Yo, so when stuff happens I just need to write it down and tell someone. And by doing so, not only do I make my joy complete, I also get to glorify God. So, listen. haha.
I've been having a pretty off day to say the least. Last night I was helping my friend who is a dj and got her back home around 1:30. I was exhausted, but I also saw something I shouldn't have and it really messed me up.
This morning I woke up, made poor decisions and ended up slightly late to church for Good Friday service. It was pretty interesting. I don't think anyone disliked it. haha. A bunch of people were asked last night if they would be willing to go up to the cross and pray near the end of service (he was going to invite everyone to write a prayer on a card and bring it to the cross, but you could also stay at the front and pray) I ended up being nearly last because apparently I write long prayers. lol. But ya, it was good, I got to pray all about this stuff from the morning and I got to make a new Malaysian friend and ya. good times.
I was at my parents' house all day with our new puppy. lol. I got to take him for a 'walk'. lol... Watched the end of Hunger Games finally!
But ya, so I left around 7 and was driving home. Just going over the hill by Confederation Station I saw all this sunshine and awesome picture opportunities behind me and felt the urge to walk back and take pictures. Walking back the sun had set more, so good picture times were done, but I felt I should really find a good place and spend time with God for the rest of the sunset. Usually that would mean at the park, but there were people in my spot, so I thought 'on the otrain?' but nah, it would take forever to get home if I missed the stop, so I chose to go to Heron station.
Anyways, sat down, still kinda annoyed with my actions this morning, but opened the Bible in Job where I was currently reading. I reread chapter 8 then read 9 and 10. Good stuff in there (8:8-10, 9:4-10, and 9:32-35) but the passage that really stuck out to me was 10:8-12.
"Your hands shaped me and made me,
Will you know turn and destroy me?
Remember that you molded me like clay.
Will you now turn me to dust again?
Did you not pour me out like milk
and curdle me like cheese,
clothe me with skin and flesh
and knit me together with bones and sinews?
You gave me life and showed me kindness,
and in your providence watched over my spirit."
This really stood out to me because of a conversation I had last week at Carleton with a Muslim guy. It was turning into an argument between ZL and him, but after we shook hands and were friendly and everything. Anyways, one thing he said about Qur'anic science was that in the Qur'an it says that in developing fetuses the bones are made before the flesh, which these verses don't exactly agree upon. I had also read a bit of stuff about embryology in the Qur'an before, so when I came to this verse I needed to find out more and googled "islam science embryology" on my phone in the bus station.
I got this website as the top result: http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Science/embryo.html
I was fully expecting to get a biased result fully supporting what the Qur'an says, but I was greatly surprised by this website. He was seeking to see what the Qur'an actually says and disputing the idea that 'the Qur'an says a lot about Science way before we knew it' which I have heard a number of times.
Apparently a lot of studies on embryos had been done before the Qur'an was written, and Greek understanding was translated and got to Arabia and even to Muhammed's close friends. A really striking sentence on that page though was that the end of the sura about embryology is accepted as being said by Muhammed's scribe (ie not inspired).
Sura 23:12-14 reads (in my English Qur'an):
"We created man from an essence of clay, then We placed him as a drop of fluid in a safe place, then We developed that drop into a clinging form, and We developed that form into a lump of flesh, and We developed that lump into bones, and clothed the bones with flesh. Then We brought him into being as a new creation glory be to God, the best of creators"
Anyways, you should read that article. It is very well researched.
I'm really glad God speaks in these ways, maybe not as directly as I might hope some times, but still He answers the questions on our hearts and points us back to Himself.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
29.3.13
28.3.13
The Smell of Sweat
Hey guys,
Do you know how awkward highschool dances are? No? Than you should work with a DJ for a few weeks. Honestly, it's a hot, stinky mass of gyrating children... There's something wrong with this. This isn't even mentioning the lyrics of the songs they are 'dancing' to. And these aren't even the bad kids, these are like kids who want to be in politics from across Canada. >.>
Anyways, ya. I've had a couple big assignments the last few days as well as my independent project, which is taking way longer than expected, probably at least 5 more hours in the lab next week. It is really fun just working with SP in the lab and getting to know each other a bit better. After the lab today we went and played chess in the library.
I had a massive assignment to do today. I woke up (not as early as I had hoped) and got to work on it. I had spent like 7 hours yesterday working on it trying to get it done before the deadline. I thought it was due today (my lab day), but was apparently due at 11:55 last night. It turned out to be 12 pages long. Somehow I was done most of it by 1 today and submit it from the lab. Again my lab coordinator gave me grace where it wasn't deserved.
