I was watching Rockstar INXS on cable just now (i love that show ok! better than American Idol. Go Mig Ayesa!!)...and I realized how much I miss my band, Disclosure. We used to meet almost every Sun for practices...but now everyone's so bz, it's hard to even meet up to just hang out.
I miss the music we made (or tried to make), Kelvin's dogs that we played with during practices, the drinking n eating sessions, the prayers we shared, the deep talks/ debates we had, the silly games we played, the jokes we cracked...even those awful crude ones that these boys made in front of ME, forgetting that there's a gal in the midst of them. haha!
Well, at least I am meeting Dehui this Sun...just to catch up. :)For that, I'm real glad. I hope to see Kelvin n George soon leh.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
"Have you been filled with the Spirit lately?"
This is an excellent article by Ps Chris Chia from ARPC. I found it really liberating how he clarifies the notion of being spirit-filled. n after reading through it, I realize how much I have to learn in the area of submission to others.
p/s: btw, regarding the part of abt 'getting drunk with wine' in Ephesians...I never get drunk ok! in case some of u tease me abt me n my alcohol. :p
--------------------------------------------------------------------
by Pastor Christopher Chia:
What does it mean to be spiritual?
For many in both Christian circles and other faiths, anything spiritual must have to do with supernatural events or inexplicable phenomena. This is what Paul the Apostel wrote in Ephesians 5:18-21.
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
For Paul, being filled with the Spirit of God does not involve supernatural or inexplicable phenomena like speaking in tongues, seeing visions, being slain in the Spirit, making loud animal noises or finding peace.
Being filled with the Spirit involves four rather natural, almost mundane, activities! These are (a) speaking to one another in spiritual songs, (b) singing to the Lord in our hearts, (c) giving thanks for all things and (d) submitting to one another in our daily relationships. What a revelation for our liberation. Why?
We do not have to go on an endless quest or pilgrimage to discover spirituality. Christian spirituality is not a place to be found, a feeling to be felt or a state of mind to be attained. Christian spirituality is simply doing the things that matter to God. It is embarking on activities that show our thanks to God and our submission to others.
p/s: btw, regarding the part of abt 'getting drunk with wine' in Ephesians...I never get drunk ok! in case some of u tease me abt me n my alcohol. :p
--------------------------------------------------------------------
by Pastor Christopher Chia:
What does it mean to be spiritual?
For many in both Christian circles and other faiths, anything spiritual must have to do with supernatural events or inexplicable phenomena. This is what Paul the Apostel wrote in Ephesians 5:18-21.
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
For Paul, being filled with the Spirit of God does not involve supernatural or inexplicable phenomena like speaking in tongues, seeing visions, being slain in the Spirit, making loud animal noises or finding peace.
Being filled with the Spirit involves four rather natural, almost mundane, activities! These are (a) speaking to one another in spiritual songs, (b) singing to the Lord in our hearts, (c) giving thanks for all things and (d) submitting to one another in our daily relationships. What a revelation for our liberation. Why?
We do not have to go on an endless quest or pilgrimage to discover spirituality. Christian spirituality is not a place to be found, a feeling to be felt or a state of mind to be attained. Christian spirituality is simply doing the things that matter to God. It is embarking on activities that show our thanks to God and our submission to others.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Thank You Jesus!
I remember how Andrea wrote in her blog, abt how Darlene Zschech had this infectious spirit of gratitude towards Jesus. She was always saying "Thank You Jesus" for this and that. That is so refreshing and admirable! What a good habit to get into, to see His goodness in things great and small...and it really blesses the heart of God. :)
I think when we sit down and count our blessings, we start to realize that we r much happier than we think we r. So THANK YOU JESUS for...:
1) The job that I hv now! Even tho' the workload is kinda costing me my social life (for this season...it's necc. tho'), I'm learning and growing. It's a privilege to be able to impact the lives of the students we hv.
p/s: Sorry May n Rie for not being able to join u for drinks that day cos of work. We shall do it again I promise!!!
2)My colleagues!
Funky Aaron, for:
- his sweet treats (thanks for your choc cake n sudoku book! You da bomb!)I was telling Desmond it must be gd 'karma'. cos i was giving out cupcakes the week before. haha! of course we don't believe in karma per se.
