Sivin Kit's Garden

Happy Merdeka Day! ... Malaysia

48 years old ... wow! that's quite a journey as a nation. Not too young and not too old huh?

I'm having a fresh look at Our national symbols,
... and Our very special Negaraku
... and The Constitution

Nothing fancy ... just the basics .. for now.

I'll be Back!

The main reason for my low blog activity is because of my participation in this important convention in my denomination (Lutheran church of Malaysia & Singapore) this past weekeend. I wanted to resume last night ... but I feel alseep. You can imagine how exhausted I am. :-)

Transition

Guess who's the new Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Malaysia?
It's a 4 year term ... May the Lord bless him and guide him .... and for the rest of us .. we need the exact same thing too!

The story how this list arrived on the board probably would come only in the memoirs of S.K. (Sivin Kit not Soren Kierkegaard) :-P

One more day to go for the convention ... looking forward for a break before we start work again ... and there's lots of work ahead.

Make the Emergent Founder Bishop!

what lies ahead for us as a denomination? how will the election go? who will be the new Bishop? how shall we play our part - in voicing as well as in voting our concerns. This is an important convention for us for it will mark our entry into a new phase of the corporate church life as Lutherans here in Malaysia. Will it be like the picture .. all clear ahead?

anyway, maybe that's why it was funny when I heard the statement, "make the emergent founder bishop" in the context of whether anything will happen further for as fas as the emergent malaysia conversation is concerned. First, I'm not sure whether the person saying it was refering to me, I suspect he was (anyway, I've never seen myself as a founder ... I just link people who are interested to talk - that's why someone asked me to change my blog title to Linking Park rather than a Garden). Secondly, I don't want to be Bishop ... there are people who are up the coming exciting elections! But, back to the subject matter ... "Emergent" again ... :-P

The word "Emergent" came up the last one week more than usual in some conversations at the camp in Seremban and today at Kairos Office. I think Brian is and has been wise to keep insisting the word "conversation" over movement or "emergent church" ... I had some opportunities at least to comment on how I see the conversation so far in USA and UK and more importantly in Malaysia.

I laughed when someone mentioned about the "emergent" view on a particular subject. Because even as the so called "coordinator" of the conversations here in Malaysia - I said I'm not aware of the view. At this stage, we are opening up space to work on how we could think about theology, spirituality and methodology in close relation to church and mission in a more integrated manner - so I don't see myself and my friends who are part of the emergent conversation (or any theological-spiritual-ministrial conversation) here in Malaysia hurrying too quickly to give an easy answer.

I think that if there is an emergent view or approach ... it's to first pause and re-examine the question, take seriously the context in which the question is asked, refer to historical resources, plunge back into the Gospel of Jesus, consider the way of Jesus, get back to the Scriptural narrative, ... intentionally working this through not just personally but also in community ... and of course, keeping in mind how all this will be for the good of the world - thus the missional dimension. Now that was a mouthful :-)

Today, I had a chance to clarify my own thinking even as I tried to "tell my story" how I landed into the emergent conversation especially with friends in USA and UK specifically. And I think I've been consistent in this right from the beginning that I DO NOT see "Emergent" as a kind of "we here to come to save the day" - church movement. I don't even tell people the church I'm pastoring is a sample of an Emergent Church (as if it's a new brand). With Kia Meng also part of the conversation, in fact much of what we are talking or in "conversation" at our level has already been in discussion perhaps in some academic or theological discussions in the past. So, nothing is new ... but it's new to us and we're enjoying it and find it helpful :-)

Being part of this "conversation" no doubt has helped me see things clearer as far as what's important to me personally, and corporately as a church, and it's helped me think in more integrated terms. I find myself also enriched by the interaction - sharpened in some aspects and softened in other aspects especially when I'm quick to make judgement. So, I do find some relation there to how I serve and lead and wrestle with all things church and mission in my specific context.

and in addition to that ... haging around those in the "conversation" helps me to intentionally keep the rhythm of how theology, spirituality, and ministry dances in my journey.

So as far as I know, for those who are looking for an "emergent" church (as a kind of special brand) in Malaysia I think will be disappointed. But, if you are looking for a bunch of freinds who enjoy engaging in theological reflection which is not divorced from ethical and ministry realities and hoping to do all this with an authentic spirituality ... then, I think and I hope they would find that in the so called "emergent conversation"-Malaysian style. And if you are interested ... let me know.

Oh yeah ... notice ... that I have not been mentioned "postmodern" until now :-). I can start with "postcolonial":-P ... but then ... we're all still in the beginning stages of seeing how this journey can be a source of encouragement for those who want be a bit more conscious in our thinking and intentional in our efforts and more integrated in our approach. I think there is a road ahead ... more details after the elections ...

Random Thoughts after coffee

It is exciting to connect with people whom have similar values and directions when it comes to church - and especially when the desire is to go beyond methodological innnovations - I sense there's a hunger towards seeing a closer relationship of how our thinking (theology), our personal & communal formation (spirituality), and our ministry in this world (ethics & mission) are intentionally brought closer together in our conversations as well as the practical day to day living - from sorting out our dog poop at the backyard as well as our children's poop in the bedroom :-)

Hearing someone share about the "generative' impulses and ideas around the above concerns always energizes me ... and I seek to be an encourager to those who are in existing churches who seek to go in this direction, and if there are some who will be embarking on the formation of new communities or churches like this I'll cheer them on. For those who may just see themselves as "members" (more than being in leadership), I pray they may participate fully in seeing how this kind of church or Christian community really is for the good of our world (and an added bonus is that we reap the benefits too!)

and yet ... there are realities before us that saddens me (at times make me angry) - I saw something yesterday in regards to the word "prophecy" that made me wonder - who holds these so called "prophets" accountable .. and worse is when it's associated with money ... how does all this REALLY forward God's Kingdom values and purposes? Is this the kind of "picture" (testimony) we want to give our pre-dominantly non-Christian society in Malaysia. Even as a Christian I cringe! Lord have mercy!

I'm at this stage that pouring too much energy in criticism is not fruitful (though critical evaluation has its place and is needed), I do not want to be defined by what I'm against ... more effort needs to be in being an agent of change - perhaps that's why I get more excited when I hear and see people participating in reflecting their Christianity consciously and intentionally counter-cultural (cf. against greed, grandioseness, corporate impersonalization, manipulative persuasion, etc) and humbly working out committed discipleship and mission 24/7 (especially in and through the local churches/communities they are part of).

