let me tell you a...
Story. Here goes.
The band had played its first corporate event-gig at Ipoh. 10 songs in 2 hours. The Puri brothers rushed back to KL right after. Yeah, we didn't even get a group hug. The event ended around 11pm, and the four of us headed on towards grabbing a much-deserved midnight snack to compliment the pats on our backs. We were graced by the presence of four lovely young ladies who gladly joined us for a bite & a li'l chat. One thing led to another and we....went on our separate ways.
Seriously.
The journey back to Nic's place was about 30mins, gassed with an uncontrollable amount of laughter. Not a drop of alcohol, just sheer bliss. As we pulled up the front of Nic's house, his front gate wasn't functioning and he directed us towards the back entrance. As I steered into towards the back gate, an unidentified car pulled up right beside us.
Two men got down and one of them came up to my window. As I screened one quarter of the window down, he said "Police, show me your licence & ID." Caught off-guard, I took time to process the entire situation while reaching for my wallet. Philip, being extra cautious, asked the guy for his Police ID again, to which the guy hastily refuses and said, "Get out of the vehicle."
No way. A robbery? No one's gonna take our instruments and the fresh funds away from us. "They're not cops. Go, go..run!" Philip cried, activating the ALARMS in all of our heads. I hit the reverse gear and steered backwards. Cars were parked on my left and right. "God, don't let us crash. Get us out!"
As I reversed, the guy tried to grab hold of the doors. Failed. He then went for the side-view mirror. It flipped around. Great, now I can't see the back! I reversed frantically down the windy road, swerving past stationed vehicles when suddenly, the other man stepped in front and reached towards his belt.
I froze.
Philip: "What are you doing? Go! Go!"
[I silently watched as he pulled it out of its holster]
Nic : "He's got a gun! He's got a GUN!"
Jason Gan : [Prays aloud hitting every possible key with his vocal chords]
I wasn't about to find out if he was going to pull the trigger. I hit the accelerator as hard as I could. The engine roared, the tires screeched but we weren't moving! "God! You gotta get us out of here!" The gear kicked in. We screeched our way out, catching a glimpse of the two men jumping into their vehicle, coming after us.
Jason was praying as loud as ever, Philip shouting, "They're coming, Go! Go!" , and Nic was navigating at the top of his lungs, "Left, right...left" as we headed out of the area, moving towards the freeway. We sped past red lights, leading towards the highway.
The now-identifiable Honda Civic emerged on our tail.
Philip: "They're still behind us. Go! Go!"
Jason: "Head back to KL! Go!"
Nic Chin: "Go to the Police Station."
*Bingo.
Me : Where's the police station?
Nic: "U turn!"
Philip: "U turn! Here!"
Jason: [Praying fervently]
Me: "I can't turn here. We're going too fast, it's too near."
We headed on toward the next possible U-Turn, I hit the brakes, made a swift turn and jammed right on the accelerator. The Honda Civic was hot on our tail. I hit the accelerator harder.
Nic: "Police Station - left"
Phil: [Echoes 'Left']
Me: Here?
Nic: "No! Next Left"
Philip: "Go! Go! They're right behind us!"
Jason: "Shucks, Go!"
We whiz past the first left. It was a Catholic Church, not a police station! I took the next left turn and headed down the road. There it was .. the Police Station. This was it. "If they were really cops, they'd follow us in..if not, they'd just drive by."
I turned in and glanced at the rear view mirror - and in they came! I parked the car. As Phil, Nic and Jason rushed into the station, I had it in my head that...they were indeed cops. I beefed myself up for a punch. What's a few bruises compared to being robbed, I consoled myself.
The now-obvious-mr.policeman gets out of his vehicle and rushes toward me.
Cop: Why did you run? What were you doing?
Me: I thought you were robbers. I didn't see your ID clearly and you weren't in your uniform. You weren't in a police car either. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I didn't know. I really didn't
know.
Cop: Get into the station now.
I walked with him into the station, joining the rest(Phil,Jason and Nic). From the receptionist's face, we had brought chaos to the li'l town. The radio transmission reporting that the "runaway vehicle and suspects have reported in" was enough to stir a "gulp" in our throats. Uh-oh.
We were directed to the Narcotics Department, a block away. The officers searched our vehicle thoroughly. They had our full cooperation. They found nothing, as expected. We were then told to go upstairs into the interrogation room for further questioning.
