While I lead the in-depth Bible study in Revelations for the young career group this afternoon, we discussed the significance of eyes and sight.
Revelation 4:6b In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.
The discussion brough be back to my Systematic Theology class of last week. It is interesting that the creatures are covered with eyes. Why not ears? Why not noses? Why not tongues? What so special about eyes? As humans, we gather the most information with our sight. Yet, it is our only sense organ we can turn off. We have eye lids, not ear lids nor tongue lids. So we have the option of being discipline in what we see. Oh thank God, we only have one pair of eyes... controlling one pair of eyes is hard enough, God surely know what we need and our limits.
Also, eyes can cast judgement on others. If you stare sat someone, the individual will feel uneasy and you cast judgement by sight alone. That's why we cannot see God face to face, for we would not survive His judgement.
With our single pair of eyes, we have to be aware of God's presence and God's work. However, I do think that in heaven we will too be 'covered' with eyes enabling us to soak in the full glory of God. :)
Sunday, February 26
Saturday, February 25
Being Different to be the Same
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We are call to be different, do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world. As salt and light, we are to me different. We are not of this world. But what I am beginning re realize is that in being differing, we are also called to be the same. To be the same as the image of God. The image we are created to be, but tinted with the sins in us. To be holy. That's the ultimate calling from God.
Leviticus 11:44a I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. 45 I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. To be holy because God is holy. Different from this world, be to be the same as Jesus.
"What thing place is calling me to be is -- the same, and more of the same. The same as the monks, the same as the saints, the same as Jesus, the same as the heavenly Father."
~Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Genesee Diary (pg 66)
We are call to be different, do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world. As salt and light, we are to me different. We are not of this world. But what I am beginning re realize is that in being differing, we are also called to be the same. To be the same as the image of God. The image we are created to be, but tinted with the sins in us. To be holy. That's the ultimate calling from God.
Leviticus 11:44a I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground. 45 I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. To be holy because God is holy. Different from this world, be to be the same as Jesus.
"What thing place is calling me to be is -- the same, and more of the same. The same as the monks, the same as the saints, the same as Jesus, the same as the heavenly Father."
~Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Genesee Diary (pg 66)
Friday, February 24
Weaknesses Exposed
"Nothing should be forced, and that the first month of involvement had made me aware of my weaknesses and could now help me to rearrange my life... In a sense, you fall apart, you regress, but it is also there that you become available for spiritual direction and can find a place for prayer and ascetical life."
~Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Genesee Diary (pg 60, 61)
I feel exactly how Henri Nouwen during his stay at the Trappist Monastery. 6 months in seminary, I feel God has brought the best and worst out of me. And it is my worst that I need to be aware of. I have fallen apart, cried out to God in the middle of the night, and yet God prepared my soul for spiritual direction. It is until this week that I made mends with the people in the office. Patched up relationships that I let slip over the last few months. Most importantly, finally understanding my breaking point.
There is still a lot of work to be done. Parts of me will still need to be broken down and be reshape by God's hands. It will hurt, but what matters is that God is shaping me into who He wants me to be.
~Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Genesee Diary (pg 60, 61)
I feel exactly how Henri Nouwen during his stay at the Trappist Monastery. 6 months in seminary, I feel God has brought the best and worst out of me. And it is my worst that I need to be aware of. I have fallen apart, cried out to God in the middle of the night, and yet God prepared my soul for spiritual direction. It is until this week that I made mends with the people in the office. Patched up relationships that I let slip over the last few months. Most importantly, finally understanding my breaking point.
There is still a lot of work to be done. Parts of me will still need to be broken down and be reshape by God's hands. It will hurt, but what matters is that God is shaping me into who He wants me to be.
Thursday, February 23
Stop Criticizing Men's Hockey
What annoyed me the most is that how the focus of the media is to criticize the early exit of the Men's Hockey Team. Well, why focus on the negative? We have one of the best day in Olympic results, 2 Golds, 2 Silvers. We are having the best Olympics ever. We should celebrate! Celebrate Cindy Klassen, Women's Hockey, celebrate Canada Curling! Watch Chandra Crawford's race in the Women's Cross Country Sprint, now that's celebration!