There's this tension I constantly face ... I'm learning greater generousity (I think) when it comes to how one is thinking through and working out their Christian life in our context. And yet, there's a greater discernment and suspicion towards bad theology, ministry malpactice, unreflective and often insensitive buldozing of ideas, etc. I find myself more able to engaging in practices that reflect a generous orthodoxy ... and I'm growing in confidence in this area and yet I struggle in what are some steps I can take when confronted with what I may perceive to be harmful ... there are some glimpses of light though because in some cases maybe I could inject some input, but often in many cases - the only way - or the more non-militant option is in John Wimber's words "starve" these efforts by not giving endorsement, or even offering caution and even at appropriate times after much prayer and self-examination - indicate non-support (while not cutting off the relationship).

These are challenging times. I still believe we need to spend more time "nourishing" local churches whether existing ones or new ones to be the kind of church God intended that being drained in battling misguided ones. Besides caffine, this is what is occupying me right now.

Hope EFC Family Camp 2005

It was good tonight to listen to this Father and Son duet about the most recent church family camp I had a chance to be part of:

Listening for God's heartbeat
Just thinking back how we first met and then reading each others blogs and now actually deepening our friendship through this camp and more conversations is just fascinating .. and fun!

Marching to the Heartbeat of God
When I first sat down in a devotion group this young lad was already asking a challenging question on Miracle!

Random Links 57

Interview with Doug Pagitt on Preaching Reimagined
Looking forward to get the book! Interesting new phrases - "speaching" & "progressional dialogue".

The Professor as Scholar (pdf) (via Bob Robinson)
What it's not and what it is ...

A Bridge Far Enough? How would Jesus address the issues of our day?
I like the "bridge" metaphor ... and was intrigued by one yesterday morning.

The Bridges of God by Donald A. McGavran (pdf)
Someone asked me lately...is what people perceive as "church growth" how McGraven really meant? (still on the "bridge" metaphor)

Marketing the Church (via Generoous Orthodoxy Think Tank)
At the latest church family camp I spoke in, I was sharing how through the past 5 years I'm increasingly (if not coming to a place definately) uncomfortable with using business & marketing lingo and mindsets in reference to church, life and ministry.

Random Thoughts after Quite a ride

perhaps the lighting in this photo is better and more natural - with a different kind of look and posture (more Artsy?). I enjoy being surrounded by my own kids and on special import (trying to be more fatherly?).

Just came back from an interesting camp with Hope EFC church ... in Seremban. It was a small intimate kind of camp ... pretty intense with 2 speakers (the other one was I'Ching from RZIM) and I did 4 sessions on the book of Jonah, with a workshop - "Not so Random thoughts on being Church in 21st Century Malaysia
Or Stuff I’m (still) Learning after that eventful 2002 Book Review"
I titled and I'Ching did two workshops - "Develping a Christian Worldview" and " Introduction to Worldviews" All this with devotions thrown in and a special games afternoon (where I had some fun too and some aching muscles now!)

good to read about BLC's Sunday Blurry Sunday

Came to to a series of "intense" email exchanges between friends and trying to process what ths means for us.

chatting with Sherman was fun and insightful as usual and it's good to see interesting additions and developments at this Think Tank. Glad to have an Asian there (especially Malaysian!). I'm also looking forward for our version of a "learning community" coming soon ...

still trying to settle in ... so much has happened the past 7 days and it's still not over yet ... dunno how to "transition" for a while ... it's always like that after a stretch of intense ministry ...

God is gracious ... will sleep soon...

The Kits Near the Lake

This is a "nice one" (in May Chin's words) after the wedding of Kevin and Olivia (that's why we are all dressed up even with my robes and latin american multi-colour stole! *grin*)... It's pretty rare for us to get a "full" family photo nowadays ... so this latest one is precious. We got some nice background too.

Evening Fun!

This week has been quite a roller coaster week for me (thus the Latin prayers and sporadic blogging).. and it's still not over yet (when is it ever? *grin*). But in the midst of all this or I think before the "ride" started we captured a fun evening together as a family. There you see Gareth experimenting with physics, movement, momentum, etc (ok! he was just having fun!) and May Chin reading to Elysia while she enjoys flipping the little book. :-)

One of my recent joys is when I go and pick Elysia up from my Mom's place and the excitement she shows when I call her name. The legs would start kicking (as if she's ready to go!) and then a little giggle of happiness. And when I look at her even during the waits at the traffici light ... she gives me this - "You look funny papa!"- look!

One of the fun conversations we had in the car on the way to Gareth's Granpa's place this week was about the use of "much" and "more". We'll talk about "many trees", "many cars", "so much water", or "so much smoke" (during the haze!), etc. And then you could just see his excitement when he talks about how Grandpa caught a "big fat rat" in a cage! Ah .. the world is fascinating through the eyes of a child. Perhaps we are too busy looking at something else :-P

Both May Chin and I are growing as well ... some one told me how they enjoyed the family pictures and I do too! And yet reality is that there's so much "hard work" involved in nurturing a family, a marriage, and children ... as I'm thinking about the words of Jesus for a couple to be married later in the afternoon ... "Love one another as I have loved you." I recognize that Jesus has promised to "love" us first and that results in empowering us (especially when we are weak) to "love" those before us and around us .. starting at home. so, to me it's more than just following the "example" of Jesus (which is awesome!), it's also how the living Christ "empowers" us here and now through these words and through the life-giving Spirit.

Random Links 56

The Loss of Future Part 1-pdf
The Loss of Future Part 2-pdf
With a line like this, "There is, by the same token, no such thing as a purely private morality, for the morals of private citizens are public in effect, and are increasingly so. I'll read on.

Christian leader stabbed to death
To think that this happened in the context of a prayer service is shocking! Brother Roger has impacted me not just by Taize music (which is often a starting point), but also by existence of such an "alternative" community.

“Liberating the core of goodness” - A conversation with Paul Ricœur
Ricoeur's name popped up in some conversations recently ...

Blessing the Bombs: The Hiroshima Bombers' Chaplain Faces Christ
The link was sent to me via email ... and since I spent a big chunk of my time with a retired Catholic priest ... plus the word "non-violence" in the mail drew me to read this.

CONFITEMINI DOMINO

VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS

Wonderful

I know some people are caught in the debates about creation and evolution ... and the discussions surrounding science and religon. But, this one from S.K. is quite a twist and turn on the words and the mind - perhaps it helps too with daily u-turns (repentance)

"God creates out of nothing, wonderful, you say: yes, to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners."~ Soren Kiekergaard, July 7, 1838

I know there's a place for more intellectual questions (usually tend to be a little more detached and academic in nature) but once we connect it with daily existence it does make a difference in the way we live (or choose not to live).

Paradox

As I said in earlier, S.K. has been a great companion these days (and especially when strange things happen. Now. it's a good time to think about what's in the "embryo" for me :-)

"The paradox is really pathos of intellectual life, and just as only great souls are exposed to passions it is only the great thinker who is exposed to what I call paradoxes, which are nothing else than grandiose thoughts in embryo." ~ Soren Kiekergaard, April 22, 1838

It's not like I'm looking for paradoxes. It's just that somehow I see them or they land on my lap. Lord, have mercy ...

