First off, the definition:

Main Entry: vul-ner-a-ble
Pronunciation: 'v&l-n(&-)r&-b&l, 'v&l-n&r-b&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulE wound
1 : capable of being physically or emotionally wounded
2 : open to attack or damage : ASSAILABLE <vulnerable to criticism>
3 : liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge

When two or more people meet together and grow in a relationship (friendship, boy-girl relationship, etc), we're basically looking at two or more different worlds colliding together. Each indivudal brings to the relationship a different set of perspectives, a different personality, a unique dimension.

And sometimes, the jigsaw pieces just don't match one another. There'll be jagged edges, people not seeing eye to eye in certain areas, people having different tresholds, etc.

That is where one must learn the meaning of the word.

To know that when different people get together to grow together, there's bound to be differences... and we all stand a good chance of getting wounded (preferably not physically).

Of course, we can (as how I'd used to) prevent ourselves from being wounded. We can close up ourselves and refuse the possiblity of forging deep relationships and close friendships. We can limit our interactions and always just plough the surface, and very much putting up a front in front of others... or simply just keep quiet. Or to some, it comes in the form of playing the fool.

Jesus showed me how He loved.

He showed me how to be vulnerable.

That an invulnerable God would choose to be vulnerable.

To be vulnerable before God... and to be vulnerable before man.

And that's... how we can grow in relationships.

And... if the people concerned mean the whole world to you, then vulerability becomes something intrinsic in you I guess.

How much do we understand when we're told that God loves us very much?

What do we make of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?

I'm echoing what my sister told me how she felt about Fish Bone.

The amount of work that went into organising the event... the way everyone worked with one another, from the kitchen crew, to the waiters, the befrienders, the bands, the tech crew, the involvement of parents in almost all aspects... there's just so much warmth seeing everyone working together.

It was funny seeing the very weary faces of the kitchen crew at the debrief... and yet at the same time, my heart was stirred to see how much they have poured (literally too) into the making of the drinks, keeping up with orders upon orders...

And the rain in the afternoon... hahaha. I was still at home when it started to pour really heavily... and almost immediately I remembered what Matt said some time ago about how it would always rain before any of the Fish Bone Cafes... but that it'll always... ALWAYS stop in time for people to gather.

No doubt about that... it was still drizzling abit about half an hour before official opening time... but it stopped altogether pretty much on the dot.

Many things to give thanks for. :)

Not just in the context of church.

I pray that it be the very essence of our purpose, living it out uncircumstantially, while being on this side of eternity.

All the more reason for us to work hard academically all year round. XD

'What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness?' - Romans 3:3
No. Strangely enough, it doesn't. I've been thinking a lot lately, and for some inexplicable reason, I'm just so thankful for everything that God's blessed me with; good results in spite of my apparent slothfulness, wonderful memories in spite of my taking them for granted and of course, the great people that He's placed in my life, in spite of all my flaws and iniquities. So yeah, I suppose I don't really have much of a reason to be complaining about every little imperfection in my life; because God's already overlooked all of that and given me His everlasting love. What more can I ask for?
Praise be to God, whose faithfulness endures and is new every morning!
Oh, and before I forget, happy belated birthday, Peter Isaac. (:

It really just seems like yesterday when this boy would always come up to me halfway through the youth service (it was on sundays back then) and tell me that he had to leave for golf lessons... Hahaha.

He's really not your typical rich man's son. No airs... well mannered... responsible. Knows when to be a fool (and a very good one at that) and when to be serious.

I know. It's very much contrary to the "how - many - more - years - to - maturity" thing we've been talking about.

And I know you'll know that I'm writing these not to boost your ego simply because it's your birthday. ;)

It's really been a privilege watching you grow from having an indifference to God to where you are right now. His grace is so evidently found in your life.

Here's to the many years ahead of you till He comes again.

Blessed 16th birthday, dear brother. :)

It's been a really long time since we have had such a huge attendance for WG (web group) time. As I was shuttling between addressing TMS in one of the rooms and doing backup vocals for today's service, I was giving thanks in my heart... about nine of them in the room, one serving in the sound crew and one playing the bass. Three more came along for service.

We needed a huge table connected to a smaller one for dinner after that at the food court.. and yeah, it's also been a long time since we have had such a huge gathering for dinner after service.

And talk about unity of the stomaches... all of them abandoned the table after their first round and came back with a plate of prata each. Youths really know how to eat. :|

Haha... and in all these things I give thanks. It's not so much of the numbers... but to see how God has been working in each and every one of their lives.

Sometimes they'll just never know how much encouragement they bring simply by their presence... but yeah. I may not show it these days... been finding it harder and harder to emote lately (am trying to figure out why), but hey, I just want you guys to know that each of you really matter. :)

And I must say that though the journey was arduous, it was well worth it. There'll come times where feelings of inadequacy will strike... but at the same time I have learnt to entrust such thoughts back unto Him... and know that He'll be the One seeing it through.

How else will you see an extreme introvert who'll rather remain quiet in gatherings find the strength and perseverance to see the most hyper group through the past four years...?

Haha... *points up* *points to the heart*

One part of me's fraught with uncertainty... but the other's filled with excitement overflowing.

The one thing I know... is that He'll be faithful to see each one through. :)

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." - Ephesians 1:17-21

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:16-19

Jiayou guys. :)

"If there is no risk in your exploits for God, then there is no need for faith." - Hudson Taylor

Kel and Jan came to my place this morning hours before their second e-maths paper to clear up some more questions and doubts... they're now into the fifth minute of their paper as I'm typing this at 2:35pm.

Whether or not the results turn out good or bad, we know that it's in His hands... and for His purpose... and His glory.

Yeah. Sometimes we wonder how bad results will result in the manifestation of God's glory... well, if it's His glory and not ours that we're pursuing, then we've just got to trust that things will come to pass? :)

Some may think that Christianity is a hip and cool religion in which we'll be blessed with good health, good wealth and a million and one other things as we call on Jesus.

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11

Truth is, suffering is a hallmark of Christianity.

And truth is, you're not gonna get all the things you want that is of your own desire.

And just with the many disciples who were persecuted and slain... their faith didn't result in happy and joyful endings.

But thankfully faith isn't assessed by human successes.

We'll know when we hear Him say at the end of our journey...

"Well done, my faithful servant."

:)

All the best to Peter, Grace, Mich, Teck Liang, Zeky, Zephy, JonQ, David Lum and all others taking the paper as well!

IN CHRIST ALONE

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I overcome
Oh I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hand
But those trophies could not equal
To the grace by which I stand

Chorus:
In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
And only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
Now I seek no greater honor
Than just to know Him more
And to count my gains
But losses to the glory of my Lord

Chorus:
In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone
(2x)

As TMS enters the next phase, I guess it's just appropriate that we give our site a little facelift and make good use of online resources to encourage one another and others yea? :)