This day kinda started really badly, but it really got better in the middle.. I will hopefully tell you more in a few days. xP
Ya. Gonna have to tell DC I can't be her DJ assistant / chauffeur for the summer.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
Do you know how awkward highschool dances are? No? Than you should work with a DJ for a few weeks. Honestly, it's a hot, stinky mass of gyrating children... There's something wrong with this. This isn't even mentioning the lyrics of the songs they are 'dancing' to. And these aren't even the bad kids, these are like kids who want to be in politics from across Canada. >.>
Anyways, ya. I've had a couple big assignments the last few days as well as my independent project, which is taking way longer than expected, probably at least 5 more hours in the lab next week. It is really fun just working with SP in the lab and getting to know each other a bit better. After the lab today we went and played chess in the library.
I had a massive assignment to do today. I woke up (not as early as I had hoped) and got to work on it. I had spent like 7 hours yesterday working on it trying to get it done before the deadline. I thought it was due today (my lab day), but was apparently due at 11:55 last night. It turned out to be 12 pages long. Somehow I was done most of it by 1 today and submit it from the lab. Again my lab coordinator gave me grace where it wasn't deserved.
This day kinda started really badly, but it really got better in the middle.. I will hopefully tell you more in a few days. xP
Ya. Gonna have to tell DC I can't be her DJ assistant / chauffeur for the summer.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
23.3.13
Do It All For His Glory
Yo.
So, today and last night I was away at a retreat in Quebec with some people from church. It was the retreat for our Personal Ministry and Counselling course we were doing, so it was a lot of confession and praying for one another in pairs. It was pretty good I guess. The only thing I really needed to deal with only really came up at the very end.
I have been acting pretty hypocritically recently. Largely driven by pride, but the results were like not doing what God wants me to do and like not sharing my life with my brothers in Christ.
Friday morning I was meeting up with one guy and he was pretty direct about it: 'I don't know anything about you. You never tell me anything about you.'
Bam.
Conviction
So, ya, I really want to seek after God's Kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that He will provide and protect and use this all for His glory. Perfect love, His love, drives out all fear. If our God is for us, who can be against us?
It may be hard sometimes, but I wanna do what He wants me to do; I wanna go where He wants me to go.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
20.3.13
Crazy Days
Yo. So today I went to school early, finished an assignment, worked on a lab report through class, had a discing meeting, finished my lab, did more lab work, had a review tutorial, then I was walking home from the train and this weird thought crossed my mind... I don't have anything due tomorrow..? O.O
IMPOSSIBLE!!
So I folded laundry and did the dishes and watched anime and played worship songs on guitar.
Here comes tomorrow!
lol....
So productive. Not.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
PS. I'm really excited about the summer right now, and about how all the guys in my DG will grow next year.
IMPOSSIBLE!!
So I folded laundry and did the dishes and watched anime and played worship songs on guitar.
Here comes tomorrow!
lol....
So productive. Not.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
PS. I'm really excited about the summer right now, and about how all the guys in my DG will grow next year.
19.3.13
Our Hope is in You
Yo! Hey!
Today was another day with another large assignment due in less than 24 hours, but you know, each day isn't the same as the last. There is always the opportunity for greater things to happen.
I started the day with breakfast and the last two chapters of Revelation: the New Jerusalem and the River of Life. So much to look forward to.
Classes. Then we got to start our independant project for Micro. Lots of fun. Haha. A whole lab to ourselves and self-directed work. SP kinda got stuck working with the spinach the whole like 4.5 hours. I really hope that gets faster. We have found ways to speed that up for sure. But ya. Good times.
Ended up in the Hub woking on my paper and had a bit of a conversation with JL about relationships and cooking. I finished my paper and we were gonna meet up with DP at 9 before he goes back to Toronto on Saturday, but this snow stopped him. So I chilled in the Architecture studios a bit. Lol. Some first year art projects are just amazing. Good to talk to PC and JL and everyone. PC has been going to church recently apparently so I was excited to talk with him. I encouaged him to keep working on his project. He said I was really optimistic. I asked a bit about where his hope comes from and he said no where. Christ is where our hope comes from. Praying for him to come to that realization.
Anyways, gonna have dinner and do an assignment before bed.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
Even in the mess, He never leaves us.
18.3.13
Monday was a Week Ago
Yo.
