The Mind of a Skitz...

A guy in my class always says "WOOOOW" out loud

2011-02-26T23:08:00.003+10:00

HEY

To all of my 9 followers who read my blog.

Thanks for being such dedicated supporters!!!

I have some sad news though.

I am putting this blog to SLEEP/HIBERNATION for at least the next year if not longer (if I can afford to maintain a proper website!)

If you do not know yet...I've moved on. It wasn't you, it was me.

BLOGSPOT has been one of my most helpful and utilized online social tools for me to let the WORLD know what I'm doing or what my random circus thoughts are.

But...times change and for me, I had to snap up a good deal to buy rights to....*drum roll*

www.mikeytai.com

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So now you all can bookmark that site and check in regularly to read, watch, and kill time over while you're procrastinating from any real work you need to do.

It's a new chapter of life. Gotta step my game up.

(My paranoia from learning cyber law made me realise if I don't buy my name now, someone else will and sell it to me for millions which in my regret will pay if I ever had to. Not that I ever would have millions)

Dealing with reality

2010-12-04T23:06:00.004+10:00

I write this post because it's late, and I am tackling anxiety. So this is my release.

In a few days we're heading to Taiwan. There's a big team - 9 ppl - both girls and guys and it'll be a tough gig taking care of so many people. Pray for unity - coz I know this will be an issue that will arise on the trip. Yes this makes me anxious.

In January, I'm making the move to head to the big city where I will be out of my element, serving in a new church, with new people, without my friends around and without a doubt, the issue of loneliness will arise. Yes, this makes me anxious too. A friend who made the move recently told me that it's one of the biggest issues he struggles with as there is less 'hanging out' time in Sydney as everyone is too busy to hang out. I don't know if this will be an issue with me - I don't hang out much any more. But, as sad as it may sound, I will miss my friends. Loneliness. Will I be able to handle it? The truth of the matter is, from speaking with friends that have done the same, you lose contact and connection with friends when you move away. The reality is, you can't be as close if you're physically distant from one another. There is less effort made to pick up the phone and send a text, less effort made to call the other person to chat because both are 'too busy', and obviously, impossible to 'hang out' with them physically as distance will separate. Even an email will be rare. Hanging out is what it's all about that keeps friends close. Being able to open up, share, spend quality time with - that's how friends are close. How will my friendships with people in B-vegas be maintained if I'm down south?

My theme song will be Green Day's..."I walk a lonely road the only one I've ever known..." (I'm going to go buy some black skinny jeans and pierce a black lip ring and grow my hair to cover my eyes)

Ok, God will take away all my anxieties so no need to be anxious about TW or the big move. And....honestly I don't think I will be lonely - we all know why.

But, I'll miss you guys?

Grease Lightning

2010-12-02T09:46:00.002+10:00

Watched Grease last night coz was with a friend who had never ever watched it before. Shock. I know. Watching it though made me realise how high school is ALL about peer pressure and your image. It also made me realise how much we'd change for someone else - I mean, Danny was like a gangster TBIRD and wanted to turn into a jock to get his woman. The lengths we go to to get a girl? Maybe. I know guys who wouldn't change a thing about themselves and are content the way they are. I guess they just need to meet a girl who would make them want to change. I mean change in a good way too - stepping up their game and being more of a man with responsibility and well at the least, with some gentleman-like manners.

Anyways. I've been accepted to enrol into SMBC next year! (Sydney Missionary Bible College) Why'd I choose it? Some of my most respected older christian brothers and sisters attended there and have been a huge influence on me and my growth. I wouldn't be here without them. Why'd I choose Sydney? Long ago, I always wanted to move to Sydney for a bit of a seachange - out of my comfort zone, away from my p's, to get a bit of independence etc. Now I can. And of course, there are a couple other reasons why...

So big changes next year. I've also got a secret for you. DoJ is leaving the Mind of a Skitz to attend to a proper website. The domain name has been bought already. Need to obtain some webhosting and will get some help for web design. But am looking forward to posting on my own website soon! Will keep you posted until then :)

In the meantime, keep updated on the cccbtaiwan.blogspot.com site for all mission related adventures happening in Dec with me and my team.

If I could change the world.

2010-11-13T14:10:00.003+10:00

Last day of work yesterday (now unemployed).

Taiwan mission in December.

Sydney in January (to be a student again).

Recording cover songs with Tony Dean.

Catching up with people. Dealing with difficult ones.

Helping to prepare for YF next year.

Packing and cleaning up my gear for the move.

Selling on ebay/gumtree.

Clean start next year. New website?

Enjoy.

Sleeping to dream.

2010-10-14T10:09:00.001+10:00

Years ago, I started this blog to record my dreams. I was too lazy to use pen and paper so I would wake up and jump on my computer before I ate breakfast, before I went to uni and even before I took my morning dump. Here are my dreams from last night….

First dream: I remember being in a mixed dorm room with YF and it was almost midnight but I wasn't bunked there. I had a separate room in a completely separate building and I was all alone there. So I came to this dorm room and everyone was getting into bed (at least a dozen people!) and I was lonely and looking to play so I wanted to steal Licious away. He was obviously reluctant and told me about some game he wanted to watch. So he snuck out with me and wanted to go to the mens toilets which happened to be next door. It was dank dark and the lights were flickering. Shadows were creeping all over the bathroom and as I stood at the sinks, I couldn't see past the cubicles coz it was too dark. Licious disappeared in the shadows as I washed up. I called out to him to hurry up and there was no answer…I went to the closest cubicle and there was a rope tied to the door and a deep black hole. I couldn’t see where it went it was just black. I shouted out "LICIOUS!!!"

No reply. I started pulling on this rope and I could hear some grunting. I pulled him back up and he asked me why I did that. He said he was watching the game. The hole had taken him to Western Australia where there was an AFL match being played.

Second dream: I was in a parking lot outside a gigantic shopping centre. Found this dodgy park next to some construction site. Egghead was with me as well as Licious and Dr Wong. We had two expired entertainment books. Useless. It was raining. We were parked on the far end of one of the 'wings' of the shopping centre. So we trudged through the rain and nearly got run over a couple of times by crazy cars in the carpark. Made it to the escalators undercover. Went up. It then got dark all around us. 4pm. The shopping centre was closing but we were being welcomed in by security. There was one security guard on the first level - a nice elderly gentleman and he said "God be with you". I hesitated and just nodded and smiled. We went up to the second level and still had not yet reached the shopping centre area. We had to go through another security gate which an elderly lady was minding. The same greeting "God be with you". I responded this time with a smile and said "God bless".

Finally, we made it into the shopping centre and the food court area. It was gigantic. But although the tables still had heaps of people lingering around, the lights wre turning off slowly and the takeaway stores were closing and putting their fences down. Licious got ahead of us because he wanted to see some shops. I remember seeing a giant woman mannequin who had giant man hands. I don't know what they were trying to sell. But it freaked me out. I saw Licious riding escalators to the 3rd and 4th floors leaving me and Dr Wong behind. The fences started closing us off. One by one lights were turning off and the stores were closing all around us. Noone else was around. We called out "LICIOUS!!" and he was out of sight! And this is where it ends.

We look up, Licious is on the floor above leaning over the railing looking down on us. A single droplet of drool leaves his mouth, and the camera angle changes as I follow the droplet down from his lips falling on to the glasses of the unsuspecting Dr Wong below. Then I wake up.

I wanna grow old with you

2010-09-17T20:03:00.006+10:00

There are lots of people around me who are getting married. I'm not one of them - sad face.

Every wedding I go to, I sit in the ceremony thinking, what would I say for my vows? What kind of music is the bride going to walk down the aisle to? Who is going to be my groomsmen? Who...when..where..

I sound like a girl.

In the past year - I was a best man, I was a wedding car driver, I was a groomsman, and tomorrow again I'll be a chauffeur as well as a prayer person at the ceremony. I think in about a month I'll be an usher for that one. Exciting. But ... when is mine?

My special lady said to me that she thinks there'll be many more speeches for me to do at weddings for lots of my mates that will be getting hitched in the future (u know who u are). Even if they haven't got a special one for themselves yet we all have faith that God has someone prepared for them ;) But will I have run out of things to say at them?

The first speech was as best man - and for my best mate so that shouldve been easy right? No. How do I express the funny stories of a conservative young straight asian guy? With much difficulty! All the funny stories usually involved ME doing something stupid. Getting up in front of a church to preach is pretty nerve-racking, but to get in front of a crowd at a wedding to make a speech hoping people will laugh at your jokes that only you find mildly humourous made me want to vomit up the butterflies in my stomach. The speech I did for my dear friends recently was just as worse. I didn't expect anything from a mixed audience of adults and young people, white and asian. Who would find anything I say funny? I was shaking, no glasses on so the words were blurry, and the lighting was really bad too and to save paper and fit my speech on one a4 page, i made the font size 10. Smart idea (at the time)! Regardless, it went surprisingly well and although I promised the bride a standing ovation, I didn't quite get it but at least I got a couple of hugs from the married couple! Trying to get people to laugh at a wedding is the hardest thing ever. It's almost as nerve-racking as being the bride and groom on the big day itself.

I am going to sing this song for the girl i'm gonna marry:

I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
All I wanna do is grow old with you

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you

I'll miss you
Kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold

Need you
Feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed if you've had too much to drink
I could be the man who grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you

Yes, I am 'borrowing' it from the wedding singer.

Anyways, gotta write a prayer now. May God be glorified :)

Is it just me...or are all our eyes in this photo really really really small?

Lovin tha world. World?

2010-08-07T14:08:00.003+10:00

Did you know the Bible gives an example of a dude who was a fellow worker for the Gospel message but loved the world too much and left his ministry?

