James 3:6 - The tongue also is a fire…
I like to explain. Sometimes I feel like I owe everyone an explanation.
Lately, I realized that this is not a real need. Why do I need to explain? What do I intend to gain after explaining? Am I really doing good or harm when I do? These are questions that I asked myself, as I feel like I give too much information.
I was taught that overcommunicating is a healthy habit. While I still agree on that matter, I am starting to see that it is not necessary helpful. In fact, it may even do more harm than good.
As always, I want to submit these thoughts to the Lord. Can I learn how to listen more than speaking? Can I learn the perfect timing of communication? Can You show me purpose and direction when I communicate? Can You show me what is in my heart when I cannot fight the urge to overcommunicate?
(164 words)
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
On Political Correctness (Day 8)
John 9:41 - Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt…
Political correctness. It’s an unspoken rule that most people in organizations practice. It’s the art of not wanting to offend anyone, and the best attempt to please everyone.
I met someone who hates it. Quite frankly, I found it very refreshing. He said, if I want change, I need to offend people. That horrified me. I struggled with it for more than a year, and I realized, he’s right.
It takes great boldness to speak the truth without fear of offense. Elijah wanted to die. Jeremiah was depressive. Moses became angry. Jesus… died because of it.
I live in a country that hardly exercise political correctness. However, many of their people, like the ones I mentioned above, triggered massive change in human history.
This led me to ask the Lord important questions: (1) What is the proper way of confrontation with truth? (2) When I offend people, how do I avoid getting hurt?
(169 words)
Political correctness. It’s an unspoken rule that most people in organizations practice. It’s the art of not wanting to offend anyone, and the best attempt to please everyone.
I met someone who hates it. Quite frankly, I found it very refreshing. He said, if I want change, I need to offend people. That horrified me. I struggled with it for more than a year, and I realized, he’s right.
It takes great boldness to speak the truth without fear of offense. Elijah wanted to die. Jeremiah was depressive. Moses became angry. Jesus… died because of it.
I live in a country that hardly exercise political correctness. However, many of their people, like the ones I mentioned above, triggered massive change in human history.
This led me to ask the Lord important questions: (1) What is the proper way of confrontation with truth? (2) When I offend people, how do I avoid getting hurt?
(169 words)
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
A Letter To A Person Who Made A Big Impact In My Life (Day 7)
Ezekiel 44:12 - Because they ministered to them before their idols…
Hello. I know you don’t read my stuff. It’s been a year since we last saw each other. Honestly, I missed you. No one else laughs at my funny face when I cry. And I always cry when we talk. I missed you for many reasons. (1) Because you empowered me. (2) You made me believe that you understood me. (3) You have always wanted what is best for me. (4) When we talk, you made me feel that you don’t have an agenda. (5) Even though sometimes you give horrible advice, you were the best at listening. I can go on and on, and I would have a long list of why I missed you. But frankly, I missed you because you are still my idol. I wish I know Jesus enough that I would see Him as my Standard, and not you. I am annoyed coz it’s taking a long time to get there. I don’t want to keep wanting to find you in friendships. I just want to get to a point where I want to find Jesus in people. In my heart, I wanted to be like you. But I wish my heart would always say that I want to be like Jesus. Just Jesus. I wish my idolatry towards you would end.
(229 words)
Hello. I know you don’t read my stuff. It’s been a year since we last saw each other. Honestly, I missed you. No one else laughs at my funny face when I cry. And I always cry when we talk. I missed you for many reasons. (1) Because you empowered me. (2) You made me believe that you understood me. (3) You have always wanted what is best for me. (4) When we talk, you made me feel that you don’t have an agenda. (5) Even though sometimes you give horrible advice, you were the best at listening. I can go on and on, and I would have a long list of why I missed you. But frankly, I missed you because you are still my idol. I wish I know Jesus enough that I would see Him as my Standard, and not you. I am annoyed coz it’s taking a long time to get there. I don’t want to keep wanting to find you in friendships. I just want to get to a point where I want to find Jesus in people. In my heart, I wanted to be like you. But I wish my heart would always say that I want to be like Jesus. Just Jesus. I wish my idolatry towards you would end.
