For the Bibliophile

"Bibliophile"
noun
- A person who collects or has a great love of books

"All my life I've looked at words as though I were seeing them for the first time." - Ernest Hemingway

Gems of truth from Oscar Wilde

From the witty comedy "An Ideal Husband":

"To look at a thing is quite different from seeing a thing. And one does not see anything until one sees its beauty."

"It is not the perfect but the imperfect who have need of love. It takes great courage to see the world in all its tainted glory and still to love it. And even more courage to see it in the one you love."

"The Heart of the Artist"

"Music" by Gustav Klimt, 1895

I've just started to read "The Heart of the Artist" by Rory Noland, which is a worship ministry resource that has been highly recommended to me by friends. Just reading the first chapter alone has been quite a healing experience for me.....it's like "Hey, someone understands!". :)

You see.....over the years I've been asking God in exasperation why I'm such an emotional being, why I am often subject to mood swings, why I aspire towards lofty ideals and abstract ideas, why I often feel displaced, why most people get to lead their conventional lives, but I just don't seem to fit in etc. I understand better now that this is how God has wired me, and I've also learnt how to better manage my emotions. The best part is.....He really understands me, cos He created me!

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Excerpts from "The Heart of the Artist":

"But then, no artist is normal; if he were, he wouldn't be an artist.
Normal men don't create works of art. They eat, sleep, hold down
routine jobs, and die. You are hyper-sensitive to life and nature;
that's why you are able to interpret for the rest of us. But if you
are not careful, that very hypersensitiveness will lead you to your

destruction. The strain of it breaks every artist in time."

- Irving Stone, Lust for Life.

"I believe that God has redeemed the artistic temperament. If you're in Christ, you are a new creature. 'The old has gone, the new has come!' (2 Cor 5:17). In Christ there is such a thing as a transformed, well-adjusted, Spirit-filled artist. Imagine what God could do with an artistic temperament that's completely yielded to Him. He doesn't look at us as 'those strange artsy types.' After all, He made us. He loves us and He understands us.

I'll admit we are a little different, but it's a good kind of different. Artists look at things differently than nonartists do. We notice detail; we appreciate nuance and beauty. Some people might look at the evening sky and all they see is a bunch of stars. But an artist looks at it and sees beauty and meaning. Artists want to sit under the stars and soak it all in. They want to gaze at the moon and be dazzled. They want to paint a pictue of it or write a song or a poem. Debussy was so moved by the evening sky that he wrote Clair de Lune. Van Gogh was inspired and painted Starry Night. King David was an artist who looked at the evening sky and wrote this: 'When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?' (Ps. 8:3-4)

Artists respond differently to things than nonartists do. For one thing, we tend to be more sensitive. And that's okay. That's how God made us." - Rory Noland

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"You have so many extraordinary gifts, how can you expect to lead an ordinary life?"
- Marmee to Jo in the film "Little Women"

Undone

I've been listening intently to an old MercyMe album, "Undone" of late....and it's been quite a stirring experience. This album was birthed forth from a difficult period of trials for the band. In their human fraility, the beauty of God's strength radiates so assuredly.....and nuggets of wisdom and truth have emerged from their experience on the broken road.

Listen to tracks from the album here: Http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music

Here are some notes from their CD album sleeve which explain their interesting choice of album title:

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"Un-done"
1.Untied, disassembled, or loosened.
2. Throw into confusion; unsettled; unraveled.

"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out to for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong:By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward- to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not running back."-Philippians 3 (Message Bible)

We decided on the title "undone" because it sums up where we are as a ministry and as individuals. We thought we knew where we were headed until Christ stepped in and everything came "undone". While His plans came together, our plans came unraveled. I believe this is exactly where God wants us...undone. Incomplete. Unsettled with what we think is best, and embracing Christ, who knows what's best. Trust me, we will never know all the answers or have it all together, but thankfully, we know who does.

Undone,
Bart

Homesick

A dull ache persisted in my heart today...
Something's missing.
I looked out my window, and closed my eyes.
Strangely, the tears wouldn't come,
But my heart made a silent cry.
"How long O God?"
I felt the night breeze rush in...
and I allowed it to enfold me
in the Lord's comforting embrace.

"...when the real want for Heaven is present in us, we do not recognise it. Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise.

