A late post but God deserves the glory.
Guys dun cry easily.
Yet at that moment I couldnt help it.
I really couldnt.
Tears juz dropped.
(Thankfully I was wearing a cap)
This Christmas service, like no other, was really good.
I could sing. Freely. Comfortably.
During the weeks ahead, I had been coughing.
Always coughing.
Here in his sanctuary, I dint cough.
Not once.
Even my mum who was beside me recognised that.
All the discomfort, all the pain, gone.
It came to mind that God does wonders.
He is capable of anything.
Hes the healer.
Now, I thank God that my cough is no longer troubling me.
I can eat anything: chocolates, chips, cold drinks, ice cream.
Indulging myself in everything.
Thanks to those who kept me in prayer.
Sam Low
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
I Made A Pact, I'll Not Turn Back.
Aye, its the end of my holidays, and the start of the Exam Week.
Praise God for giving me an average score in a test i screwed up, although i'm still trustin Him with the other test, in which prospects look darker...
Anyways, this break i had, three weeks, was spent mostly on camps and going back to school to do practical, so its pretty 'hyphenated' in a sense.
Looking back at the camps, i would say its pretty worth it to actually push myself to attend them. For all the doubts planted before them, the duration within them actually showed me good cause to go for what i paid for.
W.A.N.T.E.D - Group Leader
Its easy to understand how bad the shortage of leaders can be yeah, if each group is gonna take the 13 / 17 kids originally stated, i guess half of the new leaders may be kaput at the end of the camp... o.o ...
So when Rachel called me for the second time during class, its just - Yes, i am willing to be a leader. So thats it, an agreement between me, who wanted to try being leader again for experiences, and a camp which is completely unpredictable.
One thing that is unique about this year's camp... its before it even started. Ever since school started i've literally been going out everyday, to the Leader's Retreat, to the weekends spent on planning devotion, to the Sunday before camp proper, and finally, the cell dinner on monday.
The experience which kicked everything off was actually during Leader's Retreat [Wednesday], i brought a leader to ECP in the morning, took off to SP for my test, and came back... and needed to walk [ Avg 2km ] to the meeting place. By the time i reached home, it was 10. Tiring indeed, but Thursday is an important and exhausting day [Presentations, 4-Hour Practical], so tahan bah!
Friday i could have gotten a break, but theres a chance to meet a friend whom i nvr seen since dunno how long. So i happily skipped off to tampines after a night of rest. The day carried over to Reachlight, after which i knew i was exhausted.
Saturday, met my co-leader, Crystal, and Kelvin for devotion discussion. Ended up Kelvin's co-leader couldent make it, so its 3 of us in starbucks going through what we were presented in the small notebook. Soon enough, its done, so was the design of our group tags. In the late afternoon we just packed and went off... tired...
Sunday, i just realised that i havent contacted the guys in my camp group [ alamak ]. Morning, spam smses and phone calls. Probably its Sparklight time, so its hard to reach all of them...
During cell i asked Sam Low to help me pray over this problem, for its obvious what the consequences would be if i didnt get to them on time. However, by His Grace, all expected SMS replies came to me during Speedlight.
However, even if this has been a victory, i didnt feel it. Somehow i felt hollow, like, how could i ever forget to do such an important task ? And so, with my tired state, my mind was open to doubts, which came to me, about my real capabilities to lead my people in the group. Even so i half-dreaded going to the camp. However, one thing struck me - Last year i took the group alone, it was hard, except that i had 3 exceptional members who helped support me throughout. This year, i do not know any of my group members, neither did Crystal. So, instead of just wallowing in self-pity i decided to drag myself to the camp and face what i brought into my life.
What i have decided the year, and month before, whether i will have victory, i will do my best.
Indeed, i guess one trait i get from games is that the enemy dont simply let us poke them into submission.
W.A.N.T.E.D Camp - Day 1
When i woke up that day, it seemed different. The first thing i thought of is - Camp. So its a normal day, lugging my pack to church and the first thing i saw in there - A mass of parents and campers all lined up along the porch. Amazingly, not a single camp leader / commitee member was there, and i was -> O_O
Everyone soon came, and i had a chance to catch up with some co-leaders during last year's Step-Out Camp. Notably those whom i never saw for ages, its refreshing to see them well, and participating in the Wanted Camp too.
The day passed quickly with games and Sam Phua sabo-ing MY GROUP on our very FIRST game with a water bomb. In the evening we had a time to rest before Underground Church, and during the game itself, i guess the kids had a chance to actually have a very basic 'feel' on what its like to be a Christian in the former Soviet Union and China and stuff. A couple of my kids got hurt as its dark and there are unintentional traps on the ground, and 2 of my kids got 'tortured'. When they came back its hard to just tell them 'Its okay' and act like nothing happened cos one of them was going T_T alr, and its confusion as we wont be getting any rest anytime soon, so... sorry guys, but i guess we have to just keep going for now.
