Search For a Star 2008 Preview

SFAS--000, originally uploaded by ~g~.

Here is a small preview of the shots taken at Search For a Star 2008. It was a great event and I'm sure everyone enjoyed the show. A big thank you to the organisers, performers and all the crew. Click here for the photo set.

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Picture flood ...

Just a quickie ... I managed to process some photos on Sunday evening and they're now up on my flickr. Sorry about the long wait, these are way overdue.

Zion Freshies

Zion Easter

[Time for bed. I become a caffeine zombie tomorrow...]

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Wedding bells ...

My dear friends just had their wedding this weekend, a beautiful ceremony followed by some great food and friends. Their professional photographer Louis Pang has posted some of their photos ...

[Is it just me or does it feel warm (hawt) here ???]

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Grace pictures ...

Grace..., originally uploaded by ~g~.

Woohooo!!! The pictures from the Grace ball are processed and are available here. Enjoy!

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Where there is much 'sabo' ...

... there is much love.

Isn't it interesting that more often than not, the people who 'sabo' us the most and do so most extravagantly are the ones closest to us. Whether it being a best man 'saboing' the groom or [in our case], our cell 'saboing' our cell leader.

Hopefully I'll be able to elaborate more in the future and maybe even with more pictures! Needless to say, tonight was fantastic and a day which I'll remember for a long time to come.

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Forgiveness ...

Pastor visited our cell today and shared about forgiveness. Quite an interesting session delving into why we should forgive. A skill we must all learn I'd say.

Forgiveness [to me] is when you've let go of the notion of paying back the hurt that was caused. Only then can you begin on the path to healing.

[Update, forgot to add this] Sometimes it is not other people that we find hard to forgive. Sometimes the hardest one to forgive is ourselves.

In the end of it all, we came up with a few ways to practice forgiveness.

1. Make the decision to forgive.

2. Don't dwell on your hurts but instead focus on other positive things.

3. Prayer for yourself and the other party.

4. Verbalising your hurts to the One above.

5. Reading the Word.

6. Bless those who hurt you.

7. Seek Godly counsel.

[Pretty heavy stuff eh? Not to worry, I'm blessed in that I don't have enemies with whom I hold grudges against. I killed them off already ... hahahahahha]

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I'm pretty sure we all have ...

Psalm 27:13 [NLT]

Yet I am confident that I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

Haven't we all already seen God's goodness in our lives? I'm pretty sure we all have.

[Lock your doors and windows boys and girls, I'm coming home!]

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Brunch on Anzac Day

Anzac Brunch, originally uploaded by ~g~.

On Anzac Day we decided to gather, pig out and play some games. What a great time we had.

Thanks to Terence for the house, Eu Lynn for organising, Ally for the game and everyone for the food plus wonderful time.

Click on my flickr badge for more pics or click here.

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First time in church after 6 weeks away ... what a weird day ...

Hi everyone, I'm here blogging at 4:30am on Monday morning. "Why?", you may ask? Jet-lag, having being on the US timezone for 6 weeks, I'll need a few days to get my body clock back in order. So last night, I fell asleep during 'Grey's Anatomy', a bummer I know but I saw a few episodes in the US that were a few episodes later than those shown here so I roughly know what's going to happen.

Ok, yesterday was my first day at church for a long time. It was great to see familiar faces again and also see some new faces around. Yesterday's service was a special one with a 'child dedication' at the end. Basically it is where the parents dedicate the lives of their children to God. That was the nice part, the weird parts were in the beginning and the end.

Before our pastor started preaching the message of the day he asked us to imagine being married [Wooohoooo!! I'm married], then to imagine that I have a child [Oh ... I have a child? Ok ...]. So there I was, trying to think of a wife and child. The only thing that popped into my head was an African American wife and a baby daughter. I've never thought of either two before and I've always wanted a boy! Worse still, the pastor asked for volunteers to share their thoughts and my dear friends yelled out my name. [Where is Roy when you need him?]. When pastor heard my name, he commented "Oh ... ~g~ will take a long time ...". Anyway, much to my dismay, I told everyone about my baby girl and African American wife. Now I wasn't trying to make fun of our African congregation or anything like that, it was just what was in my head at the time [and you know that nothing much goes on up there anyway. Just goes to show that I've been in the US too long].

