Thursday, July 31, 2008

I Can Only Imagine - Mercy Me

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

祷告 - Prayer (Spring of Praise)

One of my favorites for this album. It is nevertheless the song that touched me most when I was very down last year. God accompanied me through it all. Enjoy the song once again. :)

祷告

V1:
祷告
因为我渺小
祷告
因为我知道我需要
明瞭
你心意对我重要

V2:
祷告
已假装不了
祷告
因为你的爱我需要
你关怀
我走过的你都明白

Chorus:
有些事我只想要对你说
因你比任何人都爱我
痛苦从眼中流下
我知道你为我擦

在早晨我也要来对你说
主耶稣今天我为你活
所需要的力量你天天赐给我
你恩典够我用






and the original song from 赞美之泉

禱Prayer - dao gao (zhan mei zhi quan) - 讚美之泉

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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Evening Colours

I was home pretty early yesterday. Hmm, while walking back home, there isn't much of anticipation. However, when I entered the house, I realised the beautiful colours of the evening awaits me outside the flat's balcony. And I captured down the wonderful moments of God and me. How dull it will be if this world is without colours? How boring it will be if God created the world without me in it? haha...

Thank God for being such a creative God. :p



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Monday, July 28, 2008

The Newly Wedded Couple - T & J

Alright! Finally, the day for Thomas and Jieyi has finally arrived! 26 July 2008!

The couple finally walked the aisle and committed their lives as one to God! It was an awesome time because God really saw them through the entire process... and finally, we can all take a deep breathe in! *phew*

So I reached the place pretty early... 9 am... And the one earlier than me will be Ms Josherine Toh... Thank God for Josh.. she helped me to get plasters or else I think my poor foot's blister will suffer even more! hee..

Anyway below are some pics for the wedding... :p

Introducing the worship team... Beng Eu and Josherine as Back-up and Pamela as my Pianist... A team with very good spirited people... Really love you guys... Hee... (Missing in action... Mr Looe Kuan Loong...) I think he was busy fixing his guitar ba...

The gals... Long time friends since youth days... (but don't know why Josherine cannot remember tt...hahaha...)


The couple!! Jieyi and Thomas... Aren't they lovely?!?!?! hee...


Mikka, May, Lirong and Mikka's Ex-Colleague

Me and moi sheep... Gloria...

Gloria, myself and Ei Li!!

Hmm, actually I did take photo with the bride and groom but then the photos are with Penny. Hope to get the pics soon so that I can update here. :p

Anyway a message for Thomas and Jieyi:

Dear Mr and Mrs Thomas Wong,

It has been a great journey with both of you for the past 4-5 years. I believe that this journey will be even greater for the coming years. I am glad that God has put both of you in my life to bless me and take care of me. May our friendship continue to blossom and bear fruit. I am glad to be a friend and sister to you. Thanks for everything.

Hope that you guys will be able to bear much fruit in Christ... not just in kids. Haha...

Jiayou!

Love and bless,
Tricia aka Yanz

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Thursday, July 24, 2008

Adapting to Changes

Few weeks ago, I was doing a sharing with my CG on the ability to adapt to changes. However, after speaking so much, I knew that I am still adapting to rapid changes in my life. For the past 6 months, changes are more than just a constant. Major or minor, there were just too many to count. I was thinking... have I grown immune to changes or have I not realized that the changes were coming so fast that perhaps I have even overlooked them.

I looked within my heart and my life. Being an outspoken and easy-going gal, I do not mind changes at all. In fact, I support them! However, I thought through and realized that there might be side effects of changes sometimes. In fact, stability could be quite a key to holding changes well in my life. I need to be stable, immovable and firm.

Just as God is stable, immovable and firm in His promises to us, even in the midst of changes in this world. That is the wonder of God. He is just who He is. :)

At the end of the day, we all have to finish that very special race that God has marked out for us. The weather may change. The other runners may slow down. Some even surpasses us. There might even be injured ones along the way. But to the runner that focuses and runs with perseverance, no injury or side factors will deter him or her to finish the race!

Just as the saying goes,

"Start the race well and end it even better!"

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Audio Sermons Online

I have been informed by Lirong aka Jodell that our sermons can now be downloaded online through our Hope Church (Singapore) website. Each sermon will be uploaded on website for at least 4 weeks I think. So quickly download them before they are gone!! :p



Enjoy listening to the sermons ba... :)

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Surgeon Bong Dal Hee


I watched this at home ydae morning and it was so funny... find the synopsis of this korean drama here... haha...

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Updates for last weekend!

Last Friday, I attended the GoForth conference with Lirong. Thereafter, I was feeling very hungry. Thus, when I bumped into Livi and her CG people, I was overfilled with joy. haha... They were on their way to movie at Plaza Sing. I was so so happy... Thus, I went with them for supper, not knowing that there might be an extra ticket for Dark Knight! Cool.. so I went with Livi and the rest for the movie. It was a good time of fellowship at BK before we went up for the movie. And here's a pic of me n Livi! (Livi, pls dun kill me bcos I know you dun like this pic.. but I like it 100%!!!) hahaha...



After the show, I went home with Vanez straight as we were all like zombies? haha... the show ended at 2.15am i think if i remember it correctly. The entire movie was cool to the bitz! A must watch again!!