The longings which arise in us when we first fall in love, or first think of some foreign country, or first take up some subject that excites us, are longings which no marriage, no travel, no learning, can really satisfy.

I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death..."- C.S Lewis

"I close my eyes and I see Your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now.

Help me Lord because I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But even if You showed me the hurt would be the same
Because I'm still here so far away from home." - MercyMe, 'Homesick'

"Look at my heart again
Look at the mess I've got it in
I'm trying to trust in You
To know that you'll see me through
Through my pride
Through my shame
Into Your love
Into Your grace
I'm not looking back
Till I see Your face
& I'm running straight to You
Because

All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in-between us
To break this division
All I really want to do is to fall into
The emptiness that is
The space in-between us
Erase it and bring us together again." - Building 429, 'The Space in between us'

Lazy Sundays

River Cafe@Robertson Quay

Coffeebean@Boat Quay

I love chilling out at these two places on lazy Sunday afternoons! :) They're both tucked away in a quiet corner, and both have rather scenic views.....although I think River Cafe is more picturesque than Coffeebean (sorry, but my lousy hp pics don't do the location any justice). It's so peaceful there during the day....perfect place for reading, watching the world go by, or just hanging out with a friend.

Stephanie!! We should go to Robertson Quay when you come back....I see a lot of people with their doggies there. :) Hopefully Gin has overcome her aversion to kids by now....because there are a lot of ang moh kids hanging out there. Heh! I like...

Danny's Birthday!!

It was Danny's birthday today....and we all know what that means in BMI. Yupz, somebody's gonna get punk'd. Well, this wasn't even a very major punk. He got a new locker, and so we decided to paste a quote from his favourite Spiderman movie.


And on the inside of the locker, we pasted this rather lame rhyme...hee! He loved it though.

We deliberately mis-spelt his surname for the new label. He didn't notice it until later though. haha!

Surrounded by a cloud of angels

Perhaps it's the alcohol getting to me....but I'm in a warm, fuzzy mood. :) I just feel SO SO SO VERY BLESSED to be in the company of wonderful, loving, steadfast friends. Money cannot buy this, and right now, I'm feeling extremely rich. Thank you God for my beloved girlfriends.....I may have to deal with a lot of idiots along the way, but you gals surely make my day!

Berno: She's my one and only God-sent angel! Nobody understands my silly noises, grunts, whines, random cries like she does. She keeps me sane in the office. :) This girl can accurately interpret my weird 'Ehhhhh!!' as "she needs a refill of staples". My brilliant, generous, patient, telepathic friend.

Pam: Who else in the world has a cuddly, tap-dancing pet penguino?? MEEEEEE!!!! hehe! And her name is Pammy! She's my 'fuzzy fuzzy love' (I love how Danny sings that line in the Southpark voice) Sometimes she blows hot and cold, but that's ok by me, cos at the end of the day.....my love is my love. haha! If that makes sense.

Andrea: My dear, cherished friend, and joint partner in crime for seasonal obssessions, eg. Macs, Jane Austen, Chris Botti, John Mayer and more. I think we fuel each other's obsessions and swooning spells. haha! The day never seems complete if I don't talk to her. :) Life is just brighter because I know she's there. Yay!

Audrey: My silly little Audweeee....who randomly calls me to say "Mituieeeee!! I want Darcy with ribbon!!" hahaha! She drives me insane sometimes with her habit of being late/ not picking up calls/replying msges.....but I'm always melted by her genuinely warm spirit, big heart and loyalty.

May-ann and Rie: The last year has brought us closer than ever, and I'm ever so glad for that. We've seen each other through many milestones/ trials in life, and I'm so glad you guys are always there. I also love how we can meet up to stone or just blah about anything under the sun, even if it's something as inane as dressing up Rie's toy doggie with bling, and making it dance while we video it. Oh yes, have I mentioned how proud I am of both of you in your individual attempts to 'save the world'?? Dudessssss, YOU DA BOMB!!! :) (shrapnel kind...more happening)

Yvonne and Lynn: Things haven't always been smooth-sailing, but our friendship that goes way back is definitely one that I see worth preserving and cherishing. I love ya with all my heart! Enuff' said. :)

Eunice: Yes, Miss U....you make the worst coffee in the world, but it's ok because we are friends of old, and shall always walk together.....in laughter, in silence, in joy, in tears. Wah, sounds like we getting married. HAHA!