Ok, that was the weird part in the morning. In the afternoon, after having a fantastic lunch [we ate at Good One BBQ, food was usual but after not having chinese food for 6 weeks, it was heavenly.] So a group of us was making our way to Baskin-Robbins, the a woman from our group starts tugging at my shirt and pulling them out of my pants at which time alarms bells began to ring in my head [you see, my t-shirt was tucked into my pants]. Here were the thoughts running in my head:

• "What... is there a bug there somewhere?"
• "Did something get tangled with your purse?"
• "Hellooooo .., you're MARRIED! ... "
• "Where were you BEFORE you got MARRIED?"
  
• "When is your husband going to jump me and beat me to a pulp? I can picture it now ... me lying sprawled on the pavement along Albany Hwy with foam flowing out of my mouth ..."
  

After I had gained control of my clothing and asked her why she was tugging at my shirt, she explained that I had committed a fashion faux pas by tucking my shirt into my pants. [In my defense, I had worn a jacket in the morning and since the day had gotten warmer, I had left it in my car]. My mum and sis used to tell me what to wear, I think they've given up by now. They still do comment on each other's attire, all they end up achieving is prolonging the time it takes for them to dress up.

So all this 'tugging at my shirt' business made me think. What else do married women have control over their husbands? After having observed the couples I've known, the following rings true:

• Finances - she controls it. Somehow somewhere, when the men signed the marriage certificate, there was some fine print in invisible ink that states she now decides what the man can spend. So that means ... no more gadgets / electronics, toy radio controlled cars ... generally all the fun toys that ALL MEN SHOULD HAVE.
• Food - she controls it. Not only will she tell you what to eat, she will eat your food, give you her left overs or even switch your food with hers when she doesn't like her food! Oh ... not to mention the first point above, you end up paying for it.
• The way you dress - she controls it. You may not be aware but husbands have some weird psychological effects on their wives. If you happen to wear something that she doesn't like, her mood changes, something like instant PMS. She now HATES you and that will go on until you wear WHAT SHE WANTS YOU TO WEAR.
• Your time - she controls it. "What to play tennis after church?" The usual answer is "ask my wife". Need I say more?

Now, I'm not trying to portray wives as being evil [not evil ... I wouldn't go that far ... maybe slightly sadistic in a good way?], they're just a few quirks I've seen in some married couples that I just find strange. Sometimes I just want to drag the men aside and ask "how did it get to this?" and be ready with some tissues if the tears start to flow and they need a shoulder to cry on. Married men, I'm here for you. [You know what, even after this post, I think I'll eventually end up as one of those men I described above. Be assured though, I'll go down kicking and screaming!!! BTW. Sorry for the long post, I haven't blogged for a while and I now have 'blogging diarrhoea'. Lots of crap being disseminated.]

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T'was the last cell before Christmas ...

I had the pleasure of leading the discussion in cell today. Being the last cell for some (before going on their overseas holidays), I thought we'd just have a sharing session of the highlights for 2006 & what you're looking forward to in 2007. The point I wanted to highlight was how blessed we all are & that there are things to look forward to. I hope everyone enjoyed it, it was nice to listen to people share about their lives & their significant moments of 2006.

I had prepared something to share however my memory is horrible & I got the years mixed up. I had prepared to share something that happened in 2005 instead of this year. [After getting older this year, the last thing I wanted to remember is the year ;P]. Anyway, ultimately my highlight for this year was my cell group. Each individual made this cell fun & we certainly had lots of laughter. I am indeed blessed. As for the new year, well ... certain things are in the works ... much to look forward too. Hopefully it will be as good [or even better than] 2006.

