what do you think?
****************
A Reminder of our Fragility
10 May 2008
The recent killer cyclone that battered the low-lying delta regions of Myanmar is just a reminder of how fragile a planet we live in. As the death toll keeps mounting upwards, from an initial 351 to an official 23,000, the nation is bracing itself for the worst. Aid workers and diplomats are predicting that the death toll could rise to 100,000 with one estimate putting the number at 150,000. And while aid trickles in because of the belligerence of the Myanmar Government towards foreign intervention, more and more people end up suffering and dying. It was in December of 2004 when the giant Tsunami hit our region that saw over 250,000 people lose their lives. We had never seen anything like that happen before. At that time, many preachers were stumbling over one another trying to explain why something like this cannot be from God; that satan was the one who was behind it. All kinds of theories were espoused, but the reality is – there's no way to explain this away as though it was some freak storm or an act of mother nature.
It was the Hand of God.
Amos chapter 3 gives us an interesting perspective on the issue. A series of rhetorical questions are asked by God from verses 4 to 6 and by the time we come to verse 6, the question is asked, "If there is calamity in a city, will not the Lord have done it?" This is the crux of the matter. If a calamity strikes a city, it's because the Lord has done it. And we must be careful not to dilute what the Word of God is trying to say or explain. There's an interesting verse in Isaiah 26:10. It says that when grace is shown to the wicked, yet he'll still not learn righteousness. But the preceding verse says, "For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. "
So what's the issue in this matter? It's to teach the nations righteousness. That is God's goal. He wants us to learn and walk in righteousness. Now interestingly, some people will learn it by grace. When grace is shown to them, they do not take it for granted; so the grace given is not in vain. But to others, no matter how much grace is shown, they will still not learn righteousness. The only other alternative is judgment, because one way or another, God wants to teach us righteousness. That seems to be something that is very high on God's agenda. And we, as Christians, must come to that place where we do not take the grace of God in vain. When He is gracious to us, may we learn righteousness. What happened in Myanmar can only be understood if we see through the eyes of God's mercy and goodness, because He is not willing that any should perish. He speaks through the judgments.
So may we wake up from our slumber, because the end draweth nigh. The apostle Paul says that in evil, we are to be babes, but in understanding, mature. May God grant to all of us wisdom and understanding.
Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Is it really the Hand of God?
I know we are entitled to our own points of view, own belief, and even to our own foolishness. But to say that these recent tragedies are the Hand of God, i don't know with others, but this is one thing i cannot accept.
Yes, God may have allowed it to happened, but He did not do it just so there will be righteousness. He allowed it for a reason, but He didnt caused it. How do i know? coz i have Faith in Him.
am i putting Him in a box right now?
maybe. but maybe not. i hope not.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
FAITH
just thought it would be nice to spend some time on a friday morning to share something just in case someone out there is reading this site... ;-)
this story talks about FAITH...as simple as it may sound, keeping our faith alive is hard to do...at least for me, it is. Faith without action is futile.
...may we always have that faith regardless of the circumstances...
...may we always do something about our Faith so it will not just be faith in words
...may we always be living testimonies to our friends and families
have a great weekend everyone!
rache
An Atheist Professor of Philosophy speaks to his Class on the problem Science has with GOD, The ALMIGHTY. He asks one of his New Christian Students to stand and . .
Professor :You are a Christian, aren't you, son?
Student :Yes, sir.Professor :So you Believe in GOD ?
Student :Absolutely, sir.
Professor :Is GOD Good ?
Student :Sure.
Professor :Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL ?
Student :Yes.
Professor:My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him. Most of us would attempt to Help Others who are ill. But GOD didn't. How is this GOD Good then? Hmm ?
( Student is silent )
Professor :You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, Young Fella. Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good ?
Student :No.
Professor :Where does Satan come from?
Student :From . . . GOD . . .
Professor :That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World ?
Student :Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And GOD did make Everything. Correct ?
Student :Yes.
Professor :So who created evil ?
( Student does not answer )
Professor :Is there Sickness ? Immorality ? Hatred ? Ugliness ? All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor :So, who created them ?
(Student has no answer )
Professor :Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe the World around you. Tell me, son . . . Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student :No, sir.
Professor :Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student :No , sir.
Professor :Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD ? Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter ?
Student :No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor :Yet you still Believe in HIM ?
