tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54806352931985545672024-02-07T13:14:02.262-08:00Perspective... in retrospect..A reflectionTimothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-40550704333540979452010-12-29T08:17:00.000-08:002010-12-29T08:29:23.440-08:00A new me?Been thinking about closing this blog for a while now. I guess I just don't have the passion I used to have in bloggings. Well, it takes time to really write to impress. I guess I'm just not that impressive... hehehe...<br /><br />Anyway, I'll keep this blog and will update my life's journey from time to time. Right now I'm heading towards a major turnaround in my life. I'm going for Circular Strength Training's certification in Chiang Mai this coming February 2011. I'm really working very hard to prepare myself for this. Lucky I'm a self motivator. There's certainly many times I've thought to myself that I couldn't possibly do this... that it's to hard and that I'm not ready yet. But, this is my passion. I want to be fit and healthy and flexible. I want to be strong and fast and agile. I want to be functionally muscular and have the body of a gymnast. This is what I want. So, this is what I'm gearing towards. 2011 will be the best year yet.<br /><br />On another front, I'm getting married in 2011 too.... yes! Finally eh! Betty and I are really excited about this. We just booked our wedding band from Tomei earlier this month. Now we are discussing many other things on the preparations and what not. This is exciting time for the both of us. Again, 2011 will be the year.<br /><br />There'll be a lot of things going on with my life from now on. Work is terribly hectic and is taking most of my weekdays. I had to missed my Aikido training more than a dozen times and as a result, I'm being left behind by my colleagues in terms of knowledge and grades. It sucks but work brings money to my wallet and food to my table. So I just have to prioritise.<br /><br />Well, I've written quite a lot and I'll be writing again very, very soon (I hope). Not sure if there'll be anybody reading this but I'm writing for me. So, it doesn't matter. Adios for now!Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-35964563999109334142010-01-10T00:40:00.000-08:002010-01-10T01:01:53.804-08:00It's been a while...It's been a while since I last wrote. The last few months have been a hectic one for me and Betty. Well, I enjoy being busy. It makes me feel full of life. A little over six months ago I was transferred from the regional office to one of the branches in KK. I must admit, I'm totally flabbergasted with the transfer at first. But then, I decided to jus give it a go come what may. <br /><br />It's been a while now and I kinda like it here. I meet new people and make new friends. I learn to adapt to the new environment and in the process forge friendship with some beautiful personalities. I really am glad to be where I am now. Of course not everyday is 'sunny'. There were 'rainy' days too. But I learn to look at things from a different perspective. God send me here for a reason. It's my duty to be a living testimony of His boundless love.Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-86862128046185724212009-03-20T08:47:00.000-07:002009-03-20T08:55:07.378-07:00Take a deep breath..Here's a great article from Joel Marion (a fitness expert) about breathing techniques that can be used to calm our selves in stressful situations. Enjoy ;)<br /><br /><p>Yesterday I was having one of those days. You know, the type of day where everything seems to be out of whack and a hundred inconveniences seem to jump out of nowhere.</p> <p>We all have them. They’re part of life.</p> <p>The icing on the cake, though, came later in the day when I got a flat tire.</p> <p>And of course it was rush hour.</p> <p>And of course it was on a major highway.</p> <p>So there I was on the side of the road, annoyed, attempting to change my tire in the midst of hundreds of cars whizzing by me at 70 mph.</p> <p>And then I realized something.</p> <p>I was letting the day’s circumstances−circumstances that were completely out of my control−get the best of me. It was affecting my energy, and that’s something that I really try to avoid.</p> <p>So, I put down the tire iron, got back in the car, turned on the radio and started to breathe.</p> <p>You see, a long time ago I learned the value of using controlled breathing from a martial arts instructor friend of mine. Now, you may be thinking “Yeah, okay…controlled breathing…Tai Qui…oogly moogly” and you know what, that’s exactly how I looked at it once, too.</p> <p>But then I gave it a try. And it works.</p> <p><span id="more-255"></span></p> <p>The fact is, controlled breathing exercises are an extremely useful tool for managing stress and renewing focus. And in just a minute, I want to share with you one relaxation breathing exercise that has been clinically proven to reduce stress and sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. In fact, almost immediately after you begin to breathe like this, the body begins to calm itself. Heart rate slows, anxiety decreases, and you can just “feel” the effects.</p> <p>Here it is:</p> <p><strong>The 4-7-8 technique:</strong></p> <ul><li>Exhale completely through your mouth.</li><li>Breathe in completely through your nose over a period of 4 seconds.</li><li>Hold your breath for 7 seconds.</li><li>Exhale completely through your mouth for a period of 8 seconds.</li></ul> <p>Repeat the exercise three more times for a total of 4 breaths.</p> <p>Try it now for proof. See how it makes you feel. I can guarantee if you do, you’ll use it again…especially when you need it most.</p> <p>And in a couple minutes I was back out working on the tire, only with a completely different attitude.</p> <p>Don’t let circumstances out of your control dictate your energy. And if you sense they might be, take some time to breathe.</p> <p>Stay focused,</p> <p>Joel</p>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-55345333014153787292009-03-20T07:57:00.000-07:002009-03-20T08:45:46.293-07:00Another life's lesson...Phew! The past couple of months have been hectic. Work pressures abound and is taking away much of my precious, precious time. There are days when the thought of quitting my job enters my mind. But at this very moment, quitting is not an option. The Lord gives me this job for a reason. I have to hang tough. His love is what strengthen me to move on with my hectic life.<br /><br />2 weeks ago my fiancee and I drove back to her home town in Keningau. It was quite late and its getting dark. But having complete trust in the Lord, we continued with the 1 hour 45 minutes journey. The trip to Keningau via the Kimanis route are hilly with slopes ranging from 10% to 12%. The journey went on smoothly until we reached the last hill. As we descend down the hill, I thought I heard something snapped. But nothing happened. So we move on and reached home soon after. As I drove into the house compound, I tried to change my gear shift to Reverse. To my astonishment, the gear did not shift. And the realisation hit me. The snapping sound must've been that of my gear cable. As frustrated I am with the sudden realisation, I am grateful that we managed to reach home safe and sound. So I left my car where it was, turned off the ignition and headed into the house.<br /><br />Fast forward to mid-nite, the sound of car crashing woken me up. I looked through the living room window but saw nothing. Without giving it a second thought, I return to the couch and resume sleeping. Suddenly there's a sound of the gate being crashed and..... !BAM! .... another crashing sound... followed by the sound my car's alarm. I jumped up from the couch and quickly ran out of the door. I can't believe what I saw. My car was hit by a pick-up truck drove by some drunken guy. Man! When I thought my day couldn't get any worse, there I am standing in front of my wrecked car staring at the drunken driver's eyes. Fast forward to today, the workshop told me that my car would be ready by Sunday. The drunken guy has agreed to pay for the cost of repair (minus the gear cable of course). <br /><br />The biggest thing that I've learned in that fateful trip back is to always be grateful to the Lord in whatever circumstances. It's always easy to say thanks to the Almighty when we are happy. But the ultimate test of character is to be able to say thanks in the face of calamity. I am truly grateful that God has chosen me to be where I am now. He showed me that life is not always comfortable. What matters is our perspective; we either choose to let the circumstance to get the better of us or we can choose to smile and be grateful for the opportunity to learn another life's lesson from the Creator.Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-18160387865803810182009-02-28T17:58:00.000-08:002009-02-28T18:03:57.992-08:00Diets That Reduce Calories Lead to Weight Loss, Regardless of Carbohydrate, Protein or Fat ContentThis is an article from Harvard's School of Public Health (got it from the link in Brad Pilon's Facebook's post). It goes to show that the most important thing to note is to eat healthy at a reduced calories irregardless of whether it's low fat or low carbs or even low protein.. healthy natural food... that's the key.. so here goes..<br /><br /><p> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Long-Term Study Shows That Attending Counseling Sessions Also Key to Promoting Weight Loss</span></em></span> </p> </span> </p> <p> <strong>For immediate release: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 </strong> </p> <p> Boston, MA -- Many popular diets emphasize either carbohydrate, protein or fat as the best way to lose weight. However, there have been few studies lasting more than a year that evaluate the effect on weight loss of diets with different compositions of those nutrients. In a randomized clinical trial led by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Pennington Biomedical Research Center of the Louisiana State University System, a comparison of overweight participants assigned to four different diets over a two-year period showed that reducing calories achieved weight loss regardless of which of the three nutrients was emphasized. The study, which was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, appears in the February 26, 2009 issue of <em>The New England Journal of Medicine.</em> </p> <p> "This is important information for physicians, dieticians and adults, who should focus weight loss approaches on reducing calorie intake," said <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/faculty/frank-sacks">Frank Sacks</a>, professor of cardiovascular disease prevention at HSPH and lead author of the study. </p> <p> The <em>NEJM </em>issue includes an accompanying editorial on the study's findings. </p> <p> The trial included 811 men and women who were randomly divided into four diet groups with different target nutrient compositions: </p> <p> * Low-fat, average protein: 20% of calories from fat, 15% of calories from protein, 65% of calories from carbohydrate </p> <p> * Low-fat, high-protein: 20% fat, 25% protein, 55% carbohydrate </p> <p> * High-fat, average protein: 40% fat, 15% protein, 45% carbohydrate </p> <p> * High-fat, high-protein: 40% fat, 25% protein, 35% carbohydrate </p> <p> The participants were diverse in age, sex (62% women, 38% men), geography and income. The diets followed heart-healthy principles, replacing saturated with unsaturated fat and were high in whole cereal grains, fruits and vegetables. Each participant received a diet prescription that encouraged a 750-calorie reduction per day, however none were less than 1,200 total calories per day. Participants were asked to do 90 minutes of moderate exercise each week. They recorded their daily food and drink intake in a food diary and in a web-based program that provided information on how closely they were meeting their dieting goals. Individual counseling was provided every eight weeks over two years and group sessions were held three out of four weeks during the first six months and two out of four weeks from six months to two years. </p> <p> The results showed that, regardless of diet, weight loss and reduction in waist circumference were similar. Participants lost an average of 13 pounds at six months and maintained a 9-pound loss at two years. Weight loss primarily took place in the first 6 months; after 12 months, all groups began to slowly regain weight, a finding consistent with other diet studies. However, the extent of weight regain was much less, about 20%, of the average regain in previous studies. Waistlines were reduced by an average of two inches at the end of the two-year period. </p> <p> Most risk factors for cardiovascular disease improved for dieters at six months and two years. HDL ("good") cholesterol increased and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and insulin decreased. The metabolic syndrome, a group of coronary heart disease risk factors including high blood pressure, insulin resistance and abdominal obesity, also decreased. </p> <p> The main finding from the trial was that diets with varying emphases on carbohydrate, fat and protein levels all achieved clinically meaningful weight loss and maintenance of weight loss over a two-year period. "These results show that, as long as people follow a heart-healthy, reduced-calorie diet, there is more than one nutritional approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight," said Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., Director, NHLBI. </p> <p> Another important finding was that participants who regularly attended counseling sessions lost more weight than those who didn't. Dieters who attended two thirds of sessions over two years lost about 22 pounds of weight as compared to the average weight loss of 9 pounds. "These findings suggest that continued contact with participants to help them achieve their goals may be more important than the macronutrient composition of their diets," said Sacks. </p> <p> Support for this study was provided by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health and NIH General Clinical Research Center. </p> <p> "Randomized Trial Comparing Fat, Protein, and Carbohydrate Composition of Diets for Weight Loss for Two Years," Frank M. Sacks, George A. Bray, Vincent J. Carey, Steven R. Smith, Donna H. Ryan, Stephen D. Anton, Katherine McManus, Catherine M. Champagne, Louise M. Bishop, Nancy Laranjo, Meryl S. Leboff, Jennifer C. Rood, Lilian de Jonge, Catherine M. Loria, Evan Obarzanek, Donald A. Williamson, <em>NEJM, </em>February 26, 2009, vol. 360, no. 9. </p> <p> For more information, contact: </p> <p> Todd Datz<br />617-432-3952<br />tdatz@hsph.harvard.edu </p> Visit the HSPH website for the <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/">latest news</a>, <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/">press releases </a>and <a href="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/multimedia/">multimedia offerings</a>.Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-35086768933839682932009-02-23T06:06:00.000-08:002009-02-23T07:19:24.902-08:00The Choice....<a style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcl7W4FXRsm6zfmyWFVpNMwGdJPO_bqlwnOrjV8q8ShWBbzK4YZxzY4CEla78A_UiPURiTqcWoUPeeeeRftf8nSZg2HEXv_SPHzxfAjiTv2AuRhDFiqRY-2xLjHTyBlVtLuGVXVmcDQM/s1600-h/01112008571.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcl7W4FXRsm6zfmyWFVpNMwGdJPO_bqlwnOrjV8q8ShWBbzK4YZxzY4CEla78A_UiPURiTqcWoUPeeeeRftf8nSZg2HEXv_SPHzxfAjiTv2AuRhDFiqRY-2xLjHTyBlVtLuGVXVmcDQM/s200/01112008571.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306005122153081266" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;" >"I shall shape my future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me. Or I can be lost in the maze. My choice. My responsibility. Win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny."<br />- Og Mandino -<br /><br />We choose to be who we want to be. That's the beauty of God's love to us. He lets us decide and still loves us no matter what. In the past couple of months, I've reflected a lot on my past decisions. Some propels me closer to who I really want to be while some became road blocks in my life. But that's life. Nothing ever comes easy. Life is to be colourful to ever be meaningful. It calls to mind the words in Ecclesiastes 3.