July randoms

Sometime last year, I blogged rather glibly: "I want to be dancing when I’m wrinkled and grey. First things first- I’ve got to learn to dance now." Of course, there wasn't any intention to actually go for dance lessons; I had been (to my shame) cheap with words. And who would've thought that I'd be seeing my careless blog through? But life has its way of handing you opportunities without even trying; one day a friend invited me to join him for free swing dance lessons (courtesy of LindyKL), and so I did.

The experience was thrilling to say the least. And over the course of two weeks, I've learnt alot, of, resilience to shame- and apart from that, in general, learning a lot.

I'll have to say, swing isn't an elegant dance. Graceful, but not elegant. And that too in a different way. There is so much interaction between the dancers- dance routines aren't planned, but are done impromptu based on body language. There are different roles in the dance; leaders must lead and followers must follow. It takes so much understanding and cooperation for the dance to work. But when it does, Voila. It really is a sight to behold.

I'm a slow learner, but I'm really enjoying it. And at the moment, only one desire that’s left in me, want the whole damn world to dance with me.

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Big bad wolf booksale is back! And this time, it's back in time for Christmas! ;) Gather your sons and daughters everyone. It's time for war!

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Sorry for such a disjointed post. But here's something to add to it (so much win!).

 Alright then, stay safe and don't do drugs (unless you're really ill and must absolutely have it).

June

Perhaps the weirdest dream in a long time, but I had dreamt last night that our Lord had returned. I was terrified, but overjoyed and I was playing the ukulele in London by the Thames singing you never let go. Yeah, I know right..

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Thank God for frisbee (and sports in general). I think it's been instrumental in making me feel more human/alive; if what the world needs are people who come alive, I oughta be doing more of it. And if you're game, frisbee pick ups are every tuesday & thursday nights.

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It's been such a blessing to have people run alongside you in your walk with God; I thank God for those who are back for summer and I thank God for those who've just left. Keeps things in perspective and reminds me that people come and go and life is a long race to the end. 

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It's been a tough season, and adapting (to new and ever changing work/social obligations) is a slow and painful process. So pray with me for grace for each day, and a continuous realization that I can't live a day without it; to depend on it with my life and likewise, to show others how to depend on it with their lives. Pray with me that at the end of the day, Christ is magnified. 

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I haven't been reading as much these days, but I do try to squeeze as much as I can in the sporadic pockets of time which appear and disappear in the same mysterious and abrupt fashion. And I thank God for technology which enables me to do this.

Here's a little something for those who are:

• Lethargic/worn-out: the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (a huge portion written when he was 19 years old). May his resolve to live for God inspire you on your journey. Here are some of my favorites:
• Resolved never to lose one moment of time; but to improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
• Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
• Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
• Needing encouragement in their battle of faith: You may feel that you have prayed the last prayer you’re ever going to be able to pray about the need that is pressing you. You are exhausted but you must stay in the fight. Don’t stop praying and don’t give up. Yes, it has been a long day! Nighttime is coming and inside you are saying, “It’s time for me to sleep.” But instead God says, “No, no, the fight is just starting.”

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IBA unplugged is back. And this year we hope to go beyond just music. I hope to express more on our visions for music and worship in the near future, but in the mean time, find out more at IBA unplugged's facebook page.

Another bites the dust..

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.


-David Wilkerson's last blog post before a fatal car crash.

May

Three weeks. Clean and fair elections and convictions with roots that sprung overnight? Perhaps. But don’t let time play you out. There’s much to believe in, much to hope for. And as with many things, bearing fruit takes time. Don’t give up just yet because God is good and He is in control.

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It’s also been a little more than three weeks since Labor Day and I’ve been thinking about work and rest and it seems that work is good and rest is good but too much of either can be bad. But holiness and righteousness and faith on the other hand, can only come from a place of rest in God. He bids all who are heavy laden to come to him, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. And we must strive with reckless abandon to enter that rest.

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Emma has been writing tons on great stuff and let me share a little with everyone because I benefit so much from her writing. Here’s an excerpt on a piece which I think depicts sanctification really well:

God is not Paul Daniels.  And getting better is not magic – ‘shazzam! All fixed.    When things break, my instinct is to chuck ‘em out and get a better model.  But people aren’t vacuum cleaners.  And God works with what’s already there.  I’d like a shiny new airbrushed Emma.  But instead, he’s redeeming the limping, snot-nosed girl I’ve always been. He’s taking the bits I hate about myself and making them into something he can use. Something I can’t keep despising – even though that’s the easy option.

So.  Recovery –  process And event.  But the power behind both is not mine.  It’s His.  And that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

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And here’s a century old shoutout to all super moms from spurgeon:

The devil never reckons a man to be lost so long as he has a good mother alive. O woman, great is thy power!

Happy belated mother’s day to all moms! =)

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You don’t know it, but I do. And it’s a secret I’m willing to share: Butterflies giggle jazz riffs. Take me at my word and your ears are in for a treat =)

If you haven’t yet heard of the weekend projects, here’s a brilliant short they did. Well done Diaz, Fei and VeeVian. Absolutely brilliant!

Things in life that force you to be serious.

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Bring the thoughts to a boil, let it simmer for a while, add a pinch of salt. I'll let you know soon.

And did you hear the people sing?