OLPS yOuth - The Blog!

ALL SAINTS Celebration on 31st OCT!

2009-10-27T17:42:00.000+08:00

Hi all!

All ready for this Saturday's ALL SAINTS CELEBRATIONS?

Be ready for a wacked out party and dress up! Of course, you can bring your costume "separately" and don't have to wear it the whole night.

Preparations begin at 3 - 6pm (come join us to set up, decorate place or improve on your costume - maybe with materials from the CAGE)

6:00pm is our normal monthly prayer meet but this round, we will read, hear and watch some inputs which include Mother Teresa and the Prayer of St. Francis. Come for some spiritual enlightenment!

7:00pm will be the Potluck dinner followed by our SAINTS Dress up display (your patron saint or favourite saint) and the best dressed will WIN A PRIZE!

Bring your own boardgame too if you have something nice to play later into the nite! Party ends at 11pm!

For those coming, do RSVP your food item on the Event Wall so that everyone can see who's bringing what? It might help prevent clashing items..!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156228473373

Seeya!

Walking through the Valleys

2009-10-19T13:47:00.002+08:00

I quote an excerpt from Os Hillman's daily devotionals (TGIF - Today God is First)

"When the Lord takes us through deep valleys, there will be fruit from the deep valley that we cannot see. You must press into Him with all you have during this time.

God uses the deep valley to frame our lives to create a change in our nature, not just a change in habits. The depth and width of our valley is often an indicator of the level of calling and influence we will have on others in the future. Our adversity is not just for us, but others who will be in our future path of influence. This is not very comforting when you are in the middle of the valley, but know this is a truth in the Kingdom.

It is often years later when we discover the wisdom of God and why He intentionally led us through the dark valley. Life is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back at through valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life while we were there. "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22).

When you begin to realize this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was."

Amazing isn't it? Our adversities are not only for ourselves, but for others who will be in our future path of influence.

Cheers,
Sam

Cool Photography!

2009-10-05T14:45:00.001+08:00

Thought of a tagline for this photo that I came across, by chema madoz. His works are creative and cool, using B/W imagery. Really astounding.

my tagline: "Life is a gift, don't let it melt away... "

hmm..... so it means we have got to taste it... the coolness of LIFE. hahaha!

Let's try another one:

my tagline:
"Sometimes we need a little flame to break through our wooden minds.."

Ok this is not so sharp. Bit long... bleah.

Anyway.... tagline writing is fun. Do you have any?

What are your challenges in ministry?

2009-09-28T16:39:00.000+08:00

How about these challenges… read on:

1. To encourage others, or to spend time to listen to others, when you yourself do not feel particularly great that day…

2. To love people who are “lesser” than you and be gentle and nice to them, even though you think they are not as smart, not as good looking, or not as confident as yourself...

3. To continue to serve God and spend time on the activities in church, despite thinking that life is better outside and you have many better things to do out there…

4. To continue to have faith and love and to worship God despite feeling doubtful or angry with God because you don’t see any tangible effect of your prayers or service in church and there are STILL problems everywhere at home and school or work…

I wonder which of the above (or others) you might be facing at this point of time?

>> Discuss more in Facebook now!

God Bless!

Canteen Duty -- September 2009

2009-09-23T14:03:00.003+08:00

View some pictures of our youth ministries in action. You may find RG, Mentors around, and people from other youth ministries also helping out! ;)

Ministry is Everywhere!

2009-09-19T08:43:00.001+08:00

Today i woke up fresh at 8am, with a thought about Ministry. Truly, i think about it every day and night.

What is "ministry"? and why am I called to Ministry?

It's just like "ministry" of sound, food, etc... this is like a ministry of my faith, my religion, my God.

It's not even something lofty or abstract.

It can simply be translated to "service"... or as our faith calls it --- "Love".

Ministry, is like that ICCRS conference I attended in June this year -- it is "Love in Action".

Everything we do unto another, we do unto God.

SO even being a loving person in the office, when people needs your listening ear and smiling face for comfort... is "ministry".

Even going out with friends (maybe non-christian?) and doing things for them like organising the next outing could be "ministry".

Even playing music with a group of buddies could be "ministry".

