Aftermath

I just want to start by saying it's amazing how God turned many of my friends' lives around.

Some grew up in dysfunctional families and abusive parents.
Some went through financial crises.
Some were hated by their very own parents.
Some have their parents divorced.
Some lost their parents prematurely, to illness, misfortune or suicide.
Some had a chronic illness like cancer.
Many lived a meaningless and purposeless life.
Many searched for acceptance and love in the wrong places.

They struggled with low self-esteem, depression, bitterness and emptiness.
But God came and changed their lives. They've become confident. They've forgiven those who hurt them deeply. They now have a new meaning and joy in their lives.

Lifted out of the ashes, we've found hope in the aftermath.

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This lyrics of the song is full of meaning, and I'll like to share it's meaning with you guys.

The song is artistically composed of 3 progressive stages:
1) God came to the rescue
2) God is with me right now
3) I give Him my life for what He's done

Part 1: God Came To The Rescue
The author looks back at his own life, at how God rescued him from a mess, just like many of us. The author had a tough and messed up life - a nobody. And looking back, he is amazed that God, creator of all, would come down to earth as a Man, and die for someone like him. In the aftermath of Jesus' death, the author found comfort, love and hope for a new life.

The skies lay low where You are, on the earth You rest Your feet.

Jesus is exalted above the highest heavens, and the earth is His footstool.
"...Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool...." (Isa 66:1)

Yet He came down to earth for you and I.

Yet the hands that cradle the stars are the hands that bled for me.

The hands that hold the stars in place are the same hands that were nailed on the cross.

In that moment of glorious surrender

You were broken for all the world to see

Lifted out of the ashes, I am found in the aftermath

In that glorious moment on the Cross, He was broken for the broken.

Freedom found in Your scars, by Your grace my life redeemed

Yet You chose to take the sinner's crown, as You placed Your crown on me

The Beautiful Exchange: All our pain and shame (the sinner's crown of thorns) for all of His comfort and glory (His own crown)

In that moment of glorious surrender

Was the moment You broke the chains in me

Lifted out of the ashes, I am found in the aftermath

Because of His death, all sin, bad habits, sickness, poverty and rejection has been broken.
We are free.

And in that moment You opened up the heavens

To the broken, the beggar and the thief

Lifted out of the wreckage, I found hope in the aftermath

The heavens is not only opened to the broken, the beggar and the suffering, but also to the thief, the criminal and the sinner. Amazing grace.


Part 2: God is with me right now

And I know You're with me

Yes I know You're with me here

And I know Your love will light the way

Even in my most difficult times, when it feels like I'm facing it alone, I KNOW that Jesus is with me, and His love will make a way.

Part 3: I give Him my life for what He's done

Now all I have I count it all as lost

But to know You and to carry the cross

Knowing I'm found in the light of the aftermath

Because You gave your all for me, I now give my all for You.
All I want is to know You and to follow You.

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death... - Phil 3:8, 10

Retarded T-Shirts!

I was browsing the virtual retail stores on the interwebs, and stumbled upon these hilarious and witty T-shirt designs at bustedtees.com! I literally Laughed Out Loud!

Enjoy this tumblr-wannabe post! :D

"Ludwig van Beethoven died in 1827 of liver disease. True."

MY FAVORITE! HAHAHA

 "Depression, as currently defined by the American Psychological Association Journal, can be traced back to this specific situation."

 "We were going to sell a Taylor Swift shirt, but he cut us off."

"In brightest day, in blackest night, always obey traffic lantern’s light."

LMAO indeed!!

Jayesslee - Angelic

If I were to describe Janice and Sonia in one word, it would be Angelic.

Their voices are so anointed! As they sung and shared their testimony, I was soaked in the love and presence of God, even hours after the service. I felt peace and comfort for the worries I have for my life, knowing that God is holding my life in His hands.

I was reminded of how He first reached out to me 10 years ago in Primary 6, and carried me through my troubled years in Sec 1 & 2.

You can watch them here:

and on Sunday:

Their testimony also reminded me that life is short, that some things that are very attractive in this life are temporal. Things like popularity, recognition, good looks. But relationships, love, character and good works last forever. Sometimes we've gotta step out and do things that matter for the long term, and for eternity, even if we are afraid.

Sonia rocks! Pretty + anointed + great singing + plays guitar + really loves God = Awesome!
Janice is awesome too, but Sonia is cuter haha.

But to be honest, I don't have a crush on either of them.

Anyway...

Been busy lately, cause NDP is coming soon, so there's more things to do in the office. Also spent quite a bit of time with Live Jam videos and stuff. Glad I'm done with the videos! Gotta spend more time on my freelance job this week; I have been neglecting it due to the hectic schedule. Need to rest in the grace of God!