songs from Hillsong United's 'all of the above' album
Way out by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Forever Lost by The Magic Numbers
I'm back from the leader's retreat. It's awesome. It was almost like a much needed getaway for us. Paul Geerling isn't a fiery speaker. Instead, the messages were really practical and it speaks in a different way. More like a surgical treatment in the heart, twigging stuff here and there, removing the unneccessary and inserting lessons wherever applicable.
I'm refreshed,and I feel more than ever than I'm on a road of no return. I'm sure there's no other path I would wanna take than to know and serve God. This IS greater than travelling around the world, indulging in the finest cuisines, climbing up the corporate ladder and yes,even shopping. I mean, I'll definitely get to do some of these even if I serve God. But these are not my primary purposes for living my life here. I'm not living my life if I were to lead a partying life, achieve straight As and graduate top of the cohort or hanging out with my friends. And given the options, they are like tasteless salt, I've lost my liking for them.
Having said all of these, there's always this perception that we shouldn't be too serious about God and stuff when we're young. You know, we should do what we like doing and wait till when we're older and mature enough to handle such things. I beg to differ. There'll be no 'let's wait till we get older' kind of thing. I know this perception, cause I thought like that at 15. I was in church, but I wished I wasn't. I wished my church leaders would not call me when I didn't come for cell groups and service. I wished I didn't know that Jesus was real so I didn't have to attend church every sunday cause I wanted my own life outside. I felt bad cause time and again I found myself responding to altar calls even though I didn't want to, and yet only to backslide 3 weeks later. I hated the sick cycle carousal. I knew God touched me, but I hated the committment. I thought it was such a fun sucker,to have my weekends taken up by church activities. If there's anything I've learnt within these 5 years, it's that I know God loves us and His love reaches out to you. Sometimes you can run away and try to hide from it, but He tugs at your heart. And don't ignore it. Cause eventually I didn't, and I've not looked back since.
and no, I'm not a religious little twig trying to convert christians. But what I've experienced and learnt, I wanna share with you all. (:
On a lighter note, I had an awesome 20th. I still feel old, but my friends makes growing older a little more bearable. Thanks for all the birthday wishes (regardless whether it's through my tagboard,MSN,blogs,friendster or smses), presents and gift cards. Appreciate you all loads alright?I know, I'm supposed to upload photos and send them out but I'm a little lazy right now.(what's new?) I'll do a major photo upload once I get all my celebrations done. Yea, I know..how many people I wanna celebrate with?!! eh basically all that have asked me and all that I've asked? I couldn't squeeze everything into a week anyway cause I had my retreat.
Sunday night was with my church friends at Billy bombers. (the usuals except for Sarah.sick :() Following that was Hogs breath with my Poly mates (Van,Owen and Esther.Jules was sick also. :( ) on Tuesday. Wednesday afternoon was with some of my close seconday school girl friends, more affectionately known as the 'chao-tas' because of a failed baking attempt at Bugis's Sakae Sushi.Then it was dinner with the family and Weizheng at Fullerton. I found a new liking for FOIE GRAS!! Ok I know it sounds gross, it being goose liver and all. BUT IT IS REALLY NICEEEEE.And the dark chocolate cake I had was.........(drools at the mention of it) enough said. And of course,sashimi! :))) My mum said that Ritz Carlton's food was better though. Father's day is around the corner so maybe I'll get to try their stuff soon.Well...hopefully. The next 2 weeks is gonna be madness, what with 2 camps and tests coming up and all. Check this out.
4th June-meet Van to collect Diploma cert, head to Lime office to submit her article, and then town to window shop.or shop.(depends on the cirsumstances.heh heh)
5th June-working closing
6th June-working opening
7th June-School and Section getaway
8th June-School and Section getaway
9th June-Work and section getaway
10th June-tentatively outing with BnJ girls
11th June-church camp
12th June-church camp
13th June-church camp
14th June-church camp
15th June-Media Audiences mid-term test
16th June-Not sure yet
17th June-celebrating Bell's and my (very belated) birthday at Kenny Rogers
IS MY SCHEDULE CRAZY OR WOT??!Lord,Please give me time. PLEASE.
I wrote my heart down.
9:07 PM