Why do people compare themselves to others? I can't help but compare myself with people, but it's wrong. We are all different, we all have our place in this world. Some times it's the same as most other people, most times it's not but we all try to fit in.
I'm not sure if I've shared this but before I came back home, I prayed and sought the Lord repeatedly to get a go ahead or a stay put. I needed to know that I was not just making my own decision but going to where I need to be. For a long while there was nothing, but on my last Sunday in Kuching, I got the answer I needed and with that the confidence that I am where I need to be. That helps calm a lot of my anxieties.
Since being here I have had a hard time readjusting. Being away for almost a decade, it's not easy to re-integrate into society. I remember telling my mom, coming back home is like going back in time and it's true. But being here, I've been strengthened in my prayer life, I've been getting into the word more. The old testament used to be quite boring but when you see it as a part of a bigger picture, it starts to make more sense, there's a better understanding of the new testament, you get more context. It's been quite exciting really.
I've had to postpone NS until next year. Long story but it's all good. At least I can spend Christmas with my family.
God is really good, there's no limit to his love for his children. Even if you don't feel his presence just stick with him, you have nothing to lose.
-ONWARD!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
update from home
God is good. I finally sorted everything out with my gmail. If you're using 2-factor authentication with gmail and you travel a lot, changing phones that google does not recognise, you might be locked out of your account if you don't have those backup codes. Thank God I saved them somewhere I can still get at.
I'm back in Nigeria. Have been back since the 1st. There was a little airport drama before I left but it doesn't matter anymore. I still feel kind of noob, not knowing where things are and expecting things to happen a certain way and being disappointed when they don't. Life in general is pretty chaotic and I don't think I'll ever get used to it. It takes longer than usual to get anything done. Here I go complaining but I can't help it.
My mom is on a mission to make me gain weight. I've been eating larger portions than I am used to and she's thinking of de-worming me. I love that I'm back with my sisters, they're so independent.
What do I miss about Malaysia?
This might shock you. I thought I would miss the people or even the food more but I miss fast-er, reliable, cheap internet. Oh my goodness don't get me started. But of course I miss the people a lot and the food and the lifestyle. My national service is soon, I hope I get to somewhere safe, somewhere interesting that I have not been to before. More than that I hope I get all my documents ready on time.
Sorry for the in-coherent post. Will try to post more when I have something to share.
-ONWARD!
I'm back in Nigeria. Have been back since the 1st. There was a little airport drama before I left but it doesn't matter anymore. I still feel kind of noob, not knowing where things are and expecting things to happen a certain way and being disappointed when they don't. Life in general is pretty chaotic and I don't think I'll ever get used to it. It takes longer than usual to get anything done. Here I go complaining but I can't help it.
My mom is on a mission to make me gain weight. I've been eating larger portions than I am used to and she's thinking of de-worming me. I love that I'm back with my sisters, they're so independent.
What do I miss about Malaysia?
This might shock you. I thought I would miss the people or even the food more but I miss fast-er, reliable, cheap internet. Oh my goodness don't get me started. But of course I miss the people a lot and the food and the lifestyle. My national service is soon, I hope I get to somewhere safe, somewhere interesting that I have not been to before. More than that I hope I get all my documents ready on time.
Sorry for the in-coherent post. Will try to post more when I have something to share.
-ONWARD!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Pacific Rim
It is rare that I watch a movie and I don't have any complaints or things I find weird, things that takes me out of the movie experience. Pacific Rim is not an exception. For the first time, I was taking notes on parts of the movie that I thought was strange, or just bothered me. I don't think it's being nit-picky. Maybe it is, but still, I think movies should be seamless and engaging and immersive.
If you hate spoilers then read no further. That aside, I will try not to give too much away.
So the synopsis of this movie is big giant robots, controlled by a pair of humans fighting giant alien creatures hell bent on destroying all life on earth. As story lines go, I guess that's passable but if you're going to have big giant robots controlled by humans, do it right.
Big Giant Robots
They call the robots Jaegers. If you follow shingeki no kyojin, you recognise that name but I digress. If you're going to have Jaegers controlled by humans, at least give them seats to sit on. Gundam and Evangelion have showed us that a neural link with the machine is more versatile than having the humans perform actual actions that the machines replicate in real life. It bothered me that they were just suspended there doing all these moves. I think it would be cooler to have them sit on a chair, their neural network tapped and maybe access to some controls where their fingers will normally lie and maybe some voice commands. I would have expected that because that's what we are used to and playing on that would have made it more natural, more modern and approachable. Those Jaeger were like scrap metal pieced together by a skunkworks team. Is that really the best humanity could come up with? Please give them chairs.
I guess playing into this scrap metal scenario, one person could not handle the jaeger so you needed two people to sync their brain waves and fight as one. Again those anime I mentioned showed that one person is perfectly capable to operate a machine of that size and even navigate it in space. With the help of a sophisticated on board computer of course but it's the future, those capabilities should be there already.
One more thing about the Jaeger. Initially I thought there was no eject system but later in the movie we found out that there was. Why didn't the pilots eject when they were in grave danger. Why go down with the ship or jaeger in this case? I didn't get that.
Stereotypes
So Mako is Japanese. Not only that she's a girl. And because she's a Japanese girl obviously she has a noticeable Japanese accent and she's a tad shy. I thought this was unnecessary. The moment she came into the picture, I knew instantly where it would lead. There was even a James Bond moment in the end when they were together and the voice on the radio was like guys...? Of course the camera took a wide angle shut and I expected them to pucker up but they just hugged. Mako can be Japanese and she can be a girl but she does not have to be a stereotypical Japanese girl.
The Australians were an interesting much but half the time I couldn't make out what they were saying. There were subtitles in BM and Chinese but I can't read those so I have to try to get what they're saying.
And the scientists? A dynamic duo but guys, you went too far there.
Hannibal Chou was cool. Until he got eaten.
Striker. What I couldn't make out was if he was with the US or the UK or some kind of alliance. Idris Elba did a good job with Prometheus but his English accent got me confused in this one. Besides that I like the dynamic between him and Mako.
So did I even enjoy the movie? Absolutely. I thought the action scenes and the non-action scenes were well balanced. The ending was quite nice. Overall it's a good movie worth watching.
There was a scene where little Mako was sobbing and the people behind were laughing. What's up with that?
-ONWARD!
If you hate spoilers then read no further. That aside, I will try not to give too much away.
So the synopsis of this movie is big giant robots, controlled by a pair of humans fighting giant alien creatures hell bent on destroying all life on earth. As story lines go, I guess that's passable but if you're going to have big giant robots controlled by humans, do it right.