So yesterday was Sunday. We had church and for once in a long time we went out for lunch afterwards. Squished 15 of us into a Pho place in China town. Then me, SC, and JC, as well as RV had a homework party in the River Building. I actually did get some work done. At the time it seemed like a lot, but not now... lol.
Today kinda was annoying. I had a bad dream last night and so all day I was being really tempted and just ya, not feeling good. Servant Team was actually fun for once. We had no staff and EE was also not there so me and RM had all the work to do in a short amount of time (since he was late). It was fun actually doing the stuff, not just being there and doing nothing. DG was ok. Kinda weird, but stuff should be happening. YA was good Pastor DB talked about masculinity.
Now I'm home.
Trying to get people to move in downstairs. Looks like RM will be with two of his friends. I really wanted some other Christian guys too, but I guess he'll be ok. lol. I'm really not as open with him as I should be considering he was my DGL in first year and the only other male student leader at the moment... It will be a growing experience.
Anyways, ttyl.
D.Fa
So yesterday was Sunday. We had church and for once in a long time we went out for lunch afterwards. Squished 15 of us into a Pho place in China town. Then me, SC, and JC, as well as RV had a homework party in the River Building. I actually did get some work done. At the time it seemed like a lot, but not now... lol.
Today kinda was annoying. I had a bad dream last night and so all day I was being really tempted and just ya, not feeling good. Servant Team was actually fun for once. We had no staff and EE was also not there so me and RM had all the work to do in a short amount of time (since he was late). It was fun actually doing the stuff, not just being there and doing nothing. DG was ok. Kinda weird, but stuff should be happening. YA was good Pastor DB talked about masculinity.
Now I'm home.
Trying to get people to move in downstairs. Looks like RM will be with two of his friends. I really wanted some other Christian guys too, but I guess he'll be ok. lol. I'm really not as open with him as I should be considering he was my DGL in first year and the only other male student leader at the moment... It will be a growing experience.
Anyways, ttyl.
D.Fa
16.3.13
Lack of Sleep
Yo.
I'm a little annoyed right now. But ya, the last couple days did go pretty well.
Thursday I had a lab report due, so I went to school early and ya, worked on it. Afterwards I got to go to a Dialogue Students Association event that my friend had invited me to. There was a rabbi, priest, and imam who shared their thoughts on the theme "the purpose youth in time". I had no idea what they would say. But it was interesting. The priest read the parable of the prodigal son. Which was interesting. I got to talk with a brother and ended up staying at school all night...I had a double lab report due Friday and was out of time.
I never pull all-nighters, nor do I drink energy drinks normally, but I had no real choice at that point. So, I had to. I slept for two half-hour periods. So that day was kinda painful. lol. SC sent me home instead of talking with him cause I needed a shower / breakfast. But I also had to work in the lab and talk with ZL and ya, other stuff to do too. I ended up sleeping in the Tory lobby for an hour an a half that afternoon. Then I went to the Festival of Planning with P2C.
FoP was good. We did a lot of planning. But it was good too. lol. It was definitely awesome to see so many students want to come together and pray and plan for the next year. It's kinda really annoying that I can't be here to be part of it all next year though with co-op and all...
Anyways,
Ttyl.
D.Fa
I'm a little annoyed right now. But ya, the last couple days did go pretty well.
Thursday I had a lab report due, so I went to school early and ya, worked on it. Afterwards I got to go to a Dialogue Students Association event that my friend had invited me to. There was a rabbi, priest, and imam who shared their thoughts on the theme "the purpose youth in time". I had no idea what they would say. But it was interesting. The priest read the parable of the prodigal son. Which was interesting. I got to talk with a brother and ended up staying at school all night...I had a double lab report due Friday and was out of time.
I never pull all-nighters, nor do I drink energy drinks normally, but I had no real choice at that point. So, I had to. I slept for two half-hour periods. So that day was kinda painful. lol. SC sent me home instead of talking with him cause I needed a shower / breakfast. But I also had to work in the lab and talk with ZL and ya, other stuff to do too. I ended up sleeping in the Tory lobby for an hour an a half that afternoon. Then I went to the Festival of Planning with P2C.
FoP was good. We did a lot of planning. But it was good too. lol. It was definitely awesome to see so many students want to come together and pray and plan for the next year. It's kinda really annoying that I can't be here to be part of it all next year though with co-op and all...
Anyways,
Ttyl.
D.Fa
13.3.13
Time With God
Yo.