A guy called Demas worked alongside Paul, Luke, and Timothy (Col4:14, Philemon 1:24) but then left Timothy (2Tim4:10) because he loved the world.

A biblical example of someone who worked alongside disciples of Christ and was one himself, but was tempted by the world and left God to chase after his own sinful desires.

(I will use sex as an example because sex sells) This is the challenge we face as Christians surrounded in a 21st century society where it's ok to watch MA (sometimes even PG) rated movies that are full of pervetedness, fornication and adultery and we 'enjoy' it and call it entertainment. We then call people who believe it to be too strict - 'legalists' - because they don't know how to enjoy entertainment. We have become so immune to it, so 21st century minded instead of Jesus minded that we forget that these things OFFEND God. When we start participating and enjoying the things that offend God we can potentially become enemies of God.

The world thinks us crazy that we make a deal about things like gossip, having a 'good' time (in the sense of sex and booze), and that we abstain from such 'normal' worldly living. Well we have a God who is holy and perfect. We have a God who actually created things like sex and even humour yet by our sinfulness as humans what was originally straight has been made crooked and twisted. Sex is a great thing in the confines of marriage - it's to be enjoyed. But the world tells us otherwise and so thus the temptation exists and so sin entails.

So the big question I am ending this post abruptly with is....who is your God? Who rules over your life?

Bridge of determination

2010-07-19T20:47:00.004+10:00

I love my dad.

Although sometimes it might not seem that way, and although sometimes it might not seem he can be the best dad sometimes, I know that all his hard work and the wealth he's made he has done it for his love for us. We all know asian dads can improve on the way they show their love -to be more involved with their family, to be more interested in the lives of their children and what makes them happy - but either way, now that I'm older and more mature (somewhat), I know my dad has done everything because he loves us and wants only the best for us. I guess with each of us he learns something new and whether it's God's work or my dad softening up, my dad is becoming more understanding of my pursuit for my own happiness and in doing so, understanding that my love and joy is found in Christ.

This is a bamboo bridge being built by my dad. He and my "Kao Gong" - my great grand god uncle - have been working on this bridge most afternoons after work. Kao Gong used to be a bridge builder in Vietnam back in the day and he used to buy veges I think from my grandma. He is my grandma's godbrother so that's the connection...

It's inspiring because when my dad is determined on something, he'll do it. Usually he doesn't do much outside of work except be a socialite, but when he wants to do something he'll be proud of his work and he'll want to tell people of it. I guess me, being his only son, when I do something like finish a law degree, he is proud coz I'm HIS son and it's something he wants to tell people.

This bridge might just be a bamboo bridge to some people. But to me, and my family, this bridge is a symbol of determination. It shows that my dad came to this land down under and he was determined to work hard, run a business with my mum, work 2 jobs and long hours to support the family. He grew up in the countryside of vietnam, was part of the elite personal guard of Ho Chi Minh while in the army, and although no opportunity to get an education - he taught himself how to read and write vietnamese and chinese. He is a man that's determined. So determined he pursued my mum in a different country and immigrated to Australia with nothing, taking a risk to start a small business and working in small convenience stores for 7 days a week 365 days a year to support a family up until now, determined to build a bamboo bridge on the lake he owns on his property which he has rewarded himself with from the hard work he's done.

Of course, to me, God has blessed him with my mum, with opportunity, and with everything that's been given him. I hope and pray that he too will see this - everything he has is a gift from God - and that he will be just as determined to seek the truth and real joy that is only found in Jesus.

Will update photos on completion.

Thanks God for my dad.

Thinking ... Wise Spending.

2010-07-18T19:42:00.006+10:00

This year has been a big year for me. I have taken on more ministries and began working full time. It's half way through and I guess there's a lot to reflect on. I won't bore you here with the details but I guess there have been major things happening.

This year I had big plans to save up some dosh and then move down to the big city next year to go through college and immerse myself in the study of Scripture. It happened to be that I had to really humble myself and be patient on God's timing for me and be reminded of God's provision. I was unemployed for 4 months and struggling to get a job. Eventually though, (by taking my Law degree off my resume), I landed an admin job in the gov earning some spare change to save up for next year. With full time work of course comes so much more responsibility, less time, and MORE expenses. But I have been saving up money which has been great.

And so the discussion about money. Money is such a big issue. To be able to give more when you earn more blessing others with money, and to be wise in the way you spend and save for yourself and your future (as mine involves going back to study and living expenses in a very expensive city)...In doing so, this year I've had to consider what kind of car to buy, which laptop to purchase, and even how often each week I go out to eat and where I eat. But you know what, noone says it better than what's already been written here on Heidi's blog.

http://heiday.blogspot.com/2010/07/35-what-does-this-mean-to-you.html

What I love about this blog post though is she considers what people around her feel about our spending. There are people around us who are STUMBLED and sinning through COVETOUSNESS. These are things we don't even consider when we flaunt our nice cars or we go out to eat at flashy restaurants. We live in such an affluent society and we all have graduated from degrees that can potentially earn us a LOT of money and the question is what do we do with this money? The money that we earn is God's money ultimately. Are we giving it back to God? Are we going to buy UNNECESSARY materialistic possessions that won't even make a difference to God's kingdom but instead may even be detrimental to the building up of God's kingdom? We don't even consider sometimes when we want to meet up to catch up and we want to go to an expensive restaurant or cafe thinking that people that we meet up with or go with can AFFORD it and are too embarrassed to admit it.

But anyway, why blog when someone else has written about it already and she writes so much better than me?

Turn the page...

2010-07-12T19:47:00.002+10:00

So my VAIO died.

Now I have to get a new lappie.

Have decided on the HP.

I budgeted a little for it - as cheap as a netbook but with a screen big enough to read. Obviously the battery life won't be terribly awesome and with the budget I had the lappie itself won't be that special.

So a new chapter begins.

I quit my job being on the phone all day with complaining customers. Back to being a data entry superstar in a couple weeks. Yay for God's goodness.

Soak in Barth.

2010-06-30T21:56:00.000+10:00

If we fix our eyes upon the place where the course of the world reaches its lowest point, where its vanity is unmistakable, where its groanings are most bitter and the divine incognito most impenetrable, we shall encounter there—Jesus Christ. On the frontier of what is observable He stands delivered up and not spared. In place of us all He stands there, delivered up for us all, patently submerged in the flood.

Karl Barth.

LOVE IT.

YF CAMP!

2010-06-28T19:21:00.002+10:00

YF Camp 2010 is coming in 4 days time!

Please pray for awesome fellowship, growth, and faithful preaching.

As usual, there's heaps of work in preparation with the bible studies as well as the camp committee. Please pray for them too!

So looking forward to it :)

Call and Response

2010-06-25T23:06:00.000+10:00

Maranatha

2010-06-23T21:22:00.002+10:00

Friday October 2

My soul was this day, at turns, sweetly set on God: I longed to be 'with him' that I might 'behold his glory'; I felt sweetly disposed to commit all to him, even my dearest friends, my dearest flock, and my absent brother, and all my concerns for time and eternity. Oh, that his kingdom might come in the world; that they might all love and glorify him for what he is in himself; and that the blessed Redeemer might 'see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied.' Oh, 'come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!'

David Brainerd.

Diary entry #453

2010-06-22T22:11:00.003+10:00

Dear DoJ blog,

Tonight I'm overwhelmed with thoughts.

Tonight I'm burdened by the weight of reality.

Tonight I'm reflecting on the worse sinner I know - myself.

Tonight I'm trying to understand the trials that have been given to me.

Tonight I'm praying for Jesus to return.

DoJ

"The Sword - with an electronic edge"

2010-06-21T20:49:00.004+10:00

What's the point of having a blog which I don't use to encourage others to get free resources with?

Share the good news I say. As well as the GOOD NEWS.

www.e-sword.net is a place to download a free electronic bible for your computer. It allows you to have study notes so u can type notes if u need. Also, you can download extra add-ons for it.

It comes with the king james version. So I'd advise downloading the ESV for it - which is free. As well as getting commentaries which are free add-ons too. The two I recommend are Gill's as well as jamieson, fausset, and brown's commentary (which were recommended to me). From a reformed evangelical point of view, their commentaries are really useful and convenient resources you can take everywhere on your laptop or read on ur desktop.

And if you don't have access to the internet you can still read an electronic bible already installed on ur computer. (instead of having to get on biblegateway all the time!)

Best of all everyone, it's free.

So go to the website, go to downloads, get the free program, then download the free addons (ESV, Gill, JFB commentaries) .

Who's joining my A-Team?

2010-06-12T01:07:00.004+10:00

Ok so watched A-Team tonite. It was really really good.

Think Die Hard type stunts and ass kicking with lots more strategy and surprises. The team is wild. They do the craziest stuff but always have a plan and always deliver the goods. Jam packed with action and lots of funny moments and edge of your seat stuff. And just so clever as well. That's why it was so good - because the guys had really clever strategies! Really really enjoyed it - probably one of the best films I've seen this year. (It's not competing with much though - Blindside or Sherlock maybe?)

But honestly, that Bradley Cooper guy from A-team as well as movies like He's not that into you, is a good looking bloke and reminds me so much of my best mate Mark - I'd put up a photo to compare but can't without permission. Seriously, a good looking bloke. Tony says it's his 'charisma'. haha I dunno I don't go for guys.

Movies to look out for, "Grown-ups" - Comedy with everyone funny in it. Adam Sandler and all his cats as well as Chris Rock and Salma Hayek. Also, "The Expendables" - Action with everyone awesome in it. Jet Li, Statham dude from transporter, Sly Stallone, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis and a cameo from Arnie himself. It looks so awesome. But seriously, A-team is soooo worth watching and I never would watch movies a second time - but for this movie I would (if it was only $5).

