As some of you may know, I went to Bali for our annual end-of-the-year trip. I didn’t expect that Bali would be rainy almost everyday this year. But with rain came a lot of downtime. A time to think and to pray and to reflect about what has been happening in my life in the past year. I am not sure where to start but I found a reflection from a dear friend that I think is powerful. And I’d like to start with that.
“A year end assessment is a good thing to do and I encourage all of you to do one. It is good to look back on all that God has done for us, to look at all we have learned from Him in this adventure called life, to look at how we have grown, or not grown. As I close the door on 2010 I understand more of what Paul wrote about eternity. As we took a peek at death this year we embraced the truth that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I believe that I can do all things through Christ more this year than last. I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. It has been a good growing year, and I am thankful for all the pain, the suffering, the transition, the trials, the tears, and the fruit. I know that these momentary and light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of Glory that far outweights all the suffering. But most of all I am thankful that I know my Savior better than before. I know that there isn’t anything that can come into my life that HE won’t carry me through. I know that He is near. He is right in the middle of this perfect storm. That is a great security.”
My tears fall everytime I read this e-mail.
When I looked back from last year, I had fought my battle everyday, and I lost it most of the days. I was defeated and crushed by my own flesh and desire. I knew where the good path was but instead I took the path that led to emptiness. I had closed my eyes upon God and dared to call Him nonsense. I walked through the road of confusion and doubt, and chose to stay in it. Because of that, I have never seen myself worthy to be loved by God.
My heart sank as I recognized these things, the actions and the choices I made have caused a great deal of pain in my life. I was a mess.
Perhaps I had to loose the battle and be defeated to understand that I CAN’T do it on my own, that I took the wrong pathway so that I learned which way is right, to close my eyes upon Him so that I see Him, to doubt Him so that I trust Him, to feel confused so that I seek His directions. And perhaps I have to go through all of those experiences so that I understand who He is and KNOW that He loves me.
I am thankful that I have the priviledge to know Him and to live in His faithfulness. I opened the door on 2011 with the hope of restoration. Paul mentioned that in its place we have clothed ourselves with a brand-new nature that is CONTINUALLY being RENEWED as we learn more and more about Christ. I am not sure what comes out of this restoration and I didn’t expect that my battle will be easier ( It’s only been week three of 2011 but oh what battles have I been fighting. Haha.) But I know that He is with me, and He is faithful. That is also a great security.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Visit From Afar
My adopted mom, her real son, and a dear friend came to visit Salatiga for a wedding. It wasn't my wedding but our mutual friend's wedding. It was good to see them, especially my adopted mom that we finally met. Here are some pictures when we went to Jogja and visited Prambanan temple and stopped by a delicious pizza restaurant called Nanamia for dinner.
@Nanamia, recommended for Pizza lovers.
A Mother feeding a cow
Getting older is inevitable, but getting mature is an option.
Susu, Peco and Mom in action!
Close up. Too hairy...
@Nanamia, recommended for Pizza lovers. 
A Mother feeding a cow
Getting older is inevitable, but getting mature is an option.
Susu, Peco and Mom in action! 
Close up. Too hairy...Pacitan.2010
After saving up for about 12 weeks, we finally had the money to go vacationing as a group. Yes, we picked Pacitan cause we think why not. It's the closest beach with amazing views, accomodations by the beach and good food. Even if all of those above non-existent, we would still go because things can be so much fun with great friends. Rooms had been booked, cars were rented, endless list of things to bring and do were done and finals details had been discussed. Friday night at 7PM off we went to Pacitan. There are more than 1,000 pictures were taken during our weekend trip. Here are some pictures I like.
Monday, November 29, 2010
My Cousin's Wedding
The party. 
The traditional wedding at the temple. 
We strolled down the Petitenget beach on our way back to the hotel from the wedding and shot this pic. 
My cousin Linda and her just official husband, Jay, posed for family picture with their parents.See Outside the Window
My 3m x 4m room has two windows; the first window faces the backside of the vocational school next door, and the other one has a view of the mountain. The second window has a more appealing view - beautiful Mount Merbabu - but it is not my favorite.
Though its view is unpleasant (an unfinished building, an eyesore), the first window is special. Every morning through that very window, I can see birds fly off of the roof of that building; singing, twittering, and chirping as they begin their journey each new day. I am sure those birds have been occupying that roof for a long time, but I wasn't aware of their existence until recently.
There is always excitement when I wake up in the morning and hear them singing. The sound is a remedy for the side effects of my lack of sleep or for my inability to get out of bed.
I wonder, though, if they, at some point in their lives, ever get tired of doing the same thing every day. I think of me doing the same thing every day. Some people would call it a routine and some people might want to vomit when they think about that word. When I get myself into a routine, it's easy for me to lose perspective or even to believe that what I'm doing is meaningless and doesn't impact the lives of others.
I am encouraged by what I've learned from the birds. Instinct may tell them to do the same thing every morning, but unlike them, I have a free will to choose what I want to do. Those birds will never know that their daily routine has brought delight into my life. And who knows if the routines in my life (and you, too) could bring delight and encouragement to someone else?
Though its view is unpleasant (an unfinished building, an eyesore), the first window is special. Every morning through that very window, I can see birds fly off of the roof of that building; singing, twittering, and chirping as they begin their journey each new day. I am sure those birds have been occupying that roof for a long time, but I wasn't aware of their existence until recently.
There is always excitement when I wake up in the morning and hear them singing. The sound is a remedy for the side effects of my lack of sleep or for my inability to get out of bed.
I wonder, though, if they, at some point in their lives, ever get tired of doing the same thing every day. I think of me doing the same thing every day. Some people would call it a routine and some people might want to vomit when they think about that word. When I get myself into a routine, it's easy for me to lose perspective or even to believe that what I'm doing is meaningless and doesn't impact the lives of others.
I am encouraged by what I've learned from the birds. Instinct may tell them to do the same thing every morning, but unlike them, I have a free will to choose what I want to do. Those birds will never know that their daily routine has brought delight into my life. And who knows if the routines in my life (and you, too) could bring delight and encouragement to someone else?
Gili - Bali Adventures
The first sunrise of 2010 in Gili Air
A boat that took us around the Gili islands.
The ocean view from Gili Air.Monday, November 16, 2009
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