Okay. So I want to go for Watchnight Service. And I tell my mom over the phone, cause she's currently in Malaysia. And suddenly ALL HELL BREAKS FREAKING LOOSE.
It really seems that there's a switch in her that triggers when I utter the word "church". The next moment she's raising her voice and nearly shouting into the phone about how she doesn't want me to go and how it's not a good thing and how she doesn't see the point. Why can't you thank God for the year that has passed in the morning? Why can't you welcome in the new year in the morning? Well, thank you very much for your opinions, but the world does NOT revolve around you and your ideals and your perspectives. Who are you to attack how the pastors want to handle the church? There must be some meaning behind actually having the service at 11pm; I do not know it, but I could always ask the pastors. And I promise you I will.
Seriously, stop calling us Christians devils. Stop calling my church a devil church. How would you like it if someone you have never EVER met called you a devil? Okay, maybe you in your insanity would just agree that you ARE a devil, but I would hate it if someone calls me a devil. You say that I'm a hypocrite because I am not like the humble people out there. Does that make sense? You say that I'm a hypocrite because I haven't changed my ways. It's not that I haven't changed, if you realize. I have changed, and you can ask EVERYONE around me that. It's you who are blind to my improvements, yet can see so clearly my faults.
And talking about my faults, do you ever bother to look at yourself? You make it sound like you're perfect, like you're faultless, when in fact you are just as screwed up as I am. Whenever I tell you to try and look inwards for a possible source of the problems pervading our family, you just suddenly become all caustic and sarcastic about how "YES I AM THE DEVIL YES I'M LOUSY". Does that even make sense to you?!
I told you countless times already; if you were to give me ONE reason, just ONE SINGLE reason THAT I AGREE WITH why it's not good for me to go for Watchnight Service, then yes I would not go. But the only reason you can find is that it might not be safe because it ends so late. And in the end I pacify that worry by saying that there are parents there, hundreds of them, and that I'll get a lift home. And instead of saying, "Okay, that's one worry that I don't have to worry about anymore.", you go on to say, "Those people are all devils, I don't like them." Or something along those lines. Does that even sound right to you? These are perfectly nice people who are willing to go out of their way to do us a favor by sending me home and this is how they are reciprocated. Wow. Even Dad says I make sense, please.
OH YES one more thing. You keep saying that I torture you every minute. And that when you go to Malaysia for a week, there isn't any torture, but when you come back, the day BEFORE you come back, I'm already torturing you. In what way is telling you I'm going for Watchnight service torture? Seriously. If I were branding you with a hot poker then yes that is torture, but I certainly don't see how saying "Hi mom, I'm going to church to celebrate the New Year" is torture. You say it's mental torture, but I'm thinking it's all just a perception. You think it's torture. Why so? Only God'll know. Torture torture torture. I'm sorry but I don't see how your son going to church is torture.
And in the end, with all that has passed, I can come to only one conclusion. I'm pretty sure Nick might see other possible pathways but there really is one obvious one. And that is that you hate the church. I really don't know what it has done to offend you other than the fact that I haven't improved IN YOUR EYES. But Christ and the church doesn't deserve this awful reviling you bestow on it. All the worse that you're my mom, and I used to respect you for your ideals. Used to. Sometimes I miss those times when you were... yourself.
My goodness.
And thank you Dad for saying that there's no such thing as religion anymore and that churches are just a new way of creating a social circle. Thank you very much for your disillusionment and your "convincing" and "calming" effect on Mom. Thank you oh so so much.
I'm doing all I can from swearing right now. Seriously. But what's swearing compared to what other stuff I've done? I WILL FREAKING STOP. I WILL.
And if I do kill myself sometime you'll know the most probable reason. Heck, if someone kills me next time you'll know who it is. (:
Cheers.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Oh my gosh I'm wasting my life away completely staying at home doing nothing. It's been three days in a row since I last went out. Haiz.
Oh well, 31st tomorrow! Chengyi's coming back, Mom's coming back, playing 4 hours of soccer, Watchnight Service, YAY. Finally. Gosh.
And that's the update for today! I can't believe I've leveled up what, 3 times in Blackshot. I NEED SOMETHING ELSE TO DO.
Time to go downstairs and kick a ball.
---
Soccer or track. Soccer or track. SOCCER OR TRACK.
Oh well, 31st tomorrow! Chengyi's coming back, Mom's coming back, playing 4 hours of soccer, Watchnight Service, YAY. Finally. Gosh.
And that's the update for today! I can't believe I've leveled up what, 3 times in Blackshot. I NEED SOMETHING ELSE TO DO.
Time to go downstairs and kick a ball.
---
Soccer or track. Soccer or track. SOCCER OR TRACK.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Hey Pastor Jon! This post is dedicated to you. (:
Thank you for everything you've done for the church. I might not be able to actually see how your work has benefited us, but I know deep down that by God's grace you've been an ever-present light leading the path for the church to travel. And I just want to thank you for all the personal moments, no matter how few or far apart they were. Helping you pack up your office when you gave me those CDs, or just saying hi whenever you were walking towards the office.
I know there isn't much I can say about you but yeah I just wanted to wish you all the best in your future endeavors, be they with whatever church. May God continue to guide you as He has always been doing, and may you continue to draw nearer to Him as time passes. And what better way to express my thanks than by posting this song.
