12.1.14
Co-op Transparency
So, like, that's kinda the summary. haha. I feel like this is how I will often be blogging these days. A summary sentence and an explanation. First, Friday was a little annoying because I didn't have any dress shirts left to wear because I only had two with me at my parents' house, so on Thursday I went to my house and grabbed one, but it's like my most wrinkly. . . Only to see that Fridays are apparently less formal. The first time my supervisor hasn't worn a dress shirt. > . >
But the day was so much better. haha. I finally got to like work on a larger assignment by myself and ask AB and the others in my unit questions whenever I wasn't quite sure what the SOP wanted me to do. And so I finished it. =D And then when I was just going to make some photo copies to put in the file, I got to have an awesome conversation with one of the guys I've been able to play cards with! xP
He apparently just graduated from Carleton in biochemistry like 4 years ago, so we got to talk all about our classes and profs and co-op experiences and everything. So a pretty awesome 'coincidence' that we have been through all the same stuff. Also, he emailed me and the other co-op student that we should go for coffee or something when we finally get our ID passes, which is awesome too. xP
So keep praying for chances to share with my co-workers who Jesus is and live honestly before them hiding nothing.
D.Fa
9.1.14
Fluke
So today I was at the P2C prayer meeting, and we were reading Psalm 127:1, but ZL read verses 1 and 2. So, if verse 1 wasn't clear enough that we can't do it on our own ("Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.") well verse 2 is "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves."
If you want something awesome to happen in a ministry you are in, the very first thing I do is start making personal sacrifices like missing meals and waking up earlier and staying up later. But just doing that won't change anything, it's still in vain! If God isn't at work, nothing will happen. Abide in me and you will bear fruit!
Work was a lot of fun. Apparently me winning yesterday was a fluke. haha
Ttyl.
D.Fa
8.1.14
Hopeful for this Co-op Term
Although I still don't really have access to my computer (which makes it 3/3 co-op terms) I am getting to start doing things, and it's all really interesting material. The SOPs may be the most bland in the world of writing, but when I finally get to do what it is trying to tell me how to it's really cool. Also, I have been introduced to like 60 people in the last couple days. No way I can remember them all so quickly, but it means I can openly talk to 60 people and discuss things with my group and the whole floor.
Additionally, I won the card game at lunch today. lol. From 6th of 6 yesterday to 1st of 5th in a game called "Wizard" kinda like Euchre apparently. AA game of choosing how many tricks you will win and then do it with increasing card counts in your hand for each round. Now, how can I share the gospel through this?
Class tonight was also good. Got to talk to a few 'old friends'. lol. I keep finding out my friends aren't all graduating this year. =P Hooray!
Ttyl.
D.Fa
7.1.14
The Weather Outside's Always Frightful, This Time of Year
I was about to quit and go to sleep when I ran across this: http://youtu.be/0EQdXyKiFY4
SO FUNNY
And it's actually what I had thought to blog about the other day. lol
Really though, Ottawa has always been cold, Canada has always had tough winters. So, why now of all times is weather the only thing people are talking about? Now, I don't mean to say that the ice storm wasn't bad. It was. But just because our winter is cold, doesn't mean you need to start comparing it to cold places like the South Pole or Mars. It's cold now, it'll warm up soon. Deal with it.
I may also be a little annoyed because co-op students basically aren't allowed to miss work, ever, but that's a different story. haha
Ttyl.
D.Fa
6.1.14
New Year Makes Me Sore
There are various excuses for whatever you have intended to do.
You could explain all the excuses, but then you'd never get to the issue.
It's been a while again. haha. Surprisingly, it wasn't about sin this time. =D But I've been busy. haha
I was at my parents' house. I was playing Shadow of the Colossus. I went to Richmond Hill for P2C+ conference (so good). Today was my first day of work. Surprisingly, I'm still at my parents' house. lol.
Part of why I am still here is that I'd like to test out what it'd be like to live here next year. At first it was a bit tough, but I think it should be possible.