After all thats done, after UC, debrief, and a dry throat, finally managed to sit down with a couple of fellow group leaders to help them in devotion. During that time i realised something... that what i shared with them, its not coming from my conscious mind, and what i am telling them, i am telling myself too. What was just a simple sentance revealed its true meaning to me, which in turn, led me to greater discoveries within His Word.
I guess as a final form of humour, i returned to my tent to find the 4 dudes inside sleeping... and my space is... not wide enough for me, and not long enough for me... sheesh...
W.A.N.T.E.D Camp - Day 2
Wake up. You got a long day ahead. How good you want it to be, it depends on yourself.
Just like Last Year.
My throat hurts, my jacket stinks, and the tent is bloody hot with the sun, cooped up air and 5 people's body heat radiating it. A hundred other complains simply disappeared when i crawled out of the tent... A bad way to start my day, but i guess i'll have to make do.
Before devotion started i asked God - Can i really do this ? After all, you seen my fall leading to this camp.
I realised the importance of this camp... one decisive factor is that it could either lead me back to God in the greatest of miracles, or simply doom me until revival somehow comes into my life.
However, i realised that God helps. We taught during the devotion, and somehow, every word that i say out in a hoarse tone came back to me. What i previously didnt know, was revealed, and the once - difficult devotion - became one which is made easy through the guide itself. And for the first time, it makes perfect sense.
Its amazing how fellowship can bond a group together. Former strangers truly bonded during the games which were played. Since we had an odd number, i simply hopped back and became an observer [and temporary game-master XD] to see how my group performed. Although there are still personality clashes, i realised that its not a desire, but its a stage of being young. Sometimes there are kids who wanted to go all the way while others are still behind [with painful results], and others who wont cliche with the rest [eg. boys and girls].
On that night, we had a testimony from Enrico Ventura. Its moving, and it probably reflected what had happened in my life. During that time of prayer, it probably gave me back my sense of self-worth. That i could actually make a difference, whether big or small. That God really does have a plan for me. Its only whether i will accept it, Carry the Cross, and Follow Him. That said, the first step we all did, camp leaders and camp comm alike, was to pray for our people. To me, its as long as they had the prayer, its enough. They are young, they may already be exposed to the world. But its not too late.
Camp theme - Wanted by Law, Saved by Grace.
Yes, we are wanted by Law. We are born sinners through Adam, and the penalty of sin is death. But, its not too late. It never was too late, and the reason lies on the second part of the theme - Saved by Grace. That God will send His son to be a sacrifice for us, to cleanse our sins and take it upon Himself, thats one thing i had trouble getting to grips with at first. However, its through His works, that i can see clearer.
I'll admit, the interaction this year wasnt as good as last year, most probably its packed to the max with activities. At least theres time for devotion, and I really thank God for making it happen.
What is typed out on top, it will not be possible if i had just given up. Its not possible if i simply said - "I'm sorry, i cannot do this. Its too tough for me and its bad not just for the camp but for the kids as well." Apart from gaining all these experiences, the camp directly strengthened my faith. Through all the experiences, and stuff i chatted about with the other leaders, it confirmed what i hoped to do since the start.
I hope for change. I'm sick of seeing people ruin their lives. Even Christians who simply take God for granted. I can see that, even during the camp. But still, i pray for change. I may not be the one to change them, for all my strengths i am only a rookie, but i do pray, that someday, a fellow sibling in Christ will pick those who are lost, and change them anew.
I do pray for us all, that although we may have differences with one another, let us just support each other in our walk with God.
Thank You Lord.
In His Love
Dino
Praise God for giving me an average score in a test i screwed up, although i'm still trustin Him with the other test, in which prospects look darker...
Anyways, this break i had, three weeks, was spent mostly on camps and going back to school to do practical, so its pretty 'hyphenated' in a sense.
Looking back at the camps, i would say its pretty worth it to actually push myself to attend them. For all the doubts planted before them, the duration within them actually showed me good cause to go for what i paid for.
W.A.N.T.E.D - Group Leader
Its easy to understand how bad the shortage of leaders can be yeah, if each group is gonna take the 13 / 17 kids originally stated, i guess half of the new leaders may be kaput at the end of the camp... o.o ...
So when Rachel called me for the second time during class, its just - Yes, i am willing to be a leader. So thats it, an agreement between me, who wanted to try being leader again for experiences, and a camp which is completely unpredictable.
One thing that is unique about this year's camp... its before it even started. Ever since school started i've literally been going out everyday, to the Leader's Retreat, to the weekends spent on planning devotion, to the Sunday before camp proper, and finally, the cell dinner on monday.
The experience which kicked everything off was actually during Leader's Retreat [Wednesday], i brought a leader to ECP in the morning, took off to SP for my test, and came back... and needed to walk [ Avg 2km ] to the meeting place. By the time i reached home, it was 10. Tiring indeed, but Thursday is an important and exhausting day [Presentations, 4-Hour Practical], so tahan bah!