Under Further Notice: Celebrate Everything!
Medal Count
Gold 7
Silver 10
Bronze 7
Total 24
(Final Standings, Feb 26)
Under Further Notice: Celebrate Everything!
Medal Count
Gold 7
Silver 10
Bronze 7
Total 24
(Final Standings, Feb 26)
Sunday, February 12
Out Coached
I'm not happy.
I get cranky when I get outwitted. I'm suppose to be the "sneaky" one, and hands down I got out smart on Saturday. I should have noticed. But I just did not connected the dots together until today. Too late.
I must give my respect to the Redeemer's coach. First for scouting us during our game against Master's. As sign that Redeemer did not enjoy taking the lost during our home tournament. I thought we had the last laugh; because without Denice on Saturday, Siobhan was setting for us and therefore we didn't have any set plays. That also means that there is nothing to scout, becuase I played most of my bench against Master's.
However, when Redeemer came like a sea of red, something was wrong. Their regular jeresys were soccer style white. Why did they wear their red practice shirts? I laughted at them at first, commenting that they did not do their laundry. But I didn't noticed their tallest middle wore #9. She usually wears #3...
It was until today, reviewing the game sheets that I realized Redeemer pulled a fast one on me. The did not wear their regular jerseys because they switched some of their numbers around. Plus I was baffled at #8 who kept hitting us line yesterday. Who IS #8? They never had a #8!?! Surely they cannot add a name player this time in the season, she would qualify for the playoff in 3 weeks. Time for a team meeting.
Plus because my lack of concentration, I was out coached my Heritage. I will be held responsible for the lost to Heritage... but never again. :)
I get cranky when I get outwitted. I'm suppose to be the "sneaky" one, and hands down I got out smart on Saturday. I should have noticed. But I just did not connected the dots together until today. Too late.
I must give my respect to the Redeemer's coach. First for scouting us during our game against Master's. As sign that Redeemer did not enjoy taking the lost during our home tournament. I thought we had the last laugh; because without Denice on Saturday, Siobhan was setting for us and therefore we didn't have any set plays. That also means that there is nothing to scout, becuase I played most of my bench against Master's.
However, when Redeemer came like a sea of red, something was wrong. Their regular jeresys were soccer style white. Why did they wear their red practice shirts? I laughted at them at first, commenting that they did not do their laundry. But I didn't noticed their tallest middle wore #9. She usually wears #3...
It was until today, reviewing the game sheets that I realized Redeemer pulled a fast one on me. The did not wear their regular jerseys because they switched some of their numbers around. Plus I was baffled at #8 who kept hitting us line yesterday. Who IS #8? They never had a #8!?! Surely they cannot add a name player this time in the season, she would qualify for the playoff in 3 weeks. Time for a team meeting.
Plus because my lack of concentration, I was out coached my Heritage. I will be held responsible for the lost to Heritage... but never again. :)
Friday, February 10
Laughters
Boy, I haven't laughed so hard for a long time. I love how gliding on ice melts all my stress away. I could of spent all day skating in circles, feeling the cold wind rush by my face, lost in thoughts.
What topped it off was sharing the ice with all my friends from school. Especially when Nips and Ben chased after me because I threw snow at them... what a laugh.
What topped it off was sharing the ice with all my friends from school. Especially when Nips and Ben chased after me because I threw snow at them... what a laugh.
Thursday, February 9
Tired
I'm tired.
Monday, Tueday and Thursday, 13-15 hours at the school. I can feel the tightness in my shoulders. My head is pounding. My body is banged up, from floor hockey, volleyball, and work. I just realized clearing George Sweetman from the front of the net is like moving a mountain.
I'm looking forward to skating with Tyndale tomorrow... when I'm on the ice, I feel like I'm flying and all the stress goes away.
Lord, give me rest.
zzzzzz......