So this week has been pretty sweet. I am seriously trying to prioritize time with God, so each day breakfast is also Bible time and my days have been pretty awesome.
Yesterday woke up at 6. Had a midterm at 10, but I made sure I had breakfast and time in the Bible. midterm went well, way better than expected. At 1 I had 4 hours of preparing solutions for the MicroBio Independant Project. It was pretty fun. lol. I had a dentist appointment at 6:30 instead of the Unity Worship night at 7, but I got there and the lady looking at my teeth asked me about reading week and I got to tell her about Haiti a bit and found out that there is a couple who travel around to other countries and remote places to do dental work (I assumed they were missionaries) and then the dentist told me his daughter went to the Dominican to build a school with classmates from her school (All Saints) and another Catholic school in Ottawa.
Today woke up at 6. Lab due at 1. After breakfast went to school and was super productive for some reason. lol. Got to go sharing at 11:30 and had a really good conversation with a guy in the food court. Got to share a bit about science and my faith and ya. cool times. lol. We were going to innoculate the media today and go to sushi at 1. Didn't quite happen like that... lol. Oh well.
But ya.
Gonna keep this chain going. lol.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
So this week has been pretty sweet. I am seriously trying to prioritize time with God, so each day breakfast is also Bible time and my days have been pretty awesome.
Yesterday woke up at 6. Had a midterm at 10, but I made sure I had breakfast and time in the Bible. midterm went well, way better than expected. At 1 I had 4 hours of preparing solutions for the MicroBio Independant Project. It was pretty fun. lol. I had a dentist appointment at 6:30 instead of the Unity Worship night at 7, but I got there and the lady looking at my teeth asked me about reading week and I got to tell her about Haiti a bit and found out that there is a couple who travel around to other countries and remote places to do dental work (I assumed they were missionaries) and then the dentist told me his daughter went to the Dominican to build a school with classmates from her school (All Saints) and another Catholic school in Ottawa.
Today woke up at 6. Lab due at 1. After breakfast went to school and was super productive for some reason. lol. Got to go sharing at 11:30 and had a really good conversation with a guy in the food court. Got to share a bit about science and my faith and ya. cool times. lol. We were going to innoculate the media today and go to sushi at 1. Didn't quite happen like that... lol. Oh well.
But ya.
Gonna keep this chain going. lol.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
12.3.13
Jesus Loves Me This I Know
Yo guys. Can I just say how awesome it is to know that no matter what happens, no matter what the future holds, that I can trust God with it? No matter what struggles we go through we know Christ was tempted far beyond us in every way and still would rather die for the sins of the world than die to sin? That even if we lose house and home, family and friends, belongings and even our lives for the sake of the gospel and Jesus' name we know we are satisfied in Him, and that He supplies even more than we can ask for or imagine?
That is just how I am feeling now. Like, just I know Nothing in All of creation. Nothing. at. All. can separate us from the love of God. Nothing. And that more than that, He is with us always from the moment we ask Him to come into our lives til the end of eternity.
If anything is astonishing, it's the gospel. That God would send His very Son to die for the sake of those who had voluntarily gone astray. Instead of wiping us off the face of the earth, He would have mercy on us and give us grace. That instead of the death we deserved. Death. He would die for us, to give us life, life abundant, new life, eternal life.
Yo. And the fact that He has made us in His image, that every single thing He has brought into our lives, no matter how messy or shameful it may be, He can still redeem any and everything in it for His glory and for His purposes. Everything.
Oh my God, you are just amazing and more than I could every hope to explain by words. Lord you are truly loving, just, and there for us in every circumstance. Lord, take every part of our lives and just use it for your glory. Let not any part of our hearts be filled with anything besides thee and thee alone. Father, discipline us in love and teach us each day more of the great things you have done for us and your faithfulness that in everything your plans are best.
What can I say, what can I do, but offer this life completely to you, oh God?
That is just how I am feeling now. Like, just I know Nothing in All of creation. Nothing. at. All. can separate us from the love of God. Nothing. And that more than that, He is with us always from the moment we ask Him to come into our lives til the end of eternity.
If anything is astonishing, it's the gospel. That God would send His very Son to die for the sake of those who had voluntarily gone astray. Instead of wiping us off the face of the earth, He would have mercy on us and give us grace. That instead of the death we deserved. Death. He would die for us, to give us life, life abundant, new life, eternal life.
Yo. And the fact that He has made us in His image, that every single thing He has brought into our lives, no matter how messy or shameful it may be, He can still redeem any and everything in it for His glory and for His purposes. Everything.
