I think, returning to Waterloo this week served well to remind me where I am. As I slowly disengaged my "London" mode and shifted back into "Waterloo" mode...can't exactly say I'm excited to leave London and ACF, but I'm slightly more at peace.
So at Westcourt, right now, is a fully deployed Settlers + Seafarers + Cities and Knights board. It's massive. It would take a few hours to play. We left the board as it, intending on playing it again when we're all back in town next week. Maybe that's how I feel a little sometimes. It took at least 10 minutes to set up (seed sowing). Maybe more. Than we had to teach the people who didn't know how to play (supporting each other). By the time we're underway, we're 30 minutes late (uncertainity). We play a little, than some of us had to leave (calling and commitments). So we walk away, expecting the board to still be there when we're back (hope). That's CCF. To just be able to walk away from it for four month...and come back...sure, there will be some new faces. But many old ones. There will be some new challenges. But many old memories.
It was a clear night tonight, but the light pollution meant I could've seen only one star in the night sky. But that's alright, because that one star pointed straight to Him. And even if all I did was sit and watch that one star, it would've been worth it. And that was all I needed.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Term Reflection (W07)
So I was thinking how I should get a move on my term reflections...
I think, one of the little things I've come to enjoy greatly is Taylor Library. Not the library itself (cuz Weldon main floor feels so much cooler), but the space. Before exam session started, I'd find some ACFer there about 80% of the time. Sit down, do some chatting...spend 2 hours playing Trama Centre on Kas's DS (dang...I've actually considered getting one...)
Maybe I'll plunk down two things each. Trying to figure out everything I got out of this term is way too difficult...
Material things:
- Settlers! Oh man...I can't believe I never played this at Waterloo...I know they have it at Westcourt Thursday Games Nights...I hear they play Starcraft too XD. But anyways. Straightforward game. Lots of thinking. Cities & Knights...ahh...the Black-7 gg moment and lost half my hand and got my only city destroyed...oyy...or when Enoch built 5 roads just to cut Jeff off...or all the times they rip victory from someone's hand, just to have someone else win the next turn...lol. Good times.
- Personalized cup, which I got from MC Appreciations. It, with its random features (like the girl parade -_-)...but whenever I look at its front...the words "In Him Alone" reminds me of that song that, for some reason, I closely associate with P&R...In Christ Alone? I guess that's what the song is called. More on this later.
Quicks and personalities:
- Summit and TC sayings?! I haven't been saying "so delicious" lately, but "TOO EASY!" and saying things like how Enoch, Simon, Tim or Jeff would say it comes out once in a while. Well. At least I have something visible to bring back to Waterloo. Man...we need a Summit...lol. Start our own random shouting.
- Crying hand motion. Man. I've never done that before coming to ACF. Now I do it all the time. -_- I don't even know who I picked it up from ...
Ideas and concepts:
- Small groups and hanging out. It seems like such a simple thing. But how much do we do it? I think, maybe it's some weird CCF-Waterloo-JL thing, but I want to swing into deep conversations at every chance possible...but sometimes that's like trying to run before knowing how to walk. Deep conversations are good...but too much of anything (humanly) is a bad thing, and thus...well. That's why small groups and discussions like that is good, right? Sometimes we get a really good meaningful discussion. Sometimes we're just hanging out.
- Seed planting. I do random stuff sometimes. Sometimes I get to see the fruits of my labour. Sometimes I don't. As time goes on and I get older, I realize that more and more, I'll see less and less fruits. My targets become bigger. My dreams and goals becomes larger. Baking yields immedate results. People can eat it and tells me it's good (or too grainy...or too hard...or whatever). But the more I move into the realm of dealing with people, the "rewards" instantly flatlines. In my encouragement campaign (which I'm incredibly behind...22/40 and Lent is over already), the response rate isn't that high. Maybe people arin't reading the emails. Maybe they don't have time to respond. A few of them do, typically to say thanks for the email and how encouraged they are. But that's assuming they actually were encouraged, and wasn't just saying so because they felt they had to. Out of my 22 cases, there was only maybe 1 or 2 people I trusted in their feedback. lol...less than 10% confirmed sucess rate? Not too cool. But it's exactly this type of work we need to do. How much grads gets to see their froshes take on Exec? How much pastors get to see their sunday school kids minister on campus? It must be really cool to be someone who's been around and have seen people grow spiritually. But then...staying in one spot isn't a very university-student-ly thing to do. In two weeks time, ACF and CCF will be releasing a handful of grads to the real world. Well...that's just how it is. I only hope that the connections established does not just fade. Don't forget you have your second home to fall on, guys.