(229 words)
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Israeli Music (Day 6)
Psalm 95:1 - …let us sing to the Lord…
I love music. I discovered my love for music since I was 3 or 4. Unfortunately, my passion for music has been subdued for almost a year. I knew in my heart that I was longing to watch concerts, or to play instruments again.
Today, I had the privilege of watching a open-air concert in Jerusalem. I was taking a stroll down memory lane. I was watching the entire production doing their thing — from manning the lights, balancing the sound levels, switching equipment from the front act to the main band, to make sure that the bands are fully equipped to perform.
Two things that made me smile tonight: (1) audience participation at its finest — I was impressed that everyone knows the lyrics of the songs; (2) the lyrics of the songs that I understood — it’s not often that I hear songs that worship the Lord in a public and secular setting. Tonight, I heard a lot of songs of praise.*
Sigh, I love living in Israel.
(177 words)
*One of the songs played tonight: There is a God (יש אלוהים). Lyrics HERE.
I love music. I discovered my love for music since I was 3 or 4. Unfortunately, my passion for music has been subdued for almost a year. I knew in my heart that I was longing to watch concerts, or to play instruments again.
Today, I had the privilege of watching a open-air concert in Jerusalem. I was taking a stroll down memory lane. I was watching the entire production doing their thing — from manning the lights, balancing the sound levels, switching equipment from the front act to the main band, to make sure that the bands are fully equipped to perform.
Two things that made me smile tonight: (1) audience participation at its finest — I was impressed that everyone knows the lyrics of the songs; (2) the lyrics of the songs that I understood — it’s not often that I hear songs that worship the Lord in a public and secular setting. Tonight, I heard a lot of songs of praise.*
Sigh, I love living in Israel.
(177 words)
*One of the songs played tonight: There is a God (יש אלוהים). Lyrics HERE.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Little Surprises (Day 5)
Ecclesiates 3:11 - He has made everything beautiful in its appropriate time
“Are you ok?” This was my roommate’s greeting this morning when we met at the hallway. I fell asleep last night with the lights on and door opened. I slept through the night for 10 long hours.
“I think the Lord wants me to stop being superwoman.” This is was my response. She graciously proposed that we go out tonight. It would be nice to see the Festival at the Sultan’s Pool.
Despite the busy day, I left work relatively earlier. We met at my favorite shop - the Jerusalem Experience*, and saw our friend Asaf.
We walked to the Old City, and had falafel pita for dinner.** We saw the event, but we didn’t go anyway. On our way home, we saw a new cinema - Yes Planet. It seems like a cool place to hangout! And it’s just a 5-minute walk from home!
Much to our surprise, there was a free concern happening in the cinema. We stopped by to discover that the band played tunes from her generation to the millenial generation! Who would have thought we can go to 2 concerts in 1 week? And pay for the price of 1?
We made our plans, but the Lord guided our steps. He definitely knows what time means. I thank God is He a Master of time.
(233 words)
NOTE: Today, I am writing way beyond 150 words. The Lord rebuked me thru Jo (my roommate) that I shouldn’t beat myself up with man-made rules. I still want to do this writing thing, but I also need to exercise grace and mercy to myself.
*Jerusalem Experience is located at Jaffa Street 17, Jerusalem. The store owners are awesome! :)
**Who says you can't have 16 NIS dinner in Jerusalem? Jaffa Gate Falafel is located near the Jaffa Gate. When you reach Jaffa Gate, head straight, at the first alley on your left, you will see the small falafel kiosk.
“Are you ok?” This was my roommate’s greeting this morning when we met at the hallway. I fell asleep last night with the lights on and door opened. I slept through the night for 10 long hours.
“I think the Lord wants me to stop being superwoman.” This is was my response. She graciously proposed that we go out tonight. It would be nice to see the Festival at the Sultan’s Pool.
