Today's scheduled lab for the course that I'm TA'ing is optional. So far only 2 people showed up -- one to chat and the other just to see what's going on. I only have to sit here for another hour, and then I can get back to working in my lab. There are lots of stuff that needs to be done: revising research paper, prepare for thesis defence, and go to a friend's pre-wedding party tonight (we're going to GM Place to watch Russell Peters live)
On Saturday, I went to Playland with Jordan and Daren. It was my first time there, and we had a really good time! My favourite rides were the wooden roller coaster, the "Enterprise" ride, and the Hellavator. The worst ride was the Crazy Beach Party (a.k.a. Baywatch), which made Jordan and Daren puke afterward. We didn't have to wait for long line-ups at all -- because all the high school kids were studying for their provincial exams, and there was also an anime convention happening that weekend
This summer, I will be helping out at one of the youth summer camps at our church. We had a planning meeting on Sunday. The theme for this year's camp is "Building each other up on the Bible" and the theme Bible verses are Psalm 1:1-6. As the camp will be in August, there is still a lot of planning to do
On Saturday, a bunch of us went hiking near Deep Cove. It was overcast, but the weather was just right for the hike. I outlined our trail in yellow below. On our way back, I decided that I want to go ahead of the group and be the first to return. I was pretty far ahead, and thought I was making good progress. As I kept going and going, I finally saw an opening at the end of the trail. The grass was surprisingly well-maintained at the end, which was quite unusual and quite the unfamiliar sight. I was pretty sure I was lost, but I didn't want to back-track. As I walked out into the open, I realized it was a golf course!!
Well, at least I was re-united with civilization. So I went to the golf course lobby, and used their public computer with Internet to Google my location. I discovered my whereabouts and continued to walk back to Deep Cove via the road. I knew I could still be the first back, so I hurried and jogged. Halfway there, a bus was going towards Deep Cove so I went on it. When I finally got there, Jordan and Matt had just finished 5 minutes ago (turned out they decided to go ahead of the group as well). Then the rest of the group showed up about 40 minutes later
So, that was my first time ever at a golf course. Good thing I didn't run into any bears as I was alone. Lesson learned -- stay with the group!
Vancouver is getting a lot of sun lately. It's really stuffy out there. I was complaining about how little warmth we have in Vancouver just not so long ago, and now I think we're having a bit too much heat. This summer is really heating up a lot faster than usual (compared to previous years). But I'll take this warm and hot weather over the cold winter weather anytime
Our lawn is taking a beating from the sun. I need to water the lawn tomorrow night. Also, there are mysterious plants growing in our front and backyard. So many times I walk out the door, look at one of those plants and wonder, "Where did THAT come from?!" I don't think they're weeds either. They look nice, and scary... almost like flesh eating plants
So... I bought an acoustic guitar today! It was a little intimidating walking into a music store (Tom Lee in Richmond), but with some help I eventually picked out an inexpensive $80 guitar. It's the cheapest one they have... haha
Do you know what's been going through my mind every night for like the past few weeks? It's driving me nuts and making me spiritually restless
Every night, as I lay in my bed, ready to go to sleep, I think about my friends and family who do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, or even less heard of the good news of God's grace. I think about how I will share the gospel with my friends and family members, where to look for these opportunities, how to take control of such opportunities, and what to say to make it not have an alienating effect. At the end of my thought process, I am usually so pumped up, ready to seek out these opportunities... and then I wake up the next morning and that feeling is completely lost. And the cycle repeats
It's no mystery to me what would make me feel a lot less restless -- to know that all my friends and family have heard an accurate account of the works of Jesus Christ, and how they can begin a new life in Him. While God plays the major role in drawing people to Himself, we as believers also have a part in this. As believers, we are called to bring the good news to every people (as spoken by Jesus in the great commission; or even understood from Romans 10:14-15). Although we are not able to change people's heart (only God can), we can be that instrument that God uses to speak the truth
I think my biggest problem, when it comes to being an effective instrument for God, is that I tend to only wait for "normal" situations. In other words, I want to begin a spiritual conversation as naturally as possible. (I'm talking about having a spiritual conversation with family and close friends, not randoms). What I have often failed to notice, and have sometimes only realized, is that any unnatural or awkward moment is only created by myself in my mind. It will only be as weird as I imagine it out to be. If I can take control of my mind, and rely on the Holy Spirit, then I can probably get that courage to speak out
I think it's still very important to be sensitive, though. I don't like to be viewed as someone who's "out there to convert because that's just what Christians do," but rather to have them understand that I am sharing these good spiritual things because I care about them. This takes a lot of time and patience, because it involves building good relationships with your friends/family
There are so many people on my mind who I would love to have a spiritual conversation with. Trying to seek out these opportunities, however, have so far proven to be extremely frustrating and defeating. I am also reminded that Satan is actively at work, and that our battle is spiritual, not against the flesh and blood of this world (Ephesians 6:12) (i.e. regardless of how defeating it feels, such feelings should never be expressed towards the friends and families that we are actually trying to reach. Instead, continue to love and care for them, and wait for God to supernaturally intercede)
