Memories of EMP

Here are some photos taken with the gorgeous folks at church:



I miss you guys! Boohoo. :(

I'm feeling: Reminiscent
I'm listening to: Pour Out - Shawn McDonald

MYFers in action

3 posts in one day has got to be a record for me. Anyway, here are the videos. Photos to come tomorrow!

From Music Night:
Group 1 - Knocking, Knocking


Group 2 - Emo Hymn


Hanging after Sunday Service

A Brisbane blessing

Phew. Just finished transfering all my old posts from my previous blog to blogspot. Took awhile, but I did it. *pats own back*

As many of you know by now, I went back to Brisbane for a quick, surprise visit. The whole trip was a real blessing and I'm really grateful for my amazing folks who so readily gave me the money to enjoy myself. Love you, Mum & Dad! :D

The reaction and reception I got from everyone was astounding. I didn't realise how much I missed them until I finally saw them again and we were all hugging and jumping around. It was a crazy welcome back and one that I won't be forgetting for a long, long time.

What struck me most was seeing how much the church, MYF and everyone has grown over the past year. The desire to serve God is so evident in everyone's eyes that it's inspiring. You've got all these young ones stepping up and devoting time to God. The number participating in weekly Bible studies have exploded from the original 7 to a regular 20-odd people. The church has truly been blessed and I can only pray now that it will continue to grow in the right direction.

Plenty of R&R was had, of course. Lots of catching up with everyone, hanging out and... shopping! My accumulation includes:

12 DVDs
1 Boxset
5 Tops
1 pair of shorts
3 pairs of underwear
2 showbags from Ekka
Too much food

Thankfully I was able to fit everything into my suitcase. :p

I also celebrated two birthdays - Uncle Thomas and my own - while I was there. Uncle Thomas turned 60 and the family threw a huge party for him. Friends, Rellies... everyone came in full force. Auntie Luciana was at her usual culinary best whipping out one delish dish after another. And it was so wonderful to finally get to see little Jacquelyn! She's ridiculously adorable and I can just sit there for hours staring at her. No kidding.

My birthday was a cosier affair at my fave Mexican restaurant - Montezuma's. And in the grand tradition of birthday celebrations at Monte's, I got the full shebang - howling waitresses shaking their maracas, a chocolate mousse lit up with sparklers and a sombrero! :) It was a pleasant surprise cos I thought it was just a dinner among old friends. So yeah, big thanks to Huaiky, Pen & Zef for planning it! *hugs* :)

I'm missing everyone tremendously right now. I wish I could've stayed a bit longer, but I was also missing my gorgeous friends back home too. If only everyone was in the same country, eh?

I'm gonna go through the hundreds of photos that I took and will be uploading the better ones sometime tonight. Be sure to check back for photos and a video or two. ;)

I'm feeling: Blessed
I'm listening to: Cats In The Cradle - Dilana

Too wonderful

I was touched by the grace of God - His truly wondrous grace - in two separate services yesterday. No words can describe how unworthy (but thankful) I am of the Lord's neverending love. Let me just leave you with the hymn and song that really spoke to me:

It is a thing most wonderful
It is a thing most wonderful,
Almost too wonderful to be,
That God's own Son should come from heaven
And die to save a child like me.

And yet I know that it is true:
He came to this poor world below,
And wept and toiled and mourned and died,
Only because He loved us so.

I cannot tell how He could love
A child so weak and full of sin;
His love must be most wonderful,
If He could die my love to win.

I sometimes think about His cross,
And shut me eyes, and try to see
The cruel nails, and crown of thorns,
And Jesus crucified for me.

But even could I see Him die,
I could but see a little part
Of that great love which, like a fire,
Is always burning in His heart.

It is most wonderful to know
His love for me so free and sure;
But 'tis love more wonderful to see
My love for Him so faint and poor.

And yet I want to love Thee, Lord:
Oh, light the flame within my heart,
And I will love Thee more and more
Until I see Thee as Thou art!

- - -

Your Favorite Name is Father
Almighty God
Lord of all creation
Ancient of days
The Holy One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name

[Chorus]
Your favorite name is Father
You love to hear Your children calling
You're there to catch us when we're falling
Your favorite name is Father

Eternal King
Alpha and Omega
Jehovah God
The mighty One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name

[Bridge]
Abba Father
Holy is Your name
Abba Father
Holy is Your name

I'm feeling: Blessed
I'm listening to: Came to the Rescue - Hillsong United