- his hilarious "you can do it!!!" shout-outs before I go into class. (I told him tt i give myself 'pep talks' before going into classes on some days u see)
- and enlightenng me that there REALLY is a bk entitled "The asshole's guide to handling chicks". *chuckles* Ok guys...own up! Who actually has been hiding this at home??
Spencer:
-for being my stone-out buddy after Thurs nite classes.
We just let out the dumbest, most bimbotic exclamations like "yay, horiday!" or the classic "COOL!!!!" at pretty much anything. Yeah, things do get kinda weird behind the closed doors of the office.
Bernice and Andrea:
-for being sweet, sweet frens and confidantes! 'nuff said. :)
3) My students who have been giving positive feedback so far. Phew!
Also, thank you Jesus for students who encourage me, and seriously go all out to MAKE ME LAUGH! (most of the time it's the other way round u see) What a blessing. :) Their antics make me laugh so hard I can't sing sometimes.
4)My sweet grandma who lovingly makes fresh otah for me (with gigantic chunks of crab-meat n fish ah!) Also, my aunt in Sabah who is ever so encouraging and caring.
5) DW for introducing the 'Lakewood live' CD to me. I found this song inside that was super infectious, "Sweeter" by Israel Houghton.
"Every day with You Lord
Sweeter than the day before"
6)My friends who stand by me through it all. :) Your phone calls, smses, cranberry scones, cheesecakes, beer,prayers, hugs, encouragement, and companionship are all deeply appreciated! (Winnie: I wait in eager anticipation for the tiramisu tt is to come. haha! rem...with bucketloads of alcohol pls.)
(thanks Edvok8 for putting up with my incessant quote-sharing.hee!)
7) For good health, even while having to face many sick students daily. It's quite a miracle! (Audrey: remember to take your Vitamin pills everyday.it really helps!)
8) For brilliant writers like C.S Lewis, Tolkien, Philip Yancey, whose writings inspire, comfort, challenge, and touch me profoundly. Their writings cast a reflection on the greatest poet and artist of all, my God Almighty.
============================================================
C.S Lewis "Mere Christianity":
-------------------------------
"God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."
"To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?"
I think when we sit down and count our blessings, we start to realize that we r much happier than we think we r. So THANK YOU JESUS for...:
1) The job that I hv now! Even tho' the workload is kinda costing me my social life (for this season...it's necc. tho'), I'm learning and growing. It's a privilege to be able to impact the lives of the students we hv.
p/s: Sorry May n Rie for not being able to join u for drinks that day cos of work. We shall do it again I promise!!!
2)My colleagues!
Funky Aaron, for:
- his sweet treats (thanks for your choc cake n sudoku book! You da bomb!)I was telling Desmond it must be gd 'karma'. cos i was giving out cupcakes the week before. haha! of course we don't believe in karma per se.
- his hilarious "you can do it!!!" shout-outs before I go into class. (I told him tt i give myself 'pep talks' before going into classes on some days u see)
- and enlightenng me that there REALLY is a bk entitled "The asshole's guide to handling chicks". *chuckles* Ok guys...own up! Who actually has been hiding this at home??
Spencer:
-for being my stone-out buddy after Thurs nite classes.
We just let out the dumbest, most bimbotic exclamations like "yay, horiday!" or the classic "COOL!!!!" at pretty much anything. Yeah, things do get kinda weird behind the closed doors of the office.
Bernice and Andrea:
-for being sweet, sweet frens and confidantes! 'nuff said. :)
3) My students who have been giving positive feedback so far. Phew!
Also, thank you Jesus for students who encourage me, and seriously go all out to MAKE ME LAUGH! (most of the time it's the other way round u see) What a blessing. :) Their antics make me laugh so hard I can't sing sometimes.
4)My sweet grandma who lovingly makes fresh otah for me (with gigantic chunks of crab-meat n fish ah!) Also, my aunt in Sabah who is ever so encouraging and caring.
5) DW for introducing the 'Lakewood live' CD to me. I found this song inside that was super infectious, "Sweeter" by Israel Houghton.
