Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Summer Showdown was pretty spectacular.
Really many things to thank God for:
1) The dark clouds overhead looked quite ominous, but thankfully, there was no rain.
2) The time of bonding all the groups had - I felt that the groups bonded together, there was passion, and a spirit of oneness.
3) To see the youths so excited bout God's word in the memory verses. Quite encouraged to see many put in the effort to remember! CERTAINLY not just for points or for the game, but because they really love God.
4) For Gabriel, Ivan and various other oldies. They really made a difference for JYM-ers, in the life of JYM-ers and a real encouragement to those who have seen them labour for God.
From what I see:
Sycamore and Cedar were really an encouragement to me. As most of you should know, I was manning the PAC-MAN station with Adrian. And while Sycamore and Cedar did not complete the tasks within the stipulated timings, I really could sense a kind of oneness within their cells. They never blamed, they never scolded; they encouraged, they worked as a team. Keep that going my dear friends. Life is not about winning. Life is about relationships and building bridges. To finish and win the long race. So keep each other in love and prayer.
Acacia! - continue to move in love! Your passion encourages me and your love for each other is growing stronger. I will miss you guys badly while I'm in Aussie. I hope i remember to get some stuff for you:D
Really quite an eye-opener today((: Talked to many people i usually don't have a chance to engage with. If I have offended you guys in anyway, if u think my judgment was poor, or my call was lousy, please do forgive me. No malice at all intended((:
Keep growing JYM. Love each other as yourselves((:
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Just been thinking what it means to appreciate someone, or something that someone has done for you. I mean, it's easy for us to appreciate someone who like, the people who are favoured in our eyes, for us to appreciate things that are done that are right in our own will, things that we want done to us, for us. But what about the things we dun like? Or the people we really can't stand? I never really remembered liking the excruciating pain of being caned or disciplined. Or having things taken away from me. Or going through suffering. Or trying to love people for who they are. Or trying to understand people who are different. Or just being nice and loving people who don't appreciate your efforts. Speaks volumes about my selfish nature i suppose. About being in my own comfort zone, just being...comfortable. Often, whenever i do something with people, or for people, i really expect a reciprocation, but i've realized it's just wrong thinking. Reminds me when Jesus said that "even sinners love those who love them" and it really made me realize that however cliche it sounds, doing everything in love is key. Which brings me to my next question, how can we truly love someone for just who the person is? Its difficult ain't it? It sure is for me. It's just almost impossible to ignore the person's character, what he/she has done to you previously, his/her popularity, appearances. But we are called to love because God first loved us. It's that simple. But we tend to complicate things, we pull in so many things that does not matter. Love is genuine. It means that all parts of your life has to come together and have a common agreement. Your thinking, your heart, your soul and actions all must be synergized. It cannot be conflicting. This is authenticity. From this comes a genuine care and concern. Not just superficially. I feel so strongly that God really is moving JYM in this certain direction. Really. There's just this deep impression in my heart..that what we've aimed for so long..to love God and to love others, is really going to happen. I'm already so encouraged by the many people i've seen, in their simple acts, have really, portrayed love. Their touch is real. Their actions make you feel...like you are really home. And JYM really should be a home. Where we are able to feel a belonging to, not to the place, not to the organization or program, but to the people, where we can relate, where we can share our joys and our problems. I believe, that something beyond our wildest dreams is about to happen. There is this deep excitement within me. This sense of trembling with fear and reverence. Its indescribable. For the few who actually check back to this blog, talk to me if u wanna know more(: Visions are man-made, goals set are set by humans. But the things that are intangible are things which usually matter much more to God. Pray with me. Pray for me. Rise in prayer. Let us be a people for which shines His light. Leaders, lead your people. Love them. Care for them. That they might do the same for others. Make a difference in your world. Be excited(:
