Departures (movie 2009)

Initially I thought this will be a boring movie. I did hear good comments on it. This movie won the Oscar Best Foreign Language film.

This movie is about this guy, Daigo Kobayashi's life which took a turn when the band he played in was disbanded. Left with no job, Daigo, a cellist decided to move back to his hometown. At his hometown, he got a job working as an undertaker. It wasn't easy at first since you have to face different kind of corpses and also the taboo of this job. People despised his job, including his friend and wife. However, he found meaning in this job and through the job, he experienced the acceptance of make up or touch a deceased, the temporary lost of his wfe, the grudge against his father and etc.

It seems to me that a lot of people think that handling dead people are such a dirty job. (there is a scene where his wife shun away from him saying that his hands are dirty) However, this movie shows that no matter how dirty a job is, if it's done with patience, passion and heart it will be something that you'll never forget in your life and even fix bad relationship with anyone else. There are a few funerals showing different family and their feelings for the deceased. It was really touching. I almost teared. I imagined how I would response in those moments. I realised how much I love my family and my wife. It will also be a heart wrenching experience for me. These feelings propel me to want to spend more time with them and not to regret it later.

Another thing that I learnt in this movie is the passion and conviction in the things/work you do. Daigo is not the only example who does his work with passion and conviction. His boss and another uncle also do it with passion and conviction. They see meaning in their work. They found the motivation to persevere in their work no matter how lowly or repetitive it may seems. How many of us have found such meaning in things we do?

Something that touched me is also the support of Daigo's wife. Initially she threatened him to give up his job for her and their baby. This is what she said, "How do you want me to tell our child what his father does?" Later on when she saw how Daigo perform his work with such patience, grace and respect for a deceased whom she knew, she was convinced. This was shown when she spoke up for Daigo later in the movie,"My husband is a professional!"

Another classic line from this movie,"Your last purchase is actually select by someone else, what an irony!"

In conclusion, this is a great movie and it definitely worth the money and time.

Hippo vs Penguin

Yesterday SD gathering was refreshing.
What stuck on me was Hippo and Penguin. Haha

Sarah shared about a prophecy she received during the leaders' getaway. It was about penguin. How the penguin is to live in a community, to stick to the community and not to be alone, Interdependent of one another, learning from each other and sharing with one another. It reminds me of the movie about penguins,"March of the Penguins".



In this movie, the penguins travel together and huddle together in harsh winter. In the extreme cold of the Antarctic winter, the females are at sea fishing for food leaving the males to brave the weather by themselves. They often huddle together to keep warm and rotate positions to make sure that each penguin gets a turn in the center of the heat pack. This is community living. If the penguins are selfish and always stay in the center of the heat pack, then those at the outer ring will probably die. I guess slowly more and more will die eventually. less penguin = less fats and warm. =p

Then Eugene shared about Hippo. Hippo also live in community. Though they live in close proximity, they do not seem to form social bonds except between mothers and daughters, and are not social animals. The reason they huddle in close proximity is unknown. Within the pods, the hippos tend to segregate by gender. Bachelors will lounge near other bachelors, females with other females, and the bull on his own.When hippos emerge from the water to graze, they do so individually. Hippo are territorial animals. It is normal for them to kill crocodiles living in the same area. They are very violent-tempered too. It is claimed that they kill more humans than any other animal except mosquitos.

Am I more a Hippo or a penguin? Am I like hippo who react when someone step on my toes or intrude my "territory"(comfort zone)? Or am I like penguin who will accept one another readily, stand together and help one another in harsh circumstances? Or am I too individualistic? Will I welcome vulnerability and closeness like how the penguin huddle together? Or will I be selfish to stay longer in the center of the heat pack(each person for his own)? Am I outwardly joining cg and events but not connecting at heart level? Am I with the community like the Hippo or am I in the community like the Penguin?

Hippo vs Penguin... Who am I in CG, in church, in family and in workplace?

I like the prophecy spoken in the gathering about Subway burger. Every ingredient inside gives forth individual aroma and taste. They contribute to the nutrition value and taste of the burger. Everyone is unique but together as one we can serve a much higher purpose.

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up ONLY one body. So it is with the body of Christ....Yes, the body has many DIFFERENT parts, not just one part...But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it...So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally.If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad...." 1Cor 12:12-31

I want to be like a penguin. Haha... Ironically, I chose the smaller of the 2 and the gentle and lowly of the 2. God really has a way for us to learn from the meek.

FIREPROOF

DO YOU KNOW WHICH FILM IS THE BIGGEST GROSSING INDEPENDENT FILM IN AMERICA IN 2008?

It's not Slumdog Millionaire, not Milk. But it’s coming to theatre near you!



At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.

Growing up, Catherine Holt always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter...just like her daddy. Now, after seven years of marriage, Catherine wonders when she stopped being "good enough" for her husband.

Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks.

As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees-for his father's sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book's daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.

While trying to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?"

When his father explains that this is the love Christ shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And with God's help he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife.

But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever...rescuing his wife's heart.


WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS MOVIE?

"Amazing! Action-packed, heartwarming, and a great resource to help strengthen and affirm marriages!"
Dr. Gary Smalley, author of Change Your Heart, Change Your Life

"FIREPROOF is going to do much more than entertain and stir hearts; this is a movie that will impact couples in a profound way for decades to come."Dennis Rainey, President, FamilyLife

"FIREPROOF is a beautiful picture of how God can use one partner to completely turn a seemingly hopeless marriage around. What an encouragement!"Rebekah Land, Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapist

"What makes a movie worth seeing is a powerful story that is well told. FIREPROOF is a compelling, must-see film."
Bob Lepine, Co-Host, FamilyLife Today

Letter

Pass this on to your friends. =D

As a Christian...

"No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 1Jn3:9-10 (NIV)

This is something I read today and I was pondering over it. God's standard is really high. But then, it was not written that those who are born of GOd will not sin instead it was written that NONE, NO ONE, Not even 1 who is born of God will CONTINUE to sin. It is an absolute statment and yet it is possible for us, sinners to reach with His grace.

Wow if I am continuing in my sin, I am not considered to be born of God because if the seed of God is in me, I couldn't continue to sin. Somehow God will intervene and I will somehow stop it.

Reflecting back, there were moments when God actually intervened when I was in sin. If GOd had not caused my sins to be exposed; if God didn't get someone to point out my sins; if God didn't create hinderance for my sinful actions; if God didn't give me strength to flee from sins, I would have continued in my sins. Those were the times I felt so loved because of His grace. God is so gracious to me. Gosh, I really feel so precious in His eyes.

However, I have seen cases where GOd intervened but nothing was changed. Sad to say that the brother/sister has made their choice on who to follow. Thank God that opportunities to repent are always there, as long as we are alive, as long as Jesus has not return. There is still hope. =)

So as christian, as child of GOd, I will do what is right in His eyes and I will love my brothers and sisters(I don't think God say some or I am given any choice to choose). Just as GOd's promises stands true all the time, His standards are as firm. Any brothers and sisters within my influence/ radar, I am to love.

How many times have I resent against a brother;
how many times have I withdrew goodness/kindness from my brother;
how many times have I judge my brother;
how many times have I rebel against my leader;
how many times have I avoid loving my brother;
how many times have I think that he isn't good enough for my help;
how many times have I pay lips service to him;
how many times have I criticize my church(I don't mean Nexus here);

I am guilty and those are just few grains from the sack. Gosh it is tough to be like Christ.
Thank God for the grace that were given.
Thank God for the practical example Christ shown.
Thank GOd for the patience from my leaders.
Thank God for the forgiveness from my brothers and sisters.
Thank God for the strength to love.
Thank God for the strength to give.
Thank God for the faith to believe.

"...With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Mt19:26

Leaders' Getaway

Look at how we enjoyed ourselves!!! =)



The sunset was beautiful too!!



It was an enjoyable time with all the leaders in AG1. It was fun knowing one another. We had a game whereby we were to describe ourselves using an animal, a muscial instrument and food. Here are some of their descriptions: chameleon,elephant, tiger, horse, puppy, tortise; trumpet, cymbal, guitar, keyboard; durian, seafood, banana, bread. Guess which were mine.