<br /><br />"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."<br /><br />The contemporary worship song <span style="font-style: italic;">In His Time</span> speaks forth the following truth:-<br /><br />"In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, please show me every day, as You're teaching me Your way, that You do just what You say, in Your time."<br /></span>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-79344238359388359012009-02-17T05:56:00.000-08:002009-02-17T06:09:34.293-08:00The Shack.... and my journey to intimacy..It's been quite a while since I last posted. A lot has been happening since then. I've finished reading The Shack and I must say that it's been an awesome read. Since my early age I've always have this feeling that God is ever so close to me. Time passes by and the feelings gone with the wind. The dogma of religion kills the real meaning of love. In religion, we are forced to comply. Not through our own free will but to conform with those around us.<br /><br />I consider myself to be lucky to have understood the meaning of God's love. In Him there is no condemnation. There is no finger pointing. There is no hatred. In Him love is very, very, very real. <br /><br />I'm still learning to know Him better. Learning to be able to discern His voice. To be able to see His works around me. To marvel at the simplicity of His touch. Every day is a new day. A new beginning. A new future. <br /><br />The Shack touches me so deeply. The realization that God loves me just the way I am leaves me 'love-struck' (for lack of any better word... hehehe....). God is not who we were led to believe by religion. God is the great 'I AM'. He is who He is. I am in Him and He is in me. <br /><br />This journey is not easy. But its worthwhile. I'm not alone for He is with me.Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-9522800069440427272009-01-20T08:30:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:57:26.813-08:00Sample Bodywieght workout from Craig Ballantyne...I've been following Craig Ballantyne's Turbulence Training for a couple of months now after a long, long lay-off. It feels good to workout hard and intense. But it feels even better spending only 20 to 30 minutes every other day working out hard. Here's the excerpt from Craig's recent blog post.. enjoy the workout!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hi Timothy,</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So I read in Men's Health that Obama goes to the gym 6 times per</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">week...he even does long cardio workouts!</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But I'm not sure how he's going to pull that off now that he is</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">President of the good ol' USA.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Methinks he's going to need to learn about bodyweight exercises and</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">workouts that he can do in his bedroom at home. (Maybe even in the</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Oval Office!)</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So I dipped into my Bodyweight Cardio e-book and I'm giving him this</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">bodyweight workout as my Inauguration Day present to President Obama.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's the perfect way for him to do a quick workout first thing in</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the morning before he starts his new job.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So President Obama, I give you the...</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Crazy 8-300 Turbulence Training Bodyweight Circuit"</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">o Do each exercise at a 1-0-1 pace except for the holds.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">o For Burpees & Running High Knees, go as fast as possible.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">o Do all exercises without resting between each.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">o At the end of the circuit, rest 1 minute & repeat twice more for a</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">total of 3 "Crazy 8-300 Bodyweight Circuits".</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1) Jumping Jacks - 60 reps</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2) Spiderman Pushup - 10 reps per side</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3) Walking Lunge - 15 reps per side</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4) Spiderman Climb - 10 reps per side</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">5) Wall Squat Hold - 45 second hold</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6) Plank Hold - 60 second hold</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">7) Burpees - 5 reps</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">8] Running High Knees - 25 reps per side</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Enjoy!<br /><br /></span>My target this year is to get a lean physique before end of April. The best thing is, I'm working out with my sweet Betty. We plan to get married by year end. So, must get the 6-pack abs out before then... Cheers! <span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-76454797913030057662009-01-17T03:34:00.000-08:002009-01-17T03:43:37.780-08:00Be Lifted High...<object width="404" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fSg8n2JSL8k&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fSg8n2JSL8k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="404" height="327"></embed></object><br /><br />This is my favourite song. Leeland sang it beautifully. The song expresses the longing of my heart... the longing of my soul. The lyrics speaks for itself.<br /><br />Sin and its ways grow old<br />All of my heart turns to stone<br />And I'm left with no strength to arise<br />How You need to be lifted high<br /><br />Sin and its ways lead to pain<br />Left here with hurt and with shame<br />So no longer will I leave your side<br />Jesus, you be lifted high<br /><br />You be lifted high<br />You be lifted high<br />You be lifted high in my life<br />Oh God<br />And I fall to my knees<br />So it's you that they see<br />Not I<br />Jesus, you be lifted high<br /><br />And even now that I'm inside your hands<br />Help me not to grow prideful again<br />Don't let me forsake sacrifice<br />Jesus you be lifted high<br /><br />And if I'm blessed with the riches of kings<br />How could I ever think that it was me<br />For you brought me from darkness to light<br />Jesus, you be lifted high<br /><br />You be lifted high<br />You be lifted high<br />You be lifted high in my life<br />Oh God<br />And I fall to my knees<br />So it's you that they see<br />Not I<br />Jesus, you'll be lifted high<br /><br />Oh Jesus, you be lifted high<br />Oh you be lifted high<br />Oh you be lifted high in my life<br />Oh God<br />And I fall to my knees<br />So it's you that they see<br />Not I<br />Jesus, you be lifted highTimothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-16989274325792381352008-12-30T02:57:00.000-08:002008-12-30T03:07:42.896-08:00Cover me...<object height="326" width="403"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tcwtkwxC5DI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tcwtkwxC5DI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="326" width="403"></embed></object><br /><br />Cover me, cover up my tears<br />Cover up this man who's covered up in fear<br />I need a peace of mind, I need a piece of you<br />To cover all that's gone and everything that's new<br />You unveil me with your mercy<br />I want to breathe you in<br />You unfold me, then you hold me<br /><br />Cover up my heart, cover up my soul<br />Cover up this world and everything I know<br />You cover up the sky, you cover up the sea<br />Cover up the mountains and every part of me<br />Everything single breath I breathe...cover me<br /><br />I am still alive and covered up in years<br />Covered up in lines as innocence appears<br />So give me a peace of mind, give me a piece of you<br />To cover all that's old with everything that's new<br />You unveil me with your mercy<br />I want to breathe you in<br />And you unfold me, then you hold me<br />You unveil me with your mercy<br />I want to breathe you in<br />You unfold me then you hold me<br />I want to shed this skin<br />You unveil me with your mercy<br />You unfold me, then you hold me<br />You unbreak me, would you take me homeTimothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-66201765344625640112008-12-15T20:56:00.000-08:002008-12-15T22:32:52.548-08:00In the garden, where faith grows, prayer plants a flower…<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR9TuAvxw2lwenjxXhaJg4XhspYNCoE55hltupRO-G8LNejCd-mkqVwuGANiF0cRCKR1silw4Nv5IW_kY-WpXcu8kVTCqIurb-5QZgutqSHLrGvD3M3w6BVTBowqTpwVAPwL5dhyphenhyphenOPV0/s1600-h/japanese+garden.