Quoted from Denis Waitley. Read more"Highly motivated achievers find the strength of their motivation in the power of their imagination.
One of the wonderful aspects about human imagination is that it can see things not as they are now, but as they can be; it can foretell the future, based upon our beliefs and expectations, in an almost uncanny way; it can draw the colorful mental images that we hope someday to turn into reality. Imagination is the beginning of creation."
Showing posts with label Dreams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dreams. Show all posts
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saved to Influence the World
Perhaps it's destiny. Perhaps it's good marketing. Or perhaps it's just me wanting to know more. But the May 12 2008 issue of Time Magazine (Double Issue) is the most inspiring read of the year so far for me. It is good in the one hand to know about the 100 Most Influential Persons of the year (for Time anyway); on the other hand it is comforting to know someone is doing something to make the world a better place (most but not all of the 100, I think).
But is it really enough just to make the world a better place? Yes and no. Before I venture into the answer, I have come to inner consensus that each of us homo sapiens have a inherent duty to make our habitat more "livable", so to speak. And by livable, I don't only mean environmentally livable- but socially livable as well. If everyone on earth could make 5 persons smile and help out 5 persons (just a suggestion, not a rule), then that has to make 6.7 billion in the world tenfold happier(do the math). That, indeed, also is the essence of Love Thy Neighbor - the pillars of my Faith and of our society.
And to Love thy neighbor is only to fulfil one part of the dichotomy of the Christian Faith - the first and foremost being Love the Lord. That, only one person could do among Time's 100 Most Influential.
His name is Kaka. If you can't identify the name, you are not a fan of football, not even a spectator. Named FIFA's footballer of the year 2007, the Brazilian midfielder is a class of his own. His boyish face represents the youthfulness of footballing, his skills represents the finest in the Beautiful Game. But not many will know him as a child of God- in football, the cross is not a good thing (for example, in a penalty shootout - a cross signifies a miss). But after appearing on Time, perhaps many more will know that Kaka's believes in a God that is more graceful than his feet. This is a portion of Casey Keller's testimony for the 26 year-old AC Milan player:
If I ever want to influence the world into a better place (and I do), I want to do it like Kaka. To strive to be the best, to help the poor and needy, and after all that proclaim that I did it through my Lord and Saviour.
I also admire cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, who taught the world that "...after Lance, no one of us could ever again say it was too hard, the odds stacked against us were too high, the fight already lost" (quoted from Elizabeth Edwards in Time's 100).
But is it really enough just to make the world a better place? Yes and no. Before I venture into the answer, I have come to inner consensus that each of us homo sapiens have a inherent duty to make our habitat more "livable", so to speak. And by livable, I don't only mean environmentally livable- but socially livable as well. If everyone on earth could make 5 persons smile and help out 5 persons (just a suggestion, not a rule), then that has to make 6.7 billion in the world tenfold happier(do the math). That, indeed, also is the essence of Love Thy Neighbor - the pillars of my Faith and of our society.
And to Love thy neighbor is only to fulfil one part of the dichotomy of the Christian Faith - the first and foremost being Love the Lord. That, only one person could do among Time's 100 Most Influential.
His name is Kaka. If you can't identify the name, you are not a fan of football, not even a spectator. Named FIFA's footballer of the year 2007, the Brazilian midfielder is a class of his own. His boyish face represents the youthfulness of footballing, his skills represents the finest in the Beautiful Game. But not many will know him as a child of God- in football, the cross is not a good thing (for example, in a penalty shootout - a cross signifies a miss). But after appearing on Time, perhaps many more will know that Kaka's believes in a God that is more graceful than his feet. This is a portion of Casey Keller's testimony for the 26 year-old AC Milan player:
There is, however, more to him than sport. In 2004, Kaka became the UN World Food Program's youngest ambassador. And he is devoted to his faith. An evangelical Christian, Kaka has talked publicly about becoming a minister when he retires from the game. After winning the European Champions League final last year, he took off his jersey to reveal a T shirt that read, I BELONG TO JESUS.
I might question whether soccer stadiums are the right venue for promoting religion, but in an age in which many professional athletes care more about cars, women and controversy, it's refreshing to see one who is committed to having a positive impact on the world around him.
If I ever want to influence the world into a better place (and I do), I want to do it like Kaka. To strive to be the best, to help the poor and needy, and after all that proclaim that I did it through my Lord and Saviour.
I also admire cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, who taught the world that "...after Lance, no one of us could ever again say it was too hard, the odds stacked against us were too high, the fight already lost" (quoted from Elizabeth Edwards in Time's 100).
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Back to 'School'?
