Hey Team,
Man, have I been counting down till Friday. Couldn’t wait to hear the Word, see my favourite peeps and praise God with everything. Over the week God has been slowing building my heart up for tonight’s service. I must say that it has been a easier to spend longer quiet times with God because of this.
I am sure that the prayers of everyone from Ablaze has made a huge difference to the quality of service and God’s presence throughout.
There was something different and extraordinary about tonight. I tangibly felt God’s presence through praise and worship. It is so exhilerating to see the congregation just ‘let loose’ and cry out to God in gratefulness, awe and submission. I think God is well pleased.
Torch’s message was more received by me than any other week. Preparing myself during the week and focusing on what was being said really made a difference.
Yes the church is imperfect. Yes people are imperfect. But yes, God uses the imperfect for His perfect plan and amazing vision. I’m so lucky to be a part of something universal and eternal. BOOYAH!
Randoms from God?
Man, was that a stinker today! So hot lah! After HOngas awesome surprise last nite took much effort to peel myself from bed but was excited to see Genie today. The gp (game plan) was to do some drawing at 9am at cultural centre. The Brisbane transport delivered me half an hour later than desired to the destination…so ran up the cultural centre stairs and found no Genie waiting – to my horror. Ok, ill just mope here for half the day, upset with myself for not getting organised faster, but continue the legacy of sketching the whales outside the museum.
Yay!! Praise God. Genie had missed her bus and was staring at me wide-eyed with forgiveness for making me wait for her for so long…
The two of us had a few ‘D and M’s about life in general then starting sketching away at the moaning whales. Then *kabam* out of no where pops this random scruffy looking dude shouting “You’re using the wrong pencils and wrong paper!!”. “Oh, great i thought to myself, another nut from Southbank…”
He then grabbed my sketchpad had a quick look at my drawing and said “it’s not bad but the composition is wrong and the whale should be in the centre”. Hmm good advice , kept listening and he pulled out a fountain pen from his pocked and scribed half a dozen names of artists in awesomely, decorative, old-school, font-like handwriting. This guy continued to give us tips for art and finished by saying “the reason why i took time out to talk to you was because Pietro Annigoni (one of the artists’ names) taught me for nothing. Annigoni wouldn’t take on even someone who offered him a million dollars but a person with real talent. I will take you on if you do six months training at Annigoni school”. Then he briskly scooped up his satchel bag and went on his way.
OKay……
Another random with a son asked directions for the art gallery as we told him what had happened. He had a look at the names and said that the man gave you a good list. Then gave us his website for his art.
Turns out the first dude is a master painter and fresco artist, Brisbane’s most trained life drawer (or something to that effect). Yes, i know, never judge a nut by its cover..im sorry. The second man turns out to be a funky landscape artist.
Genie was quite surprised by these unusual encounters but we were very inspired nonetheless. Okay, God has once again answered one of my prayers. Thank you! God Himself never ceases to inspire me…
A New Year and A New You
Well, it’s that time of the year again when, well, the year starts, you make new exciting plans, think of the upcoming things and write in your dust-ridden blog.
Hmm, where to start…how do I fill you in on the flood of things that have happened to me…
2008 was definitely a year of learning and new experiences for me. God grew me in the areas of ministries (serving Him in His church), my relationships w people and my attitudes. Most valued though was my renewed passion for God. He has been a constant source of rest, peace, joy, comfort and much more. It is so true what is said “if you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you”. I have spent a lot of energy seeking Him and His ways. But My God (I can say that without being blasphemous)! It’s so worth it! God is truly an indescribable entity that loves, is of holy justice and higher than any other.
The reason why I and so many other people dedicate their lives to the Lord is because we see the cause and value in following God. So many lives have been changed because of this entity and one man that died for all…
Anyway, back to the subject (sorry 3 yrs since high school – structuring, superbad 
). Yes, this year will be my third year in fine art and i really want to make some decent art! PLease hold me to that. Haha last year the magnus opus (best artwork) of my oeuvre (all the art an artist has made) was made of clothesline pegs and plastic circles…yeesh. A little harsh maybe but God does deserve the best and it would be awesome to make something awesome.
So since this is a new year, the ‘new’ me will focus in instead of being a whirlwind in the distance running to the next thing and stop and smell the roses 
Listen 2 Lyrics
more Da T.R.U.T.H. lyrics-
South Street Lyrics
Verse 1:
He picks us, pricks us forgives us, carried our sins that was heavier than six trucks
Sure as you can’t pay for a Benz with six bucks, you can’t pay for your sins dog it’s just
too expensive don’t get defensive God got a list of your sins too extensive
It ain’t just what you do that offends him but, it’s how you were born you’re offensive
That’s why we’re out here in the trenches on benches calling all men to repentance
Saying you don’t want to be on the fringes but you want to be in a friendship with him now
You want to be in a kinship with him now but if you want to French kiss the here and now then
go ahead dog let your hair down but you got to pay for it and you’re aware now so…more lyrics
Fast’n’ Chick’n’s
This morning I read in the ‘Purpose-Filled Life’ (Rick Warren) that authentic fellowship is not supericial, surface-level chit chat. It’s genuine, heart to heart sharing and happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. After all “Mind your own business” is not a Christian phrase.