Sat came and I had a bridal shower with the bride-to-be, Jieyi!! It was really a gd time of fellowship with the sisters! So much fun, and chatting... which we love it very much! All the best to Jieyi and Thomas who are getting married this Sat!

On Sunday, I met up with Nic & Wilfy, Gelene & Steve for lunch and fellowship. It was an impromptu one.. trust me man. So we went to Killiney to look for some people and went for a drink at Dempsey's Grocers store. Beautiful and nice place. For you to discover more in the pics below... :p

This photo depicts how silly I can be... silly silly silly...



Wilfy, me and Nic... I'm still in the middle.. hahaha...

Gelene and Steve, missed u guys so much! Gd to see both of u ard more... :D

That was how I spent my weekend before my hospital drama began on monday morning... bleah...

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

It is tough to get to sleep...

... especially after 2 days of MC and rest... frankly speaking, I didn't really sleep a lot during these 2 days. I only slept till late morning... then I didn't go back to sleep le. I think many girls like to sleep but that is not for me. I just like to sleep early and wake up late that's all. lol...

So silly right?

A lot of things going through my head now.

Think. Ponder. Evaluate. Plan. Think again.

The process is seemingly tiring on my mind.

I have to evaluate my life once and again to see how has it gone wrong that I can't seem to achieve the goals that I have set. Perhaps, the question lies in my discipline. I'm just not disciplined enough.

Ok, now I need to get back to sleep and start tomorrow disciplined and fresh again.

Thank God that there is such a thing call "second-chance".. :p

Good night.

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Monday, July 21, 2008

The Hospital Drama

I woke up this morning at 7am having a very bad abdominal pain. It was a hopeless pain. Reminded me of the pains that I had few years back when I had stone in my gall bladder. So I tried to tolerate until I couldn't any longer. I ended up vomiting. It didn't end for the first round. It went on to 2nd and 3rd. It was bad. My tummy was very bloated and I couldn't really move around but to lie on my bed. That was a very bad one.

Well, everyone left home for work and I thought I could see a doctor on my own. But in the end, I couldn't take it any more and I called the ambulance myself. The ambulance came in 10 mins time and came to bring me to NUH. The pain did not improve and I started diarrhea-ing when I reached the hospital. Diarrheas, vomiting, pain... I almost thought that I am going to die. I can't even maneuver the wheelchair myself.

Anyway, I saw the doctor only an hour later and I was feeling so bad already. The Doctor took my blood for test and the needle was very big... man... Plus the fact that I saw my blood oozing out of the tube, that I felt even more sianz... my blood... then the nurse gave me an injection and put me on drip of 1 litre of sodium chloride and another litre of don't know what liquid. Took medication and stayed at the observation ward for almost 3-4 hours.

The doctor said that my blood showed signs of infection... but don't know where... haiz.. anyway, hope that there won' be any more complications soon. :) The doctor concluded that I had stomach flu and I have 2 days of MC for now. Thanks to all who have shown concern, before and after. Perhaps, it is really that God wants me to have a good rest ba.

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Saturday, July 19, 2008

Go Forth 2008

I attended yesterday's Go Forth Conference evening rally and was greatly inspired by YWAM's President, Rev Loren Cunningham. He shared a sense of humor but yet with a vision to reach the world population. The personal challenge for me is to reach out to the younger ones in other countries and to turn it around by being relevant, engaging and also to disciple 120 disciples in my lifetime. The key to reaching the whole world will be discipleship discipleship and discipleship. I think that is something everyone should hold onto in their lives. That is to be a disciple and a disciple-maker.

He also shared that there are 4,3oo+ Omega zones in the world. We need to start by sending one out to each zone and the Great Commission will be done!

So excited about what God is going to do and I just can't wait to see Jesus coming back for us soon!

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Friday, July 18, 2008

Time without family can be a torture sometimes

I just come to realized that my lack of time spent with my family is causing a lack in my life. I realised that when I am staying outside and not spending quality time at home actually brings me to understand the importance of family in my life. It is not a need or a want. It is just something that you cannot live without. With a family, my life then will be complete.

I cannot imagine how life could be for the orphans or kids from single-parent families. How are they coping with their emotions, their lack in their lives? As much as the children need to their families with them, the more they will need God in their lives. Only with the God-factor, then will the lack be met.

"Lord, may I pray that all the lost ones will come to know you really soon... really really soon..."

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Kids are Q-U-I-C-K!!

TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America.
MARIA:
Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America?

CLASS: Maria.

____________________________________


TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?

JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.

__________________________________________

TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'

TEACHER: No, that's wrong

GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.

____________________________________________

TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.

TEACHER: What are you talking about?

DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________


TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten
years ago.

WINNIE: Me!

__________________________________________


TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN:
Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________


TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with 'I.'
MILLIE: I is..

TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'

_________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree,
but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?

LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.

______________________________________

TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?

SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.........
______________________________

TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's.
Did you copy his?

CLYDE :
No, sir. It's the same dog.
___________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people
are no longer interested?

HAROLD: A teacher

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Here In My Life by Hillsong

This song is one that touched my heart a lot. I know that God is my purpose, my freedom. Without Him, I am nothing. With Him, I can be everything through Christ who gives me strength.




I have never walked on water
Felt the waves beneath my feet but
At your Word Lord, I’ll receive Your
Faith to walk on oceans deep

And I remember how You found me:
In that very same place
All my failing surely would've drowned me
But You made a way

You are my freedom
Jesus you’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life?

