a whole new world

Isaiah 65:17-25

"Behold, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.

But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I will create,
for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight
and its people a joy.

I will rejoice over Jerusalem
and take delight in my people;
the sound of weeping and of crying
will be heard in it no more.

"Never again will there be in it
an infant who lives but a few days,
or an old man who does not live out his years;
he who dies at a hundred
will be thought a mere youth;
he who fails to reach a hundred
will be considered accursed.

They will build houses and dwell in them;
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

No longer will they build houses and others live in them,
or plant and others eat.
For as the days of a tree,
so will be the days of my people;
my chosen ones will long enjoy
the works of their hands.

They will not toil in vain
or bear children doomed to misfortune;
for they will be a people blessed by the LORD,
they and their descendants with them.

Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear.

The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox,
but dust will be the serpent's food.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,"
says the LORD.

Ezekiel 37:24-28

'My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children's children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever.'

Revelation 21:1-4

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

-- Theme from "Aladdin" --

God had made the world,
Shining, shimmering, splendid,
But we sinned and disobeyed God,
Turned our backs on him.

He loved us so much,
He sent his Son to save us,
Alone, despised and rejected
Christ was crucified for us.

If we believe,
Christ died so we could be set free,
That He, the Son of God, rose from the dead,
We will live eternally.

A whole new world,
This is what heaven's going to be,
There'll be no crying, no more pain,
We will praise God fallen on our knees.

Unbelievable sights, indescribable beauty,
Pearls and diamonds, gold and silver,
Abundant as the stars!

A whole new world,
This is what heaven's going to be,
There'll be no crying, no more pain,
We will praise God fallen on our knees.

A whole new world,
Through Jesus Christ we will be
Living in heaven. Over death
We now have the final victory!

A whole new world,
That's where we'll be,
We're going home,
Our Saviour comes,
For you and me...

3 weeks after hsc

I woke up at 11 this morning - could've slept longer but I had stuff to do so I got out of bed and got dressed. Arrived at school at around 11:30 and sold my books and uniform. Then went up to year coordinator's office by 11:45 to collect my sign-out sheet. Then the fun began..

I went to all my teacher's offices but no one was in, apparently the whole school was in Speech Day Rehearsals either at assembly hall, auditorium, or the chapel and then following straight after was going to be an early assembly.

So after traversing the entire campus several times, I finally started locating my teachers. AS usual - english department was the last! The whole process took about an hour, but it was worth it as I collected my Yearbook and DVD!

So while I waited for my parents to come pick me up, I was flicking through the Yearbook, and reading what people wrote... the funniest was when I was reminded of how our science extension class had such good times - we set everything on fire, including the bin and gas tap! ahh the memories =)

And then tonight we had the last BSF for the year; and it was the last time I would be in the Childrens Section... which is sort of sad, seeing as I've been there for 5 years... next year I'll be moving up to the Adults Section. But next year is Romans which will be very very good!!! So come to BSF next year! =D

nsb formal @ four point sheraton

2 formals in 2 days. like some crazy marathon - but this was so much fun, so much dancing, so many photos (i still have the flash shadow in my eyes when i blink) and an experience i will never ever forget. (and if i do, i have many photos to jog my memory!)

I must say, due to *cough* very good organisation =P the NSB formal was rather impressive, compared to Abbotsleigh. In fact, it seemed more like our valedictory dinner than a formal!

We arrived early at Blues Pt Reserve @ Milson's Point, which turned into a great lesson of how to book and catch taxis =P but we managed to arrive at the hotel just in time for entree; even with the metal detectors and breath testing at the entrance.