I was thinking of what i was going to say today and I wanted to share with you honestly about my life. how spending quality time iwth God and getting to know Him, helped me deal with difficult situation.
I started the fortnight fast with some others on Tuesday and was excited to do so because i had never fasted before and was eager to know what God would say to me and how I would grow closer to Him. i found it really difficult to go without lunch because I tend to ‘graze’ a lot throughout the day (What’s so funny PH?) It felt like I had not eaten for several days and my stomach was starting to digest itself…
But no, seriously, it enabled me to focus on God and spend quality quiet time with Him – an area in my life which needed more attention. This time of fasting and in depth prayer made me delve (or as Lisa H. says ‘dwelve’) into the words of God. Already it has drawn me closer to the Holy Spirit, develop stronger godly convictions, revelations of God’s principles and character and set spiritual goals.
Anyway, apart from fasting and praying, this week, I have been working at Red Rooster. I must say that it has been a ‘mad-chook house’ (excuse the pun). This is the job that I asked God for and was expecting it to be perfect in terms of growth. I guess it was, just not in the way I had planned.
Suprisingly, I enjoyed working – with customers and talking to high schoolers. However, I felt that the assistant manager has always had something against me and yesterday (and other occasions) made it extremely hard for me to cook chickens in peace. Nearly every shift with her I’ve had to deal with immature remarks, lazyness, unprofessionalism, ‘the swivel head’ (we all know it) and just plain bullying.
Even after placing a complaint about her to the area manager, she continued to behave this way and even more so yesterday. Yesterday, i walked in having to face her and her like-minded companions. Racist comments behind my back, constant gossiping and orders. It was a good time to utilize my zoning out skills…i was biting back the tears. I was given double the jobs as usual, for some reason but i knew that I shouldn’t be bitter about it. After all Jesus taught us to forgive each other because He first forgave us. If it weren’t for the reminders of God’s love for me and my support from others outside work, i would seriously have walked out. I tried really hard to bite my tongue and refrain fromscreaming obscenities at them and instead humoured them with courteous responses.
Apparently my efforts were not good enough and i was sent home 2 hours earlier with no real explanation as to why. I assumed it was because she simply did not like to work with me. I didn’t care though, I was glad to leave.
Even though yesterday was not one of my better days, I felt God’s presence, strength and love around me. If it weren’t for His word and ability to help me overcome, I think I would still be distressed over it.
I’m sure you have been through situations like this and will maybe in the future. Just know that ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God’, ask Him for strength and meditate on His words.
“3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5
Higher Purposes
I’d like to share with you (who haven’t already) about how God has brought purpose, meaning and fulfilment into my life.
Before I met God, my view on life was very different. I believed that my highest purpose was to achieve the best marks an Asian nerd could possibly obtain, find a prestigious, high paying job and possibly marry someone rich, famous and handsome . You could say that my reason for existence was normal by the world’s standards.
I felt life lacked direction and a purpose that was worthy. Don’t get me wrong, I believe most of those things are important but I wondered, “What if there’s more to life? More than I ever dreamed of hoping for?”
The biggest worries of the month would be: the upcoming English assignments on Shakespeare, what i was going to do on the holidays or what I was going to wear to the formal. I needed to be recharged with the next activity. I felt something needed to permanently fill the void..
I remember one day, when i was in grade 10, I asked myself,
“What’s the point fo all this?
“Why are we doing these meaningless things, over and over -to climb maybe one rung up the social ladder or for no reason at all?”
So what, if i get those cool new sunglasses?…So what, if i get on tv?… So what, if i become CEO of a huge and successful company?… So what, if i win the lottery?…
Fads fade quickly, money runs out, people forget. Then what next?
Many questions floated around in my head.
(especially) Is there life after death? A heaven?
This innate curiosity stayed with me and I continued to question. Anyone who would tell me something about higher purposes, amazing circumstances, God; I would be listening.
God planted a seed of curiosity in me and it grew. This was one of the reasons I was drawn to Church, to learn more about a possible creator and a direction that came from the highest being.
When I met the Ablaze (youth group) people, I knew these people were different. THey seemed to have a direction, purpose and a joy – something I wanted.
As I kept attending church and my relationship with God grew, life completely turned around. I looked forward to each day knowing that I had a vision from God to make a difference in the truly desperate world we live in. A part of making a difference is sharing with others that they have a higher purposes too. Praise God for the path He made for me and the seed of curiosity He planted in me! Praise God for letting me be part of His awesome plans!!