You have said that all the heavens
Sing for joy at one who finds
The way to freedom, truth of Jesus
Bought from death into His life

And I remember how You saw me:
Through the eyes of Your grace
And though the cost was Your beloved for me
Still you made a way!

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Trent Williams


I just got to know this Australia gospel singer today and his name is Trent Williams. Hmm, don't really know much about him. Only know that he is a musician cum gospel singer. Well, I can only say that his voice is pretty nice and he is a very skillful musician.

Listen out for his songs here.

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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Who Am I by Hillsong, Desperate Album

WHO AM I

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
‘Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Who Am I - hillsong

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Balance of Love

I think my tolerance level for people and things have gone down. Nowadays, I get so easily irritated by things and people around me. Gosh! I'm supposed to be a patient and loving Christian isn't it? haha.. But I think as I grow more in my years (sounds old...), I realized that many rights and wrongs, experiences in my life etc, will push me to judge or comment about things in a speedier way.

There were many times that I get angry or upset about certain reactions that people gave to me. I often try to justify with the fact that I don't deserve such treatment. Well, perhaps it may be true, or it may not be true. I was sharing with my CG yesterday that it is so easy to demand from brothers and sisters in church. Statements like this go through our minds sometimes, "They should love me for who I am..." or "Well, I am sick. Why is there anyone from the CG showing care to me?" or "What? You want me to give even when I am in need? What a joke!!"

It has become a fact that people around us are getting to intolerant with one another and expectations have rose over the years. But some has stopped to shower love and insist on receiving from others. While some others has refused to give and receive care from others. There are still some that keeps on giving but forgetting to receive at the end. Well, there should be a balance somehow isn't it?

Keep on giving and not receiving and you will find yourself "chao-ta" (burnt) one day.
Keep on asking for more and not sharing with others and you will find yourself in no different position from the spoilt brat at the neighbour next door.
Keep on refusing others' love and care and you will end up on an island with just "Wilson".
Keep on loving others and being loved by others and you will only become more Christ-liked.

I think I do fall into each of this category somehow or another in my life. I need to balance it up all in all. Simply to say, I don't want to end up with "Wilson" and I want to be more like Him who loves me. :)

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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

You are so faithful

Bob Fitts

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Coping Well With Emotions

Recently, my emotions have been like a whirlwind. For a moment this, and another moment that. I hasn't felt like that for very long. Talk about being emo, I think I need to learn to cope with them well. Emotions are good for the soul. But lack of control of them will mean to be controlled by them. We are the master of our emotions. Thus, learning to manage and grow in them is important. I found some ways to manage our emotions on the web. Perhaps this will help. But it will only help temporarily. What is permanent is to pray and depend on God, the one and only that can understand our struggles and emotions. So, I just need to learn to depend on Him. :)


Coping with Emotions

Updated on July 28, 2007

Emotions are so automatic because they are habitual, but we can change our bad habits, including our bad emotional habits.

Changing Bad Emotional Habits

  1. Understand your feelings.

    • What am I feeling?

    • What did I think to make me feel this way? (e.g. inner critic)

    • Are these thoughts true? (e.g. always, never, sometimes, rarely, just in this one situation, analyze why it is or isn't true)

  2. What is the truth? Accept this truth as reality.

  3. Forgiveness

    • "It's over. Let it go."

    • They (I) did the best they (I) could to meet their (my) most important need with the resources they (I) had.

  4. Grow from the experience.

    • How can I learn from this experience?

    • What can I do to change this in the future?

    • If you can solve this problem, sit down and write out a plan to solve it.

Dealing With Emotions About Problems You Can't Change

  1. Acknowledge that there is nothing you can do to fix the situation.

  2. Recognize that worrying about the situation will not improve anything.

  3. Remember that not worrying about the situation doesn't make you a bad person. You can be a better person by directing your energy into something productive rather than worrying about something you can't fix.

  4. Distract yourself from the problem by engaging in activities that require your attention:

    • Watch television

    • Go to a movie

    • Read a book

    • Work / play on the computer

    • Work on a project

    • Talk to somebody

    • Go shopping

    • Go on a trip

    • Visit an amusement park

    • Visit a museum

    • Sit in an outdoor cafe and people watch

    • Write stories

Expressing Valid Negative Emotions

Sometimes your negative emotions are valid, not based on bad emotional habits. Such emotions may include things like grief and anger about violent crimes. It is important that you express these emotions in a healthy way.

  • Cry

  • Talk to a friend

  • Talk aloud to yourself

  • Journal

  • Do something that requires lots of powerful energy (like tearing down the old shed in your back yard, ripping out bushes you never planned on keeping anyhow with your bare hands, practicing martial arts, playing racquetball, etc.)

Monday, July 14, 2008

J.CO Donuts & Coffee

J.CO Donuts & Coffee Heaven
Lifestyle - Dining
Written by Leslie Lin
Tuesday, 27 May 2008 14:36

Heaven comes to Singapore - in the form of J.CO Donuts & Coffee lifestyle cafe.

Located at Raffles City’s newly-renovated Basement One, this J.CO Cafe is set to be the first among many other J.CO outlets opening soon at a location near you.