"A Forest Hymn"

(by William Cullen Bryant)

"...Ah why
Should we, in the world's riper years, neglect
God's ancient sanctuaries, and adore
Only among the crowd, and under roofs
That our frail hands have raised?
Let me, at least
Here in the shadow of this aged wood
Offer one hymn-thrice happy, if it find
acceptance in His ear."

Chris Rice "Run the earth, Watch the sky"

Perhaps I'm a little slow, but I've just started to fully appreciate the musical genius of the unassuming, witty Chris Rice. I've uploaded some of my favourite tracks from his album "Run the earth, Watch the Sky" on to my multiply site: http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music

I find "Untitled Hymn" (lyrics below) particularly moving in its bare simplicity. I'm hoping that I can use it as part of my syllabus at BMI!
"Spare an angel" is intriguing and beautiful. It's based on Hebrews 1:14 "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"

"The other side of the radio" is rather clever and amusing because of its self-reflexive lyrics


Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)
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by Chris Rice

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head
for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus, Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood
has washed away the stain..so
Sing to Jesus, sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus, fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus, fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain...then
Cry to Jesus, cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside...then
Dance for Jesus, dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side..and
Fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Manners

"Manners are the happy way of doing things; each once a stroke of genius or of love- now repeated and hardened into usage. They form at last a rich varnish, with which the routine of life is washed, and its details adorned. If they are superficial, so are the dew drops which give such depth to the morning meadows."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Happy Is A Yuppie Word"-Switchfoot

Chorus:

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out

Happy is a yuppie word
Blessed is the man who's lost it all
Happy is a yuppie word

Looking for an orphanage
I'm looking for a bridge I can't burn down
I don't believe the emptiness
I'm looking for the kingdom coming down
Everything is meaningless
I want more than simple cash can buy
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie,

Beautiful Disaster

When we first learn to ride a bicycle, friends and relatives often caution us that we're bound to fall down at least once. Well for me, in the first week of learning to ride my bike, I prided myself on NOT falling at all. But you know what they say, 'pride comes before a fall'. It was during those moments of complacence that I fell rather violently while swerving round a corner too quickly. Ah well, but still we do learn from those painful and embarrassing episodes, and the scars serve as reminders.

It's kinda similar in relationships I suppose....after the chaos has died down, most of us emerge rather 'sore' with our broken hearts. But time and our faithful Father heal our wounds.....upon hindsight, there are valuable lessons. Somehow, this has been a topic of discussion among a few dear friends of mine lately. We've concluded that emerging from failed relationships/ or erm, ambiguous relationships causes one to be humbled, wiser and clearer in recognising the qualities that we need/value in a partner.....essentially what works and what doesn't, mistakes we should avoid, a recognition of our own flaws and how we ought to improve upon them before entering into another relationship. And I do suspect that it is all the more sweeter when we find love eventually.

It's like that ironic phrase....'Beautiful Disaster'. :)

Paula Cole- "Postcards from East Oceanside" (Greatest Hits)

She's one of my favourite singers and is highly esteemed by musicians for her exquisite phrasing and signature sound. This is her latest greatest hits album after a long hiatus.

I've uploaded 4 tracks onto my Multiply site for your listening pleasure: http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music

1) "Autumn Leaves" was featured in the soundtrack of "Midnight in the garden of good and evil" and sees Paula Cole returning to her jazz roots (she studied jazz in Berklee).
2 and 3) "Tmrw I will be yours" and "Postcards from East Oceanside" are previously unreleased tracks. They recall the innocence of young love and girlhood, and showcase Cole's narrative, story-telling style.
4) Finally, "Me" is a revealing song that examines the relationship of one with one's own self.....as Cole explains "the enemy is often within".

Literary Lessons

As some of you know, I've been reading to my heart's content of late, making the most of this precious term break. On some nights, I find myself so engrossed in the blessed reading that I stay up till 5am! So far, I've completed "Pride & Prejudice" and "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott (which I actually covered in Lit for sec sch. We all hated it then, but reading it now is actually very enjoyable for you appreciate it in a new light). It's all been a huge delight....and is just the thing I need to fill up my 'tank' before I suffer from burn-out. I've forgotten how much I miss reading good Literature!

