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December 18, 2006

Winter Praises

12/20 UPDATE: I uploaded some random/silly pics from the retreat (photos all courtesy of Patrick and Scott) to flickr. (let me know if you're unable to view them)
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Whew, finally finished processing and posting the pictures I took from the BAAYF Winter Praise. =)

I can't believe Christmas is 7 days away! I still haven't had the opportunity to sit down and fully process this past year... but there's truly so much to be thankful for, including finally getting out of credit card debt! It's incredible to think that this - once an unending source of stress and depression, and something I thought I would never escape - no longer hangs over my head! In many respects, it's a fitting analogy to how Jesus - in his infinite, redeeming grace - came down to free us all from the unending, dark debt of our sins... something that we would never be able to do ourselves!

I'm constantly left breathless at the depth of God's faithfulness and goodness... He's blessed me with the privilege to lead some small groups and watch how He's transformed their (our) lives, and blessed me with the opportunity to participate in the youth ministry... which has helped me continue feel (mostly) young at heart! ;)

I'm also thankful for this past weekend's fellowship retreat... it was a great time of hanging out, talking, playing, worshipping and praying together. I also had the opportunity to bring out my long-dormant mischievous side and TP the sisters' cars... *grin* Sadly, EVERYONE immediately suspected me!!! What the heck is up with that?? =P

It's all good though... I really hope this is the beginning of more cross-gender interactions between the sisters and brothers of the fellowship, and that this will encourage people not to take themselves so seriously! ;)

Posted by stevelee at 04:44 PM | Comments (2)

December 11, 2006

Blessed are the youth...

So I've been teaching a class on global missions to the youth this past quarter. This past Sunday was the last day of classes for the term, and it definitely was a memorable day! We had the opportunity to go around the neighborhood to pass out flyers for an upcoming Christmas event, but before doing so, I emphasized and reminded everyone of the reason why we were doing this... that it wasn't simply about passing pieces of paper to nameless, faceless people, but truly about loving and blessing each person we came in contact with.

We came together for group prayer before (and after) starting the walk, and I led them into our team battle cry! Silly, but it was so awesome and encouraging to see how each person (1 other guy and the rest girls... where are all the guys? =/) responded so positively... you could just sense the change in spirit, as we truly felt like a team with a purpose... yet still had fun! =D

I really can't express how I feel... but as I observed the bright faces as they merrily went about their "mission," I couldn't help but beam as a not-so-little-piece of my heart melted. =) It just felt so... right: we were putting our faith into action, and joyfully going out to share our love! Praise God for the wonderful work that he has been stirring in their lives! It was one of those moments where it was hard NOT to drop to your knees in praise, and WANT to uplift each of them in prayer! I pray that this is the first, small step of many bigger steps to come for them! =)

(Man, this entry is sooooo poorly written and non-cohesive! Haha... *sigh*)

Posted by stevelee at 09:46 PM | Comments (2)

December 08, 2006

Pwned!

It's so great to be back home!!! I think all the days of constantly being engaged with co-workers - with no real personal or down time - really wore on my introvertedness. During one of the group activities today, I think I had a near anxiety attack and had to leave the room - all the voices and people around me were just driving me crazy! =/

I don't rememeber ever reacting like that before... I had to spend a few minutes outside by myself just staring into the ocean (or bay, I suppose) and praying... It helps when staying at a place like the Beach House!

Afterwards, I felt recharged and went back in to apologize to my teammates for ditching them like that. =)
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After the training finally ended, I rushed down to a friend's home to hear testimony from a missionary (from a certain "creative access" country... if you know me, you know which country ;)). Definitely a huge blessing and privilege to hear how God's working in that country! The night also gave me the opportunity to connect with key people involved with missions to this country, which was cool in itself!

But somehow, unexpectedly... I felt that I was woefully inadequate and unprepared to serve in that country. Which saddened me a lot, and compelled me to pray for forgiveness and to re-focus my life on following God.

Lord God, help keep my eyes focused on you! Humble and teach me your ways... move me into action... draw me to my knees in prayer, and break my heart with the things that break your heart! Lord, please reveal how you desire for me to serve you!

Posted by stevelee at 12:56 AM | Comments (0)

December 04, 2006

Community...

(Pictures coming!)

I had an awesome weekend. ^_^ I spent Saturday at a party in a sister's honor, where I caught up with some awesome brothers (Lawrence and Wayne!) and met some new, cool people! Fellowship with brothers and sisters is always sweet, but it feels so much more meaningful when connecting with people who share similar convictions and can relate/understand my own journey!

Once I wrap up the various ministries God's blessed me with in a few weeks, I definitely look forward to making long overdue visits to friends and other churches! (Don't worry, I'm not planning on leaving... ^_~) In general, I look forward to many things that I feel that the Lord's burdened me with... but never had the chance to really explore, since I got so caught up in my busy-ness. For example, I'll be visiting the International House of Prayer in January with some brothers and sisters! Totally random trip, and something I probably never would have seriously considered if I was still serving...

We had a baptismal service on Sunday, and it was a huge blessing to hear the testimony of the candidates! I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had to rush off to a company training (where I'm at now). =(

I don't mean to sound ungrateful... I mean, I know the company invested lots of money in us training candidates (basically, the people identified as "very valuable" to the company), and we're in this super fancy, nice beach resort with everything paid for... yeah, there are definitely worse places to be. ;P But I rather be celebrating with my brothers and sisters!

God's blessed me tremendously, and I'm truly grateful for this job that I have... but I'm definitely ready to lay it all down for Him! I know the Lord is faithful and will provide for all my needs... like how He gave me this job!

"If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Posted by stevelee at 09:26 PM | Comments (0)