[Here is a snapshot of some of our cell ... some are MIA at the moment. Have a Merry Christmas everybody, may your year be filled with much love & blessings from above.]

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Chillin' ... at Christmas

Christmas chill was very enjoyable. A short game to start off with, then lots of food followed by some carol singing. Then the obligatory picture taking session where numerous cameras came out & flash bulbs went berserk.

All in all, a great night. Nothing puts me in a more 'Christmassy' mood than singing the good ol' Christmas Carols. Since I had such a fun time, a few 'thank yous' are in order: To the Simpsons [No, not Homer et all] for opening up their home, Joshua for games, Janice / Elizabeth / Eu Lynn for the food [yummy!], Serene / Inez / David / En /Edwin for the Christmas Carols, everyone for turning up / cleaning up & having fun. [Hope I haven't missed anyone ... if I did, let me know.]

For those who will be traveling, have a safe trip. To dear family & friends, have a very blessed Christmas.

Have you started wishing 'Merry Christmas' to the people around you? I have. I've also put 'Season's greetings' on my e-mail signature. Now ... I'm just waiting for Santa Claus to come my way ...

More pictures can be found at Serene's blog entry here.

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Overheard at 'cell' ...

Tonight is the last cell for Julie, a friend of ours who is here for a 3 month project. Sadly she'll be leaving on Friday, hope you've enjoyed your time with us! So instead of cell, we had dinner at Sizzlers & below are some of what I overheard ...

"I've got herpes" [Sounds bad but it is just the scientific term for cold sores]

"Methamphetamine is made from Sudafed."

"What is the male equivalent of a bimbo?"Himbo"

"Let the kids swim in the pool" [Apparently it means to go to the toilet to do your 'big' business. I'm rather skeptical of this one]

"Syphon the python" which means to urinate. [Apparently this is true]

"Starting the lawn mover; running man; big box, little box; sprinkler; stirring the pot" [Apparently these are dance moves]

See what you can learn from your cell members! For some odd reason, my cell leader singled me out & asked me about the 'bimbo' question? I answered 'himbo'. Then I was curious, out of 10 other people, why did she ask me? She her answer was that she thought I would know due to my larger vocabulary. I reckon she's just trying to imply something, don't you? Anyway, I don't qualify to be called a 'himbo'. I may be dumb enough, but I'm no where 'pretty' enough!

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The depth of a father's love ...

Today's 'sermon' by Richard was wonderfully eye-opening. I put quotes on 'sermon' because although it started out as one, in the end it became a demonstration. A demonstration of a father's love.

It began with the story of a prodigal son but ended as the story of a lost daughter. I've been to the markets at Melbourne, Sydney & Perth so as he was describing the scene, I was picturing it in my head. The endless crowds of people, the many shops. It is easy to get disoriented in a place like that especially so when you're visiting a city not your own.

When Richard started to cry as he relived the moments of losing her daughter, we cried with him. Having seen his lovely daughter, we knew who he was talking about, we cared too. As I replayed the scene in my head, the search was not only for a lost daughter but also lost was the heart of the father. In moments when you lose the one you love, for a moment, in despair, you lose yourself.

As Richard told the story with tears in his eyes, eventually finding his daughter, hearts of the congregation warmed, tears fell. That was a demonstration of a father's love. No other 'sermon' could come close, not one which was theologically sound, perfectly written or fantastically delivered.

I began saying it was eye-opening when in fact is was heart-opening. I hope you managed to experience a glimpse of the Father's love.

Have a great week!

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Big weekend at RiverView

A friend of mine (you know who you are, thanks!) told be about the 'Big Weekend' that they're having at RiverView chuch. Click here for more details.

There will be Sy Rogers, J John, Hillsong United & it is all free. Enjoy!

Having listed to Sy Rogers a few times, he always has something profound to say. BTW, Koorong is having their 20% off sale starting tomorrow!

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Need a little pick me up?