This litte excerpt from "Little Women" describes when dear, sweet little Beth is struck with the dreaded scarlett fever. Within this passage, you encounter such a rich tapestry of emotions- grief from the gloom of illness, the fraility of hope, comfort from warm friendship, and the sweet glimmers of bashful, youthful love. Many have teared over this dark passage, and felt such indignation for Beth's death. Many have also felt exasperation towards Jo for not recipocrating dear Laurie's affections. I can't understand it still! Why did she have to refuse poor Laurie?

But I must admit, it displays great integrity on Louisa May Alcott's part, for it is an honest reflection of real life. Life can be harsh, good people do die and hearts will be broken. For-

"Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days mut be dark and sad and dreary"

Through it all, I've learnt many worthy lessons from these realistically flawed characters who have learnt how to bear their crosses, to overcome their situations and their faults.

I too, shall learn how to trod on faithfully and keep the light shining. :)

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An excerpt from the chapter "Dark Days" in "Litte Women" by Lousia May Alcott:

"...Laurie came in with a letter, saying that Mr. March was mending again. Jo read it thankfully, but the heavy weight did not seem lifted off her heart, and her face was so full of misery that Laurie asked quickly, "What is it? is Beth worse?"

"I've sent for Mother," said Jo, tugging at her rubber boots with a tragic expression.

"Good for you, Jo! Did you do it on your own responsibility?" asked Laurie, as he seated her in the hall chair and took off the rebellious boots, seeing how her hands shook.

"No, the doctor told us to."

"Oh, Jo, it's not so bad as that?" cried Laurie, with a startled face.

"Yes, it is; she doesn't know us, she doesn't even talk about the flocks of green doves, as she cals the vine leaves on the wall; she doesn't look like my Beth, and there's nobody to help us bear it; Mother and Father both gone, and God seems so far away I can't find Him."

As the tears streamed fast down poor Jo's cheeks, she stretched out her hand in a helpless sort of way, as if groping in the dark, and Laurie took it in his, whispering as well as he could with a lump in his throat, "I'm here. Hold on to me, Jo, dear!"

She could not speak, but she did "hold on," and the warm grasp of the friendly human hand comforted her sore heart, and seemed to lead her nearer to the Divine arm which alone could uphold her in her trouble. Laurie longed to say something tender and comfortable, but no fitting words came to him, so he stood silently, gently stroking her bent head as her mother used to do. It was the best thing he could have done, far more soothing than the most eloquent words, for Jo felt the unspoken sympathy, and in the silence learned the sweet solace which affection administers to sorrow. Soon she dried the tears which relieved her, and looked up with a grateful face.

"Thank you, Teddy, I'm better now. I don't feel so forlorn, and will try to bear it if it comes."

"Keep hoping for the best, that will help you, Jo. Soon your mother will be here, and then everything will be right."

"I'm so glad Father is better; now she won't feel so bad about leaving him. Oh, me! It does seem as if all the troubles came in a heap, and I got the heaviest part on my shoulders," sighed Jo, spreading her wet handkerchief over her knees to dry.

"Doesn't Meg pull fair?" asked Laurie, looking indignant.

"Oh yes, she tries to, but she can't love Bethy as I do, and she won't miss her as I shall. Beth is my conscience, and I can't give her up. I can't! I can't!"

Down went Jo's face into the wet handkerchief, and she cried despairingly, for she had kept up bravely till now and never shed a tear. Laurie drew his hand across his eyes, but could not speak till he had subdued the choky feeling in his throat and steadied his lips. It might be unmanly, but he couldn't help it, and I am glad of it. Presently, as Jo's sobs quieted, he said hopefully, "I don't think she will die; she's so good, and we all love her so much, I don't believe God will take her away yet."

My 'Play-play food'

My grandma laughed at me in amusement today when she saw my new purchases from the grocery store, "So old still eat Koko Krunch and Goldfish biscuit ah? Play-play."
Hehe! Is there an age limit to Koko Krunch and Goldfish biscuits (which I lurvvve btw)??
May whaddya think? I suspect that we'll be eating Koko Krunch until we're old and grey and have no more teeth left. Teehee!