Random Thoughts ... just some random thoughts

I was supposed to blog about our time at the VIP seats with Patrizio Buanne (thanks to you-know-who for the tickets). But was a little more excited with Battlestar Galactica reimagined than Mr. Buanne. :-)

ok ... it was fun. It's nice to have a date with May Chin without the kids. It's strange but then both of us felt it was good time as a couple. So, we had a nice dinner before the showcase and then giggled through the performance. He's quite a performer ... and charmer ... we had fun. Made me think about some stuff like the relationships between genuine feeling and singing, the image one wants to portray, the people who were there since it was a full ball room (I wonder how many were like us got free passes?).

We were quite happy after 5-6 songs, we could go home. Somehow missed the kids already ... of course, we did expect it to go longer but then ... nevermind. It was just a showcase.

Now, back to today! Strange things happen ... and tonight is one of them. I'm still wondering whether some of "this" is heading. It's a little sad to be "disconnected" with some people purely because I'm part of a different postcode.

So often decisions are just made, often in haste ... perhaps rushing a particular deadline, often for some agenda more than the one "presented", it's hard to know. More questions and answers. Ah ... the world of "politics" even in the sphere I move around is often unpredictable. One just wonders ...

Back to the drawing board again, back to square one ... I'm glad I've been hanging out with S.K. lately (I 'mean Soren). Perhaps, he prepared me in some way.

Couldn't "situate" today's random thoughts. ... so just put "just some random thoughts"-lah! :-P

Battlestar Galactica ... Reimagined

[click image to a cool website]

After being Sci-Fi series deprived for a while, and considering I loved the classic series as a kid, this reimagined series was a breath of fresh air and I thoroughly enjoyed it - it did me some good ... made me think, feel, relate, pause, etc - so it was more than enjoying the ride. Thanks to the Aussie guy for the loan! Cheers mate !

Oh yeah, I read this piece by Ron Moore the Screenwriter/producer which I found engaging .since their goal is "nothing less then the reinvention of the science fiction television series".

"... Here lies a slumbering giant, its name known to many, its voice remembered by but a few. For a brief moment, it strode the Earth, telling tall tales of things that never were, then stumbled over a rating point and fell into a deep sleep.

I think there's life in that old giant. But I think that just poking him with a stick and expecting him to leap to his feet and resume his journey as if no time had passed would serve only to hasten his final death throes. He needs a makeover. Especially that '70s hair.

So we've set out to bring the old boy back to life and give him a new look and a new outlook on life. And we're going to ask him to tell his stories again, from the beginning. Tell them again, but this time go deeper. See, we were young once and when the old guy spun his tales of Apollo and Starbuck, we were satisfied with clear-cut heroes and nakedly evil villains. But we're older now. We've eaten a lot of popcorn over the years. We're ready for a bigger meal. Make the story more complicated. Make the people less black-and-white. Challenge us, provoke us, grab us by the throat with those massive hands and dare us to invest ourselves in flawed characters who face ambiguous choices in an imperfect world. Dare us to root for heroes with all-too-human weaknesses. See if we'll still embrace them if they fall prey to their imperfections.

Ask us to care for human beings instead of caricatures.

"Our goal is nothing less then the reinvention of the science- fiction television series"

With those words leading the way, I turned in the final draft of Battlestar Galactica. Bold words, perhaps. Arrogant even. But they accurately describe the ambition driving this project:

We believe you can explore adult themes with adult characters and still tell a ripping good yarn.

We believe that to portray human beings as flawed creations does not weaken them, it strengthens them.

We believe that bringing realism to science fiction is neither contradictory nor a fool's errand.

We believe that science fiction provides an opportunity to explore our own society, to provoke debate and to challenge our perceptions of ourselves and our fellow Man.

We believe science fiction can still be relevant.

We believe all these things and more.

If you agree with us, then this is the show for you. If not, then thanks for coming, but the popcorn is in a different aisle.

Stick around — it's going to be a helluva ride.

Ronald D. Moore
Executive Producer / Screenwriter

Thinking for Ourselves

I recall my seminary room mate once telling me he appreciates my reading habits but would even be excited about more original thoughts from me. I'm not sure how original I can be but I do agree just regurgitating other people's thoughts without deeper reflection and understanding isn't one path I'm drawn to. Some of us tend to be pretty hungry for reality then mere illusions or information. Perhaps that's why S.K.'s following words caught my eye yesterday.

"... there is nothing so feeble as the conversation of learned literary men who have never thought for themselves but know thousand historical-literary facts.* "It is almost like a reading from a cookery book when one is hungry." ~ Soren kierkegaard, July 13, 1837

The "*" was an interesting note worth reading:
"Like Leporello they keep a list, but the point is what they lack; while Don Juan seduces girls and enjoys himself -- Leporello notes down the time, the place and a description of the girl."

(please note: while I found S.K. really conveying the point here, I do not advocate seducing girls! And for those who are learning how to get a wife ... don't follow Leporello's track either *grin*. This post is about thinking for yourself more than about girls, so let's not get stuck in the analoges and examples shall we? I want to avoid being misunderstood here *smile*)

Conclusions about life ...

So often, we have become over-dependant on authority figures whether it's our family, our elders, our government, our leaders, some authors, some historical figure, some speaker, some (fill in the blanks) ... all of them have a place along our journey but they are not meant to stiffle our growth, close our minds, or worse suffocate our "work in progress" thinking ... for me, at best they have walked with me as I "work out" the "sums" confronting me. At times, their corrections are most helpful but it has not been in anyway "condescending". That encourages growth into maturity :-)

"There are many people who reach their conclusions about life like schoolboys; they cheat their master by copying the answer out of a book without having worked out the sum for themselves." ~ Soren Kierkegaard, Jan 17, 1837

Introducing : The Postmodern Postmortem

My good friend Sherman has been blogging away until I need to wait for Monday to catch up and engage in conversation with him from my side ... this series of blogs has been insightful. I'll pick out some statements that jump out for me .. read the rest for yourself. I hope to "interact" with him more in the coming days ... at least Sunday evening ...this "post-colonial" approach/frame looks like a good path to go my smarter friend (you can put up the doggie pictures as intervals!) ...

*UPDATE: for a condensed version check The Postmodern Postmortem (An Asian Construction of a Generous Orthodoxy)*

The Postmodern Postmortem (Part 1)
"So there is much conversation taking place in matters pertaining to postmodernity and its host of variant expressions. But what does this mean for us, people of Asia? Do we have a postmodernity of which to speak? My take on this issue is that we have no postmodernity.

In the first place, we possess no firsthand historical reality of the Enlightenment, and therefore, no modernity. The modernity we do have is that which has been swept onto our shores as a result of the colonial era. What we have is, as it were, the debris of modernity. And even so, this debris has mutated over the past decades as it took root in the local context. And yes, the onus is upon Asian Christians to delineate our own understanding of our local modernities..."

