Kind of funny today. Was walking around on campus during lunch time. Encounted a few ACF people throughout my 1.8 hrs walk outside (okay...so I stayed out a little too long for lunch...)...it was pretty cool actually. I don't think I've even been able to randomly run into someone from CCF and be able to sit down and have a meal, just spontanously. It was a pleasant change from my typical Monday routine.
I've found that I seem to ask the the same questions over and over again, without intending to do so. I really don't understand why. I already know the answers. I've already got the big pieces, and I know how to get the smaller pieces. Blah...need to learn how to ask better questions...Maybe I'd get somewhere...
Been thinking about ACF and CCF over the past little bit. More about how I'm going to handle incoming terms. Strangely, I feel more emotionally ready to take on Committee...well. Gone from like 0.1 to 0.2...but still better then nothing eh? (good thing Committee people doesn't know about this place ^^||...Don't want ppl to get ideas...)...spiritually I still have a long ways to go...but as I watch the people here get ready to step up...they face the same problem we are...there's a upperyear discrepancy of sorts, and it's up to the current second years to step up to par.
It's not like they're stepping into an easy role either. Over lunch, I discussed this topic with a 5th year, who credited the current exec team with "well-grounded" and "mature"...Apparently this just happens to be a really good year. Well. As I worry about CCF, my friends here worry about ACF.
My thoughts eventually turned to collision events. One of my original dreams from oh so long ago...to forge connections to other AFC fellowships...lol. Maybe we should regularly send co-op ppl to cities with other fellowships. Imagine that...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
iTune Shared Libraries
At work we have Macs. Apparently iTunes have this Share Playlist function, so I've been listening to my co-worker's songs throughout the day. A few old school songs that brought a few laughs. A few others were really cool. Lets see...random excerpts..
When I Look to the Sky by Train
And as I float along this ocean
I can feel you like a notion that won't seem to let me go
Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me
And you make everything alright
And when I feel like I'm lost, something tells me you're here with me
And I can always find my way, when you are here
Whether I am up or down or in or out or just plane overhead
Instead it just feels like it is impossible to fly
But with you I can spread my wings
to see me over everything that life may send me
When I am hoping it won't pass me by
And when I feel like there is no one that will ever know me
There you are to show me...
All Star by Smash Mouth
Somebody once asked could I spare some change for gas
I need to get myself away from this place
I said yep, what a concept
I could use a little fuel myself
And we could all use a little change
Well the years start coming and they don't stop coming
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
So much to do so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow
You'll never know if you don't go
Only shooting stars break the mold
Lumberjack Song by Monty Python
I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK
I sleep all night and I work all day.
I cut down trees, I eat my lunch
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesday I go shopping and have buttered scones for tea
I cut down trees, I skip and jump
I like to press wild flowers.
I put on women's clothing and hang around in bars.
I cut down trees, I wear high heels
Suspenders and a bra.
I wish I'd been a girlie, just like my dear papa!!
Closing Time by Green Day
Closing time, open all the doors and let you out into the world
Closing time, turn all the lights on over boy and every girl
Closing time, one last call for alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer
Closing time, you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here
Closing time, time for you to go out to the places you will be from
Closing time, this room won't be open till your brother's or your sister's come
So gather up your jackets, moving to the exits, I hope you have found a friend.
Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end, yeah
Closing time, time for you to go out to the places you will be from...
Ordinary Day by Great Big Sea
I've got a smile on my face, I've got four walls around me
The sun in the sky, the water surrounds me
I'll win now but sometimes I'll lose
I've been battered, but I'll never bruise, it's not so bad
And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day
And it's all your state of mind
At the end of the day, you've still got to say, it's all right.
See that girl on the street, what keeps her from dying
Let them say what they want, she won't stop trying
She might stumble, if they push her 'round
She might fall, but she'll never lie down
It's a beautiful day, but there's always some sorrow
It's a double edged knife, but there's always tomorrow
It's up to you now if you sink or swim,
Keep the faith and your ship will come in.