"Every day with You Lord
Sweeter than the day before"
6)My friends who stand by me through it all. :) Your phone calls, smses, cranberry scones, cheesecakes, beer,prayers, hugs, encouragement, and companionship are all deeply appreciated! (Winnie: I wait in eager anticipation for the tiramisu tt is to come. haha! rem...with bucketloads of alcohol pls.)
(thanks Edvok8 for putting up with my incessant quote-sharing.hee!)
7) For good health, even while having to face many sick students daily. It's quite a miracle! (Audrey: remember to take your Vitamin pills everyday.it really helps!)
8) For brilliant writers like C.S Lewis, Tolkien, Philip Yancey, whose writings inspire, comfort, challenge, and touch me profoundly. Their writings cast a reflection on the greatest poet and artist of all, my God Almighty.
============================================================
C.S Lewis "Mere Christianity":
-------------------------------
"God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."
"To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?"
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
All for love
I love quotes..soundbites...well-crafted/articulated nuggets of truth. That is why I truly enjoy reading Philip Yancey who quotes regularly from literary greats. I'm using his bk as part of my devotion....and these are some powerful quotes that impacted me. I'm collecting them here more for myself to reflect on...and so i don't hv to keep searching for them.
"All for love, a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love, the heavens cried for love was crucified"
-Mia Fieldes 'All for love'-
That's from the new hillsong album. I'm planning to use that song in one of my vocal modules. Really find it very ministering. Reminds me how incredible and awesome, and loving and beautiful our God is.
Ps Chris Chia from ARPC said this in his last sermon abt materialism.
"Which is more difficult?
For God to grant you your salvation,
or your daily bread?"
Wow! Simple but such a powerful truth. I love how he articulates things and puts them into perspective for you. Btw, his fav writer is Philip Yancey.
------------------------------------------------------------------
"The only ultimate way to conquer evil to let it be smothered within a willing, living, human being. When it is absorbed there, like blood in a sponge or a spear thrown into one's heart, it loses its power and goes no further." - Gale D. Webbe, "The Night and Nothing"-
" To believe in the supernatural is not simply to believe that after living a successful, material, and fairly virtuous life here one will continue to exist in the best-possible substitute for this world, or that after living a starved and stunted life here one will be compensated with all the good things one has gone without: it is to believe that the supernatural is the greatest reality here and now." -T.S Eliot-
"Everything difficult indicates something mroe than our theory of life yet embraces."- George MacDonald-
"Faith like Job's cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken."- Rabbi Abraham Heschel-
"To be commanded to love God at all, let alone in the wilderness, is like being commanded to be well when we are sick, to sing for joy when we are dying of thirst, to run when our legs are broken. But this is the first and great commandment nonetheless. Even in the wilderness--especially in the wilderness--you shall love him."
- Frederick Buechner-
"God is like a person who clears his throat while hiding and so gives himself away."- Meister Eckhardt-
"All for love, a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love, the heavens cried for love was crucified"
-Mia Fieldes 'All for love'-
That's from the new hillsong album. I'm planning to use that song in one of my vocal modules. Really find it very ministering. Reminds me how incredible and awesome, and loving and beautiful our God is.
Ps Chris Chia from ARPC said this in his last sermon abt materialism.
"Which is more difficult?
For God to grant you your salvation,
or your daily bread?"
Wow! Simple but such a powerful truth. I love how he articulates things and puts them into perspective for you. Btw, his fav writer is Philip Yancey.
------------------------------------------------------------------
"The only ultimate way to conquer evil to let it be smothered within a willing, living, human being. When it is absorbed there, like blood in a sponge or a spear thrown into one's heart, it loses its power and goes no further." - Gale D. Webbe, "The Night and Nothing"-
" To believe in the supernatural is not simply to believe that after living a successful, material, and fairly virtuous life here one will continue to exist in the best-possible substitute for this world, or that after living a starved and stunted life here one will be compensated with all the good things one has gone without: it is to believe that the supernatural is the greatest reality here and now." -T.S Eliot-
"Everything difficult indicates something mroe than our theory of life yet embraces."- George MacDonald-
"Faith like Job's cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken."- Rabbi Abraham Heschel-
"To be commanded to love God at all, let alone in the wilderness, is like being commanded to be well when we are sick, to sing for joy when we are dying of thirst, to run when our legs are broken. But this is the first and great commandment nonetheless. Even in the wilderness--especially in the wilderness--you shall love him."