Big Giant Robots
They call the robots Jaegers. If you follow shingeki no kyojin, you recognise that name but I digress. If you're going to have Jaegers controlled by humans, at least give them seats to sit on. Gundam and Evangelion have showed us that a neural link with the machine is more versatile than having the humans perform actual actions that the machines replicate in real life. It bothered me that they were just suspended there doing all these moves. I think it would be cooler to have them sit on a chair, their neural network tapped and maybe access to some controls where their fingers will normally lie and maybe some voice commands. I would have expected that because that's what we are used to and playing on that would have made it more natural, more modern and approachable. Those Jaeger were like scrap metal pieced together by a skunkworks team. Is that really the best humanity could come up with? Please give them chairs.
I guess playing into this scrap metal scenario, one person could not handle the jaeger so you needed two people to sync their brain waves and fight as one. Again those anime I mentioned showed that one person is perfectly capable to operate a machine of that size and even navigate it in space. With the help of a sophisticated on board computer of course but it's the future, those capabilities should be there already.
One more thing about the Jaeger. Initially I thought there was no eject system but later in the movie we found out that there was. Why didn't the pilots eject when they were in grave danger. Why go down with the ship or jaeger in this case? I didn't get that.
Stereotypes
So Mako is Japanese. Not only that she's a girl. And because she's a Japanese girl obviously she has a noticeable Japanese accent and she's a tad shy. I thought this was unnecessary. The moment she came into the picture, I knew instantly where it would lead. There was even a James Bond moment in the end when they were together and the voice on the radio was like guys...? Of course the camera took a wide angle shut and I expected them to pucker up but they just hugged. Mako can be Japanese and she can be a girl but she does not have to be a stereotypical Japanese girl.
The Australians were an interesting much but half the time I couldn't make out what they were saying. There were subtitles in BM and Chinese but I can't read those so I have to try to get what they're saying.
And the scientists? A dynamic duo but guys, you went too far there.
Hannibal Chou was cool. Until he got eaten.
Striker. What I couldn't make out was if he was with the US or the UK or some kind of alliance. Idris Elba did a good job with Prometheus but his English accent got me confused in this one. Besides that I like the dynamic between him and Mako.
So did I even enjoy the movie? Absolutely. I thought the action scenes and the non-action scenes were well balanced. The ending was quite nice. Overall it's a good movie worth watching.
There was a scene where little Mako was sobbing and the people behind were laughing. What's up with that?
-ONWARD!
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Leaving Miri
A few years ago, I left Kuching and traveled 13 hours by bus to Miri to start a new chapter of my life. After my Diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, I decided to do something different and applied for a degree program in Computer Science. It's what I always wanted to do but I think I underestimated how challenging it would be. My biggest worry at the time was whether I would find the same kind of people I found in Kuching. Coming to Bethany was the best thing that happened to me and I wanted that to continue.
Well even before leaving I heard about VCF (Varsity Christian Fellowship) from Kim and got in touch with Kenin through his blog. I also learned about Calvary Charismatic Center so was considering joining that church but have not made up my mind at the time.
Joining VCF was another good thing that happened to me. I love the people, and how they served and gave of themselves. How they loved other people. My favourite times were just hanging out, or celebrating someone's birthday or going out for dinner or supper together. There was this one time where a few of us went to the beach early for a bbq. Man the bbqs were the best. There used to be one every end of semester to celebrate the end of exams and to get together once more before everyone went back home.
Straight away after joining VCF I was made assistant cell group leader with Diana. I'm not sure which days but we met in campus 12 - 2 and it was a short time of sharing. Our group was small and it was very challenging because I'm not good at teaching or leading these kind of things. But I was assistant leader so it was not too much work. Over time I got more and more responsibilities and even was voted as President for a year. Not my choice but I'm glad that happened. It taught me a lot about myself and my abilities and inabilities. I love serving in VCF, I love the people and it's funny how it changes shape every year but the core function is still there. I really thank God for that.
Joining CCC was also a blessing. At the time I was in Curtin Villa and Samson was my next door neighbour. And he asked me if I had decided on a church yet and I hadn't so he invited me to church. I always enjoyed the message in church, the music was good sometimes but the people are the best. There are some churches where it's like everyone is so talented and they give their best in worship and in everything. Then there are some churches where people just show up and get the job done. Which is better? I think more than anything what matters is the heart and I see a lot of heart in the way people serve in Calvary.
While there we were involved, by we I mean most of the young people, in various things. We ran Youth Alpha on campus, went on the reading bus and served weekly in church. The most exciting times for me was when we started a young adults cell group. It came at the right time. I really needed that time of fellowship and worship with the young people and I was really blessed by the times I spent in cell.
In the earlier days I joined EYM at SIB Canada hill. Their style was very similar to Bethany and it was nice to have in the beginning but I soon stopped going because it was quite a distance from Senadin and I didn't always have transport. But I had a very nice time.
I'm really grateful for the time I spent in Miri. I think I was there longer than I was in Kuching. I am grateful for the friends I met there and the fellowships I had with people. I'm particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve with different people and do all kinds of crazy things. Looking back I have no regrets whatsoever. Sure it was not a smooth ride but looking back now I only remember the good stuff. As for the next chapter, I don't know what's going to happen but I'm determined to continue to serve wherever I am. I think it's the only worthwhile thing one can do with this life.
-ONWARD!
Well even before leaving I heard about VCF (Varsity Christian Fellowship) from Kim and got in touch with Kenin through his blog. I also learned about Calvary Charismatic Center so was considering joining that church but have not made up my mind at the time.
Joining VCF was another good thing that happened to me. I love the people, and how they served and gave of themselves. How they loved other people. My favourite times were just hanging out, or celebrating someone's birthday or going out for dinner or supper together. There was this one time where a few of us went to the beach early for a bbq. Man the bbqs were the best. There used to be one every end of semester to celebrate the end of exams and to get together once more before everyone went back home.
Straight away after joining VCF I was made assistant cell group leader with Diana. I'm not sure which days but we met in campus 12 - 2 and it was a short time of sharing. Our group was small and it was very challenging because I'm not good at teaching or leading these kind of things. But I was assistant leader so it was not too much work. Over time I got more and more responsibilities and even was voted as President for a year. Not my choice but I'm glad that happened. It taught me a lot about myself and my abilities and inabilities. I love serving in VCF, I love the people and it's funny how it changes shape every year but the core function is still there. I really thank God for that.
Joining CCC was also a blessing. At the time I was in Curtin Villa and Samson was my next door neighbour. And he asked me if I had decided on a church yet and I hadn't so he invited me to church. I always enjoyed the message in church, the music was good sometimes but the people are the best. There are some churches where it's like everyone is so talented and they give their best in worship and in everything. Then there are some churches where people just show up and get the job done. Which is better? I think more than anything what matters is the heart and I see a lot of heart in the way people serve in Calvary.