Also, a friend of mine has a New Year's resolution to do like push-ups and sit-ups and planking and wall sits. I am so sore now. lol.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
26.12.13
Les Écrans
The other day we were watching television in the living room. I went downstairs and played video games, all the while texting / facebook messaging on my smart phone. Later I was back upstairs and looking up the recipe for sugar cookies on my phone while making them. I took out my laptop to work on my resume and email some professors. At the store I call my mother to ask about a gift for my dad. Minutes later we are driving somewhere and I use my phone to find out where the store is. I have a dentist appointment; when I return the living room is dark except for the television screen and my dad searching his iphone over the rims of his glasses.
Screens everywhere, and for everything.
Screens connecting me to people al over, and yet disconnecting me from right now and the people who are right beside me.
The odd thing about this connectivity, this virtual connectivity, is that I know many people and have only ever interacted with them through text, or through facebook; 'virtual' friends. Friends that are 'in real life', but not in the 'real life' that I can reach out and touch. The problem being that I can only deal with so many people at once, and typically, only effectively with the people I interact with and see everyday.
So it's paradoxical the way screens offer connectivity and yet divide.
Some of my thoughts.
D.Fa
23.12.13
Hating Sin
Hey,
So over the last while I've been able to speak to a guy and recently we had some really in depth conversations and got to know each other better.
Somehow the topic of video games led to him sharing like his biggest secret with me, and revealing like the thing he struggles with the most that he has carried for the last ten years, since before he was a Christian. Before he told me he made me promise we'd still be friends.
Ultimately, it is a variety of masochism. He desires to be hurt and crushed.
My reaction (to the specifics) was not that he was weird or to start avoiding him. My reaction was first to get a better understanding, but as he continued explaining my reaction was just like heartbreaking. To hear him say he'd love to die by being crushed by an elephant? To hear him desire for others to hurt him? I almost cried.
I hate hearing about the depth of sin my brothers are in; the twisted and corrupted desires which lead them to seek satisfaction in actions that ultimately mutilate the body rather than glorify God. Made in His image and as the temple of the Holy Spirit, how can we degrade ourselves like this?
Interestingly, there is also quite a bit of overlap in our largest areas of temptation, so it's been cool to be fully open with each other. But the cooler thing is that it is really opening my eyes to how disgusting sin is.
Rom1:18-32 really just shows how far we have fallen, exchanging God for images made by man; exchanging natural relationships to the degrading of our bodies; inventing new ways to sin.
But He has made us new in Christ. He has removed our sin as far as East is from West. He has purified us and we now have Jesus' imputed righteousness. May His Spirit truly work in us and danctify us.
May I remember how terrible sin is and that it does produce death, despite the temporary pleasures it may provide.
Not a Bed
so I guess I should catch you up a bit. On Wednesday I woke up at 7:20, later than I had hoped, and then packed, took a shower, cleaned the mess in the house that was mine, all that in an hour and then I bussed to work with my suitcase. Got some funny looks.
Later I went to my parents' house. That's how I moved. haha.
But I was only there for an hour before I went bowling with a friend and a bunch of her friends. lol
Anyways, I'm at my parents' house now. When I got back after bowling my parents were asleep. So I just crashed in my old room with a foam pad as a mattress, a towel and my coat as a blanket. The next day I had inflated the air mattress and rearranged the stuff being stored in my room; I didn't have a blanket, I used the foam, but I couldn't sleep well. So I made sure I got like 3 blankets for last night and now I'm all good.
My puppy, Max, is a monster though. He just turned 1 year old today and he's still really bite-y and his teeth are quite sharp. He loves my socks and just put a hole in my hat while I wasn't looking.
My brother can't stay here long since he has to take care of his dog Duke. So only during the day or potentially overnight he thinks would be okay, which is kinda sad. He should be here for the holidays. > . >
Today I 'braved the storm' and went to church. It really wasn't as bad here as my dad was making it sound. Sunday school was interesting. The grade 5/6 class joined us and EC led us in a Bible trivia game about Genesis, which they had been studying. The grade 7/8s didn't do too well. lol
The service was about living in the Spirit and the main thing I got is what it actually means to have your mind set on the flesh; not just on sin, but on pursuits solely within the realm of flesh.