Oh my God, you are just amazing and more than I could every hope to explain by words. Lord you are truly loving, just, and there for us in every circumstance. Lord, take every part of our lives and just use it for your glory. Let not any part of our hearts be filled with anything besides thee and thee alone. Father, discipline us in love and teach us each day more of the great things you have done for us and your faithfulness that in everything your plans are best.
What can I say, what can I do, but offer this life completely to you, oh God?
9.3.13
Work Makes You Tired (GHT13 Day 6)
Feb 21 ~ 9PM
Today was ok. I kinda felt a bit distant from God. I don't really know why, but ya.
Work was really good. We were doing concrete again. Which at first thought is pretty bad, but it was awesome. 94lb cement bags, whatever. lol. We worked really well and got it done by lunch.
I've been trying to get good video of all our major jobs. I just really need a video of the girls sorting rice. That takes so much effort and it is so appreciated, but was only described as "helping in the kitchen" which does not describe much.
After we did more painting. I got to talk a bit with the guy from the other day. He's a cool guy.
Chasing lizards and petting puppies is pretty fun. lol.
Tonight we like played charades with the kids. I was so tired. lol.
So ya, tomorrow I've got to lead morning devo tomorrow. Should be good, but I don't know what I will do. lol
Gonna sleep. Last day tomorrow.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
Today was ok. I kinda felt a bit distant from God. I don't really know why, but ya.
Work was really good. We were doing concrete again. Which at first thought is pretty bad, but it was awesome. 94lb cement bags, whatever. lol. We worked really well and got it done by lunch.
I've been trying to get good video of all our major jobs. I just really need a video of the girls sorting rice. That takes so much effort and it is so appreciated, but was only described as "helping in the kitchen" which does not describe much.
After we did more painting. I got to talk a bit with the guy from the other day. He's a cool guy.
Chasing lizards and petting puppies is pretty fun. lol.
Tonight we like played charades with the kids. I was so tired. lol.
So ya, tomorrow I've got to lead morning devo tomorrow. Should be good, but I don't know what I will do. lol
Gonna sleep. Last day tomorrow.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
Time to Talk (GHT13 Day 5)
Feb 20 ~ 9:00PM
Yo, today was interesting. First we woke up and had breakfast. Today they continued jackhammering the old pool, but I had no idea how I could help so I went painting again. The chocolate paint worked well. I ran into a guy who thought he knew me and definitely knew SB.
After lunch I got to turn steel rods into steel nails with a rock and a hammer and continued painting. We got alot done.
I got my hair done. Lol. Cornrows finally. I hope they last. lol.
Tonight we had a singing time with the kids and I got to play guitar and sing worship team. [we had really no practice. JW and I, as well as MC chose the songs the night before and she transcribed the lyrics / chords onto paper while I was getting cornrows. We practiced for like 4 minutes before... lol. keys were pretty bad for me so when JC wa holding the mic for me, I pushed it at her. lol. 'You sing'. haha. JC didn't like that. lol.] It was pretty funny, but good. After I got to pray for one of the guys. I actually think today went really fast. Still really glad to be here and work together with everyone.
I got to talk with one of the guys about one of the things I've been needing to think and pray about, so it's good. I think this just confirms things.
Only two days left. I need to figure out what God wants to teach me here.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
Yo, today was interesting. First we woke up and had breakfast. Today they continued jackhammering the old pool, but I had no idea how I could help so I went painting again. The chocolate paint worked well. I ran into a guy who thought he knew me and definitely knew SB.
After lunch I got to turn steel rods into steel nails with a rock and a hammer and continued painting. We got alot done.
I got my hair done. Lol. Cornrows finally. I hope they last. lol.
Tonight we had a singing time with the kids and I got to play guitar and sing worship team. [we had really no practice. JW and I, as well as MC chose the songs the night before and she transcribed the lyrics / chords onto paper while I was getting cornrows. We practiced for like 4 minutes before... lol. keys were pretty bad for me so when JC wa holding the mic for me, I pushed it at her. lol. 'You sing'. haha. JC didn't like that. lol.] It was pretty funny, but good. After I got to pray for one of the guys. I actually think today went really fast. Still really glad to be here and work together with everyone.
I got to talk with one of the guys about one of the things I've been needing to think and pray about, so it's good. I think this just confirms things.
Only two days left. I need to figure out what God wants to teach me here.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
Does God Procrastinate?
So, I was having these thoughts yesterday.
