My friend recently experienced the death of her father. I was about to type "suffered the death of her father." However, after going to the repass today it hasn't seemed like her, her family, or the members of their mosque had "suffered" much. It's not that they don't care or don't miss him; he was a very loved imam. Nonetheless the atmosphere at the repass wasn't very solemn, definitely not what I expected after a burial, one could even say there was a festive feel in the air. According to my friend, he's gone to a better place, paradise. So they should be happy for him and just focus on all the good memories of him now that he's gone.
Can Christians do that? I can't remember the last time I've been to a Christian funeral, maybe I've never been to one. But are they the same, or should they be? Do we have such faith?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." (Genesis 16:13)
I read a quote yesterday that went something along the lines of "Love the one who saw you when you were invisible." To be noticed...to appear special in the eyes of someone...don't we all yearn for that.... But why do we keep looking when we already have that Someone. In fact, we have Him who isn't just anyone, but the God who answers our prayers when we cry out to Him in the desert place, and Him who loves us even though He sees how flawed we are. How grateful I am that I can come before Him as I am.
Songs I Would Be Listening To If I Could Find Them:
- "Hope of Glory" by Steve Fee, Todd Fields, Candi Pearson
- "The Kingdom Song" by Darrell Evans
- "Here I Am (To Be Used By You)"
I read a quote yesterday that went something along the lines of "Love the one who saw you when you were invisible." To be noticed...to appear special in the eyes of someone...don't we all yearn for that.... But why do we keep looking when we already have that Someone. In fact, we have Him who isn't just anyone, but the God who answers our prayers when we cry out to Him in the desert place, and Him who loves us even though He sees how flawed we are. How grateful I am that I can come before Him as I am.
Songs I Would Be Listening To If I Could Find Them:
- "Hope of Glory" by Steve Fee, Todd Fields, Candi Pearson
- "The Kingdom Song" by Darrell Evans
- "Here I Am (To Be Used By You)"
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
John 15:1-17
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Romans 8: 37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Romans 8: 37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Prayer Requests
Better management of time:
- stop procrastinating work
- study more for exams
- sleep more at night
- better QTs
A more Christ-centered faith:
- finding my identity and worth in Christ
- knowing He is more than enough
- building relationships between brothers and sisters in Christ in Philly, as well as keeping past relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ
Guidance for the future:
- spring semester classes and fulfilling requirements (graduation, pre-med, psych major, NBS concentration, chinese minor)
- summer: internship/job? missions? study-abroad? classes?
Human Trafficking:
- for people to realize the importance of the issue and not brush it aside as something that cannot be solved
- for the PENNumbra 'Trafficking in Sex and Labor' Symposia to have more influence and create more awareness in Congress, etc.
- for effective evangelism to the sex slave refugees in Germantown as well as funding and transportation for us to get there
- for all those involved in the trade itself
- stop procrastinating work
- study more for exams
- sleep more at night
- better QTs
A more Christ-centered faith:
- finding my identity and worth in Christ
- knowing He is more than enough
- building relationships between brothers and sisters in Christ in Philly, as well as keeping past relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ
Guidance for the future:
- spring semester classes and fulfilling requirements (graduation, pre-med, psych major, NBS concentration, chinese minor)
- summer: internship/job? missions? study-abroad? classes?
Human Trafficking:
- for people to realize the importance of the issue and not brush it aside as something that cannot be solved
- for the PENNumbra 'Trafficking in Sex and Labor' Symposia to have more influence and create more awareness in Congress, etc.
- for effective evangelism to the sex slave refugees in Germantown as well as funding and transportation for us to get there
- for all those involved in the trade itself
Sunday, November 8, 2009
GCC Passion Revival 2009
Thursday - Prayer
Friday - Be still and know that I am God (the example of Paul); Soar like the eagle
Saturday - Extravagant Grace
Sunday - Glory of God and the example of Moses (Stop looking at our own inadequacies and hunger for the presence of God)
The above are just notes of what took place this weekend so hopefully I'll expand on them soon. The speaker was Pastor Sam Lee from Harvest International Center. The sermons were really thought provoking; I wish I took notes (but I was too afraid to miss something). And to see how people worship in different ways, it was...interesting to say the least. (I got a better feel for that it means to be part of a reformed charismatic church.) Oh, and the body worship (GCC Overflow) and a capella (GCC Full Measure - they performed 'By Your Side' by Tenth Avenue North!) were very entertaining. This weekend was definitely a rejuvenating weekend, even though all the praise and prayer was exhausting. (Wow, I have never prayed/praised for that long before....)