When I Look to the Sky by Train
And as I float along this ocean
I can feel you like a notion that won't seem to let me go
Cause when I look to the sky something tells me you're here with me
And you make everything alright
And when I feel like I'm lost, something tells me you're here with me
And I can always find my way, when you are here
Whether I am up or down or in or out or just plane overhead
Instead it just feels like it is impossible to fly
But with you I can spread my wings
to see me over everything that life may send me
When I am hoping it won't pass me by
And when I feel like there is no one that will ever know me
There you are to show me...
All Star by Smash Mouth
Somebody once asked could I spare some change for gas
I need to get myself away from this place
I said yep, what a concept
I could use a little fuel myself
And we could all use a little change
Well the years start coming and they don't stop coming
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense not to live for fun
Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
So much to do so much to see
So what's wrong with taking the back streets
You'll never know if you don't go
You'll never shine if you don't glow
You'll never know if you don't go
Only shooting stars break the mold
Lumberjack Song by Monty Python
I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK
I sleep all night and I work all day.
I cut down trees, I eat my lunch
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesday I go shopping and have buttered scones for tea
I cut down trees, I skip and jump
I like to press wild flowers.
I put on women's clothing and hang around in bars.
I cut down trees, I wear high heels
Suspenders and a bra.
I wish I'd been a girlie, just like my dear papa!!
Closing Time by Green Day
Closing time, open all the doors and let you out into the world
Closing time, turn all the lights on over boy and every girl
Closing time, one last call for alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer
Closing time, you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here
Closing time, time for you to go out to the places you will be from
Closing time, this room won't be open till your brother's or your sister's come
So gather up your jackets, moving to the exits, I hope you have found a friend.
Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end, yeah
Closing time, time for you to go out to the places you will be from...
Ordinary Day by Great Big Sea
I've got a smile on my face, I've got four walls around me
The sun in the sky, the water surrounds me
I'll win now but sometimes I'll lose
I've been battered, but I'll never bruise, it's not so bad
And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day
And it's all your state of mind
At the end of the day, you've still got to say, it's all right.
See that girl on the street, what keeps her from dying
Let them say what they want, she won't stop trying
She might stumble, if they push her 'round
She might fall, but she'll never lie down
It's a beautiful day, but there's always some sorrow
It's a double edged knife, but there's always tomorrow
It's up to you now if you sink or swim,
Keep the faith and your ship will come in.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Random Observations of ACF
- One of the most evident influences I see on ACF is their councler. Pam and Roger are two UK (Wales, actually) people...I was initially surprised to see Caucasian people...I mean, look at CCF and KWCAC (well. KWCAC is bad example. Chris is there)! It's one thing to have non-asian students...but a totally different thing to be dedicated to an Asian fellowship...but there they are. I've come to respect Roger's depth of knowledge. From the way I understand, he doesn't try to take charge of the fellowship, but steps in occasitionally to provide words of wisdom and to rebuke where he sees the need...incidently, I heard of a time where the Exec board of ACF composed of 4 girls (understaffed, no guys), which angered Roger greatly (who really supports the "men are spiritual leaders" notion)...apparently he gathered them all into a room and pwned them all so hard...needlessly, Roger's words must've worked, since there's always been a male ACF president after that. Their Sunday Evening gatherings, affectionately named P&R, is a interesting experience, which I don't think I can describe properly. All I can say is that having this permanent stability has influenced ACF greatly; one thing CCF lacks.
- There is a large number (close to...8ish?) of relationships going on. When I asked about this (compared to CCF's...like...2), I was told no one really knows either. Maybe it's cuz the members arin't interrogated? Such concepts were foreign to them. Sigh...interrogation (suddenly remembers the "Manel")...perhaps the "openness" of CCF's system (which I actually don't disagree with. CCF only really has a major role on the start...the rest of relationship is decided by the two people) is a deterent for CCF? Supposely it seems like mass amounts of 2nd years just decided going-out is a good idea. What can I say? As long as no one is picking up froshes... -_-
- UWO's two term system means ACF is only active in Fall and Winter. Its lack of co-op-ness meant they didn't need to do introductions and start-ups again at the beginning of each term, that things carried over easily from the pervious term. It'd be interesting to observe something like that in CCF...like...have a team that's dedicated to handling new-comers ... or something...