One look at the place...We didn't like it. It was pitch black, and we were directed upstairs by a torchlight.
"God save us."
In the room, we were questioned on our jobs, our business in Ipoh and why we had reacted the way we did. We then apologetically explained that we had suspected they were robbers, and being scared, we fled for our lives.
Convinced we were telling the truth, and it had all been a MAJOR misundertanding, they released us and decided not to press charges against them with the agreement that we would do the same. By golly, I wanted to give them a hug and snap pictures with them right there and then!
There you have it. A story with cops, guns, screeching tires, red lights, pumping adrenaline and chaos; and yet..no bad guys. To Big Daddy Upstairs, You're the Author and Finisher of our faith; all glory to You!
"Cause you always be da Man" - The Lord's Prayer in Ebonics
This post is also a tribute to Arun and Arvind - "We wished you had been there, but here's to greater stories!"
This is not a fictional piece. it's REAL - fourletterstory
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
only one
One of the best ways to keep resolutions I reckon is ... to tell EVERYONE about em'. Trust me, folks love reminding you of what you're NOT doing. Try it and you'll see how much they love you and want to see you succeed. (They really do.*ahem.)
I made a four lettered resolution: G-R-O-W. To grow and mature into a better son, brother, staff, colleague, leader, friend and citizen. In a span of 1 year? I'll try and you...keep laughing.
Quoting the famous words of Ps.Alex The Great : "that you may GROW one year wiser, one year more fruitful..etc."Amusing, ear tickling and cliché: growth speaks of life; more importantly living life to the full. Someone else once said, "LIFE.. live it to the full, not like a fool." I was talking to this friend of mine about music and bands, one of my passions in life, and the conversation led to.. "The way to GROW big in Malaysia in the music scene is to...sing Malay songs. Look at Pop Shuvit."
It's a tough call and a fine line between selling out and meeting the needs of your target audience. Pop Shuvit, they're a great band,no denying that. They're doing what works for them. It's an inevitable fact that Malay tunes get the masses and probably gets you air play. Yet, it all boils down to success - what is it really at the end of the day? If we're headed down that road and actually make it, whoa - fame, fortune and influence. It's all good.
One of the best ways to keep resolutions I reckon is ... to tell EVERYONE about em'. Trust me, folks love reminding you of what you're NOT doing. Try it and you'll see how much they love you and want to see you succeed. (They really do.*ahem.)
I made a four lettered resolution: G-R-O-W. To grow and mature into a better son, brother, staff, colleague, leader, friend and citizen. In a span of 1 year? I'll try and you...keep laughing.
Quoting the famous words of Ps.Alex The Great : "that you may GROW one year wiser, one year more fruitful..etc."Amusing, ear tickling and cliché: growth speaks of life; more importantly living life to the full. Someone else once said, "LIFE.. live it to the full, not like a fool." I was talking to this friend of mine about music and bands, one of my passions in life, and the conversation led to.. "The way to GROW big in Malaysia in the music scene is to...sing Malay songs. Look at Pop Shuvit."
It's a tough call and a fine line between selling out and meeting the needs of your target audience. Pop Shuvit, they're a great band,no denying that. They're doing what works for them. It's an inevitable fact that Malay tunes get the masses and probably gets you air play. Yet, it all boils down to success - what is it really at the end of the day? If we're headed down that road and actually make it, whoa - fame, fortune and influence. It's all good.
reality check: I'm on a different road.
To me..it's the songs. Have our songs impacted lives? Have we imparted hope? As a band, do we live these songs and spur others to live their potential? Do we point others towards the right direction? Stripped down and in plain text, it looks simple.
Simplicity is at the core. Success and fame seem to be the perfect acid test on the integrity of it all. With every success story, comes pride and glory. A football team rejoices as they score the winning goal. The crowd goes wild. The players 'hail' their hero. They head back into the showers. The fans go back home. Bravo. The team begins training for their next game.
The headlines read, "Gerrard saves the day!". Indeed. But, he couldn't have done it on his own. Even if he could dribble past the entire opposing squad, to be on the field, he needed to be in a TEAM. The presence of his fellow teammates made it possible. The coach pieced the team together. Liverpool FC footed the funds for the player and their coach...and it goes on. I love Liverpool. Interestingly enough, their tagline reads "You'll never walk alone." They just wouldn't allow Gerrard to take all the glory.