After service we went for Pho and I picked up the Shadow of the Colossus game. 2 Colossi down, 14 to go.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
21.12.13
Two-Pronged
Double check to make sure everything is good: PS2, complete with memory card, controller, and cords is functional!
Now I just need the game. Was goign to go pick i up at 4, but a few blocks away from my house I got the text that the kijiji guy wasn't going to be home at that time anymore, so I got off the bus and text convo'd him for like 15-20 minutes? He's actually never played Shadow of the Colossus! His friend gave him a PS2 and a pile of games and he didn't really care, so he put the ad up on kijiji like 2 months ago. He's more into PC gaming now. He said he'd text me when he got home, or we'd do the exchange tomorrow. So just a litttttle more waiting.
Before that though I had worship practice. Always good. And afterwards I also did some Christmas shopping. Way too expensive.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
20.12.13
No More Patience. None.
The last couple weeks have been good though. One intense week of cramming for an exam and then cramming a co-op report in a couple days followed by a Secret Barnabas Christmas party gift exchange that I was nearly dying to complete. And now this week with nothing exactly due, so I've been really productive, oddly.
Unfortunately I am now craving video games. Specifically 'Shadow of the Colossus' for PS2. I've been listening to the soundtrack all week and reminiscing about how frightening it was. You are this guy with a sword, a bow/arrows, and a horse. That doesn't change in the slightest. And you are supposed to go defeat these 16 monstrous enemies to like bring this girl back to life. But these monsters.These Colossi... They are SO BIG! and you are so small. and..... Those EYES! So terrifying and you have no power and need to think through how to beat them, not just charge in and get trampled. I've also been reading about how much of a masterpiece it is, so I cannot wait another second to play it.
Today when I got home it began, my hunt and quest for the game in our old playroom, which has become somewhat a storage room.
In this quest my brother reminded me of how we used to be EB Game traders, i.e. we often traded our old games for new ones. o.O . . . we. traded. in. Shadow of the Colossus?????? Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
TT.TT
And now I am meeting up with a guy from kijiji to buy it tomorrow afternoon. lol. Pretty desperate. lol.
All week I was listening to it, but as much as I wanted to look at the monsters and everything I was like "no. that'll spoil it for when you get to play it Friday night" . . . So I can't wait any longer. lol.
We also appear to be missing half of the AC adapter. > . < hopefully the AC adapter for my old laptop has 2 prongs and can be used as a replacement. and HOPEFULLY the PS2 actually still works.
I'm a little obsessed.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
4.12.13
Biased
so, for the last couple days, like, Monday and Tuesday I didn't go to work. Well, kinda. I was actually at Health Canada's Science Forum. I completely do not consider this 'work' in the same sense. lol. It was good for a change of pace and a change of location and a change. I pretty much considered it two days off. I only had, well, I didn't have to be at it at all, but it was only from like 9-4 instead of my recent 6-6. lol. so it was a good change. Got to hear a bunch of cool things and kinda relax. Got to chill with EJ too, so that was good.
One thing I've been thinking today is that idea that with the same set of data you can come to a very different conclusion than another person. You may put a different emphasis on certain parts of the data, like subsets, and find different conclusions. Or you could only get part of the data and get conclusions that aren't fully formed. But my real thought is about how sometimes you go into the project with a certain outcome already predicted. You are so sure that the conclusion will be such that you actually unconsciously, or consciously, skew the data and leave out certain things and mold the data into the outcome you wanted. There couldn't be another answer. This makes so much sense. Sure there a few things that don't quite make sense, but there are always exceptions, right? So instead you kinda try really hard to get your theory to work around them. Your theory seems to work and is applicable. There may be some issues, but it sounds like the most reasonable idea and it slowly turns into a personal truth.
But then you find out that someone else sees a very different picture. They see a conclusion that, after hearing them explain, is as obvious as could be. All those little issues there were before fade into this amazing explanation.
You have two options:
Admit you were wrong and try to better understand the new theory.
OR
Fight it and defend your position, despite the little issues.
But sometimes these theories get so widely publicized and known that people stop treating them as theory and treat them as law. What can be done now?