And so back to the Christ alone thing. When I first stepped onto London campus, I guess I was a bit hesitant. Didn't think much of ACF after the first meeting. *shrugs* I said. I left CCF for this?! But surely...His presence is here too...Something that I've seen in my 4 mth here (hmm. Has it been 4 month already? Dang...). And in coming here, I've connected with another part of the Body. Beyond all our common Asian (or Toronto, for some) roots, the one thing that truly unites us is our common stance in Him, and Him alone.
In Christ Alone by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
I think, one of the little things I've come to enjoy greatly is Taylor Library. Not the library itself (cuz Weldon main floor feels so much cooler), but the space. Before exam session started, I'd find some ACFer there about 80% of the time. Sit down, do some chatting...spend 2 hours playing Trama Centre on Kas's DS (dang...I've actually considered getting one...)
Maybe I'll plunk down two things each. Trying to figure out everything I got out of this term is way too difficult...
Material things:
- Settlers! Oh man...I can't believe I never played this at Waterloo...I know they have it at Westcourt Thursday Games Nights...I hear they play Starcraft too XD. But anyways. Straightforward game. Lots of thinking. Cities & Knights...ahh...the Black-7 gg moment and lost half my hand and got my only city destroyed...oyy...or when Enoch built 5 roads just to cut Jeff off...or all the times they rip victory from someone's hand, just to have someone else win the next turn...lol. Good times.
- Personalized cup, which I got from MC Appreciations. It, with its random features (like the girl parade -_-)...but whenever I look at its front...the words "In Him Alone" reminds me of that song that, for some reason, I closely associate with P&R...In Christ Alone? I guess that's what the song is called. More on this later.
Quicks and personalities:
- Summit and TC sayings?! I haven't been saying "so delicious" lately, but "TOO EASY!" and saying things like how Enoch, Simon, Tim or Jeff would say it comes out once in a while. Well. At least I have something visible to bring back to Waterloo. Man...we need a Summit...lol. Start our own random shouting.
- Crying hand motion. Man. I've never done that before coming to ACF. Now I do it all the time. -_- I don't even know who I picked it up from ...
Ideas and concepts:
- Small groups and hanging out. It seems like such a simple thing. But how much do we do it? I think, maybe it's some weird CCF-Waterloo-JL thing, but I want to swing into deep conversations at every chance possible...but sometimes that's like trying to run before knowing how to walk. Deep conversations are good...but too much of anything (humanly) is a bad thing, and thus...well. That's why small groups and discussions like that is good, right? Sometimes we get a really good meaningful discussion. Sometimes we're just hanging out.
- Seed planting. I do random stuff sometimes. Sometimes I get to see the fruits of my labour. Sometimes I don't. As time goes on and I get older, I realize that more and more, I'll see less and less fruits. My targets become bigger. My dreams and goals becomes larger. Baking yields immedate results. People can eat it and tells me it's good (or too grainy...or too hard...or whatever). But the more I move into the realm of dealing with people, the "rewards" instantly flatlines. In my encouragement campaign (which I'm incredibly behind...22/40 and Lent is over already), the response rate isn't that high. Maybe people arin't reading the emails. Maybe they don't have time to respond. A few of them do, typically to say thanks for the email and how encouraged they are. But that's assuming they actually were encouraged, and wasn't just saying so because they felt they had to. Out of my 22 cases, there was only maybe 1 or 2 people I trusted in their feedback. lol...less than 10% confirmed sucess rate? Not too cool. But it's exactly this type of work we need to do. How much grads gets to see their froshes take on Exec? How much pastors get to see their sunday school kids minister on campus? It must be really cool to be someone who's been around and have seen people grow spiritually. But then...staying in one spot isn't a very university-student-ly thing to do. In two weeks time, ACF and CCF will be releasing a handful of grads to the real world. Well...that's just how it is. I only hope that the connections established does not just fade. Don't forget you have your second home to fall on, guys.