Friday i could have gotten a break, but theres a chance to meet a friend whom i nvr seen since dunno how long. So i happily skipped off to tampines after a night of rest. The day carried over to Reachlight, after which i knew i was exhausted.
Saturday, met my co-leader, Crystal, and Kelvin for devotion discussion. Ended up Kelvin's co-leader couldent make it, so its 3 of us in starbucks going through what we were presented in the small notebook. Soon enough, its done, so was the design of our group tags. In the late afternoon we just packed and went off... tired...
Sunday, i just realised that i havent contacted the guys in my camp group [ alamak ]. Morning, spam smses and phone calls. Probably its Sparklight time, so its hard to reach all of them...
During cell i asked Sam Low to help me pray over this problem, for its obvious what the consequences would be if i didnt get to them on time. However, by His Grace, all expected SMS replies came to me during Speedlight.
However, even if this has been a victory, i didnt feel it. Somehow i felt hollow, like, how could i ever forget to do such an important task ? And so, with my tired state, my mind was open to doubts, which came to me, about my real capabilities to lead my people in the group. Even so i half-dreaded going to the camp. However, one thing struck me - Last year i took the group alone, it was hard, except that i had 3 exceptional members who helped support me throughout. This year, i do not know any of my group members, neither did Crystal. So, instead of just wallowing in self-pity i decided to drag myself to the camp and face what i brought into my life.
What i have decided the year, and month before, whether i will have victory, i will do my best.
Indeed, i guess one trait i get from games is that the enemy dont simply let us poke them into submission.
W.A.N.T.E.D Camp - Day 1
When i woke up that day, it seemed different. The first thing i thought of is - Camp. So its a normal day, lugging my pack to church and the first thing i saw in there - A mass of parents and campers all lined up along the porch. Amazingly, not a single camp leader / commitee member was there, and i was -> O_O
Everyone soon came, and i had a chance to catch up with some co-leaders during last year's Step-Out Camp. Notably those whom i never saw for ages, its refreshing to see them well, and participating in the Wanted Camp too.
The day passed quickly with games and Sam Phua sabo-ing MY GROUP on our very FIRST game with a water bomb. In the evening we had a time to rest before Underground Church, and during the game itself, i guess the kids had a chance to actually have a very basic 'feel' on what its like to be a Christian in the former Soviet Union and China and stuff. A couple of my kids got hurt as its dark and there are unintentional traps on the ground, and 2 of my kids got 'tortured'. When they came back its hard to just tell them 'Its okay' and act like nothing happened cos one of them was going T_T alr, and its confusion as we wont be getting any rest anytime soon, so... sorry guys, but i guess we have to just keep going for now.
After all thats done, after UC, debrief, and a dry throat, finally managed to sit down with a couple of fellow group leaders to help them in devotion. During that time i realised something... that what i shared with them, its not coming from my conscious mind, and what i am telling them, i am telling myself too. What was just a simple sentance revealed its true meaning to me, which in turn, led me to greater discoveries within His Word.
I guess as a final form of humour, i returned to my tent to find the 4 dudes inside sleeping... and my space is... not wide enough for me, and not long enough for me... sheesh...
W.A.N.T.E.D Camp - Day 2
Wake up. You got a long day ahead. How good you want it to be, it depends on yourself.
Just like Last Year.
My throat hurts, my jacket stinks, and the tent is bloody hot with the sun, cooped up air and 5 people's body heat radiating it. A hundred other complains simply disappeared when i crawled out of the tent... A bad way to start my day, but i guess i'll have to make do.
Before devotion started i asked God - Can i really do this ? After all, you seen my fall leading to this camp.
I realised the importance of this camp... one decisive factor is that it could either lead me back to God in the greatest of miracles, or simply doom me until revival somehow comes into my life.
However, i realised that God helps. We taught during the devotion, and somehow, every word that i say out in a hoarse tone came back to me. What i previously didnt know, was revealed, and the once - difficult devotion - became one which is made easy through the guide itself. And for the first time, it makes perfect sense.
Its amazing how fellowship can bond a group together. Former strangers truly bonded during the games which were played. Since we had an odd number, i simply hopped back and became an observer [and temporary game-master XD] to see how my group performed. Although there are still personality clashes, i realised that its not a desire, but its a stage of being young. Sometimes there are kids who wanted to go all the way while others are still behind [with painful results], and others who wont cliche with the rest [eg. boys and girls].
On that night, we had a testimony from Enrico Ventura. Its moving, and it probably reflected what had happened in my life. During that time of prayer, it probably gave me back my sense of self-worth. That i could actually make a difference, whether big or small. That God really does have a plan for me. Its only whether i will accept it, Carry the Cross, and Follow Him. That said, the first step we all did, camp leaders and camp comm alike, was to pray for our people. To me, its as long as they had the prayer, its enough. They are young, they may already be exposed to the world. But its not too late.
Camp theme - Wanted by Law, Saved by Grace.