On another note, we left the carpark and we were turning on a roundabout and all of a sudden these punk kids decide to walk straight in front of us and stick their hand out as if they owned the road. We had to slam on the brakes and we beeped them, and they reacted so rudely and tried to get into our car. Tony scrambled to find the door lock but thankfully (and miraculously) it was already locked and as soon as he could he slammed on the acceleration and we were out of there. 10 punk kids against the 2 of us - I'd like to think we could stand a chance but I guess we are 'grown-ups' now and don't meddle with violence like the high school days. I say 'miraculously' because when Tony had to scan the parking ticket he accidentally locked the doors which he never does, but by God's gracious sovereignty and provision, the door was locked when these punk kids tried to drag us out. God had our back the whole night. What I reflected on afterwards was how my old habitual sinful characteristics of anger and violence erupted so easily in me. It's been years since I've felt such a level of rage. It surprised me and during the cooldown stage I had to really pray for them and for myself. I can only keep praying for a regenerative heart.

Crazy night - I need to create my own A-team - who wants to join?

Finding real joy.

2010-06-09T20:52:00.006+10:00

The joy is in us. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The ability to understand and comprehend the person and work of Jesus.

The joy isn't 'I'll be rich!!'.

Our joy is, 'even if I'm poor, they can't take my treasure because His name is Jesus'.

The joy isn't 'I'm healthy!'

Our joy is, 'even if I'm sick, it's an opportunity to glorify God to be more like Jesus to suffer well.'

The joy isn't 'I haven't been betrayed!'

Our joy is, 'even if I have been betrayed, there is one who will keep us, God the Father, He will be there no matter what'.

It's a joy in all suffering, betrayal and when death comes, we can have a joy that glorifies God, that can be used to teach, encourage, transform others and to us as well. Not one minute of that joy is wasted. It can all be used so God can do something in us, and do something through us.

The prayer Jesus prayed at Gethsemane - a prayer that displayed perfect humility and obedience of God's will. Jesus was hours away from his death. He knew that this was his moment. "Father, the time has come, glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you". It was a time of betrayal, a time when death was coming. But it was an event that would be used so that the whole world can know the love and truth that is in God.

So in the same way, pray that you will suffer well. Amongst all trials and adversities that you may face, pray that the Spirit will bring you a deep and satisfying joy in the knowledge of the Gospel. And find deep joy in that your Father in heaven is with you, and whatever tribulation you face, it is all purposeful in glorifying God.

Too often we feel God owes us. We pray for something to happen and when it doesn't happen we blame God. If we have enough faith doesn't that mean..we don't have to live like Jesus? Jesus wasn't rich, always in good health, and he always had people who hated him. So how can we expect to have all these worldly expectations? Does God owe us a financially wealthy lifestyle and good health and great friends because we have faith in him? What are you praying for? That you wouldn't hit those dark painful moments like Jesus had to?

What will you do when your best friend betrays you? What will you do when your girlfriend/boyfriend cheats on you? What will you do when you fail that exam? What will you do when you don't get that job? What will you do when you are wronged against or suffering from illness? Shake your fist. And cry out. 'why?'

What will your functional god be? Perhaps you'll drink something? Smoke something so it will go away temporarily? Pop something that will make you lose yourself? Let me assure you, your time will come. The question is, when it does, how will you respond?

'Father...the time has come' Pray as Jesus prayed. 'Father let me continue to serve you.'

Praying like Jesus - Mark Driscoll

Simul iustus et peccator

2010-05-24T19:21:00.003+10:00

"When I was in high school, the mother of one of the girls in our church youth group stopped me after the evening service and said, "My daughter went to the movies the other night and was horrified at the terrible language in the film. She had never heard such language in her life".

I couldn't figure out why she was telling me about her daughter's experience unless it was because she considered me to be such a spiritual giant in our group. So I took the bait and asked, "If the movie was so bad, why did your daughter go?" Once she had me hooked, she replied, "well, a week earlier she was driving past the cinemas and saw you and your date lining up to see the film. She reasoned to herself that if this movie was okay for Robert Jeffress then it must be okay for me."

None of us live in a vacuum. The choices we make have a profound impact on others and therefore on the kingdom of God. They either encourage others to be fully devoted followers of Christ or discourage them. Realizing that provides most of the guidance we need when considering the grey areas of behaviour"

- Robert Jeffress in "Grace Gone Wild".

How often do you think about the choices you make and the impact it makes on others around you? We walk around proclaiming we are Christians, that we love Jesus. Yet we spend our time and entertain ourselves playing games where we get to shoot other people, watching movies that promote fornication and foul language, as well as the occasional visit to a club where we surround ourselves with people who love drunkenness and promiscuity. Why? How can we talk the talk and not walk the walk? So many of us and I included are so guilty of this, and we need to repent, but how do we when the world today, the entertainment on tv, the street fighting/tekken bash and shoot each other up games, are just ... that - entertaining. How is it that we are of the Spirit yet still so in love with the flesh?

Simul iustus et peccator!

"....but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Tim 4:12

Unresolved

2010-05-05T22:26:00.003+10:00

I've neglected you my dear friend.

Give me some time. I need time. Why does it escape me like a squealing pig from the jaws of a crocodile?

The DoJ blog is taking some time out.

Heroes - I only have one. His name is J.....

Oh and Jonathan Edwards is also my hero. As well as Karl Barth and...what's his name...oh yeah, Hercules too.

Time to make heroes out of the rookies.

Absolutism

2010-04-28T22:06:00.002+10:00

Commonly asked question: Don't we have to all find truth for ourselves?

Understanding

2010-04-13T22:41:00.003+10:00

Faith.

We always fail in faith. Faith in God who is always always always faithful.

Sin

We fail in faith because of sin. We will continuously fall into sin.

Repentance

We repent of our sin. We must turn to God and ask for forgiveness and kill sin.

Forgiveness

We must have faith in His forgiveness and grace. We have to remember His grace for us.

Faith

We will always fail in faith.

Dug Down Deep - Josh Harris

2010-04-13T00:07:00.001+10:00

DugDownDeep_Carnahan.mov from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

Random. Totally.

2010-04-05T23:40:00.004+10:00

So here's a screenshot of the traffic that our YF Blog attracts. We have visitors from all over the world like Wisconsin and Minnesota in the US, Toronto, Germany, Saudi Arabia and even Egypt! I didn't even know Egypt had internet. But Praise God that even people from these random countries read the stuff we post up on our YF Blog.

Reading

2010-04-05T12:47:00.003+10:00

Like there are lots of good books out there to read. But I've been reading recently a 'free' book you can download off the Desiring God website. I'm sure a lot of you have heard of it - "Don't Waste Your Life". I've blogged quotes from it before.

Just want to say though, I really recommend this book. It makes you think about how to live as Christians and how you are spending your time. Not only that, it gives very good illustrations and examples of how we should be living for Christ, with a very clear theology and biblical backing. The book has been REALLY challenging for me and definitely has been a timely reminder on how we can best glorify our God through the way we live - how often do you ask yourself that?

From the website:

"God created us to live with a single passion: to joyfully display his supreme excellence in all spheres of life. The wasted life is the life without this passion. God calls us to pray and think and dream and plan and work, not to be made much of, but to make much of him in every part of our lives."

Now you could spend $17.95 at koorong on buying this book or you could download it for FREE (click on free)!

Serial Murderers.

2010-04-04T22:17:00.002+10:00

This is what we listened to at YF on Saturday night. If you didn't make it, please listen to it. It will open your eyes and convict your heart of the injustice that exists in our world today.

- DoJ

the real Gambit from Xmen is Asian...

2010-04-03T15:11:00.000+10:00

Raymond

2010-04-02T18:12:00.003+10:00

Raymond v Raymond is the new Usher album released.

It's not that good. I've listened to a few tracks on youtube already and the lyrics to some of these songs are pretty slack and lots of swearing in the upbeat songs. From what I heard, it's nothing worth listening to. The quality of his songs have dropped heaps since the here I stand album. Even the slow song 'there goes my baby' isn't that catchy or emotional...nothing like his old stuff.

Shame. Has the king of rnb been dethroned? Or was he ever the king of rnb?....

Red Cliff

2010-03-30T01:12:00.002+10:00

Watched Red Cliff on dvd. It was epic. And awesome.

Men

2010-03-28T21:21:00.004+10:00

There are too many boys in the Church. We need men. We need soldiers for God. We need leaders to stand up, serve God, serve His people, treat the women and girls and children with love and servitude. Lead the Church, lead their families, and lead their spouses/girlfriends. We need men who are humble in serving and not afraid to admit their weaknesses and relate to others to encourage and spur one another on. (Sadly and honestly speaking, their weakness is their pride.) We need men who are willing to put aside their pride and serve the elderly, our sisters in the Church, and serve one another. We need men who are willing to sacrifice their time and energy for others. We need men to be honourable, above reproach, sound in doctrine. We need men who will put down their game controllers, put down their iphones, put down their addictions and spend their time with people, reading God's Word, praying and investing their time in God's kingdom. We need men who are willing to be trained, willing to repent and willing to learn. We need capable, competent and qualified MEN. We need men who will be soldiers. Soldiers who will fight the good fight. Soldiers who will endure hardship for the Gospel.

I need to repent. (and man up).

Reminded

2010-03-23T22:51:00.003+10:00

I miss TAIWAN.

because my skin was so much better over there.

Also, because I miss the kids. I miss teaching English. I miss the people at the Church. I miss the food. I miss....so much about that place.

Barenaked

2010-03-18T22:42:00.002+10:00

So I've personalised my website a bit. Few new widgets here and there and I guess I've taken an approach where I'm a lot less secretive and a lot more open to share. I think it's about time I hide less and be a bit more transparent for my readers if I want to keep them. In the future, I'll have to get my own domain name ;) But yes, I am taking risks by making things public. Open to a lot more criticism, judgmental opinions etc. This is who I am though and I am not forcing anyone to like me.