My last post was 'The I Heart Revolution' by Joel Houston. Make no mistake about it. It has been 7 months since I updated my beloved blog. In fact, as I was logging in, there was a slight worry that the blog may have by any chance been suspended due to inactivity (like my Maybank account after 1 year being in Australia). Well, it hasn't - and I'm back to make a "long awaited comeback".
I guess I owe an explanation to you as a "loyal fan" if indeed you are/were on the delay. But it's the new year and explanation/excuses would not convince anyone most of the times. Of course, the last half a year or so was a period of tremendous change in my life. For one, I finally graduated from Uni. I can officially declare myself as a LLB holder/a graduate/ a degree holder and what not, but I was told it doesn't mean much in this part of the world. Moving on, I've also embarked to pursue a new cert - the Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP) in Brickfields Asia College (I shall not put in the url here as my adopted policy of not advertising for ANY private institutions since KDU misled me into doing so for my school magazine without any remuneration). CLP is notorious for its low passing rate so you can understand my situation. More importantly, I am also currently in my first job (permanent) at a law firm. So this is the long awaited new season in my life and perhaps it has passed the transitional period that I have decided to start blogging again (hopefuly I will endure to post several more within this few months).
Fast forward to 2008, I have already worked for 5 'whooping' months already and it was an awesome experience! to say the least. I have had my fair share of the busy days, the boring days, the excursion days (meeting clients with my boss) and challenging days (mistakes,mistakes,mistakes!)- but I am not sacked yet/not fired - now that's what I called an achievement. And as a matter of tradition and as well as a "taking-stock" thing, it is good to review the past year and preview the coming 12 months.
2007
Breaking Chains and Rising Up was the theme for my 2007. To a certain extend I have broken chains and rose up - but perhaps I could have done better. Making meaningful and great new friends and exploring a new place at another part of the world seems to be the highlight for most part of the first half of the year. And jumping into working-life in the second half was a blown-away and challenging experience as well. I thank all my friends in Tassie, in Malaysia (2001_Youth7 & others), as well as my family and the most supportive and loving Yean- Love you all. Most of all, I thank the Good Lord for taking me through both the challenging, the exciting, the saddening, the happy moments of '07 -To God be the Glory.
2008
Already it had been a eventful year for a few (Chua Soi Lek and The Royal Commission, for instance). And with CLP exams in July, it will be a year to be reckoned as well. They say it's good to put down all your resolutions come the new year, I find listing them down here a little uncomfortable- but enough said- the quote below does reflect my wishes and dreams and aspirations for 2008 - Year of the Rat:
I guess I owe an explanation to you as a "loyal fan" if indeed you are/were on the delay. But it's the new year and explanation/excuses would not convince anyone most of the times. Of course, the last half a year or so was a period of tremendous change in my life. For one, I finally graduated from Uni. I can officially declare myself as a LLB holder/a graduate/ a degree holder and what not, but I was told it doesn't mean much in this part of the world. Moving on, I've also embarked to pursue a new cert - the Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP) in Brickfields Asia College (I shall not put in the url here as my adopted policy of not advertising for ANY private institutions since KDU misled me into doing so for my school magazine without any remuneration). CLP is notorious for its low passing rate so you can understand my situation. More importantly, I am also currently in my first job (permanent) at a law firm. So this is the long awaited new season in my life and perhaps it has passed the transitional period that I have decided to start blogging again (hopefuly I will endure to post several more within this few months).
Fast forward to 2008, I have already worked for 5 'whooping' months already and it was an awesome experience! to say the least. I have had my fair share of the busy days, the boring days, the excursion days (meeting clients with my boss) and challenging days (mistakes,mistakes,mistakes!)- but I am not sacked yet/not fired - now that's what I called an achievement. And as a matter of tradition and as well as a "taking-stock" thing, it is good to review the past year and preview the coming 12 months.
2007
Breaking Chains and Rising Up was the theme for my 2007. To a certain extend I have broken chains and rose up - but perhaps I could have done better. Making meaningful and great new friends and exploring a new place at another part of the world seems to be the highlight for most part of the first half of the year. And jumping into working-life in the second half was a blown-away and challenging experience as well. I thank all my friends in Tassie, in Malaysia (2001_Youth7 & others), as well as my family and the most supportive and loving Yean- Love you all. Most of all, I thank the Good Lord for taking me through both the challenging, the exciting, the saddening, the happy moments of '07 -To God be the Glory.
2008
Already it had been a eventful year for a few (Chua Soi Lek and The Royal Commission, for instance). And with CLP exams in July, it will be a year to be reckoned as well. They say it's good to put down all your resolutions come the new year, I find listing them down here a little uncomfortable- but enough said- the quote below does reflect my wishes and dreams and aspirations for 2008 - Year of the Rat:
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the
affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the
betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To
leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a
redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived. This is to have succeeded.