While there we were involved, by we I mean most of the young people, in various things. We ran Youth Alpha on campus, went on the reading bus and served weekly in church. The most exciting times for me was when we started a young adults cell group. It came at the right time. I really needed that time of fellowship and worship with the young people and I was really blessed by the times I spent in cell.
In the earlier days I joined EYM at SIB Canada hill. Their style was very similar to Bethany and it was nice to have in the beginning but I soon stopped going because it was quite a distance from Senadin and I didn't always have transport. But I had a very nice time.
I'm really grateful for the time I spent in Miri. I think I was there longer than I was in Kuching. I am grateful for the friends I met there and the fellowships I had with people. I'm particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve with different people and do all kinds of crazy things. Looking back I have no regrets whatsoever. Sure it was not a smooth ride but looking back now I only remember the good stuff. As for the next chapter, I don't know what's going to happen but I'm determined to continue to serve wherever I am. I think it's the only worthwhile thing one can do with this life.
-ONWARD!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
the opposite way
The past few months have been really challenging and difficult for me. Making life-changing decisions is not easy, I don't know what is right and what is wrong. Every decision has its pros and cons so you have to weigh each carefully. On top of everything there are external pressures and expectations.
Last Thursday when everyone was sharing about how they got to know me and what I meant to them in cell group, I realised that most of what I have done in all my time here has been with the church. And most of the people I know were through church or CF. They shared some really nice things, and I felt blessed that I could be a part of their lives.
It's 4 in the morning and I can't sleep because I'm worried and thinking about so many things and I don't have peace and I feel all alone. In the midst of these things, I'm thinking about the meaning of life. What is the point? What are we really living for? To please people? To live up to expectations? Keep up social appearances? What is it? If that's all my life amounts to, a struggle to the end to win the validation of my friends and family then that would be really sad and I don't want any of it.
You just can't please everyone. And some people will be disappointed in they way you choose to live your life, they will be disappointed at your decisions, they will be disappointed because they have an idea in their heads how you are supposed to turn out, and that idea is in conflict with who you are and who you want to be. And you have to decide to be who you are, what makes you you and be satisfied in that or choose to be who they want you to be and be miserable.
I've decided that I don't care about what people say about me, if they judge me, make fun of me, ridicule me or anything. I've decided to live my life the way I'm uniquely designed. I've decided to do what I know is right, even though it's not popular and it may seem foolish. Just because most people take path A and are successful does not mean that you should do the same. We all have a role to play in this life, we all have a path to travel, we are all unique that way.
I've decided to trust that the decision I have made is the right one. Even though it turns out not to be, I've decided to trust that God is big enough to bring me to the right place in his own way and in his own time. I think it takes courage to do the unpopular thing and to look like a fool for what you know is right. Time will tell.
-ONWARD!
Last Thursday when everyone was sharing about how they got to know me and what I meant to them in cell group, I realised that most of what I have done in all my time here has been with the church. And most of the people I know were through church or CF. They shared some really nice things, and I felt blessed that I could be a part of their lives.
It's 4 in the morning and I can't sleep because I'm worried and thinking about so many things and I don't have peace and I feel all alone. In the midst of these things, I'm thinking about the meaning of life. What is the point? What are we really living for? To please people? To live up to expectations? Keep up social appearances? What is it? If that's all my life amounts to, a struggle to the end to win the validation of my friends and family then that would be really sad and I don't want any of it.
You just can't please everyone. And some people will be disappointed in they way you choose to live your life, they will be disappointed at your decisions, they will be disappointed because they have an idea in their heads how you are supposed to turn out, and that idea is in conflict with who you are and who you want to be. And you have to decide to be who you are, what makes you you and be satisfied in that or choose to be who they want you to be and be miserable.
I've decided that I don't care about what people say about me, if they judge me, make fun of me, ridicule me or anything. I've decided to live my life the way I'm uniquely designed. I've decided to do what I know is right, even though it's not popular and it may seem foolish. Just because most people take path A and are successful does not mean that you should do the same. We all have a role to play in this life, we all have a path to travel, we are all unique that way.
I've decided to trust that the decision I have made is the right one. Even though it turns out not to be, I've decided to trust that God is big enough to bring me to the right place in his own way and in his own time. I think it takes courage to do the unpopular thing and to look like a fool for what you know is right. Time will tell.
-ONWARD!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Me and my dad
"When you get into the car, wear your seatbelt and lock the door. Don't let me remind you again." When I started my 4th year of secondary school I had to follow my dad because he left earlier than my mom. Right from primary school I've always gone with my mom but they started punishing late comers and I'd had enough at that point. That was the first thing he told me when I got into the car. I still remember it till this day. It has become a habit so that when I get into any car I put on my seatbelt, but cars these days lock themselves.
My dad is not affectionate. He has never hugged me or told me he loved me. He seemed more concerned about my studies to the point that I resented studying and him. His work takes him away from his family for weeks, sometimes even months at a time and as a result I don't have a strong bond with him. I don't know what he likes or what gives him joy. I don't know my dad. Our difference in ideology and faith further draw us apart and even now that we are separated by distance and time zones our relationship has not improved much. I used to hate my dad, I used to think I was adopted because of the disconnect between how I was treated and how I saw other families treat their sons.
The best thing that happened to me, that changed the way I thought about my father was seeing a good example of a father. To me and to many, Pastor Cheli has been an example of a good father. I see how he treat his sons, both biological and spiritual, his life has made a difference in my life. I also grew to know the love of my heavenly father. His love is more than I deserve. When I was utterly alone, depressed and in despair He was there. His love is unconditional, unfailing, unending. Knowing God and learning to draw closer to him, relying on him in all things has changed my heart.
I don't hate my dad anymore. I have settled in my heart that I cannot live up to his expectations and I won't try. But I can be a better son, I can allow God's love to reach him through me. If anything I feel a bit sorry for him. I have no idea what his life was like growing up and he never talks about himself. Maybe he just doesn't know how to do all these affectionate stuff, at least I have God to show me what love is, he doesn't have that yet.
For what it's worth, I actually admire him. When I think of a strong, smart, hardworking man, I think of my dad. He can fix anything from clogged sinks to generators and cars. I have memories of him being called in the middle of the night for a job and he leaves. It's a sacrifice he makes to make our lives a bit better. My dad is a generous man who gives to people, even those who say bad things about him. He's a terrible driver who makes use of every inch of the road and God help you if you're in his way. He won't hit you but it'll be really close. He's a wild man and I like it.
While I can't say with all my heart that I love my dad, I can say that I don't resent him anymore. I couldn't say that a few years ago. These things take time I guess but I long for the day when I can sit down with him and hear all his stories. And maybe hear him say that he is proud of me.
This father's day I sent a message to him, reminding him of what he said that day I got into his car and how I missed working with him fixing things around the house and his response was thnx. If you think I'm quiet now you know where it comes from.
My sister sent this to me just now as I was writing this post.