- There is a higher involvement from ACF in LCAC (not sure about the other churches...there's no so much localization like in KWCAC/CFC, probably because they have more choices in London?)...I was surprised to hear that many people are involved in HYPE (LCAC's high school fellowship)...
- UWO and surroundings are built in a way that the closest (south-end anyway) residential place is at least a 10 minute walk...it pushes the need to bus (my bus stop is often loaded at 8am...too much people, not enough bus space!) to a higher extent, so movement around London (since bus passes are included in tution) is aided in the fact that there's a more extensive bus system...
- In addition to cell groups, they have small group time outside of friday nights. Another level of interaction and relationship building I guess. I dunno...it seems like UWO ppl have more time on their hands...but taking a look at the programs people are in...Medical Sciences, Nursing, Ivey Business, Music...all of these are either difficult, or time consuming. Where are they finding the time to participate in all this?!
That is, I've seen some ACF's flaws as well. Like CCF, they have some issues on complacency...actually, I don't think it's as bad as CCF, but then...the people-set I have come to know are small group leaders and people dedicated to the cell groups. Not enough sample size.
I suppose, up till Retreat, I've expected ACF to be just like CCF. In some ways, I see that...if you take away the people's different background and experiences...they're similar on several levels. That Chinese Christian atmosphere is still there. The give and take air I've grown accustomed to, although a little weird to see it outside of CCF, can be found here as well. People still regularly get sick coming out of Retreat, and there's (5 times a week!) prayer meetings going on.
You know what'd be cool to see? Summit in Waterloo. Summit is a cluster of townhouses (kind of like WCRI, I guess. Maybe a little better, what from I've seen so far. lol)...there's a high concentration of ACF people there. So I wonder what life would be like if we took over one of the Westmount houses...took over a Keat's way block...WCRI... *shrug*
From ACF, I'm starting to think...who's picking up the torch? Many of the leaders here are moving on. It feels like my own first year actually, in some ways. Who's picking up the torch? I guess it's not as bad because they have P&R here. But still. I wonder...
Sometimes it's a bit weird, because I don't necessary know the people I've talking to...or have that year of experience when I'm with the other second years. But I'm being encouraged by what I see. I'm being challenged by the people. The bar I found here is higher. And I'm trying to raise to it. It's been a interesting term so far. And I know it'll still be so when I look back in April.
CCF. I dunno if I'd be able to learn enough to bring back to you. But if the bar is this much higher in a sister fellowship...what are you doing about it? Perhaps...the better question should be...what will I do about it, when I step back onto the campus of Waterloo?
BTW, Switchfoot is touring around Canada. Check their site if you're interested to see if they're going to your town. London on March 1~~
- There is a large number (close to...8ish?) of relationships going on. When I asked about this (compared to CCF's...like...2), I was told no one really knows either. Maybe it's cuz the members arin't interrogated? Such concepts were foreign to them. Sigh...interrogation (suddenly remembers the "Manel")...perhaps the "openness" of CCF's system (which I actually don't disagree with. CCF only really has a major role on the start...the rest of relationship is decided by the two people) is a deterent for CCF? Supposely it seems like mass amounts of 2nd years just decided going-out is a good idea. What can I say? As long as no one is picking up froshes... -_-
- UWO's two term system means ACF is only active in Fall and Winter. Its lack of co-op-ness meant they didn't need to do introductions and start-ups again at the beginning of each term, that things carried over easily from the pervious term. It'd be interesting to observe something like that in CCF...like...have a team that's dedicated to handling new-comers ... or something...
- There is a higher involvement from ACF in LCAC (not sure about the other churches...there's no so much localization like in KWCAC/CFC, probably because they have more choices in London?)...I was surprised to hear that many people are involved in HYPE (LCAC's high school fellowship)...
- UWO and surroundings are built in a way that the closest (south-end anyway) residential place is at least a 10 minute walk...it pushes the need to bus (my bus stop is often loaded at 8am...too much people, not enough bus space!) to a higher extent, so movement around London (since bus passes are included in tution) is aided in the fact that there's a more extensive bus system...