- Frederick Buechner-
"God is like a person who clears his throat while hiding and so gives himself away."- Meister Eckhardt-
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Surviving the week....
I don't know why I'm here....I know I shld be getting down to work. This is my current "must do list":
1) AWD1 schedule and overview
2) prepare list of songs for boss
3) Prepare students' presentation songs
4) run through the new wk's lesson plans
5) re-vamp songs for Primer n WD1
6) Get started on AWD1 lessons plans
So tired from the week that has just passed..and the thought of a new one seriously scares me. In contrast to the above list, which reflects the mundane reality of working life....this is my "WANT to do list" for today. (Feel free to drop a comment with your own "must do" and "want to do" lists. haha! Go on, amuse me.) :
*1) run off to botanic gardens, sit down at the Al Fresco Cafe with a great bk, and a glass of white wine with fresh raspberries.
**2) go Borders and buy tonnes of Roald Dahl bks (30% off tdy only)
# 3) buy a cute pink cardigan from U2 that has a quaint embroidered butterfly.
^4) declare Mon an official term holiday so that I can avoid teaching the overwhelming bulk of 5 classes.
*: no time and appropriate tpst
** and #: yes, sweet retail therapy. Unfortunately,no money
^: my bosses wld kill me and i wld lose my job
Well, at least one perk of my week was seeing more students touched during class. Somehow, a lot of students were incredibly moved by "Open the eyes of my heart Lord" and "Think abt His love". Hasn't really happened in this magnitude before. So was pleasantly surprised to see students tearing and even sobbing during those old, familiar songs.
Oh yes, and I saw Corrinne May at a talk at Esplanade library on Fri nite! She sounded beautiful in that small, intimate space. The generous gal was obliging enough to extend her talk by nearly half an hour. When she finally had to wrap it up, she joked by saying tt she was 'hungry lah'. Poor gal was swarmed by adoring fans after the talk tho'...so gdness knows when she finally got to eat.
1) AWD1 schedule and overview
2) prepare list of songs for boss
3) Prepare students' presentation songs
4) run through the new wk's lesson plans
5) re-vamp songs for Primer n WD1
6) Get started on AWD1 lessons plans
So tired from the week that has just passed..and the thought of a new one seriously scares me. In contrast to the above list, which reflects the mundane reality of working life....this is my "WANT to do list" for today. (Feel free to drop a comment with your own "must do" and "want to do" lists. haha! Go on, amuse me.) :
*1) run off to botanic gardens, sit down at the Al Fresco Cafe with a great bk, and a glass of white wine with fresh raspberries.
**2) go Borders and buy tonnes of Roald Dahl bks (30% off tdy only)
# 3) buy a cute pink cardigan from U2 that has a quaint embroidered butterfly.
^4) declare Mon an official term holiday so that I can avoid teaching the overwhelming bulk of 5 classes.
*: no time and appropriate tpst
** and #: yes, sweet retail therapy. Unfortunately,no money
^: my bosses wld kill me and i wld lose my job
Well, at least one perk of my week was seeing more students touched during class. Somehow, a lot of students were incredibly moved by "Open the eyes of my heart Lord" and "Think abt His love". Hasn't really happened in this magnitude before. So was pleasantly surprised to see students tearing and even sobbing during those old, familiar songs.
Oh yes, and I saw Corrinne May at a talk at Esplanade library on Fri nite! She sounded beautiful in that small, intimate space. The generous gal was obliging enough to extend her talk by nearly half an hour. When she finally had to wrap it up, she joked by saying tt she was 'hungry lah'. Poor gal was swarmed by adoring fans after the talk tho'...so gdness knows when she finally got to eat.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Chocolate Cows
I've just completed reading "Charlie and the Choc Factory" by Roald Dahl....just in time before i catch the movie on N'day. :) It's such a delicious read...n the illustrations are an absolute delight. It's fun being a kid again...n remembering that our imagination shld never be dulled or limited by the stresses or even monotony of adulthood.
I was so excited to find proof of my theory that choc milk comes from choc cows, in this bk!(it's true u know) Ah...Mr Dahl is a fine man indeed!