As much as I procrastinate there is one thing I am very much committed to; I will not lose marks because of handing something in late. This is by far the easiest marks to not lose. No matter what you hand in, if you hand it in late you lose marks. So, ya, pretty standard idea, eh? like Handing in something at an 85% level the day of is way better than handing in something a day late at 10% deduction, meaning to get higher you'd need something worth 95% or higher.
So ya, even though I push it very much to the last second, I will not hand it in late.
But wait, God is never 'late' or 'slow' as we understand these words. It's all in His time. But, does that mean God is a procrastinator?
Absolutely not. God doesn't sit there and say 'oh, I can do this later' or 'how much longer can I not do this?' and He definitely doesn't complain 'I don't wanna do this assignment' or anything like that. He just knows what time is best for things to happen and ultimately it is for the good of all, not just one or two people, but all who would come to Him.
As much as I procrastinate there is one thing I am very much committed to; I will not lose marks because of handing something in late. This is by far the easiest marks to not lose. No matter what you hand in, if you hand it in late you lose marks. So, ya, pretty standard idea, eh? like Handing in something at an 85% level the day of is way better than handing in something a day late at 10% deduction, meaning to get higher you'd need something worth 95% or higher.
So ya, even though I push it very much to the last second, I will not hand it in late.
But wait, God is never 'late' or 'slow' as we understand these words. It's all in His time. But, does that mean God is a procrastinator?
Absolutely not. God doesn't sit there and say 'oh, I can do this later' or 'how much longer can I not do this?' and He definitely doesn't complain 'I don't wanna do this assignment' or anything like that. He just knows what time is best for things to happen and ultimately it is for the good of all, not just one or two people, but all who would come to Him.
6.3.13
Open My Eyes (GHT13 Day 4)
Feb 19 ~8:45PM
Yo, today has been pretty awesome.
Yesterday was pretty tough, but today I got to work on the guest house, painting and cement finishing. Mostly in the shade and it was a little less intense physically. So it was good.
BG was sick all day which sucks, but I'm sure God had a plan for that.
This afternoon we continued on the guest house, but I ended early. Gotto go to the houses of 4 of the workers to meet their families, pray for them, give them a care package and encourage them. It was awesome. They kinda live far away, but to see this family dynamic, their joy in the tough times, and their faith was pure joy. We got to experience their generosity, got to worship with them, and got to see God's love in their families. I just wanted to give grandma a big hug and pray for how God has been faithful to her in blessing her family and being with them.
Devos was awesome. God really spoke to me and I reconstructed that lesson. I hope it was really what someone needed.
Ya. Only Tuesday. So great. Been taking some videos of what we did and everything to show when I get back.
Still so surreal, but today was awesome.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
- Open the eyes of my heart
- Neh 8:10
Yo, today has been pretty awesome.
Yesterday was pretty tough, but today I got to work on the guest house, painting and cement finishing. Mostly in the shade and it was a little less intense physically. So it was good.
BG was sick all day which sucks, but I'm sure God had a plan for that.
This afternoon we continued on the guest house, but I ended early. Gotto go to the houses of 4 of the workers to meet their families, pray for them, give them a care package and encourage them. It was awesome. They kinda live far away, but to see this family dynamic, their joy in the tough times, and their faith was pure joy. We got to experience their generosity, got to worship with them, and got to see God's love in their families. I just wanted to give grandma a big hug and pray for how God has been faithful to her in blessing her family and being with them.
Devos was awesome. God really spoke to me and I reconstructed that lesson. I hope it was really what someone needed.
Ya. Only Tuesday. So great. Been taking some videos of what we did and everything to show when I get back.
Still so surreal, but today was awesome.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
- Open the eyes of my heart
- Neh 8:10
To Those Who Overcome
Yo. So today was a little lame, but then it was pretty cool.
I woke up late and had a lab report due today. Bad combo as always. So, kinda skip breakfast, go to school, work on it until and during class and an hour after to get it done so I could chill with MT. It was really good. I really needed to sit and just talk about God's goodness for a while. lol. I mean it's not all easy, it's not all fun, but I know God is doing great things through this time and greater things in the times to come. It was short, but as good time to reflect a bit too.
