Monday, February 28, 2011
Hakuna Matata
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Melancholy
There is a lot to do this week. I think I'm starting to worry about the amount of work I have to do. I need a miracle to happen. I feel like reading.
I bought 2 books during retreat. I'm super excited to read one of them. It is called "Flesh-and-Blood Jesus". According to the summary on the back of the book it is about how Jesus Christ lived. I've been waiting to learn about this for the longest time ever this term. Finally, I have the chance. Yess!
I need to "die heart" at this moment for this particular "situation". Talking to J.Ho on the weekend really helped to do that. If only J.Ho lived in our room and told me the same things she told me during retreat everyday of the week. *laughs* The verse that is speaking to me at the moment is:
"And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus"
Friday, February 25, 2011
Retreat
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
t.dot & highschool
Evangelizing at UHS tomorrow. I'm excited! I would like to see a revival at a highschool.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Family Day
Sometimes I feel afraid of speaking to my parents. Sometimes I feel ashamed but God tells us not to be ashamed of Him or He will be ashamed of us. I don't want God to be ashamed of me. That is my only encouragement right now to proclaim my faith to my parents.
I look at my dad and he doesn't look loving. So easily angered. Always complaining. Never thankful. Always putting me down. Always favouritizing.
I look at my mom and she doesn't look loving. Always watching dramas and never turning the television off when she knows her children have to do their homework. Always buying useless stuff. Always making excuses not to go to church.
I look at my sister who is always aroused by "love" stories and relationships.
I look at my brother who is always surrounded by idols. Wii. Penspinning. DS. Chess. (the other day my brother told me he didn't want to go to church)
I look at myself and feel ashamed because I am clueless. I don't know how to get out of this mess. I don't know how to motivate my mother to go back to church. I don't know how to calmdown and lessen my father's temper tantrums. I don't know how to make my sister read books about God's Love and not world "love". I don't know how to make my brother drop all these idols and pick up the Bible. I feel so disconnected from them.
My family didn't do a single thing together today on family day. We didn't even eat together at the dinner table. There was always a person missing.
Today is family day. Really?!? Family day? Are you sure it isn't a week from now? or a month from now? or a year from now? or did it already pass? What family day. It doesn't exist in my family.
Prayer: Father, thank You for a family. Thank You for a father and a mother who keep food on the table. Thank You for two siblings who keep me company. Father, I don't know how to Love them but teach me. Give me the Holy Spirit to behave and speak as Christ would infront of them. Provide me with courage and boldness to not be afraid. Make me persevere with faith and without doubt to have hope that they will return to You. I need to have trust in You and You alone.
Television = idol
This reminds me of something that was said at winter camp in gr.11. The television in our American/British/Canadian/etc.. house hold is seen as an idol in the eyes of Christians that don't own a television set. We spend so much time infront of that thing instead of with our family. Sometimes it isn't even our television set, it is our laptop or computer. These household objects that we place before God are seen as everyday household objects. Gosh and this electronic is so tempting to sit infront of and not shut down.
Sometimes we don't see what we place as an idol until someone smashes your face with a frying pan which has a picture of the idol on it. Soon after, you feel pain 'cuz you know you've been hiding yourself from God.
Prayer: God, show us what we place as idols in our lives and deliver us from temptation so that we could fully concentrate on You, alone.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Cults & Sleep Paralysis
I experienced sleep paralysis again last night. It was really frightening this time 'round. I went to sleep after I shared the Gospel with my brother. I suddenly woke up when I felt my stomach or abdomen was starting to deflate. I tried moving my head but I felt something pushing it down. I started to hear this deep manly voice in my head. It was really scary. I don't remember what it was saying but I started praying and tried wiggling my fingers. (I wiggle my fingers because usually the motion starts to de-paralyse my body by making motion return to my body). Unfortunately, I couldn't wiggle my fingers or toes this time. All I could do is open or shut my eyes. I prayed to God and asked for help. I felt frightened and asked God for help. I asked not to be afraid but to have faith that He would get me out of the situation. After I finished praying I shouted, "In the name of Jesus Christ leave!" and I got up from bed.
My brother asked me, "Jocelyn, are you okay?"
I told him I was and to go back to sleep. Then I thanked God and went back to bed.