Thank you!
---
Life group groupings are out and I'm not too sure what to say about mine! I guess I'll have to look and see how it goes. (:
Whee!
CRAP I JUST FOUND OUT CINEMAS ARE ALL CLOSED ON THURSDAY D: HOWHOWHOW.
Thank you for everything you've done for the church. I might not be able to actually see how your work has benefited us, but I know deep down that by God's grace you've been an ever-present light leading the path for the church to travel. And I just want to thank you for all the personal moments, no matter how few or far apart they were. Helping you pack up your office when you gave me those CDs, or just saying hi whenever you were walking towards the office.
I know there isn't much I can say about you but yeah I just wanted to wish you all the best in your future endeavors, be they with whatever church. May God continue to guide you as He has always been doing, and may you continue to draw nearer to Him as time passes. And what better way to express my thanks than by posting this song.
Thank you!
---
Life group groupings are out and I'm not too sure what to say about mine! I guess I'll have to look and see how it goes. (:
Whee!
CRAP I JUST FOUND OUT CINEMAS ARE ALL CLOSED ON THURSDAY D: HOWHOWHOW.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas caroling at the houses was epic. I won't post a lot, because pictures do speak a thousand words. :D
But yeah, it was a really enjoyable experience and even though we were all extremely sloshed after the countdown at Russell's house we know we had fun. Rebecca's brother is super adorable can! :O
I think I'll miss caroling, seriously, A TON.
So yes after we caroled at the houses we went back for candlelight service, and then we caroled some more after candlelight service. And then off to Russell's house! I think his place is pretty cool. And Eddie Russell Jon and Andrew are just plain hilarious heheh.
And then back to church with a ton of food. Bekah's going overseas for a week! Take care yeah dear (: And then slacking our bums off in church. Bertrand installed MW2! :O Played random things and stuffed our faces full of fishballs/sausages/ham until 3am before playing more cards and knocking out at about 4+.
So it would be quite DUH to say I felt tired this morning. During service my eyes kept closing of their own accord, but luckily I didn't actually fall asleep, haha. And then after that there's of course Christmas cards! THANK YOU EVERYONE who wrote me a card or gave me a present. I'm sorry I haven't been able to get round to writing cards/buying presents for you guys. But yeah; thanks Amanda Delane Rachel/Alicia Jazlyn Audrey Steph Dinah YiYing. <3 you guys loads.
Celebrated Kyle's birthday cause he's going overseas tomorrow! Some random organisation but it went well. Future LG ftw (: And then lunch at F&C Express before going back to church to... play more cards.
And I really have to thank Jazlyn for giving me a lift home in the cab; I don't think I'd have been able to make it home on my own, maybe I would've like, fallen asleep while walking and just dropped onto the floor. Heh.
One more week before the REAL holidays end and everyone goes back to school! I plan to enjoy this one week to the fullest (: But taking it day by day, of course. With a bit of planning for the future here and there.
---
---
I feel bad about it; but I just can't stop, and I don't know why.
Get a grip, David. Get a grip.
But yeah, it was a really enjoyable experience and even though we were all extremely sloshed after the countdown at Russell's house we know we had fun. Rebecca's brother is super adorable can! :O
I think I'll miss caroling, seriously, A TON.
So yes after we caroled at the houses we went back for candlelight service, and then we caroled some more after candlelight service. And then off to Russell's house! I think his place is pretty cool. And Eddie Russell Jon and Andrew are just plain hilarious heheh.
And then back to church with a ton of food. Bekah's going overseas for a week! Take care yeah dear (: And then slacking our bums off in church. Bertrand installed MW2! :O Played random things and stuffed our faces full of fishballs/sausages/ham until 3am before playing more cards and knocking out at about 4+.
So it would be quite DUH to say I felt tired this morning. During service my eyes kept closing of their own accord, but luckily I didn't actually fall asleep, haha. And then after that there's of course Christmas cards! THANK YOU EVERYONE who wrote me a card or gave me a present. I'm sorry I haven't been able to get round to writing cards/buying presents for you guys. But yeah; thanks Amanda Delane Rachel/Alicia Jazlyn Audrey Steph Dinah YiYing. <3 you guys loads.
Celebrated Kyle's birthday cause he's going overseas tomorrow! Some random organisation but it went well. Future LG ftw (: And then lunch at F&C Express before going back to church to... play more cards.
And I really have to thank Jazlyn for giving me a lift home in the cab; I don't think I'd have been able to make it home on my own, maybe I would've like, fallen asleep while walking and just dropped onto the floor. Heh.
One more week before the REAL holidays end and everyone goes back to school! I plan to enjoy this one week to the fullest (: But taking it day by day, of course. With a bit of planning for the future here and there.
---
---
I feel bad about it; but I just can't stop, and I don't know why.
Get a grip, David. Get a grip.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Soccer today was really really fun. Even though I didn't expect over 20 people to turn up! Lucky some people say cannot go or else we'd have close to 30 people in one court >< Which really is kinda mad.