- In addition to cell groups, they have small group time outside of friday nights. Another level of interaction and relationship building I guess. I dunno...it seems like UWO ppl have more time on their hands...but taking a look at the programs people are in...Medical Sciences, Nursing, Ivey Business, Music...all of these are either difficult, or time consuming. Where are they finding the time to participate in all this?!
That is, I've seen some ACF's flaws as well. Like CCF, they have some issues on complacency...actually, I don't think it's as bad as CCF, but then...the people-set I have come to know are small group leaders and people dedicated to the cell groups. Not enough sample size.
I suppose, up till Retreat, I've expected ACF to be just like CCF. In some ways, I see that...if you take away the people's different background and experiences...they're similar on several levels. That Chinese Christian atmosphere is still there. The give and take air I've grown accustomed to, although a little weird to see it outside of CCF, can be found here as well. People still regularly get sick coming out of Retreat, and there's (5 times a week!) prayer meetings going on.
You know what'd be cool to see? Summit in Waterloo. Summit is a cluster of townhouses (kind of like WCRI, I guess. Maybe a little better, what from I've seen so far. lol)...there's a high concentration of ACF people there. So I wonder what life would be like if we took over one of the Westmount houses...took over a Keat's way block...WCRI... *shrug*
From ACF, I'm starting to think...who's picking up the torch? Many of the leaders here are moving on. It feels like my own first year actually, in some ways. Who's picking up the torch? I guess it's not as bad because they have P&R here. But still. I wonder...
Sometimes it's a bit weird, because I don't necessary know the people I've talking to...or have that year of experience when I'm with the other second years. But I'm being encouraged by what I see. I'm being challenged by the people. The bar I found here is higher. And I'm trying to raise to it. It's been a interesting term so far. And I know it'll still be so when I look back in April.
CCF. I dunno if I'd be able to learn enough to bring back to you. But if the bar is this much higher in a sister fellowship...what are you doing about it? Perhaps...the better question should be...what will I do about it, when I step back onto the campus of Waterloo?
BTW, Switchfoot is touring around Canada. Check their site if you're interested to see if they're going to your town. London on March 1~~
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Little things?
What does it take to be a healer? Some sit in the offices all day, taking patients at they come. Some blaze around the city in ambulances, hoping to reach the victims in time. Others still, run onto the battlefield, with bombshells exploding to the left and the right, trying to reach their comrades before the other side does. Not one is deserving of more honour than another. All three are in need...
My mind brings me back to this one thing that happened a little earlier...I attended LCAC today, and it was pretty cool. I got introduced to a whole bunch of people, and I found out that some have connections to Waterloo as well. I found Derak Yau's cousins. I found someone who knows Auntie. Some other people who have frosh friends and whatnot in Waterloo. A guy from Lethbridge (yay Alberta...)
You know that saying, "it takes one to know one?" Empathy is a very powerful tool. On the bus, as we were leaving, I was looking around the bus...my eyes kept on drawing me to this one girl, she was sitting diagonal from me. Just giving off this...sense of loneiness? No one was sitting or talking with her thoughout the ride, and I felt the need to just slide over and introduce myself to her. Say hi and have her know that someone has noticed.
But I didn't. I just sat in my seat, hoping that someone else will do the task that is playing out in my mind. Hoping that this cup will be taken from me. But no one else rose up. And I still just sat there. Why didn't I do anything? Maybe it was cuz I was new (VERY bad excuse). Maybe cuz I was a guy (not as bad, but still...). Maybe cuz I was afraid (being pushed out of comfort zone, type of thing?). There's a title for this. "Chicken Wuss" (ahh...good ol' Final Fantasy VIII).
As I sat down and thought about after getting off the bus, a few words rang through my mind: "If you see a need for change, just go do it, because nothing else would be done" (paraphrased from Elaine)...we're not even talking about non-churched people...this person here is part of LCAC...sigh...sometimes I wish I had more initive...or wasn't so selfish...
I constantly say I'll do better next time. Will I really? It's okay. What I need isn't someone to kick me in the pants (I do that fine on my own)...what I need is a failsafe way to tranlate that kick in the pants into action. Sometimes all one can do is pray. But sometimes it doesn't take a Pillar of Fire from Above to say hi.