Monday, Tueday and Thursday, 13-15 hours at the school. I can feel the tightness in my shoulders. My head is pounding. My body is banged up, from floor hockey, volleyball, and work. I just realized clearing George Sweetman from the front of the net is like moving a mountain.
I'm looking forward to skating with Tyndale tomorrow... when I'm on the ice, I feel like I'm flying and all the stress goes away.
Lord, give me rest.
zzzzzz......
Tuesday, February 7
A Prayer Revival
Though at church, we started our prayer ministry several months ago on Fridays and Sundays before the programs, I rarely had time to take part because of all the little details I have to take care of with ecah program. But starting last week, I had a burden to expand this prayer minstry. Beginning with email prayer intercession.
prayer@yorklbc.org
Then, while I was watching a video on the Taizé Community in France, I was challenge to lead the congregation on a prayer revival.
I have a burden to lead the prayer meetings on Sunday morning and to develop Spiritual formation for the High School boy during next season i-groups.
prayer@yorklbc.org
Then, while I was watching a video on the Taizé Community in France, I was challenge to lead the congregation on a prayer revival.
I have a burden to lead the prayer meetings on Sunday morning and to develop Spiritual formation for the High School boy during next season i-groups.
Sunday, February 5
Rain
Rain in February, weird but it's true. Sitting alone in my room listening to the rain. I love the sound of rain and the howl of wind.
It is funny that how past pains and heartbreaks occassionally surface. Though is does not bother me anymore, I do reflect on how it shaped my character.
'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Over the last week, I just realized how mellow and soft I have become. After Urban Promise, I was at Darrin's. Johnny, Alvin and Darrin was horsing around wrestling each other UFC style. They were putting each other in various locks and chock holds. I just watched them and wonder why would you want to do something like that for fun? It is interesting to know how much pain you can endure, but how do you fun inflicting pain on each other fun?
Another incidence was dinner at Steve's with Baik, Tory, Jessica, Hannah and Rosalie. We played Hannah's "game" where the reward is the chance to hit each other on the wrist. Hannah seems to be must excited about hitting all of us. However, when I won my chance to hit everybody, I just didn't have the heart to hit anyone, even if it was for fun. It was fun winning the opportunity to hit, and I do not mind getting hit, but the actual hitting part is definately not fun.
It is funny that how past pains and heartbreaks occassionally surface. Though is does not bother me anymore, I do reflect on how it shaped my character.
'Love your neighbour as yourself.'
Over the last week, I just realized how mellow and soft I have become. After Urban Promise, I was at Darrin's. Johnny, Alvin and Darrin was horsing around wrestling each other UFC style. They were putting each other in various locks and chock holds. I just watched them and wonder why would you want to do something like that for fun? It is interesting to know how much pain you can endure, but how do you fun inflicting pain on each other fun?
Another incidence was dinner at Steve's with Baik, Tory, Jessica, Hannah and Rosalie. We played Hannah's "game" where the reward is the chance to hit each other on the wrist. Hannah seems to be must excited about hitting all of us. However, when I won my chance to hit everybody, I just didn't have the heart to hit anyone, even if it was for fun. It was fun winning the opportunity to hit, and I do not mind getting hit, but the actual hitting part is definately not fun.
Saturday, February 4
Moving Mountains - Urban Promise
How faithless I am?
When we arrive at the Urban Promise project with the youth group, turning a run down plaza into an oasis for underprivilage church, I took one look at the moldy basement as said to myself that we will not even make a scratch in the clean up of the basement. Yes, we might be able to finish painting the kitchen, but the basement, cleaning up all the crap (moldy garbage/drywall/tiles), no way.
Oh how wrong I am. On comes the dust mask and glove. 30 kids. Single file up along the stairs. Passing baskets and baskets of crap up the stairs. And we were all laughing while we laboured in the dust/mold filled basement. It was amazing. 2.5 hours later, we complete demolished the basement and sweeped the place up. In a mere 2.5 hours, we must have saved Pastor Clarke at least 3 days of clean up.
Wow.
It is amazing when God put little people to work.