But hopefully you guys all had fun! Thanks Karyl Bert Kenzie Cliff Daphne Justin Vic Nigel Jon Daniel Kelyn Lydia YongJie Benji SPang Dinah Wenhao Gabriel Sheldie Daniel for taking time off and coming down. I know it's been a bit messy annd chaotic but yeah hope you had a wonderful time kicking that darn ball around. (:
I stubbed my toe! Gosh I've really lost my touch after a month of not kicking a ball about. ): But at least my shots are still 50/50 there. (: Tough luck, I need to play more soccer. I'm becoming fat. -.-
Caroling again tomorrow! Camwhoring mode turning on. Can't wait can't wait can't wait. But Christmas day's going to be a sad one, mom and bros are over in Malaysia so nothing going on for dinner. >< Oh well. What to do, I committed to caroling and I'm sticking with it all the way <3
Cheerios!
---
EPIC. JUST TOO EPIC.
---
Teach me how to talk to you.
But hopefully you guys all had fun! Thanks Karyl Bert Kenzie Cliff Daphne Justin Vic Nigel Jon Daniel Kelyn Lydia YongJie Benji SPang Dinah Wenhao Gabriel Sheldie Daniel for taking time off and coming down. I know it's been a bit messy annd chaotic but yeah hope you had a wonderful time kicking that darn ball around. (:
I stubbed my toe! Gosh I've really lost my touch after a month of not kicking a ball about. ): But at least my shots are still 50/50 there. (: Tough luck, I need to play more soccer. I'm becoming fat. -.-
Caroling again tomorrow! Camwhoring mode turning on. Can't wait can't wait can't wait. But Christmas day's going to be a sad one, mom and bros are over in Malaysia so nothing going on for dinner. >< Oh well. What to do, I committed to caroling and I'm sticking with it all the way <3
Cheerios!
---
EPIC. JUST TOO EPIC.
---
Teach me how to talk to you.
Caroling is the <3. I don't care how lousy we sounded, I don't care whether anyone could hear us at all. Because it's what's in our hearts that really matters, and I know everyone at Taka today sang their hearts out for God. Even if there was a screw up here or there. Even if we looked kind of stoned. We still did it because we wanted to share the love.
Practice since 2.15 in the afternoon all the way until 5.30. But in the end we had fun, didn't we? Even though most of us stoned behind while the lead singers did their thing. And thanks to everybody who came down to support us :D
The sound system really wasn't that great; what, only 2 amps directed at the performers? >< Of course nobody could hear us luh. But gosh on the way to the stage there was this Christian band on the sidewalk and they were playing The Time Has Come intro note for note. Epicccc.
I love you carolers. :D Thanks for making life so enjoyable! Looking forward to the 24th ;D
Photos up soon!
And talking about epicccc Avatar should really fall in that category. So what if it's 2 hours and 40 minutes long? It's 160 minutes of pure action and epicness. (:
Soccer tomorrow! I can't wait; (: 20 over people already confirmed going. I highly doubt 2 hours is going to be enough. Karyl Daphne Bert Kenzie Cliff Justin Vic JonG DanielNg Nigel Leon Eddie YongJie Delane Kelyn Lydia Benji me VictorHo SamuelPang Dinah Wen Hao. Ympact soccer ftw.
Practice since 2.15 in the afternoon all the way until 5.30. But in the end we had fun, didn't we? Even though most of us stoned behind while the lead singers did their thing. And thanks to everybody who came down to support us :D
The sound system really wasn't that great; what, only 2 amps directed at the performers? >< Of course nobody could hear us luh. But gosh on the way to the stage there was this Christian band on the sidewalk and they were playing The Time Has Come intro note for note. Epicccc.
I love you carolers. :D Thanks for making life so enjoyable! Looking forward to the 24th ;D
Photos up soon!
And talking about epicccc Avatar should really fall in that category. So what if it's 2 hours and 40 minutes long? It's 160 minutes of pure action and epicness. (:
Soccer tomorrow! I can't wait; (: 20 over people already confirmed going. I highly doubt 2 hours is going to be enough. Karyl Daphne Bert Kenzie Cliff Justin Vic JonG DanielNg Nigel Leon Eddie YongJie Delane Kelyn Lydia Benji me VictorHo SamuelPang Dinah Wen Hao. Ympact soccer ftw.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Helloooooo. Worship this morning was pretty cool. Sat with camp group; YAY JUDE 10/13 people in the front! And yeah after that pretty much your normal Sunday. Although lunch with Judeans was funfunfun. Oh and some megarandom interview which was sprung onto me by Jazlyn for her mom's job. Which I got a B&J voucher out of (:
Hey Becca! I hope you like your card :D Took me pretty long to write it okay; I wrote it once then I threw it away because it didn't look nice enough. Did I tell you I have KINDA A BIT OF OCD? :D Mindy! You never go church today D: I have to pass you your card leh, HAHA. You mad/crazy person (: Oh well. I've fulfilled my quota of writing to everyone new I met at camp. :D Love you guys!
I can't wait for the following week! Although it's a bit sad I can't go to Malaysia for Christmas, but oh well, there's CAROLING. :D So a bit of publicity is merited.
HEY ALL YOU PEOPLE. Takashimaya atrium, 8.30pm, 22nd December. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE.