My mind brings me back to this one thing that happened a little earlier...I attended LCAC today, and it was pretty cool. I got introduced to a whole bunch of people, and I found out that some have connections to Waterloo as well. I found Derak Yau's cousins. I found someone who knows Auntie. Some other people who have frosh friends and whatnot in Waterloo. A guy from Lethbridge (yay Alberta...)
You know that saying, "it takes one to know one?" Empathy is a very powerful tool. On the bus, as we were leaving, I was looking around the bus...my eyes kept on drawing me to this one girl, she was sitting diagonal from me. Just giving off this...sense of loneiness? No one was sitting or talking with her thoughout the ride, and I felt the need to just slide over and introduce myself to her. Say hi and have her know that someone has noticed.
But I didn't. I just sat in my seat, hoping that someone else will do the task that is playing out in my mind. Hoping that this cup will be taken from me. But no one else rose up. And I still just sat there. Why didn't I do anything? Maybe it was cuz I was new (VERY bad excuse). Maybe cuz I was a guy (not as bad, but still...). Maybe cuz I was afraid (being pushed out of comfort zone, type of thing?). There's a title for this. "Chicken Wuss" (ahh...good ol' Final Fantasy VIII).
As I sat down and thought about after getting off the bus, a few words rang through my mind: "If you see a need for change, just go do it, because nothing else would be done" (paraphrased from Elaine)...we're not even talking about non-churched people...this person here is part of LCAC...sigh...sometimes I wish I had more initive...or wasn't so selfish...
I constantly say I'll do better next time. Will I really? It's okay. What I need isn't someone to kick me in the pants (I do that fine on my own)...what I need is a failsafe way to tranlate that kick in the pants into action. Sometimes all one can do is pray. But sometimes it doesn't take a Pillar of Fire from Above to say hi.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Western ACF
So what about Western Ontario's ACF?
I admit, I was caught off guard. Imagine first CCF of the Fall term, complete with frosh and whatnot. That's what it felt like in that room. Maybe it wasn't THAT extreme. Maybe it was just cuz I didn't really know that much people in that room. *shrug* Need to work on that...tendency to shrink away at crowds...oy...
They opened the night, as usual, with worship. They had a violist going...the whole time I was thinking "man...she needs to be mic-ed"...lol. The room we were in were lecture like layout (so RCH-like rooms), but that was fine for the purpose of the night: sharing. I dunno...I felt some familiar elements with CCF...but there was something else in the air. Something I can't quite put my hands on...maybe I'll know more as I get to know the fellowship more.
I was fairly amused to note that complacentcy is also a problem at ACF (which was the sense I got through the sharings)...naturally my mind turned to CCF...but anyways. I think, until Friday, London felt pretty...empty? It was just another city...felt almost like Stratford to me, sometimes. But to be reconnected back into a CCF-like fellowship...it was pretty cool. Now I can say God is with ACF as well.
Its really cool that I spanned from knowing two or three people to knowing...more then two or three people! Lets see...
Heidi -> Gloria -> Random peoples in ACF
Jeff -> Steph
Vanessa -> Adrienne -> Sonya (who knew Denise Ma "since she was born" lol)
ACF who met CCF ppl at last CC. Probably Urbana too.
I dunno. I just thought it was really cool, seeing these connections unfold. Have a feeling that 4mth really won't be that much time... there's some pretty interesting peoples in ACF. The paths are expansive before me...
I admit, I was caught off guard. Imagine first CCF of the Fall term, complete with frosh and whatnot. That's what it felt like in that room. Maybe it wasn't THAT extreme. Maybe it was just cuz I didn't really know that much people in that room. *shrug* Need to work on that...tendency to shrink away at crowds...oy...
They opened the night, as usual, with worship. They had a violist going...the whole time I was thinking "man...she needs to be mic-ed"...lol. The room we were in were lecture like layout (so RCH-like rooms), but that was fine for the purpose of the night: sharing. I dunno...I felt some familiar elements with CCF...but there was something else in the air. Something I can't quite put my hands on...maybe I'll know more as I get to know the fellowship more.