SO ministry is not just in church, on a Sunday, or in our youth group during that 2-3 hours of meeting when we see each other. It is everywhere.

Ministry is for life.

It is being Christlike, 24/7.

Haha... A Week without God..

2009-08-04T17:05:00.007+08:00

Without GOD, our week would be: Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday & Shatterday.

Remember seven days WITHOUT GOD makes one WEAK!!

Painting @ Chai Chee - 1 August 2009

2009-08-03T08:45:00.003+08:00

Message from David:

Dear Friends,

All praise and thanks be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour!

On 1st August, Saturday morning, all of us embarked on an adventure for which we have never had any experiences of ! Yet guided by a childlike faith and trust, we actually succeeded in painting 6 homes within a day!

As I reflect on all that has happened during the different stages if this project, I can clearly discern that we were guided by the Holy Spirit.

I thank all the young people from the various ministries who helped out, for their generosity and patience. I would also like to add that I'm especially proud to have had the chance to work alongside so many of our confirmation 3 teens, they ar e good people and the light of Christ shines in them.

Finally, a word of thanks to Fr Fred and Aunty Nancy for all the support and networking that you've provided, without your help, the project wouldn't have succeeded in the way that it did.

Once again, thank you!

God bless,
David

Thoughts from a friend

2009-07-29T23:08:00.001+08:00

These are just some thoughts from a friend of mine which was so Good I had to share it here with you all! Happy reading!

Good, Better, Best?
We compare all the time, especially in the ‘kiasu’ Singaporean culture. In John 21, after receiving his life calling personally from the mouth of Jesus, Peter’s first question was about the other disciple, John: “What about him?” And Jesus’ reply was “What is that to you?” Each of us has unique gifts and callings based on what God has put in us. But we look to other people’s gifts and callings to gauge our effectiveness, instead of celebrating their stories and our’s.

Exploring Your Iceberg
Like icebergs, which are 90% under the water, we are often only in touch with what we feel and think on the surface, and not really aware of what’s churning underneath. As Christians, we often ‘stuff’ our real thoughts and emotions beneath the surface because it seems ‘un-Christian’ to feel or think these things. But by not dealing with what’s ‘down there’, we’re slowly killing our joy, and forming a shell around our hearts.

Moments that Count
Quiet time can become a formula for our spirituality. We think: If God is to speak to me today, He’d better do so in the 30min I’ve set aside for Him this morning! And if we miss those times, we feel an overwhelming sense of guilt or shame. Or we search for glorious encounters and extraordinary events as anchors for our souls. But if God is everywhere, all the time, then there are countless ordinary moments for us to experience His presence. It all counts!

The Importance of Trust
I must confess, my concept of trust used to be this: I ask you to do something --> You do it --> I trust you. Maybe some of you can identify with me :b Yes, getting the task done is definitely a part of trust, but I’ve learnt that the most important element of trust is really ‘being known’. How well I know my team as individuals will determine how much I can trust them. And it’s not enough for the leader to trust the team - the team needs to trust each other too.

The Problem of Overfunction
This was a timely reminder about boundaries. Something new I realized was that if two people are over-functioning to compensate and ‘cover’ for the other’s job, then neither one truly grows in his real assigned role. In a marriage, for example, this can occur when the husband has the unsaid permission to overfunction at work because his wife is overfunctioning at home.. Mum becomes a resentful single parent and Dad, a workaholic.

Live for Today
There is a subtle lie that many Christians believe. That “one day, things will settle down”. While it’s true that in God we can hope for a better tomorrow, having this mindset can cause us to delay in doing what God is calling us to do today. For example, we tell ourselves “after this crisis is over, I will give to missions” or “when such-and-such a person joins our team, then we will be ready to do this thing.” We need to risk living for today more.

God Bless ;)
Sam

Little by Little

2009-07-28T16:00:00.000+08:00

Little by Little
By Os Hillman
July 27 Devotional

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty" (Prov 14:23).

Is there something you would like to accomplish in life but simply cannot find the hours in the day to get started? Many of us suffer from procrastination. We justify putting our dreams aside because we don't believe we have the time or resources to accomplish the task.