Yes that should do it. :D
---
Tomorrow's going to be a boring day; but after that the fun starts. And the tiredness. But who can feel tired when they're having fun? :D Not to mention... SOCCER ON WEDNESDAY! Finally managed to get nearly 15 people from Youth to play :D :D :D Happy much?
And Eddie/Andrew/Tom are coming back today! (:
Cheerios.
---
//EDIT//
Wow, my mom is hilarious. She mixed up Miami with Myanmar :D
Hey Becca! I hope you like your card :D Took me pretty long to write it okay; I wrote it once then I threw it away because it didn't look nice enough. Did I tell you I have KINDA A BIT OF OCD? :D Mindy! You never go church today D: I have to pass you your card leh, HAHA. You mad/crazy person (: Oh well. I've fulfilled my quota of writing to everyone new I met at camp. :D Love you guys!
I can't wait for the following week! Although it's a bit sad I can't go to Malaysia for Christmas, but oh well, there's CAROLING. :D So a bit of publicity is merited.
HEY ALL YOU PEOPLE. Takashimaya atrium, 8.30pm, 22nd December. BE THERE OR BE SQUARE.
Yes that should do it. :D
---
Tomorrow's going to be a boring day; but after that the fun starts. And the tiredness. But who can feel tired when they're having fun? :D Not to mention... SOCCER ON WEDNESDAY! Finally managed to get nearly 15 people from Youth to play :D :D :D Happy much?
And Eddie/Andrew/Tom are coming back today! (:
Cheerios.
---
//EDIT//
Wow, my mom is hilarious. She mixed up Miami with Myanmar :D
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Jon's party was awesome haha. Stuffed myself so full I couldn't even eat dessert after that. Except for two scoops of Island Creamery ice cream <3
I hope you guys had fun caroling at Paya Lebar Air Base! :D I'm sorry I couldn't join you guys, but since Jon asked first... ><
It's CHRISTMAS WEEK! Caroling caroling caroling whee.
Okay this is just your normal boring morning post. :D But yes, I think I've found a good video to show you lovable blog visitors.
Is talent really all it takes? (:
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CHENGYI. Have a good trip to Europe kay? Take care of yourself; I'm sorry I didn't go down to Changi to send you off. I know you'll miss all of us and we're gonna miss you too. But two weeks will fly by before you know it and all of a sudden you're gonna have school again. So yeah, God bless; <3 ya!
I hope you guys had fun caroling at Paya Lebar Air Base! :D I'm sorry I couldn't join you guys, but since Jon asked first... ><
It's CHRISTMAS WEEK! Caroling caroling caroling whee.
Okay this is just your normal boring morning post. :D But yes, I think I've found a good video to show you lovable blog visitors.
Is talent really all it takes? (:
---
CHENGYI. Have a good trip to Europe kay? Take care of yourself; I'm sorry I didn't go down to Changi to send you off. I know you'll miss all of us and we're gonna miss you too. But two weeks will fly by before you know it and all of a sudden you're gonna have school again. So yeah, God bless; <3 ya!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
John 9:23 "Then He said to them all, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Thank You God so, so much.
I don't think I'll do a day by day recount of camp. It's too mindboggling. But yeah. I love Jude. I think we're super bonded now, and I really didn't expect the wonders camp has done.
I've made tons of new friends. I've learnt so much more about walking the Disciple's path. I've become so much closer to God. And I'm so thankful that this has happened, I never could have expected it. Nothing comes close.
Pastor Glenn was amazing; I feel He's really made us think, made us think about the wonders of God and how we should really take up our Cross and follow Him. And it's so heartening to see people go up to the altar and just giving up their lives to God and breaking down. And even though sometimes it just feels a bit draggy, nobody got lost, everyone continued taking notes, paying attention, focusing the best they could. It's really very cool.
The second day was possibly a bit too heavy on the knowledge side, but I'm glad everyone got through it, although everyone was probably dragging their feet and everything. But the Disciple's Cross is just full of meaning. Chock full of it. Not to mention what I learned about being a Christian leader. I quote Bertrand. "In Christian leadership, the higher you climb, the lower you are." And I've come to realize that that is so true; that that is what Jesus did for us.
And day three just provided the perfect antithesis. Physically tiring, yet mentally refreshing. Just a day of fellowship with friends playing games, having fun, laughing till our lungs burst. And even though the rain trashed most of the later program, through God's abundant grace we continued to have fun, not letting our spirits be dampened by the storm. Really, it's a good analogy. Life's going well, we're having fun, but suddenly everything is cut short by a storm and routine is thrown out the window. But we draw strength from God and continue on the path with Him! And after the storm abated we pushed on with the mass games, which EVERYBODY enjoyed.
I want to thank my group for the wonderful time they've provided. Amanda, Audrey, Ashley, Cheng Yi, Benjamin, Deborah, Samantha Liew, Samuel Pang, Jazlyn, Nick, and of course Yi Ying and Bertrand. You guys have made all the time invested in camp fun filled and I hope the bonds we've formed will stand the tests of time. And Bert, thanks so much for the advice you gave me. I might be a BIT scared of you, but you're too nice. (:
Pictures on Facebook!