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280271047203028786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR9TuAvxw2lwenjxXhaJg4XhspYNCoE55hltupRO-G8LNejCd-mkqVwuGANiF0cRCKR1silw4Nv5IW_kY-WpXcu8kVTCqIurb-5QZgutqSHLrGvD3M3w6BVTBowqTpwVAPwL5dhyphenhyphenOPV0/s200/japanese+garden.bmp" border="0" /></a> I’ve just finished reading ‘The Shack’. To say that I enjoy reading it is immensely an understatement. I now realized how far I have gone away from trusting Jesus completely, to relying on my own wit and strength in life. I remembered last night, while taking my shower, how I was suddenly ‘washed’ by the presence of the Holy Spirit. I cried and cried. But my tears were tears of joy. For now, it dawns upon me that God loves me so much just the way I am. Like in the story of the prodigal son, I was once the son who chose to stay with the father and try to live religiously just to seek the father’s love and approval. Try as I might, I can never be the perfect son. As a matter of fact, no one ever can. But the most liberating fact is that, God does not expect us to be perfect. He loves us all the same.<br /><br />He knows the day I am born even before I was conceived. He knows the choices that I’ll make in life. He knows the consequences of my bad decision. He knows my happy moments. He knows everything about me long before I even exist. Yet, He loves me for who I am irregardless of the choices that He knows I’ll make. For God loves me so much He gave me the freedom to choose. He wants me to love Him not because I have to, but because I want to. He wants to have intimate relationship with me not because He needs to, but because He wants to. He loves me that much even when I hurt Him with the choices that He knows I’ll make. Even when I blamed Him for all the wrong things happening in my life and even when I did not bother to say thanks to Him for all the great blessings He has and continues to bestow upon me.<br /><br />Do I deserve to be His son? No… I’m not. No one ever does except for Jesus. And yet, He calls me His son and He loves me all the same. He sees the beauty in the mess that is me. Oh… what a mess I must be. But, to Him, I am a beautiful garden. For He sees a garden in me. A garden where faith continues to grow every single moment, every single day.<br /><br /><em>Abba Father! Thank you for loving me. I am liberated by your love. I want to live trusting you completely. Please guide me and show me the way. I want to walk with you everyday in my life. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!<br /></div></em>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-55929253453926873392008-11-27T23:25:00.000-08:002008-11-27T23:30:18.839-08:00My journey back to intimacy…<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH4m2kONnO5D6L6DbHJ3C-uMUUcr0gbQtRXleUbWxggKnxhEA6RpdMDZeyGWwxkGADfRQWIjJ7btfNwOyOY5NqkcYX61do8Qk7dZz7c96LRJBHPqpOFurmCTm-MKrE8IvqVTpKAGJmUY/s1600-h/The+God+Journey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273606676123040146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH4m2kONnO5D6L6DbHJ3C-uMUUcr0gbQtRXleUbWxggKnxhEA6RpdMDZeyGWwxkGADfRQWIjJ7btfNwOyOY5NqkcYX61do8Qk7dZz7c96LRJBHPqpOFurmCTm-MKrE8IvqVTpKAGJmUY/s200/The+God+Journey.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ever since I read the ‘Jake Colsen’ book, I’ve been visiting <a href="http://www.thegodjourney.com/">‘The God Journey’</a> blog/podcast hosted by Wayne Jacobsen and Brad Cummings. I love listening to the weekly podcast as I begin my own journey into intimacy with God.<br /><br />The freedom that I am experiencing now is the freedom of knowing that I’m not perfect nor will I ever be. Irregardless of which, God still and always have love me despite of my weaknesses and imperfection. I’ve always had this notion that I have to be pure and religious to be a ‘true’ Christian. For me to ever experience the Lord’s presence, I have to make sure that I’ve already repented from all my impurities and sins. Even then, how can I ever be sure that I will remain pure? No way man! We will never be perfectly pure no matter how religious we are. Having realized this, and knowing that Jesus loves me no matter what, touches my heart to very core.<br /><br />There are times in my life that I looked back on the day when the Holy Spirit first touched me. No words can ever express the wonder I felt from experiencing the intimacy with the Creator. I was 10 years old when God’s spirit first touched me. I was at the back of my father’s pick-up truck staring at the sky above me. The feeling was surreal. I felt safe and calm in His presence, instantly knowing that He is enjoying the moment with me. From that moment, I’ve always seek to know Him better. Back then, I read the bible and pray everyday not because I have to, but because I enjoy to. I remembered reading all the stories of the patriarchs and the kings of old and marveled at their bravery, faith, and steadfastness. My favourite kings are David and Solomon. I love the stories of Samuel, Daniel, Elijah and Elisha too. I read the bible from cover to cover and never grew tired of reading the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostle.<br /><br />As I grew up and learned the harsh reality of living independently outside the comfort and protection of my parents, I started to have doubts in my mind; started to loose touch with the calmness of residing in the presence of the Holy Spirit. My heart hardens and the practice of faith becomes a showboating experience.<br /><br />Along the way, I met up with the love of my life, Betty. She pulls me out from the darkness of the abyss and re-ignite the passion that I’ve always have in me. God becomes the centre of our relationship and we grew stronger in Jesus. Years gone by and again, the harshness of the world caught us up. We were overly consumed by the need of validation from the people around us. We were afraid to make mistakes for fear of the judgements of others. Although we perform our religious duties by attending the Sunday Mass, celebrating the feast of the saints, reciting the rosary every now and then, etc, etc, we strayed far from God’s intimacy and He no longer becomes the pillar of strength in our relationship. Our financial needs become our first priority in life.<br /><br />One of the podcast that I listened to talks about ‘the performance trap’. I am still recovering from such trap. I’ve always had this feeling that bad things will happen to me or to my loved ones because of my sin. The guilt that I have in me at times became so unbearable that I felt dirty and inadequate to even pray, let alone to enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit. I felt that God will snort at me if I even attempt to talk to Him unless I repented from my sin and ‘punish’ myself by committing to pray and read the scriptures everyday. After a while, praying and reading the scriptures becomes a chore for me; a way out from the feeling of guilt inside of me. It’s no longer something that I wanted to do wholeheartedly but something that I thought I must do to be a good Christian.