Lab time came. Apparently you lose 20% per day (or 0.8% per hour) for handing it in late! That's heavy! I'm really glad that I have resolved to not lose late marks if I can avoid it. I think the only time I actually knew I wasn't going to be done on time my lab coordinator just said 'get it in before the end of the lab period' which gave me like 2 more hours to do it. But ya, that's mad. lol. The guys across the bench from me know I go to a Chinese church now. lol. My lab partner has been really in the word lately. It's really encouraging. He's definitely not all there yet, but it's definitely not by anything that I have done to get him here. I'll just text him 'Hey what's up?' and he'll reply "hey! I haven't been to church lately, but I've been reading the Bible! =D" lol.
After the lab we went for Pho. Like during the lab period. Pretty funny. Next week we're gonna hand in our labs then go for sushi for lunch. AN asked me where I had been in the world and actually, every other country I have been to I have been to on a missions trip, which is pretty cool. I kinda hope it stays that way. Not that it's always a missions trip, but that I'm always on mission. Like, wherever I go I always bring the gospel with me.
But ya. lol. Probably should do some more work so I can go to prayer meeting and not freak out tomorrow about my prelab. lol.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
PS. Read this.
This one is great too.
I woke up late and had a lab report due today. Bad combo as always. So, kinda skip breakfast, go to school, work on it until and during class and an hour after to get it done so I could chill with MT. It was really good. I really needed to sit and just talk about God's goodness for a while. lol. I mean it's not all easy, it's not all fun, but I know God is doing great things through this time and greater things in the times to come. It was short, but as good time to reflect a bit too.
Lab time came. Apparently you lose 20% per day (or 0.8% per hour) for handing it in late! That's heavy! I'm really glad that I have resolved to not lose late marks if I can avoid it. I think the only time I actually knew I wasn't going to be done on time my lab coordinator just said 'get it in before the end of the lab period' which gave me like 2 more hours to do it. But ya, that's mad. lol. The guys across the bench from me know I go to a Chinese church now. lol. My lab partner has been really in the word lately. It's really encouraging. He's definitely not all there yet, but it's definitely not by anything that I have done to get him here. I'll just text him 'Hey what's up?' and he'll reply "hey! I haven't been to church lately, but I've been reading the Bible! =D" lol.
After the lab we went for Pho. Like during the lab period. Pretty funny. Next week we're gonna hand in our labs then go for sushi for lunch. AN asked me where I had been in the world and actually, every other country I have been to I have been to on a missions trip, which is pretty cool. I kinda hope it stays that way. Not that it's always a missions trip, but that I'm always on mission. Like, wherever I go I always bring the gospel with me.
But ya. lol. Probably should do some more work so I can go to prayer meeting and not freak out tomorrow about my prelab. lol.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
PS. Read this.
This one is great too.
Someday Soon
"In the day of the Lord's anger
no one escaped or survived;
those I cared for and reared,
my enemy has destroyed."
Lam 2:22b
Yo. That's a pretty serious verse. I really hope I never have to say that.
All my friends, my family, my classmates, maybe a future family. "those I cared for and reared." All destroyed. And that's where they are headed.
"In the day of the Lord's anger no one escaped or survived". That is fully deserved. None of us lives up to perfection's standards. We can say 'Oh, but I was better than that guy.' or 'I wasn't that bad', but both are just comparing to others. If God had a bell curve for how we are doing, morally, ethically, the effort we put in, what would be the cut-off percentile? 95th percentile? 99th? What about the others? It's completely not fair to judge on a bell curve when it comes down to life or destruction. So what standard is it?
I don't mean to offend, but the standard is perfection. I don't live up to it. You don't live up to it. We each have flaws, ways we have decided to seek our own good before the good of others, ways we have not lived up to even our own standards. So how can we live as if judgment is never going to come? How can we live each day passing by these people and knowing what is coming?
How can we not tell them about the only way to avoid destrcution?
How can we not share our salvation with them, not that it is really ours to give, but a privilege that we can do so?
If we trust in what Jesus has done at the cross; in what He did to take our destruction and punishment upon Himself, that is where we find life. He said that He came not to condemn, but bring life. If we don't receive His forgiveness we stand condemned already with everyone else.
It isn't because we don't accept Jesus that we are condemned, but because of our condemnation and God's love for us, Jesus came to give us a way out.
So, how can I not tell my classmates? How can I not tell my friends? Is it not easier to just bring up God's love into a conversation while there is still time, rather than the guilt of not doing so before our paths diverge?
I don't want to see my friends and family be destroyed. I want them to see real life. I want them to see God. I want them to. I pray that they will someday. Someday soon.
Rev 22:12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done."
Unless we have Jesus' forgiveness, we are going to receive for what we have done.
