When I am sad..

I will recall things that make me glad...(sounds like a song in Sound of Music Musical, eh?)

best friends. warm colors. flying kites. yummy & tasty food. sweet stuff. sophisticated stamps. long silence. songs. flower fragrance. walking in downtown. bike. chant. Word. G-d.

moving in, moving out

This year some of my friend will move to other countries...so sad... funny.. they are currently in different places, but somehow, to know that they are moving away gives me a mild grief. Perhaps moving to other places will mold them and contribute to their personality development (am I fear of changes?). Perhaps I just want to know them just as I knew them yesterday, forcing the memory into reality without supporting their growth.

Wishing you all the best, friends.. God be with us 'til we meet again.

less human

Few days ago I visited a bookstore. And, to my surprise, a moment of wonder came into my mind, " After a year, how could I lose my appetite of all interesting things outside Christian ministry: novels, art, fantasy literature, music, song, films? Am I less human by neglecting me?" Flashed back...not even one novel that I read within a year. No new art exposure and knowledge. No development in expressing emotion? (I realized that I smiled more often to people, but difficult to release / sublime my anger, distress, and other negative feelings) Uh-oh.

Phew, thank God for his kind reminder that offering myself to God does not mean ignoring my human needs. I have done wrong to half of my own being. I should have committed my needs and interests above to God, and continue to nurture them as my offering too. Anyway, loving me would result to loving others completely, and not only taking care of their churchy side of life.

Well, thank you for reading this funny note.

Waiting Room

How do you feel to be in a waiting room?

Of a dentist: anxious.
Of a job interview: prayerful.
Of a flight: excited (perhaps, unless you are leaving somebody behind).

Do you like to be in a waiting room?
we are in God's waiting room. The big waiting is his second coming. To this, we are expectant, watchful and  strive to be faithful.

keep watch, take heart.

hooeekkk

Lord, every time I want to vomit, let me come to you and humbly ask for your grace and mercy..day by day... acknowledging that ministry is by grace alone..

Enjoying the present

Yes, present moment has captured my attention and curiosity. Have you ever wondered how to discover your present? That is, how to be fully, 100%, really present at every moment? Our God is an ever present God. See how He reveals himself: I AM that I AM. To enjoy, celebrate, discover, and dwell in every present is to be with the One who is present and create all things to be enjoyed at the very present.

to be continued in the next present..

Song of My Life

Last week I attended a workshop concerning visual art and music for educating church people. The teacher is a therapist and asked the participants: what is the song that you like / represents you? One of the song that speaks to me in all seasons is "You Are Mine" by David Haas. Below is the lyrics:


I will come to you in the silence
I will lift you from all your fear
You will hear My voice
I claim you as My choice
Be still, and know I am near

I am hope for all who are hopeless
I am eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night,
I will be your light
Come and rest in Me

Chorus:
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name (Chorus)

I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live (Chorus)

~ ~ ~

Thank you Lord, for loving me deeply..

suffering

As we are in solidarity with those who suffer, may our vulnerability turn into prayer.

What have you learnt from your ministry?

power play....is an illusion in God's kingdom
immaturity....is an empty vessel waiting to be filled
fear and insecurity....are fields where God's love and grace are to be sown
ignorance....poverty of God's living Word
hatred.....seed of death spread by the evil one. Put some leaven of trust and reconciliation as the antidote.
unethical practice in the ministry.....poor obedience and devotions

Pray. Love. Serve.

Have I been faithful?

I marked my annual commitment in full time ministry by asking "Have I been faithful?" Yes, it has been a steep learning curve for me and most of the time I was thinking of doing something else. Yet Fr Roger - through his writing "God Is Love Alone" - reminded me that the Spirit is faithful in sustaining me. Praise the Lord! Let's move on.