As America’s favourite cartoon character Homer Simpson’s favourite snack, donuts have undoubtedly become one of Singaporeans’ favourite too. Whether coated with cheese, chocolate, sugar or strawberry, they make for a great snack that no one can resist. From the sight of Singaporeans, both young and old, working executives and students alike queues everywhere for the best-tasting donuts, you realise that donuts have taken over Singapore.

With J.CO, one of the fastest growing lifestyle café chains with more than 30 outlets in Asia in a relatively short period of two and half years, you know there must be something special about these gorgeous-looking donuts. Founder Johnny Andrean reckons that the innovative range of “light-as-air-donuts” aside, the strategic location of J.CO outlets and its’ superior quality beverages should take some credit.

Lifestyle Cafe

Priding itself for creating a lifestyle café concept that is vibrant and energetic, stylish yet interactive and customer-friendly, it caters to the lifestyle expectations and needs of the increasingly affluent and demanding consumers. Unlike any other retail donut outlet, J.CO stands out wit its strong cosmopolitan and artistic interior design, which is comfortable, modern but with a touch of fun and just a drop of quirkiness, as reflective of the brand. The specially selected collection of hip and urban tunes have also contributed to the unique customer experience only at J.CO cafes.

The Drinks

Boasting a fine selection of 30 beverages, many of which are unique to the brand. Only the best Arabica coffee beans, procured from the best regions in Latin America, are selected, shipped and roasted in Italy to produce their aromatic beverages. Some signature drinks include the Almonetta Freeze, an ice blend of vanilla, milk, and real almond bits, the Choco Mint, a refreshing mix of chocolate and mint peppered with little chocolate pearls and the Thai Tea, a slightly spicy, fragrant tea that is the perfect complement to the donuts.

Donuts Galore

And finally, we come to J.CO’s signature “light-as-air”, great-tasting donuts - the ringed wonders that has been driving everyone into a frenzy. Soft and not too sweet, the donuts have all been glazed and filled with only premium toppings and fillings. Made using specially processed flour concocted and produced only for J.CO to create the signature feather-light texture and taste, the dough is also carefully prepared before baking.

J.CO offers 25 different varieties of donuts, each with its unique identity and fun name. Some sellers are the Al Capone, Choco Cavier, Choco Loco, Mango Blitz and their signature Glazzy - which feels like biting into a soft, delicious cloud. Of special mention include the J.Crown donuts - JCrown Oreo, JCrown Choco, JCrown Almond and of course my personal favourite, JCrown Donatella, coated with chocolate and almond flakes that make for a deliciously sinful snack. Prices start from $1.20 each and $18.00 for two dozens worth of delicious donuts.

J.CO Cafes haves been specially created to touch all five senses of the trendy, upwardly mobile and fashionable individual, meaning you. Feast your eyes on the beautiful donut showcase, engage in lively, up-beat music and succumb to your cravings with freshly-baked donuts, perfectly paired with a cup of aromatic coffee, while lounging in plush interiors and soft, comfortable couches. Adding the final element are the team of vibrant and energetic baristas that seek to serve up the perfect treat just for you.

J.CO Donuts & Coffee
252 North Bridge Road #B1-44M/N
Raffles City Shopping Centre
Singapore 179103
Tel: 6333 4258 Fax: 6333 5724
www.jcodonuts.com

Red Cliff - 赤壁

I watched this show with Alex and his friend, Wenhua, last Sat. It was an amazing show! Full and rich of china's history. With this movie, I got to know at least a clearer picture of who are the main characters/ officials during the 三国dynasty. Besides the very wise Zhu Ge Liang and the very composed Zhou Yu, I like the character of Zhao ZiLong, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. Believe it anot, this show was so enjoyable that I feel like watching it the second round.

As for female characters, I still like Zhao Wei. :p

Watch and you will not regret because it is worth the money. =)

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Friday, July 11, 2008

Refuge by City Harvest Church

Refuge
City Harvest Church

I sing a love song to You Lord
Every day, every night
Tell of Your goodness and mercy
Tell the world how You rescued me
Picked me up, from sin and shame
Your breath gives me new life

Where can I go from Your presence
Under Your wings I take refuge
Your Spirit lives within my heart
I know, we’ll never be apart

Everyday, I draw closer to You Lord
I long to see Your face
And hide in Your embrace
All my life, dwelling in Your holy place
My heart O Lord You’ve changed
I’ll never be the same

refuge - city harvest church

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

I Love My CG!

Yeap this is my new CG, after restructuring - NG7C3.



I can't help but to thank God for these sheep that He has placed in my sheep-pen. Sometimes, I really think that it is God's grace that allow me to be a shepherd over the flock. I don't deserve to be a leader but God used me. I don't deserve to be a shepherd but He trusted me to be one. I am simply grateful. :)

Looking forward to do great and mighty things with all of you and I shall call our CG the Gideonites. :)

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A Skeptics Quest by Josh McDowell

A Skeptics Quest
Josh McDowell
You'll take heart in Josh McDowell's own story.


I KNEW WHAT I WANTED
One day I was in Newport Beach, California riding on a motorscooter with a friend. We were zipping along having a great time, laughing, when two women pulled up beside us in a brand new Continental (that's a Newport Beach Chevy). After staring at us for about three blocks the woman on the passenger side rolled
down her window and yelled, "What right do you have to be so happy?" Well, I couldn't see anything wrong with being happy. I love to laugh. What's wrong with wanting to be one of the happiest individuals in the whole world? Not only did I want to be happy and have meaning and purpose in life, but I also wanted to be free. See, most people know what they ought to do, but they don't have the capacity, the strength, to do it. They're not free. They're in bondage. To me, freedom is having the capacity to do what you know you ought to do.