I was fairly amused to note that complacentcy is also a problem at ACF (which was the sense I got through the sharings)...naturally my mind turned to CCF...but anyways. I think, until Friday, London felt pretty...empty? It was just another city...felt almost like Stratford to me, sometimes. But to be reconnected back into a CCF-like fellowship...it was pretty cool. Now I can say God is with ACF as well.
Its really cool that I spanned from knowing two or three people to knowing...more then two or three people! Lets see...
Heidi -> Gloria -> Random peoples in ACF
Jeff -> Steph
Vanessa -> Adrienne -> Sonya (who knew Denise Ma "since she was born" lol)
ACF who met CCF ppl at last CC. Probably Urbana too.
I dunno. I just thought it was really cool, seeing these connections unfold. Have a feeling that 4mth really won't be that much time... there's some pretty interesting peoples in ACF. The paths are expansive before me...
Friday, January 12, 2007
Connect Up
Been in London for a little more than a week now. Work has been okay. Been kind of waiting for the next major event happens (ie ... I'll talk about it when that time comes) before my next posting, but the morning has been quiet (if you minus the car traffic and train that goes by). Been thinking about Waterloo...managed to put back together that projector (and it turns on, a nice bonus)...cool...
It's a little too easy to latch onto that mentality. I mean, things are so easy in CCF. Sure, there's so much pressure on big events like Lifesong (which, as far as I know, isn't really happening) and organizing stuff, but in day to day living...esp if you take the freshest event in mind (SLC crammage over finals)...interestingly, those time are the best community times. Though...it felt significantly different than W06 term...maybe its cuz W06 had alot of grads...and F06 just had alot of froshes...wonder where everyone in between went...
Alright. No tangents today. I think one thing I've always been trying to figure out is...how does one measure growth? I don't mean like physical growth, I mean more like...spiritual growth. I hear the words "Grow closer to God" all the time... I mean...
When I'm reading (say...CS Lewis' Mere Christianity), I'm reading about a Person. When I'm reading the Bible, I'm reading what this Person has to say. When I pray and worship, I'm communicating towards this Person (hearing back however, is much more complicated...). I suppose a relationship with God shouldn't be that different than a relationship with any other person. Okay...so how does two people get to know either other?
Communicating (prayer)? Having similar interests and doing similar activities (understanding His will)? Spending time together (devotions)? Knowing their history (readings, of Bible and Christian histories)? Hanging out with same group of friends (fellowship)?
Yet I can only cognitively take apart this thing so much. Surely this isn't the whole thing. Surely there's some fragment of the picture I'm missing. I wonder...
It's a little too easy to latch onto that mentality. I mean, things are so easy in CCF. Sure, there's so much pressure on big events like Lifesong (which, as far as I know, isn't really happening) and organizing stuff, but in day to day living...esp if you take the freshest event in mind (SLC crammage over finals)...interestingly, those time are the best community times. Though...it felt significantly different than W06 term...maybe its cuz W06 had alot of grads...and F06 just had alot of froshes...wonder where everyone in between went...
Alright. No tangents today. I think one thing I've always been trying to figure out is...how does one measure growth? I don't mean like physical growth, I mean more like...spiritual growth. I hear the words "Grow closer to God" all the time... I mean...
When I'm reading (say...CS Lewis' Mere Christianity), I'm reading about a Person. When I'm reading the Bible, I'm reading what this Person has to say. When I pray and worship, I'm communicating towards this Person (hearing back however, is much more complicated...). I suppose a relationship with God shouldn't be that different than a relationship with any other person. Okay...so how does two people get to know either other?
Communicating (prayer)? Having similar interests and doing similar activities (understanding His will)? Spending time together (devotions)? Knowing their history (readings, of Bible and Christian histories)? Hanging out with same group of friends (fellowship)?
Yet I can only cognitively take apart this thing so much. Surely this isn't the whole thing. Surely there's some fragment of the picture I'm missing. I wonder...
MHS - Sermon
Mars Hill Shoreline: Colossians 2.1-10 : Living In Jesus
Pastor Steve Tompkins (Sept 3, 2006)
"We were made to worship" by God
- Now. When we don't worship God...we end up seeking false idols...