Prayer: God, thank You for faith. Thank You for Your Son. You said that even the demons know you are God and they shudder at the sound of Your Son's name. God thank You for Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
False Prophets
G.Chan and I went to teashop168 after CCF and we bumped into these Filipino people. They were raising money for people in Asia. I asked them if they were Christians and they said yes. G.Chan and I told them that we were Christian too. The conversation I had with them sounded quite queer. They didn't seem to understand what the Holy Spirit was. Moreover, the didn't know the same worship songs as G.Chan and I. I know that Christians worship with different songs, such as hymns and songs that they create to worship God. However, it was weird 'cuz they didn't know "Light of the World", which is a pretty well-known song amongst Christians. When they went into teashop168 they played a song by Jason Mraz, "I'm Yours", which was weird 'cuz they should have played Christians songs if they were Christian and doing something to worship God? Well iunno, I don't want to question them that much. All they gave me before I left was the site to their "church": here
I went back to rez and checked out the site. There wasn't any mention of Jesus Christ being Son of Man and that He died for our sins so that we could be with God forever. Aiyahh...so scary. In the website they declared that some pastor in the Philipines was Son of God, which is quite queer.
G.Chan said that those people were around in 'loo for a couple of weeks already since E.Mak bumped into them. K.Lam and I were talking just now and she said that some cults are made to just take people's money.
I'm so scared right now...
Prayer: God, deliver those who are lost back to You. I pray that they don't get blinded by the lies of the world but they will see the Truth, the Way and the Life. God I pray that they see Your Son, Jesus Christ, as the Son of Man and as the Son of God. God I pray that they do not use Your Son's name in vain. God I pray that people don't get deceived. God deliver us! We need You. We're desperate for Your touch which is True and is Love. God thank You for wisdom and knowledge. Thank You for discernment. Thank You for Your Love and Your Holy Spirit.
God thank You for reminding me of why I wanted to learn the guitar again, which is to worship You day and night. Thank You for this gift to evangelize to the lost God! RAWR! I love You! Amen.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Crumbled
Monday, February 14, 2011
Three Trees
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were
discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I
hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and
precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone
would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I
will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of
the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my
hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest
and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the
hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and
how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time
and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true,
a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree
he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to
sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree
was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a
treasure chest.
At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong
tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was
happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was
frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would
not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special
from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into
a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with
hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut
and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship
and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large
pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees
forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth
and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from
the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the
baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the
importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure
of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made
from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While
they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't
think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the
sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At
this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its
boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried
through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it.
When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in
the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to
realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be
as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be
going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place
your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got
what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always
know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our
ways, but His ways are always best.
I can't study...
There is something bothering me too. I think this is what is preventing me from wanting to study.
Praye: God, I need your help. I need You to take me out this despair. Take me out of being hopeless and unmotivated. God I want to glorify You through my studies. God You still are good.
Psalm 107
his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.
4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5 They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the plans of the Most High.
12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
18 They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.
23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the LORD,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
33 He turned rivers into a desert,
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35 He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
and he did not let their herds diminish.
39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40 he who pours contempt on nobles
made them wander in a trackless waste.
41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
42 The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.
43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.
I think this passage is beautiful. God Loves us. He tells us this in the beginning of the passage. He isn't just all wrath and anger. He is only upset and angry when we sin or when we turn away from Him. Why? Because He hates sin. He can't stop punishing sin because it is something that is not of Him. Even though we sin, He still loves us. He tells us that when we repent and cry out to Him, He will help us. He will come to our rescue.
Prayer: Father, You are so loving. Even when we stray away You still come to our rescue when we realize we have sinned against You. You are our lifesaver. Thank You for being such a Loving God.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Praise n' Prayer
I feel the same way when I am worshipping. I feel very relaxed.
Prayer: God, I thank You so much that I can pray and worship You everyday. God, You are my chill-pill. God, You are the one who gives me energy and rest. Thank You!
Sleep.
Prayer: God forgive me of ruining Your santuary. I need Your help. I need You to help discipline me and organize my schedule. I can't do this myself. I can't work efficiently and concentrate without You. I need You Jesus. I need You Father. I need You Holy Spirit. God provide me with rest during the night so that I may glorify You in the day.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Smile because it is Beautiful (to me)
I went into the Caf and ordered a #5 beef @Teriyaki. The line up for Teriyaki was long and I had to wait but luckily I didn't feel bored because I was singing worship songs. I wondered if people listened 'cuz I hope they listened to the lyrics and not my voice.
After I got my order, I went to the cashier. The cashier lady didn't look that happy. She had a frown on her face and her wrinkles showed that she was slightly troubled. I don't think she likes her job that much. She greeted, "Hi" and I replyed "How was your day?" then she smiled. I was so happy when she smiled. I told her that I had a physics midterm and she wished me luck, with a smile, and I left.