The Postmodern Postmortem (Part 2)
"... The colonial period lasted for several centuries, duringwhich the economic, political and religious impact on local soil constituted the defining reference points for the colonised locals. As was to be expected, Western Christianity took root in the same manner. And thus was the commencement of organised Christianity on local ground in the replicated manner of the traditional Western ecclesiastical life. It was no surprise that after a prolonged period of its existence, the people of the land could not identify with Western Christianity. This is not to say that the Church failed to grow. Far from it, many were drawn to the gospel; but together with that, they were also obligated to embrace the cultural imperatives of the imperialists. Also, there were many others who declined to accept “the faith of the white man”. .."

The Postmodern Postmortem (Part 3)
"... am not talking about a simple repackaging of the Western gospel to give it an Asian face. If theology is the language of the Christian community, then Western theology (with all its rationally constructed categories) is the language of the Western Christian community. If so, I am in effect proposing the construction of a theological language that emerges from the Asian Christian community..."

The Postmodern Postmortem (Part 4)
"... I cannot emphasise enough the case for which I am arguing above – that our struggle is a post-colonial one, and not a postmodern one. In my mind, even a marginal deviation from this emphasis poses the unfortunate prospect of a digression in my efforts. And because our struggle is not postmodernity but post-colonialism, we are not herein reckoning with the tension between theological liberalism and theological orthodoxy as is the case in the West. In fact, such an insignificantly marginal segment of the Christian community here is theologically unorthodox that their presence poses almost no concern to the rest of the community. Our battle is, however, against the unthinking Evangelical imperialism which suffocates the prospect of authentic expression in our Asian Christianity. It locks theology up within the confines of Western cultural realities. This cultural imperialism, as I have mentioned, has shifted from high-culture imperialism to low-culture imperialism. We are therefore endeavouring to emerge with a “generous orthodoxy” of another kind..."

The Postmodern Postmortem (Part 5)
"... Perhaps attempting to develop new Asian theological categories does not necessitate a rejection of Western theological categories after all. It just requires that I move beyond such familiar categories. Just because I seek to move beyond Western theological categories does not mean that I am herein rejecting the propositional and confessional claims of Western Christianity...."

Clearer ...

Here's a progression of "Haze-related" pictures from yesterday morning, to yesterday evening, to this morning which is much clearer and better :-) Both Gareth and I are feeling much better too ... he still with a slight cough, my headaches gone and no longer sneezing ...

Perhaps I could relate this a little to my reading of some "stirrings" that surround the writings of Brian McLaren, especially when i read some blogs or comments even by more "heavy weight" Christian personalities. Again and again I found it strange that why is it that I don't see what they see especially at some point a claim that Brian has "abandoned the Gospel"? Ok .. perhaps I'm biased, or I could be blinded ... but then, if we are honest .. maybe just maybe he's really being misunderstood ...

So, that's why I appreciated Brian's Becoming Convergent Series Part 1, part 2 and part 3 (here's all thre combined pdf form). Hopefully, it gives most people who may have not read his writings in full (especially his earlier two excellent books on church, and finding faith), or bits and pieces here (usually without sufficient context), or just what they get online (in article form) to get a "clearer" picture as opposed to a "fictional" or "straw man" character from our imagination or others. Of course, some may still hold on to their conclusions and/or opinions. That's just reality.

I've been very slow to be drawn into this matter. This is partly to avoid abusive comments - I must admit I got shocked and tired by what went on the emergent-us blog. I further didn't want to be sucked into tiring debates which I see little relevance for us here. And this is definately not about whether one agrees with all the details of his writings ... and not whether one agrees with his critics in total ... which nowadays has become quite a "hazy" situation.

As far as I'm concerned, I'll just echo Scot McKNight's Thank You Brian --> "All I want to say is this. Brian, I am grateful for what you have done to me and for Evangelicalism. I see your work to be rhetorical wake-up for Evangelicals to start thinking about how to become a missional community for the world in which we live. Even when I disagree with you, I am glad you have brought up the issues you raise." and John Fyre's Getting to Know Brian McLaren --> "I am grateful that Brian McLaren took the time to tell his story. I consider Brian a pastoral artist; a creative, story-telling evangelist who is passionate about the "good news" of Jesus Christ truly sounding like good news to the ever-increasing postmodern West.".

I think at least in Malaysia we can learn from someone like Brian and I would also add learn from people like Scott and John (in their generous responses). Of course, we can learn from those who disagree with them or us. Too often, we are tempted to operate with a "guilt by association" mentality which makes situations even more "hazy". And this is the case not just about Brian McLaren or whatever that's linked with "emergent" (which for me is very much still a "conversation" first and foremost!) ... we need to move beyond face-less (often devoid of relationships) kind of engagements. In short, are we growing up as Christians in the way we handle theological conversations/investigations or more immediately pastoral or ministry situations as a group of post-colonial Malaysian Christians?

In addition to the above, we still wrestle with "uncritically" jumping on the latest "trendy bandwagon" whether it's so called church growth or revival-promised movement or we usually in fear or combate mode (depending) retreat into a "fortress" mentality with our so called perceived "safety modes" (or "defensive" postures) and miss the beautiful scenary and open possibilities of doing our own contextual, creative and constructive work of thinking, being and doing. Is there risk involved? Sure! Are there dangers? No doubt about it. What about the opportunities? Just open your eyes to see, and ears to hear ... but all our endeavour aren't just individual exercises - there's more to just our individual questioning or search.

I prayed for rain and wind during these past few hazy days - especially when it became hazardous. Yesterday morning it rained a little - I jumped for joy, then paused when it stopped raining. Later, I could feel the wind blow gently and took some photos of trees swaying a little ... there was hope. I'm reminded of two signicant metaphors for the Spirit in Scriptures - rain and wind. Perhaps in days like this ... we can have a greater confidence and trust in the work of the Spirit guiding us in community through immersing ourselves in God's story in scripture (and understanding ourselves backward in history) - to live forward increasingly clearer day by day in our present day context - surely for the benefit of our worlds and the world. That's my prayer especially for those of us here in Malaysian church and of course, beyond.

Misunderstood

I'm finding the selections from Soren Kierkegaard's journals captivating ... such as this gem ...

"People understand me so little that they do not even understand when I complain of being misunderstood" ~ Soren Kierkegaard, Feb, 1836

Who am I? ... the poem

I can't help but keep on thinking about the "who am I?" poem that keeps capturing my attention whenever I even hear the phrase "who am I?". After beign reminded by the previous song in the previous post ... I'm drawn deeper into how this question brings me to what's essential once again - not just for physically hazy days like now but also when I begin to get hazy in wondering "Who am I?" in days where it's so easy to forget.