I'm not a father yet but hope to be one someday. My family is weird but it's all I have and I love everyone of them.
-ONWARD!
My dad is not affectionate. He has never hugged me or told me he loved me. He seemed more concerned about my studies to the point that I resented studying and him. His work takes him away from his family for weeks, sometimes even months at a time and as a result I don't have a strong bond with him. I don't know what he likes or what gives him joy. I don't know my dad. Our difference in ideology and faith further draw us apart and even now that we are separated by distance and time zones our relationship has not improved much. I used to hate my dad, I used to think I was adopted because of the disconnect between how I was treated and how I saw other families treat their sons.
The best thing that happened to me, that changed the way I thought about my father was seeing a good example of a father. To me and to many, Pastor Cheli has been an example of a good father. I see how he treat his sons, both biological and spiritual, his life has made a difference in my life. I also grew to know the love of my heavenly father. His love is more than I deserve. When I was utterly alone, depressed and in despair He was there. His love is unconditional, unfailing, unending. Knowing God and learning to draw closer to him, relying on him in all things has changed my heart.
I don't hate my dad anymore. I have settled in my heart that I cannot live up to his expectations and I won't try. But I can be a better son, I can allow God's love to reach him through me. If anything I feel a bit sorry for him. I have no idea what his life was like growing up and he never talks about himself. Maybe he just doesn't know how to do all these affectionate stuff, at least I have God to show me what love is, he doesn't have that yet.
For what it's worth, I actually admire him. When I think of a strong, smart, hardworking man, I think of my dad. He can fix anything from clogged sinks to generators and cars. I have memories of him being called in the middle of the night for a job and he leaves. It's a sacrifice he makes to make our lives a bit better. My dad is a generous man who gives to people, even those who say bad things about him. He's a terrible driver who makes use of every inch of the road and God help you if you're in his way. He won't hit you but it'll be really close. He's a wild man and I like it.
While I can't say with all my heart that I love my dad, I can say that I don't resent him anymore. I couldn't say that a few years ago. These things take time I guess but I long for the day when I can sit down with him and hear all his stories. And maybe hear him say that he is proud of me.
This father's day I sent a message to him, reminding him of what he said that day I got into his car and how I missed working with him fixing things around the house and his response was thnx. If you think I'm quiet now you know where it comes from.
My sister sent this to me just now as I was writing this post.
Happy Fathers Day bro! I'm celebrating the father you will become, not just to my nephews and nieces but to every young person.
I'm not a father yet but hope to be one someday. My family is weird but it's all I have and I love everyone of them.
-ONWARD!
Friday, June 07, 2013
when you lose everything
Yesterday in cell, in discussing why God allows bad things to happen to people, Job came up and I thought it provided a nice contrast to the past post on Joseph. While Joseph was lifted up in one day, Job lost everything he had in one day.
When thinking about why bad things happen to good people, the story of Job provides a good example of how to respond to bad events in our lives. It is inevitable that we will go through rough times and be shaken at some point in our lives. For him, he was tested to see if he will still love God if God took every good thing from his life and for the most part he remained faithful to God. He believed that God is still good despite what he eyes, his wife, his friends were telling him. He trusted God and God was pleased with him and blessed him indeed.
Another test case is Abraham. After being promised to be blessed beyond measure, and told his offspring will be as numerous as the sands, God commanded Abraham to kill that son that was key to his promise. Consider what that can do to a man's heart. He had a choice to be despondent and moan and think things through but he chose to obey this unusual of commands. And God stopped him before he could murder his son and was pleased by his faith in God. God blessed him indeed.
I could talk of Daniel but you see a theme here. Someone said "who God uses mightily, he tests greatly" or something like that. The challenge for most of us, for me too, is staying faithful in the heat of these hard times. How do you keep your faith from wavering in the midst of the storm? How did they do it? I think trust comes through understanding. I believe these men understood who God was and they trusted him even when it was completely hopeless. So it's important to understand God or at least how he operates.
I believe God is good and cannot do any evil. I believe God is love and everything he does it out of love. I believe God is just and does not show favouritism to anyone. When you have the right idea of God, it helps change the way you think about things. From God's perspective, I believe that more than anything he wants our hearts. Usually when our hearts are far away he will use his means to get our attention and draw us nearer to him for fellowship. There is nothing more valuable than the soul of a man to God so it makes sense that he will do whatever it takes to preserve it. What we see as bad situations or events may just be God's way to get our attention. This is not always the case though.
So God tests us, just like Abraham or Job, but the devil sends temptations. Tests are made to uplift, they expose the true nature of our hearts. Temptations though are designed to make us fall. When Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, he was not tested, he was tempted. I think it's important to make a distinction between the two.
The things with hard times is that they help us develop 'spiritual muscles' and prepare us to be used in a greater way. The reward for passing the test is far greater than these men could imagine and whatever the lost in the process was restored more than they expected. And don't worry if you fail a test, sometimes you get to retake it.
-ONWARD!
When thinking about why bad things happen to good people, the story of Job provides a good example of how to respond to bad events in our lives. It is inevitable that we will go through rough times and be shaken at some point in our lives. For him, he was tested to see if he will still love God if God took every good thing from his life and for the most part he remained faithful to God. He believed that God is still good despite what he eyes, his wife, his friends were telling him. He trusted God and God was pleased with him and blessed him indeed.
Another test case is Abraham. After being promised to be blessed beyond measure, and told his offspring will be as numerous as the sands, God commanded Abraham to kill that son that was key to his promise. Consider what that can do to a man's heart. He had a choice to be despondent and moan and think things through but he chose to obey this unusual of commands. And God stopped him before he could murder his son and was pleased by his faith in God. God blessed him indeed.
I could talk of Daniel but you see a theme here. Someone said "who God uses mightily, he tests greatly" or something like that. The challenge for most of us, for me too, is staying faithful in the heat of these hard times. How do you keep your faith from wavering in the midst of the storm? How did they do it? I think trust comes through understanding. I believe these men understood who God was and they trusted him even when it was completely hopeless. So it's important to understand God or at least how he operates.
I believe God is good and cannot do any evil. I believe God is love and everything he does it out of love. I believe God is just and does not show favouritism to anyone. When you have the right idea of God, it helps change the way you think about things. From God's perspective, I believe that more than anything he wants our hearts. Usually when our hearts are far away he will use his means to get our attention and draw us nearer to him for fellowship. There is nothing more valuable than the soul of a man to God so it makes sense that he will do whatever it takes to preserve it. What we see as bad situations or events may just be God's way to get our attention. This is not always the case though.
So God tests us, just like Abraham or Job, but the devil sends temptations. Tests are made to uplift, they expose the true nature of our hearts. Temptations though are designed to make us fall. When Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, he was not tested, he was tempted. I think it's important to make a distinction between the two.