THE SEARCH BEGINS

So I started looking for answers. Now, where I was brought up, a lot of people had religion. So I took off on religion. I was involved in it morning, afternoon, and night. But I must have gone to the wrong church because I actually felt worse. Next I thought, "Well, maybe education is the answer." So I enrolled in the university. I was probably the most unpopular student with the professors in the first university I went to in Michigan. I wanted answers. My economic theory professor could tell me how to make a better living, but he couldn't tell me how to live better. It didn't take me long to realize that a lot of faculty members, and students too, had more problems, less meaning to life, and more frustration than I did. Then I thought, "Maybe prestige is the answer." Find a "calling" and give your life to it. So I ran for various student body offices and got elected. It was neat - knowing everyone on campus, making decisions, spending other people's money to do what I wanted. I enjoyed it. But every Monday morning I woke up the same individual, usually with a headache because of the night before, with the same attitude, "Well, here we go again for another five days." Monday through Friday I sort of endured. Happiness revolved around three nights a week: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Then I'd start the whole cycle again. Eventually I became frustrated. I doubt if too many students in the universities of our country have been more sincere in trying to find meaning and truth and power and purpose in life than I was ñ yet I hadn't found it.

WHAT'S WITH THESE PEOPLE?

About that time, around the campus I noticed a small group of people ñ eight students and two faculty. There was something different about their lives. They seemed to have direction. They seemed to know where they were going, and that was very unusual. Further, they seemed to have a type of love that was manifested in the way they treated people. I had observed that most people talked a lot about love, but these people demonstrated something special in their
relationships with others. They had something I didn't have, so I made friends with them. After a couple of weeks, we were sitting around a table in the student union. I recall that six of the students were there and both of the faculty and one of their wives. The conversation started to get to God.

GOD AND THE BIG FRONT

Let's face it: if you're an insecure student or professor or businessperson, or an insecure anything, and the conversation gets to God, you have to put on a big front. You know what I've found to be true? The bigger the front an individual puts on, the greater the emptiness inside. Well, I was putting on that kind of front.
Their talk irritated me. I wanted what they had, but I didn't want them to know it. I leaned back on my chair and tried to act nonchalant. I looked over at one young woman and said, "Why are you so different from the other students on campus?" She said two words I never thought I'd hear in the university as part of the
"solution." She said, "Jesus Christ." "Oh, come on," I fired back at her. "Don't give me that garbage about religion." She must have had a lot of courage and convictions. "Look," she said, "I didn't tell you religion; I told you Jesus Christ." Well, I apologized to her because I'd been very rude - "Please forgive my attitude, but to tell you the truth, I'm sick and tired of that kind of thing. I just don't want anything to do with it." Then you know what happened? These students and faculty challenged me to examine intellectually who Jesus Christ was. At first I thought it was a joke. How ridiculous! It was my opinion that most Christians
had two brains. I though one was lost, and the other was out looking for it!
But these people kept challenging me over and over and over again, until finally I accepted their challenge.

THE SEARCH CONTINUES

I spent a lot of money to completely discredit Christianity, but it backfired. I concluded that Christ had to be who He claimed to be. "You came to that conclusion intellectually?" you say. That's right. Let me show you how. I concluded that if I could show that either one of two basic areas was
not historically trustworthy or true I had won my case against Christianity.
WHAT ABOUT THE BIBLE…The first area: to demonstrate that the New Testament was not historically reliable. It was written years later, I thought, and all those myths and legends had crept in, along with errors and discrepancies. That's all I had to do, but as I said, it backfired. When I speak in a literature or a history class now I state that there's more evidence for the historical reliability of the New Testament than for any 10 pieces of classical literature put together. For example, when you study history you need to develop a historiography, a proper approach to evaluating historical documents. There are three basic tests ñ the bibliographic test, the internal evidence test, and the external evidence test.
Let me just touch on the bibliographic test, which asks questions about the manuscripts. A manuscript is a handwritten copy rather than a printed one. One question this test asks is how many manuscripts you have. The more manuscripts you have the easier it is to reconstruct the original (referred to as the autograph) and check for errors or discrepancies.. Let me tell you what I found in relation to the New Testament. When I wrote the book Evidence That Demands a Verdict in 1974, I was able to document 14,000 manuscripts of just the New Testament (that's not counting the Old Testament). In the revised edition I've been able to document 24,633 manuscripts of just the New Testament. The Number Two book in manuscript authority in all history is the Iliad by Homer, which has 643 manuscripts.

…AND THE RESURRECTION?

I felt the second area would be even simpler to discount. Everything that Jesus Christ taught, lived, and died for was based on His resurrection. All I had to do was prove that it never took place. But that, too, backfired on me, and in fact led to my writing The Resurrection Factor because of the evidence. Have you heard of Dr. Simon Greenleaf, who held the Royal Professorship of Law at Harvard? He was a skeptic, often mocking the Christians in his classes. One day they challenged him to take the three volumes he had written on the laws of legal evidence and apply them to the resurrection. After much persuasion he did that. In the proces he became a Christian and went on to write a book about his search. Greenleaf
came to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the best established events in history according to the laws of legal evidence.