"Pride comes before a fall" - Success, fame and all that adds to the name often comes before pride. What do I have to sacrifice to get there? What's a no-compromise? Wow. That's really a whole load to think about. "If you want to dream, dream BIG."
I've always wanted to see the 'big picture' of my life. Where I'm supposed to be in the next 2 years. Who's the 'one' ? Something I caught recently, which serves as a great reminder that is... to Bring In God(B.I.G) into the picture. I'll focus on the GROWing, and He 'll bring the increase.
Simplicity is at the core. Success and fame seem to be the perfect acid test on the integrity of it all. With every success story, comes pride and glory. A football team rejoices as they score the winning goal. The crowd goes wild. The players 'hail' their hero. They head back into the showers. The fans go back home. Bravo. The team begins training for their next game.
The headlines read, "Gerrard saves the day!". Indeed. But, he couldn't have done it on his own. Even if he could dribble past the entire opposing squad, to be on the field, he needed to be in a TEAM. The presence of his fellow teammates made it possible. The coach pieced the team together. Liverpool FC footed the funds for the player and their coach...and it goes on. I love Liverpool. Interestingly enough, their tagline reads "You'll never walk alone." They just wouldn't allow Gerrard to take all the glory.
"Pride comes before a fall" - Success, fame and all that adds to the name often comes before pride. What do I have to sacrifice to get there? What's a no-compromise? Wow. That's really a whole load to think about. "If you want to dream, dream BIG."
I've always wanted to see the 'big picture' of my life. Where I'm supposed to be in the next 2 years. Who's the 'one' ? Something I caught recently, which serves as a great reminder that is... to Bring In God(B.I.G) into the picture. I'll focus on the GROWing, and He 'll bring the increase.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
stuffed up!
That's exactly what December is like; and speaking of inner beauty, the stuffed turkey takes the crown. Was never a fan of the big ugly bird, yet I feasted on some over a Christmas dinner at a friend's place...best turkey in town. Hah! I'm that easy when it comes to food, but yeah... it was good.
Funny how the stuffing on the INSIDE brings out the best of the big ugly bird. Okay, it's Christmas and I'll try to be at my best. But seriously, if it wasn't for the stuffing, the turkey would have tasted like any other roasted chicken, maybe just a li'l tougher. I was laughing to myself thinking "God, if my life was a feast offering to you, forget the ordinary; I'd want to be ...a stuffed turkey."
Not literally.
In a separate oven, shopping malls are stuffed with holiday-breathing folks. It's intriguing to find Christmas Carols being aired and reaching the masses through the mall radio networks. Subtle yet vocal :
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing"
Doing some gift shopping, I've come across folks from all shapes and color humming, whistling and even singing along to these seasonal hits. Are they all Christians? No, and it doesn't take a CSI expert to point it out either. Some clues are dead give-aways. Christians or not, that's not where I'm going. WHAT ARE YOU SINGING? Yeah. that's more like it.
My thoughts:
"If only they knew. If only You'd reveal Yourself to them."
His:
"If only... you'd tell them about Me."
Snap. I've gotta hand it to Him...He's got it all worked out, as always. "Let every heart prepare Him room - Am I giving him room in my life? Many times we put Him in the hamster cage and pay Him a visit for our source of entertainment and comfort.
Walking past the "Self Help" section, I chuckle at the irony of it all. "Self Help" books are inspirational and motivating, helpful to an extent - no doubt about that, but the help ends on the last page. A thought just zapped in - "The only 'help book' folks need is the all-time best seller.
New Years' around the corner. New doors. New opportunities. New experiences. New problems. New beginnings; not forgetting...new RESOLUTIONS. Here's to a great year, and greater years to come!
Cheers.
That's exactly what December is like; and speaking of inner beauty, the stuffed turkey takes the crown. Was never a fan of the big ugly bird, yet I feasted on some over a Christmas dinner at a friend's place...best turkey in town. Hah! I'm that easy when it comes to food, but yeah... it was good.