Do give this charming bk a read if u can. It is quite a short bk...only took me 1 hr 30mins to read.
Here are some extracts from the bk tt gave me quite a few chuckles:
-------------------------------------------------------------
"They streaked past a black door. STORE-ROOM NUMBER 71, it said on it. WHIPS-ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.
'Whips!' cried Veruca Salt. 'What on earth do you use whips for?'
'For whipping cream, of course,' said Mr Wonka. 'How can you whip cream without whips? Whipped cream isn't whipped cream at all unless it's been whipped with whips. Just as a poached egg isn't a poached egg unless it's been stolen from the woods in the dead of night! Row on, please!'
They passed a yellow door on which it said: STOREROOM NUMBER 77 - ALL THE BEANS, CACAO BEANS, COFFEE BEANS, JELLY BEANs, AND HAS BEANS.
'Has beans?' cried Violet Beauregarde.
I was so excited to find proof of my theory that choc milk comes from choc cows, in this bk!(it's true u know) Ah...Mr Dahl is a fine man indeed!
Do give this charming bk a read if u can. It is quite a short bk...only took me 1 hr 30mins to read.
Here are some extracts from the bk tt gave me quite a few chuckles:
-------------------------------------------------------------
"They streaked past a black door. STORE-ROOM NUMBER 71, it said on it. WHIPS-ALL SHAPES AND SIZES.
'Whips!' cried Veruca Salt. 'What on earth do you use whips for?'
'For whipping cream, of course,' said Mr Wonka. 'How can you whip cream without whips? Whipped cream isn't whipped cream at all unless it's been whipped with whips. Just as a poached egg isn't a poached egg unless it's been stolen from the woods in the dead of night! Row on, please!'
They passed a yellow door on which it said: STOREROOM NUMBER 77 - ALL THE BEANS, CACAO BEANS, COFFEE BEANS, JELLY BEANs, AND HAS BEANS.
'Has beans?' cried Violet Beauregarde.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Mid-week musings
I'm probably going for FOP this Sun. Still waiting for my VIP passes from BMI...so no need to line up.Andrea n Reggie are getting the privilege of driving Darlene Zschech n family ard during their stay here. (cos their church is one of the main organizers of FOP) WOW rite? haha! Pity tt dear old Marty Sampson is not gonna be ard. He's gonna be on tour with Hillsong United in Scotland. So tt pretty much means none of the cute young ones will be ard for FOP...like tt bassist Matt Tennikoff.
I do highly recommend United Live's latest album- Look to You. I'm amazed at the sensitivity and wisdom that is reflected in the lyrics written by these passionate youths. Coupled with beautiful melodies too.:)
Here are some of the lyrics that really touched me. I know they're pretty simple....but the TRUTH of these words really hit me. Yes indeed, Lord I live to LOVE YOU! :) Wow...tt's my mission in life summarised in a nutshell.
"Deeper" (by Marty Sampson)
-------------------------------
By Your love Lord, You've opened my heart
Now Your light will shine always
By Your Word Lord, Your promise secure
And my soul wil live always
Take me deeper Lord
Jesus, hold me into Your heart
Lord my soul delights
And I know you hear my prayer
Take me deeper Lord
Till I see You (by Joel Houston and Jad Gillies)
------------------------------------------------
You are the voice that called the universe to be
You are the whisper in my heart that speaks to me
and till i see You face to face,
and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You
I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You
I do highly recommend United Live's latest album- Look to You. I'm amazed at the sensitivity and wisdom that is reflected in the lyrics written by these passionate youths. Coupled with beautiful melodies too.:)
Here are some of the lyrics that really touched me. I know they're pretty simple....but the TRUTH of these words really hit me. Yes indeed, Lord I live to LOVE YOU! :) Wow...tt's my mission in life summarised in a nutshell.