Yes, we are wanted by Law. We are born sinners through Adam, and the penalty of sin is death. But, its not too late. It never was too late, and the reason lies on the second part of the theme - Saved by Grace. That God will send His son to be a sacrifice for us, to cleanse our sins and take it upon Himself, thats one thing i had trouble getting to grips with at first. However, its through His works, that i can see clearer.
I'll admit, the interaction this year wasnt as good as last year, most probably its packed to the max with activities. At least theres time for devotion, and I really thank God for making it happen.
What is typed out on top, it will not be possible if i had just given up. Its not possible if i simply said - "I'm sorry, i cannot do this. Its too tough for me and its bad not just for the camp but for the kids as well." Apart from gaining all these experiences, the camp directly strengthened my faith. Through all the experiences, and stuff i chatted about with the other leaders, it confirmed what i hoped to do since the start.
I hope for change. I'm sick of seeing people ruin their lives. Even Christians who simply take God for granted. I can see that, even during the camp. But still, i pray for change. I may not be the one to change them, for all my strengths i am only a rookie, but i do pray, that someday, a fellow sibling in Christ will pick those who are lost, and change them anew.
I do pray for us all, that although we may have differences with one another, let us just support each other in our walk with God.
Thank You Lord.
In His Love
Dino
Sunday, December 14, 2008
His song
Hi guys! I'm back from Cameron Highlands! It was really fantastic. When we alighted the bus it was like stepping from the fridge to the freezer. for the first 2,3 days I had to wear triple layers to keep my insides from shivering, but as I became able to appreciate the cold I was like superman on the emergency rescue mission!
It was a great one week of meeting new people, discovering new things about myself and God, and simply getting away. Every morning was a different morning. One day I woke up to find the orange of the sun’s rays reflected on only one side of the hotel opposite ours, like a tinge of gold on a plate of silver. Then another morning a heavy mist descended upon us, and the air was so fresh it was like breathing cold water but not choking. The best time of the day was stepping out of the hot shower, feeling fresh and clean, and warm but cool.
Anyways, back to the camp, I had a workshop on how to study Psalms. It was spread over 4 days and it was always a joy to go. It was much more fun and enlightening than it was technical, because the speaker was always telling us jokes and introducing new songs and lyrics in the midst of teaching us life principles. One thing he made us do was to write a personal psalm, and I thought it was really meaningful. I tried and I really enjoyed it a lot, cos in the process of writing it, I learnt how to look through God’s eyes, at ourselves, His own creation.
You see, as I wrote the psalm I wanted it to encompass all my thoughts and feelings sufficiently, and yet be expressed with beauty. As I wrote I tweaked it endlessly, changing what I thought was not good to something better. I wanted it to be me, and to accurately portray what I know I can never express spontaneously in a conversation.
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them… God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”
Gen 1:27,31
Being the creator of my own psalm I finally understood what we mean to God. In us, He wanted Himself to be seen. We were His poem or psalm, His work of art that was supposed to reflect His character. He created us, His psalm, and saw that it was all “very good”.
Yet something happened that caused us to fall from this peace. It was as if the letters started to move about on their own, demanding their place in the poem, some even wanting out. Imagine writing your essay, with your keyboard screwed up. The effect is not what you desired it to be - very good.
So, no matter what the world tells you of what you feel, you are as God intended for you to be. Be still and know that God has created you in His image, and He loves you simply as you are :)
Beauty… is the shadow of God on the universe. ~Gabriela Mistral, Desolacíon
___________________________________
Amanda and Dino, thanks for your sharings! :) I am encouraged by them and I'm sure everyone else is too. Indeed we always tend to rely on our own strength to even love God, but all things come from God, and to do anything, nothing but God is sufficient. After the camps in December are over, think about how to sustain this renewed relationship with God, and what you are going to do with the convictions that He has placed in your heart! More often than not, we let these lessons slip away all too easily. In December and January we are on fire, but by November we are dry as a desert land. Take time off daily to be still before God, so that your awe of Him will never fade!
Jess
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Whose Strength are you using ?
Okay... finally got some break time... school is stressful and holidays come with an extra " " by its sides T_T... anyway, lets get down to business... :s
Well, i've been thinking about whats happening for the past term. To be honest i haven't really been spending much time with God, mainly because i come home from school tired, over-use the com and just sleep after a small prayer and so-called 'thanks', if i see it from my current point of view. So.. well, since the past week its been an effort to get back, especially with the Wanted camp just 33 hours away from now. But thank God, yeah, thank Him that i am allowed to draw back, to really set aside all the screw-ups, internal stress and frustration which tends to build up everyday in school.
Okay, its time to finally share something which i had learnt through this experience, from my complacent start leading to how i've actually allowed myself to go drained, and back now...
[ This is a situation which i remembered from a game i played 10 years ago. ]
Once during the Medieval Age, soldiers trained extensively for any threats, be it internal rebellions, or from the threat of invasion by a neighbouring state.
In Antioca [ some random country =x ] , legions of well-equipped soldiers stood by in their forts, training regularly for the day where their expertise will be needed.