....But like me. please.

Barenaked is a song sung by my favourite female actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. I just thought I'd mention that. I've known her since i was 10. I am this year turning 25.

People have problems. The internet is a tool for people to find solutions.

If you have a job interview and they ask you, 'can you demonstrate a time when you were faced with a difficult problem and how u solved it?' say "the internet."

Here's my secret revealed: I learnt how to ride a motorbike from youtube.

Problem: I had a motorbike I didn't know how to ride.

Solution: Youtube.

Are you starting to get the picture?

1 Million

2010-03-12T00:46:00.003+10:00

Random thing I read in the paper today.

UK plans to give $1m to South Africa in anticipation for the World Cup that's coming up to buy a billion condoms so AIDS won't spread during this exciting time where everyone will be celebrating.

Smart move. Let's just hope that's where the money goes.

And on the note of reporting news to you and money, Carlos Slim, some mexican dude in telecommunications, has reached the richest man in the world on top of Bill Gates at $53.5 Billion. Crazy. I wonder what these people do with so much money. Use it to invest in more money I guess.

Sad face.

2010-03-12T00:34:00.001+10:00

BRING BACK THE DOUBLE BEEF CHEESEBURGER!!!

this bacon thing was pretty yuck.

Cold sweat

2010-03-05T17:19:00.005+10:00

Video Games | Final Fantasy XIII | TGS 09: Official US Trailer HD

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Oh my goodness....

Preorder with JB's and u get 3 A4 sized posters....Ahhh...man...Times like this I wish I had a ps3.

I hope heaven has a copy of FFXIII waiting for me to play when I get there.

Apnea or Apnoea

2010-03-05T11:05:00.007+10:00

I think I suffer from bad sleep and lots of bad dreams. You wake up feeling you haven't slept at all. Perhaps sleep apnea?

I dreamt a group of rebel guerilla African kids (child soldiers) with machine guns were robbing a convenience store that I was shopping in. I was on the ground with my hands in the air and I had a gun put in my mouth and I was told to stand so they could all laugh at me and make a mockery of me. It's like something out of that movie......

I was shaking thinking...so this is how it ends.

A Choice We're Making

2010-02-20T12:40:00.000+10:00

The Sad Fallen World We Live In

2010-02-19T12:06:00.003+10:00

I am often logged on skype - although I never really use skype but got this random message today:

"There are thousands of unhappy married women and men in every city, but they DO NOT want to leave their spouse. They want to stay married, but they want to have an affair without ever being caught. Our dating community is extremely popular!

Having an affair can be stressful because you never know if the other person involved is going to get attached to you. You just want to have an intimate encounter and nothing else.

A great thing about this Discreet Dating Community For Married People is that there is no cost to join. You can check it out, see if you like it, and then begin contacting married people for secret intimate encounters.

Press here if you want to have an affair with a married person..."

I know we live in a sick and twisted world but to read something like this....

It was shocking and can't believe that there are dating websites out there designed to encourage people to cheat on their spouses! What happened to loyalty and commitment in marriage? For better or for worse until death parts them? This is so sad and absolutely revolting. It's as bad as the mail-order brides.

Where is your treasure?

2010-02-13T22:35:00.002+10:00

All Lasting Joy Is on the Calvary Road

What a tragic waste when people turn away from the Calvary

road of love and suffering. All the riches of the glory of God in

Christ are on that road. All the sweetest fellowship with Jesus is

there. All the treasures of assurance. All the ecstasies of joy. All

the clearest sightings of eternity. All the noblest camaraderie. All

the humblest affections. All the most tender acts of forgiving

kindness. All the deepest discoveries of God’s Word. All the most

earnest prayers. They are all on the Calvary road where Jesus

walks with his people. Take up your cross and follow Jesus. On

this road, and this road alone, life is Christ and death is gain. Life

on every other road is wasted.

(Piper, 'Dont Waste Your Life', p76)

Broken wings.

2010-02-12T18:35:00.007+10:00

Twisted metal. Silver lining. The air was thick, musty, the type that sends chills down your spine.

The ray of light shining through the crack in the doorway. Darkness surrounds.

Whimpering. Sobbing. It's the cry of the Sirens. The Bird-Women.

Don't you know already? It's strange but I saw the plate running away with the silver spoon.

She looked at him...and caused petrification. The eyes of a basilisk.

And the tape kept playing. Like the sound of an axe on a chopping block. One word: Discipline.

Perseverence.

2010-02-10T13:44:00.003+10:00

As a law graduate who doesn't want to go into a law career - job hunting is tough, tiresome, and discouraging. Still nothing.

On another note, big things happening this year on every front. More prayer, more discipleship, more growth, more long meetings.

See you soon and Soli Deo Gloria.

Busy

2010-02-03T23:31:00.001+10:00

Too. Busy.

Retreat

2010-01-29T14:47:00.003+10:00

This weekend is the YF leaders retreat. Please pray for us as we study the Bible, reflect on our own character as leaders, and plan the semester ahead for YF.

Looking forward to big things this year. And even bigger things for God's kingdom at CCCB/YF.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Enjoying being a Virgin...member.

2010-01-28T09:23:00.003+10:00

I'm not getting paid to do this, but how good is unlimited calls and text between virgin to virgin mobile. My battery is getting killed from it but hey, u can't go wrong with unlimited calls.

So who heard about the 300 Jetstar passengers stranded in Thailand? Once again, Jetstar has proven to be SLACK. Oh my goodness. Virgin Blue got me back to Brisbane 15mins early the other night and both ways, it was ON TIME.. Jetstar has cheap flights, but they have a really really bad track record of good service. Like how my boy Pop wasn't allowed on his honeymoon flight to the tropics because he was a bit late in arriving 30mins before the flight. Or how I was stranded in Darwin longer than I should have been at 4am in the morning. There's just something about Virgin...

Rant over

u know how u listen to a song on replay over and over and over til u get sick of it?

2010-01-16T13:07:00.004+10:00

man. love this cover. wats wrong with me. the days of gangsta rap are ova for this young thug.

Any compassion?

2010-01-14T23:53:00.003+10:00

Taken from the Compassion website:

"Unfortunately, time is already against us. The devastation caused by the earthquake means that basic needs are currently going unmet. Food, water and shelter will be just a few things that your support will help provide for children and their families around Port-au-Prince. Damaged child development centres will need to be repaired and destroyed homes rebuilt."

The situation in Haiti is devastating and so tragic. SO many people are dead and dying as you read this right now.

Compassion have set up a emergency disaster fund and we'll be taking up donations this Sunday and the following Sunday to give to it. Please think about how much you can give so that people's lives can be saved and improved.

I read in the newspaper that they eat mudcakes to survive - mud mixed with salt and water.

here's a link to washington post's photo gallery

Trailing behind

2010-01-14T13:42:00.003+10:00

You all know what I'm talking about.

You know that feeling. It's sort of strange. You pull up at the red light. Another car pulls up next to you on the right. It's a bit awkward, but the white redneck guy in his commodore turns his head to look at you. You try to avoid eye contact but your head seems to automatically turn in his direction. You try to ignore him.

Another car pulls up on your left. It's a bit awkward, but the Indian dude driving the old beaten up corolla turns his head to look at you. You try to avoid eye contact but your head seems to automatically turn in his direction. You try to ignore him.

Then, when you least expect it, your heart starts to beat faster and the thought crosses your mind, "Maybe...well, do you think these guys want to race me?"

Your foot starts moving by itself, and the next thing you know you're revvin the engine. "Yes, my little yaris can beat these two sorry beaten up cars anyday."

3....2.....1.....

The light turns green. And you're off.

It's like lightning speed. Like kung-fu fighting. But then you realise.

They're already gone.

Sleeping to dream about you.

2010-01-11T22:25:00.002+10:00

So that's what she said. I mean, you'd think someone would tell her. So embarrassed. Her face turned red. Red - out of all colours. She would've said more if she had known. But then again, how can you really know?

I've often asked myself that question, that is, 'does Bigfoot really exist?' Then I look down at my friend's feet. His are ... big. Not only big, they are also very hairy. If I was wondering around in a forest and say it was misty, the air was chilly, thick and moist, with wolves howling and that eerie feeling surrounding me....and my friend walked past with no shoes on - I'd think it's Bigfoot too. I mean, you can't blame a guy for thinking Bigfoot exists with all those ppl in this world with big hairy feet.

His cousin on the other hand, the Abominable Snowman, or Yeti, well we all know he is real. I mean, giant feet ppl regardless of how much hair they have, don't walk around in the snow. It's too cold. Only a supernatural snowman with lots of snow that grows on his body would be able to survive that. No, I wouldn't say it's a bear or a gigantopithecus (they aren't bipedal i heard). I think it's a snowman that walks around...Yes it's a snowman for sure. Just look at the pictures. Monsters Inc explains it all.

Bloodstains on the carpet

2010-01-08T21:10:00.004+10:00

She had it all. Bright lights, on the front of every magazine. A covergirl. Hottest thing that stepped on the scene. A typical miss independent. After-parties, paparazzi, and the world on a silver plate.

Never seen on the scene, a shadow-dweller. Some would say he's 'cool'. Camera shy, yet chilled, collected, punk. A typical smooth criminal (who strikes with a crescendo).

No... They were alike.

Sought after by so many, the king and queen of their own style. Royalty in their own mind. Cursed by their vanity. Their only best friend...was their reflection staring back at them.

Known, loved and adored...yet so very alone.

The top was decorated with a plethora of colours. The rainbow was spinning, spinning, spinning.

Then it dropped.

And we all fall down.

I truly believe the cup is half full!! Believe me says Mr Pessimist.

gina works the diner all day...