- "What is Success?” by Bessie Anderson
Stanley in Heart Throbs Volume Two (1911) Edited by Joseph Mitchell ChappleHappy New Year 2008 - Sincere Wishes from a Friend who Cares
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Remember, Remember the Lord your God
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it,and gave it to them,saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
For the past 3 weeks, I've been taking the Lord's supper week after another because I visited another church. This is always argued as an coincidence of course. But I strongly felt that there is some implications this time. It was a very busy 2 weeks, with datelines and sharing and moot, to a point that my life is wholly consumed by the events surrounding me. It may be a cliche to say that sometimes we may be doing stuffs religiously but the danger is that we do those for the sake of doing it, not for the sake of pursuing His Kingdom. So, it was good to take the communion 3 weeks in a row, so that I remember in who I am and in what I'm doing, it is in the Lord Jesus.
Not that we should completely ignore things that we have and events that happens in my life. I do have a strong conviction that God uses these to glorify His name. I'm sort of drawn to Moses' staff and Joshua's sword and Peter's net. What were in their hands, God used them to do wonders... That's so amazing about those common people and common tools and common jobs. The Red Sea would part. The Jordan would stop flowing. And the people will be fished into God's kingdom. So, today I take account of what I have, and wait in eagerness, that He would use these to capture a generation. May Jesus be glorified.
Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?"
"A staff," he replied.
...
"...But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it"
Exodus 4:2 & 17
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Musings for the past 3 weeks of my Life
muAt last I got my hand to seriously sit down and do a blog entry. It had been a crazy several weeks in which I did much seeing, listening, talking, and (as usual) thinking. God has ordained my steps since my last entry. Praise God!
With the amount of "receiving" (some would use the term impartation) in recent days, its really hard to determine exactly where to start. But first of all, the OCF Easter Camp was amazing! I sound so cliche but I try to "get the message across" nowadays rather than using some fanciful, alien phrases. Seeing God's presence fall and frienships grow are just two of the reasons why we spend the effort and time (3 days) in a foreign and cold place! But what I am constantly aware of and continuingly remind everyone is: bring what you got and learnt back to "reality". And just as God had taugh me about total surrendering and relying on Him, let this be a constant surrendering and not one-off. Jesus, want more of you!
Bringing me to the next thing, about surrendering and humbling, I have written on this before some time ago. Yet, head knowledge is rather different from heart knowledge (cliche again!). What dear Papa in heaven had really banged on me this few weeks, really worthed more than my 6 years as Jesus' disciple (counting back from my confirmation). Part conviction, part rebuking, but mostly breakthrough :) To cut the long story short, 1) grace and love of God cannot be earnt. 2) Growth is when you see your Lord more and see yourself less.
On a lighter note, I discovered this jazz singer named Madeleine Peyroux - really COOL! And the stacks of blog I discovered for the past week including Allison Mack ('Chloe' from Smallville) and from my beloved pal Richard- cool cool cool. All these things do give a testimony about the author's life. Occasionally, we need some inspiration - thank God for blogs and songs and heroes.
Heroes - That's what Joe King shared on in church last sunday. Have to admit it spurred me! Being called 'chicken' or the likes is not a good feeling, believe me- guys, stand up and be heroes and role models for the people around us- not because we ARE heroes, but because Jesus is our ultimate HERO! Time is to little for us to waste.
Finally, that SCARY thing called FUTURE is sorted out by the moment. Fingers crossed, and by God's grace, this ... and this ... I will do (I'm not revealing as yet). But one thing I can share- I finally got this thing clear about part of my burden and calling- YOUTHS. Leaders and heroes of tomorrow, the roaring generation- you guys are too precious for waste in alcohol, sex, and drugs. God loves you!!!
Till next time, pray for one another, OK??? ;)
With the amount of "receiving" (some would use the term impartation) in recent days, its really hard to determine exactly where to start. But first of all, the OCF Easter Camp was amazing! I sound so cliche but I try to "get the message across" nowadays rather than using some fanciful, alien phrases. Seeing God's presence fall and frienships grow are just two of the reasons why we spend the effort and time (3 days) in a foreign and cold place! But what I am constantly aware of and continuingly remind everyone is: bring what you got and learnt back to "reality". And just as God had taugh me about total surrendering and relying on Him, let this be a constant surrendering and not one-off. Jesus, want more of you!
Bringing me to the next thing, about surrendering and humbling, I have written on this before some time ago. Yet, head knowledge is rather different from heart knowledge (cliche again!). What dear Papa in heaven had really banged on me this few weeks, really worthed more than my 6 years as Jesus' disciple (counting back from my confirmation). Part conviction, part rebuking, but mostly breakthrough :) To cut the long story short, 1) grace and love of God cannot be earnt. 2) Growth is when you see your Lord more and see yourself less.