2.12.13
The Best Sleep Ever
Well, I don't think this is a secret, I hate closing doors, and I moreover hate locking doors. So, since first year I haven't closed the door when I sleep. Not going to lie, to a degree, it was about decreasing temptation to sin by minimizing 'privacy', but really it was mostly about air circulation. lol.
The downside to this though is that people can be loud. In first year my housemates would shoot each other, and other people in Halo quite often. They weren't on the same floor, so no big deal. In second year I went to sleep much later than my roommate and everyone else was two floors up. Now? Only a couple feet from both of their rooms.
Additionally, is light. I hadn't noticed, but light makes it difficult to sleep. In first year I had a small light from the streetlight outside (I don't close my blinds either, or the window when it is warm outside), no problem, everyone else on the floor was asleep = dark. Second year, I lived in a basement (I hated the lack of natural light / waking up in darkness every morning) so there was no light. I got to go to sleep in the darkness. Super easy. My roommate always semi-complained about how easily I fell asleep. lol. Now? No. they stay up later than me and the light is significant.
So a week or so ago I realized I could close my door. It had never occurred to me. lol And now it's so much easier to sleep and my room is warmer. lol.
Anyways, I need to sleep. xP
Ttyl.
D.Fa
PS. Sleeping in hotels is a whole other level of best sleep. Control of noise, temperature, light, and an amazingly comfortable bed and sheets. Zzz...
1.12.13
Logarithms
today was really interesting. I really like it when the whole day just fits together so well. lol.
This post is about what it means to be taken captive by a philosophy. In our BaD guys Bible study (which I may not have explained is the 'Becoming a Disciple' study I am doing with some guys that go to OCBC sometimes) we were looking at the first principles, what that concept means. Basically, building blocks to build upon in our faith, elementary concepts or things to apply. Best analogy is math: without basic addition and subtraction you can't do algebra, so we have to figure it out first. (Vi Hart's video that breaks down logarithms: (http://youtu.be/N-7tcTIrers) mind blowingly simple.)
Anyways, the point, we looked at Col 2:6-8 and verse 8 contained the idea of being taken "captive by philosophy". Which, I didn't really get, and still don't fully get, but I do fully understand this one: being taken captive by an idea.
Today's sermon was on Romans 6. Literally the whole chapter was read out loud. xP So good. What really hit me was that we need to see ourselves not as who we were, but who we are in Christ now. No longer to 'hate the sin and not the sinner' in such a way that you are still a sinner, but to love regardless of what has been done since we are new in Christ.
Over the last few months I've really been held captive by just thinking of myself as a sinner. Like, each and everything thought, action, or whatever, that could point to me being a sinner to the core and that being my identity would make me think and act like it was fully true. But in Him we are new, set free, and it's mind blowing to have such a change in attitude and thought.
May His truth renew our minds and free us to the reality of the future He has for us and the fullness of the plans He has prepared.
D.Fa
PS. There was also stuff from Sunday school that tied into BaD guys really well. xP
26.11.13
Prophets
I don't know what to say. I don't even know what to think right now.
I just had, well, I guess you can't call it a conversation because it was a bit one sided... I just spoke with a man who has had such an incredible role in my walk with God and right now my mind is blown.
I don't know where to begin, and I probably won't because I do believe I need to take some time and really digest this.
---
When you think you know everything, and you don't.
When you think you can simply diagnose, and put pills in it to make it better.
When that hole in your heart pushes you past your comfort zone to find solutions and ways to fill it on your own.
When you jump to conclusions.
When you repeatedly try to do the same thing to try and get different results.
And then time stops.
Your whole world stops spinning.
Momentum has been broken.
The silence, that lets you think again.
What now? What about then? What about tomorrow?
What will be written on that next page?
Is this even true?
Can I trust in this?
Can the scientific method prove this statement?
But this is the answer. Isn't it? Isn't this what you've always been thinking? I didn't even say it and the words were there. I didn't even say yes or no, but the script kept going. Literally ripping the thoughts out of my mind because I was too scared to say them.
This absolutely changes everything.
But is it too late?