2010-01-07T00:09:00.005+10:00

I was told that I'm not so 'gangsta' after all coz I own a Bon Jovi album :P

On a just as fascinating note, I wonder who was the first homosexual who decided that wearing an earring on the right ear makes you one or is a 'symbol' of your sexual preference?

I get it so often, they look at my right ear and say in an i-think-you-are-homosexual voice..."umm..which ear makes you gay?"

Then I turn my head for them to show I have one in both ears.

Even if I were to wear an earring just in my right ear, (besides the fact I'd be a smoking hot guy magnet), would it automatically determine my sexual desires for people of the same sex?

I won't end this post with a question but a statement. Or two.

There are people amongst us who wrestle with homosexuality yet it is so easy for us to make a mockery of it. You shouldn't even find the words above at all amusing but in fact discomforting. The fact that there are people who judge you by the way you wear jewelery and instantly condemn it is appalling.

We all have our struggles. We all have our sins we deal with. Some just not the same as ours.

Compassion and Grace are a couple words that spring to mind.

The picture on this tv always seems to be blurry. It's time to fix it.

Soli Deo Gloria

2010-01-02T00:14:00.006+10:00

2009...it's all over.

Some people say the year was tough. Plenty of obstacles and trials to overcome. I'd like to think this year was challenging, eye-opening, and simply...fulfilling. This year, I preached my first full sermon. I got to finish a law degree (finally after 6.5years of studying...). (Thank you God..) I recharged for a few days in Sydney. I had a taste of full time work in a law firm doing paralegal dirty work. (which I still have nightmares about) I went to NZ and saw snow for the first time and snowboarded. I went to Taiwan of course, and served full time for 2.5 months with a small humble village Church. I visited Singapore and attended a wedding as best man. I then did it all again in Brisbane the week after. I spent Christmas and New Years in Brisbane with family and friends. (I haven't been here for Christmas for the past 3 years..) And finally, I have been so blessed to have met some of the most wonderful, loving, caring, sweetest people I've ever met. All in all, I believe this year with the grace of God, I achieved a lot. I feel very blessed.

However, as I reflect, this year had it's low points as well. And by golly, there were some low low low times this year. Feelings of loneliness, rejection, unloved, etc. All petty things that played on my mind. Spiritual warfare even... Family problems as well, including both parental and siblings. True, there were tough moments this year to overcome, but is it not true that God is still sovereign and so good?

ps. Let me just remind you one thing...if it doesn't concern the salvation or discipleship or love for others or service for our God, so that our God can be glorified and magnified, then frankly speaking, your issue is selfish and petty. I had to learn this the hard way.

2009 was a tough year, but 09 opened my eyes to see God's mighty power at work. To see exponential growth in the church, amongst some of my brothers and sisters, and even in myself. Learning to trust Jesus and to give over everything to Him isn't easy. We want to conquer trials ourselves, we want to fix issues alone, we want to be in control of ... well everything. God is sovereign - He has His good plans and is in control of everything. We just need to learn how to trust, and how to...really really trust.

I hope you all remember this in the year to come - that we have a purpose in living and that purpose is in the enjoyment of God and to trust in His sovereignty and good will. Enjoy it, desire it, live it and live for Jesus.

May our prayer this year be that we decrease, so that He can increase in our lives and be given all the glory that He deserves.

Soli Deo Gloria - to Him be all glory. Forever and ever. Amen.

Cambo

2009-12-30T23:28:00.001+10:00

Guess who's black shoulder.

Witness

2009-12-27T00:56:00.003+10:00

Something I was super encouraged by in Singapore is the public witnessing of the Gospel made by business owners.

On the left: Tangs department store. HUGE in Singapore. Such an encouragin public statement of their faith in Jesus Christ. as they'd have a huge sign above their store which was lit up, speaking about all glory to God and Jesus Christ. This was like a huge popular department store in the middle of Orchard rd.

YWCA Fort Canning - where we stayed had their scrolling marquee in the foyer which showed a bible verse. Their swipe cards even had a phrase about serving one another.

Like, it made me think about us in Australia. If we are Christians running our own business, are we willing to step up our game and portray to the world that we love Christ and want God to be glorified?

Sure we have our 'christian'-run businesses advertised on the radio but what about the simple small business and having a plaque on the wall or an encouraging sign on the wall about how Jesus is Lord? Why are we so afraid to witness...

Inside of me is a screaming banshee

2009-12-26T01:15:00.006+10:00

A revelation came to me recently. I was a lot more down during the days I studied law. I must have really hated law. Like, really. As I reflect on the past 6 months since graduation, life has been good, and God as always, has been good to me.

As the new year comes, I look forward to (with the Lord's help) persevering through more challenges in life, more hardships, more busyness, and more obstacles to overcome. But perhaps, all those have already begun?

People say bottling up emotions isn't good. A year ago I listened to Spiritual Warfare sermons by Driscoll and he spoke about how the devil loves to use our bitterness to sin. It is our bitterness towards issues and towards people that causes us to explode and the devil uses that as his foothold. From bitterness comes grudges, malice, deceit, slander and all these bad things. I must say bitterness even leads to moodiness. Bitter people just complain and are bitter about so many things. I once was given the nickname 'bitter melon' because I was so bitter about everything all the time. (YES Law made me very bitter) It was as if, there was a screaming banshee inside of me, wailing over and over about how the world is against me. So loud that my ears would echo, my heartbeat races, and my mind wouldn't sleep (oh wait, that still happens!). In turn, leading to bitterness and distasteful hatred towards people. I like to think now I'm not as bitter, that the Spirit in me has given me a gracious heart regenerating me each day. Without a doubt, even at this moment I have my struggles. I have emotions (not quite bitterness) that make me want to say "what the....". There will be situations that are out of your control. There will be difficult people that need a swift kick up the bum. But we always approach with grace. The lesson that needs to be learnt though, is not to bottle up your bitterness or your emotions, but to find healthy ways of venting, and learning the very difficult task of trusting God, truly trustin God and giving Him your burdens (and then using the wisdom and guidance from Him to bust a move!).

And remember, I am also here for you.

What's screaming to be let out inside of you?

And in all things, may each of you use whatever gifts you have to serve one another, faithfully administering God's grace. (1 Pet 4:10)

Yes amen, we all should always always always be faithfully administering God's grace.

Good night cruel world.

(On a side note, Pastor smsed me and it started off with 'hey dude'...bizarre)

This one's for you Jesus.

2009-12-25T00:33:00.004+10:00

Grace so amazing, so divine. Demands my soul, my life, my all.

You know...the amazing thing about grace is that it is poured out to us, so abundantly, so unconditionally, and so undeservingly. Our great God is gracious - for I've been wiped clean from all the sins of my past. No longer am I stained or guilty, but I've been washed and am now spotless before God. All because of grace.

I look around the Church...and I see a majority of conservative, well brought-up kids. No drugs, no promiscuity, no major dishonest fraudulent behaviour. Then I turn to myself...how does a God who is perfect, look upon me with so much love, when I've betrayed Him, spat in His face, and rejected Him so many times? After all I've done, He still holds me close to Him, and reminds me everyday that I am His child, and that I am loved by Him. My past sins have been forgiven, Jesus willingly went to the cross and atoned for my sins. I didn't even know Him. Yet He knew me. He knew that I needed Him. That I needed His love. His unconditional sacrificial love. God has forgiven you too. What amazing grace.

We can only now look to the future, to the eternal, to the treasures that we lay up in heaven. The grace that has been shown to you and I, may we serve it and give it freely, unconditionally, and lovingly to those around us. The single mother who walks into Church, the homeless man who smells like he hasn't showered for months, or just the annoying guy who doesn't know personal space. May we remember the grace God has given to us, and may we serve it to others not only this Christmas, but everyday we walk with Jesus.

Above all, remember that you have been saved not of your own accord, but by the grace of God. (Eph 2:8)

I pray that you will remember this too and you will find forgiveness and peace in Christ.

Merry Christmas friends.

Darwin's best headlines.

2009-12-23T20:47:00.002+10:00

Darwin's news just doesn't get any more interesting.

Beautiful.

2009-12-20T01:09:00.001+10:00

Congratulations Iggy and LiQing!!!!

Two weddings down, married, now time for the honeymoon!!!!

Miss routine.

2009-12-18T01:03:00.005+10:00

AHHHH

It's been a while old friend.

Back from Singapore but still one more wedding in Brisbane this weekend. If I was my boy Pop I'd be over it by now. But hey, gotta make everyone happy.

So I've been busy - entertaining people/guests and having rest periods at home. It's been good - have needed to recharge. Got lots of work to do and prepare for the coming year (and have to incorporate looking for a job somewhere in there). Will be workin at the family business more often in the next couple of months and trying very hard to save my money while I'm in this period of unemployment.

This means, no social life, so don't ask me out for dinner unless you're cooking.

ps. i like tacos.

Sephiroth

2009-12-11T01:26:00.003+10:00

I have got my hands on "TWILIGHT SILVER" Hair dye. Be prepared to meet a new and improved silver-haired DoJ.

Out of Action

2009-12-09T18:27:00.002+10:00

In Singapore so won't be able to attend to you blog addicts for the next week.

I arrived with a swollen left tonsil and last night had the worse worse worse sleep. Everytime I'd swallow I'd wake up coz the pain was excruciating. Finally took some panadol in the middle of the night hoping it'd go away but it was still there! And it still is painful :(

Singapore is ok. Nothing that special sorry to say...Taiwan food and clothing beats it. Hey I'm just being honest with you...

I called her..."Blackfoot"

2009-12-06T23:26:00.004+10:00

Why is this photo so funny?

The girl on the right of the photo - is one of our very good friends - a grade 11 girl who I've known since the first year I went back to Taiwan.