However, the soldiers noticed one problem - their swords broke easily after several months of vigourous usage.
For all its might, Antioca lacked raw metal deposits by where her citizens can mine the precious metal to supply their local troops. Thus, they have to import large quantities of weapons from foreign traders.
In a particular month, an offer to teach individual soldiers the art of metal-working came around the country. Some took it, and some didn't.
So the months passed, where a part of Antioca's troops spent their time making their own weapon using the skills they have learnt, while the others continued their daily routine, replacing imported weapon, with imported weapon.
One year later, an unknown army of raiders descended upon Antioca. Taking the call to arms, the well trained legions set off from their forts to do battle against the enemy.
Individually, each soldier has his own feelings about the war.
Soldier Endern - A person who does not believe in allocating training time to forging swords.
Before the battle...
Knowing that his weapon has been used for several weeks, he decided to carry a spare sword into battle, with the precaution of having another weapon 'just in case' of any situation in the chaos of the battle.
During the clash...
Squaring off with his opponent, Endern's first weapon broke under the pressure of his opponent's sword. Expecting this to happen, he drew his second blade in a swift motion and struck back at his enemy.
However, the invader was expecting this to happen. Regaining his balance, he used his momentum to bring about a more powerful strike than before, meant to finish off Endern and move on to the next opponent...
As the invader struck, Endern brought his sword up to deflect the strike. However, the added weight of the superior weapon simply snapped Endern's blade cleanly into two... the duel is decided.
Before the invader finished him off, Endern shot a question - Who forged your sword ?
The reply - I made it myself. I made it specifically to break what inferior weapons the world has comfortably offered your pathetic army.
The killing blow came...
...But was stopped in a resounding clash...
Soldier Selven - One who believes in forging a bond with what he has.
After completing the course of metal-working, Selven immediately set upon the task of forging his own weapons from the metal brought in by the instructors.
Spending several months in the forge, the soldier finally completed not own his weapon, but a complete suit of armour as well. Taking pride at his work, he made gave a prayer of thanks to God for blessing him with such knowledge for self-improvement.
Before the battle -
Selecting only his personal belongings, Selven immediately marched off to join his company in the defence of his country.
During the clash -
Wave after wave of invaders came crashing upon the human wall which is Selven's company. As the line wavered and broke into a series of skirmishes, Selven found an invader with a deadly axe charging his way.
Knowing that it is madness to use a sword to parry an axe, Selven threw his shield up, trusting in its strength to deflect the blow.
The axe came down, and away, as it bounced off the heavy shield. Taking the chance, Selven struck at his attacker, swiftly ending the duel.
By the side, a fellow soldier is being hard pressed by his opponent.
As the invader stood to land the finishing blow, Selven's outstretched sword caught the strike in mid-swing. Jumping from the unexpected arrival, the invader faced Selven and struck.
However, Selven was ready. He swung his blade with similar ferocity, and their swords met each other in a bonebreaking clash...
Selven dropped his sword, arm aching from the ferocity of the strike. Looking at his opponent, he realised that he has won the skirmish.
His opponent's sword was shattered... not just broken, but shattered into a thousand pieces... all because of a difference in quality...
Okay, well, i guess that the message was pretty clear eh.
Whose strength are you using ?
Endern's Path - Your own strength with what the world has given you ?
Selven's Path - Accepting hardship in order to break convention with the world ?
Endern chose to stick with his daily routine, swinging swords and laying by the side. Sure, that maybe easy, hes been doing that for years that it has become a habit.
Selven chose to change, seeking ways to improve his resources to engage in a war. Its not easy straying from your routine to do something hard and tiring, but he took the step.
The scenario in our lives is this - Which soldier are we? That when our minds and bodies come under spiritual attack, whose path have we taken?
Will our defences crumble just like the Walls of Jericho ? Or will we stand strong against the forces of darkness, just like Israel stood strong against the Arabs ?
Will we take the step to break our worldly routines ? To take the step to absorb what oppurtunities the Lord has given us in order to further prepare ourselves for the End Times ?
When exams are over, when holidays and free time is abundant, comes a new danger, of over-indulgence in the time which was given to us. Will the time we had set for the Lord be overcome by our worldly desires ? Or, will we be able to maintain what we have forged with the Lord during our Times of Troubles ?
It is hard for me. Even now, it is hard to take myself away from what i can be doing for self-interests. And i believe that faced with the same situation with each person's different desires, it will be hard as well. With many distractions in this world that we live in, its no wonder why the only time when i can take a proper breather is during the standard 5-6 hours every sunday as well as when i gathered enough strength to counter what distractions the devil has planted in me.
Hmm, its late, but as an ending note, i pray that, should the above scenario be brought to life, we all will be able to stay strong with God's strength.
Be strong, the final wave has yet to come.