So, just a word of encouragement to my dear members of Jude and any other camper,
I'm really glad you guys chose to come for camp. It wouldn't have been possible without you campers, and surely this is God's work. I really didn't expect much from camp, because I didn't have any experience leading a group; didn't have any experience with spiritual camps at all, this only being my second camp. But God led the way, and I've come to love 13th Crossing. I'm sure God has touched each and every one of us in a mighty way throughout the duration of the camp, and I just want to say that whatever He has said to you, be it through the sermons, the games, or even the fellowship, keep it in your heart, let it take root, and watch as God does wonders in your life. But it's not going to be easy; we all learnt that during camp. It takes hard work. It takes sacrifice. It takes dying to yourself. And I'd just like to encourage everyone to keep at it, no matter how hard the going gets.
Definitely, I'm going to need encouragement too. But that's what fellowship with other believers is for! We're never alone, we're surrounded by fellow beings who want the same thing, a life completely abandoned to Jesus Christ. Remember the Disciple's Cross? A life centered around Christ, being rooted in the Word, praying to God, fellowshipping with believers, and witnessing to the world. Let's all embark on this journey together, as Ympact.
And don't let these wonderful seeds that have been sown during camp get stolen away. From Matthew 13:3-9, "Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear." Be the seed that fell on good ground! (:
And to all the new Ympacters, a warm welcome to Ympact. I really enjoyed your presence at camp, and I'm sure you have a great future ahead of you. The bonds forged during camp are durable and strong, and I'm happy that I've made many of these bonds. Not only creating new ones, but at the same time reinforcing those friendships I'd made before.
And as we resume our daily lifestyles, let's not forget about what God has done at this camp. Let's not forget what He has made possible, let's not forget what He has created. Even though the going gets tough, "strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord". So take heart, be strong, pick up that Cross in front of you, and follow Him through the chaos and confusion, and be the salt and light to a dark world. Praise the everlasting God!
I WILL NEVER FORGET 13TH CROSSING. NEVER. THANK YOU SO MUCH, CAMPCOMM, SUBCOMM, CAMPERS. I miss you guys already. I miss the times we had. And I just wish that these moments of fun, moments of epic proportions, will just stay with me till the day I die. (:
---
PRAISE HIM.
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Go Judy go Judy go, bring them down, bring them down!
---
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indeed God, You are indescribable. There's nothing that we can say to bottle the wonders You've done at camp. So continue to work in our lives I pray. Help us follow you like sheep, help us pick up our cross daily. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Thank You God so, so much.
I don't think I'll do a day by day recount of camp. It's too mindboggling. But yeah. I love Jude. I think we're super bonded now, and I really didn't expect the wonders camp has done.
I've made tons of new friends. I've learnt so much more about walking the Disciple's path. I've become so much closer to God. And I'm so thankful that this has happened, I never could have expected it. Nothing comes close.
Pastor Glenn was amazing; I feel He's really made us think, made us think about the wonders of God and how we should really take up our Cross and follow Him. And it's so heartening to see people go up to the altar and just giving up their lives to God and breaking down. And even though sometimes it just feels a bit draggy, nobody got lost, everyone continued taking notes, paying attention, focusing the best they could. It's really very cool.
The second day was possibly a bit too heavy on the knowledge side, but I'm glad everyone got through it, although everyone was probably dragging their feet and everything. But the Disciple's Cross is just full of meaning. Chock full of it. Not to mention what I learned about being a Christian leader. I quote Bertrand. "In Christian leadership, the higher you climb, the lower you are." And I've come to realize that that is so true; that that is what Jesus did for us.
And day three just provided the perfect antithesis. Physically tiring, yet mentally refreshing. Just a day of fellowship with friends playing games, having fun, laughing till our lungs burst. And even though the rain trashed most of the later program, through God's abundant grace we continued to have fun, not letting our spirits be dampened by the storm. Really, it's a good analogy. Life's going well, we're having fun, but suddenly everything is cut short by a storm and routine is thrown out the window. But we draw strength from God and continue on the path with Him! And after the storm abated we pushed on with the mass games, which EVERYBODY enjoyed.
I want to thank my group for the wonderful time they've provided. Amanda, Audrey, Ashley, Cheng Yi, Benjamin, Deborah, Samantha Liew, Samuel Pang, Jazlyn, Nick, and of course Yi Ying and Bertrand. You guys have made all the time invested in camp fun filled and I hope the bonds we've formed will stand the tests of time. And Bert, thanks so much for the advice you gave me. I might be a BIT scared of you, but you're too nice. (:
Pictures on Facebook!
So, just a word of encouragement to my dear members of Jude and any other camper,
I'm really glad you guys chose to come for camp. It wouldn't have been possible without you campers, and surely this is God's work. I really didn't expect much from camp, because I didn't have any experience leading a group; didn't have any experience with spiritual camps at all, this only being my second camp. But God led the way, and I've come to love 13th Crossing. I'm sure God has touched each and every one of us in a mighty way throughout the duration of the camp, and I just want to say that whatever He has said to you, be it through the sermons, the games, or even the fellowship, keep it in your heart, let it take root, and watch as God does wonders in your life. But it's not going to be easy; we all learnt that during camp. It takes hard work. It takes sacrifice. It takes dying to yourself. And I'd just like to encourage everyone to keep at it, no matter how hard the going gets.