Currently Listening To:
- Hosanna, Paul Bloche
- Hope of Glory, Todd Fields
- The Kingdom Song, Darrell Evans
- Amazed, Desperation Band
- Arms Open Wide, Hillsong United
Friday - Be still and know that I am God (the example of Paul); Soar like the eagle
Saturday - Extravagant Grace
Sunday - Glory of God and the example of Moses (Stop looking at our own inadequacies and hunger for the presence of God)
The above are just notes of what took place this weekend so hopefully I'll expand on them soon. The speaker was Pastor Sam Lee from Harvest International Center. The sermons were really thought provoking; I wish I took notes (but I was too afraid to miss something). And to see how people worship in different ways, it was...interesting to say the least. (I got a better feel for that it means to be part of a reformed charismatic church.) Oh, and the body worship (GCC Overflow) and a capella (GCC Full Measure - they performed 'By Your Side' by Tenth Avenue North!) were very entertaining. This weekend was definitely a rejuvenating weekend, even though all the praise and prayer was exhausting. (Wow, I have never prayed/praised for that long before....)
Currently Listening To:
- Hosanna, Paul Bloche
- Hope of Glory, Todd Fields
- The Kingdom Song, Darrell Evans
- Amazed, Desperation Band
- Arms Open Wide, Hillsong United
Monday, November 2, 2009
Everyone's doing it...
Well, actually, I've done this personality quiz before but I decided to do it again because I'm bored in philosophy and wanted to find out if my results changed since the last time. (Too bad I don't remember what my last results were.)
Your Type is ISTJ
Introverted
Sensing
Thinking
Judging
Qualitative analysis of your type formula
You are:
- slightly expressed introvert
- moderately expressed sensing personality
- slightly expressed thinking personality
- slightly expressed judging personality
Guardian™ Portrait of the Inspector (ISTJ)
The one word that best describes Inspectors is superdependable. Whether at home or at work, Inspectors are extraordinarily persevering and dutiful, particularly when it comes to keeping an eye on the people and products they are responsible for. In their quiet way, Inspectors see to it that rules are followed, laws are respected, and standards are upheld.
Inspectors (as much as ten percent of the general population) are the true guardians of institutions. They are patient with their work and with the procedures within an institution, although not always with the unauthorized behavior of some people in that institution. Responsible to the core, Inspectors like it when people know their duties, follow the guidelines, and operate within the rules. For their part, Inspectors will see to it that goods are examined and schedules are kept, that resources will be up to standards and delivered when and where they are supposed to be. And they would prefer that everyone be this dependable. Inspectors can be hard-nosed about the need for following the rules in the workplace, and do not hesitate to report irregularities to the proper authorities. Because of this they are often misjudged as being hard-hearted, or as having ice in their veins, for people fail to see their good intentions and their vulnerability to criticism. Also, because Inspectors usually make their inspections without much flourish or fanfare, the dedication they bring to their work can go unnoticed and unappreciated.
While not as talkative as Supervisor Guardians [ESTJs], Inspectors are still highly sociable, and are likely to be involved in community service organizations, such as Sunday School, Little League, or Boy and Girl Scouting, that transmit traditional values to the young. Like all Guardians, Inspectors hold dear their family social ceremonies-weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries - although they tend to be shy if the occasion becomes too large or too public. Generally speaking, Inspectors are not comfortable with anything that gets too fancy. Their words tend to be plain and down-to-earth, not showy or high-flown; their clothes are often simple and conservative rather than of the latest fashion; and their home and work environments are usually neat, orderly, and traditional, rather than trendy or ostentatious. As for personal property, they usually choose standard items over models loaded with features, and they often try to find classics and antiques - Inspectors prefer the old-fashioned to the newfangled every time.
[From: http://keirsey.com/handler.aspx?s=keirsey&f=fourtemps&tab=2&c=inspector]
Your Type is ISTJ
Introverted
Sensing
Thinking
Judging
Qualitative analysis of your type formula
You are:
- slightly expressed introvert
- moderately expressed sensing personality
- slightly expressed thinking personality
- slightly expressed judging personality
Guardian™ Portrait of the Inspector (ISTJ)
The one word that best describes Inspectors is superdependable. Whether at home or at work, Inspectors are extraordinarily persevering and dutiful, particularly when it comes to keeping an eye on the people and products they are responsible for. In their quiet way, Inspectors see to it that rules are followed, laws are respected, and standards are upheld.
Inspectors (as much as ten percent of the general population) are the true guardians of institutions. They are patient with their work and with the procedures within an institution, although not always with the unauthorized behavior of some people in that institution. Responsible to the core, Inspectors like it when people know their duties, follow the guidelines, and operate within the rules. For their part, Inspectors will see to it that goods are examined and schedules are kept, that resources will be up to standards and delivered when and where they are supposed to be. And they would prefer that everyone be this dependable. Inspectors can be hard-nosed about the need for following the rules in the workplace, and do not hesitate to report irregularities to the proper authorities. Because of this they are often misjudged as being hard-hearted, or as having ice in their veins, for people fail to see their good intentions and their vulnerability to criticism. Also, because Inspectors usually make their inspections without much flourish or fanfare, the dedication they bring to their work can go unnoticed and unappreciated.