THE PROBLEM OF WILL

So I had a problem. I found out that becoming a Christian (or I prefer the term a believer) was rather egoshattering. My intellect was convinced, but a struggle began in my life. Jesus Christ directly challenged me to trust Him as Savior, as the One who died on the cross for my sins. "To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). But I didn't want a "party pooper" invading my life. I couldn't think of a faster way to ruin a good time or destroy intellectual pursuits or impede scholarly acceptability with my peers. My mind told me that Christianity was true; but my will said, "Don't admit it." It came to the point where I'd go to bed at ten at night but I couldn't fall asleep until four in the morning. I knew I had to get Jesus off my mind or go out of my mind!

NEW LIFE BEGINS

On December 19, 1959, at 8:30 p.m., during my second year at the university, I became a Christian. That night I prayed. I prayed four things in order to establish a relationship with God ñ a personal relationship with His Son, the personal, resurrected, living Christ. Over a period of time that relationship has turned my life around. First, I prayed, "Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for me." Second, I said, "I confess those things in my life that aren't pleasing to You and ask You to forgive me and cleanse me." The Bible says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). Third, I said, "Right now, in
the best way I know how, I open the door of my heart and life and trust You as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Change me from the inside out. Make me the type of person You created me to be." The last thing I prayed was, "Thank You for coming into my life by faith." It was a faith produced by the Holy Spirit, based on God's Word and supported by evidence and the facts of history. I'm sure you've heard religious people talk about their "bolt of lightning." Well, after I prayed nothing happened. In fact, after I made that decision, I felt sick to my stomach. "Oh no, McDowell, what'd you get sucked into now?" I wondered. I really felt I'd gone off the deep end ñ and some of my friends agreed.

CHANGES

But I can tell you one thing: In six months to a year and a half, I found I hadn't gone off the deep end. My life was changed. A few years ago I was in a debate with the head of the history department at a mid-western university, and I
said, "My life has been changed." He interrupted me rather sarcastically. "McDowell, are you trying to tell us that God really changed your life in the 20th century? What areas? After 45 minutes of my describing changes, he said, "Okay, that's enough." Mental Peace. I told him about my restlessness. I was a person who always had to be occupied. I had to be over at my girlfriend's place or somewhere in a rap session. My mind was a whirlwind of conflicts. I'd sit
down and try to study or think, and I couldn't. But a few months after I made that decision to trust Christ, a kind of mental peace began to develop. Don't misunderstand. I'm not talking about the absence of conflict. What I found in this relationship with Jesus wasn't so much the absence of conflict as it was the ability to cope with it. I have come to experience in a very real way Christ's promise when He said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to
you as the world gives" (John 14:27). Control of Temper. Another area that changed was my bad temper. I used to "blow my stack" if somebody just looked at me cross-eyed. I still have the scars from almost killing a man my first year at the university. My temper was such an integral part of me that I didn't consciously seek to change it. One day after my decision to put my faith in Christ, I arrived at a crisis, only to find that my temper was gone! And only once in the many years since 1959 have I lost it.

A MAN I HATED
There's another area that I'm not proud of. Hatred. It wasn't something outwardly manifested, but a kind of inner grinding. The one person I hated more than anyone else in the world was my father. I despised him. To me he was the town alcoholic.
If friends were coming over, I would take my father, tie him up in the barn, and park the car up around the silo. To avoid embarassment, we would tell our friends he had to go somewhere. I don't think any person could hate someone more than I hated my father.

HATRED BECOMES LOVE

Maybe five months after I made that decision for Christ, love for my father ñ a love from God through Jesus Christ ñ inundated my life. It turned my hatred upside down. It enabled me to look my father squarely in the eyes and say, "Dad, I love you." After some of the things I'd done, that really shook him up. When I transferred to a private university, I was in a serious car accident. With my neck in traction, I was taken home. I'll never forget my father coming into my room and asking, "Son, how can you love a father like me?" I said, "Dad, six months ago I despised you." Then I shared with him my conclusions about Jesus Christ.
"Dad, I let Jesus come into my life. I can't explain it completely, but as a result of this relationship, I've found the capacity to love and accept not only you, but other people ñ just the way they are." Forty-five minutes later one of the greatest thrills of my life occurred. Somebody in my own family, someone who knew me so well I couldn't pull the wool over his eyes, my own father, said to me, "Son, if God can do in my life what I've seen Him do in yours, then I want to give Him the opportunity." Right there my father prayed with me and trusted Christ.
Usually changes take place over several days, weeks, monthsÖeven years. The life of my father was changed right before my eyes. It was as though somebody reached in and turned on a light bulb. I've never seen such a rapid change before or since. My father touched alcohol only once after that. He got it as far
as his lips and that was it. He didn't need it anymore.

IT WORKS

I've come to one conclusion. A relationship with Jesus Christ changes lives. You can ignorantly laugh at Christianity; you can mock and ridicule it. But it works. If you trust Christ, watch your attitudes and actions ñ because Jesus Christ specializes in changing lives, forgiving sin, and removing guilt.

