Been a while since I last updated my blog. Here's what been happening in the past 2 weeks.
went for Men's breakthrough weekend in Johor Bahru on 17th and 18th June. Sort of a church retreat for men. I walked across the JB causeway and trekked my way to the hotel M-Suites for one and a half hour. Moral of the story:always find out the scale the map is drawn on any brochures before starting your hike. 
Thank God the weather was fine for hiking, and I din mind walking the distance there. It made me appreciate that despite living so close to JB all my life, there are still so much things I din know or appreciate about the place.
When I reached the place at 7.30am, some fellow brothers had already arrived. I was alone at first, because I did not know any of the people there. But then, conversation ensued and I became minor celeb among the "early birds" because of my trekking. The Men's retreat started off with breakfast fellowship. Then we went into worship and discussion groups. Then lunch, checking in, tea-break and discussion groups. Then dinner and worship and discussion groups. then supper, and off to bed. Thus conclude the first day.
Yes, it was a day of "makan-ing", both physical and spiritual. 
Much were shared among the men on their struggles in their daily lives, and it is comforting to know that my struggles are not mine alone. More comforting is the fact that some brothers have small victories in the areas I am struggling in, and have offered wise counsel for me. I also had some answers to some of my questions from God, in the manner which I did not expect. My Heavenly Father still can surprise me and make me glad with His answers.
Second day was pretty much like the first day. well, the only difference I can think of was that I resolved to take less food (the physical type) 
. The thing ended at 5pm, and I hitched a ride back on one of the brother's cars. While walking at the start of the day was fun, don't think I want to hike back the same way I came in the evening.
So what's my take on this? I am blessed both by God and man in this retreat. May He also bless those who went for this trip that I have went.
Helped out at a CG wedding on last sunday. The groom did a special item for his beloved wife in the ceremony. He played a guitar piece "Just the way you are" and serenade to her in front of the guests. What's touching is that he only had a month of practice, and his guitar playing was really just beginners' level (chords only). And he could have just carried the whole song off, with acapella singing (because of his good voice). But he chose to do the guitar playing, because he wants to express his love for her i.e. "Effort mah." . The tune kinda stuck in my brain since then there, and this morning I just had a thought: "Hey, that's how God loves me too. Despite my scruffy exteriors and sinful interiors, He still loves me the way I am. therefore, in response to His love, I must love Him back and start to be a better person, in order to show my love to Him." Weird how He chose to reveal things to me - ah well, but I won't wish for any other way!
Just The Way You Are
Billy Joel
Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are
Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care
I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are.
I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take 'till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.
I said I love you, and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.
from http://www.gagirl.com/mid/justway.html
No comments:
Post a Comment