Definitely, I'm going to need encouragement too. But that's what fellowship with other believers is for! We're never alone, we're surrounded by fellow beings who want the same thing, a life completely abandoned to Jesus Christ. Remember the Disciple's Cross? A life centered around Christ, being rooted in the Word, praying to God, fellowshipping with believers, and witnessing to the world. Let's all embark on this journey together, as Ympact.
And don't let these wonderful seeds that have been sown during camp get stolen away. From Matthew 13:3-9, "Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear." Be the seed that fell on good ground! (:
And to all the new Ympacters, a warm welcome to Ympact. I really enjoyed your presence at camp, and I'm sure you have a great future ahead of you. The bonds forged during camp are durable and strong, and I'm happy that I've made many of these bonds. Not only creating new ones, but at the same time reinforcing those friendships I'd made before.
And as we resume our daily lifestyles, let's not forget about what God has done at this camp. Let's not forget what He has made possible, let's not forget what He has created. Even though the going gets tough, "strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord". So take heart, be strong, pick up that Cross in front of you, and follow Him through the chaos and confusion, and be the salt and light to a dark world. Praise the everlasting God!
I WILL NEVER FORGET 13TH CROSSING. NEVER. THANK YOU SO MUCH, CAMPCOMM, SUBCOMM, CAMPERS. I miss you guys already. I miss the times we had. And I just wish that these moments of fun, moments of epic proportions, will just stay with me till the day I die. (:
---
PRAISE HIM.
---
Go Judy go Judy go, bring them down, bring them down!
---
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Indeed God, You are indescribable. There's nothing that we can say to bottle the wonders You've done at camp. So continue to work in our lives I pray. Help us follow you like sheep, help us pick up our cross daily. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Whee camp groupings are out! I really really am getting pumped up for camp.
Later today.. Hah I don't have anything to do until 5.30pm ): So like, 5 hours of nothingness! Before dinner with peoples and caroling. <3 caroling.
Yay okay short post much. Sorry la.
Haha, someone please explain to me why I cannot get back to sleep after waking up. My bio clock is set for 8 to 9am. And once I wake up I just cannot fall back asleep. It totally sucks.
Oh wells.
Later today.. Hah I don't have anything to do until 5.30pm ): So like, 5 hours of nothingness! Before dinner with peoples and caroling. <3 caroling.
Yay okay short post much. Sorry la.
Haha, someone please explain to me why I cannot get back to sleep after waking up. My bio clock is set for 8 to 9am. And once I wake up I just cannot fall back asleep. It totally sucks.
Oh wells.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Modern Warfare 2 is AWESOME. Seriously it's so awesome I can't take more than an hour of playing it.
And I got Call of Duty 2! Yay, I know it's old but oh well. Thanks Sheldie. :D
Camp's starting in 4 days. You know right when I reminded my mom about camp she just suddenly turned on me. Like one moment she's talking to me normally, the next she's exhorting how I'm a disgrace to the church and how she hates hypocrites and all. And she was like, "No need tell me, just do whatever you want". It's as though there's this switch which is triggered by the word "church". And it's so damn irritating because I've done nothing wrong for what, nearly a week already. And she just goes off without warning, at all.
And then she tells me to ask my pastor why she's talking like that. As if he'd know? And honestly, I think he'd tell you (as I've been doing) that you are misguided about Christianity and Christians and the church in general. We cannot be perfect; we can only try to be so. Try.
Haiz but I really don't know how to tell her that because she will NEVER listen to me. EVER. No matter what happens. Ugh. How am I supposed to show her that I have already changed for the better? It's never going to happen, no matter how good I'll be. I can be an angel for months in a row and one day I just get angry and she'll be all "You're a total hypocrite and I hate people like that". It's so undeserved.
Yes Cheng Yi, that was what I was gonna rant to you about. Haha. Maybe you've seen this, but I won't know.
But I really can't wait for camp, even though Bert's trying his best to dissuade me with his antics. HAHA. Just kidding. (:
---
Paranoia's taking over; looking over my back too frequently. And my parents aren't helping with their attitude towards me. Haha.
Oh well, Grace, you have fun and take care in America yeah? Don't get mugged, I want my present (: Cheerio.
---
PEOPLE PRAY FOR CAMP AND TOFU PLEASE. (:
Like,
Dear Father,
I pray that You'll bless Tofu and 13th Crossing.
I pray that You'll send the Holy Spirit to move among us and work in us in big ways during this camp.
I pray that the Tofu team and Camp comm will continue to draw strength from you as they enter the last hurdle.
I pray that you'll shield the campsite and church from bad weather so that everything may progress without a hitch.
Please bless the campers; the Ympact members, the new Sec 1s, the GB girls. Show them that it's Your work being done here.
I pray for all the leaders; that we'll look to You for guidance always, and that we'll be an example to the group members.
Also, I pray that You'll keep us safe from injuries; grant us journey mercies so that we may have a fruitful and fun camp, without too many worries. (:
All this in Jesus' most wonderful name;
Amen.