When we arrive at the Urban Promise project with the youth group, turning a run down plaza into an oasis for underprivilage church, I took one look at the moldy basement as said to myself that we will not even make a scratch in the clean up of the basement. Yes, we might be able to finish painting the kitchen, but the basement, cleaning up all the crap (moldy garbage/drywall/tiles), no way.
Oh how wrong I am. On comes the dust mask and glove. 30 kids. Single file up along the stairs. Passing baskets and baskets of crap up the stairs. And we were all laughing while we laboured in the dust/mold filled basement. It was amazing. 2.5 hours later, we complete demolished the basement and sweeped the place up. In a mere 2.5 hours, we must have saved Pastor Clarke at least 3 days of clean up.
Wow.
It is amazing when God put little people to work.
Friday, February 3
The End of the Week
My body tells me it is the end of the week. Parts of me ache in such ways that I did not it was possible before. I think this flu is nastier than I thought. It drains me of my energy. My left hamstring and quad are hurting. Right foot hurts as usual. The weirdest pain the the one under my right arm, just in the "wing" part of my back/arm. It hurts when I shift gears.
I guess I'm just getting old. :P
I guess I'm just getting old. :P
Wednesday, February 1
Life is Wonderful
I got home an hour ago from tutoring, I suddenly felt so grateful for the things I have. I have dinner on the table, a warm family to come home to, home early enough that I look forward to the peaceful sleep tonight. I am content. What joy is it that you can say "I am content"?
Joy, joy, joy... it has a nice ring to it. Make one happy just thinking about it, even in the depths of the valley of death. Why am I so bubbly tonight? I dunno, maybe because Jesus loves me? Hahah... I still got the sniffles and slight headache, but I'm just glad I am alive. What else can I ask for? Dim Sum with Baik, Colin, Kelly, Leo and Jeff. Run around this awesome DVD rental place with Baik and Colin. Talking about our exciting futures. Serving together during March Break. Maybe together running for Student Council for next year. Played floor hockey and remaining undefeated.
I guess God is giving me a second chance to live a life as a student, for I screwed up my last opportunity. And this time I get to do it probably as His servant.
Life is wonderful. Even though there are struggles along the way, it is wonderful with Jesus on your side.
Life is Wonderful
by Jason Mraz
"it takes a night to make it dawn
and it takes a day to you yawn brother
it takes some old to make you young
it takes some cold to know the sun
it takes the one to have the other
it takes no time to fall in love
but it takes you years to know what love is
it takes some tears to make you trust
it takes some years to make it rust
it takes some dust to make it polished
ha la la la la la la life is wonderful
ah la la la la la la life is full circle
ah la la la la la la life is so full of
ah la la la la la la life is so rough
ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
ah la la la la la la life is full circle
ah la la la la la la life is our love
ah la la la la la "
Joy, joy, joy... it has a nice ring to it. Make one happy just thinking about it, even in the depths of the valley of death. Why am I so bubbly tonight? I dunno, maybe because Jesus loves me? Hahah... I still got the sniffles and slight headache, but I'm just glad I am alive. What else can I ask for? Dim Sum with Baik, Colin, Kelly, Leo and Jeff. Run around this awesome DVD rental place with Baik and Colin. Talking about our exciting futures. Serving together during March Break. Maybe together running for Student Council for next year. Played floor hockey and remaining undefeated.
I guess God is giving me a second chance to live a life as a student, for I screwed up my last opportunity. And this time I get to do it probably as His servant.
Life is wonderful. Even though there are struggles along the way, it is wonderful with Jesus on your side.
Life is Wonderful
by Jason Mraz
"it takes a night to make it dawn
and it takes a day to you yawn brother
it takes some old to make you young
it takes some cold to know the sun
it takes the one to have the other
it takes no time to fall in love
but it takes you years to know what love is
it takes some tears to make you trust
it takes some years to make it rust
it takes some dust to make it polished
ha la la la la la la life is wonderful
ah la la la la la la life is full circle
ah la la la la la la life is so full of
ah la la la la la la life is so rough
ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
ah la la la la la la life is full circle
ah la la la la la la life is our love
ah la la la la la "
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