In His Love
Dino
Well, i've been thinking about whats happening for the past term. To be honest i haven't really been spending much time with God, mainly because i come home from school tired, over-use the com and just sleep after a small prayer and so-called 'thanks', if i see it from my current point of view. So.. well, since the past week its been an effort to get back, especially with the Wanted camp just 33 hours away from now. But thank God, yeah, thank Him that i am allowed to draw back, to really set aside all the screw-ups, internal stress and frustration which tends to build up everyday in school.
Okay, its time to finally share something which i had learnt through this experience, from my complacent start leading to how i've actually allowed myself to go drained, and back now...
[ This is a situation which i remembered from a game i played 10 years ago. ]
Once during the Medieval Age, soldiers trained extensively for any threats, be it internal rebellions, or from the threat of invasion by a neighbouring state.
In Antioca [ some random country =x ] , legions of well-equipped soldiers stood by in their forts, training regularly for the day where their expertise will be needed.
However, the soldiers noticed one problem - their swords broke easily after several months of vigourous usage.
For all its might, Antioca lacked raw metal deposits by where her citizens can mine the precious metal to supply their local troops. Thus, they have to import large quantities of weapons from foreign traders.
In a particular month, an offer to teach individual soldiers the art of metal-working came around the country. Some took it, and some didn't.
So the months passed, where a part of Antioca's troops spent their time making their own weapon using the skills they have learnt, while the others continued their daily routine, replacing imported weapon, with imported weapon.
One year later, an unknown army of raiders descended upon Antioca. Taking the call to arms, the well trained legions set off from their forts to do battle against the enemy.
Individually, each soldier has his own feelings about the war.
Soldier Endern - A person who does not believe in allocating training time to forging swords.
Before the battle...
Knowing that his weapon has been used for several weeks, he decided to carry a spare sword into battle, with the precaution of having another weapon 'just in case' of any situation in the chaos of the battle.
During the clash...
Squaring off with his opponent, Endern's first weapon broke under the pressure of his opponent's sword. Expecting this to happen, he drew his second blade in a swift motion and struck back at his enemy.
However, the invader was expecting this to happen. Regaining his balance, he used his momentum to bring about a more powerful strike than before, meant to finish off Endern and move on to the next opponent...
As the invader struck, Endern brought his sword up to deflect the strike. However, the added weight of the superior weapon simply snapped Endern's blade cleanly into two... the duel is decided.
Before the invader finished him off, Endern shot a question - Who forged your sword ?
The reply - I made it myself. I made it specifically to break what inferior weapons the world has comfortably offered your pathetic army.
The killing blow came...
...But was stopped in a resounding clash...
Soldier Selven - One who believes in forging a bond with what he has.
After completing the course of metal-working, Selven immediately set upon the task of forging his own weapons from the metal brought in by the instructors.
Spending several months in the forge, the soldier finally completed not own his weapon, but a complete suit of armour as well. Taking pride at his work, he made gave a prayer of thanks to God for blessing him with such knowledge for self-improvement.
Before the battle -
Selecting only his personal belongings, Selven immediately marched off to join his company in the defence of his country.
During the clash -
Wave after wave of invaders came crashing upon the human wall which is Selven's company. As the line wavered and broke into a series of skirmishes, Selven found an invader with a deadly axe charging his way.
Knowing that it is madness to use a sword to parry an axe, Selven threw his shield up, trusting in its strength to deflect the blow.
The axe came down, and away, as it bounced off the heavy shield. Taking the chance, Selven struck at his attacker, swiftly ending the duel.
By the side, a fellow soldier is being hard pressed by his opponent.
As the invader stood to land the finishing blow, Selven's outstretched sword caught the strike in mid-swing. Jumping from the unexpected arrival, the invader faced Selven and struck.
However, Selven was ready. He swung his blade with similar ferocity, and their swords met each other in a bonebreaking clash...
Selven dropped his sword, arm aching from the ferocity of the strike. Looking at his opponent, he realised that he has won the skirmish.
His opponent's sword was shattered... not just broken, but shattered into a thousand pieces... all because of a difference in quality...
Okay, well, i guess that the message was pretty clear eh.
Whose strength are you using ?
Endern's Path - Your own strength with what the world has given you ?
Selven's Path - Accepting hardship in order to break convention with the world ?
Endern chose to stick with his daily routine, swinging swords and laying by the side. Sure, that maybe easy, hes been doing that for years that it has become a habit.
Selven chose to change, seeking ways to improve his resources to engage in a war. Its not easy straying from your routine to do something hard and tiring, but he took the step.
The scenario in our lives is this - Which soldier are we? That when our minds and bodies come under spiritual attack, whose path have we taken?
Will our defences crumble just like the Walls of Jericho ? Or will we stand strong against the forces of darkness, just like Israel stood strong against the Arabs ?
Will we take the step to break our worldly routines ? To take the step to absorb what oppurtunities the Lord has given us in order to further prepare ourselves for the End Times ?