The things with hard times is that they help us develop 'spiritual muscles' and prepare us to be used in a greater way. The reward for passing the test is far greater than these men could imagine and whatever the lost in the process was restored more than they expected. And don't worry if you fail a test, sometimes you get to retake it.
-ONWARD!
Friday, May 10, 2013
obscurity to prominence
The story of Joseph is a fascinating one. You can read it so many times and still be impressed by this remarkable man. There's no account of him losing his cool or wavering in his faith. He had confidence that God will come through for him no matter what present situation. That's a faith and conviction worth admiring, and aspiring to.
Reading Genesis 41 again, I realised something new. Where did he learn to interpret dreams? His parents didn't teach him. It doesn't matter really. But the thing that stood out for me was when Pharaoh had his dream and all the expert dream interpreters could not help him. God created a problem in Egypt only Joesph could solve. And in one day he rose from obscurity to prominence.
I find this story to be very encouraging. In lifegroup a few people shared how looking back at their lives, they can see God orchestrating and directing them through what seemed to be disappointments at the time to something better. God is good.
So take heart
Let his word lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again.
-ONWARD!
Reading Genesis 41 again, I realised something new. Where did he learn to interpret dreams? His parents didn't teach him. It doesn't matter really. But the thing that stood out for me was when Pharaoh had his dream and all the expert dream interpreters could not help him. God created a problem in Egypt only Joesph could solve. And in one day he rose from obscurity to prominence.
I find this story to be very encouraging. In lifegroup a few people shared how looking back at their lives, they can see God orchestrating and directing them through what seemed to be disappointments at the time to something better. God is good.
So take heart
Let his word lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again.
-ONWARD!
Friday, April 26, 2013
choosing to celebrate
By this time tomorrow it would be official. The ceremony every University graduate looks forward, the crowning event that marks the end of one significant stage in your life. By this time tomorrow I'll be a graduate in Computer Science from an Australian University in Malaysia.
I feel a mix of emotions; both excitement and worry. I'm excited that finally, after all the hard work and effort, that finally I can be called a graduate. I'm excited to be able to celebrate with my friends, people I've known and worked with for all these years. I'm also worried for what the future holds, whether the plans I have for my life will pan out the way I want or not. While this is a legitimate worry, it can often overwhelm and take over, making you forget that this is also a day to celebrate.
So I choose, I choose today to leave my worries in the hands of God. My anxieties and uncertainties I lay at his feet both today, tomorrow and hopefully everyday. I choose to be happy and celebrate this good thing because God has been faithful to me all these years, generously providing and taking care of all my needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I really cannot complain with a clear conscience.
God has been good and he is faithful. Hallelujah.
-ONWARD!
I feel a mix of emotions; both excitement and worry. I'm excited that finally, after all the hard work and effort, that finally I can be called a graduate. I'm excited to be able to celebrate with my friends, people I've known and worked with for all these years. I'm also worried for what the future holds, whether the plans I have for my life will pan out the way I want or not. While this is a legitimate worry, it can often overwhelm and take over, making you forget that this is also a day to celebrate.
So I choose, I choose today to leave my worries in the hands of God. My anxieties and uncertainties I lay at his feet both today, tomorrow and hopefully everyday. I choose to be happy and celebrate this good thing because God has been faithful to me all these years, generously providing and taking care of all my needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I really cannot complain with a clear conscience.
God has been good and he is faithful. Hallelujah.
-ONWARD!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
more more more
I woke up from a bad dream. It's one I've had before and I hate it. It's one of those recurring dreams. A quick search revealed that they are caused by unresolved issues in life. I have loads of those so it makes sense. But I still hate them.
So I wake up at 5, do the search, go back to sleep then my first alarm goes off at 7.30 and I turn it off and went back to sleep knowing that the second one will go off at 8 and then I'll get ready for church. The second one never goes off and I overslept. I overslept and woke up to the sound of Galvin calling from outside my house. I'm late. I've not had a shower, and I'm supposed to be serving this morning. And since I'm the first to be picked up, everyone else is late.
Same thing happened yesterday, I went for Badminton, came back got into the shower and he's there. And I was late again and had to apologise. It seems like something minor but I hate being late, and I hate making people wait for me. I just hate it. And I've felt lousy the whole day because of that. And it's all that stupid phone's fault. Why didn't the alarm go off?
Well turns out the night before I was texting a lot and I set the keyboard to make sounds and for some reason it stopped because I have such a crappy phone running a sub par OS. It stopped last night and I think that's why there was no sound this morning. Normally these little annoyances don't get to me. I can tolerate them but when they all come at once then there's trouble.
So at lunch I was trying out this new app I found in the play store, the name escapes me now but it's a photography app. You take a picture and send to a random person and you get a picture from a random person in return. It sounded interesting so I tried it. Launched the app, tried to take a picture and could only view part of the picture in preview mode. It's like the viewfinder was blocked and only a tiny sliver was exposed and I couldn't see what I was taking a picture of. I've noticed this previously with instagram but didn't think too much about it but today with this app and the stupid alarm not going off I decided to fix the problem.
So got home, did some googling and either no one else has this problem or I don't know how to google for things. I couldn't find a solution so I decided to do a factory reset. A factory reset is a pain because you have to install every app all over again. And most apps require username and passwords and mine are super long and random. It's a nightmare. But would be worth it if it fixes the camera issue but it doesn't. So I decided to re-download the firmware and I've not tried it yet because all the apps are still downloading but I doubt it works. The reset deletes all my recent photos. They're gone forever. Only those I posted to instagram lives. It's times like these I really hate technology. I was happy with my N82 and it took several purchases to get to the phone I could actually use and not be frustrated by and now I have to do the same for smartphones.
More.
I feel like Lincoln in the movie 'the island'. I wished there was more than just waiting to go to the Island. I want more out of life than what I have now. There's nothing exciting to look forward to, there seems to be no progress, just a stalemate and it stinks. I don't like it. I want more. I want a challenge, I need some excitement in my life. I'm not even 30 and I'm having a mid-life crisis.
-ONWARD!
So I wake up at 5, do the search, go back to sleep then my first alarm goes off at 7.30 and I turn it off and went back to sleep knowing that the second one will go off at 8 and then I'll get ready for church. The second one never goes off and I overslept. I overslept and woke up to the sound of Galvin calling from outside my house. I'm late. I've not had a shower, and I'm supposed to be serving this morning. And since I'm the first to be picked up, everyone else is late.
Same thing happened yesterday, I went for Badminton, came back got into the shower and he's there. And I was late again and had to apologise. It seems like something minor but I hate being late, and I hate making people wait for me. I just hate it. And I've felt lousy the whole day because of that. And it's all that stupid phone's fault. Why didn't the alarm go off?