Funny how the stuffing on the INSIDE brings out the best of the big ugly bird. Okay, it's Christmas and I'll try to be at my best. But seriously, if it wasn't for the stuffing, the turkey would have tasted like any other roasted chicken, maybe just a li'l tougher. I was laughing to myself thinking "God, if my life was a feast offering to you, forget the ordinary; I'd want to be ...a stuffed turkey."
Not literally.
In a separate oven, shopping malls are stuffed with holiday-breathing folks. It's intriguing to find Christmas Carols being aired and reaching the masses through the mall radio networks. Subtle yet vocal :
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing"
Doing some gift shopping, I've come across folks from all shapes and color humming, whistling and even singing along to these seasonal hits. Are they all Christians? No, and it doesn't take a CSI expert to point it out either. Some clues are dead give-aways. Christians or not, that's not where I'm going. WHAT ARE YOU SINGING? Yeah. that's more like it.
My thoughts:
"If only they knew. If only You'd reveal Yourself to them."
His:
"If only... you'd tell them about Me."
Snap. I've gotta hand it to Him...He's got it all worked out, as always. "Let every heart prepare Him room - Am I giving him room in my life? Many times we put Him in the hamster cage and pay Him a visit for our source of entertainment and comfort.
Walking past the "Self Help" section, I chuckle at the irony of it all. "Self Help" books are inspirational and motivating, helpful to an extent - no doubt about that, but the help ends on the last page. A thought just zapped in - "The only 'help book' folks need is the all-time best seller.
New Years' around the corner. New doors. New opportunities. New experiences. New problems. New beginnings; not forgetting...new RESOLUTIONS. Here's to a great year, and greater years to come!
Cheers.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
doors
Packed in a 100ml bottle and marketed worldwide, "NEW" would be the world's hottest cologne. New shoes, new cars, new houses ... everyone loves NEW! New doors have the same impact. Opening new doors often stirs anticipation, the hidden possibilities, untapped abilities. Unwrapping a surprise gift is just priceless. What's beneath inside is a whole other story.
This year, I opened a couple of new doors.
Door - 1 : AYA
It's been a great 9 months working here. Really believe in their vision, mission, and call towards young people. Not too many folks get to say, "Hey, my Pastors' are my bosses!" An amazing couple leading and believing in a great team. I wouldn't say its been an easy ride, but it's a journey I wouldn't trade, not even on sellwhatever.blogspot.com!
Door - 2 : Blogging
Oh wow, that totally blew the anticipation off the door knobs. But yeah, I started blogging. It takes some pumping energy, alot of determination and a dab of excitement or boredom to get this thing going. Hats off to those who do it on a daily basis - they deserve... a hat labelled 'Blog Champion'? Speaking my thoughts brings perspective; serving them with words and often brings clarity. I'm still learning.
Door - 3: Songwriting
Well, I kinda opened the door a year ago, but I just nosed around by poking my head in occasionally. But this year, I've decided to give a go at this. Thank you God for opening it. It's been a real interesting journey this far, not that I've written any Grammy Nominee material, but I'm learning what works, what doesn't, what connects and stuff like that. Learning to not just focus on my whims, but zooming into the listener(s).
I closed one major door for this year:
Door - 4: Futsal
Futsal has been a part of my life for 7 years. Never thought I'd give it up this easy. I guess when it comes down to choosing health and cringing at the thought of tearing a ligament again, I'd pick the couch where potatoes sprout. Friday nights have never been quieter. I've got to find an alternative, Nintendo Wii? Aha.
Sometimes I wish these doors were made out of see-through glass. But, then again, where's the fun in that? I think I'll opt for guessing the secret passwords.
Open Sesame!
Packed in a 100ml bottle and marketed worldwide, "NEW" would be the world's hottest cologne. New shoes, new cars, new houses ... everyone loves NEW! New doors have the same impact. Opening new doors often stirs anticipation, the hidden possibilities, untapped abilities. Unwrapping a surprise gift is just priceless. What's beneath inside is a whole other story.
This year, I opened a couple of new doors.
Door - 1 : AYA
It's been a great 9 months working here. Really believe in their vision, mission, and call towards young people. Not too many folks get to say, "Hey, my Pastors' are my bosses!" An amazing couple leading and believing in a great team. I wouldn't say its been an easy ride, but it's a journey I wouldn't trade, not even on sellwhatever.blogspot.com!