Many times people tell me they believe they are called to write a book. I tell them, "Great, if God has called you to write a book, begin to write it." Sometimes the response is: "But I don't have a publisher." "That has nothing to do with it," I say. "That is not your problem. If God calls you to write a book, you are to begin to write. You may not be writing to get published. You may be writing for other purposes."

"The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little" (Deut 7:22). If God has given you a vision to do something, begin by taking baby steps toward that project. Begin to focus on the vision and take action steps toward it. Many times people ask me, "How in the world do you have time to write? You travel so much and seem to have such a full schedule." My answer to them is that I have a specific time of day in which I commit to writing. It is usually between 5 AM and 8 AM. I have found this to be my most creative and productive time. Very little can get in the way of this time if I believe God has given me a project to do.

You will be amazed at what God can do with a little each day. Do not let procrastination prevent you from accomplishing what God may want to do through your life. Make plans today to take baby steps toward the vision that is in your heart.

Video Testimony of Christopher and Leon Yuan

2009-07-20T11:44:00.001+08:00

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:16

God is Big!

2009-07-19T15:00:00.000+08:00

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

What is your perspective of Spiritual Growth?

2009-07-13T14:37:00.002+08:00

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.

If we want "spiritual growth", we have to face the pain. We have to walk through the dark valleys of our lives, then only can we learn to rely on God and thus, "grow" in the process.

Are you facing up to this challenge ahead, or hiding away and procrastinating?

Have a great week ahead!

Youth As Warriors Of The Faith! (Talk)

2009-07-07T20:58:00.001+08:00

He will be speaking at YAM's session this 18th July 2009! Come and hear him!

SATURDAY 18 JULY – (8 PM to 10 PM)
Youth As Warriors Of The Faith
Speaker: Deacon Harold Burke Sivers
OLPS, St. John-Luke Room (Level 2)

Deacon Harold from Portland, Oregon is regularly featured on the globally broadcasted Eternal Word Television Network – EWTN. Many of his talks onMale Spirituality, Family & The Eucharist have been received with rave reviews globally.

Reflection on 'The Shortness of Life'

2009-07-02T13:54:00.001+08:00

I was inspired today by a quote I read in the paper by Lucius Seneca (c. 4 BC – AD 65), Roman Stoic Philosopher. He wrote "The Shortness of Life".

(Read more here for the full article of "The Shortness of Life" & readers' comments)

I especially liked his quotes which depict how we "live", but do not really "live" -- That everything could very well be idle preoccupations, but not really leisure. It is so true sometimes! "The part of life we really live is small.” For all the rest of existence is not life, but merely time (Lucius Seneca)

But... as I was reading on, into the comments on this post, I came to read someone's comments, which consisted bible passages. It not only enlightened me, but made my heart jump a little. And I began to think, that philosophy is still philosophy after all, it is MAN's ruminations. But when it comes to the Word of God, I feel that it is not just "ruminations" but it is the answer of Life.

Maybe this faith to believe this, is God's grace too, for I realise that no one can really have hope in a book such as the bible, unless they have been given that "spiritual insight" by God.

So then, will people who are not believers ever be able to get that spiritual insight? Yes, by God's grace. So if their hearts are open, if they would just go directly to question this God about HIS truths, I believe HE would show himself to them.

From PROVERBS 3:1-10
Have you considered these words:
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Have you considered what Jesus said about living for the after life instead of this life?

Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-24)
19″Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22″The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24″No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

1 John 2:17
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Be privileged to carry The Cross

2009-06-29T09:31:00.003+08:00

Watched Paul the Musical over the weekend. It was a musical on the life of St. Paul, produced by the church of St. Mary of the Angels. Great performance, well written, my fellow friends from YAM who were with me that day also found it surprisingly delightful.

And it makes me think of a few things.

For example, how did Paul manage to have that much zeal to become a missionary of the Gospel, going to different lands, letting go of everything that he had before the experience on the road to Damascus? It must have been a truly life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus!

So we may need that life-changing encounter. Some of us, have experienced it before while some are still searching. If you are still searching, continue. We are all still "on the journey"!

I’d sought Jesus,… 10 years ago, during a camp called Youth in the Spirit Seminar. It changed my life and that’s why I am serving in Youth Ministry today.