- Source of idol? The self -> want control and have power parallel to Him
- Remember the Fall? Before the Fall, we were pointed upward. After that, it circled around back to us
- Today, instead of bowing to statues like Zeus and the things that he represented to the Greeks...we're bowing down directly to the item...money, success...etc
- How focused are we on making the outside look clean? Looking good on the outside -> "...basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." (Col 2.8) -> "...dead, empty religion that looks good on the outside, but leaving the inner idols unchallenged..." and unless those idols are unchallenged, our natural tendency is to worship it
- Can't be satisifed with this hollow shell..
- Need aid
- The role of the community (Romans 15)
- Ecc 5
- Strength together...no one person suffers from a unique problem. Someone out there, people can relate. Somewhere out there, someone shares your pain.
- Using the Word? No idea how to do that personally.
- Appeals of appear perfect? Is that really necessary? Who is perfect?
Not I.
---
Hmm. It wouls appear that I didn't finish those sermon notes. Can't remember where I was going with it...compiled some time last term when I couldn't get up in time for KWCAC. Hmm...
Pastor Steve Tompkins (Sept 3, 2006)
"We were made to worship" by God
- Now. When we don't worship God...we end up seeking false idols...
- Source of idol? The self -> want control and have power parallel to Him
- Remember the Fall? Before the Fall, we were pointed upward. After that, it circled around back to us
- Today, instead of bowing to statues like Zeus and the things that he represented to the Greeks...we're bowing down directly to the item...money, success...etc
- How focused are we on making the outside look clean? Looking good on the outside -> "...basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." (Col 2.8) -> "...dead, empty religion that looks good on the outside, but leaving the inner idols unchallenged..." and unless those idols are unchallenged, our natural tendency is to worship it
- Can't be satisifed with this hollow shell..
- Need aid
- The role of the community (Romans 15)
- Ecc 5
- Strength together...no one person suffers from a unique problem. Someone out there, people can relate. Somewhere out there, someone shares your pain.
- Using the Word? No idea how to do that personally.
- Appeals of appear perfect? Is that really necessary? Who is perfect?
Not I.
---
Hmm. It wouls appear that I didn't finish those sermon notes. Can't remember where I was going with it...compiled some time last term when I couldn't get up in time for KWCAC. Hmm...
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
WKTRM2 - Day1
Got to the lab a little early. Was told that my boss wasn't there. But I got let in anyway and they got me to do random stuff that needed to be done. I believe I have the most interesting starter assignment...
Task 1
Pick a Kensington Lock - Interesting indeed...found a Google video...tried it. Couldn't do it. One of my co-workers came in. Pwned the lock. Task 1 done.
Task 2
Take apart a video projector. Locate the make and name of the 4 fans. That took a long time. Stupid optical engine taking up so much space...hopefully the reassembly was alright. It's one thing running around with a 6000$ projector. It's another thing to take it apart and maintaining it and expecting to make it work at the end of the day. Oyy...
Task 3
Learn Unix. Progress on that is about 1%. XD
It seems to take about 35 minute walk to campus (the apartment to Spencer Engineering Building)...a little on the long side, only a bit further than my house to Churchill High School...I think it feels so much more further because I at home I usually get to walk with someone home...
I kind of want to complain. I kind of don't. I have alot to say. I have nothing to say. I've seen alot. I've seen nothing. Every high has a low. Every journey has it's barriers. Every cloud has a silver lining. What you and I cannot see today, one day obvious.
Task 1
Pick a Kensington Lock - Interesting indeed...found a Google video...tried it. Couldn't do it. One of my co-workers came in. Pwned the lock. Task 1 done.
Task 2
Take apart a video projector. Locate the make and name of the 4 fans. That took a long time. Stupid optical engine taking up so much space...hopefully the reassembly was alright. It's one thing running around with a 6000$ projector. It's another thing to take it apart and maintaining it and expecting to make it work at the end of the day. Oyy...
Task 3
Learn Unix. Progress on that is about 1%. XD
It seems to take about 35 minute walk to campus (the apartment to Spencer Engineering Building)...a little on the long side, only a bit further than my house to Churchill High School...I think it feels so much more further because I at home I usually get to walk with someone home...