Student :Yes
Professor :According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student :Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor :Yes. Faith. And that is the problem Science has.
Student :Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor :Yes.
Student :And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor :Yes.
Student :No sir. There isn't.
( The Lecture Theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events)
Student :Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat, a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don't have anything called Cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as Cold. Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat. We cannot Measure Cold. Heat is Energy. Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.
(There is Pin - Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre )
Student :What about Darkness, Professor ? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor :Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student :You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the Absence of Something. You can have Low Light, Normal Light , Bright Light, Flashing Light . . .But if you have No Light Constantly, you have Nothing and it's called Darkness, isn't it ? In reality, Darkness isn't. If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you ?
Professor :So what is the point you are making, Young Man ?
Student :Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is Flawed.
Professor :Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student :Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD. You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought. It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing. Death is Not the Opposite of Life, just the Absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you Teach your Students that they Evolved from a Monkey?
Professor :If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student :Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir ?
(The Professor shakes his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going)
Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and cannot even prove that this Process is an on–going endeavour, are you not teaching your Opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?
(The Class is in uproar)
Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?
(The Class breaks out into laughter)
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have No Brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your Lectures, sir?
(The Room is Silent. The Professor stares at the Student, his face unfathomable)
Professor :I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir . . . the Link between Man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that Keeps Things Moving & Alive.
NOTE: Just in case you want to know, the student is Albert Einstein
this story talks about FAITH...as simple as it may sound, keeping our faith alive is hard to do...at least for me, it is. Faith without action is futile.
...may we always have that faith regardless of the circumstances...
...may we always do something about our Faith so it will not just be faith in words
...may we always be living testimonies to our friends and families
have a great weekend everyone!
rache
An Atheist Professor of Philosophy speaks to his Class on the problem Science has with GOD, The ALMIGHTY. He asks one of his New Christian Students to stand and . .
Professor :You are a Christian, aren't you, son?
Student :Yes, sir.Professor :So you Believe in GOD ?
Student :Absolutely, sir.
Professor :Is GOD Good ?
Student :Sure.
Professor :Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL ?
Student :Yes.
Professor:My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him. Most of us would attempt to Help Others who are ill. But GOD didn't. How is this GOD Good then? Hmm ?
( Student is silent )
Professor :You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, Young Fella. Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good ?
Student :No.
Professor :Where does Satan come from?
Student :From . . . GOD . . .
Professor :That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World ?
Student :Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And GOD did make Everything. Correct ?
Student :Yes.
Professor :So who created evil ?
( Student does not answer )
Professor :Is there Sickness ? Immorality ? Hatred ? Ugliness ? All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor :So, who created them ?
(Student has no answer )
Professor :Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe the World around you. Tell me, son . . . Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student :No, sir.
Professor :Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student :No , sir.
Professor :Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD ? Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter ?
Student :No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor :Yet you still Believe in HIM ?
Student :Yes
Professor :According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student :Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor :Yes. Faith. And that is the problem Science has.
Student :Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor :Yes.
Student :And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor :Yes.
Student :No sir. There isn't.
( The Lecture Theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events)
Student :Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat, a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don't have anything called Cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as Cold. Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat. We cannot Measure Cold. Heat is Energy. Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.
(There is Pin - Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre )
Student :What about Darkness, Professor ? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor :Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student :You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the Absence of Something. You can have Low Light, Normal Light , Bright Light, Flashing Light . . .But if you have No Light Constantly, you have Nothing and it's called Darkness, isn't it ? In reality, Darkness isn't. If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you ?
Professor :So what is the point you are making, Young Man ?
Student :Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is Flawed.
Professor :Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student :Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD. You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought. It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing. Death is Not the Opposite of Life, just the Absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you Teach your Students that they Evolved from a Monkey?
Professor :If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student :Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir ?
(The Professor shakes his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going)
Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and cannot even prove that this Process is an on–going endeavour, are you not teaching your Opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?
(The Class is in uproar)
Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?
(The Class breaks out into laughter)
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have No Brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your Lectures, sir?
(The Room is Silent. The Professor stares at the Student, his face unfathomable)
Professor :I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir . . . the Link between Man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that Keeps Things Moving & Alive.