IT'S PERSONAL

I've shared how I personally responded to the claims of Christ. You, too, need to ask the logical question: "What difference does all this evidence make to me? What difference does it make whether or not I believe Christ died on the cross for my sins and rose again?" The answer is put best by something Jesus said to a man named Thomas who doubted. He told him, " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me" (John 14:6). You can trust God right now by faith through prayer. Prayer is talking with God. God knows your heart and is not as much concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. If you have never trusted Christ, you can do that right now. The prayer I prayed was this: "Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and trust You as my Savior. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Thank You that I can trust You."

AN OFFER TO YOU

If you have just trusted Christ, or believe you are going to do so, write me. You will have a lot of questions, as I had. A professor once shared with me some principles about how my life could be changed through this new relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I'd like to send them to you. Thanks for letting me share
my story with you.

Josh McDowell
P. O. Box 1000
Dallas, TX 75221
Books by Josh McDowell
Evidence That Demands a Verdict,
Here's Life Publishers, copyright 1972.
More Than a Carpenter,
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., copyright 1977.
The Resurrection Factor,
Here's Life Publishers, Inc., copyright 1981.

THE MOST INTERESTING WAR STORY EVER. . .

"I was down in this country during the Civil War. Yonder there were hundreds of tents where our soldiers were encamped. Measles broke out and many of the brave lads died. I was wardmaster in charge of the tents where the measles patients were located.

"One night I passed a bunk where there was a very sick soldier lad not more than seventeen. The boy looked at me with a pathetic expression and said:

‘I believe I am going to die. I am not a Christian. I never had Christian training. I did go with a friend to Sunday School just once. A woman taught the Sunday School class. She read us something out of the Bible about a man — I think his name was Nicodemus. Anyway, it was about a man who went to see Jesus one night. Jesus told this man he must be born again. The teacher said all people must be born again in order to go to heaven when they die. I have never been born again, and I don’t want to die like this. Won’t you please get the chaplain so he can tell me how to be born again?’"

The old man hesitated... "In those days I was an agnostic — at least, that is what I called myself. As a matter of fact, I wasn’t anything but an old sinner. So I told the boy,

‘You don’t need a chaplain. Just be quiet now. Don’t worry, you’ll be all right.’
"I went around the ward and in about an hour I came back to the boy’s bed. He looked at me out of such sad, staring eyes as he said,
‘Wardmaster, if you won’t get me the chaplain, please get me the doctor. I am choking to death.’
‘All right, my son, I’ll get the doctor,’ I said.
"I found the doctor. He came and mopped out the throat of the lad so he could breathe a little easier. I knew the boy was going to die. The boy was so sweet he literally climbed into my heart. He thanked me for my kindness. He thanked the doctor for being so good to him.

"In about an hour I came back expecting to find the boy dead. As the light began to fade from his eyes he looked up and said,

‘There is no use, Wardmaster, I have got to die, and I haven’t been born again. Whether you believe in it or not, won’t you find the chaplain and let him tell me how to be born again?’
"I looked at him for a moment and thought about how helpless he was in the grip of death. So I said,
‘All right, my son, I will get the chaplain.’

"I walked away a few paces, turned and went back to the boy’s bedside. I said,

‘My boy, I am not going to get you the chaplain. I am going to tell you what to do myself. Now, understand, I am an agnostic. I don’t know whether there is any God. I don’t know whether there is any heaven. I don’t know whether there is any hell. I don’t know anything.... Well, yes, I do. I know one thing-- I know my mother was a good woman. I know if there is a God my mother knew Him. If there is a heaven I know she is there. So I will tell you what my mother told me. You can try it and see if it works. Now, I am going to teach you a verse of Scripture. The verse is John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

My mother said that I cannot save myself, but if I will believe in Jesus He will save me.

"I asked the boy to say the verse with me. He followed with a weak and trembling voice:

‘For God so loved the world,’
‘For God so loved the world’;
‘He gave His only begotten Son,’
‘He gave His only begotten Son,’;
‘that whosoever believeth in Him’
‘that whosoever believeth in Him’;
‘should not perish,’
‘should not perish’;
‘but have everlasting life,’
‘but have everlasting life.’
‘Now, my boy, my mother said if a person will trust Jesus he will not perish but have everlasting life.’

"He closed his eyes, stretched his hands across his breast and in a whisper he quoted slowly, repeating some of the words several times:

‘For God so loved the world . . . He gave His only begotten Son . . . that whosoever, whosoever, whosoever believeth, believeth in Him, believeth in Him.’

"Then he stopped and said in a clear voice,

‘Praise God, it works! I believe in Him! I shall not perish! I have everlasting life! I have been born again. Ward master, your mother was right. Why don’t you try it! I want to ask you to do something for me. Take a kiss to my mother and tell her that her dying son said, ‘It works.’
"I leaned over him and as he drew his last breath he said, ‘It works.’

The old man wiping tears out of his eyes and tears out of the wrinkles of his face, said "The lad was right. It does work. Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but has now everlasting life. It works. I know it works! "

* Author Unknown.

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Take Time Off To Rest

There have been many many activities going on for the past few months. Haha, it seems that I just cannot be free. My shepherd asked me if I could ever take time off to rest instead of keep falling ill etc. And my answer is, "I really have to go for all these stuff... not as I have a choice.."

Well, in fact, I do have a choice. A choice to prioritize, a choice to keep my path clear, a choice to be free for one evening at least? Well, I think I do need to learn to manage my stuff properly. As much as I am willing to, I also need to make an effort to do it.