5.3.13
Sing His Praises (GHT13 Day 3)
Feb 18 ~5PM
Apart from me you can do nothing.
Do you know how humbling it is when you truly experience it>
Today we got to work. I was assit=sting with the cement mixer. We had a slab of cement to fill in so we got to it. I don't know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't that. 3 Buckets of gravel, 5 Buckets of dirt, 2 Buckets of water, and 1.5 bags of cement (150 lbs) for each load of cement poured. [These aren't like colourful beach pail buckets, but like legit 60 lbs buckets or more.] Probably about 120 bags of cement used today. It was a lot of work, and a lot of sun. I got more and more exhausted and more and more affected by the sun to the point where I couldn't do anything. Shoveling, slow and painful; lifting buckets, not even close; just nothing. I had to go sit down for extended breaks and got sent away a couple times.
Just around 3 I got sent to my room for shower and no more work to be done today.
I had / still have part of a really bad headache. Like, my head is exploding, but how can we share Christ with the workers if I can't even work with them?
Now we are playing with the kids. Paper hat decorating quickly regressed into airplane time, but it's still good.
Working in the kitchen is not easy. Gotta sort grains of rice.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.
Gotta focus on His goals not mine; trust in His plans, not mine; be open to His leading; and really just pray all the time.
I really hope tomorrow is better.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
-Forever Reign
-These Hands
-Always
Apart from me you can do nothing.
Do you know how humbling it is when you truly experience it>
Today we got to work. I was assit=sting with the cement mixer. We had a slab of cement to fill in so we got to it. I don't know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't that. 3 Buckets of gravel, 5 Buckets of dirt, 2 Buckets of water, and 1.5 bags of cement (150 lbs) for each load of cement poured. [These aren't like colourful beach pail buckets, but like legit 60 lbs buckets or more.] Probably about 120 bags of cement used today. It was a lot of work, and a lot of sun. I got more and more exhausted and more and more affected by the sun to the point where I couldn't do anything. Shoveling, slow and painful; lifting buckets, not even close; just nothing. I had to go sit down for extended breaks and got sent away a couple times.
Just around 3 I got sent to my room for shower and no more work to be done today.
I had / still have part of a really bad headache. Like, my head is exploding, but how can we share Christ with the workers if I can't even work with them?
Now we are playing with the kids. Paper hat decorating quickly regressed into airplane time, but it's still good.
Working in the kitchen is not easy. Gotta sort grains of rice.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.
Gotta focus on His goals not mine; trust in His plans, not mine; be open to His leading; and really just pray all the time.
I really hope tomorrow is better.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
-Forever Reign
-These Hands
-Always
4.3.13
Brotherly Love
God has a real sense of humour.
The things I joke about turn out to be real.
He uses me to help others with relationship issues.
When I'm at the end of my rope that is when He speaks most clearly to me.
When I see nothing happening, He has actually been doing a whole lot.
When I have work to do is when ministry is the most fruitful.
But anyways, this weekend was the YA retreat and an older couple that joined our English congregation this year was the speaker(s). They shared all about yeilding to God's will with the story of Joseph in Genesis, as well as a million stories of God in their lives. Pretty darn encouraging. There was a real openness among the YA, especially about the topic of purity, which nearly everyone read the 100 page book that was circulating. lol.
But ya, back to work today I guess. Not really excited about work. lol. I definitely spent a lot of time not working today, but it was good. I got to hang out with friends a bit, spend a good half hour in quiet time, and got to talk with a brother for about '5 minutes'. lol. But then I felt like I got a good amount of work done.
Anyways, Rev 3:7-13.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
The things I joke about turn out to be real.
He uses me to help others with relationship issues.
When I'm at the end of my rope that is when He speaks most clearly to me.
When I see nothing happening, He has actually been doing a whole lot.
When I have work to do is when ministry is the most fruitful.
But anyways, this weekend was the YA retreat and an older couple that joined our English congregation this year was the speaker(s). They shared all about yeilding to God's will with the story of Joseph in Genesis, as well as a million stories of God in their lives. Pretty darn encouraging. There was a real openness among the YA, especially about the topic of purity, which nearly everyone read the 100 page book that was circulating. lol.
But ya, back to work today I guess. Not really excited about work. lol. I definitely spent a lot of time not working today, but it was good. I got to hang out with friends a bit, spend a good half hour in quiet time, and got to talk with a brother for about '5 minutes'. lol. But then I felt like I got a good amount of work done.
Anyways, Rev 3:7-13.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
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