<br /><br />O Lord! How I long to be in Your presence, to feel you and to smell your sweet fragrance, to love You and to be loved just the way I am. I long to go back to that day at the back of my father’s pick-up truck when You first talk to me and embrace me in the depths of your love. I know now that You’ve always love me for being me even in my sinful nature. For You see the beauty in the mess that I call my own. </div><br /><div align="justify">For me and Betty, the journey back to the Father has just begun. It’ll be tough but it’ll be worthwhile. I’m excited…<br /><br /></div>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-39204325431384781312008-11-21T02:00:00.000-08:002008-11-21T02:33:28.482-08:00'The Shack' book..<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWopMuoddbBhM5ano4iDHNgJSi3ibyzeCJZ5R0DurcLQAhIOu5oudotqSfcRJ5IJ2IbYBJQs3XwjgOejOPNQyXp5VLQDn83kYUFMcglM7t2SeweOB4E7moK8A6uyy_R4ORePgh9J7dXDY/s1600-h/shackover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271050538936036530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWopMuoddbBhM5ano4iDHNgJSi3ibyzeCJZ5R0DurcLQAhIOu5oudotqSfcRJ5IJ2IbYBJQs3XwjgOejOPNQyXp5VLQDn83kYUFMcglM7t2SeweOB4E7moK8A6uyy_R4ORePgh9J7dXDY/s200/shackover.jpg" border="0" /></a>November has been a very busy month for me. I struggled between completing my work in the bank, preparing myself for the inter-department sports (first time ever since I joined the bank in 2000... and yeah... I'm representing my department in volleyball, futsal and bowling), praying and re-discovering the meaning of my relationship with God, and learning new guitar skills everyday. Phew! </div><br /><div align="justify">After reading the 'Jack Colsen' book, I've been visiting <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.lifestream.org">Wayne's blog</a> for more inspiration. I've also visited Wayne and Brad's <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thegodjourney.com">The God's Journey</a> website where I've been listening to their lively and inspirational podcast. Well, I've also heard so much about <a href="http://theshackbook.com/">'The Shack'</a> book from the blog and the podcast that intrigues me to find and read the book myself. I doubt that I'll ever find the book here in Sabah, Malaysia but to my pleasant surprise, the book is available in one of the local bookstore. I've just grab the book today and is really, really excited to start reading it.. The problem is (not really a biggie actually... hehehe...), I'm in the midst of reading another book by Wayne entitled He Loves Me and The Bourne Ultimatum by Robert Ludlum. So..... now I have to juggle my reading time... hehehe....</div><br /><div align="justify">Anyhow, amidst all these hectic and frantic activities, I'm glad that I can still find a time to be quite and still in the presence of Jesus and to communicate with Him everyday. Life is not all that pleasant but I'm strengthened by His love for me and for those around me. Thus far, I'm enjoying this journey and the joy of finding and knowing how much God loves me just the way I am.</div><br /><div align="justify">Can't wait to start reading The Shack... hmmm... maybe after I finish reading Wayne's book. I'll write what I think of The Shack. As for now, see ya when I see ya!!<br /></div>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-47608049449744648182008-11-12T03:32:00.000-08:002008-11-12T03:41:53.325-08:00I will lift my eyes to You...<embed src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" flashvars="viewkey=cff1c97a74e03e15f43e" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube" align="middle" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br /> I WILL LIFT MY EYES<br /> By Bebo Norman<br /><br /> God, my God, I cry out<br /> Your beloved needs You now<br /> God, be near calm my fear and take my doubt<br /> Your kindness is what pulls me up<br /> Your love is all that draws me in<br /><br /> I will lift my eyes to the Maker<br /> of the mountains I can't climb<br /> I will lift my eyes to the Calmer<br /> of the oceans raging wild<br /> I will lift my eyes to the Healer<br /> of the hurt I hold inside<br /> I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You<br /><br /> God, my God, let mercy sing<br /> her melody over me<br /> and God, right here all I bring<br /> is all of me<br /> Your kindness is what pulls me up<br /> Your love is all that draws me in<br /><br /> I will lift my eyes to the Maker<br /> of the mountains I can't climb<br /> I will lift my eyes to the Calmer<br /> of the oceans raging wild<br /> I will lift my eyes to the Healer<br /> of the hurt I hold inside<br /> I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You<br /><br /> 'Cause You are and You were and You will be forever<br /> the Lover I need to save me<br /> 'Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God<br /> so hold me now<br /><br /> I will lift my eyes to the Maker<br /> of the mountains I can't climb<br /> I will lift my eyes to the Calmer<br /> of the oceans raging wild<br /> I will lift my eyes to the Healer<br /> of the hurt I hold inside<br /> I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You<br /> I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You<br /><br /> God, my God, I cry out<br /> Your beloved needs You nowTimothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-883696932819123042008-11-12T01:46:00.000-08:002008-11-12T03:31:37.894-08:00So You Don’t Want to Go To Church Anymore<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJGMhtEkbKnMTs8uoe_c6lEq6ysA6c5Lccrr5kQiAi1W2shuMrB5iVpTSMZSMjxy38Fe3bgSc8RZh3fy02XK8PHcoPLoYH1MKTZTF9kgtN4n3KQw4rrAoHYJh1xUzkDb3AC7JMHKFoT0/s1600-h/cover3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJGMhtEkbKnMTs8uoe_c6lEq6ysA6c5Lccrr5kQiAi1W2shuMrB5iVpTSMZSMjxy38Fe3bgSc8RZh3fy02XK8PHcoPLoYH1MKTZTF9kgtN4n3KQw4rrAoHYJh1xUzkDb3AC7JMHKFoT0/s200/cover3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267706849000247442" border="0" /></a>I recently bought this book from a local bookstore. Well, I must say, I am not disappointed. The book challenges the way I defined my relationship with Jesus in a way I've never thought possible. Many people thought that to be a Christian, or a 'good' Christian, one must always obey the rules set by one's church. Most of the time however, the rules set by the church takes precedence over the loving relationship with our Saviour. Conformity becomes our priority which leads to us being judgmental over other people who we perceive to be 'unholy'. Going to church becomes a routine to satisfy our quest for holiness rather than to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus.<br /><br />This book opens up my mind to the real meaning of church. Well, I believe many Christians knows the meaning of church. But, I bet you, there are still a good many who don't. Church is not a place we should go every Sunday. The meaning of church is much deeper than that. The Lord says that our body is His temple. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. In other words, we are the church.<br /><br />Many Christians called themselves Christian and perceive Christianity as some sort of religion. But, Christianity is much more than just a religion. It is about following Jesus, walking with Him everyday in our lives and knowing Him intimately.<br /><br />Read this book with an open mind. It will change your mind and will ignite the hunger within you to know Jesus intimately. Most importantly, it will free you from the bondage of religion!<br /><br />There are many ways to read this book. It is available in Amazon.com or you can purchase it directly from the 'lifestream' website (the link is listed in my list of useful links... I'm not an affiliate by the way) or you can<a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.jakecolsen.com/JakeStory.pdf"> click at this link</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span>to download the PDF version for free.<br /><br />God bless!Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-10993286022918908122008-10-31T23:15:00.000-07:002008-10-31T23:52:45.436-07:00At the heart of all conflict is a selfish heart..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweMmfiXU7WXr-ZL5uDNSuS5svfDPjn0_Ezi8hDojgYatOls8Cm4p5atmbDWv2rsbGATEMZZdogrOyoLBR4FIIuwOmM8KBFmx3kcVzlENYrr5MxlSAxEU4hJ9W-cmtxa4bUWjiDujaYgs/s1600-h/image169.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweMmfiXU7WXr-ZL5uDNSuS5svfDPjn0_Ezi8hDojgYatOls8Cm4p5atmbDWv2rsbGATEMZZdogrOyoLBR4FIIuwOmM8KBFmx3kcVzlENYrr5MxlSAxEU4hJ9W-cmtxa4bUWjiDujaYgs/s200/image169.