Gosh, I like it when people smile a friendly smile. It is so beautiful.
I also like asking people about how their day was 'cuz I know that, for me personally, I would feel like I'm cared for by others. It is also a way to show God's Love when you try to catch up with someone or just to get to know them better.
RAWR! ASK THE CAF LADY HOW SHE WAS!!! (Me challenge!)
Prayer: God, thank you for that lovely Caf lady @SLC today. I hope my brothers and sisters will continue to show Your Love to her and brighten her day. Lord, MAKE HER SMILE!! AND REJOICE IN YOU ALWAYS!! : D
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Break my Heart
Monday, February 7, 2011
Heart Don't Beat for It. You don't live for it.
Prayer: God deliver me from temptation. God deliver me from sin. God I need your help. Help me. Fill me so much that I don't think about this anymore. I want to wake-up in the morning and think about You only.
Fasting/Lenting [Part 2]
Result:
I learned a lot, summary:
- prayer - pray always with thanksgiving
- rejoice always
- it is okay to...(this is a DG thing)
- 3 pre-studies
- better discipline (but not the best at it yet, just starting off)
- finish a number of books (devo and Bibo')
- more time talking and sharing with others
- learning guitar
- sleeping earlier
life is good...but not the best
Lost Feelings
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Lead me to the Cross
Down in the Dumps
I still need to remember to rejoice.
I went to simplyChurch today. It was okay. I didn't really like the story telling thing about Paul although I learned a lil' more about his history. I didn't feel like going to the Bible Study workshop after. (It didn't feel like it was helping me anyway) so I went home and worshipped. Worship made me feel better. I napped and now I'm awake. I'm still a lil' on the blah side of things but I feel better.
I think I'm going to go to Harvest from now on. I don't know what I don't like about simplyChurch but the atmosphere doesn't seem right. It feels dead.
Listening to worship songs now.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Charlotte Bobcats!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Smile for God.
AHHH...I don't know what to do with this energy that is given from God. Sometimes my heart stirrs very hard and because of that I feel like puking or something like that.
SOOO filled with the Spirit right now.
Prayer: God tell me what to do with this Joy you've given to me. Tell me how I can release it in the most Holy way.
Snow Storm Snow Fall
"We're all snowflakes. As one we melt and do nothing but together we're a snowstorm."
: )
Prayer: Thank You for the snow Lord and thank You for KLam : )
Family Prayer
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Pump It! Louder!
God thank you for Genesis 1-3.
Only when I read it deeper do I see how Holy You are and how powerful You are and how Wonderful You are.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
Prayer: Thank You God for creating the heavens and earth. It really shows Your majesty. Thank You for the book of Genesis, it is so beautiful. Thank You God for the tree of knowledge so that I may truely understand Your love for us, which is giving us choice and grace and mercy and LOVE. Thank You for your Son, Jesus Christ! Thank You Jesus for Your Love. Thank You Holy Spirit for guiding me, convicting me, and accompaning me. Thank You, You Three! Love You much (I wish I could Love as much as You Three).
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
I feel like sharing the gospel today.
Gospel Sharing Time
This is baddd...
I remember a couple weeks ago I was sharing the gospel to this guy (he makes me feel kinda pissed off...but be slow to anger). At first I questionned him about his faith in Catholicism and other Catholic stuff like the Rosary and Virgin Mary. Then I talked to him about the stuff that were similar between Christianity and Catholics. I asked him if he knew the gospel (which is shared between both "religions") and he said "No."
I was freakin' shocked! (It makes me kinda pissed off since he said that 'cuz he keeps on talking about hypocrites who don't go to church because of faith, etc... when he doesn't know the gospel himself)
So I shared the gospel with him without any anger at all (which is weird 'cuz since the beginning of 2011 he makes me feel annoyed when I see or talk to him because of some personal reasons).
When I finished sharing I felt really well. I felt like I was released all my stress. It felt relaxing. It felt comforting. It felt like I could sigh with content. I felt like smiling.
Can you believe that? Sharing the gospel as plain and true as it could be could make you feel relaxed?
WOW!
Prayer: Thank you for the gospel papa! It saves and it relaxes. It makes me smile and want to twirl and dance : )
I don't mind the snow
The snow outside is so pretty too! I really like snow. It is so white and pure. It is so beautiful since it just settles on the ground. I don't see a snow storm as something bad. I see it as something beautiful. I love stomping around in the snow with my boots. hehe : ) I like running in the snow too. It is so funnn.
Prayer: Thanks for the snow dad!