Well turns out the night before I was texting a lot and I set the keyboard to make sounds and for some reason it stopped because I have such a crappy phone running a sub par OS. It stopped last night and I think that's why there was no sound this morning. Normally these little annoyances don't get to me. I can tolerate them but when they all come at once then there's trouble.
So at lunch I was trying out this new app I found in the play store, the name escapes me now but it's a photography app. You take a picture and send to a random person and you get a picture from a random person in return. It sounded interesting so I tried it. Launched the app, tried to take a picture and could only view part of the picture in preview mode. It's like the viewfinder was blocked and only a tiny sliver was exposed and I couldn't see what I was taking a picture of. I've noticed this previously with instagram but didn't think too much about it but today with this app and the stupid alarm not going off I decided to fix the problem.
So got home, did some googling and either no one else has this problem or I don't know how to google for things. I couldn't find a solution so I decided to do a factory reset. A factory reset is a pain because you have to install every app all over again. And most apps require username and passwords and mine are super long and random. It's a nightmare. But would be worth it if it fixes the camera issue but it doesn't. So I decided to re-download the firmware and I've not tried it yet because all the apps are still downloading but I doubt it works. The reset deletes all my recent photos. They're gone forever. Only those I posted to instagram lives. It's times like these I really hate technology. I was happy with my N82 and it took several purchases to get to the phone I could actually use and not be frustrated by and now I have to do the same for smartphones.
More.
I feel like Lincoln in the movie 'the island'. I wished there was more than just waiting to go to the Island. I want more out of life than what I have now. There's nothing exciting to look forward to, there seems to be no progress, just a stalemate and it stinks. I don't like it. I want more. I want a challenge, I need some excitement in my life. I'm not even 30 and I'm having a mid-life crisis.
-ONWARD!
Monday, April 08, 2013
It ends well
I was watching Lord of the Rings, the two towers for the umpteenth time and something caught my attention. Actually I'm still watching, just paused it to write this. So something caught my attention. When Gandalf was leading the fellowship, going through the mines of Moria was a reluctant decision, one he placed in the hands of Frodo who didn't know better. Their path had been orchestrated by Saruman who made sure they will all be destroyed in the mines. But something unexpected happened.
Gandalf fell into deep darkness and was forced to engage the Balrog. A foe of which he had not been tested yet. And this what made it click for me. Saruman purposed to stop the fellowship, even his long time friend Gandalf by leading him into the mines, making their lives more difficult, among other things but what happened was that they triumphed and became stronger by facing those challenges. It was meant to destroy them but something better happened. It strengthened them, it made them stronger. Gandalf the grey became Gandalf the white, or what Saruman should have been, as he says.
Automatically I remember Joseph, the annoying dreamer who though he was last wanted to be first. And his brothers sought to kill him and opted to sell him instead. They tried to destroy him and his dreams but what happened? Joseph became stronger and more powerful. More than even he ever dreamt was possible.
You can see the same theme over and over again. In the life of David, of Abraham, even of Jesus. The devil sought to end him but that just made him more powerful. He broke the power sin and death has over those who will believe in him.
You can look at this anyway you like but I see courage, I see hope. It ends well, when God is on your side.
-ONWARD!
Gandalf fell into deep darkness and was forced to engage the Balrog. A foe of which he had not been tested yet. And this what made it click for me. Saruman purposed to stop the fellowship, even his long time friend Gandalf by leading him into the mines, making their lives more difficult, among other things but what happened was that they triumphed and became stronger by facing those challenges. It was meant to destroy them but something better happened. It strengthened them, it made them stronger. Gandalf the grey became Gandalf the white, or what Saruman should have been, as he says.
Automatically I remember Joseph, the annoying dreamer who though he was last wanted to be first. And his brothers sought to kill him and opted to sell him instead. They tried to destroy him and his dreams but what happened? Joseph became stronger and more powerful. More than even he ever dreamt was possible.
You can see the same theme over and over again. In the life of David, of Abraham, even of Jesus. The devil sought to end him but that just made him more powerful. He broke the power sin and death has over those who will believe in him.
You can look at this anyway you like but I see courage, I see hope. It ends well, when God is on your side.
-ONWARD!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
updates
March is almost over, next month is my graduation and what happens after that only God knows. I've settled in my heart to face whatever it is. Unless a major miracle happens I'll be going back home for good.
This month has been one of discovery for me. I started the year with the bible in a year program but gave it up because I found that I was starting to read just to get a check mark against the day and was not really getting much out of my reading. So I'm back to devotionals with one message for the day that guides my thoughts.
Our Thursday lifegroup has been really good for my spirit. I get to really express myself and do more. It seems like such a long time since I've been active. It's like playing sports again after such a long time of not doing so. This week is our fellowship night and there might be a Kinect involved :)
I really thank God for bringing good people into my life to help guide me along the way. I know I'll be lost without some good examples to follow. I also thank God for his grace, and try not to take it for granted. I always want to have a heart that will acknowledge my sins and plead for mercy and grace to change.
It's been good, these few months. Just being quiet and alone to think and reflect. I hope I can always do that because then you see how God has worked in your life over the years. God has been good.
-ONWARD!
This month has been one of discovery for me. I started the year with the bible in a year program but gave it up because I found that I was starting to read just to get a check mark against the day and was not really getting much out of my reading. So I'm back to devotionals with one message for the day that guides my thoughts.
Our Thursday lifegroup has been really good for my spirit. I get to really express myself and do more. It seems like such a long time since I've been active. It's like playing sports again after such a long time of not doing so. This week is our fellowship night and there might be a Kinect involved :)
I really thank God for bringing good people into my life to help guide me along the way. I know I'll be lost without some good examples to follow. I also thank God for his grace, and try not to take it for granted. I always want to have a heart that will acknowledge my sins and plead for mercy and grace to change.
It's been good, these few months. Just being quiet and alone to think and reflect. I hope I can always do that because then you see how God has worked in your life over the years. God has been good.
-ONWARD!
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Oz the great and powerful
I've not done a movie post in a while simply because for a while I just stopped going to the cinema. Either that or I didn't feel the need to say anything about it. Anyway I watched Oz the great and powerful last night in 3D. I love 3D minus the headaches.
-ONWARD!
movie poster: Oz the great and powerful
As is usually the case with these movies, I prefer the old Wizard of Oz movie. But in many ways that is a different movie in that it is set before the Wizard of Oz and told the story of Oz the man, or Oscar, the man and how he became the 'Wizard'.
First of all, just to set your expectations right, this is a Disney movie. So keep that in mind. There will be a good ending, it's going to leave you feeling good inside. Children can even watch it, as was the case last night. Which seriously, I don't get. I watched quite late at night and there were kids in the hall. But I digress.
I think James Franco was perfect for the role of young Oz. We get to see how his life was in Kansas, before he came to Oz thanks to surprise, surprise, a tornado. I didn't like that he was something of a Casanova character but I guess that's necessary to make him the man he eventually became.