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263571712481520434" border="0" /></a>Matthew 5:21-26<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You have heard that the ancients were told, "You shall not commit murder" and "Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court." But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, "Raca," shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, "You fool," shall be guilty enough to go</span><i style="font-style: italic;"> </i><span style="font-style: italic;">into the fiery hell. If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, in order that your opponent may not deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you shall not come out of there, until you have paid up the last cent.<br /><br /></span>Humans are competitive by nature. Our competitiveness gives us the drive to move forward. We are motivated by our accomplishments, even if, our winnings are at the expense of someone else. The worst part is, we even thank the Almighty for such a win... how ignorant are we? <br /><br />In our quest to win, we hurt other people. Sometimes physically, but mostly emotionally. Most of the time, we are not even aware. But we are very much aware if it's us who was hurt. We curse, and we condemn. That's not what Jesus would do, wouldn't He? For to <span style="font-weight: bold;">insult</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">the creature is to insult the Creator</span>.<br /><br />The Lord teaches us to reconcile with our brothers by taking the initiative to apologize first. It doesn't matter who we think is at fault. For "we are all frail but see that you think no one more frail than yourself" (Thomas A Kempis). The Lord ask us to reconcile first before we can come to His presence and worship Him.<br /><br />Winning then is not all about accomplishments, or reputation, or recognition, or reward. Living gracefully and lovingly shall be our ultimate aim. Amen!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-86857347840405510392008-10-31T09:13:00.000-07:002008-10-31T09:16:38.745-07:00Tommy Emmanuel / J.Shimabukuro: While My Guitar Gently WeepsI just have to post this. This is epic... Jake and Tommy.... Ukulele and Guitar.... Enjoy!<br /><br /><object width="403.75" height="326.8"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5qakFIecBU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5qakFIecBU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="403.75" height="326.8"></embed></object>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-20778158581800263632008-10-31T08:32:00.000-07:002008-10-31T08:59:06.924-07:00Fat Burning Workouts<div style="text-align: justify;"><object height="326" width="403"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vfaYRpLvGIw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></object></div><object height="326" width="403"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vfaYRpLvGIw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="326" width="403"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a video from Craig Ballantyne, the author of Turbulence Training. This is what he has to say about Fat Loss:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The best fat burning exercises don't involve fancy equipment, or anything that you'd find only in an expensive commercial gym. Instead, you can burn fat just as well in the comfort of your own home as you would in the priciest, swankiest gym in Hollywood. There are no magic fat-burning machines that you need to order from an infomercial. In fact, to do most of the best fat burning exercises, all you need is your own bodyweight and dumbbells.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Let's get a few things straight about fat burning. There are a lot of myths in the weight loss industry advertising about how to burn fat and lose weight.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Research shows that shorter, harder fat burning workouts help women lose belly fat faster than long, slow, boring cardio workouts. Another study from the mid-1990's also showed the interval training worked better than cardio. That's why you will use interval training in the Turbulence Training workouts to lose more belly fat.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">To get the most fat loss results in the least amount of time, combine bodyweight exercises, dumbbell exercises, and interval training for the triple threat of fat burning exercises to help you lose inches and get a flat stomach in the comfort of your own home. You don't have to do cardio workouts or other machine based movements to lose weight. In fact, the fat burning exercises I mentioned earlier, including interval training, have been proven to be even more effective for fat loss than 1980's aerobics style workouts."</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been following his workout for quite some time now and has managed to loose some fat and build back some 'long lost' muscles on my body. Early this year, I've managed to gain some 2 kg of lean mass. But then, I committed the classic "beginners" mistake. I stop my workout regiment altogether. So, you know what happened next... hahaha.... Well, I learned my lesson and committed myself to never again stop working out no matter what. The thing I like about TT workout is that, its quick and can be done at home with minimal equipment. I only have a gym ball, 2 pairs of dumbbells and one portable chin-up bar.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I started with Craig's 12 minute workout early this month. Well, I thought I should start with a 'softer' workout after a 6 months lay-off. Man... how wrong I am. I struggled just to complete the warm-up circuit which comprised of a Y-squat (12x), a pushup (10x) and a diagonal lunge (6x per side) done twice without rest between circuit. Halfway through the circuit I just felt like I wanted to call it quits. But I continued with the workout to the end. Wow... the satisfaction of completing a workout is euphoric. I am into my 3rd week now and I am already beginning to feel some great changes in my body composition. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">TT workout is great. I thank God for discovering TT. I recommend TT to everybody.<br /></div>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-77472024477622100512008-10-30T05:13:00.000-07:002008-10-30T05:20:50.021-07:00The sign of the Cross..<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE9V6euJE0e1YZtAy52VnQ6MVfaISwe21y4kJlNVxVU0d5hrJz889iWO00RqhWFnW22_SwH2hDG_1VMvOQIAnjrc9qZaU7AJGn9yLzKOMAn3ITy7FfSSHoxyWronPqtW0IdDZCAlLaxk/s1600-h/Cross.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262919402436820658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 112px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE9V6euJE0e1YZtAy52VnQ6MVfaISwe21y4kJlNVxVU0d5hrJz889iWO00RqhWFnW22_SwH2hDG_1VMvOQIAnjrc9qZaU7AJGn9yLzKOMAn3ITy7FfSSHoxyWronPqtW0IdDZCAlLaxk/s200/Cross.jpg" border="0" /></a> “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”<br /><br />I’m raised a Catholic… so, doing the sign of the Cross is natural to me. It becomes so natural that I signed myself not only before my prayers but in every important things that I’m about to do. I signed myself before exams, signed myself before playing in a rugby match (yeah… I was once a rugby player… hehehehe…), signed myself before any class presentations, signed myself before confessing my feelings to my college crush (but I got dumped.. hehehe.. what a painful experience). Now, I signed myself before driving to work each morning, or before attending an important meeting, or right before eating my lunch. <br /><br />Tertullian, a theologian writing at the turn of the third century, had this to say about the sign of the Cross,<br /><br />“In all our travels and movements, in all our coming and going out, in putting our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our foreheads with the Sign of the Cross”<br />(Catholic Digest issue February 2007)<br /><br />St John Chrysostom, the eloquent fourth century preacher and patriarch of Constantinople said,<br /><br />“Never leave your house without making the Sign of the Cross. It will be to you a staff, a weapon, an impregnable fortress…. Are you ignorant of what the Cross has done? It has vanquished death, destroyed sin, emptied hell, dethroned Satan, and restored the universe. Would you then doubt its power?” (Catholic Digest issue February 2007)<br /><br />The Sign of the Cross therefore is not just a sign. It should not be done only out of respect, or because I’m a Catholic or a Christian, or to show-off. Whenever we signed ourselves, we should remember the story of salvation. <br /><br />“The Sign of the Cross is a potent prayer that engages the Holy Spirit as the divine advocate and agent of our successful Christian living. When we trace it on our body, it stirs up the new life of the Spirit that we received in baptism and vitalizes our prayer by drawing us closer to God. Making the Sign affirms our decision to follow Christ, allowing Him to assume our burdens and free us to live joyfully.”