NOTE: Just in case you want to know, the student is Albert Einstein
Monday, April 21, 2008
Bestfriend
got this from a friend...not sure if its real, but it definitely touched my heart...
praying, thanksgiving and believing is easy when we get and when we have what we need and want. but when we dont have the things we need , and when we cant do the things we need and want to do...that is when our faith in HIM is really put to the test.
may we all be thankful, despite of what we have and dont have...
may we all be thankful, despite of what we lost and what we might lose...
may we all be thankful, despite of what has been taken away from us...
coz at the end of the day, there's only one thing that matters...our relationship with Him.
Have a blessed week!
r
********************************************************************
Somewhere in Milaor, Camarines Sur Philippines, there lived a fourth grader boy who would follow this route to school everyday: He has to cross the rugged plains and cross the dangerous highway where vehicles are recklessly driving to and from.
Once past this highway, the boy would take a short cut, passing by the Church every morning just to say Hi to God, and faithfully say his, "Good Morning". He was faithfully being watched by a Priest who was happy to find innocence so uplifting in the morning, "How are you Andoy? Are you on your way to school?"
"Yes, father... "he would flash his innocent grin, the priest would be touched. He was so concerned that one day he talked to Andoy. "From school...", he advised "Do not cross the highway, you can pass through the Church and I can accompany you to the other side of the road...that way I can see that you are home safe...."
"Thank you father ... "
"Why don't you go home ... why do you stay in this church right after school?"
"I just want to say 'Hi' to my friend, God," and the priest
would leave the boy to spend time beside the altar, talking to himself, but the priest was hiding behind the altar to listen to what this boy has to say to his heavenly FATHER.
"You know my math exam was pretty bad today, but I did not cheat although my seatmate is bullying me for notes... I ate one cracker and drank my water, Itay had a bad season and all I can eat is this cracker. Thank you for this! I saw a poor kitten who was hungry and I know how he feels so I gave my last cracker to him ... funny but I am not that hungry. Look, this is my last pair of slippers ...I may have to walk barefoot next week, you see this is about to be broken... but it is okay....at least I am still going to school.... Some say we will have a hard season this month, some of my classmates have already stopped going to school .... please help them get to school again, please God?
....Oh, you know, mother hit me again, it is painful, but I know this pain will pass away, at least I still have a mother.... God, you want to see my bruises? I know you can heal them.... Here... here and .... oh ...blood ....I guess you knew about this one huh? Please don't be mad at my mother, she is just tired and she worries for the food in our table and my schooling that is why she hits us....Oh, I think I am in love ... there's this pretty girl in my class, her name is Anita ... do you think she will like me? Anyway, at least I know you will always like me, I don't have to be anybody just to please you, you are my very best friend! Hey your birthday is two days from now!!! Aren't you excited? I am! Wait till you see, I have a gift for you ..... but it is a surprise! I hope you will like it! Oooops, I have to go ..." then he stood up and calls out, "Father, father, I am finished talking to my friend .... You can accompany me to the other side of the road now."
This routine happens everyday. Andoy never fails. Father Agaton shares this every Sunday to the people in his church because he has not seen a very pure faith and trust in God, a very positive look at negative situations.
One Christmas day, Father Agaton was sick so he could not make it in the Church, he was sent to the hospital. The Church was left to 4 Aunties who would chant the rosary in 1000 miles per hour, would not smile and would always find fault in what you do, they were also very well versed in cursing if you irritate them! They were kneeling, saying their kilometric rosary when Andoy, coming from his Christmas party,playfully dashed in.
"Hello God! I ......"
"P----!! (a curse) bata ka!! Alam mo nang may nagdadasal!! Alis!!" (Can't you see we are praying? Go Away!!!!)
Poor Andoy was so terrified, "Where's Father Agaton? He is supposed to help me cross the street ... and to be able to cross the street I will have to pass by the back door of this church ...not only that, I have to greet Jesus. It is His birthday, I have a gift right here....
" Just as he was about to get the gift out of his shirt, the Auntie pulled his shirt and threw him out of the church. "Susmaryosep!!! (does the sign of the cross fervently) If you dont leave now, i will really hit you!!!
So the boy had no choice but to cross the dangerous side of the road in front of the church. He crossed. A fast moving bus came in.
There was a blind curve. The boy was protecting his gift inside his shirt, so he was not looking. There was so little time. Andoy died on the spot. A lot of people crowded the poor boy, the body of a lifeless young boy ...
Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall man in a pure white shirt and pants, a face so mild and gentle, but with eyes full of tears... He came and carried the boy in His arms. He was crying. Curious bystanders nudged the man in white, and asked,
"Excuse me sir, are you related to this child? Do you know this child?"
The man in white, His face mourning and in agony, looked up and answered,
"He was my best friend .... " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift in the bloody chest of the lifeless boy, and placed it near His heart.
He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared in sight.
The crowd was curious ...
"He was my best friend .... " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift in the bloody chest of the lifeless boy, and placed it near His heart.
He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared in sight.
The crowd was curious ...
On Christmas Eve, Father Agaton learned of the shocking news. He visited the house, and wanted to verify about the man in white. He consulted the parents of Andoy.
"How did you know that your son died?"
"A man in white brought him here." sobbed the mother. "What did he say?"
The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely about our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him.
He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He brushed my son's hair away from his face and kissed him on his forehead, then he whispered something..."
The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely about our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him.
He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He brushed my son's hair away from his face and kissed him on his forehead, then he whispered something..."
"What did he say?"
"He said to my boy..." the father began, "Thank you for the gift .... I will see you soon ... you will be with me..." and the father of the boy continued, "and you know for a while, it felt so wonderful ... I cried, but I do not know why....all I know is I cried tears of joy .... I could not explain it, Father, but when that man left, something peaceful came over me, I felt a deep sense of love inside ... I could not explain the joy in my heart, I knew my boy is in heaven now but...tell me, Father, who is this man that my son talks to everyday in your church, you should know because you are always there ... except at the time of his death ......
Father Agaton suddenly felt the tears welling in his eyes, with trembling knees, he murmured, " ... He was talking to no one ..... but .. GOD...."
Sunday, March 9, 2008
A Smile from the Heart
The tea lady at my workplace is one of the nicest person i've ever met since i got here in SG. Though language has always been a barrier, it didnt hinder us to say good morning to each other and say "ni hao ma?" everyday. and everytime she wears a new blouse, i would always tease her "aunty, ni heng piao liang!". my week is not complete without having to say "Zao an, aunty!" though my mandarin sucks, she always take the time to give me that sincere smile.
last week, i missed her coz she didnt show up for the whole week. I found out from colleagues that her husband passed away. today, she came back to work. i was so worried for her as she is already in her 70's, worried that she might feel so lonely and so depressed and weak esp now that her husband is gone. i was memorizing some mandarin words to comfort her...but the moment i saw her, she still has that cheery look on her face, she still has the smile to offer to everyone and still could say good morning even though she woke up alone this morning, without her husband.
i was so teary eyed when i ask her 'ni hao ma' today. i could see and i could feel the sadness in her eyes, but she still has that same smile every morning. and yes,she still has the same 'hao' reply.
i guess that side of her really showed how strong aunty is, despite her frailties.
i am only in my 30's and yet, when people see me, they always say i look tired. cannot even show cheerfulness no matter how i laugh or smile, its just sounds and looks so superficial.
i hope before and when i reach aunty's age, i will be as strong as she is. and will be as cheerful to others. and will be as trusting to that Supreme Being. that no matter what comes in life, my smile will still be there to brighten up someone's day.
for you aunty, who will never read this blog, this song is for you and your husband...for all those mornings he gave you a reason to smile from your heart...
A SMILE IN YOUR HEART
I had a feeling
That you're holding my heart
And i know that it is true
You wouldn't let it be broken apart
'coz it's much to dear to you
Forever we'll be together
No one can break us apart
For our love will truly be
A wonderful smile in your heart
When the night comes
And i'm keeping your heart
How i feel so much more secure
You wouldn't let me close my eyes
So i can see you through and through
You're a sweet tender lover
We are so much in love
I'm not afraid when you're far away
Just give me a smile in your heart...
You brighten my day
Showin' me my direction
You're comin' to me
And givin' me inspiration
How can i ask for more
From you my dear
Maybe just a smile in your heart
I'm always dreamin'
Of being in love
But now i know that this is true
Since you came into my life
It's true love that i had found
I pray that you wouldn't leave me
Whatever may come along
But if you do i won't feel so bad
Just give me a smile in your heart...