One day - at about 2.30pm in the afternoon - Burita and I were leaving the Church to go to school to attend a class. It was a rainy day but by the time it came to us going to school, the sun was out but the road was still wet. We walked out the Church and began making the trek to school when all of a sudden, this black footed girl walks out from one of the backstreets.

"What are you doing?? Where are your shoes!??!?! Why were you standing there?? Where is your schoolbag!???"

She responded, "I was standing there to bask in the sun. My schoolbag was taken home for me. And my shoes....I can explain"

"WHERE ARE YOUR SHOES!? THE ROAD IS WET!!! WHY DO YOU LOOK LIKE A HOMELESS GIRL!? why didn't u just come knockin on the Church door to find us? or call me?"

Then she started telling us about how she got drenched playing games at school and she finished class early and her shoes and socks were all wet and so she sent her shoes back home with her schoolbag but has to wait to get a lift home coz there wasn't enough room on the scooter to go back home so she was just gonna hang out in the village for a while. Lucky for her, we weren't far from the Church yet so I ran back to get her some slippers to walk the streets with.

All I could do was look at her feet as we made our way to school. It was so amusing, yet so bizarre.

Home..

2009-12-05T12:50:00.003+10:00

Although I really miss Taiwan...I must say, Brisbane at night is quite the sight. Perfect for the night stroll and lots of bright lights.

Brisvegaz - the liveable city.

Lightyears

2009-12-03T01:15:00.003+10:00

Our God is good. The work of Christ on the cross is amazing. The sanctification and empowerment that God grants us through His Spirit, is incomprehensible.

Praising God for opportunities taken by His disciples to share the Gospel. For those around the world who today have accepted Jesus into their hearts and prayed their first prayer. For those who have been encouraged, inspired, and motivated to love Jesus with all that they have. Why waste any opportunity to sow seeds? Why settle in to your comfort zone when the person next to you may be on their way to hell? When we pray, God is at work. He will stay faithful to His promises. That in Christ Jesus we have all blessing and hope. What a promise.

The giving of a name tag as a souvenir, playing bullrush with 40 kids, sharing the Gospel and praying with God's people - priceless.

Like a figure of my imagination, a dream, lightyears away.

May the truth of these words continue to resound on our tongues - our God is good.

Soli Deo Gloria

Framed

2009-12-01T22:19:00.004+10:00

He peered through the curtains into the room at the back. Studded jewels, pearls, gold and silver. A marauder's delight.

He froze.

A floating silhouette and a ghastly smell. His heart stopped. Two shadows danced across the ceiling. Whispering, cackling, snorting. It was repulsive. Like the off cheese taste left in your mouth. His mind spun. Nauseating and sickened. He vomits. Hours pass as he sits in the corner of his room, vomiting his insides out. Confused, shocked, amused. The hole in his wall slowly becomes smaller.

She laughed. It's all hers. The heart shape cut-out from the magazine and the memories he left in the box on her desk.

Sorry to interrupt you, but there is an audience that awaits.

So it begins...

2009-12-01T01:31:00.002+10:00

I began looking through the YF response forms tonight to start thinking about next year. I remember one of the biggest roles that the chairman of YF has to do is 'think' so why not start 'thinking' now? It was a bit overwhelming to see the variety of responses and opinions on different matters and issues but all in all, the majority was quite positive of how YF went generally this year.

But it looks like there is always room for change and improvement. Time to put our thinking caps on leaders, we have a big year ahead.

Firstly, let's pray about it.

Bye

2009-11-28T23:47:00.002+10:00

Dear DoJ blog,

I've been slack writing to you. I apologise. My mind has been elsewhere. My heart has been elsewhere. I have returned to my bed, to my home, to my family, to my dog, to my friends, to my church, to Australia. But I think I left something behind in Taiwan. Something big.

On our last night in YuChih the high school kids made us dinner and then we played with a bit of fire on the streets. It wasn't dangerous. I miss them though.

Have you ever worked with others who are so focused and so passionate and so dedicated and so committed to seeing lost people saved? Have you ever worked with people who have a genuine love for all people and want to see people in a deeper relationship with God? Have you ever lived amongst them, day by day, helping with their work, praying with them daily, studied the bible with them, chatted and shared with them and been able to encourage them in their perseverance? I have. More importantly, I've seen God at work. I've seen the Holy Spirit at work. I've seen love and grace poured and served out. I've seen and been a part of change, conviction, and renewal. I have seen genuine Christian love in the heart of Taiwan's countryside. I miss working alongside them. Yes, 魚池禮拜堂 (YuChih Church), I miss you.

Focus. God's kingdom in Brisbane has needs as well. So to Him not only do I give all glory, but all my burdens to share. I trust Him.

Signing out,

Anonymous

我 ﹐ 很忙。

2009-11-27T01:04:00.002+10:00

We watched a documentary at Church last week in YuChih about a dude who had a really busy life because he was just so talented and good at stuff that he just put his talents to work and he was some school teacher or something. I dunno. Was only half paying attention..

All the kids in Taiwan always say that I'm hardly ever on MSN to chat to when I go back to Australia so I had to promise some of them that I'd get online to chat to if they wanted to talk to me - but that they should also write me an email to plan and schedule in the time they want to go online so I can be free that night to get on.

I just got back today, and I told one of them I'd go on tonight. Boy was it hectic being online. I had phonecalls coming in and 5 conversations going on at once. Some of the people from Taiwan I'm chatting to are like, 'it's true, you really are a lot busier when you are in Australia'.

No doubt...

My busy lifestyle begun as soon as I landed this morning.

I need a holiday.

Leaving on a jet plane

2009-11-25T23:04:00.002+10:00

The Taiphoon is returning to Aus.

Currently using Taiwan Airport internet.

Am so sad - receiving a stream of phonecalls from ppl back home (in YuChih) to say goodbye.

My heart is heavy with sadness because I love the people here and it seems God keeps bringing me back to this place to serve the people here, to encourage the people, and to share His love here. Even with the crappy Chinese I have - TaiFung has achieved so much for His glory and His kingdom and we can only keep praying that His people in YuChih can keep going strong and standing firm amongst all the spiritual warfare that they face here.

Do I belong here in the future?

2.30am and I cant sleep

2009-11-21T04:20:00.004+10:00

We have a huge day tomorrow (Saturday) here in YuChih and I can't sleep. Nervous maybe?

We have been writing cards/letters to kids too all night - I've written a total of about 30 I think.

Well here is a picture of my lunch today - BANH MI THIT!!! Sucks that I've only discovered great tasting vietnamese food in YuChih in the last week. I went there today and had a good chat with the boss who is a viet and can speak canto, mandarin, and taiwanese and viet of course. She said she's been there for four years. I told her about how I've served at the Church for about 4 yrs now each holiday. I practised a bit of my vietnamese with her - PHO DAI, COM TAM, NGUC MAM.

haha

Just to let you know..

2009-11-21T02:02:00.002+10:00

Taiwan blog has been updated. The last VIDEO UPDATE :( :( :( :( --> they are sad faces.

Probably won't get a chance to blog again til I get back to Brisbane late next week but make sure you hold on to something because the DoJ blog will blow you away.

The Prince of Shanghai

2009-11-18T13:26:00.001+10:00

Hi DoJ Blog,

Haven't had a chance to update in a while.

I am feeling a lot better thanks. Haven't had much sleep lately but in terms of sickness a lot better.

The Prince is arriving today. Should be good to have him around for the next few days. We're going to be really busy actually so probably no time to update.

We've had a really good past 4 days. God is so good to us :)

- DoJ

Got something stuck in my throat

2009-11-13T00:35:00.003+10:00

Currently watching MJ's Moonwalker DVD that I brought over coz I knew I'd be missing MJ while over here. This dvd is so good. I miss the king.

So I've been pretty trashed the last two days. Don't really want to move from the bed. Today I felt a little bit better. But still congested and only sitting around 20-25% energy all day.

Codral tablets have been doing the trick I think.

Ok guilty confession - I ate Mi Goreng last night for dinner - at the peak of my sickness. I know I know it's not good for me but I was too buggered to go out and find food and Mi Goreng is SO DELICIOUS! DONT JUDGE ME!!!

"Fever, the temperature's rising now..."

mj style

2009-11-12T20:07:00.002+10:00

i have to use this silly webcam companion software coz i lost my sony vaio webcam software. ahhh

Worldliness

2009-11-11T14:41:00.001+10:00

(I was emailed this and wanted to share this with you all because I believe many of it to be true and something that many of us face and struggle with - I know I personally do and am so desensitized to the things of this world)

The following is a fictitious letter - not representing my true experience -

but being put "out there" in the public domain to make a point and hopefully

be a blessing to someone.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear God,

I just want to tell You how THRILLED I am to have purchased my new home

entertainment system! It's just great! I love being able to sit back in my

recliner, a Coke in my hand, with the air-conditioning on, and watch movies

containing violence, vulgarity, nudity, sex, profanity, blasphemy and bloodshed.

I need this "down time" after a hard day at work. Thank You for Your provision!

Now I know what You're thinking. "What about standards?" Look, I've decided

to cut back on R-rated movies and restrict myself mainly to M and MA material.

I did that to please You. The last movie I watched contained only two sex scenes

and it was "tastefully done." Yep, I'm monitoring carefully what I watch.

Another safeguard I've put it place is that if a movie contains excessive bad language,

once it is finished I will return it to the DVD shop and make a note never to borrow it

again. (I'll watch it to the end, though, because I need to see how movies finish so I

can "connect" with my unsaved friends.)

As far as the cost goes, yes it DID cost me a substantial amount to purchase

the entertainment system. But with the eyestrain I was getting from watching a

small TV, it was justified. And the salesman swayed me by assuring me that

the 24 month, interest-free deal means I can make all the payments before the

interest kicks in.