"WHO AM I?"
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Who am I? They often tell me
I would step from my cell’s confinement
calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
like a squire from his country-house.

Who am I? They also tell me
I would talk to my warders
freely and friendly and clearly,
as though it were mine to command.

Who am I? They also tell me
I would bear the days of misfortune
equably, smilingly, proudly,
like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself,
restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat,
yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
trembling with anger at despotisms and petty humiliation,
tossing in expectation of great events,
powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?

Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?

Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am thine.

Who am I? ... the song

Apparently this song caught the attention of a non-christian guests during our 5th Anniversary when we used it to accompany our slide show ...

Who am I?
By Casting Crowns

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,

I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.

Random Thoughts Surrounded by Haze

I just fell asleep last night ... I was having a headache, sneezing, slight cough ... The haze situation here in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur hasn't improved as you can see from the photos.

The BLC "punk band" - James, Paul and me ... still had a wonderful practice for this Sunday's Worship Gathering considering our spirits could have been "hazed out" by the weather. We had good heartfelt uplifting sharing and prayer (with James and me sneezing away!)

I went ahead and cried out for some rain and wind for our country and let's not forget our neighbors in Indonesia and Sumatra specifically. I don't think there's a need to panic in agreement with Malaysian blogger Jeff Ooi.

Gareth and Elysia is starting to get affected by the situation (we're monitoring them closely). May Chin and I are tying our best to stay healthy too. Lord, we appreciate some extra help here too. And we also want to remember especially the weak, the elderly and the children.

I woke up after hearing Elysia complain or maybe just "baby talking away" early this morning. Apparently, quite a number of Malaysians are airing their frustrations at BBC News.

This is one of those strange moments, where our human fragility is accentuated to the fullest. What else can I say, or pray .... apart from Lord, have mercy (again!).

ELCA Presiding Bishop's Report 2005

[...click picture for video...]

Some words REALLY popped up for me, "Gospel", "evanglizing", "convergence", "together", "conversation", "catalyst", "Evangelical", "Lutheran", "Reforming", "moral will", "Inbreaking of God's reign", "prophetic", "grassroot spiritual dimension", "for the sake of the world", "Holy Spirit at work", "Being Church Together", "Mission", "Diverse ecclesial strands", "interdependance", "partnership", "local needs & global contexts", "shared commitment", "see through the eyes of others", "living changing, dynamic, organism", "strategies", "emerging", "not easy", "struggled", "respect", "challenges", "church matters", "making a difference in the world", ....etc. Interesting to watch from a distant how the ELCA is moving forward :-)

Random Links 55

What Is Lutheranism? (via Eric Evers - Lutheran with a cowboy hat!)
The ELCA is having their churchwide assembly now. So, this post caught my attention ... ACTUALLY the "sin boldly" part was the real attraction :-) *smile - please read in context*

More places under hazy siege
We stay in Petaling Jaya and work in Kuala Lumpur so this is still not good :-(

Reality Church?
Dan paints some stages for us to re-look at church and ourselves again.

Cokesbury Teachable Books
I'm more than glad to download a number of free book discussion guides for future use.

Haze: Not good ...

This was how the federal highway looked like when I was driving to pick Elysia from my mom's place around 5pm yesterday. The next picture is what it looked like thiis morning.

Local newsaper reports No end to haze until October. Which is not good news.

here's my journey to the church premises this morning.

Gareth is supposed to have his first sport's day this saturday ... I doubt it can be outdoors. We'll see ....

Life must be ...

Reading the introduction to Soren Kierkegaard's life last night - 35 pages of it - was fascinating, tragic, moving, sad, surprised and challenging ... here's a little phrase that stood out for me.

"Life must be lived forward, but understood backwards."

Random Links 54

Project Gutenberg
May Chin might say why buy books when you can read for FREE!

Ultima Thule Ambient Music Radio
Music here helps me in some way to "center" with a few surprises here and there ... :-)

The Free Dictionary
checked out the word "betroth" for fun ...

The Religion-Relationship Farce
Now this makes me think twice before saying "it's not about religion but just a relationship ...".

Asian Theology - an Oxymoron?
My good friend-pro-theologian-in-the-making Sherman has much to say on his mount! Looking forward for his contributions in numerous "conversations"!

VITA S. ANTONI [Life of St. Antony] (written bwtween 356 and 362) (via Andrew Jones)
I had a chance to share how this particular document sparked my interest or at least sowed the seeds for my present appreciation of the desert fathers and all things monastic!

Scot's Top Ten Books Series ...

Since we're still on the topic on books Prof. Scot McKnight has been serving us with a whole menu of books.

My wife might not be too happy about the "temptations" due to these links to buy the books Scot recommends ... but then again .... :-)

Top Ten Books: Spiritual Formation

Top Ten Books: Missional Formation

Top Ten Books: Jesus books

Top Ten Books: Responding to Left Behind

Top Ten Books: Apostle Paul

Top Ten Books: New Testament Theology

Top Ten Books: Earliest Christianity

My first Meme

Like him I don't really know what Meme is (now I do after reading the link), but since I got tagged by Shermen Kuek new kid on the blog! .. I will respond ...

1) Total Number Of Books You Own:

I've actually don't know the exact number ... (many people know I'm lousy with numbers!) I don't think it's a lot ... but I'll just let the pictures speak for themself! :-)

2) The Last Book You've Bought:
I think I bought at least 3 or 4 at one go ... but since Mr.S.K and I have the same initials, I'll put him up ... :-)

3) The Last Book You've Read:

I have this habit of often reading a few books at one go ... but I think I can claim Brian's latest book as one I finished reading.

4) Five Books That Mean A Lot To Me:
(And I'll throw in one more that's free online... partly because one of the authors became a friend and a mentor from a distance at a critical time of my journey)

5) Tag Five People And Have Them Fill This Out On Their Blogs
(all locals and avid readers I think!):

Kia Meng
David Chong
Chris Rao
Ben Ong
Alwyn Lau

Kind Words from "Another"

It's heart warming to read these words from my friend Alwyn in his post Amazing Birthday, BLC!. Thanks .. brother - the "another" whom has shown us love in these kind words.

"This is a Thank-You note to Sivin and everyone else in BLC.