Door - 2 : Blogging
Oh wow, that totally blew the anticipation off the door knobs. But yeah, I started blogging. It takes some pumping energy, alot of determination and a dab of excitement or boredom to get this thing going. Hats off to those who do it on a daily basis - they deserve... a hat labelled 'Blog Champion'? Speaking my thoughts brings perspective; serving them with words and often brings clarity. I'm still learning.
Door - 3: Songwriting
Well, I kinda opened the door a year ago, but I just nosed around by poking my head in occasionally. But this year, I've decided to give a go at this. Thank you God for opening it. It's been a real interesting journey this far, not that I've written any Grammy Nominee material, but I'm learning what works, what doesn't, what connects and stuff like that. Learning to not just focus on my whims, but zooming into the listener(s).
I closed one major door for this year:
Door - 4: Futsal
Futsal has been a part of my life for 7 years. Never thought I'd give it up this easy. I guess when it comes down to choosing health and cringing at the thought of tearing a ligament again, I'd pick the couch where potatoes sprout. Friday nights have never been quieter. I've got to find an alternative, Nintendo Wii? Aha.
Sometimes I wish these doors were made out of see-through glass. But, then again, where's the fun in that? I think I'll opt for guessing the secret passwords.
Open Sesame!
Monday, October 1, 2007
more than survive, thrive!
'Everyone dies. It's a dice roll between sooner and later; it's not so much how you leave earth, but how you live on earth.'
I picked up a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie". Excellent read, I must say. Pictures speak a thousand words , but sometimes thousands of words paint better pictures, yah? Mitch Albom, in his best seller, definitely puts life into perspective as he unearths the "taboo" - death.
How would I face death? The T-Junction of extremes, I'd either..
1. Embrace it with arms wide open. It's about time I got to see my Maker.
2. Deny the reality of it and run away from it - like a little girl playing hide-and-seek.
Holding that thought, I decided to pull out the dvd, "Me Vs. Death" and hit the play button.
Me vs. Death : Part 1
At 4, intrigued with the circus...I decided to do my own balancing act with little beads on my nose. Tilting my head back and balancing a bead on one of my nostrils, I had an remarkable idea to launch it into the air. On the count of 3 : One, two....*takes a deep sniff in. Oops. "Bead in the hole, bead in the hole." I was rushed to the hospital, and tubes were shoved down my nose...took a couple of minutes before the bead received its thunderous applause as it made its way out of my nostrils. That kinda ended my circus career.
Me vs Death : Part 2
If I were a fish, I'd probably be a starfish - buried deep and washed ashore. Not much of a swimmer, having sensitive ears didn't help. My ears and water don't get along too well, once the water gets in...it kinda creates an ocean in my ears and never comes out but by force. Hence, the use of earplugs. At a youth retreat, I found myself in a pool looking for one of my earplugs which popped out. The next moment, I'm having leg cramps, and begin to sink. As Celine Dion grabbed the microphone, I noticed a whale(of a friend) coming towards me. Man, I was never so glad to see Henry. I grabbed on to his neck and..I was back on the surface. *Thanks Henry. Even if it wasn't a conscious effort.. you're a merman - a lifesaver.
Me vs Death : Part 3
With Sports Day around the corner, school folks were busy, the teachers were preoccupied. What an opportunity to skip classes for a day. At 17, a driver's license was a good enough escape plan. Three young students putting on our Fast & Furious minds, set out to 'drift' the windy roads on a hill. First 2 bends were clocked at 90kmph. It was time to set a 'new record' - being in the passenger's seat, I cheered my driver mate on. Pulling the handbrakes at 110kmph, on a hilltop - unwise. Having spun out of control, we were headed off the cliff. This was it . "3 School-Skipping Students Killed in Freak Car Accident" was ready to make its headlines on the news, if not for a small milestone on the side of the road. We're alive. "Let's head on to Mc D's to celebrate!". * Lesson learnt : Skipping school....bad.
My 'close encounters' with death, are miles apart from clenching award-winning-blockbuster titles. I'll embrace death,but till its time, not denying the possibility of it... I've decided to celebrate LIFE.
'Everyone dies. It's a dice roll between sooner and later; it's not so much how you leave earth, but how you live on earth.'