I like the transformation of Theodora but I felt kind of sad. I always wished that there will be some kind of redemption for her. She looked such a sweet girl. Let that be a lesson to all you guys out there. Don't go breaking girl's hearts. It doesn't end well.
My favourite character has to be China girl. She looks so adorable. Although she's quite tiny compared to everyone else, you can't accurately judge how old she is. She could well be much older than is portrayed or really young but very courageous.
While I loved the movie, and had a good laugh. I would have loved to see an Oz the great and powerful that is not done by Disney. One that has more. That is not afraid to take chances. One for the adults. That said it's a good movie, go watch it if you can.
-ONWARD!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
How he loves
I love this song because it's so easy to play on my guitar and the words are simple and powerful. I've been reminded again and again of the love of God, how passionate and unrestrained it is and how I'm supposed to respond to it. He loves us.
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
And oh, how He loves us oh
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…
-ONWARD!
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
And oh, how He loves us oh
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…
-ONWARD!
Friday, February 22, 2013
7x7
I discovered 7x7 on the All About Android show and have been playing it non-stop since then. It has a clean, beautiful design. Kind of reminds me of letterpress for iOS.
-ONWARD!
Start screen
I have a game going on already so you see the resume game option at the top. This is the start screen, you can resume your last game or start a new one or go through a one page tutorial on how to play.
New game screen
When you start a new game, there will be three blocks on the 7x7 grid and you move one of the blocks around to start the game. Once that is done, the three blocks in the up next area will be randomly placed on the 7x7 grid. Your job is to move the blocks of the same colour and match up to 4 of them vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Match 40 lines to get to the next level.
I won't go into great detail explaining game play but it's a very challenging game. However once you play a few rounds you get the hang of it. Watch out though, it can get very addicting.
I only managed to score 10,672
7x7 is available for Android 4.0 and above and is very well done. I love it because it runs smoothly on my low end Xperia Sola. Highly recommended. Great job Kiip Inc.
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
100 things
- Time spent waiting is not always time wasted.
- Be happy for the happy things in the lives of others. Don't fall into the trap of feeling sorry for yourself.
- Find something that makes you happy and do that.
- Delay is not denial.
- First to start does not mean first to finish.
- Be hopeful in all things. Don't ever lose that.
- Do whatever it takes to live at peace with yourself.
- Don't be proud. And watch out for pride in your life. Sometimes it's very subtle.
- Be content with little but dream big.
- Learn to live with little or much.
- Make big plans.
- Don't let disappointments stop you from doing something you've always wanted.
- Love with all your heart.
- Live with few regrets.
- Live in the present.
- In every break up, it's not any one person's fault. It never is.
- Learn to heal from break ups.
- Face your problems or they'll keep coming.
- Fear God.
- Be afraid of the man or woman who doesn't believe in anything.
- Stand up for yourself.
- Be nice but don't be too nice.
- Play an instrument.
- Think for yourself. Don't just follow others.
- There's never a good reason to be unkind.
- Forgive quickly.
- Hold no grudges.
- Try something new once in a while.
- Travel.
- Have good friends.
- Read books. The bible is a great book.
- Don't take your family for granted. They're all you've got.
- Honour your parents.
- Don't be greedy. It's disgusting.
- Take care of your body. Don't wait until you're sick or old.
- Resist the pressure to quit. In your lowest moments, those small victories will count.
- Don't smoke.
- Live for something.
- Learn to communicate. It's the same as talking.
- Learn another language.
- Learn to cook.
- Play sports.
- Don't live in debt.
- Remember people's names.
- Finish what you start.
- Keep a journal.
- Be willing to change.
- Learn to swim. About 70 per cent of the earth is water.
- In an argument, be the first to apologize.
- Call your mom.
- Make time to be still and quiet.
- Don't compare yourself with others. You're one of a kind.
- Don't waste food.
- Think good thoughts. You are what you think.
- Don't give up on people.
- Don't take advantage of people. It's cruel.
- Learn a few clean jokes.
- Give thanks for your food.
- At least once a year, take time out to look back at your life.
- Learn from people's mistakes.
- Stand against injustice every where you see it.
- Be careful with money.
- Practice moderation in all things.
- Don't let yourself fall into depression. Fight it, it's not fun.
- Learn to listen.
- Don't be a slave to technology. It's there for your convenience.
- Don't live above your means.
- Learn to appreciate different cultures and traditions while staying true to yours.
- Everyone is important but no one is indispensable.
- You have to be okay with people coming into your life and some leaving.
- You can't please everyone, so don't even try.
- Say what you mean and mean it.
- Learn to say no.
- There's a quote for everything. Don't believe everything you read.
- Be aware of the world around you.
- Don't isolate yourself.
- Regardless of your current temperament, remember that they are not fixed.
- Be the best you can be.
- Don't over-think things. Think simple.
- Never respond in anger. Words are powerful.
- Listen to that inner voice, especially when you find you always regret it when you don't.
- Be a good friend.
- Once in a while, take a leap of faith.
- Believe in yourself. Sometimes you're your only fan.
- Do the right thing, even if it means standing alone.
- Say thank you a lot.
- Practice empathy.
- Always count on God.
- Remember the good times, learn from the bad times.
- Volunteer.
- Laugh from the heart.
- Be teachable.
- Never give up on your dreams.
- Don't count yourself out.
- Believe in miracles.
- Be a good leader.
- Be a good follower.
- It's ok to dream, just remember to wake up.
- Time flies, live with no regrets.
- Let go.
Felt I needed to write these.
-ONWARD!
Sunday, February 03, 2013
bigger than your missteps
Something to share. I had a book, can't remember the exact name but it's something like dumb things christians believe. It goes through a lot of topics and one of them is about our purpose. We all have a purpose from God to achieve here on earth. And at certain critical points in our lives we are told to seek God's will. For who to get married to, where to work, what to study... stuff like that.
I just started reading another book for lifegroup and this topic comes up again. The short version is this: while we all have a purpose from God, it's not like if you make the wrong choice at some point in your life, then that's it. Tough luck. You missed it. I share the author's opinion that God is bigger than our mistakes. He wouldn't be almighty if he couldn't work through our missteps. He will fulfill his purposes regardless.
Oh the book I had? I lent it to a friend and he never returned it. Reminds me of something I read in life's little instruction book: "Only lend books you never care to see again". I break this rule every time because I trust people.
-ONWARD!
I just started reading another book for lifegroup and this topic comes up again. The short version is this: while we all have a purpose from God, it's not like if you make the wrong choice at some point in your life, then that's it. Tough luck. You missed it. I share the author's opinion that God is bigger than our mistakes. He wouldn't be almighty if he couldn't work through our missteps. He will fulfill his purposes regardless.