Thank you for the sweet Saturday worship service in celebration of your 5th Anniversary. I told a friend that I’ve always found worship in BLC much more - what's the right word here? - ‘conducive’ to spirituality, to ‘hearing God’ than in most other places. This friend half-teased that maybe it was the tinted lights(!). I found that to be incisively true. The environment does matter. The lights, the multi-media, the colour, the carpeting, the proximity between altar and worshipper, what you ‘notice’ and ‘feel’ first when you walk in, and all that – it matters! We are, after all, sensual creatures and we worship as sense-agents. Kudos to BLC for exploiting this fully for the glory of God…(but hey I’m drifting…)

Thank you, the videoed interviewees, for the innovative and surprising(!) thoughts on Confession (Kia Meng confided that his entire comment was, “If worship is like breathing, then confession is like yoga!”), Worship (I particularly resonated with Messy Christian’s suggestion that silence is integral to worship…) and Why God Put You Here (someone said, to much laughter, that perhaps the church could, “use some of my skills!” – that sounds naturally amusing but I can’t imagine how this makes it any less true!). Thank you, John, for those hilarious

Thank you, Selah, for that groovy rumba(?)-styled performance on the violin (and if you can lemme know the name of that piece I’ll get on Kazaar right away!). Thank you, Paul and Soo-Inn, for those timely words of encouragement. Paul reminded us (via some cute balloons) that God can use even the most unlikely of persons, events, ‘items’ to lead us to the cross of Jesus (I’m unsure as to why he characterized Sivin as ‘weird’, there’s gotta be a hidden story there somewhere!). Soo-Inn, in his characteristic in-depth fashion, recounted Sivin’s painful past and his love of questions and how perhaps BLC’s growth in both numbers and warmth is proof that ‘unless a seed dies, it cannot bear fruit’. Death to a former way begets life in a revolutionary new one. I was touched by Soo-Inn’s remark that BLC’s creation of a special place for children reflects a rare sensitivity to the ‘least’ involved (and possibly most disruptive!) members of the church! I’m also writing this not two hours after chasing Nicky round my own church’s sanctuary during sermon time!

(As an aside, during dinner I overheard Soo-Inn mentioned that, “Emergent is always asking questions!” Right on. Questions open up possibilities, suggest new perspectives, point us to fresh thinking areas. Answers - especially ‘non-negotiable’ ones - tend to close-up thinking, draw greater and deeper battle-lines and stop conversation.)

Thank you, Sivin, for reminding us (via the ‘Jesus walks on water’ passage from Matt 14) that God isn’t a circus-performer, longing to impress us with His feats. He is amazing not only because He encourages us to move forward but He also pulls us up whenever we fall. This causes unrestrained joy and should also inspire unqualified compassion and action for those who have fallen into rough waters.

(The title of Sivin’s message was ‘Amazing’, phrased in three different ways! This fits VERY NICELY with at least two choruses sung, and his defining quotable quote, “Jesus is amazing”. Hence, too, the title of this post.)

BLC is a place which encourages you to come and stay and belong as the person you are, but it also challenges you to go out into the world as the person God can make you. Sivin has taught his church to become authentic, caring children of God. There is much passion and inspiration here. Most of all, there is much love.

I also resonate completely with

What else can I say? Amazing.

5th Anniversary Memory Makers

I think I'm still trying to "drink it all in" after the whole event ... perhaps by sharing these pictures (that I somehow still managed to take) with some comments would help me digest the whole Bangsar Lutheran Church 5th Anniversary Worship Dinner Celebration!

The caterers from Banana Cafe arrived in good time to set up. Our BLC parking attendants were in good shape too ... The weather was hazy today. But still bearable!

It was great that there were loads of space a long the road to park our cars.

We had three sets of gifts to give away ..the theme was more towards appreciating those who've contributed to the community and learning life of BLC through the LiFe Groups, the recent Retreat and the children's ministry. Here's a sneak in the gift wrapping process by Wai Mun and team ... even 3 year old Janell helped!

either we're hi-tech or we don't really know how to "manage" with one notebook ... we landed up using two with the LCD projector. James and Chin Hor worked hard at getting the video clips and slide shows ready ... and we got a good dose of it tonight!!! :-) It was raw honest as well as humours stuff! Of course, the dynamic duo Yuen Then and Cheng ... operated the slides and videos flawlessly ...

We were ready by 6pm! The Welcome table was cool - the welcomes included a relaxed BLC welcome, Mustard Seed (Anniversary Edition), cute hearts with love stitched on them. A lot of work has gone into all this whether it's deco, the publication, the door gifts, etc.

When the event started I hardly could take pictures because either I was holding or playing the bass, or holding a mic for one of the kids, or something ... But, I managed to capture the kids during a simple rehearsal .. they did excellently reading different parts of Psalm 23. I was totally "blessed" by hearing the Scriptures recited so beautifully throught the voices of our BLC kidz.

The added bonus is to have Vicky (Piano) and Sarah (violin) accompany the kidz Psalm 23 recitation ... wow! These two can play!

Sarah .. brought us into a greater celebrative mood with a "surprise" violin solo presentation ... inclusive of a little bit of "moves" (I saw James trying to dance at the sides!)

It was good to hear an "older" Christian - Keat Lim share how he sees BLC and what being part of our community means for him. And then immediately, hear from a "younger" Christian (who just got baptized last year) Susan share about her story thus far. It;s so important to hear one another's stories in our community.

It must have been divine appontment to get someone like my friend and fellow pilgrim Paul Long whom I commented is in the 40's catergory come and "bless" us tonight with a few words. I felt especially "blessed" because he was trying to describe me at one point .. with his "creative" use of a balloon and how I like to ask "Questions" and "Whys" (which is true!). After popping the balloon shaped in a "Y" it transformed into a "cross" and he pointed out that these questions are actually meant to point one to the cross ... and I'll say a big amen to that! Thanks Paul! what a blessing!

Then another friend who's in the 50's catergory :-) who's a master more with words than with balloons, or bass guitars *grin* spoke from his heart to "bless" us - especially affirming our quest for authentic relationships in Christ, and including even the kids, all in all trying to "live out" the Gospel's message of acceptance and transformation ... both Soo-Inn and Paul have been behind the scenes with me for quote some time. I treasure their support, accountability and friendship. It meant a lot to me today ... for them to come and celebrate this anniversary together (and for BLC members and friends to see that no one walks alone!) Thanks Soo-Inn!

I wrapped this segment up with a brief meditation on Matthew 14:22-33. with two artpieces here and here, to help (*updated the links) :-) God has been gracious to us as individuals and especially tonight remembering the corporate Body - the people of God ... known as "Bangsar Lutheran Church". Often, we're in trouble, easily terrified, and sinking too ... but Christ comes to us, calls us to come to him (wow! we can even walk on water too!), and most important, when so often we're sinking - we call for rescue and he grabs us ... I think the passage does show us about us as humans (who so often identify with Peter) but my hearts is drawn again and again when all is said and done to Jesus ... who shows us one truly worthy of worship ... because of who He is and What he has done, plus what he will do in our lives and beyond!

I couldn't catch much of the worship & music team tonight - because I was part of it. But Wai Kin crafted and weaved together a beautiful and meaningful liturgy and the rest of us worked on how to blend and flow all the elements musically. I think it went pretty well ..