When exams are over, when holidays and free time is abundant, comes a new danger, of over-indulgence in the time which was given to us. Will the time we had set for the Lord be overcome by our worldly desires ? Or, will we be able to maintain what we have forged with the Lord during our Times of Troubles ?
It is hard for me. Even now, it is hard to take myself away from what i can be doing for self-interests. And i believe that faced with the same situation with each person's different desires, it will be hard as well. With many distractions in this world that we live in, its no wonder why the only time when i can take a proper breather is during the standard 5-6 hours every sunday as well as when i gathered enough strength to counter what distractions the devil has planted in me.
Hmm, its late, but as an ending note, i pray that, should the above scenario be brought to life, we all will be able to stay strong with God's strength.
Be strong, the final wave has yet to come.
In His Love
Dino
Friday, December 5, 2008
OUTING!
ok another post to confirm outing!
we are going to have dinner for samlow as he is serving the nation soon... on the 11th dec rite? those not involved in WANTED can go down and send him off at tekong. lol. ok here are the details!
Date: 8th December 2008 (monday)
Time to meet: 1700 hrs
Venue: Kallang Airport1. (you all know how to go?)
Activity: Eat. and talk. and eat. and fellowship. and eat. and last but not least, let sam enjoy our marvelous ever enjoyable company. =))
any enquiries on how to get there and stuff can always call or msg me or norman since it was his idea. lol. can indicate on the tagboard if you are gg! see you there!
God bless =)
manda
----------
p.s.
Kallang Airport1 actually refers to:
'Old Airport Road Market and Food Centre'
(Located along 'Old Airport Road', hence the landmark's official name)
-Quote 'Old Airport Road' when asking for directions
View Locality Map Here
(Star in map marks 'Old Airport Road Market & Food Centre')
Ways to get there
Note: 'Stage' in SBS terms identifies Distance travelled by the Bus along the route, hence can also be used to identify a bus stop etc.
For those living in the East:
-Make your way down to Bedok Interchange
-Board bus service 33
-Alight at 'Brodarick Secondary School'(Stage 8.5), just opoosite the Food Centre
Note: Avoid boarding Service 31 from Tampines Interchange as the 'Brodarick Secondary School' bus stop is at Stage 18.5.
For those coming Eastwards from the East-West(Green) Line:
-Alight at 'Lavender MRT'
-Transfer to Bus Services: 32,33
-Alight right in front of the Food Centre
(Service 32: Stage 17 or 17.5)
(Service 33: Stage 22 or 22.5)
Note: Either way, there are two ideal bus stops along the road- if you miss the first one right before (17/22), this stop is right in front of the Food Centre(17.5/22.5)
View Locality Map Here
(Star in map marks 'Lavender MRT Station')
-----
Anyways, I enabled 'Compose Mode' so that it's easier to see the actual formatting when posting. Do check out the additional formatting features.
Also, the Tag Board is in a new Panel ------------------------------------>
we are going to have dinner for samlow as he is serving the nation soon... on the 11th dec rite? those not involved in WANTED can go down and send him off at tekong. lol. ok here are the details!
Date: 8th December 2008 (monday)
Time to meet: 1700 hrs
Venue: Kallang Airport1. (you all know how to go?)
Activity: Eat. and talk. and eat. and fellowship. and eat. and last but not least, let sam enjoy our marvelous ever enjoyable company. =))
any enquiries on how to get there and stuff can always call or msg me or norman since it was his idea. lol. can indicate on the tagboard if you are gg! see you there!
God bless =)
manda
----------
p.s.
Kallang Airport1 actually refers to:
'Old Airport Road Market and Food Centre'
(Located along 'Old Airport Road', hence the landmark's official name)
-Quote 'Old Airport Road' when asking for directions
View Locality Map Here
(Star in map marks 'Old Airport Road Market & Food Centre')
Ways to get there
Note: 'Stage' in SBS terms identifies Distance travelled by the Bus along the route, hence can also be used to identify a bus stop etc.
For those living in the East:
-Make your way down to Bedok Interchange
-Board bus service 33
-Alight at 'Brodarick Secondary School'(Stage 8.5), just opoosite the Food Centre
Note: Avoid boarding Service 31 from Tampines Interchange as the 'Brodarick Secondary School' bus stop is at Stage 18.5.
For those coming Eastwards from the East-West(Green) Line:
-Alight at 'Lavender MRT'
-Transfer to Bus Services: 32,33
-Alight right in front of the Food Centre
(Service 32: Stage 17 or 17.5)
(Service 33: Stage 22 or 22.5)
Note: Either way, there are two ideal bus stops along the road- if you miss the first one right before (17/22), this stop is right in front of the Food Centre(17.5/22.5)
View Locality Map Here
(Star in map marks 'Lavender MRT Station')
-----
Anyways, I enabled 'Compose Mode' so that it's easier to see the actual formatting when posting. Do check out the additional formatting features.