Oh the book I had? I lent it to a friend and he never returned it. Reminds me of something I read in life's little instruction book: "Only lend books you never care to see again". I break this rule every time because I trust people.
-ONWARD!
Monday, January 14, 2013
thoughts on the fellowship of the ring
I just finished reading Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring. It took me a while to get through. Not because of the sheer size of the content (531 pages), but also the use of older English by Tolkien as well as other languages of middle earth. I have now come to appreciate the job Peter Jackson did with directing the movie, condensing it to a little under 3 hours depending on the version you watch. And while I may not agree with the content he decided to leave out, I appreciate the work.
It's a great book, the first of the trilogy but the second book in the story, after the Hobbit. It was only after finishing the book and looking back at the story in a big picture perspective that some of the themes became apparent. So I'll like to share a bit of what I got in as general terms as I can possibly make it.
Chance
What may seem to be chance may turn out to be after all Was it chance that the ring came to Frodo? Or to Bilbo before him? Was it chance that it was discovered by Gandolf when he did? I don't like to think so, for what may look like chance may actually be deliberate. We do not always see that invisible hands at work in and through ordinary things.
Resistance
All through the journey to destroy the ring, where was resistance. Everyone linked to the destruction or the Fellowship has some form of encounter with the enemy. Their enemies are fearsome and terrible, never relenting in their pursuit, always a few ways behind bringing destruction with them. Their aim, to destroy all that is good. But the enemy is afraid. Afraid of what a few weaklings with courage would do.
Disappointment
No one expected that a member of the Fellowship would be lost to the mines of Moria. Not least of all the leader of the fellowship. His loss brought great grief to everyone as most losses do. Most of all to Frodo, the young bearer of great trust and hope. To him he was not just the leader of the fellowship but a guardian and a voice of wisdom. Even a dear friend. However if we must grow from where we are, we cannot rely solely on man, or even wizard.
Help
All through their journey they came across friends who aided them one way or another. Whether with shelter and supplies or a brief respite from the trouble of the world, a quiet place to rest and renew strength. There were a lot of forces working against them and a lot of forces working for them. This was very encouraging.
Separation
All faith is tested. And only through testing that the true nature of things are reveals. Through testing, the true nature of the hearts of men were revealed. The ring is treacherous and will amplify the desires of the heart, laying them bare so that sheer act of will is no longer enough to suppress it. With testing came separation when a divergence of purpose was apparent. Everyone must choose the path they want to walk in and the part they must play.
Determination
This journey is a lonely one. Frodo had Sam as his companion yet for each of our journeys, we may not be fortunate to have a companion, least of all one like Sam. We may have to walk alone but we are not alone, far from it. Only with courage and perseverance can we accomplish our task. For frodo it was the destruction of the ring, but we all have our task, different, and yet the same.
Now I can't decide whether to read the Hobbit next or the Two Towers. The last time I check in Popular bookstore I could not find the Hobbit but found a Lord of the Rings book with all three books in one thick book and was tempted to get it.
-ONWARD!
It's a great book, the first of the trilogy but the second book in the story, after the Hobbit. It was only after finishing the book and looking back at the story in a big picture perspective that some of the themes became apparent. So I'll like to share a bit of what I got in as general terms as I can possibly make it.
Chance
What may seem to be chance may turn out to be after all Was it chance that the ring came to Frodo? Or to Bilbo before him? Was it chance that it was discovered by Gandolf when he did? I don't like to think so, for what may look like chance may actually be deliberate. We do not always see that invisible hands at work in and through ordinary things.
Resistance
All through the journey to destroy the ring, where was resistance. Everyone linked to the destruction or the Fellowship has some form of encounter with the enemy. Their enemies are fearsome and terrible, never relenting in their pursuit, always a few ways behind bringing destruction with them. Their aim, to destroy all that is good. But the enemy is afraid. Afraid of what a few weaklings with courage would do.
Disappointment
No one expected that a member of the Fellowship would be lost to the mines of Moria. Not least of all the leader of the fellowship. His loss brought great grief to everyone as most losses do. Most of all to Frodo, the young bearer of great trust and hope. To him he was not just the leader of the fellowship but a guardian and a voice of wisdom. Even a dear friend. However if we must grow from where we are, we cannot rely solely on man, or even wizard.
Help
All through their journey they came across friends who aided them one way or another. Whether with shelter and supplies or a brief respite from the trouble of the world, a quiet place to rest and renew strength. There were a lot of forces working against them and a lot of forces working for them. This was very encouraging.
Separation
All faith is tested. And only through testing that the true nature of things are reveals. Through testing, the true nature of the hearts of men were revealed. The ring is treacherous and will amplify the desires of the heart, laying them bare so that sheer act of will is no longer enough to suppress it. With testing came separation when a divergence of purpose was apparent. Everyone must choose the path they want to walk in and the part they must play.
Determination
This journey is a lonely one. Frodo had Sam as his companion yet for each of our journeys, we may not be fortunate to have a companion, least of all one like Sam. We may have to walk alone but we are not alone, far from it. Only with courage and perseverance can we accomplish our task. For frodo it was the destruction of the ring, but we all have our task, different, and yet the same.
Now I can't decide whether to read the Hobbit next or the Two Towers. The last time I check in Popular bookstore I could not find the Hobbit but found a Lord of the Rings book with all three books in one thick book and was tempted to get it.
-ONWARD!
Sunday, January 06, 2013
joy is a gift
Found this on an old notebook. It's from odb.
Our lives, my life, can be a roller-coaster of emotions. There are seasons of highs and times of lows. And there are times when it seems like it's overwhelming. In the low times, more importantly in the very low times, one thing I always remind myself is a simple truth. God is good. It's so simple but yet so powerful, it can change your outlook. God is good and he is good to me. Me particularly. So while it may seem like nothing is happening to me, I don't want to be moved by what I see. I know that my time will come, but for now, I shall rejoice with those that rejoice, and mourn with those that mourn.
After the Floods in Noah's time, God promised that springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night will not cease, as long as the earth remains.
-ONWARD!
While we acknowledge that not everyone is blessed with a bright outlook on life, we need to remember that Joy is one of the gifts Jesus promises to his followers. And we need to resist any tendency to let sadness dominate our emotional lives.
Our lives, my life, can be a roller-coaster of emotions. There are seasons of highs and times of lows. And there are times when it seems like it's overwhelming. In the low times, more importantly in the very low times, one thing I always remind myself is a simple truth. God is good. It's so simple but yet so powerful, it can change your outlook. God is good and he is good to me. Me particularly. So while it may seem like nothing is happening to me, I don't want to be moved by what I see. I know that my time will come, but for now, I shall rejoice with those that rejoice, and mourn with those that mourn.
After the Floods in Noah's time, God promised that springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night will not cease, as long as the earth remains.
-ONWARD!
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