<br /><br />“The Sign itself does not cause blessing or empowerment. But, it opens us to receiving God’s blessing and power.”</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">(Bert Ghezzi, <em>The Sign of the Cross</em>)</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><br />Personally, when I signed myself, realizing the significance of the Cross in my life, I felt that I am tapping into the Lord’s presence. The Lord drew me nearer to Him. Most of the time, I don’t know what to pray. I’m often lost for words. The Sign is the simplest of all prayers… and yet, to me, the most profound. Alleluia!<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiGqFfqeqwPHmgQKdY9vOs9qqCXdgSdcEikgzOMSkYdQE8uFBHkinsNalKCfY_PpSSxwvl8S4w0G6gJ5tEpU_ZpOGkQJuhQkORbYGWhr1h70GOnztV2hT96lofo0YToY3FQeE9pMhf8k/s1600-h/Cross.jpg"></a>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-13094257882883085332008-10-26T18:12:00.000-07:002008-10-28T06:20:40.747-07:00When God made you...<object height="309" width="382"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7DLeLNFYFcI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7DLeLNFYFcI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="309" width="382"></embed></object><br /><br />I love the song very much. If you love the performance, just look at the beautiful lyrics. I dedicate this song to my loved ones, especially to my sweet Betty. I love you so much!<br /><br />God made the oceans and with a wave of his hand<br />He made the mountains, the deserts and the plains<br />But I wonder was it in his master plan<br />That there'd be earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes<br />When I see the peaceful sky, sometimes I wonder<br />How could it turn so dark and be so cruel<br />This old world is full of imperfections<br />But I found one exception to the rule<br /><br />When God made you<br />He had something else in mind<br />When God made you<br />He took a little extra time<br /><br />When we're surrounded by a world<br />that's slowly sinking<br />Your gentle eyes and loving smile make me forget<br />Though you're only flesh and<br />blood, I can't help thinking<br />If you have a flaw, I haven't found it yet<br /><br />When God made you<br />He had something else in mind<br />When God made you<br />He took a little extra time<br />When God made you<br />He did something so divine<br />When God made you<br />He took a little extra timeTimothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-65996238472460009092008-10-24T05:37:00.001-07:002008-10-24T23:54:49.061-07:00My Passion..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYtf-UpmbZ6-KtvVftd-VGWhHVcD9adM8MrBCB0q8LKcHt5Hl5YeN_3KNSMD2N-Ueo2PQz3IO1qAuVO0m4a6OyFDf-gsCpREtctOyj-N8lkEFYbrYKwteXQDFplhpg7inD5cnOOdj_Dg/s1600-h/12622~Male-Torso-Posters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260700508695398002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYtf-UpmbZ6-KtvVftd-VGWhHVcD9adM8MrBCB0q8LKcHt5Hl5YeN_3KNSMD2N-Ueo2PQz3IO1qAuVO0m4a6OyFDf-gsCpREtctOyj-N8lkEFYbrYKwteXQDFplhpg7inD5cnOOdj_Dg/s200/12622~Male-Torso-Posters.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><em></em></div><div align="justify"><em></em></div><div align="justify"><em></em></div><div align="justify"><em></em></div><div align="justify"><em>"It is by resisting our passions that we are to find true peace of heart." - Thomas A Kempis. </em></div><em></em><br /><div align="justify"><br />Passion…. What is my passion? What does it means to be passionate? Shouldn’t we be passionate in all things that we do? Peace comes from within; from contentment in spiritual things. Our excessive desires for exterior things should not be confused with our very own passions. </div><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify">I have always been passionate with things spiritual. I want to always be intimate with my Creator. To be within His embrace and to smell his sweet fragrance. Knowing that He lives within me gives me peace in my heart. </div><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify">I have always been passionate to guitar; by how much music we can produce from such an instrument and how deceptively simple it looks to master. It is always the desire of my heart to be able to play guitar with mastery and skill. Guitar itself is exterior things. Therefore, I shall not excessively desire for expensive guitar or guitar gears or whether or not this guitar sounds better than the other or what guitar my favourite artists are using. But the mastery of the instrument is interior and this should be my true passion; to master the instrument and to use it to glorify my Creator. </div><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="justify">I have always been passionate with well-toned and sculpted body; be it man or woman (I used to have one... hehehe....). In the Bible, the St Paul reminded us to take care of our body because "Your body is the Temple of God and the Holy Spirit is within you (1 Corinthians 3:16)". It is important therefore, for us to always make sure that we take good care of our body. No doubt, the Lord looks at the purity of our heart. But, I prefer having both a pure heart and a well sculpted body. I'm working towards getting back my 'long lost' six pack by doing regular bodyweight exercises (I recommend Turbulence Training). I'm also putting some effort to watch over my diet (Eat-Stop-Eat style by Brad Pilon... click the Nutrition Blog link to find out more). </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">It is inordinate affections that we should resist.. I strongly believe that it is not wrong to be passionate of things that will lead us closer to God. But, as with anything else in this world, excessive desire for exterior things will be up to no good. I'll always keep a check on myself and pursue things of my passion only and only when it will bring me closer to God. I will guard myself against inordinate desires and cultivate peace and contentment of mind. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><em>'Give us, O Lord, interior peace. Calm the storms of our passions by giving us courage to overcome them and to pursue only those that will glorify You. Grant that our desires may be submissive to reason, to faith and to God. Amen!' </em></div>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-35912851353026056662008-10-17T17:47:00.000-07:002008-10-18T00:26:03.130-07:00The Hammer Holds..This video is courtesy of Jeffandstacey (http://www.youtube.com/jeffandstacey)<br /><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwehTiQNl8PH4V2HmdU5sXw3BljxW2m0M7wTjGzg-rgnaHiKpFCUOfwI0S1JyP_oo6elVJ_M91fhYvCKJ7MOQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></p><p> </p><p></p><br /><br />The Hammer Holds by Bebo Norman<br /><br />A shapeless piece of steel, that's all I claim to be<br />This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame, it melts my dreams<br />I glow with fire and fury, as I'm twisted like a vine<br />My final shape, my final form I'm sure I'm bound to find<br /><br />So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain<br />And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames<br />And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold<br />But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds<br /><br />And the water, it cools me gray, and the hurt's subdued somehow<br />I have my shape, this sharpened point, what is my purpose now?