The theme of this Getaway is about Passion, so we had a number of discovery sessions, some were games and some were discussions. =) And we had a session of prophesizing over one another as well! I received prophecies which were really apt!! Thank God. He assured me that whatever I need were/will be given to me and I should not be fearful but be courageous to go forth with faith to take on more roles & to take care of more people.

"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Prov 11:24-25

WOW! That's challenging.. But if He said so, so be it. I rather to be generous than to be stingy. Haha..

We also watched a sermon by Bill Hybels about leader's state of mind.
"When leader grow and get things right, everyone under him will grow and benefit"
My personal growth does have implication on my flock, so I got to grow!!

Another thing that spoke to me was what Bill said about Holy Discontent,he said that this is something that precedes vision and that is the key to leadership: God's heart and a human heart being aligned perfectly around what frustrates heaven and earth. Wow, it was a revelation to me. I kept asking God for vision and I didn't know how to come up with one... Now I somehow know where to look.

Reflecting back, I saw fruits when I followed through my holy discontent. I can't really explain what I felt then but now I can. Those were holy discontent and they gave me the motivation to do something about it for God and fuelled my perseverance. I will want to take time to observe what are the holy discontent that God put in me now. Probably those will be the areas that God wants me to do something about it with him. And it is something unique in me that God has created. =D

Do not Worry

What do you worry?

• Work– Will I be able to finish all these today? Will there be OT today?
• Job- Where's the replies to my resumes? Will I get a job in times like this?
• BGR – Is he/she the right person?
• Parents – What will my parents think?
• College – Will they accept my application? Will I be able to pay for the fees?
• Money – How will I make it this month? Will I get pay cut or lay off?
• Future – What will I do?
• Marriage – Whom will I marry?
• Bills – How will I ever pay for it?
• Decisions – Which job should I take? Shall I go? Shall I do this?
• Your health – What if it is something serious? Will I recover?
• Your future – What is going to happen to me? What to do?
• A combination of a number of the above!

This is just a simple list of worries I can think of. Can you think of a longer list?

Extract from a blog.
Worry is something that I know how to do. I suspect that when I worry I am primarily thinking about my own need to "fix" something and my utter inadequacy to do so. There are some things that you just can’t fix.

I can recall nights when I have lain in bed and imagined. Sometimes I relived the past (accompanied by some worry). I thought about a conversation or a meeting that took place and worried about the implications of it. At times I relived the past by imagining having made a different decision and then thinking about what might have been. At times I have worried about failures from the past.

At other times I have worried about the future. What is going to happen? Where will we live one day? What will we do?

I read again this week the familiar Scripture in Matthew 6:25-27.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

1. God invites us to trust in him regardless. I have a friend who inspects homes for a living. The other day I heard him say that when he pulls his truck in front of a house, he always prays before going to the front door. He prays for these people and prays that he will do a good job with this inspection. My friend understands that we are called to live in daily dependence upon the Lord.

2. God invites us to live in daily dependence even in the midst of a struggling economy. This is an opportunity for so many of us to learn a new kind of dependence on God.

3. God invites us to bring our anxiety before him in the context of faith. This is not a call to some sort of indifference to what is happening in our world, economy, culture, etc. The key to dealing with anxiety and worry is not indifference but faith in God. This allows us to stare reality in the face and deal with the hard, cold facts of life.

Perhaps those of us who are church leaders/pastors/ministers/etc. would do well to follow Hezekiah’s example in 2Kings 19:14 when he faced an impossible situation with Sennacherib, king of Assyria. He prayed, "…Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God." Some things just can’t be fixed and simply need to be given over to God.

The good news is that you cannot fix so many things that are broken in your life or ministry. Yet, we are not called to be a people who have a fix for whatever might be broken. Rather, we are a people who hand it over to God.

Personally I had my fair share of worries. When I was preparing my wedding, I worried about the finance, whether I have enough money to cover; I worried about the program, whether I missed out any part; I worried about what it will be like on actual day; I worried that pple can't get me because my handphone hang the night before. Thank God it was over. He sent friends to support and help me. He gave me peace and assurance as I depended on Him.

However, I still do worry.. eg financially whether I can save enough for baby and house, how my flock is doing. But I seek God's wisdom to plan whatever I can and whatever is beyond me, God, you take it from here. =)
So just follow the 3 steps. God is just and faithful to His words. Don't worry.