Many of our friends came - more than 50 people (I think) so we had a a total of around 100 adults with 20 Kids (happily running around, playing balloons). Good to see my toastmasters friends come, old and new friends ... first time new visitors, etcs. It was good to see people mingle easily and having good food while engaging in conversations with others.

Our BLC friend Adeline made this "I'm-just-speechless" cake. It does represent what we are about ... some words that come to mind are - home, family, friends, conversations, blessing, one another, love, refuge, acceptance, change, peace, sabbath, welcome, hospitality, growth, safety, ... etc.

I couldn't get the courage to even start cutting it. We had to leave that to Hoong Guit our lady in the leadership team to get that job done ... a tribute to all the women in BLC!

And it's always great to have those who continue to linger around and just allow the event to fade slowly so we can all go home ... I trust that the conversations conitued in the car on the way home, for May Chin and me in our home, for others ... like David and Liz on their blogs ... they are faster than me ... some of what they said really "BLESSED" me personally ... and I think as we have been blessed tonight ... it's more about sharing that "BLESSING: now to others in all ways possible! Read on for more ...

Thoughts after church's anniversary celebrations
"... Really enjoyed the fellowship ... when they showed the many candid photographs of BLCians, I got teary-eyed because I realise I'm one lucky girl to have found a church like this. A part of me wonders whether I'm going overboard with the "BLC is so cool" thing, but I have to say that this church has reclaimed my faith that church can be the kind of church that God meant it to be.

Great food, especially the house made of chocolate cake. All in all, such a good night. Had planned to chao (go) at 9.30pm but ended up staying till 10.30pm because had such fun talking with everyone! Glad that Natalie could join us as well. "

Drunk In The Spirit
"That's really how I felt going to BLC tonight for the fifth year anniversary. It is really like going home and the welcome from everyone also made it extra special for me. I hope all of our guests got to feel that too. The arrangments had all been done beautifully and I am very grateful to all that pitched in while I was able to have my break. The worship service was exactly what I needed tonight after a stressful week and have been feeling under spiritual attack lately. I don't mind saying that this tough aussie shed a few tears at various points. I only asked the lord this morning if he is hardening my heart like Ramses and I guess tonight he gave me my answer. ( I know that sounds a bit heretical but it's the truth lah)

Happy Birthday BLC"

What's Important ...

I look at my "organizing diary" and it has all the appointments, little comments, assignments, meeting dates, etc - all the so-called important stuff. Without it I'll be in a "not-so-beautiful mess". I depend on it a lot because I need the memory cells in my head working for other matters. I've learnt to use it and yet not be bound by it. And more importantly, not seeing the "full schedule" as a sign of some pseudo-achievement or self-importance. Actually. that might be a sign for the need for PAUSE and Sabbath! :-)

I received a surprise letter a couple of days ago with a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon as a bonus. It was sparked by tonights 5th Anniversary celebration for Bangsar Lutheran Church. It's nice to get emails, but somehow the good old fashion opening an envelope, unfolding the letter, holding it in your hand and slowly reading it (sometimes again) REALLY is special ... the words in this letter encouraged me deeply and moved me at the core ... I'm aware and often too aware of where I've failed, or made mistakes, or missed it ... that can turn into paralysing self-criticism if I'm not careful. We're not too good with affirmation here in Malaysia. So, to get a letter of affirmation that in God's grace there are and were areas where there's genuine fruit out of our feeble labours - is so precious. I truly appreciate this person who actually took the trouble to send me this "treasure" - it's keeps me to what's the REALLY important stuff that I'm doing.

I'm almost finishing my meditative-reflective guide for the week - this little red book Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church. It's not dense theological treatise, but it's has been a good window into what's important that's often lost in the midst of our busyness and business-like atmosphere in life and work (yes - even in a church setting) There are many areas I can give thanks to God for steering us away from, and even clearing the way for less travelled but needed paths. There are still stuff in need of change and adjustment and as always reminders ... we are often so forgetful.

The second photo is a sneak look at the Mustard Seed periodic newsletter of the church. This anniversary edition is full of honesty, humor, homeliness, and I guess ... a sense of our desire to keep what's important IMPORTANT ... and through it all honor our Lord in this time and age where we are located geographically or even using the "situated" metaphor in our life journey. What's lovely about every edition of the Mustard Seed for me is how it weaves our individual stories together ... and prayerfully as we keep on doing this, we'll get a greater sense of how all this is part of God's ongoing story with humanity.

I recall hearing the phrase "The tyranny of the Urgent" where we're often imprisoned or distracted by so called what's urgent and miss the important stuff. In Christ, by the Spirit, in true alignment with the Father - we are freed from being bound by the urgent (of course there are urgent matters that are also important) and guided into what's TRULY important (which often don't seem urgent at first glance) - in the long run!

Pre-5th-Annniversary Set Up

After Noon ...

In the Evening ...

Count down begins ...

It all starts at 6pm, August 6th, 2005 at the Father's House ... a "Kingdom Party"

Seconds Thoughts on Children Ministry & More ...

What a delightful surprise ... Youth Specialities put up the article I did for the latest YouthWorker Journal. I felt so privileged to get a chance to put some of these "work in progress" relfections down on paper and share them with others. Anway, here's the article ...

Malaysia: Second Thoughts on Children and More...

Random Thoughts while everyone is sleeping

I really enjoyed playing bass after such a long time. I don't do anything fancy but I loved the whole atmosphere during our practice for the coming church anniversary this Saturday. I think the liturgy was very thoughtfully crafted out with a good selection of songs as well as personalized elements from our life as a church.

Nice to have a little time with Elysia before she fell asleep (I tried to accelerate that process *grin*) It's not just the smiles, there was kind of a little baby talk to welcome me home. BTW, I'm always fascinated by baby hands and feet ... thus the photos above :-)

Got the official reports today for the upcoming convention for our denomination at the end of the month. It's interesting to read the tone of the whole report - what is put in, what is left out, what is highlighted, what is downplayed, loads of stuff ....

I was intrigued by an interesting conversation on publishing this week. Perhaps it showed my naive-ness, or more so my creativity or openness for innovation is less shared by others. Which is ok :-) and yet, it raises questions for me ... on how we seek to use the "medium" to portray ourselves or our views. Or deeper, how Mcluhan's phrase "The medium is the message" applies and reflects the choices we make in how we write or even publish.

It's strange how out-of-control our world is. Baby's can be born a little bit earlier or later (so no date prediction is fool-proof). Computer software can just act weird and not function when we need it too. We fall sick especially when we can't afford to. Weather is always unpredictable. And yet, ... surprises that allow God's grace to leak through :-) or better shine through the cloud of chaos is so refeshing. Emails/comments from authors, delightful contact and connection, guitar licks that that lift up my heart, a dance that draws me closer to the divine, needed nap to re-orientate the body, a REALLY fun & stimulating Skype conversation between 4 of us ...