Can this momentum be stopped?
Can what is written be erased? Can I rewrite this?
Stop. Be still and know that I am God.
The silence.
24.11.13
Fellowship
He started with the passage from Acts 2 asking "how can our churches today see expansion like back then?" and explained a numebr of the terms used at the end, like devoted to the teaching and prayer and everything. But then he shared how most of this last section is actually about fellowship and community. He spoke of how at a conference the speaker was saying 'if you take one thing away from this conference it has done its purpose' and he took this back: that community and fellowship is super important. The conference speaker challenged everyone to go back to their churches and eavesdrop over fellowship time at church (coffee time) and see what they were talking about. The weather. Sports. That isn't fellowship.
So he told us about real community in small groups. Getting to actually know the guys in your groups. At his church they implemented small groups of 4-12 people and since then the atmosphere really changed from cold to warm and it was awesome.
Fellowship = in depth spiritual community. Open, honest, Christ-centered community.
That is what happened tonight for the BaD guys' study. (Becoming a Disciple, guys' Bible study). We have open conversations and discussions of Biblical topics, eat and fellowship with each other. This week the group was a little different cause a couple guys couldn't come and we had a new guy to the group, but it was sweet. Talking about baptism. lol. After the study today me and a couple guys stayed and really discussed our stories and what God has done. It was awesome. And ya. This group is kinda the highlight of my week now.
Now that we are done the study on baptism we can start getting to the teaching and applying it. Cannot wait. lol.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
PS. Blessed and humbled to be a part of this study. So much grace.
23.11.13
Be Still; Ponder His Works
I was about to write a really depressing post about sin and struggle and the somewhat monotonous turn of events that lead you up to a great place only to fall flat on your face the next day, but I'd rather not right now. There's way too much stuff to praise God for.
Last Sunday was the first meeting of a Bible study that was just 6 guys. Other than me there was a guy who had just accepted Jesus as his saviour, repented and asked for forgiveness; two Chinese masters students who were both really open to learning about Jesus and were asking amazing questions; a friend of mine from a while ago who has had his fair shares of ups and downs with the church; and my buddy who grew up in a conservative church and recently has really come to experience God's faithfulness as he takes steps in faith to follow God's calling to reach the world with the message of the gospel. So, it was an amazing group and I cannot wait for tomorrow.
Last week we talked about the gospel and how Peter first preached it to the Gentiles. We discussed what it means to us, how we first heard it, the main points that Peter brought up and why. This week is about baptism, so I don't know exactly what will happen. lol. But it should be awesome.
This week I slept in a lot and stayed at work until 6pm.
Wednesday was great. For our Discipleship Group time, me and five other guys broke off into pairs and went around campus talking with other students about significance and how God gives us significance. We all had really awesome conversations. AG went with RB and they had awesome conversations. I went with ZL and we ran into his classmate and we also had another awesome conversation. And MS went with EP for his first time and had one scary guy and another awesome conversation. xP. There was a general 'I'm busy now, but we should talk about it later' kinda feel to the conversations, but it was good.
Yesterday was a discussion coffeehouse event at school about significance and there were a number of students not involved with P2C that had come out and it was cool. And afterwards me and SM went to KK's to practice for the Christmas concert with KK. We were doing an acapella piece and it sounds so good. xP
Today I had nothing, so I slept in, like way later than normal, like 10.5 hours of sleeping..? Kinda wasteful. haha.
But ya, going to Pastor DB's ordination service in an hour. Excited for that too. So many exciting stuff is happening and the fact that God chooses to let me and you, who are so stained by sin, so rebelious and stubborn; that He chooses to have us involved in this master plan of His is absolutely amazing. We don't deserve a shred of it. We deserve the punishment which Christ took for us; and instead we get life, forgiveness, and purpose. A significance in the eternity of others. A role to play that has been written specifically for us. The depth of this love and grace are unfathomable and I need to take it seriously. That which is only being accomplished by His Spirit and power at work, why should I ever try to accomplish it by my flesh and weakness?
Hebrews 6:1-3 "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so."
Ttyl.