But the point I’d make today is that this does not end. In fact, like St. Paul, we need to persevere to the finish line – and that is the end of our life.

How long more do we need to serve God? It’s not “how long more” but Forever.

We need to realise that it is a privilege to carry the cross as we walk to our finish line… not to see that it is a burden.

Like the image of a “crevice” before reaching the “Holy Land”, we need to realise that the cross is like our “bridge” that helps us to cross over. Without it… we are stuck and have no means to go over.

So it’s like carrying a passport. A passport into Heaven.

An inspiring quote

2009-06-21T02:18:00.001+08:00

Short Excerpt by Os Hillman:

The apostle Paul said, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). God has equipped us with everything we need to make good decisions. Hearing His voice is the first step toward making right choices in life.

Do you have a decision to make? Submit that decision to the Lord, ask God for clarity. Ask Him to make the desires of your heart the same desires that He has for you in this matter. Await His perfect timing on the matter. Then you can be assured of making the right decisions.

GOd Bless!

JOIN us to Pray for EDYD'09!

2009-06-01T22:27:00.003+08:00

Our prayer:

Everlasting God, our Father, we pray for the East District Youth Day 2009, that all participants will experience HOPE through Your presence in the Holy Eucharist. May our young people be renewed, to rise on wings like eagles, run and not get weary. Dearest Mary, Mother of God, we ask for your intercession for our young people, may they experience the joy that comes from doing all that Jesus Christ, your Son calls them to do. Amen.

Just a thought... Do you pray before each day?

2009-05-27T09:47:00.002+08:00

Do you have a prayer at your bedside, at your work desk, your study table, your diary, wallet, and so on?

I've found that it has helped me. Every time I start my day at work in a rush, stopping for less then a minute, to say that little prayer pasted on my wall, helps to calm me down.

And where it is a prayer, it can be just words. You could just be saying words. But where there's faith, these words come to life, and our Lord Jesus hears our prayer. If we pray with faith, it is powerful indeed.

So start your day with a prayer, pray unceasingly! 1 Thessalonians 5: 17

Click here for today's focus on 1 Thessalonians 5:17
http://www.heavensinspirations.com/pray-unceasingly.html

In troubled times, who do you turn to?

2009-05-24T22:09:00.003+08:00

In troubled times, who do you turn to? This was something I reflected on today. And frankly, sometimes the answer is less than ideal. I find myself turning to many things of this world, but not Jesus.

For those who know me better, you'd know. I turn to good food, comfort food, expensive coffees, cabbing instead of saving $, watching most addictive J or K dramas... and so forth.

What about you? Do you turn to anyone, anything, anyplace or so forth, to destress, find comfort? Funny how we know in our heads that things of this world cannot really satisfy us, but we still turn to them.

I reflected today that in troubled times, we need to PRAY even more and turn to JESUS. If you've never tried it, I invite you to do so! Put your faith in HIM!

My "song dedication" to you if you're reading this post: "Bridge over troubled waters" (Just imagine Jesus singing this to u... He lays his life down for us..)

JESUS: "Like A Bridge"

Altar Server of the Year Award!

2009-05-04T10:35:00.004+08:00

Our altar servers recently nominated 2 servers for this award, organised by the Serra Club Singapore. They are none other than Darren & Justin! We are so proud of them! Read what they said:

View full PDF brochure "Serra Altar Server 2009" here

Darren Tan
Age: 16 years old
Years of Service: 7 years
Position in Society: Vice President

“ The Servers have taught me about liturgy and also about God. ”

I joined the Altar Servers back in 2002. I was in Primary 4 back then and just received the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The Servers have taught me about liturgy and also about
God. I learnt how to pray, I learnt that daily prayer is something that is really important. The more I prayed the rosary with the servers, the more I enjoyed it, because it gave me peace of mind. I also started following my seniors to the Adoration Room to pray and it was a very pleasant feeling as now there is hardly any place so quiet that you can just talk to God. After this experience, whenever I am troubled, I will just drop by the Adoration Room and talk to God and this helps me to feel much better. As time progresses, I learnt many different forms of prayer, through different Masses and soon I became leader for this awesome society. I remember my previous leader always saying to pray for guidance especially when you have to make a hard decision. As a new leader, when I need to make such decisions I just pray and sometimes I realize the answer is just there.