I know that He has a path for each and everyone of us, all you have to do is seek Him.
For,
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 19:7-8
@_^
I think its important in life to find a balance between not taking life too seriously and taking life really seriously, like thinking about the bigger picture.
Random Shorts
This is a sentence.
An uncontradictory paradox.
Speling Eror.
here
word
Though bombastic forms of circumlocution must generally be avoided, one mustn’t shy away from using sesquipedalians where necessary.
(Stay tuned for more randoms)
Merry Xmas!!
‘Tis the silly season once again. This year has passed so fast, did it not? It feels like yesterday when it was summer. Yesss, i always love Christmas – a time when almost everyone is nice to everyone else, a time of seafood, mangoes, chocolate, turkey and other high calorie food, a time to remember the real meaning of Xmas and a time for injecting the house with lashings of tinsel and garish, glittery condiments.
I only did so a minute ago actually. hehehe. I totally went for my life! … When mother wakes up she will pleasantly suprised at the sudden outburst of festivity the house has undertaken. Either that or she will shreik in horror at the plentitude of shiiny objects plastered and suspended in the house….mwahahaha. I love Christmas.
Christmas is so popular, speaking of which, Celine Dion is so popular (heh, another smooth Anna Coren transition. No need to applaud). Today i had the duty of obtaining tickets from Ticketek to her concert, for Mum. Now that was an epic. yeesh. At exactly 8:59am the computer screen displayed the dreaded words – Internet explorer cannot be displayed. Of course i was already on the Ticketek page. So after at least 40 mins of computer game wars with the other fans i manage to scavenge 6 single seat tickets in (believe this) row ZZ. They were pretty expensive too. I hope mum appreciates my computer savvyness otherwise she would not be paying through the nose for a single seat ticket on the planet Venus…
Yayeah, i start my job tomorrow @ Red Rooster. I hope i can last 3 months with Deep Fried Roosters. But dw coz i have the determination of a rabbit! I will endure through thick and thin. I am going to walk through that blazing hot sun, serve those demanding, couch potato customers, smile at my teeny bopper colleagues and fry those fat chickens!…..No seriously its not that bad is it? Maybe, overreacting is the word. hehheh.
Anyway, make sure you get into the Christmas spirit by writing cards, eating mangoes and making your house the New Tinseltown. Capiche? Capiche.
Greetings with Seasoning on them
Critiques
Hallelujah! Prac assesssments are ova!!
I really cut it thin this time round….but i felt the Lord really help me through it.
I had my printmaking critique on tuesday. My concept for this term was materialism, obsession with money and Christianity. I printed off quite a few copies of coffee stained Jesus-prints (which doubled as ‘2Dand 3D Visualisation’ assessment hehe), then did dry-point etchings, which is where you scratch into plastic sheets with a really sharp thing to get a cool effect (i will post)… Being the ambitious fool i am i decided i wanted to make something bigger and better, so i was to print a 60cm x 30cm counterfeit $50 note. This involved me camping in the printmaking studio for at least a wk, nah jokes, three whole days (hey, its worse than it sounds – metho,turps fumes cramped in a sterile studio with not very nice students and a whole lot of techniques to remember) working my Backside Burger behind off.
hehe i thought tomyself, all this suffering will be worth it, the teacher will be proud and realise the hard work put in to get this amazing print.*cough*
After madly rushing to put the finishing touches on my counterfeit, i took my ‘masterpiece’ to The Room of Judgement.
mostly everyone showed their amazing prints to the class while my teacher and the other teacher gave comments, both good and bad, mostly good.
YOu know how sometimes when you need to speak in front of ppl u suddenly feel as if everyones eyes are piercing into you and every word you say is anaylsed – well yes that is how i felt, so i didnt quite pull off my explanation very well. the other teacher critisized my work and my teacher gave it a back-handed compliment, the other teacher also rudely rushing me because she needed to be elsewhere. Tried to defend myself out of that one, itmay have worked but was left feeling grossly, wats the word – crap.
3 minutes later i had coolen down, this girl from my class was up. Suprisingly, her concept had something to do with Christianity as well. About how she reads the Bible everyday and writes a journal. Her print booklet may not have been as bold as mine, she may not hav worked as hard as me but there was a humbleness and substance about it, everyone else agreed.
Her critique touched me in ways becoz it opened up the conversation to the class about expressing religious views, spirituality and simplicity. most importantly though it taught me that You dont’need to rely on your own strength but rely on Jesus and everything will fall into place. It made me think to myself afterwards, that i dont really care what mark i get, but it felt good to tell some about JEsus
So yer, thats my testimony for the wk, don’t wear it out . May the Lord be with you in those stressful, hair-pulling times.
<—..Dom has mastered the art of not worrying..–”
