Genesis "Shhhhhh.... " Winter Retreat 09

roasted marshmallows in - 15 degrees Celsius

You cannot imagine how blessed I was to be able to reunite with people that are this dear to me. Genesis hasn't just been a fellowship I grew up in as a university freshman @ TCCC; it has been like home to me. forever will be. It's like back in the day, I used to say it's like my second family. These people have seen me laugh, cry, fall, lost in a rut, and stand back up and still stood by. Thanks for keeping me grounded guys! It's definitely a blessing to be back home again after a new semester at CCF on campus. WHY the most intriguing and memorable was girl talk I must say. fun times gals..Always seem like the last one to shut up! Well usually... only at retreat though, promise.. haha

Thanks guys for a challenging yet rewarding weekend.

Enjoy the memories made ---> :D

...dinner time.. with lotsa potato and cheese ... mmm.. favourite combo:P

.....haha my favourite shot of Janice 'seemingly' having caught the apple with her mouth but really didn't..hahaha :P

evie and matt :)

each one in their distinct spots, thinking their distinct thoughts...hehe..like that!

it's me, bonjour!

gen and me :)

cutesies

mandy and me squatting on the frozen river :)

Risk in expecting More

We think
We care
We dream BUT IF..
We are not willing to risk anything in expecting something far greater than what we are capable of, nothing greater will ever happen; nothing greater can happen!

Recently God has refueled me with a passion to see God move in people's lives. While praying with Rachelle and people at 155, I had a special desire to expect that what we prayed for would happen.

I've been reflecting on my own walk with God. It has been a really safe walk I must say. Why did I keep it that way for so long? I don't know. All I know is that the way I see God somehow changed once I slowly became 'ok' with the idea of taking risks to follow Him. Honestly, the thought and feeling of taking risks has been a semi- traumatic . But, there is a clearer view of who He is, how He sees us, when we allow our hearts to be open to it leading to the possibility of a new level of intimacy with Him.

You know what, it is 'ok' to 'risk in expecting more' because we want to see how He will move in a greater capacity! Because when we have faith, He will!!

I have a vision that chains can be broken and freedom can be embraced when a willing heart steps up in faith amidst of uncertainties, spiritual warfare, vulnerability and failures. Someone at church talked about how impossible it is for God to even send us out to serve Him if our hearts are not even willing to risk trusting in Him. His work through the spirit begins with this faith of ours. Who is He to us?


29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30and their sight was restored.

Mat. 9:29-30 (NIV)

It's Christmas!!!!

A time of great triumph and joy and of overwhelming challenges at this same time.

"I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart." (Jer. 24:7)

It's a timely reminder slow down and to not let the present of seeking His face slip away. I'm beckoned to come back to God. You can't always feel His presence in the most literal sense but His GRACE always gently yet persistently draws you to Him! He wants you to know Him and so He will make a way.

This has been His heart since the very beginning!

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Merry Christmas!!

I really enjoy going back to the old school hymns and worship songs a couple of times in a while! Like now. :) It is soothing or you can say 'boring' cuz the beats and rhythms are relatively slower. But apart from that, I guess in general, they are simply more sound and very scripturally inspired! That's how I connect with them so well in different levels! Luv 'em. These past few weeks of exams, a lot of stuff from Hillsong has caught my mind during times of meditation.

Here's one.

Hillsong - Emmanuel




Emmanuel - Hillsong
Written by Reuben Morgan

Holy holy
I will bow be - fore
My Lord and King
Hallelujah
You have come to us
You make all things new

Emmanuel
Jesus Christ
You’ll never let me go
My Shepherd King
You’re watching over me
Emmanuel

So amazing
You have named the stars
Of the deepest night
Still You love me
You have called my name
I will follow You

Holy holy
God Almighty
There is none like You

Em - ma - nu-el
Em - ma - nu-el
Em - ma - nu-el

Sit back and Enjoy as it gets you to reflect more deeply than usual! :)

reflections forward

So first semester has ended...exams were done as of yesterday morning! A time of rest, connection is anticipated. Over and over, I'm reminded of who He is, whenever and even I after I get swayed by my own thoughts, feelings and selfish desires.

What's always comforting though and reassuring is the reminder that He is not a spiteful God. I've been taking the time to reflect and try to listen today. Read some and thought about some. Sometime, would you ask God, do you really have plan for me? I know I have. more than once of course. It is mind bottling and really overwhelming sometimes to know that that is the very test of faith to trust that He does indeed have a hope, prosperity and a FUTURE comes along with it! What a life-long vocation and a real privilege at the same time!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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Holding onto this passage of Jeremiah, a real youngsters of the time that God used so mightily, this very inspirational quote by Cadet Maxim came into mind. He once said while he was in military (got it from tianne) :)

~ Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.

Cadet Maxim

I'm drawn to this unique fearlessness and passionate vision that he holds towards life itself in times of danger and adventure in the military.....{this can be a whole new post, just about Cadet Maxim's quote}
But, that is exactly the attitude to have I think to pursue God and his plans for us as we strive to become more Christ-like and holy and pure in this perverse day and age; mind, heart, soul and body.

swamped

swamped with much catching up for finals! JUST one more, but the wait till next tues seems like a greater test of perserverance and faithfulness as a student than anything!

life in itself is always a challenge! perseverance, perseverance, and MORE perseverance!

in dire need time with Jesus to remain still, to listen and to be grounded. :)

bubyes!

floored :)

A song that has really hit home recently.
How can you NOT be totally floored and rejoice in picking up your cross every single day by all that He is? Why just a little?
Enjoy!~

:P
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Made me glad (Hillsong)

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock

I will not be moved            
And I'll say of the Lord

You are my shield, my strength
My portion, deliverer
My shelter, strong tower
My very present help in time of need


Whom have I in heaven but You?
There's none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I'll say of the Lord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouMumEs7cVQ