<br />And the question still remains, what am I to be?<br />Perhaps some perfect piece of art displayed for all to see<br /><br />So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain<br />And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames<br />And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold<br />But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds<br /><br />The hammer pounds again, but flames I do not feel<br />This force that drives me, helplessly, through flesh, and wood reveals<br />A burn that burns much deeper, it's more than I can stand<br />The reason for my life was to take the life of a guiltless man<br /><br />So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain<br />And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the pain<br />And hurt a little, hurt for me, my future is so bold<br />But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds<br /><br />This task before me may seem unclear<br />But it, my maker holdsTimothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-71361989717917134302008-10-14T08:01:00.000-07:002008-10-14T09:20:24.295-07:00Humility...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vfS3teqSdkCUPBFKjPd57C0eocm7XOqKpGQNl5KsPd3uZ3zSnygITvpw1ACNcb4iwPLjDMOTaRV373TdSsNNbxK5AI4qCDqdVNRzLZp2dl9AtXkFY9bWbO7-VZIxX-NMh16yM5Gxs9o/s1600-h/06022008029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vfS3teqSdkCUPBFKjPd57C0eocm7XOqKpGQNl5KsPd3uZ3zSnygITvpw1ACNcb4iwPLjDMOTaRV373TdSsNNbxK5AI4qCDqdVNRzLZp2dl9AtXkFY9bWbO7-VZIxX-NMh16yM5Gxs9o/s200/06022008029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257036527013430466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself - Thomas A Kempis<br /><br /></span>I read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis. The 2nd chapter of the 1st book taught me to have a humble opinion of myself. Perhaps, the greatest act of humility is seen in the story of the Nativity. Jesus emptied Himself and became man. Born in the manger and died on the cross.<br /><br />"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate."<br /><br />Many a times I've thought myself to be better than those around me. This is especially true when I'm driving... hehehe.... everybody else are lousy driver except yours truly.... everybody else is either too slow or too ignorant or too reckless... blah.. blah... blah.. So much for humility eh?<br /><br />Learning to be humble is not easy. It is a process. A discipline. It is easy to laugh at other people's mistake or to criticize others for their weaknesses. It is easy to be proud of our own achievement, our own strength.<br /><br />If we learn to humble ourselves, we learn to appreciate others. I'm learning.. and still do...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">O Jesus my Saviour, grant me the grace to learn and practise what you have taught me by your word and shown me by your life. Amen.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-11659491701953814402008-10-12T04:33:00.000-07:002008-10-12T05:26:16.996-07:00An eye for an eye...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrcuPslNUmSGeOKf4bynKV1LHNFlwl3RvVFPpmtkIT7Pcfmasv4nCyMIKGcqTFvk1g_vzoiw3budiCKCczTGQgVU_P9Lg6lIL4BezE73JRmnYW63jy44eiX3zVYYE-dF14jTz2wsIWWc/s1600-h/Tim's+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrcuPslNUmSGeOKf4bynKV1LHNFlwl3RvVFPpmtkIT7Pcfmasv4nCyMIKGcqTFvk1g_vzoiw3budiCKCczTGQgVU_P9Lg6lIL4BezE73JRmnYW63jy44eiX3zVYYE-dF14jTz2wsIWWc/s200/Tim's+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256231708582855666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people a live." Genesis 50:20<br /><br /></span>These were the words spoken by Joseph to his brothers who have betrayed him. I'm sure many of us are familiar with the story of Joseph and his brothers. How, out of jealousy, Joseph was thrown into a dried well and left for dead. But miraculously, he was saved and brought to Egypt. After being thrown into jail for a crime he did not commit, Joseph earn favour in the eye's of the Pharaoh for his accurate dream interpretation. His life changed for the better and he is appointed to be the 2nd most powerful man in Egypt next to the Pharaoh himself. Then the famine came, exactly as interpreted by Joseph from the Pharaoh's dream. Many people from many land including Joseph's own brothers came to Egypt for food. As the story goes, Joseph forgave the sins of his brothers and the Hebrew's population in Egypt grew and multiplied. While it is easy for Joseph to retaliate all the evil things done to him by his brothers, especially in position of power, he did not. Instead, he sees that God sometimes allows evil things to happen for a greater good.<br /><br />There are certainly many occasions in my life when I felt betrayed. Betrayed by friends, by colleagues, by family, by 'nature', and the list goes on. I felt angry, envious, outrage, sad, sorrowful and I fell into what felt like a bottomless pit. But, in each occasion, I am able to bounce back, not through my own strength but through God's grace. For in our imperfection, His strength is made perfect in us (2 Corinthians 12:9).<br /><br />The temptation to retaliate is great and the phrase "an eye for an eye" seems like a feasible solution to remedy my "broken heart". And sadly, I sometimes retaliated only to fully regret my actions later. Well, some people says, just do it and seek forgiveness later... hehehe... but that's not what Jesus would do. In Romans 12:21, St Paul sums it "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good". <br /><br />I read this quote by David McCasland in Our Daily Bread but I cannot remember which issue. Fortunately, I've managed to write it down in my prayer journal:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"The defining moment of our lives are not determined by the evil done to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God - David McCasland"</span><br /><br />O Lord, grant me your strength in challenging times of my life and let me be the light shining through the darkness that many will see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven. Amen!Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5480635293198554567.post-12674452271650550952008-10-11T05:08:00.000-07:002008-10-11T05:17:01.412-07:00We are spiritual beings...A friend of mine e-mailed this story to me a while back. I like it very much.. so here goes:-<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.<br /><br />'Your son is here,' she said to the old man.<br /><br />She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened.<br /><br />Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.<br /><br />The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed.All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength. Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile.<br /><br />He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients.<br /><br />Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.<br /><br />Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited. <br /><br />Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her. <br /><br />'Who was that man?' he asked. The nurse was startled, 'He was your father,' she answered. 'No, he wasn't,' the Marine replied.. 'I never saw him before in my life.'<br /><br />'Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?'<br /><br />'I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed.'<br /><br />The next time someone needs you ... just be there. Stay.<br /><br />WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS GOING THROUGH A<br />TEMPORARY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE..<br /><br />WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGS GOING THROUGH A TEMPORARY<br />HUMAN EXPERIENCE.<br />(love this line) </span>Timothy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11781784553953859143noreply@blogger.com0