Need a little spiritual pick me up during the week? A friend of mine gave me an ipod shuffle which then introduced me to the world of iTunes. For those who don't know, iTunes is software that allows you access to the iTunes store where you can buy music for a few dollars. I haven't bought anything just yet but I have found a treasure trove of podcasts. In layman's terms, podcasts are multimedia files [often mp3] that you can subscribe to. What is great about the iTunes software is I can [and have] subscribed to a few streams including Christian City Church led by Ps Phil Pringle and also Hillsong Church. Upwords by Max Lucado is also available & so is Joyce Meyer.

So I have lots to listen to during my 30 minute drive to & from work. Not only are they a great way to start & end my day, they're free too. Hope you all get a chance to listen in. Enjoy!!!

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Your Grace Still Amazes Me - Phillips, Craig & Dean

I'm sure those who attended Sunday service with Ps Dr Philip Lyn would testify that they were indeed blessed. The video of the 'prodigal son' was fantastic, there wasn't a dry eye in church.

I managed to find the song that was used, lyrics are below:

Your Grace Still Amazes Me - Phillips, Craig & Dean

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS:
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

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A STRONG STAND - As quoted by Rick Godwin

I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have Holy Spirit power.
The die has been cast.
I’ve stepped over the line
The decision has been made – I’m a disciple of Jesus.

I won’t look back, let up, slow down or back away.
My past is redeemed.
My present makes sense, my future secured.
I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed vision, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotion or popularity.
I don’t have to be first.
I don’t have to be recognized,
I don’t have to be praised, regarded or rewarded.
I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, live by prayer and labor by power.

My face is set, my pace is fast.
My goal is heaven. My road is narrow. My way is tough.
My companions few.
My God reliable and my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice.
Hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maize of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up, for the cause of Christ.

I’m a disciple of Jesus; I must go until He comes.
Give until I drop. Preach until all know and work until He stops me.
And when He comes for His own, He won’t have any problem recognizing me.

(Quoted by Rick Godwin on TBN. Original source unknown.)

[I get goosebumps and highly motivated everytime I read this. Chicken soup for the weary at heart. For those who have had the pleasure of listening to Rick Godwin speak, all would agree that he is one of the best. He'll also be speaking at Hillsong 2006, great opportunity to get hold of some of his teachings.]

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Cure for the Common Life - Max Lucado's new book

First of all, sorry for the long break in between posts. Was part of the logistics team for 'The Amazing 6race' event, where teams of 4 travel around the city of Perth to collect clues, perform tasks & wreak havoc on the general public. In between work, organising the logistics for the event and life in general, I had little time to post anything. Since the event was held today, I now have some 'free time' :). I'll blog about the events when I get the chance.

One website which I visit daily is Max Lucado's website, he is a wonderful author who is able to paint beatiful pictures with his words. His books are categorised as 'inspirational' and I can testify that they indeed are. One thing that is becoming a trend is that you can view / download the first chapters of books to read before deciding to purchase a book, so I was excited to see a preview of his book for download. Will try to keep an eye for the book in Koorong, Word Bookstore or Zion Rezource!

[By the way, my office may be sending me to Karattha (north region of Western Australia) for a few days this week & the week after that I'll be in Melbourne to attend David & Anna's wedding so there might be another lengthy break before I can write up new posts. See ya!]

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Praise the Lord!!!

I did edification tonight at cell.

Only God can make a incoherent blabbering fool come up with a half decent sharing session.

[Well, I thought it was half decent ... maybe every else was hearing ... "blah blah blah blah blah blah" ... anyway, praise God that this is done ... weight of the shoulders]

Unfortunately missed the episode of House where he goes on a date!!! Oh well, waiting for the DVD ...

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Darlene Zschech @ Riverview, Saturday 12th November 2005 6:00pm

Hi everyone ... got this information from Ee Hui [many thanks!!].

Darlene Zschech and her worship team will be at Riverview to launch her new album Change Your World. Official details here.  Woooo hoooo!!!

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