You brighten my day
Showin' me my direction
You're comin' to me
And givin' me inspiration
How can i ask for more
From you my dear
Maybe just a smile in your
(maybe just a smile in your heart)
You brighten my day
Showin' me my direction
You're comin' to me
And givin' me inspiration
How can i ask for more
From you my dear
Maybe just a smile in your heart
last week, i missed her coz she didnt show up for the whole week. I found out from colleagues that her husband passed away. today, she came back to work. i was so worried for her as she is already in her 70's, worried that she might feel so lonely and so depressed and weak esp now that her husband is gone. i was memorizing some mandarin words to comfort her...but the moment i saw her, she still has that cheery look on her face, she still has the smile to offer to everyone and still could say good morning even though she woke up alone this morning, without her husband.
i was so teary eyed when i ask her 'ni hao ma' today. i could see and i could feel the sadness in her eyes, but she still has that same smile every morning. and yes,she still has the same 'hao' reply.
i guess that side of her really showed how strong aunty is, despite her frailties.
i am only in my 30's and yet, when people see me, they always say i look tired. cannot even show cheerfulness no matter how i laugh or smile, its just sounds and looks so superficial.
i hope before and when i reach aunty's age, i will be as strong as she is. and will be as cheerful to others. and will be as trusting to that Supreme Being. that no matter what comes in life, my smile will still be there to brighten up someone's day.
for you aunty, who will never read this blog, this song is for you and your husband...for all those mornings he gave you a reason to smile from your heart...
A SMILE IN YOUR HEART
I had a feeling
That you're holding my heart
And i know that it is true
You wouldn't let it be broken apart
'coz it's much to dear to you
Forever we'll be together
No one can break us apart
For our love will truly be
A wonderful smile in your heart
When the night comes
And i'm keeping your heart
How i feel so much more secure
You wouldn't let me close my eyes
So i can see you through and through
You're a sweet tender lover
We are so much in love
I'm not afraid when you're far away
Just give me a smile in your heart...
You brighten my day
Showin' me my direction
You're comin' to me
And givin' me inspiration
How can i ask for more
From you my dear
Maybe just a smile in your heart
I'm always dreamin'
Of being in love
But now i know that this is true
Since you came into my life
It's true love that i had found
I pray that you wouldn't leave me
Whatever may come along
But if you do i won't feel so bad
Just give me a smile in your heart...
You brighten my day
Showin' me my direction
You're comin' to me
And givin' me inspiration
How can i ask for more
From you my dear
Maybe just a smile in your
(maybe just a smile in your heart)
You brighten my day
Showin' me my direction
You're comin' to me
And givin' me inspiration
How can i ask for more
From you my dear
Maybe just a smile in your heart
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Inspiration
Do check out the youtube link to watch the dance! :)
*************************************************
One couple won one of the top prizes.The lady has one arm and the guy has one leg. They performed gracefully and beautifully.
The lady in her 30s was a dancer and was trained as one since she was a little girl. Later she got into some kind of accident and lost her entire left arm. She was depressed for a few years. It seemed that someone asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance. She wanted to dance again. So she started to do some of her old routines. But by her losing an arm, she also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even making simple turns and spins without falling. Eventually she got it.
Then she heard some guy in his 20s had lost a leg in an accident. This guy also fell into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. She looked him up (seemingly he was from a different Province) and persuaded him to dance with her. He had never danced. And to dance with one leg? Are you joking with me? No way. But she didn't give up. He reluctantly agreed. ' I have nothing else to do anyway.' She started to teach him dancing 101. The two broke up a few times because the guy had no concept of using muscle, control his body, and a few other basic things about dancing. When she became frustrated and lost patience with him, he would walk out. Eventually they came back together and started training. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them. She would fly high (held by him) with both arms (a sleeve for an arm) flying in the air. He could bend horizontally supported by one leg and she leaning on him,etc. They danced beautifully and they legitimately beat others in the competition.
I would like to share with you this most magnificent and touching performance I have ever seen! It is a living proof that strong spirit can conquer any physical limitations!
Click here for video
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One couple won one of the top prizes.The lady has one arm and the guy has one leg. They performed gracefully and beautifully.