Great to have some silence and space to put down some random thoughts.

Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church

Wes Roberts and I had a short email exchange regarding the late Stanley Grenz. This is another occassion where I know someone through their blog first before their book. The co-author Glenn Marshall pastors a congregation of about ninety members (in the past I'd probably pick up a book by one who pastors maybe 9000 members - obviously something has changed in me *grin*).

I must admit the red cover caught my attention ... but then it was the introduction that drew me in. Especially the following:

"Consider this question: Who was the "successful" prophet -- Haggai or Jeremiah?" My gut reaction went Jeremiah ... maybe because he has a longer prophetic book under his name, maybe because he's considered the "weeping prophet", ... maybe ... then the next line went on, "Before you answer, think about your definition of success. How would you want your own success defined?" Oppss .... then our wise guides carry on and sets the tone of the book:

"At first glance, Haggai seems more successful. But why? People listened to Haggai. He built coalitions. The temple was rebuilt under his ministry. He got things done.

Jeremiah spoke the truth at a time when it wasn't wanted or respected. he opposed and confronted the popular false prophets of his day. H epersevered in faithful ministry under demanding circumstances, dealing mainly with obstinate people. So was he a success or a failure?"

As I reflect again the past 5 years of having a breath of new life serving in Bangsar Lutheran Church (we're celebrating our anniversary this Saturday!) and various opportunities I believe God has opened up for me, it may be premature to assess myself - but it's good to pause and consider where I'm at and where next ... maybe the gut reaction answer "Jeremiah" was God's way to encourage me ... because the authors use him to frame some questions (they don't put down Haggai by the way but affirm both callings as valid) but here's there focus:

"If you feel more like Jeremiah, consider these three questions.
First, how do you determine success?
... Second, can Jeremah's ministrys be a model of success?
... Third, is it possible that smaller is okay?

The next few paragraphs are gems ... and timely (even for the coming Lutheran convention and elections!) ... and resonates with me ... and serves as God's voice calling me deeper and further ....

"As with Jeremiah's ministry, struggle provides the canvas for us to tell God's story honestly and authentically. what our culture needs above all else is a genuine witness to the Lord Jesus Christ that's in tune with the times.

We need to show the world -- which often seeks pleasure apart from God -- that we're willing to suffer and sacrifice for a kingdom that cannot be shaken. As a pastor, to serve in the world as Jeremiah did is not insignificant. It's a great and holy privilege."

Amen!

I'm comforted and challenged at the same time ...

Anyway, here's a theocentric summary and a Next Wave interview

Random Links 53

Centered Sets, Bounded Sets and the Search for Ekklesia
Good short article on the 2 kind of sets and how that can be applied for church! (check this video out for a idea for Herding Cats via OnMovements)

Why David Sometimes Wins (via dwight friesen)
Dwight's original title really caught my attention, "how the "little" can defeat the "big" . . . at least sometimes". I tend to get drawn to this kind of sentences.

beyond indifference
short but true ...

What is missional? (via Scot McKnight)
Scot recommends this as a good place to start thinking about it ... I appreciate this concrete-real-on-the-ground "work in progress" description in this post.

The Mission or Task of "Pastor"
"A "pastor" thinks seriously and creatively in two worlds simultaneously. The pastor lives and breathes kingdom "shalom" and the pastor engages and challenges and leads away from all non-shalom realities in the lives of God's people." ... now that's one statement that will keep me in check! Another one here ... connects me with some themes I'm working on, "Pastors redefine the symbolic world of people so that people begin to see the kingdom of God at work in their everyday lives." . Thanks John Fyre, ... I'm on "discovery mode" with these posts in the same way with your book I read.

Back to Normal?

In a way, Gareth is back to "more than normal". We had a good time visiting the doctor this afternoon (even though it was still a long wait). What's important is Gareth's condition has improved and is improving ... we're so thankful for that. The Doctor says that perhaps after one month he might even be off the medication for asthma. "No junk food!" The doctor reminded me :-) (I think he meant it for my son!)

Gareth has suddenly matured the past 2 weeks. His vocab has increased more exponentially these days. It was great to explore speaking mandarin with him while on my way to my mum's place to fetch Elysia. He managed, "Wo De Min Zhi Jiao ...." (My name is ...) "Guo Kai Le" (Kit Kye Ler - his Chinese name!) and then see him interact with my mum with an English and Mandarin mix was very amusing. He ate a lot too ... must be mum's cooking and his appetite has improved. I even had to surrender a portion of my rice to him!

Elysia's punk hair-style took a break on Sunday (I think it was because she wore a hat on Saturday. It's coming back today anyway!). And she's been doing so much better too today. I didn't hear her cough as she was having a tough time the last week (and so did both of us with two kids fallen ill). Good to see her smile again and full of energy. I remember one of the days where she was just in a foul mood. Then again wouldn't we if we were sick huh?

She's also been grabbing stuff, trying to roll over, attempted "swimming" positions on the bed (at least that's how Gareth describes it, "Ah-girl swimming!" he would say.) We always had good times in the car when I'm fetching her home. She's also been bringing loads of joy to my mum and when I see her trying "connect" with her brother like grabbing him or just looking at him, it's just what can I say? so good! According to mum, Elysia love sit when people talk to her and "complains" when we leave her alone. hmm..

In some ways, we're back to a normal ... and yet it's more than normal when there's these growth spurts here and there. Interestingly, both the kids have been inspirational to some "philosophical & theological investigations" of a guest to our home too and that sparked off some fascinating conversations. I never forget my mentor Robert Brow telling me how much nurturing kids will teach me about God. He's wisdom is so spot on!

What is your model of the church?

Thanks to Karen Ward for this reminder exercise! She says, "i fit well with where i am, as an emergent type within the 'deep structure sacramental' lutheran and anglican tribes." For me ...I would say, " I think I fit well too then in our little Malaysian (not so sacramental) Lutheran tribe, then I've always been an Anglican admirer as well as appreciative of Roman Catholic spirituality, I am still Charismatic & evangelical friendly (even though at points a little bit more "post" *grin*), and of course, being part of the more "fluid and yet intentional" emergent conversation has been stimulating and liberating ..." Then again perhaps I'm more focused on a centred-set view of church than a bounded-set view. Well .. it's Monday today ... day to just relax-lah! Oh .. and start working on my Biblio for my masters program.

You scored as Sacrament model. Your model of the church is Sacrament. The church is the effective sign of the revelation that is the person of Jesus Christ. Christians are transformed by Christ and then become a beacon of Christ wherever they go. This model has a remarkable capacity for integrating other models of the church. Sacrament model 78% Mystical Communion Model 72% Servant Model 72% Herald Model 67% Institutional Model 33% What is your model of the church? [Dulles] created with QuizFarm.com