|
Patc124
|
read my profile
sign my guestbook
Name: PatC
Birthday: 1/24/1986
Gender: Male
Interests: God, Christianity, Computer Maintenance, Websites, Multi-Media, Guitar, Doing Ministry...
Expertise: I dunno, you tell me...
Occupation: Student
Industry: Media, Journalism
Message: message me
Website: visit my website
AIM:  Patc208
Member Since:
7/22/2003
|
|
| I believe an update is in order on what's happening in my life. As I started writing this entry on Monday, I came to a sudden realization that my birthday (along with my sister's) is coming up on Saturday. Yes, if you haven't found out by now, my sister and I happen to share the same birth date, being exactly four years apart.
I'm unsure of what my plans are that day, and perhaps it may shock those who know my love for planning and organizing things. I'm not into the throwing of big, extravagant birthday parties for myself. So please, I insist that none of you throw any surprises since it's proven to not work on me (reference my "surprise" birthday party from last year). I rather have a small get-together and eat a simple meal with close friends, in a quiet setting away from the public. I do intend to start my day off at my church's morning prayer meeting, which will be refreshing as always, before I attend worship practice. There's a part of me that wants to attend the Chris Tomlin concert in Baltimore later that evening, but I don't know how "authentically worshipful" it will be, so I doubt I'll go (unless you persuade me otherwise). Though, I'm free from early afternoon onward, so let me know if you have any suggestions or want to hang out with yours truly. :0Þ
So what have I learned in the 23 years of my life? Well, simply put, I learned there's a whole lot of learning left for me to do, which I'm opened to. I'll let you know as soon as I learn them.
In other news, I've been temping at the corporate office of Total Wine & More. It's been extremely boring. I've been sitting at a cubicle, staring at a computer screen and entering (seemingly pointless) data related to accounting, where I have no background or experience in, let alone anything that involves math. I guess the only positives are: (1) I'm getting paid, (2) commute is short, (3) a church friend (Jen) works there too. Working there made me realize that I'm not cut-out for a desk job, since I lack the patience to sit in one place ALL DAY LONG. And honestly, it's not fun. I would rather flexibly move around at work and thoroughly enjoy my job, which I'll get in a journalism-related career. This experience only confirms my undying passion to stick to the news business, no matter how hard it is to get in. I'm determined to keep on trying, or at least get something that doesn't glue me to a desk.
Which segues into my next point... I'm disappointed that I'm working on Inauguration Day. There isn't a single television in the office to watch all the events unfold. With all the hype and frenzy, along with the significance of this day, I won't be able to see it live. And for a guy that has a media background, it's really hard for me to be denied something as momentous as this, which sucks enormously. Man, how exciting it would have been if I were in the news industry right now! (Sigh).
**EDIT** So, I got out of work early today, right after lunch, since there wasn't much work left for me to do. My boss even planned on leaving early today to go see the Inaugural events. I missed out on the actual swearing-in ceremony, but I'm catching up by watching local and network coverage of the parade. :0)
| | |
| Kenosis (κένωσις) is a Greek, theological word for emptiness, the renunciation of the divine nature, literally emptied Himself
(n.)- action of emptying, pouring
(v.)- to purge, empty, to empty
"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Having attended many retreats in my life, it comes to the point where it's hard to describe the differences from one retreat to another. Surely, there are many overlapping commonalities, like how most people experience an encounter with God, have enormous amounts of fun, share good memories and moments together, and leave the retreat blessed by Him. Yet, in addition to all of the aforementioned items, I believe that the theme of Kenosis was not only different in a good way, but it served to be a perfect fit for me and my life.
I will surely remember this retreat's theme, since I pulled a kenosis on both a physical and spiritual level. The day before the retreat, our intercessory prayer team prayed that God would empty us out quickly so that we can be filled by Him. I was one of the first ones to undergo this emptying and filling, and I happened to show it visibly.
Once I arrived to Skycroft and took care of the admin and a/v needs, I suddenly felt an overwhelming cloud looming over me and began feeling really sick. It was to the point where I ended up missing out on the majority of my first evening/night at the retreat since I vomited twice. I truly believe that I was encountering a spiritual battle for the cleansing process to occur. After throwing up (or emptying myself out), some rest, a few medicines, and most importantly, the prayers of healing by many of my siblings in Christ, the veil was lifted and by the next morning, I miraculously felt much better.
While I was lying in bed that first night and resting during the worship session, I was in a mode of prayer. As I was praying, God reminded me of how He gives and takes away. (Now, please don't take the following comment the wrong way, I'm not trying to be boastful here). I feel like I've been giving more than taking away sometimes. He taught me that it's okay to receive as well. After pouring into the church, I felt that it was the church (body of Christ) who poured into me that night through their ongoing prayers and well-wishes. God was showing me that it was my turn to take rest and let others serve me.
I was very grateful to have siblings in Christ who were constantly asking if they could do anything for me while I was sick, who took the initiative to fill-in for the admin and a/v roles I couldn't fulfill, for tending to me while I was ill, and especially for their thoughts and prayers. God reminded me that there are members in the body of Christ who do look out for one another. I don't think I would've understood this concept if God didn't allow me to go through the sickness and quick healing.
By mid-afternoon, I was feeling well enough to prepare for and play in our retreat volleyball tournament. I must admit, we had an awesome co-ed team! I'm grateful for my small group (Josh Ko, Peter K, Sonny, Eric, and Okey) along with the girls that we paired up with (Monica, Chris, Jamie, Rebecca, Caroline). We lost to the pastors in the finals by TWO measly points, coming in second place.
Our skit presentations were pretty good. It seemed like everyone either used hand-written paper signs or made a quick video for their skits. For the most part, everyone's skits were entertaining and humorous, but I think it was the gravity and seriousness of my small group's skit that brought us to win second place :0)
For our last evening worship session, it was hard for me to be fully engaged in worship. I think people may have a misconception of A/V folks and worshiping. It may appear that we're cold, apathetic, and even to the point of "worshipless" instead of being worshipful, but the circumstances are different when you're serving on the A/V team during worship. A little bit of our worship is sacrificed as we focus on the details and prepare for what's ahead so that the rest of the congregation can experience God to the fullest. Now, I may not have lifted my hands, closed my eyes and sung out loud, but I eventually did fully succumb to the Spirit.
Toward the end portion of our response time, Pastor James was led by the Spirit to share with us something that was challenging to do. It was to humbly go before those in the room that we've harbored bitterness and to kneel before them and pray for their forgiveness. As soon as I heard that, I immediately knew that this must have been from God. Even before this was mentioned, something tugged in my heart to go before a few individuals, but Pastor James and of course the Spirit of God beat me to this. At that moment, I knew I had to simply obey, which I did, going before three siblings in Christ and praying over them and asking for their forgiveness. I don't think it was out of coincidence that two of three that I prayed for were sitting in reaching distance from me.
In all, I didn't necessarily experience a retreat or spiritual high/low, which is good in many respects, since many are ephemeral (short-lived) and deceiving, especially if our perception and dependence of God's blessings are based solely on emotions from a retreat. Though, I appreciate how God unveiled what He wanted me to learn from this retreat, which will be longer-lived than some retreat high. I hope everyone had a blessed time :0) | | |
|