The dance floor was also too small, and it wasn't until the end that all the good songs were played! But by then we had to go, and ended up walking to Passionflower for some very good green tea and lychee icecream =D

I'm absolutely exhausted - will probably be lame for the next few days until my feet recover from the heels AND sunburn..

photos!

our table


we asked for "something interesting" and this is what we got...


ash + jono chow


ben + me


it was like a mini study camp reunion! =D


adro + joyce, me + ben

rest of the photos [HERE]
oh if u want the original copies of any photos, email me or msg me!

abbotsleigh year 12 formal @ dockside, cockle bay

A sumptuous affair. For $120 pp you kind of expect more for your money's worth; but it was so great to see everyone again, all dressed up and beautiful =)

we arrived (fashionably) late as asians are wont to do... but it wasn't a problem seeing as they didn't start serving the entrees for ages.

dockside @ cockle bay is really small, the food was not so good and the dance floor barely accommodated big joey and dave breaking but hey the music was loud and we had a good time.

but it was such a relief to take my contacts off, and an even better feeling of being clean after having a shower! (afters were at Star City- we booked a hotel room)

enough talking; here we go with the pics!

me + ben


marissa, alice, me, karin


me + shaz


me + kelly


belated birthdays!


my beautiful girls (hmm CG reunion anyone??)

the rest are [HERE]

it is now 4:12am... will get some sleep so i can do all this again tomorrow, i mean, today!

i love jigsaw puzzles

blessed hope

To wake one morning, if by chance
The night had ushered me to fall
Into the soul-releasing dance
From life to death's eternal call.

To shed corrupted mortal flesh
My tired eyes, with joy to see
The summit of my blessed hope
In glory find myself with Thee.

Oh, to behold Thee with mine eyes,
These eyes that many tears have known,
And instantly to comprehend
That I shall never be alone.

To stand before this love of mine
Then with my hands to touch Thy face
And in them Lord, to feel Thy warmth.
Oh precious love! Oh precious grace!

To gaze into my Savior's eyes
Though undeserving I may be
To know that this is now my home
Would be reward enough for me.

www.poetryandpraise.com

schoooooooolieeeeee

Avoca is beautiful! Sun, sand and surf + 4 days of doing absolutely whatever we want =D




welcome to Avoca Beach

The weather was fantastic as well. On Thursday when it was all raining and cold we stayed inside the house and did the crossword, Sudoku, played Emperor and Scum, 500, Snap as well as Pictionary and Trivial Pursuit. Told you we were nerds =P


Clare, Soph, Isi, Cath, Ali, Becky


Alice, Soph, Me

I was surprised at how small the Avoca Beach shops were, but I must recommend "Burger Girls" --> they have amazing burgers starting from around $7. I had the Bagel Burger which had chicken, brie cheese, avocado, sundried tomato and it was so delicious. There aren't any photos of it because I ate it really fast =P


Becky is dripping Caesar Salad dressing everywhere


But still good to pose for a photo!

But yes, back to the BEACH... it was such a great feeling to just hang around NOT having to study! I haven't been to the beach for ages as well so it was fun =D


Isi and Clare


Marissa and Becky


Alison and me


A cheerful burial

But yes a quick reminder to put lots of sunscreen on. I forgot the tops of my feet and now its all red and sore. And because it hurt to wear shoes I walked around barefoot so now the bottom of my feet hurt too ><

there'll be no posts for a while

Avoca is the place to be!

Wait out for a huge post =)

*

OOH you can start registering for KYLC 2007!

From Mon 22nd to Fri 26th of January 2007 get ready for an intensive and challenging week that aims to equip leaders with skills to lead youth groups with a Bible-focused foundation. The topic is "Strong and Courageous" with morning talks on Joshua and evening talks on Titus.

What will you gain from KYLC?

• A better understanding of the Bible and guidance in how to teach it
• The opportunity to investigate contemporary issues in youth leadership
• The opportunity to share with others working in youth ministry
• A fantastic week away with other Christians.

Who should come to KYLC?

• Anyone who wants to become better equipped for ministry to young people
• New or hopeful leaders who are looking to be involved in youth ministry and want ministry training
• You need to be entering Year 12 in 2007 or be the equivalent age or above.

Strand Groups will then take you through preparing and presenting a Bible study (Strand One), exploring God's plan as revealed in the Bible (Strand Two) and looking at themes in the Bible (Strand Three).