Therefore the Servers have taught me that whenever I have a problem, need help in anything or even if I need someone to pour out my feelings to, I know that God is always there. He is like a friend who is next to you and willing to listen to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Rev. Fr. Frederick Quek: Darren has leadership qualities and he has blossomed into a very good Server and friend to his juniors. He can be harsh at times but his sincerity and concern shines out. He is reliable and responsible, obedient, polite and a good organizer. Darren leads by example. He is always available when time permits. Darren’s love of God and neighbour is clearly shown in his service.

Justin Gan
Age: 17 years old
Years of Service: 7 years
Position in Society: Vice President

“ Most dear to me are the moments that I spend alone with God . ”

“To serve and not to be served” -- this is the motto of the Saint Pius X Altar Servers’ Society and this is the motto that I live by. Each week as I serve at Masses and Novenas, I receive the Word of God through the readings, the Gospel and the homilies shared by the priests and religious. These weekly liturgical encounters with Jesus open up for me the Person of Jesus. I have learnt much from His example as a human being – how He acted out what He preached. I have also learnt that talents are given by God are meant to be shared. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25: 14 – 30), nothing came out for the servant who buried his talents. Like the Altar Servers who have unselfishly given of their time to groom me, I must now train new Altar Servers to serve God and to share my love and friendship with them.

I am expected to be a good example, not only for the Servers but beyond as Jesus has extended Himself to everyone. Others will judge the faith by the way I behave. Most dear to me are the moments that I spend alone with God – the time I spend in prayers, the fears I share with Him
and the comfort He gives me makes me realize I cannot live without His gifts of love and friendship.

Rev. Fr. Frederick Quek: Justin is good natured with a friendly, brotherly leadership style. He cares about others. He listens to what they have to share. He mixes well with young and old. He keeps giving of his best and is always ready to learn. He is also able to take corrections positively and move on. He exudes ‘holiness’ in his integration of church, family, school and friends. In my many conversations with him, this fine young man simply loves God and is guided by Jesus in his actions – untainted despite his knowledge of the wiles of the world.

View full PDF brochure "Serra Altar Server 2009" here

DEFEAT OF THE TONGUE

2009-04-30T16:15:00.002+08:00

By Max Lucado

Insensitivity makes a wound that heals slowly. If someone hurts your Feelings intentionally you know how to react. You know the source of The pain. But if someone accidentally bruises your soul, it's difficult To know how to respond.

Someone at work criticizes the new boss who also happens to be your Dear friend. "Oh, I'm sorry-I forgot the two of you were so close."

A joke is told at a party about overweight people. You're overweight. You hear the joke. You smile politely while your heart sinks.

What was intended to be a reprimand for a decision or action becomes a Personal attack. "You have a history of poor decisions, John."

Someone chooses to wash your dirty laundry in public. "Sue, is it true That you and Jim are separated?"

Insensitive comments. Thoughts that should have remained thoughts.

Feelings which had no business being expressed.

Opinions carelessly Tossed like a grenade into a crowd.

And if you were to tell the one who Threw these thoughtless darts about the pain they caused, his response Would be "Oh, but I had no intention…I didn't realize you were so Sensitive!" or "I forgot you were here."

Listed under the title of subterfuge is the poison of insensitivity. It's called subterfuge because it's so subtle. Just a slip of theTongue. Just a blank of memory. No one is at fault. No harm done.

Perhaps. And, perhaps not. For as the innocent attackers go on their Way excusing themselves for things done without hurtful intention, a Wounded soul is left in the dust, utterly confused. "If no one intended To hurt me, then why do I hurt so badly?"

God's Word has strong medicine for those who carelessly wag their Tongues:

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on Fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6)

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (Proverbs 21:23)

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will Come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is Wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

The message is clear: He who dares to call himself God's ambassador is Not afforded the luxury of idle words. Excuses such as "I didn't know You were here" or "I didn't realize this was so touchy" are shallow When they come from those who claim to be followers and imitators of The Great Physician. We have an added responsibility to guard our Tongues.

These practical steps will purge careless words from your talk.