And I got Call of Duty 2! Yay, I know it's old but oh well. Thanks Sheldie. :D
Camp's starting in 4 days. You know right when I reminded my mom about camp she just suddenly turned on me. Like one moment she's talking to me normally, the next she's exhorting how I'm a disgrace to the church and how she hates hypocrites and all. And she was like, "No need tell me, just do whatever you want". It's as though there's this switch which is triggered by the word "church". And it's so damn irritating because I've done nothing wrong for what, nearly a week already. And she just goes off without warning, at all.
And then she tells me to ask my pastor why she's talking like that. As if he'd know? And honestly, I think he'd tell you (as I've been doing) that you are misguided about Christianity and Christians and the church in general. We cannot be perfect; we can only try to be so. Try.
Haiz but I really don't know how to tell her that because she will NEVER listen to me. EVER. No matter what happens. Ugh. How am I supposed to show her that I have already changed for the better? It's never going to happen, no matter how good I'll be. I can be an angel for months in a row and one day I just get angry and she'll be all "You're a total hypocrite and I hate people like that". It's so undeserved.
Yes Cheng Yi, that was what I was gonna rant to you about. Haha. Maybe you've seen this, but I won't know.
But I really can't wait for camp, even though Bert's trying his best to dissuade me with his antics. HAHA. Just kidding. (:
---
Paranoia's taking over; looking over my back too frequently. And my parents aren't helping with their attitude towards me. Haha.
Oh well, Grace, you have fun and take care in America yeah? Don't get mugged, I want my present (: Cheerio.
---
PEOPLE PRAY FOR CAMP AND TOFU PLEASE. (:
Like,
Dear Father,
I pray that You'll bless Tofu and 13th Crossing.
I pray that You'll send the Holy Spirit to move among us and work in us in big ways during this camp.
I pray that the Tofu team and Camp comm will continue to draw strength from you as they enter the last hurdle.
I pray that you'll shield the campsite and church from bad weather so that everything may progress without a hitch.
Please bless the campers; the Ympact members, the new Sec 1s, the GB girls. Show them that it's Your work being done here.
I pray for all the leaders; that we'll look to You for guidance always, and that we'll be an example to the group members.
Also, I pray that You'll keep us safe from injuries; grant us journey mercies so that we may have a fruitful and fun camp, without too many worries. (:
All this in Jesus' most wonderful name;
Amen.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Yay she's back (:
Okay maybe yesterday wasn't really a welcome back party of sorts, but it was still fun. :D
Camp is in five days! I really really really cannot wait omgomgomg.
Hmm why don't I have anything to talk about. Caroling in a couple of weeks too. I wonder what I'll do when my family is away on holiday. Hmm.
(:
Okay hopefully something more fun will happen later so I can blog about it.
//EDIT//
GO SEE THIS BAND.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghhivSh1hSc&feature=fvst
---
Oh right, QUOTE OF THE YESTEDAY.
"Is that a stray kid?" - Sng Yong Jie
HAHA EPIC RIGHT. I think I'm gonna love my LG. (:
---
And yes, happy birthday Alicia! It's been really nice knowing you although you can be really very much like your sister sometime. :D I'll leave you to go interpret that yourself!
And yeah, the usual thing I say to everyone who has a birthday post on my blog. Continue to grow in the Lord yeah! And aiyo go become an SGL la you slacker, only 3 guys from our year becoming you know? D:
Anyway yes, I know you had fun having two birthday celebrations in a row. (Peanut butter/banana/butter cake isn't too bad eh?) Hahaha. Take care yeah! God bless.
---
And the verse today is..
1 Peter 2:16 (New International Version)
Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
(:
Okay maybe yesterday wasn't really a welcome back party of sorts, but it was still fun. :D
Camp is in five days! I really really really cannot wait omgomgomg.
Hmm why don't I have anything to talk about. Caroling in a couple of weeks too. I wonder what I'll do when my family is away on holiday. Hmm.
(:
Okay hopefully something more fun will happen later so I can blog about it.
//EDIT//
GO SEE THIS BAND.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghhivSh1hSc&feature=fvst
---
Oh right, QUOTE OF THE YESTEDAY.
"Is that a stray kid?" - Sng Yong Jie
HAHA EPIC RIGHT. I think I'm gonna love my LG. (:
---
And yes, happy birthday Alicia! It's been really nice knowing you although you can be really very much like your sister sometime. :D I'll leave you to go interpret that yourself!
And yeah, the usual thing I say to everyone who has a birthday post on my blog. Continue to grow in the Lord yeah! And aiyo go become an SGL la you slacker, only 3 guys from our year becoming you know? D:
Anyway yes, I know you had fun having two birthday celebrations in a row. (Peanut butter/banana/butter cake isn't too bad eh?) Hahaha. Take care yeah! God bless.
---
And the verse today is..
1 Peter 2:16 (New International Version)
Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
(:
Saturday, December 5, 2009
I can totally understand what 'generation gap' means in all it's subtleties. And that's through experiencing it everyday.
Jamming after One Voice practice today was awesome; we totally revamped all the caroling songs into rock/pop versions haha. And caroling was super fun too! Ben actually bothered to go formulate a choreography for We Wish You A Merry Christmas. O_O
Cheng Yi's coming back tomorrow! Yay.
Gosh I really should stop wasting my life on DotA game after DotA game. Or Blackshot match after Blackshot match. ): I need something more meaningful to do! And that's coming right up with camp on the horizon. Have I ever mentioned that I totally cannot wait for camp this year? And caroling. (: Christmas is the best.