And so back to the Christ alone thing. When I first stepped onto London campus, I guess I was a bit hesitant. Didn't think much of ACF after the first meeting. *shrugs* I said. I left CCF for this?! But surely...His presence is here too...Something that I've seen in my 4 mth here (hmm. Has it been 4 month already? Dang...). And in coming here, I've connected with another part of the Body. Beyond all our common Asian (or Toronto, for some) roots, the one thing that truly unites us is our common stance in Him, and Him alone.
In Christ Alone by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Friendship blessings
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city.
"Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
When I read this, I remember thinking...wouldn't it be cool to see God's army? Would I rely on Him more if I knew His presence is actually physically (ish) just right here? I dunno. Alot of thoughts, don't know how to express it all. I've been thinking about the people I call friends...used by my definitions. Each and every single one of them I would say is a blessing. Why have I spent so much time asking for angels...when they're already here, in the forms of my brothers and sisters?
I may not have a pillar of fire to follow...but I'm always surrounded by my friends who are willing to point at only one direction...straight up. And that's how we stand together...
It's been a really up and down weekend. But I can smile again, even though all the chains and confusion. Because even though I don't understand at all, I can still pray a little. Even though I'm still chained down, the chains have long been broken...I guess, He's just waiting for me to walk a little further...more today than yesterday...more tomorrow than today.
Mmm...It's easy to forget...but when I'm sitting down, counting all my blessings, I realize that the best gifts I can ever ask for is already here. lol...I had really wish I could've walked with you longer, but I suppose...part of being selfless is letting you do the things you're called to do. Just like how I do the things I'm called to do. And as much as I wish to play guardian...I can only do so much in place of the true Father. In needing of accountability...
Woke up today with this song in my lips...
Love the Lord your God
Love the Lord your God With all your heart,
with all your soul And all your mind and,
Love all of mankind...
We've got Christian lives to live,
We've got Christian love to give
We've got nothing to hide
We've got the Lord on our side!
Love...
"Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
- 2 Kings 6.15-17
When I read this, I remember thinking...wouldn't it be cool to see God's army? Would I rely on Him more if I knew His presence is actually physically (ish) just right here? I dunno. Alot of thoughts, don't know how to express it all. I've been thinking about the people I call friends...used by my definitions. Each and every single one of them I would say is a blessing. Why have I spent so much time asking for angels...when they're already here, in the forms of my brothers and sisters?
I may not have a pillar of fire to follow...but I'm always surrounded by my friends who are willing to point at only one direction...straight up. And that's how we stand together...
It's been a really up and down weekend. But I can smile again, even though all the chains and confusion. Because even though I don't understand at all, I can still pray a little. Even though I'm still chained down, the chains have long been broken...I guess, He's just waiting for me to walk a little further...more today than yesterday...more tomorrow than today.
Mmm...It's easy to forget...but when I'm sitting down, counting all my blessings, I realize that the best gifts I can ever ask for is already here. lol...I had really wish I could've walked with you longer, but I suppose...part of being selfless is letting you do the things you're called to do. Just like how I do the things I'm called to do. And as much as I wish to play guardian...I can only do so much in place of the true Father. In needing of accountability...
Woke up today with this song in my lips...
Love the Lord your God
Love the Lord your God With all your heart,
with all your soul And all your mind and,
Love all of mankind...
We've got Christian lives to live,
We've got Christian love to give
We've got nothing to hide
We've got the Lord on our side!
Love...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Grace Like Rain
I remember, back in high school, I used to dislike the song Amazing Grace. Maybe cuz the tempo is so slow compared to my standard punk rock or random emo music. Yet since I woke up this morning, just this one stanza, the chorus, been repeating itself over and over again...