It will require a few sacrifices on my part to make the payments - such as reducing

my already abysmal giving to missions by 50%. People in foreign countries, who

desperately need to hear the gospel, can wait a little longer so that I and my family

can enjoy countless hours mindlessly watching television. It's helping my children to

develop character by watching "The Simpsons" and "Two-and-a-half Men" and other

comedies. We all laugh vigorously together - while the people next door go to hell.

If anyone challenges me about my TV watching, I will brand them "judgemental" and

a "legalist." That lets me off the hook and puts them in their place. I've found that

this strategy soothes my conscience.

Thank You again for Your provision,

Your (unrepentant) child.

look who i found!!

2009-11-09T00:12:00.003+10:00

I ran into Amy riding her bike on the main road and told her to come with her sister Linda to find us and play ball with us up at the school!!

It was so good to see, chat and play with her. She also dropped by the Church and saw Jasmine and gave her the biggest hug. I know Jasmine has really missed her as well.

Ahh mission complete. haha. No still so much to do here. Don't want to go back in 3 weeks!!

Saw the President in YuChih

2009-11-08T01:31:00.003+10:00

Can't see very clearly - but the president is the guy to the left of the speaker in the middle. He visited YuChih coz the elections are coming up and I think he goes around all over Taiwan to encourage ppl to vote. So funny, I asked a policeman why so many people were out and he was like 'duh president' and i'm like what the heck is that. "zong tong" or something. He must've thought I was the dumbest person. Security was so slack too - Just a couple guys who had metal detectors and it was just roped off. So poor.

Streets of "Lu Kang"

2009-11-06T02:56:00.002+10:00

Taiwan's second biggest city 300 years ago. A shipping port on the west side of Taiwan.

Temples EVERYWHERE. Altars in nearly every house. It was depressing.

Pray for Taiwan.

TASTY

2009-11-03T23:30:00.003+10:00

So the other nite I vomited a bit and had a sore stomach right? Well on Sunday - I didn't eat breakfast, and I was too scared to eat lunch coz of my stomach. Before heading to LuKang - the city about 1hr drive away - we stopped off at a minimart and I had to choose something to eat. Both Nalita and Kelly wouldn't let me eat chips, or chocolate coz of my tummy. SO they made me decide on bread. No, they forced me to eat bread. Plain white very thick slice of bread in a packet. But you know what? Bread here is tasty because they put lots of I think...butter or something in the making, so it's not dry and tasteless. But boring after you get halfway through it. Peanut butter or Nutella wouldve hit the spot. Or, peanut butter and strawberry jam. Some things, you just take for granted back in Brisbane. Like sausage sizzles and fish and chips. And tacos. Did I tell you I found a taco stand at the night markets on Sunday night in Taichung? They were OK I guess - I make better ones though. Soft shelled.

Deep.....fried.

2009-11-03T20:12:00.002+10:00

I couldn't resist it this afternoon.

I went out and got a bag of fried chicken. its about $1.40Aus and so it's pretty decent.

But very deep fried and unhealthy.

So delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it although I just finished it an hour ago.

1 just aint enough

2009-11-03T18:39:00.002+10:00

GUESS WHAT I ATE FOR LUNCH TODAY!!

Yup.

Mi Goreng.

One packet is 24cents. We found them at the night markets.

SO SO Yum.

You can feed me Mi Goreng, Tacos, and McDonalds for the rest of my life.

And I'd die with a smile on my face.

God's goodness

2009-11-02T12:03:00.004+10:00

I have so much to blog about from the weekend but like, I couldnt be bothered writing it all - I have to tell you. But then I couldn't be bothered recording a video either. But then I have a lot of photos/videos I want to show you too.

So instead, I'll just keep it short.

I had a really crazy weekend. Blessed - but had some very messed up moments.

Saturday morning I woke up and wasn't allowed to go downstairs til 9.30 when youth started. I didn't even eat breakfast that day. I knew they were preparing something for me...but yeah. I was told no surprises and no parties. So ah. The morning was going fine until about 11 - when after playing a few games (in which I kept losing and getting pen marks all over my arm) we were all told to close our eyes and not peek. I so knew people were starting to crowd around me and I started getting so paranoid but I played along anyway. Then they told me

to open my eyes and I felt all these hands on me and CREAM all over my face. Ahhhh. They brought out this huge cake and it was such a nice surprise. They said I have 3 wishes - the first two I had to share with them. Then I had to stand in front of the stage and they all came to give me gifts and take photos. I felt so special. I really didn't want any gifts or anything - now I have more luggage to take home. I was given this gigantic yellow plastic board with all these photos and writing on it. I can't fold it or anythin - I don't know how I'm taking th

at back. The students here are so sweet. Cathy gave a bit of a speech and so did Tim, and then they made me give one so I just tried to encourage them in Chinese and stuff. I got a little teary (only wet in my eyes) when I was explainin the biggest wish is that they'd learn the love of Jesus and serve Him wholeheartedly. Jesus always makes me a bit teary though.

Then we had our bible study in the afternoon. Which was tiring for many - the students were all quite wasted - but I think they got the big idea. Listen to God through the reading of God's Word.

Then up to the school to play ball. Then back to Church to go out to dinner with some of the Church workers and also Pastor Yang and his family who were back for the weekend - and are off to Thailand this Thursday - where they hav been doing missionary work for the past 4 years. He is a really great guy and this Church really misses him I think.

Then things got messed up.

That night, I had really really bad stomach pains. I woke up at 2am and I stumbled to the toilet. I nearly fainted on the toilet and hardly anything came out. Then - I went back to the bedroom - I was like "Ivan, I feel like I'm gonna die..." I found my BUSCOPAN (my lifesaving pills) and stumbled my way down 2 flights of stairs and knocked some things over on the way down. Then made it to the toilet downstairs and vomited a little. Then after that I was finally able to down some pills. Took me another 20mins before I fell back to sleep. Felt like crap in the morning. Church workers found out and were all worried about me. I downed some more pills. I felt a lot better after some rest and prayer and pills. I was ready for the stage and for the sermon. I was so worried I was gonna faint on stage or something. A similar incident happened 2 yrs back here and the pain was exactly the same. Except back then, I lasted a couple days without Buscopan not knowing that it was the answer to my problems. Thanking God for Buscopan and all those who were praying for me. Some say it was spiritual attack. I am not sure - but I'm finding each year I come here, and do God's work, I often fall ill a lot easier. Which isn't normal for me. The pain too isn't as excruciating. Being in Taiwan surrounded by so much spiritual warfare, I'm not surprised if it is some sort of demonic attack upon me - the worse timing ever hey?

Then Sunday arvo/night we went out to play with Nalita :) An old traditional seaport town FULL of temples and also a short trip to the markets in Taichung afterwards.

Thanking God now for Monday - our rest day.

I'll share one photo with you from the weekend.

(the big yellow plastic board thing with photos (Candy and Emma's present) soo sweet)

After eating really purple dragonfruit the night before

2009-10-30T19:57:00.003+10:00

DoJ: hey man I took a dump and I thought I was bleeding.

Burita: hey me too.

DoJ: yeah and then I realised it wasn't quite red, it was more purple and it came to me that it was the dragonfruit. Why didn't you say something?

Burita: I was scared.

DoJ: Yeah I was too.

For the Sluggards amongst us

2009-10-30T00:40:00.000+10:00

I use a sleeping bag to roll under my back

2009-10-29T18:56:00.003+10:00

I saw a physio regularly when I was in Brisbane. It's been 6 weeks since I've seen one.

I am now growing a hump on my back. Hunchback of Notre Dame style.

I hope I meet a nice pretty big eyed tanned gypsy girl who sings nicely and kisses my hump.

Rabbit Head

2009-10-28T00:13:00.003+10:00

We had steak at the night markets tonight and Judy (aka Rabbit Feet) and her friend were there and they bought us a egg tart to eat. Yum. So we invited them to sit with us as we ate but they were too shy to talk to us. But after tonight, I think Judy feels a lot more comfortable and less shy to talk to me. I told her everytime I see her it makes me miss Rabbit Feet back home and I told her she should come back to Australia so she can meet the real thing.

Jawdropping.

2009-10-25T22:47:00.003+10:00

Back from Taipei yesterday. One month to go before we return to Brisbane :( Still feel that there's so much work to do but the time with students is so limited as we only really see them on Saturdays! and in bitesized pieces throughout the week.

Taipei was a good break. It went by way too fast. Burita's visa application got rejected. Not enough supporting documentation. Gotta apply again this week in a different city. We also attended a funeral yesterday and a missions conference run by the network of Churches that we serve in. They are called 'house' churches but are basically non-denominational churches. That was interesting but also quite difficult to stay attentive throughout - it was all in chinese and it was a 6hr event.

The funeral too was quite nice, some nice speeches given and there was a white couple whom the deceased had served with in the past and they got up on stage and spoke fluent, very fluent, chinese. Our jaws dropped and hit the floor. We were so amazed and put to shame.

Funny story that happened after the memorial service, but i'll have to share that with you in person. Or via webcam.

Preaching this Sunday coming up. It'll be an edited version of my sermon I preached earlier this year at cccb. Difficulties lie in illustrations that are applicable to the audience and culture. But Lily will be helping and making suggestions for changes. Please pray for that and that many will come to know and desire to be in a r/s with Christ.

The skitz at his best.

2009-10-24T02:15:00.004+10:00

The day before yesterday I asked God, "Please, keep me sane"

Yesterday I asked God, "Please, help me be content"

Today I asked God, "Please, regenerate me."

Tomorrow I will ask God, "God, am I truly free?"

The day after tomorrow I will ask God, "God, why can't i rest..?"