I kind of want to complain. I kind of don't. I have alot to say. I have nothing to say. I've seen alot. I've seen nothing. Every high has a low. Every journey has it's barriers. Every cloud has a silver lining. What you and I cannot see today, one day obvious.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Randomly randomness
Workplace: John P. Robarts Research Institute
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Position: Programmer, Imaging Department
Over the term-shift break, I think I've made some random discoveries that I would document, but I honestly can't remember them right now. Lets see...I wrote this on...
--- Dec 5 ---
- Get rid of distractions
- Fight temptations
- Conquer bad thoughts and fill yourself with the Word
- Quiet down and listen
A handful of instructions from a friend of mine as I think about London. As I think about my incoming co-op term, I can't help wonder. Why we're sent to the places we're sent. Why people are placed where they are.
--- Dec 29 ---
Been almost a week since I've returned home. A few things have changed. Most didn't. An old friend of mine got a girlfriend. I gave him a lecture. Another friend want a girlfriend. I challenged him. But I guess some people don't like to think...
Home has been ... fairly quiet I guess. Random eating out with friends. Videogames and manga. A random 6 hr (to and from) trip to Edmonton. Eating sushi and laughing at dumb things. Getting 9 hrs of sleep a day. A nice switchup from the busyness of school...but...
Well. I shouldn't have expected collisions to happen quietly. Yet it would be more difficult to challenge than I had first expected...the barriers I must overcome are ... well. Formitable.
So I just got a random phone call from a friend of mine. Apparently Urbana is doing Ephesians, a book I've been telling myself to read for the last term. Since Eph 1-3 is loaded with things I don't understand properly, I decided to start from the more applicable stuff: Eph 4 and onwards.
Eph 4.1-14
- Unity and roles: "...some to be apostles, som eto be prophets, some to be evangelists... pastors... teachers...body of Christ may be built up..."
- Maturity: "...then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching..."
--- End Dec 29 ---
Didn't know where I was going with those...
Mmm...Work starts tomorrow. Hopefully the term goes well. Robarts. ACF. Biomedical Engineering. University of Western Ontario. PDEng 25. WTR prep for WKTRM4. Searching for WKTRM3 for Calgary. Reminder to pray for 2B and WKTRM3...
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Position: Programmer, Imaging Department
Over the term-shift break, I think I've made some random discoveries that I would document, but I honestly can't remember them right now. Lets see...I wrote this on...
--- Dec 5 ---
- Get rid of distractions
- Fight temptations
- Conquer bad thoughts and fill yourself with the Word
- Quiet down and listen
A handful of instructions from a friend of mine as I think about London. As I think about my incoming co-op term, I can't help wonder. Why we're sent to the places we're sent. Why people are placed where they are.
--- Dec 29 ---
Been almost a week since I've returned home. A few things have changed. Most didn't. An old friend of mine got a girlfriend. I gave him a lecture. Another friend want a girlfriend. I challenged him. But I guess some people don't like to think...
Home has been ... fairly quiet I guess. Random eating out with friends. Videogames and manga. A random 6 hr (to and from) trip to Edmonton. Eating sushi and laughing at dumb things. Getting 9 hrs of sleep a day. A nice switchup from the busyness of school...but...
Well. I shouldn't have expected collisions to happen quietly. Yet it would be more difficult to challenge than I had first expected...the barriers I must overcome are ... well. Formitable.
So I just got a random phone call from a friend of mine. Apparently Urbana is doing Ephesians, a book I've been telling myself to read for the last term. Since Eph 1-3 is loaded with things I don't understand properly, I decided to start from the more applicable stuff: Eph 4 and onwards.
Eph 4.1-14
- Unity and roles: "...some to be apostles, som eto be prophets, some to be evangelists... pastors... teachers...body of Christ may be built up..."
- Maturity: "...then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching..."
--- End Dec 29 ---
Didn't know where I was going with those...
Mmm...Work starts tomorrow. Hopefully the term goes well. Robarts. ACF. Biomedical Engineering. University of Western Ontario. PDEng 25. WTR prep for WKTRM4. Searching for WKTRM3 for Calgary. Reminder to pray for 2B and WKTRM3...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)