I picked up a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie". Excellent read, I must say. Pictures speak a thousand words , but sometimes thousands of words paint better pictures, yah? Mitch Albom, in his best seller, definitely puts life into perspective as he unearths the "taboo" - death.
How would I face death? The T-Junction of extremes, I'd either..
1. Embrace it with arms wide open. It's about time I got to see my Maker.
2. Deny the reality of it and run away from it - like a little girl playing hide-and-seek.
Holding that thought, I decided to pull out the dvd, "Me Vs. Death" and hit the play button.
Me vs. Death : Part 1
At 4, intrigued with the circus...I decided to do my own balancing act with little beads on my nose. Tilting my head back and balancing a bead on one of my nostrils, I had an remarkable idea to launch it into the air. On the count of 3 : One, two....*takes a deep sniff in. Oops. "Bead in the hole, bead in the hole." I was rushed to the hospital, and tubes were shoved down my nose...took a couple of minutes before the bead received its thunderous applause as it made its way out of my nostrils. That kinda ended my circus career.
Me vs Death : Part 2
If I were a fish, I'd probably be a starfish - buried deep and washed ashore. Not much of a swimmer, having sensitive ears didn't help. My ears and water don't get along too well, once the water gets in...it kinda creates an ocean in my ears and never comes out but by force. Hence, the use of earplugs. At a youth retreat, I found myself in a pool looking for one of my earplugs which popped out. The next moment, I'm having leg cramps, and begin to sink. As Celine Dion grabbed the microphone, I noticed a whale(of a friend) coming towards me. Man, I was never so glad to see Henry. I grabbed on to his neck and..I was back on the surface. *Thanks Henry. Even if it wasn't a conscious effort.. you're a merman - a lifesaver.
Me vs Death : Part 3
With Sports Day around the corner, school folks were busy, the teachers were preoccupied. What an opportunity to skip classes for a day. At 17, a driver's license was a good enough escape plan. Three young students putting on our Fast & Furious minds, set out to 'drift' the windy roads on a hill. First 2 bends were clocked at 90kmph. It was time to set a 'new record' - being in the passenger's seat, I cheered my driver mate on. Pulling the handbrakes at 110kmph, on a hilltop - unwise. Having spun out of control, we were headed off the cliff. This was it . "3 School-Skipping Students Killed in Freak Car Accident" was ready to make its headlines on the news, if not for a small milestone on the side of the road. We're alive. "Let's head on to Mc D's to celebrate!". * Lesson learnt : Skipping school....bad.
My 'close encounters' with death, are miles apart from clenching award-winning-blockbuster titles. I'll embrace death,but till its time, not denying the possibility of it... I've decided to celebrate LIFE.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
sunday best
Sundays. "Day of rest", "Sabbath", "Sleep-in-day"; whatever its called, it sounds good. I found myself reflecting on the life I'm living, and there's no better day then Sunday; the end of a week, the beginning of another.
It's probably one of mankind's greatest gift, the mind. Seated comfortably in church on Sunday, I'm nodding in response to the preacher who's preaching his heart out, but I couldn't help but take a good look around. If there was a giant LCD screen projecting our thoughts, scanning the congregation would be like flipping through TV channels - shows like 'Saturday Night Rewinds' and 'Whats for Lunch Today?' among many others would be airing LIVE in their heads.
I could help but realise that in those few seconds, I had ventured into my very own reality TV show. Guilty of being on a taking a mind trip that Sunday, I confess and repent of my sinful ways. Buy Message-to-Go, I shall.
Sunday Service in a box. 'Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so' , a Sunday School classic. Do I love Him? If I were a book, would my stories tell of my love for Him? I begin to go further in thought...the Sunday Mentality.
the lies
Sunday Service...
The Sunday Mentality? There's only one mindset I should strive to put on ...the mind of Christ. He created the SUN, He numbers our DAYS. He deserves my best on Sundays. He deserves my best.
Sundays. "Day of rest", "Sabbath", "Sleep-in-day"; whatever its called, it sounds good. I found myself reflecting on the life I'm living, and there's no better day then Sunday; the end of a week, the beginning of another.
It's probably one of mankind's greatest gift, the mind. Seated comfortably in church on Sunday, I'm nodding in response to the preacher who's preaching his heart out, but I couldn't help but take a good look around. If there was a giant LCD screen projecting our thoughts, scanning the congregation would be like flipping through TV channels - shows like 'Saturday Night Rewinds' and 'Whats for Lunch Today?' among many others would be airing LIVE in their heads.