Despite the busy day, I left work relatively earlier. We met at my favorite shop - the Jerusalem Experience*, and saw our friend Asaf.
We walked to the Old City, and had falafel pita for dinner.** We saw the event, but we didn’t go anyway. On our way home, we saw a new cinema - Yes Planet. It seems like a cool place to hangout! And it’s just a 5-minute walk from home!
Much to our surprise, there was a free concern happening in the cinema. We stopped by to discover that the band played tunes from her generation to the millenial generation! Who would have thought we can go to 2 concerts in 1 week? And pay for the price of 1?
 |
| Festival 2015 |
 |
| Concert at the Yes Planet Cinema |
(233 words)
NOTE: Today, I am writing way beyond 150 words. The Lord rebuked me thru Jo (my roommate) that I shouldn’t beat myself up with man-made rules. I still want to do this writing thing, but I also need to exercise grace and mercy to myself.
*Jerusalem Experience is located at Jaffa Street 17, Jerusalem. The store owners are awesome! :)
**Who says you can't have 16 NIS dinner in Jerusalem? Jaffa Gate Falafel is located near the Jaffa Gate. When you reach Jaffa Gate, head straight, at the first alley on your left, you will see the small falafel kiosk.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
What is Fasting for You? (Day 4)
Matthew 6:16 - When you fast…
I want to write this entry in a different way. I'm writing it in a form of questions. I’m trying to get some interaction from whoever is reading this.
I’ve always been fascinated with fasting. Fasting, in the Bible, is always associated with humility and weakness of the human body. It is also associated with the power of the Holy Spirit. And in some verses, about discipline.
Fasting is also special because it transcends faiths. Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus do it, too. For Judeo-Christian faith, fasting is a regular thing.
So, my dear reader, I would like to ask you some questions. What does fasting mean for you? When do you fast? How often do you fast? Why do you fast? What are the benefits that you experienced from fasting? When you fast, what’s your main goal? How did fasting change you?
Feel free to comment, or use this for your personal reflection.
(154 words)
I want to write this entry in a different way. I'm writing it in a form of questions. I’m trying to get some interaction from whoever is reading this.
I’ve always been fascinated with fasting. Fasting, in the Bible, is always associated with humility and weakness of the human body. It is also associated with the power of the Holy Spirit. And in some verses, about discipline.
Fasting is also special because it transcends faiths. Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus do it, too. For Judeo-Christian faith, fasting is a regular thing.
So, my dear reader, I would like to ask you some questions. What does fasting mean for you? When do you fast? How often do you fast? Why do you fast? What are the benefits that you experienced from fasting? When you fast, what’s your main goal? How did fasting change you?
Feel free to comment, or use this for your personal reflection.
(154 words)
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
A Writer's Block (Day 3)
Proverbs 16:9 - The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Today, I struggled with writing an entry. A writer’s block, as we call it. I had a few ideas in my head on what to write about. Should I write a prayer? An interesting memory? Should I take this time to thank my friends? I tried to write but I can’t seem to find the right words. No pun intended. Restlessly walking, I finally asked the Lord THE question: Why can’t I write?
I felt the Lord search my heart at that moment. My motives does not seem to be at the right place. Hence, the message would be unclear and vague. It will lack clarity and purpose. This writing situation seems like an interesting journey. I initially wanted this for the sake of personal development. Today is just the third day. I feel like the Lord has other plans.
(156 words)
Today, I struggled with writing an entry. A writer’s block, as we call it. I had a few ideas in my head on what to write about. Should I write a prayer? An interesting memory? Should I take this time to thank my friends? I tried to write but I can’t seem to find the right words. No pun intended. Restlessly walking, I finally asked the Lord THE question: Why can’t I write?
I felt the Lord search my heart at that moment. My motives does not seem to be at the right place. Hence, the message would be unclear and vague. It will lack clarity and purpose. This writing situation seems like an interesting journey. I initially wanted this for the sake of personal development. Today is just the third day. I feel like the Lord has other plans.
(156 words)
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