"Deeper" (by Marty Sampson)
-------------------------------
By Your love Lord, You've opened my heart
Now Your light will shine always
By Your Word Lord, Your promise secure
And my soul wil live always
Take me deeper Lord
Jesus, hold me into Your heart
Lord my soul delights
And I know you hear my prayer
Take me deeper Lord
Till I see You (by Joel Houston and Jad Gillies)
------------------------------------------------
You are the voice that called the universe to be
You are the whisper in my heart that speaks to me
and till i see You face to face,
and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You
I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Sonicflood: Glimpse into the Father's heart
I caught Sonicflood live at Sonicfest 2005 last nite. They were certainly worth the wait...the heat, the teeny boppy crowds etc. I was absolutely blown away, totally impressed and inspired by them. So inspired, I came home and wrote a song abt resting in His love, in 90mins (that has never happened before...so naturally).
Sonicflood was superb musically...they were so tight as a band, and so creative in their song arrangements! Plus not only did they know how to totally rock out, but they also had a whole load of heart. They drove home that point....and they emphasized that it's impt to see beyond the music, cos it is so much deeper than tt. Awesome!
In fact, it wasn't the music that was the most memorable for me, but hearing them share their testimonies. After hearing tt, the music really seems to come from a real place.
Here's frontman, Rick Heil's testimony in print (taken from their website). Not as good as hearing it live, but you get the rough idea of his journey. I was really moved by it. n it reminded me once again....to check the perspective of God that I was carrying.
Try to read all the way to the end of the article below. The part abt them opening up his stomach wall, and him having to do post-op breathing exercises, n learning how to sing all over again really made me drop my jaw. Or mebbe it's just me, cos i see it from the vocal coach's perspective.
===================================================================
The follow-up to 2003’s Cry Holy, This Generation (2005) sees Sonicflood entering a new season that includes welcoming new players, a season that frontman Rick Heil hopes will lead people to a definitive understanding that God’s heart is truly good.
It sounds obvious. After all, we learn about God’s goodness from our earliest days in Sunday school. “But in today’s Church, we have a tendency to doubt our Father’s heart,” Heil says. “Satan’s first lie was that God is holding back and He doesn’t care about us the way He says He does. Satan planted that seed of doubt in mankind back in the Garden.” Through the songs of This Generation, Heil & Co. hope to help uproot that seed.
This is also a season of celebration for Heil as he rejoices over being healed from Crohn's disease, a painful intestinal disorder he’s lived with for years. “Normally, you have it for life,” Heil explains, “but I was in the hospital in March and one of the top surgeons went through all my intestines and said there was no disease to treat.”
For so many years, Heil praised God through the pain. Now he’s thrilled to celebrate the way the Lord has given him back his health. No matter how he’s doing physically, though, Heil knows it’s easy to give in to doubt, to believe that God doesn’t have our best interests at heart.
“It’s something I struggled with throughout this illness and through relationships that have gone awry,” he admits. “When we buy into that, it’s easy to start blaming God for the pain or hurt in our lives.” That’s why Heil hopes that everyone who listens to This Generation will begin to truly trust God’s promise that He has a plan to prosper us and not harm us.
“I think worship is the strongest tool we have in fighting those negative messages,” Heil says, adding, “You are what you’re filled with. The great thing about music is it is always available. If you feel overwhelmed by this life, you can crank up the tunes and let the Lord minister to you and get refocused.”
The doctor who treated Heil in Spring 2004, when his Crohn’s disease all but disappeared, was a Christian physician aptly named Dr. Church.
- Even with most evidence of Crohn’s disease gone, Heil still had some recovering to do after his last surgery. During the procedure, they opened up his entire stomach wall. As a result, breathing exercises were just part of a post-op regimen that found Heil in his basement, learning how to sing all over again.
Sonicflood was superb musically...they were so tight as a band, and so creative in their song arrangements! Plus not only did they know how to totally rock out, but they also had a whole load of heart. They drove home that point....and they emphasized that it's impt to see beyond the music, cos it is so much deeper than tt. Awesome!
In fact, it wasn't the music that was the most memorable for me, but hearing them share their testimonies. After hearing tt, the music really seems to come from a real place.
Here's frontman, Rick Heil's testimony in print (taken from their website). Not as good as hearing it live, but you get the rough idea of his journey. I was really moved by it. n it reminded me once again....to check the perspective of God that I was carrying.
Try to read all the way to the end of the article below. The part abt them opening up his stomach wall, and him having to do post-op breathing exercises, n learning how to sing all over again really made me drop my jaw. Or mebbe it's just me, cos i see it from the vocal coach's perspective.