Also, the Tag Board is in a new Panel ------------------------------------>
His grace is sufficient for me.
hello! just some things to share... =)took it from my blog la, thought it'll be encouraging. =)
one of my prayers is actually for God to prepare me for the WANTED camp, as i don't wanna be a stumbling block to the kids, and want them to grow as much as possible during the camp. i know it's not by my own efforts but looking at my stifling spiritual walk i wasnt at all fit to be a leader to them.
and He answered, and this is in accordance to my other prayer of Him not letting me go. ahhh God You are in indeed faithful. it started with the talk i had with my best friend at the bus-stop, and i knew i had to stop being freaking lazy and do sth. but i was still kinda holding back, but yet trying to force out the words, "i will do it".
then came the leaders' training, esp during yan da's sharing on how to facilitate, my attacks of doubt as to whether i'm saved came back. so at that point, if you were to talk to me about God or about the cross or wad ill feel really uneasy. but i looked at the sky and the sees and the swaying palm trees, in my heart i knew God was there somehow but i was still troubled.
then it came to us playing some game and 2 girls from my group got picked to try to facilitate. yupp, and i rmbr this line "the game is about communication, when we face doubts we mist communicate with God...." that's it, lol i prayed and i felt much more peace.
den it came to the night message, alvin was speaking, and i was still a little apprehensive. and i dunno through it all, through alvin's, kenny's sharing and the worship, God sorta revealed sth to me, mebbe it was a still small voice. Amanda, you've been relying on your own strength to believe in Me. and i found it so true! and another voice goes this is the easy way out and im trying to deceive myself, but no, i believe that it was from God, if not i had asked Him to show me otherwise le. lol.
yupp. our righteousness comes from Christ, our own is just like filthy rags. and we cannot rely on ourselves for much, must rely on God. i kept asking myself do i believe enough to get saved, it's not whether i believe enough that will save me.. it is the grace of the Sovereign loving God who set the stars in their place, who made leaves with photosynthetic abilities and the entire ecosystem which was perfectly going to last until man screwed it up... yupp, that great God, who, yet being so great still chose to die for all of us. see if you wanna accept that or not. that's all. i accept and im gonna meet with Him one day in heaven! =)
ystd i met with mrs cheng to have dinner and we talked abt alot of things, she gave me alot of direction in alot of areas, for qt, for uni... lol. i'm not gg to sign up for usp le. i thank God for her. haha. and she shared with me a passage Ephesians 6:10 i think. about the amour of God. we need not fight. we just needed to STAND our ground. and the 1st verse of the passage alrdy says we rely on God's strength, not our own. we just need to stand for the victory has already been won through Christ.
-manda =)
one of my prayers is actually for God to prepare me for the WANTED camp, as i don't wanna be a stumbling block to the kids, and want them to grow as much as possible during the camp. i know it's not by my own efforts but looking at my stifling spiritual walk i wasnt at all fit to be a leader to them.
and He answered, and this is in accordance to my other prayer of Him not letting me go. ahhh God You are in indeed faithful. it started with the talk i had with my best friend at the bus-stop, and i knew i had to stop being freaking lazy and do sth. but i was still kinda holding back, but yet trying to force out the words, "i will do it".
then came the leaders' training, esp during yan da's sharing on how to facilitate, my attacks of doubt as to whether i'm saved came back. so at that point, if you were to talk to me about God or about the cross or wad ill feel really uneasy. but i looked at the sky and the sees and the swaying palm trees, in my heart i knew God was there somehow but i was still troubled.
then it came to us playing some game and 2 girls from my group got picked to try to facilitate. yupp, and i rmbr this line "the game is about communication, when we face doubts we mist communicate with God...." that's it, lol i prayed and i felt much more peace.
den it came to the night message, alvin was speaking, and i was still a little apprehensive. and i dunno through it all, through alvin's, kenny's sharing and the worship, God sorta revealed sth to me, mebbe it was a still small voice. Amanda, you've been relying on your own strength to believe in Me. and i found it so true! and another voice goes this is the easy way out and im trying to deceive myself, but no, i believe that it was from God, if not i had asked Him to show me otherwise le. lol.
yupp. our righteousness comes from Christ, our own is just like filthy rags. and we cannot rely on ourselves for much, must rely on God. i kept asking myself do i believe enough to get saved, it's not whether i believe enough that will save me.. it is the grace of the Sovereign loving God who set the stars in their place, who made leaves with photosynthetic abilities and the entire ecosystem which was perfectly going to last until man screwed it up... yupp, that great God, who, yet being so great still chose to die for all of us. see if you wanna accept that or not. that's all. i accept and im gonna meet with Him one day in heaven! =)
ystd i met with mrs cheng to have dinner and we talked abt alot of things, she gave me alot of direction in alot of areas, for qt, for uni... lol. i'm not gg to sign up for usp le. i thank God for her. haha. and she shared with me a passage Ephesians 6:10 i think. about the amour of God. we need not fight. we just needed to STAND our ground. and the 1st verse of the passage alrdy says we rely on God's strength, not our own. we just need to stand for the victory has already been won through Christ.
-manda =)
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