While not as talkative as Supervisor Guardians [ESTJs], Inspectors are still highly sociable, and are likely to be involved in community service organizations, such as Sunday School, Little League, or Boy and Girl Scouting, that transmit traditional values to the young. Like all Guardians, Inspectors hold dear their family social ceremonies-weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries - although they tend to be shy if the occasion becomes too large or too public. Generally speaking, Inspectors are not comfortable with anything that gets too fancy. Their words tend to be plain and down-to-earth, not showy or high-flown; their clothes are often simple and conservative rather than of the latest fashion; and their home and work environments are usually neat, orderly, and traditional, rather than trendy or ostentatious. As for personal property, they usually choose standard items over models loaded with features, and they often try to find classics and antiques - Inspectors prefer the old-fashioned to the newfangled every time.
[From: http://keirsey.com/handler.aspx?s=keirsey&f=fourtemps&tab=2&c=inspector]
Sunday, November 1, 2009
So today was my second time using public transportation in Philly...definitely not a fan of it. First my friends and I wandered for an hour in the rain before we found the trolley station. The fare system isn't very convenient; tokens should stay in the past decade. Also the last runs are around 1AM - very early compared to NYC standards. Anyways, my post isn't even meant to be about how the Philly public transportation (Septa) is inferior to NYC's MTA, but about men, or rather boys in this society.
I know, weird switch in topic, but here's what happened. While my friend was buying tokens at the machine at 69th stop. I thought my friend's bag brushed against my bottom (that word appropriate enough?). But I turn and my friend's not that close to me, and then I hear this girl say "I apologize for my friend." It wasn't until I look up to see a guy smirking at me while walking away do I realize what had happened.
At first I was just in shock that that even happened. Really? Philly? I expected that in to happen to me in the crowded subways of NYC first before it would occur in a semi-empty subway station in Philly. Then my second thought was, let it go, it's Halloween, he's probably drunk. In the end I didn't do anything. What could I have done anyways - I'm not one to shout and scream. But what his action did do was made me think.
Why was I so appalled that this happened? Well not that it's okay, but I hear about it all the time, why did it seem like it'd never happen to me? Then I realized it's because I attend a fostering all-women's college and all my male friends are guys I respect. I had forgotten that douches lived in this world. Or rather I knew they existed, but they just seemed so foreign.
On the trolley ride back, the group of guys in front of us were making really vulgar jokes. Cursing really isn't that comical.... And one guy was trying to force himself onto his girlfriend, and all the girl kept saying was "Stop, that hurts." Then later she gave in and leaned on him. What?!? Stand up for yourself! Disgusting, just dump that loser.
Then later that night, at the Haverford Halloween Party, looking around... (I won't mention everything I saw because I'm trying to keep this post as PG as possible) people wearing as little as possible, girls inviting guys into their arms, guys expecting to grind.... This is the atmosphere was had created ourselves, only we were to blame. No wonder guys think that it's okay to do whatever they want to a girl.
I was going to end with this whole rant... the passionate spoken word type of rants but I'm just too tired. All I'll say is this - we need to stop tolerating this kind of behavior.
I know, weird switch in topic, but here's what happened. While my friend was buying tokens at the machine at 69th stop. I thought my friend's bag brushed against my bottom (that word appropriate enough?). But I turn and my friend's not that close to me, and then I hear this girl say "I apologize for my friend." It wasn't until I look up to see a guy smirking at me while walking away do I realize what had happened.
At first I was just in shock that that even happened. Really? Philly? I expected that in to happen to me in the crowded subways of NYC first before it would occur in a semi-empty subway station in Philly. Then my second thought was, let it go, it's Halloween, he's probably drunk. In the end I didn't do anything. What could I have done anyways - I'm not one to shout and scream. But what his action did do was made me think.
Why was I so appalled that this happened? Well not that it's okay, but I hear about it all the time, why did it seem like it'd never happen to me? Then I realized it's because I attend a fostering all-women's college and all my male friends are guys I respect. I had forgotten that douches lived in this world. Or rather I knew they existed, but they just seemed so foreign.
On the trolley ride back, the group of guys in front of us were making really vulgar jokes. Cursing really isn't that comical.... And one guy was trying to force himself onto his girlfriend, and all the girl kept saying was "Stop, that hurts." Then later she gave in and leaned on him. What?!? Stand up for yourself! Disgusting, just dump that loser.
Then later that night, at the Haverford Halloween Party, looking around... (I won't mention everything I saw because I'm trying to keep this post as PG as possible) people wearing as little as possible, girls inviting guys into their arms, guys expecting to grind.... This is the atmosphere was had created ourselves, only we were to blame. No wonder guys think that it's okay to do whatever they want to a girl.
I was going to end with this whole rant... the passionate spoken word type of rants but I'm just too tired. All I'll say is this - we need to stop tolerating this kind of behavior.