Grace Like Rain
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly
Chorus:
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun
Hallelujah (3x)
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away
They're washed away
lol. Maybe cuz it's a cloudy and rainy day out. I suppose I want some profound and meaningful thing to say. Oh well. It's just a simple song. Hmm. Not even sure what it means. I suppose, God's Grace is so plentiful, it comes down like rain to us.
Too bad there's no more ACF worship sessions. Lots of songs I hear in ACF that I've never heard else where before~~
Grace Like Rain
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly
Chorus:
Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun
Hallelujah (3x)
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away
They're washed away
lol. Maybe cuz it's a cloudy and rainy day out. I suppose I want some profound and meaningful thing to say. Oh well. It's just a simple song. Hmm. Not even sure what it means. I suppose, God's Grace is so plentiful, it comes down like rain to us.
Too bad there's no more ACF worship sessions. Lots of songs I hear in ACF that I've never heard else where before~~
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
KCF Morning Prayer Meetings
Back in my cosy cubical, having all carbed up on rice and apple juice. So good~~ not the rice, for it was hard and stale and microwaved. The apple juice. (y) Anyways. To the real stuff.
So I woke up at around 7.30 this morning. Showered, teethbrushed, changed, prayed, bought breakfast (Alright...too much MacDonalds...good thing coupon expires this week), and was on the bus to school by 8.30. I was thinking, hey...it's not that late today...I could make prayer meeting! So I made my way to UCC...up to 3rd floor. Strange. I didn't see any ACFers...walked around the corner. Saw this huge group of people. I doubled back, surprised at the sheer size of them. Unmistakenly, I saw several ACF members in the group. Jenny waved to me. I waved back. Well, they saw me. No running away now. I quietly joined the group (which was difficult, since they're in a circle -_-) and sat down beside Enoch. It was KCF. And they're having a bible study on 2 Timothy 2.
I've seen the KCF group before. The few times I did wake up early enough for morning prayer meetings. Didn't realize how much people was there until I actually sat down with them. I waved to Lois. She told me they were here at 7.30. No way...I looked down the circle. About 13 KCF, 8 ACF. A little more then 20 of us, at 8.47am.
I suddenly remembered that one time I was at UW.WCF, where there was that guy that said he's been trying to get people out for 8am devos at SLC (avg attendence? 1)
Dang. Needa pray for massive discipline. Morning devos gives a focus boost for the rest of the day (or maybe all the carbs is hitting my system. lol) ...wonder if I'd have enough discipline to start a CCF morning devos...7.30am biblestudy/prayer meeting...EVERYDAY?! Dang...hows that for a 2 Timothy 1.7?
So I woke up at around 7.30 this morning. Showered, teethbrushed, changed, prayed, bought breakfast (Alright...too much MacDonalds...good thing coupon expires this week), and was on the bus to school by 8.30. I was thinking, hey...it's not that late today...I could make prayer meeting! So I made my way to UCC...up to 3rd floor. Strange. I didn't see any ACFers...walked around the corner. Saw this huge group of people. I doubled back, surprised at the sheer size of them. Unmistakenly, I saw several ACF members in the group. Jenny waved to me. I waved back. Well, they saw me. No running away now. I quietly joined the group (which was difficult, since they're in a circle -_-) and sat down beside Enoch. It was KCF. And they're having a bible study on 2 Timothy 2.
I've seen the KCF group before. The few times I did wake up early enough for morning prayer meetings. Didn't realize how much people was there until I actually sat down with them. I waved to Lois. She told me they were here at 7.30. No way...I looked down the circle. About 13 KCF, 8 ACF. A little more then 20 of us, at 8.47am.
I suddenly remembered that one time I was at UW.WCF, where there was that guy that said he's been trying to get people out for 8am devos at SLC (avg attendence? 1)
Dang. Needa pray for massive discipline. Morning devos gives a focus boost for the rest of the day (or maybe all the carbs is hitting my system. lol) ...wonder if I'd have enough discipline to start a CCF morning devos...7.30am biblestudy/prayer meeting...EVERYDAY?! Dang...hows that for a 2 Timothy 1.7?
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