D.Fa
17.11.13
Best Bible Study
So, I just had like, the best Bible study ever. haha. Just me and 5 other guys today (was expecting 6, ohwell, next week maybe) looking at what is the gospel? haha
So good!
Like, three of the guys really don't know much about Jesus and the gospel and what it means to follow Jesus, so they asked a lot of questions. One guy who came really didn't say anything in a larger Bible study the other week, but was really involved today and even volunteered to pray at the end, and I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure he isn't Christian yet. So it's really exciting. Also another guy I literally just met on facebook who isn't Christian was asking a million questions and seemed to be really really interested in everything. haha
Acts 10:34-48. Peter's first sermon to Gentiles.
Anyways, I'm just so excited. haha. I cannot wait for next week. xP.
Ttyl.
D.Fa
11.11.13
Book Reports and Constructive Complaining
I work for the Government right now, so we don't work on Remembrance Day. Instead I worked on an assignment due on Thursday! =D ... > . <
I also got to go to school and talk with Pastor DB about a bunch of things. The idea that we need to train people fully before they take responsibilities vs. People being in roles requiring responsibility and needing to learn more. Hmmmmmmmm. I like the compromise: People who are learning and also being pushed into responsibilities. But where do we begin? *sigh*
I was kinda really annoyed. haha Glad to have good brothers to vent to and filter my anger. haha. Seriously appreciative.
Oh. And I'm really excited about leading / doing an intro Bible study with our new brother GC. xP And it sounds like another guy is really interested in coming out too?!?!? He hasn't been interested in Bible studies in a while, so..! =DDDDDDDD
Ttyl.
D.Fa
Snow?
Hey guys,
I'm back in Ottawa and have been hard copy blogging for the last few days, so you can be vaguely excited for that. What I wrote down probably will not describe the BILD conference well, so don't get too excited, but it was pretty crazy awesome. XP.
Yesterday, after the prayer breakfast my day consisted of Iowa State college football, reading a book, and airplanes.
I was in Chicago for four hours, just chilling in the airport. So I got super bored and wandered around the airport so I could talk to someone. At this point everyone was flying away, like 8:20pm. I talked a bit with a Chinese guy who is working in Mexico. XP. He doesn't know Spanish, or much English, but he's pretty cool.
Later I talked to this guy who looks 10 years younger than he actually is. He wasn't asian.
Then I talked to the asian guy with a cowboy hat. He was just coming back from Texas. Lol. Cool dude. Almost sat next to him on the plane.
I ended up beside a girl from Washington instead. She was Christian, and applying for med school, and was really cool. She was way too excited when she saw snow though.
I wasn't excited for snow when I had heard. It means cold and wet and not good yet.
This morning in Sunday school one of the Aunties shared about snow and how every time she sees it it reminds her of Jesus covering up our sin with His purity making us look clean as snow.
So, now it's wet and the snow is gone.
I'm also kinda really annoyed and complainy. >...>
Ttyl.
D.Fa
4.11.13
Long Range Forcast
With a government job I have quite a bit of flexibility, so long as I make up all the time, so with this conference my coming weeks are booked with making up the time at work.
I want to be able to go wherever God calls me, to do whatever whenever.
Being unemployed is one way to do that. And I really can't wait for next year. I am trying to decide between being a res fellow, or living with my parents. Both are great opportunities for ministry and there won't be money being passed around through me hands. So I consider that unemployed. lol. Personally, I really want to live on campus and meet a million first years and do the whole morning prayer meeting res fellow life. I'll be taking only 4 courses a semester which will be good and being on campus will save so much time commuting. But it actually is a job, I'm just being paid with a room and food. lol. So I'm trying to weigh it against living at home. So I gotta figure that out. But I'm still looking forward to next year. xP I also hope I won't be doing Sunday school teaching anymore. lol...
Beyond that though, what will I do? Like, after I graduate?
I do not know.
I really want to do ministry for a bit. I do think that. Maybe. A lot that still needs to be prayed about.
But ya, ultimately it isn't about being unemployed so much as finding a job where I can enjoy every second and do it all for God. I'll probably discuss this more next week. lol
Ttyl.
D.Fa