first time, people falling on their butts, and pro skaters doing turns and twirls that make me go "waa, oooh, waaa..."

The painful fall ;P

After skating around for a bit, we decided to play tag and even did a relay match which I really enjoyed. Thanks to the fast and furious Anthony who was on team 2 so we could win the relay, hehe!

My feet are hurting =( especially around the ankle. The boots were either too tight or I didn't tie them the right way. Funny since I never experienced this during my last 4 or 5 times skating. So I guess the bruises are here to stay at least until the end of the week.

The rink closed at 5, and some of us went to St Claire beach just nearby. It was still gloomy then, so pictures aren't that great. I love looking at the crashing waves though, ironically they had a very calming effect. Probably I just miss going to the beach, this being my first time this year.

I love this pic of May.

Hoods down!

Attack of the Canai leg ;P

***

Today, I had my last sleep-in (at least for the next 21 days) as Daniel fast starts tomorrow. I'll get up at 6am every morning and spend some quiet time with God, and see how it goes from there. =) Might even go for jogs at the botanical gardens if it's not raining.

Also, I'll be fasting from watching movies and tv dramas for the next 21 days. No more shopping for clothes at all, be it from trademe or town. Yeap, that will be my greatest challenge, to NOT keep spending unnecessarily or waste time watching movies or series.

I've decided not to fast from coffee or tea, they are absolutely essential for me to endure the boring lectures. Blogging will continue as usual too.

*Looks above* Please give me the willpower to make this an offering to You, not to prove to myself or anyone else that I can achieve my goals, and come out after the 21 days a different person I am today.

it is well with my soul

There's no better way of celebrating/mourning the end of the mid semester break-- watch Transformers! Well, there are some cheesy parts, eg. how the geek always gets the girl in movies, the right song at the right time, how the Bumblebee's eyelids flutter when he's injured etc. As for me, those parts are outweighed by the great graphics, somewhat original funny scenes, and a childhood dream fulfilled. =)

***

A short video clip was shown during church yesterday morning. "In 1873, Horatio Spafford wrote the words to the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" after the tragic death of his four daughters. A very moving sermon illustration". Watch it, and reflect on it.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.


And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.


It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

The betrayal factor

Taken from the daily devotions.

John 13:4
He rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.

Have you ever been betrayed? Your name smeared unjustly? I'm not talking on the bathroom wall either. I'm talking about at the same church you were baptized and married in. I'm referring to when your best friend from childhood through adulthood is two facing you to others. I'm talking about your own flesh and blood biting the very back they use to lie upon while watching Saturday cartoons. I want to move close to you for a moment. Have you ever been betrayed by a person you loved with all your heart. In the movie Braveheart, there is a scene that speaks a language of pain and betrayal without words. It is the look upon William Wallace's (Mel Gibson) face as he pulls the knights helmet off his would be enemy; only to discover his own king and friend has betrayed him after a handshake of loyalty. Remember the scene? Remember the look? Is your betrayal fresh, or old? Was it yesterday or 10 years ago? Have you really dealt with it? Did it break your spirit?

Stay with me. I want to show you 3 truths that will start the healing process in you. It is important that you guard your heart from hatred, rage, unforgiveness and bitterness toward the guilty person. Judas and Peter were the only two disciples who verbally betrayed Jesus. Ironically, Judas and Peter are the only two names mentioned around the table where Jesus was washing filthy feet. Could Jesus be revealing an insight into overcoming betrayal? Let's see.

Knowing whose you are and where you are going in God
This is the first step to overcoming betrayal. It was for Jesus. Read how He encouraged Himself before washing Judas's feet. Remember, Jesus already knew Satan had entered Judas before He washed his feet. Jesus silently encourages Himself in scripture. "Jesus, knowing that the father had given all things into His hand, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garment...." John 13:3 Jesus encouraged Himself in the fact that He had come from God and was going back to God. This gave Him the ability and strength to wash His betrayer's feet. How much more do we need to follow Jesus' example here. Again, knowing who you belong to and what He has called you to do is key to overcoming the hatred and bitterness attached with being betrayed.

You must take action
"After that, He poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciple's feet." John 13:5 Note the action of pouring. Much effort and strength is required to lift and pour water. Don't forget that forgiveness, as well as love, is a verb. Take action! If Jesus had not forgiven Judas, He would have sinned. Unless you forgive, you cannot be forgiven the Bible declares. It's your heart at stake, not the betrayers. You cannot control the hearts of others. You must take action and begin to pour the water yourself, regardless of how you feel about the situation. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful counselor if we'll listen to Him. If your motive is pure, He will direct, comfort and empower you to walk out your action. Leave the consequences to God. You be obedient!

Your dry towel must get wet
John 13:5 "...and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." That means the towel Jesus was wearing got uncomfortably wet, dirty, stinky and heavy. Friend, if your going to overcome the Judas's in your life, you must take off and put on the garment of humility. It' going to get messy, dirty and heavy! Just remember, it's God's mess! Jesus didn't stop after washing their feet, but completed the task by drying as well. Don't leave loose ends. Don't just call or email. Go directly to your brother or sister! Dirty towels can always be washed! A dirty heart is a completely different matter.

Don't let the sun go down on your wrath!

Point of difference

Inspired. Refreshed. Ready.

That's how I would feel after music practice @ Southside every Friday night. The new songs we practise together, making beautiful melodies when practising for Sunday, the occasional embarrassing moments when someone plays a wrong chord, Jo's message before practice, powerful prayer sessions... but most of all, the PASSION to worship God.

I couldn't help but keep thinking about what Jo said last week: New songs are good. They bring new meaning, keep the fire burning, and brings out the dullness of course. That's why we have 1 week to practise 2 new songs from the new Hillsong United album, "Point of Difference" and "Hosanna". Really glad that it didn't take long for new songs to be introduced to church, and it still saddens me thinking about how the elders at SFEC find it really hard to accept the introduction of new songs.

"We, the older generation cannot pick up songs so fast."
"The new songs are so difficult to sing! Cannot la!"
"Old songs also have meaning."
~bla bla blahhhh.

Firstly, when I was at CNLC, new songs are sung almost every week. And mind you, the 60 year old ah mas even move their feet and lift up their hands when "Salvation is here" is being sung. Also, old songs do have meaning, I don't deny that. But after a while, it becomes a routine; people sing the songs without even thinking of the lyrics. People are CREATIVE beings, that's what sets us apart from the other animals. We use our brains, we need changes, we need nourishment to grow. That's why new songs are composed everyday around the world, and that's why the great churches around the world have strong worship teams.

I'm tired of hearing excuses. Lame excuses that will eventually bring the whole worship team down. I'm not afraid to say that if this continues on, many will leave the church, there will be no growth, which beats the whole point of having a church at all.

That is why I long to see a major breakthrough in the future. No matter what it takes, or how it should be done, I will see to it that change will happen.

***

Lighthouse BBQ fest few weeks ago.

Testing Rob's baking skills.

The sign of autumn.

It felt just like yesterday that I started my second year of uni. 2 and a half years seem not too far away. Autumn is slowly giving way to winter now, just 3 weeks before the cold winds and constant showers attack Dunedin. Nevertheless, I'm still excited to whether the rest of this year will take me.