1. Never tell jokes that slander.

2. Never criticize in public unless you: have already expressed your Disappointment with the other person in private, have already taken Someone with you to discuss the grievance with the person, and are Absolutely convinced that public reprimand is necessary and will be Helpful.

3. Never say anything about anyone in their absence that you wouldn't Say in their presence. Insensitive slurs may be accidental, but they Are not excusable.

"There is death and life in the power of the tongue."

Your encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; they may be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying -- or even their life.

Your destructive, careless word can diminish someone in the eyes of others, destroy their influence and have a lasting impact on the way others respond to them. Be careful what you say. Speak life to (and about) those who cross your path. There is enormous power in words.

Vision

2009-04-27T23:55:00.004+08:00

A poem on "Vision"

Why don't people achieve excellence?
The big reason is the lack of vision or limited vision.
We need to dream beyond what is possible.
Everything we see today was a dream before it became reality.
Live with enthusiasm, direction, and a sense of purpose.
Do you have a dream?
What is your dream?
Every day that you live, are you getting closer to your purpose?

Where the vision is one year, cultivate flowers.
Where the vision is ten years, cultivate trees.
Where the vision is eternity, cultivate people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our lord loves us for eternity. He is cultivating us. He has an eternal vision for us. He envisions us to seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and to one day, 'come Home' to our Father, to live with him for eternity. Isn't our God a God of vision?

So why this post? Because we need it. We need this vision, for our lives, as well as ourselves, our friends and our fellow peers who have gone through catechism with us... yet, have not experienced a life-reforming touch of God. No vision.

1. And so we need to have a vision of the lost souls that we can reach out to - of you, and me. I'm sure we can all relate to a time of feeling 'lost'... or 'empty'... or 'far' from God. We have all been lost at one point or another... and we are found, when we 'repent', or 'turn back' to God.

2. We need to envision a world WITH Jesus in it. So often, we live without Jesus in our lives - so often till it becomes normal. Even though we go to church on Sunday, it is only 'lip service'. But we need to vision a day, or a time, when people will praise the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.

3. We need a vision - for our lives. Your dreams determine your destiny. To accomplish anything you must first have a mission, a goal, a hope, a vision. - Quote by Rick Warren

Some more quotes:

Let a leader grasp a godly vision, and then watch God work. - Ken Godevenos

Without vision, people lose the vitality that makes them feel alive. - Bill Hybels

Vision is a picture of what God will do in His church if we get out of His way and turn Him loose to do so (Dan Southerland)

In other words, where there is vision, we will be fruiftul... we will be living and doing God's Will for our lives, we will be lights, shining on the hill, for others to see.. If we have no vision, we will not be able to fulfill God's will, will not be fruitful as well.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18

Reference: [read article]

Striving for Peace - Don't we need this always?

2009-04-23T11:39:00.001+08:00

"Peace does not mean to be in a place without noise, without problems, without hard work and without pain. Peace means that despite of being in the midst of all these things we remain calm within our heart. This is the true meaning of peace."

Have you ever experienced Murphy's Law? It is the law that states that anything that can possibly go wrong, does. I've just experienced this, where something went wrong, which led to other things going wrong, and the whole day just seems -- wrong?!

But being a believer, a child of God, we are called to prove this theory wrong. After all, our God is a big God and the God of all things in the world. He also tells that he makes ALL THINGS beautiful. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

So rest assured -- and strive for the Peace of Christ! Did you also know that peace doesn't just come like "that"? We need to "STRIVE" for peace. Why? Read this article, written by Father Nicolás Schwizer who teaches that we play an active role in building peace on our own lives. He says, "To build peace, one must strive. Only in Heaven will we possess the peace of Christ forever. On earth, it is necessary to build it and to conquer it at every moment. To do this, there must be a struggle."

So let us follow Colossians 3 which says this:

Colossians 3:12-16 - "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." [Read full chapter in Colossions 3]

May You find Peace!

What is the meaning of 'GodSpeed'?

2009-04-22T08:50:00.002+08:00

Hear this often?

Got this from wiki: Godspeed, as a word, is a wish for a prosperous journey, success, and good fortune (from Middle English God speed you, meaning "May God help you prosper").