===================================================================
The follow-up to 2003’s Cry Holy, This Generation (2005) sees Sonicflood entering a new season that includes welcoming new players, a season that frontman Rick Heil hopes will lead people to a definitive understanding that God’s heart is truly good.
It sounds obvious. After all, we learn about God’s goodness from our earliest days in Sunday school. “But in today’s Church, we have a tendency to doubt our Father’s heart,” Heil says. “Satan’s first lie was that God is holding back and He doesn’t care about us the way He says He does. Satan planted that seed of doubt in mankind back in the Garden.” Through the songs of This Generation, Heil & Co. hope to help uproot that seed.
This is also a season of celebration for Heil as he rejoices over being healed from Crohn's disease, a painful intestinal disorder he’s lived with for years. “Normally, you have it for life,” Heil explains, “but I was in the hospital in March and one of the top surgeons went through all my intestines and said there was no disease to treat.”
For so many years, Heil praised God through the pain. Now he’s thrilled to celebrate the way the Lord has given him back his health. No matter how he’s doing physically, though, Heil knows it’s easy to give in to doubt, to believe that God doesn’t have our best interests at heart.
“It’s something I struggled with throughout this illness and through relationships that have gone awry,” he admits. “When we buy into that, it’s easy to start blaming God for the pain or hurt in our lives.” That’s why Heil hopes that everyone who listens to This Generation will begin to truly trust God’s promise that He has a plan to prosper us and not harm us.
“I think worship is the strongest tool we have in fighting those negative messages,” Heil says, adding, “You are what you’re filled with. The great thing about music is it is always available. If you feel overwhelmed by this life, you can crank up the tunes and let the Lord minister to you and get refocused.”
The doctor who treated Heil in Spring 2004, when his Crohn’s disease all but disappeared, was a Christian physician aptly named Dr. Church.
- Even with most evidence of Crohn’s disease gone, Heil still had some recovering to do after his last surgery. During the procedure, they opened up his entire stomach wall. As a result, breathing exercises were just part of a post-op regimen that found Heil in his basement, learning how to sing all over again.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Road to Faerie
Searching for words to explain the ageless attraction of fairy tales, J.R.R Tolkien said:
" [Fairy tale] does not deny the existence of...sorrow and failure: the possibility of these is necessary to the joy of the deliverance; it denies (in the face of such evidence, if you will) universal final defeat...giving a fleeting glimpse of Joy, Joy beyond the walls of the world, poignant as grief."
". . . fairy-stories are not in normal English usage stories about fairies or elves, but stories about Fairy, that is Faërie, the realm or state in which fairies have their being. - J.R.R. Tolkien, "On Fairy Stories"
Recently, I've been toying with the idea of doing my Masters in Lit again. I usually brush that thought aside, as it's never felt right for me. But lately, I dunno...it feels different. Like I should get down to doing it. (i follow my gut a lot...and this job requires me to be quite intuitive, so bear with my language here)
If I were to do my Masters in Lit, I know I'd probably do my thesis on Tolkien's LOTR. Probably researching into the relevance/draw of myth/ fairy tales in modernity....which was an area I've written about before in my last term pper. This topic falls perfectly in line with my obsession with unicorns,stardust, and elves and other wondrous, magical creations. haha!
Perhaps, God is telling me now is the right time? Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt for me? Perhaps I need to take that journey to recover that child within me? Perhaps I need to 'wipe my windows' and rediscover WONDER all over again.
" [Fairy tale] does not deny the existence of...sorrow and failure: the possibility of these is necessary to the joy of the deliverance; it denies (in the face of such evidence, if you will) universal final defeat...giving a fleeting glimpse of Joy, Joy beyond the walls of the world, poignant as grief."
". . . fairy-stories are not in normal English usage stories about fairies or elves, but stories about Fairy, that is Faërie, the realm or state in which fairies have their being. - J.R.R. Tolkien, "On Fairy Stories"
Recently, I've been toying with the idea of doing my Masters in Lit again. I usually brush that thought aside, as it's never felt right for me. But lately, I dunno...it feels different. Like I should get down to doing it. (i follow my gut a lot...and this job requires me to be quite intuitive, so bear with my language here)
If I were to do my Masters in Lit, I know I'd probably do my thesis on Tolkien's LOTR. Probably researching into the relevance/draw of myth/ fairy tales in modernity....which was an area I've written about before in my last term pper. This topic falls perfectly in line with my obsession with unicorns,stardust, and elves and other wondrous, magical creations. haha!