The lady in her 30s was a dancer and was trained as one since she was a little girl. Later she got into some kind of accident and lost her entire left arm. She was depressed for a few years. It seemed that someone asked her to coach a Children's dancing group. From that point on, she realized she could not forget dancing. She still loved to dance. She wanted to dance again. So she started to do some of her old routines. But by her losing an arm, she also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even making simple turns and spins without falling. Eventually she got it.
Then she heard some guy in his 20s had lost a leg in an accident. This guy also fell into the usual denial, depression and anger type of emotional roller coaster. She looked him up (seemingly he was from a different Province) and persuaded him to dance with her. He had never danced. And to dance with one leg? Are you joking with me? No way. But she didn't give up. He reluctantly agreed. ' I have nothing else to do anyway.' She started to teach him dancing 101. The two broke up a few times because the guy had no concept of using muscle, control his body, and a few other basic things about dancing. When she became frustrated and lost patience with him, he would walk out. Eventually they came back together and started training. They hired a choreographer to design routines for them. She would fly high (held by him) with both arms (a sleeve for an arm) flying in the air. He could bend horizontally supported by one leg and she leaning on him,etc. They danced beautifully and they legitimately beat others in the competition.
I would like to share with you this most magnificent and touching performance I have ever seen! It is a living proof that strong spirit can conquer any physical limitations!
Click here for video
Reflection from last night
'when you feel you've arrived but not sure you belong'
yesterday, before i went to CG, i posted a poem here, and the above phrase is a line from that poem.
after CG last night...i felt just exactly like it.
on my way home, i can't help but ask myself...
am i in the right church?
am i with the right group?
is the God that i know and love, the same as their God?
i don't know...
all i know is that God is in the midst of everything...not only for them, but for everyone...not only for christians but for non-christians as well...not only for believers but also for those who doesnt even know He exist...His love and His faithfulness is unconditional. and no book and no person could ever put a limit to that.
yesterday, before i went to CG, i posted a poem here, and the above phrase is a line from that poem.
after CG last night...i felt just exactly like it.
on my way home, i can't help but ask myself...
am i in the right church?
am i with the right group?
is the God that i know and love, the same as their God?
i don't know...
all i know is that God is in the midst of everything...not only for them, but for everyone...not only for christians but for non-christians as well...not only for believers but also for those who doesnt even know He exist...His love and His faithfulness is unconditional. and no book and no person could ever put a limit to that.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
God is already there...
from the top of the ladder to the end of the rope,
in the fullness of joy,
in the absence of hope,
when you're lost in the crowd,
when you feel all alone,
when you're close to the fire,
when you're far from your home;
wherever you are,
whatever your care,
God is already there.
When the river is dry,
when the sun doesn't shine,
when the shadows are long,
when you're all outta time,
when the people you love you cannot comprehend,
when you want to be real but can only pretend;
wherever you are,
whatever your care,
God is already there.
When the road makes a turn,
when the detour is long,
when the war has begun,
when the border is drawn,
when you're dying to sing
but you can't hear the song,
when your left becomes right and your right becomes wrong,
when you feel you've arrived but not sure you belong,
when you're true when you're blue,
when you're weak when you're strong;
wherever you are,
whatever your care,
God is already there.
this was sent to me in email.
most of the times, its easy to give praise and thanksgiving when things are going our way...but when trials would come and problems would arise, its so hard to remember that He is there in our midst.
let this poem remind us how faithful he is to all of us, no matter what, come what may.
rach
in the fullness of joy,
in the absence of hope,
when you're lost in the crowd,
when you feel all alone,
when you're close to the fire,
when you're far from your home;
wherever you are,
whatever your care,
God is already there.
When the river is dry,
when the sun doesn't shine,
when the shadows are long,
when you're all outta time,
when the people you love you cannot comprehend,
when you want to be real but can only pretend;
wherever you are,
whatever your care,
God is already there.
When the road makes a turn,
when the detour is long,
when the war has begun,
when the border is drawn,
when you're dying to sing
but you can't hear the song,
when your left becomes right and your right becomes wrong,
when you feel you've arrived but not sure you belong,
when you're true when you're blue,
when you're weak when you're strong;
wherever you are,
whatever your care,
God is already there.
this was sent to me in email.
most of the times, its easy to give praise and thanksgiving when things are going our way...but when trials would come and problems would arise, its so hard to remember that He is there in our midst.
let this poem remind us how faithful he is to all of us, no matter what, come what may.
rach
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