The afternoon workshops at KYLC are designed to provide you with practical tools and proven strategies for Christian youth ministry:

• From the personal life of the leader to the skills of public speaking
• From the art of 1 to 1 ministry to packaging a youth Bible study
• From strategies for youth ministry to thinking about the rest of your life.

These will equip you with tools for a lifetime of ministry.

If you're still not convinced HOW GOOD it is; check out my sermon notes from [KYLC2006]!

dads birthday + sculptures by the sea

yesterday was my dad's birthday! so we had a little celebration at home =)



The cake was chestnut fresh cream cake (yumm) and the presents we bought on Thursday night and had them secretly wrapped while Dad was busy hanging the clothes. Dad was very happy especially with all the Harry Potter stuff (he's obsessed seriously...)



Then today in the afternoon we went to visit [Sculptures by the Sea] at Bondi. It's on from 2 to 19th of November so hurry and see it before it finishes! (yes, for all you asians out there, it's free)

the weather was hot, but the sea breezes kept us cool as we walked from Tamarama to Bondi. Just be prepared for masses of people and most of them with cameras and kids.


last year's winner :: my personal favourite


quick before it melts! :: elements of Sydney


less is more :: more or less? (i thought this was so clever, how the change in perception resulted in a different word but it was the same sculpture)


strolling along the beach :: father and son


one giant teardrop :: strong man

for enlarged versions and rest of the photos go to [http://flyingdreams.dotphoto.com]

beautiful letdown - switchfoot

think about these lyrics. this is not mindless music.

*

It was a beautiful letdown
When I crashed and burned
When I found myself alone
Unknown and hurt
It was a beautiful letdown
The day I knew
That all the riches this world had to offer me
Would never do

In a world full of bitter pain
And bitter doubts
I was trying so hard to fit in
Fit in, until I found out

I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
I will carry a cross and a song
Where I don't belong
I don't belong

It was a beautiful letdown
When You found me here
Yeah, for once in a rare blue moon
I see everything clear
I'll be a beautiful letdown
That's what I'll forever be
And though it may cost my soul
I'll sing for free

We're still chasing our tails
In the rising sun
In our dark water planet still spinning
In a direction no one wins
No one's won.

See, I don't belong here (I don't belong)
Well, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I will carry a cross
With a song where I don't belong
I don't belong
I don't belong here (I don't belong)
No, I don't belong here, I don't belong
I'm gonna set side
And set sail
For the kingdom come, kingdom come
Your kingdom come
Won't you let me down, yeah
Let my foolish pride forever let me down

Ah, Easy living, you're not much like the name
Easy dying, you look just about the same
Would you please take me off your list
Easy living please c'mon and let me down

We are a beautiful letdown
Painfully uncool
The church of the dropouts
The losers, the sinners, the failures, and the fools
What a beautiful letdown
Are we salt in the wound
Hey, let us sing one true tune

I don't belong here (I don't belong)
It feels like I don't belong here, yeah
It goes like I don't belong here
I don't belong (I don't belong)
Won't you let me down (I don't belong)
C'mon and let me down (I don't belong)
You always let me down (I don't belong)
So glad that I'm let down (I don't belong)
C'mon and let me down (I don't belong)
'Cause I don't belong here
Won't you let me down!

a good day

my feet hurt.

but other than that I am one tired but satisfied girl =)

Our adventures started from Central where we were waiting on opposite sides of Eddy Ave for the other party.... then walked 4.4km to Newtown and ended up sitting at the top of the hill in Sydney Park at St.Peters to chat. We then had Thai for lunch- the service was not so good, but the food came in 10minutes! The pad thai was very good and the red curry was quite spicy which was great. AND the bill came out to be only $7 per person! That made me very happy =D

we then walked 4.4km back to city but stopped over to sit in the quadrangle of USYD for a while. It was strangely quiet coz uni ppl are on stuvac for exams, so it was quite serene and peaceful. Then we walked from USYD up to Market Place for afternoon tea at Lindt Cafe.