Velez Visa

2009-10-19T09:07:00.003+10:00

Will be in Taipei until next weekend to extend Burita's Visa. They didn't grant him a 90 day visa in Brisbane so....yeah.

Not much net access in Taipei - hear from me again in a week :)

Pork RIb. Coffee and Cake

2009-10-19T00:01:00.002+10:00

Tonight Lily and some others took us out to eat at this fancy restaurant in Puli.

I was buggered. I have been sleeping average of 5-6 hours over the past two nights and no rest during the daytime. But it was a nice dinner and we celebrated one of the auntie's birthdays. There were only 8 of us including us two there. I filmed a little something that you can check out over at our Taiwan blog from tonight (altho they are speaking in chinese).

Funny thing is, these middle aged women were all so intrigued in finding out what type of girls we go for, and how do we know when God has provided the right girl for us? This is where I dug up all my BGR knowledge from the dusty closet in my brain and explained to them how I 'think' it should go...

So pray, someone who loves God and shares your vision, advice and wisdom from Pastors, godly friends and family, parents blessings etc etc. Pretty straightforward then right? Then I said, but sometimes, even after all that, it might not be God's plan either. Even with all the green lights....sometimes it just doesn't work out. You can only know if you try though.

So funny though...it was just such a random conversation and they wanted to know everything about what we look for etc. I said probably an "ABC like me..". and when it came to our dear sister Jasmine she replied "ABC, CBA it's all good!" This 48 year old lady always always always picks on me...Burita suggested we'd find her a nice really dark black african guy....

Yoyo

2009-10-17T02:00:00.004+10:00

Wake me up before you go go...don't leave me hanging on like a yoyo..

We went out to eat at Puli tonight. Neighbouring town. Had 小龍包。So delicious. Then we had shallot pancakes. Also, so delicious. At the shallot pancake place we sat down and the manager　－ｈｅｒ　ｎａｍｅ　ｗａｓ　Ｙｏｙｏ　－ came and shared a plate of this fresh tofu stuff that was yummy and chatted with us. We told her where we were from, what we were doing, and she was so encouraged by us and shared with us how she too is a Christian and goes to a Church in Puli and knows the preacher here at YuChih and also has gone on short terms before to Nepal and other places. It was so nice that we crossed paths and God gave us this opportunity for us to share and encourage each other.

On another note though, I played ball today. Didn't cough my lungs out (Burita calls it 'smokers lungs) and I wasnt huffing and wheezing after 10 mins. Played for a good half an hr or so and felt great still. It was amazing but I really truly believe that run/walk up the mountain yesterday was like instant fitness．

Ｔｈｅｙ　ｅａｔ　ｈａｍ　ａｎｄ　ｅｇｇ　ｓａｎｄｗｉｃｈｅｓ　ｆｏｒ　ｓｕｐｐｅｒ　ｈｅｒｅ．　Ｔｈａｔ　ｉｓ　ｌｉｋｅ，　ｓｏ　ｃｏｏｌ．
Ｙａｋｕｌｔ／Ｃａｌｐｉｓ　ｆｌａｖｏｕｒｅｄ　ｉｃｅ　ｂｌｏｃｋｓ　ａｒｅ　ａｌｓｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｂｏｍｂ　ｆｏｒ　４０ｃ．

Ｔｏｄａｙ　ｗａｓ　ａ　ｇｏｏｄ　ｄａｙ　ｔｈｏｕｇｈ. Some iｎｔｅｒｎａｌ　ｂａｔｔｌｅｓ　ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｆｌｅｓｈ　ａｎｄ　ｔｈｅ　Ｓｐｉｒｉｔ　in my mind ｂｕｔ　Ｉ　ｋｎｏｗ　ｅｖｅｒｙ　ｔｒｉａｌ　Ｉ go through is making me a better man. Pride is man's biggest struggle afterall. Thank God for a regenerative heart.

Circus. with clowns and all.

2009-10-15T23:40:00.007+10:00

Took some time out this afternoon and went for a run/walk/stroll up the local mountain which is so steep and so tiring yet so exhilarating. You can see all of YuChih from above. It's pleasant and I got to spend some time with my mind and the circus of thoughts that are flying around. Oh and of course time talking to God. How good is it to be able to talk out loud to God amongst His creation? Especially when there is noone around...

Christus Victor

She said..her dad doesn't let her come to Church. We said...come visit us this weekend. Antibacterial hand sanitizer has allowed me to have some security. Dirty hands keep touching me. My hands, my shoulders, my face. Sanitize everything. The boss at my favourite beef noodle soup store asked where we were going. I said we're going to buy 'bing bang'. She just smiled. Honestly, I didnt even know what I was saying. "Weirdo" she thought.

"...the root of Satan's work is pride. Continually speak, think, and act in humility as God's grace requires."

Christus Victor

Grilled twice over. Like a Pastor's interrogation. She says everything is ok...I said...there's always tomorrow. I wrote, whenever your 心情 isn't great, remember God loves you. Jesus loves you. Before you make your next move...your presence alone....that will do. Antisocial? no...Joyful only because it is by the grace of God which compels me. All is well, I'll be waiting. Patiently.

Satan is the biggest accuser. (Rev 12:10). Resist him, so that he will flee from you (James 4:7-8)
We are actively always at war with him and his demonic army. (Eph 6:10-13)

Christus Victor.

Yes, prayer is powerful. You are so right.

Don't feel stupid. We will always face challenges...there's another just around the corner..

"the Gospel is the story of the worst sins ever committed"

2009-10-15T14:27:00.004+10:00

http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_bss/bss.pdf

I was browsing through the desiring God website - John Piper's - and he's put his book up 'spectacular sins' online to download for free. It's about 120 pages so get yourself a copy!

"...and a little child shall lead them"

2009-10-15T00:59:00.006+10:00

Digging through old photos and videos to see what I can upload. Too many memories. Too many stories. Too many regrets.

We've come a long way. This is the 4th time I've been here in YuChih. I love this place. I've had the privilege to lead and take so many of my close friends to this place too, and share in the same joy of serving the people here, and God's kingdom. But everytime I come here, I miss home. But everytime i leave this place, I miss here...

Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I am not homesick...I've passed that stage. Besides missing my bed, family, and dog, I am 99% glad I'm here and not in Brisbane. God has blessed us abundantly here, and working with the youth here is so fulfilling. Being away from Brisbane for this time too, is a good breather. Time away from the daily grind and pressures of life to serve God wholeheartedly - I couldn't have it any better. Fulltime ministry seems so far away.

Ah. yeah. ok. I miss you.

Hmm. I don't know if you understand. I'm doing just fine. Are you worried? Don't be. Well maybe there's still a way...I can find you and say....But still, there's no answer. Should I keep trying? ...and he asked...who's afraid of the dark? it's because u can capture a crowd, when you turn on that smile. Oh well, there's still tomorrow.

Her black bike.

2009-10-13T20:30:00.002+10:00

EVERYONE GUESS WHAT!!!

WE SAW AMY TONIGHT AT THE NIGHT MARKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OHHHH MAN! and we told her she has to come visit us and she said YES! YAY!!!

We couldn't talk to her for long coz she was with her sister and dad and he looked red like he's been drinking and so yeah....

She has upgraded from a yellow bike to a black bike last time I saw her.

im hungry

2009-10-12T00:15:00.006+10:00

Just want to say things have been going sweet over here. I've been blogging more on the missions blogsite because well, there's not much to blog about except for what is happening here on missions. So that's the best place to go for updates from me.

But I thought I'd put up some personal prayer points here:

- praising God for all the blessings and love that's been given to us here. God is so wonderful.
- praising God for always providing for me. in so many ways.
- pray for good sleep
- pray for my own consistent quiet time with God - of course I spend time with God throughout my day being here but sometimes I'm too caught up with my own thoughts with everything going on here and back home

thats all i really got hey. man i cant think of any.

my relationships with some of the kids and my language barrier i have with mandarin. thats a good prayer point actually. lately i've felt pretty antisocial. Burita is more popular with the students here (my time has passed) and it makes me just want to come up to the bedroom and not do anything.. like random times we see the kids after school and before they start tutorin.

I will update this blog again soon. Just haven't had the inspiration because my mind is too caught up with stuff! Man I wish I had a pensieve like dumbledore so i could put my thoughts into it and wouldnt have to think about stuff anymore.

For all you future V-bloggers

2009-10-08T12:13:00.002+10:00

I've learnt so much from this video.  Good work on getting popular Youtube entertainers together. These WongFu guys are so creative.  As Burita would say, "it's all about 'guanxi'"

PS. KevJumba has beefed up so much.

Devotion day ?

2009-10-08T01:08:00.004+10:00

You cannot show the preciousness of a person by being happy with his gifts. Ingratitude will certainly prove that giver is not loved, but gratitude for gifts does not prove that the giver is precious. What proves that the giver is precious is the glad-hearted readiness to leave all his gifts to be with him. This is why suffering is so central in the mission of the Church. The goal of our mission is that people from all nations worship the true God. But worship means cherishing the preciousness of God above all else, including life itself. - John Piper

"For His sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" Phil 3:8

Trailer watch #24

2009-10-07T16:48:00.001+10:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeWsZ2b_pK4&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div

Alice in Wonderland trailer. So trippy. But looks good.

Wafery goodness.

2009-10-07T15:42:00.003+10:00

I had this delicious mint choc ice cream with wafer at this ice cream parlour called "Cold Stone" when we were in Taichung the other day. The label "Cold Stone" as you can see is on a red background. Could it be any way related to a certain "Cold Rock" label on a blue background?

Safe

2009-10-06T11:18:00.003+10:00

Taiphoon has passed us. Windy and cloudy outside but no signs falling on our heads.

What a shame - we were both really looking forward to experiencing our first typhoon and filming it etc.