Perhaps, God is telling me now is the right time? Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt for me? Perhaps I need to take that journey to recover that child within me? Perhaps I need to 'wipe my windows' and rediscover WONDER all over again.
Seeing in the dark
Today has been a good day at work. :) During my 1st class, we were singing the hymn "Amazing Grace"...and one of my students was so moved, she started crying (not insane outburst of tears, but the quiet, 'touched' kind of crying). We looked at each other, and shared a knowing smile.
In my later classes, I shared with them Ginny Owens' life-story/testimony (she's a blind Christian artiste), her song "If you want me to" and her version of "Be Thou My Vision". That hymn, "Be Thou My Vision" really takes on such a new level of significance when she sings it. It's no longer just physical sight, that so many of us take for granted, but spiritual sight. For we are all walking in the cloak of darkness, and He alone is our light, who helps us to see in the dark.
Anyway, I know that my students were really ministered and touched by Ginny's testimony and her song "If you want me to". Could really sense God's healing in the classes. I'm just so grateful, because I usually dread teaching my Weds classes, as I have 3 advanced classes in one day, very taxing. I really felt quite desperate, and I prayed that God would come and do His work in my classes....help me connect with them, and touch them in His amazing way. He really came through for me. :)
It's days like these, that make it all worth while...knowing that the students have been inspired,encouraged, and ministered in some way.
In His faithfulness, He didn't leave me out either. :)It was a reflective time for me, as I shared Ginny's song with them. I was reminded of all the difficult times He has seen me through (i discovered this song in 2000 I think, from May-ann, who heard it on "Felicity" of all places. haha!)...n there were many heartbreaks along the way.
Sometimes, I find myself ending up in the same place AGAIN and AGAIN, and it can get so frustrating. But well, I know I need to walk on, and trust that He will continue to heal and see me through, whatever comes my way.
I love that line in her song "so take me on the pathway, that leads me home to You".
----------------------------------------------------------------
"If you want me to" by Ginny Owens
-----------------------------------
The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
No I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the darkness
If You want me to
When I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
Gonna look into your eyes and see you never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to you
And I will walk through the valley if you want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley if you want me to
In my later classes, I shared with them Ginny Owens' life-story/testimony (she's a blind Christian artiste), her song "If you want me to" and her version of "Be Thou My Vision". That hymn, "Be Thou My Vision" really takes on such a new level of significance when she sings it. It's no longer just physical sight, that so many of us take for granted, but spiritual sight. For we are all walking in the cloak of darkness, and He alone is our light, who helps us to see in the dark.
Anyway, I know that my students were really ministered and touched by Ginny's testimony and her song "If you want me to". Could really sense God's healing in the classes. I'm just so grateful, because I usually dread teaching my Weds classes, as I have 3 advanced classes in one day, very taxing. I really felt quite desperate, and I prayed that God would come and do His work in my classes....help me connect with them, and touch them in His amazing way. He really came through for me. :)
It's days like these, that make it all worth while...knowing that the students have been inspired,encouraged, and ministered in some way.
In His faithfulness, He didn't leave me out either. :)It was a reflective time for me, as I shared Ginny's song with them. I was reminded of all the difficult times He has seen me through (i discovered this song in 2000 I think, from May-ann, who heard it on "Felicity" of all places. haha!)...n there were many heartbreaks along the way.
Sometimes, I find myself ending up in the same place AGAIN and AGAIN, and it can get so frustrating. But well, I know I need to walk on, and trust that He will continue to heal and see me through, whatever comes my way.
I love that line in her song "so take me on the pathway, that leads me home to You".
----------------------------------------------------------------
"If you want me to" by Ginny Owens
-----------------------------------
The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
No I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the darkness
If You want me to
When I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
Gonna look into your eyes and see you never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to you
And I will walk through the valley if you want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley if you want me to
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