I could help but realise that in those few seconds, I had ventured into my very own reality TV show. Guilty of being on a taking a mind trip that Sunday, I confess and repent of my sinful ways. Buy Message-to-Go, I shall.
Sunday Service in a box. 'Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so' , a Sunday School classic. Do I love Him? If I were a book, would my stories tell of my love for Him? I begin to go further in thought...the Sunday Mentality.
the lies
Sunday Service...
- It's like going for to the movies. High expectations? I might be let down terribly. It's best to have zero expectations, in that way I might pleasantly surprised.
- Its burning a hole in my pocket. Worship was alright, here's my dollar. Impress me with heartfelt video clips and I just might take up the Missions Pledge.
- My weekly Stand Up Comedy dose. Humour me, dear Pastors & Leaders. I've had a long week already, The Bible's a great bunch of stories, but I need something closer to home.
- A wardrobe change. It's bound to get people to notice me. Speaking of Sunday best, I am. I've got a new mask and great smile, no one's perfect in church anyway.
- Wish List. Attended church on Sunday...check! God is pleased now. Ahem. "Hey God, you've got to get me that Ipod. I really want it. "
- expect nothing, I get nothing.
- My money isn't actually mine...I'm a steward of what He has given me.
- I need the Truth more than just humour. The truth may hurt, but the Truth also sets me free.
- Sunday Service isn't about me. Changes on the inside matters more & no one is perfect, but Jesus is the benchmark.
- Having a great relationship with Him is what matters most, not being religious.
The Sunday Mentality? There's only one mindset I should strive to put on ...the mind of Christ. He created the SUN, He numbers our DAYS. He deserves my best on Sundays. He deserves my best.
Friday, August 17, 2007
care bear city.
I love the sky. I just rediscovered that yesterday. There's just something about them that gets to me, and I can't quite put my finger on what that exactly. It could be the fact that clouds are like floating play-doh, they look great in frames and photos, or a tempting endless supply of cotton candy.
People often look to the sky for 'signs'. Some get rainbows, others get alphabets, words and even illustrations! I'm just a sucker for something that just blows my mind. They kinda remind me that it's okay to not have everything figured out. We all need a li'l of life's mysteries to bring us back to the fact that we're not really in full control. Avid gamers, fans of Warcraft, even the Sims ; you get to control your 'world' - sorta like a God-role. But if you were literally held accountable for each life, meet every need and tend to every detail including hunger pangs, you'd think twice...heck, a zillion times before taking on the role. "With great power comes great responsiblity" suddenly ain't that cool a phrase anymore.
Not in full control? - Hey, it ain't that bad. Looking up to the sky keeps me on ground. It serves not just as great post-it reminder that I'm responsible for what I'm entrusted with on earth, but a pillow of comfort knowing that I'm in great hands.
Speaking of great hands... I've developed biceps. Wait, a bicep. Forget dumbells, crutches are the next gym toys - they work wonders!
I love the sky. I just rediscovered that yesterday. There's just something about them that gets to me, and I can't quite put my finger on what that exactly. It could be the fact that clouds are like floating play-doh, they look great in frames and photos, or a tempting endless supply of cotton candy.
People often look to the sky for 'signs'. Some get rainbows, others get alphabets, words and even illustrations! I'm just a sucker for something that just blows my mind. They kinda remind me that it's okay to not have everything figured out. We all need a li'l of life's mysteries to bring us back to the fact that we're not really in full control. Avid gamers, fans of Warcraft, even the Sims ; you get to control your 'world' - sorta like a God-role. But if you were literally held accountable for each life, meet every need and tend to every detail including hunger pangs, you'd think twice...heck, a zillion times before taking on the role. "With great power comes great responsiblity" suddenly ain't that cool a phrase anymore.
Not in full control? - Hey, it ain't that bad. Looking up to the sky keeps me on ground. It serves not just as great post-it reminder that I'm responsible for what I'm entrusted with on earth, but a pillow of comfort knowing that I'm in great hands.
Speaking of great hands... I've developed biceps. Wait, a bicep. Forget dumbells, crutches are the next gym toys - they work wonders!
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