Okay now I'm going to go do something. I have no idea what. Anybody have suggestions?
(Thanks Pastor! For all the books and CDs and everything; THEY ARE AWESOMELY COOL.)
And yeah sorry Jazlyn, I didn't mean to offend you that way. I really didn't know you'd react so drastically. That's why I was a bit stoned/not smiling. Yeah. No hard feelings! (:
Honestly, is it childish or immature to complain to friends about how life sucks and how your parents had been (this is purely hypothetical) so irritating the past few days? Because sometimes I get the impression some people feel that way >< Oh well.
Paul Baloche and Casting Crowns.
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star
While angels sang to lowly shepherds
Three Wiseman seeking truth they traveled from afar
Hoping to find the child from heaven
Falling on their knees they bow before the humble Prince of Peace
We bring an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord I bring an offering to you
The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love
There is no shadow in your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your blood
It's only through Your mercy
Lord, I come
I bring an offering of worship to my King
[ Casting Crowns Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, I bring an offering to you
We bring an offering to you
We are an offering to you
We are an offering to you, Jesus
We are an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, we bring an offering to you
O Lord, we bring an offering to you
We bring an offering to you
We are an offering to you
We are an offering to you
---
Let's go;
Jamming after One Voice practice today was awesome; we totally revamped all the caroling songs into rock/pop versions haha. And caroling was super fun too! Ben actually bothered to go formulate a choreography for We Wish You A Merry Christmas. O_O
Cheng Yi's coming back tomorrow! Yay.
Gosh I really should stop wasting my life on DotA game after DotA game. Or Blackshot match after Blackshot match. ): I need something more meaningful to do! And that's coming right up with camp on the horizon. Have I ever mentioned that I totally cannot wait for camp this year? And caroling. (: Christmas is the best.
Okay now I'm going to go do something. I have no idea what. Anybody have suggestions?
(Thanks Pastor! For all the books and CDs and everything; THEY ARE AWESOMELY COOL.)
And yeah sorry Jazlyn, I didn't mean to offend you that way. I really didn't know you'd react so drastically. That's why I was a bit stoned/not smiling. Yeah. No hard feelings! (:
Honestly, is it childish or immature to complain to friends about how life sucks and how your parents had been (this is purely hypothetical) so irritating the past few days? Because sometimes I get the impression some people feel that way >< Oh well.
Paul Baloche and Casting Crowns.
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star
While angels sang to lowly shepherds
Three Wiseman seeking truth they traveled from afar
Hoping to find the child from heaven
Falling on their knees they bow before the humble Prince of Peace
We bring an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord I bring an offering to you
The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love
There is no shadow in your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your blood
It's only through Your mercy
Lord, I come
I bring an offering of worship to my King
[ Casting Crowns Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, I bring an offering to you
We bring an offering to you
We are an offering to you
We are an offering to you, Jesus
We are an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that you're due
O Lord, we bring an offering to you
O Lord, we bring an offering to you
We bring an offering to you
We are an offering to you
We are an offering to you
---
Let's go;
Friday, December 4, 2009
I realize right, for some unknown reason I totally SUCK at moving conversations forward. ):
Oh well. SGL interview today was... haha fun actually. And I really pity the Program subcomm. Seeing as they've been having a games dry run from 5 in the afternoon till now, and it still hasn't ended, and they have a continued dry run tomorrow from 9 am to about 6 pm, which really is kinda scary. But everything in the name of God and camp! I can't wait for it.
Nerf guns are absolutely AWESOME. Marcus actually bought 4 of them and we played in the MPH earlier today. Haha, it's scary how far the darts can actually travel, (:
Tomorrow is a kinda long day, although not nearly as long as what the Program people will be facing. Caroling in the afternoon followed by worship practice. Whee, I just love the weekend.
HOLIDAYS ARE SO DRAB. But the problem is, I'm too LAZY to go actually do work even though I'm already pretty bored by the lack of anything to do! =\
Kay, today's cool video. Haha.
I WANT THAT GAME. But I have no money. I REALLY should go start working. ><
Oh never mind.
---
How I wish I knew what to say, how to react, when to talk.
Oh well. SGL interview today was... haha fun actually. And I really pity the Program subcomm. Seeing as they've been having a games dry run from 5 in the afternoon till now, and it still hasn't ended, and they have a continued dry run tomorrow from 9 am to about 6 pm, which really is kinda scary. But everything in the name of God and camp! I can't wait for it.
Nerf guns are absolutely AWESOME. Marcus actually bought 4 of them and we played in the MPH earlier today. Haha, it's scary how far the darts can actually travel, (:
Tomorrow is a kinda long day, although not nearly as long as what the Program people will be facing. Caroling in the afternoon followed by worship practice. Whee, I just love the weekend.
HOLIDAYS ARE SO DRAB. But the problem is, I'm too LAZY to go actually do work even though I'm already pretty bored by the lack of anything to do! =\
Kay, today's cool video. Haha.
I WANT THAT GAME. But I have no money. I REALLY should go start working. ><
Oh never mind.
---
How I wish I knew what to say, how to react, when to talk.
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