this is why Hawai'i trumps other places for me... a place of unsurpassed beauty of God's creation.. from the mountains to the valleys, from the beaches to the oceans... sunsets, rainbows, waves, corals, whales! i thank God for giving this opportunity to go whale-watching. initially the boat was full. but someone last min chose not to go and gave me the ticket!
a great sunday morning to be out at sea...Waikiki sure looks very different from the sea.. especially when i couldn't see tourists so numerous that they blanket the whole beach! felt the breeze from the cool wind, the blue sky, the crystal shining ocean... and the anticipation to witness humpback whales firsthand...
I soaked in the moment and broke into songs to praise God. i guess it didn't matter if my friends were beside. it is a testimony to them i guess =)
enjoying the view =) a relaxing sunday morning...
my only shot of the whales.. figured i should watch them than to be so concerned about taking photos =p
peek-a-boo! see the sea turtle at the bottom right?
More photos at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=203540&id=766579255
Scuba Diving
Today is my first lesson on Scuba! Theory lesson only. Tomorrow will be at the pool! The course lasts the whole of this week (everyday at 6-9pm) but it is worth every effort spent! I can't wait for my first ocean dive this sat/sun! might get a chance to see whales even closer!
Holy Spirit Retreat
Over the weekend, intervarsity had a "Holy Spirit Retreat". Pastor Jordan from Blue Waters Missions was the invited speaker for the retreat. The retreat was an extra-ordinary one for me. How can I summarise it? I saw Jordan prayed that we might receive dreams from God. I heard him interpret what seemed random dreams into something that made a lot of sense the next morning. I held back no questions but kept myself open and struggled through my understanding about supernatural gifts such as healing, prophecy, tongues and the idea of being "baptized by the Holy Spirit" to be empowered for ministry...
it was my second time i stretched my understanding so far and challenged what I know.. (the first time was when i talked to Wei Shieng when she pushed my understanding of the gospel to realise that it is more than just a formula, 5Cs or 4 spiritual laws) Instead of dismissing the whole idea of it, i wrestled with it head-on. I thought to myself, "what happens if we, the conservative church, might have been wrong about the charismatic movement all these while?" "am i worried that i might find some truths in the whole seemingly 'chaotic and cultish' culture?" the background of my struggle also stemmed from my study of Matthew. i found so many chapters and incidents about Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons. I have heard certain ideas that the miracles and gifts ended with the apostolic age. but I feel that there are still certain gaps of my understanding...
am i exposing myself to great danger? no. i am pursuing God's truth and i believe He will give wisdom to those who asks of Him. Instead, the danger is to be like the Pharisees. to think we know everything and miss out on what God is actually doing. to just propagate what ppl tells us about the bible without studying it carefully ourselves, to choose to accept what we find comfortable and reject the difficult teachings.. it is a struggle i think i need to go through in order to better understand inter-denominational church relations - something extremely crucial in a fragmented body of Christ today.
for the first time in my life, i have people coming up to me (after praying with me) telling me they saw visions of me (which i knew are glimpses of my future)...
Jesus did mention that the way to test all these is to look at the fruits. after being prayed for on saturday evening, i do notice a sudden surge of opportunities to minister to people. i just kept finding myself striking conversations with ppl at almost every corner, being "brought" to places to meet ppl and talk to them and even talking to sg frens online... either way, God is working...so I will be willing and available... =)
*just feel free to comment on this one... =p
a nice rainbow to greet us when we arrive at Wellspring Church..
Auntie B (head staff of IV) sharing...
bible study led by Pastor Jordan... studied on Acts, 1 Cor 12-14...
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