I've heard about Lindt Cafe for several years, but never managed to go but it was everything and more than I expected! Unfortunately we were running out of time so I only had an iced coffee and milk hazelnut chocolate but I am sooo going back for another visit!

Then walked to Wynyard station and caught the train back home. So all in all, I'd estimate we walked over 10km.

Exercise, cheap but good food and great company. What more could a girl ask for? =D

(now all I need is a shower and some sleeeeeeep)

-- edit @ 9:50pm

this is now a GREAT DAY

I have just discovered (breathe just breathe) that Switchfoot are releasing another album on Dec 26th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And listening to clips on their site, I'm already starting to like it =D

And I found this very interesting:

According to Jon Foreman, the name "Switchfoot" is a surfing term. "We all love to surf and have been surfing all our lives so to us, the name made sense. To switch your feet means to take a new stance facing the opposite direction. It's about change and movement, a different way of approaching life and music"

Oh and this too:

Switchfoot is often referred to as a "Christian band", mostly due to their involvement with the Christian rock scene in their early days. But the band has always shunned this label. "For us, it's a faith, not a genre", says Jon Foreman. "We've always been very open and honest about where the songs are coming from. For us, these songs are for everyone. Calling us 'Christian rock' tends to be a box that closes some people out and excludes them. And that's not what we're trying to do. Music has always opened my mind - and that's what we want." Duly, Jon's lyrics steer clear of preachiness, exclusive declarations of faith, or even any mention of Jesus Christ; instead questioning the status quo, probing existential issues through "Socratic dialogue" in which he answers questions with more questions, exploring frustrations, or simply being inspirational. This approach has resulted in them often being described as a "thinking person's" band. Jon's poetry is acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its heartfelt honesty, which is evident in his appraisal of the human condition, and in his willingness to not just embrace his faith, but to express doubt as well.

As a result, the band's fan base transcends different beliefs and lifestyles. "As a musician I guess the only thing I would ask from a listener is to put the CD in, close your eyes and forget about all the peripherals," says Jon Foreman. "I guess that's a dream that may not happen in my lifetime, but I listen to music from all sorts of people and I think there is an open-minded individual who will be able to listen to music of all types." Though they hold this position, they have not alienated their Christian fans: as in their indie days, they are still distributed to Christian retail outlets through Sparrow Records, thereby being featured on Christian radio and charts, and presented Dove Awards, despite currently being signed to Columbia Records, a mainstream label. In June of 2006 the band was featured on the cover of CCM Magazine, after declining the honor for years.

In his book "Body Piercing Saved My Life: Inside the Phenomenon of Christian Rock", Spin writer Andrew Beaujon finds Switchfoot "interesting" because, according to him, "their lyrics often have two different meanings, one meaning for a Christian audience and one meaning for the rest of us. They try to relate to two different groups of people at once"

More on wiki if you want to keep reading...
Ahhh I love Switchfoot- everytime I listen to the lyrics, I discover some new meaning I didn't realise before.. and for non-Christians, the songs speak clearly about a need in their lives they can't fill and that's where the gospel comes in.

i'm finisheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!

Lord,

I praise you because you are a transcendent and holy God. You are before all things and in you all things move and have their being. Yet You are also a personal God who loves me as Your child and has a plan for me. I thankyou for all the blessings you have poured into my life.

Thankyou for the wonderful support and encouragement of family and friends. Thankyou for being with me all throughout HSC and for Your faithfulness and mercy from everlasting to everlasting. Thankyou for Your Word which has sustained me, nourished me, kept me alive, and given me hope.

Thankyou for the fine education I have received and for the many opportunities and experiences gained. Thankyou for the friendships I've built over the years, for we are united in Christ and not just friends, but sisters. Thankyou for Your discipline and teaching me to persevere.

May all glory and honour be Yours O Lord; may everything I do be in the name of Christ, joyfully giving thanks to You through Him. Praise be to God forever and ever.

Amen

counting down

5 days.

1 more.

the suspense is killing me.