On a lighter note, I discovered this jazz singer named Madeleine Peyroux - really COOL! And the stacks of blog I discovered for the past week including Allison Mack ('Chloe' from Smallville) and from my beloved pal Richard- cool cool cool. All these things do give a testimony about the author's life. Occasionally, we need some inspiration - thank God for blogs and songs and heroes.
Heroes - That's what Joe King shared on in church last sunday. Have to admit it spurred me! Being called 'chicken' or the likes is not a good feeling, believe me- guys, stand up and be heroes and role models for the people around us- not because we ARE heroes, but because Jesus is our ultimate HERO! Time is to little for us to waste.
Finally, that SCARY thing called FUTURE is sorted out by the moment. Fingers crossed, and by God's grace, this ... and this ... I will do (I'm not revealing as yet). But one thing I can share- I finally got this thing clear about part of my burden and calling- YOUTHS. Leaders and heroes of tomorrow, the roaring generation- you guys are too precious for waste in alcohol, sex, and drugs. God loves you!!!
Till next time, pray for one another, OK??? ;)
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Dreams
Dreams. Not their biggest fan but I do it anyway once in a while. Usually they are not my daytime thoughts, but rather- they are quite random. There was once I dreamnt meeting this friend of mine, whom I've not met or thought of for a long time. Another time I dreamnt of fighting with the devil himself (sounds scary but it's true). But dream do play a big part of most of our life- that's my point. Most of us do dream, but not in our sleep, we dream that we will be able to do something. Not just a normal something, but SOMETHING BIG... and I believe, rightly so we are created for these something big!
Yet, sadly, many, many people never get to achieve their dreams. These wonderful, beautiful dreams just slipped away... Sometimes it's because we just take them for granted- thinking that there's always tomorrow, other times there's just so many thing getting in our way that we eventually give up. I certainly refuse to be in category (1) or category (2). I'm always telling myself I'm here for something BIG man! Yet many times I fail to keep on with my dream, sometimes I lose focus of my God.
However, this will not be the end, I know. These few days have been a total banging of that amazing grace and power of my Lord in me- First, through the song "The Time has Come" really spoke to me (which you will know why when you see the lyrics below). Secondly, through an inspiring flash from Amy Krouse Rosenthal (you really must have a look at this!) on dreams.
Thirdly, through the scripture, I observe the urgency and the importance and priority that God has caused His people to have in the rebuidling of the temple in the book of Ezra. All these and more keeps coming back, giving me enough evidence to believe that it is really NOW or NEVER to stand up for my God. NOW or NEVER to be passionate about my Jesus (Yes, mine, as many people has told me).
If Adidas can say "Impossible is nothing", then God people should say "We can do all things... through Him who strengthen us". AMEN.
Oh, and as promise, the link for the Amy Rosenthal flash: here and the Hillsong United song lyrics:
Yet, sadly, many, many people never get to achieve their dreams. These wonderful, beautiful dreams just slipped away... Sometimes it's because we just take them for granted- thinking that there's always tomorrow, other times there's just so many thing getting in our way that we eventually give up. I certainly refuse to be in category (1) or category (2). I'm always telling myself I'm here for something BIG man! Yet many times I fail to keep on with my dream, sometimes I lose focus of my God.
However, this will not be the end, I know. These few days have been a total banging of that amazing grace and power of my Lord in me- First, through the song "The Time has Come" really spoke to me (which you will know why when you see the lyrics below). Secondly, through an inspiring flash from Amy Krouse Rosenthal (you really must have a look at this!) on dreams.
Thirdly, through the scripture, I observe the urgency and the importance and priority that God has caused His people to have in the rebuidling of the temple in the book of Ezra. All these and more keeps coming back, giving me enough evidence to believe that it is really NOW or NEVER to stand up for my God. NOW or NEVER to be passionate about my Jesus (Yes, mine, as many people has told me).
If Adidas can say "Impossible is nothing", then God people should say "We can do all things... through Him who strengthen us". AMEN.
Oh, and as promise, the link for the Amy Rosenthal flash: here and the Hillsong United song lyrics:
The Time Has Come
Found love beyond all reason
You gave Your life Your all for me
And called me Yours forever
Caught in the mercy fallout
I found hope found life
Found all I need
You're all I need
The time has come
To stand for all we believe in
So I for one am gonna
Give my praise to You
Today today it's all or nothing
All they way
The praise goes out to You
Yeah all the praise goes out to You
Today today I live for one thing
To give You praise
In everything I do
Yeah all the praise goes out to You
All we are is Yours
And all we're living for
Is all You are
Is all that You are Lord
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