I realized that it is important to rest but not slack for sure.

When resting, I can have time to sleep, do things that I like and take time off to think and evaluate my life. That is rest to me. I cannot even remember when was the last time I went to the beach alone and have a good time of worship with God.

In fact, rest helps me to be more focus and gather more strength for the longer haul ahead of me.
Work is important but it is never everything.

Ministry is crucial but it can never replace the crux of our relationship with God.

Well, many priorities lay ahead of us in our lives. But do we really want to prioritize the BEST? That is up to you and me. :)

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The Gospel

I ripped this off Ps Jasmine's blog. A message about the gospel once again... Enjoy and be touched by it, once again. :)

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

The Book of Joshua

Recently I just got to read from Ps Jeff's blog that he is on the book of Joshua. I was thinking that it was such a coincidence. Cos I just started on the book of Joshua not long ago.

Every time when I read Joshua, my heart will beat extra fast cos I am just so excited to see how this young man take the new generation of Israelites to the promised land, just by obeying and listening to God. It is an amazing journey to be with Joshua.

The details of how God helped Joshua win the battles and consecrate the people simply made me want to be there.

Consecration. Sanctification. Purification. Circumcision.

All these are simply what God desires of us, to be pure and holy, just like Him.

Courage, boldness, strength, encouragement, willingness, obedience etc.

Book of Joshua covers these traits.

Working towards these day by day. Jiayou!!

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"Could I Ever" by Planetshakers


Lyrics | Could I Ever lyrics


Could I Ever - Planetshakers

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Monday, July 07, 2008

TAG United becomes top 4!!

Ok, this is gonna be an interesting entry. After yesterday's service, I went to support the TAG United for their crucial match, for them to enter the finals. Haha... and guess what?? The organizer booked the timing of the field wrongly.. and then...


the soccer players of TAG all ended up lim-ing kopi in the kopitiam nearby. They really know how to relak indeed!! haha...

So instead of starting at 3pm, the match started at 5pm and ended at 7pm. It was a very nerve breaking match. Watch half-way, we say the super sud sud goal keeper Dave, who stopped the opponent team from scoring many many times. But Dave accidentally dislocated his left hand's middle finger and it went almost 35 degree out of place. It was pretty scary man. Haiz.. but still, I salute 15 to the max!

As for the rest, you can see the pictures for yourself. :p

TAG United won!! and the score was 5-2! Hooray!!!










The exhausted uncles! wahaha... :p

Tiger and his brother!



Toto-time!!!


Dun u tink this pic is so cool meh... haha...

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Friday, July 04, 2008

Eva Sabiniano




Just got to discover another talented Christian singer and she is only 10 or 11 years old now.

Below is her profile. Be encouraged by her. :)

Azarcon-Inocentes, a famous composer in the Philippines. Her singing talent had been shown in the various events such as major concerts like Kuh ledesma, South Border, pista sa nayon, church special occasions and fund raising events. She enjoys entertaining people and love to make new friends.

Presently, at a very young age of ten, she is actively serving the Charisma Christian Center in Lynnwood, WA worshipping, leading and assisting young kids at church on Sundays. She also likes to play drums, piano, compose songs, dance hip-hop and do arts like drawing and painting.



She won the title 2006 FCS Asian American Idol Champion on September 10, 2006 in Seattle, WA. Eva's first Christian single "Starlight Starbright" CD released in September 2006. The "Born to Praise" album released March 2007, and nominated in the 23rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2007-2008. The CD is now available in BCS music center Victoria Plaza, and any MUSIC ZONE in Davao City, Phil. Also any stores in the US. Part of the proceeds will benefit poor children and other ministries.

Her goal is to use her talents to minister people to know Jesus Christ and be a good example to all other kids.

MISSION STATEMENT: " I will sing of the Lord's great love forever, with my mouth i will make your faithfulness known through all generation." Psalm 89:1

More to be discovered:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=126023535

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Howjoo's proposal

Last Sunday was an amazing day where our dear choir leader proposed to his beloved. After his performance at YMS, he declared a special performance to everyone.... haha... well, many silly tears and joy. haha... it was really touching, trust me...haha... cos many ended up in tears!

bravo howjoo!!

watch these videos and you will know....


Howjoos Proposal 1 -



Howjoos Proposal 3 -

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Thursday, July 03, 2008

Identity in Christ

Last evening, I had my first CG with my new group - NG7C3. I was really excited and geared up to meet God together with them. It was an amazing time of fellowship, Praise and Worship and also learning God's truth together. It was fabulously good!

During the teaching or discussion time, I taught about this lesson entitled "Your True Identity". It was all about recapping our identity in Christ by understanding that decisions that we make in life everyday will lead on to the fulfillment of our identity and calling in Jesus. For us to be continuously renewed everyday requires Christ-centred decision-making everyday. Yes, it is everyday. There are so many examples in the Bible that spoke about how people whom have first been called by the Lord, has not fulfilled that destiny in their lives. However, there were also many that lived their lives to the fullest and fulfilled that identity that God has called them to be.

Personally, I really like Apostle Paul whom really finished the race for the Lord in a glorious way. Not self-glorification. It is Christ-glorification. He said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8,

"7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Amazing statement made by Paul isn't it?

I hope to be like him. Finish the race, complete the task and keep the faith!

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