Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Somehow, I am kind of a controlling perfectionist wrapped up in love for others (if there ever is such a thing).

No wonder the answer of "no" is the last thing that goes through my head when someone asks for help. Likewise, I frequently try looking for ways to improve how things work in this world.

After taking the Myers-Briggs personality test a second time, it's pretty clear I fall in "The Caregiver" group. Funny, since I thought I had more of the "executive" blood in me.

The real catch now is finding which parts of me are simply "who I am ", and which parts I need to submit to God so His Spirit may work to transform these for His glory.

What a wonderful Maker
What a wonderful Savior
How majestic Your whispers
and how humble Your love
With a strength like no other,
and the heart of a Father
How majestic Your Whispers
What a wonderful God. =)

All I Can Say

Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while

And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down

Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give

Bridge:
I didn't notice You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet


Please remember me in prayer, as I feel like I have been living this song for a couple weeks now. Somehow, a heart on fire for God and His people can sometimes feel like the only one beating at all.

Ping-Pong

After small group / fellowship on Friday nights, my boys and I would usually head out to chill from the week, usually through cafe hangouts, playing some friendly poker, or just hard-core video gaming. But recently, my buddy Zhi got a ping pong table and we started adding that to our night's activities. I used to play a bit many years ago (think last century), and it was refreshing to shake some dust off those table tennis reflexes. I'm starting to play more often and even began switching it up with Tuesday bowling night.

When I came home on Saturday morning from the previous night, I had this conversation with my Dad:

Dad: So did you guys play poker last night?

Me: Nope. We actually played some ping pong @ Zhi's.

Dad: Really? Did you have fun?

Me: Oh YEAH! It was a lot of fun. Guess I haven't forgotten some of what you and Mom taught me. [pause] Are you still pretty good?

Dad: [chuckles] I can still beat you, Albert.


So after my PE exam in October, expect a match-up of the century. =)

So Long, School

It finally hit me today (of all days): the end of school.

Around this time of the year, I would be walking into a classroom, greeting friends around me, and taking a seat behind a desk. Without missing a beat, I would whip out a pencil and a notebook from my messenger bag, and be ready to engage the lecture before me. It was an everyday routine to follow - only now it is neither everyday nor a routine in my life anymore.

It really feels freeing yet somehow unsettling. While I appreciate the open evenings and no ties to any homework (woohoo!), I can't help but remember the simplicity of it all - having less responsibilities and more opportunities at your fingertips to learn anything you want. I guess after being in school for most of my life (so far), I realize that such an experience does grow on you. And when it's finally over, you are still left with that wonder on how those years made that difference in your life.

Praise God for those 18 years in school (fall, winter, and through most summers too!). It's a time I will cherish for the long hall.

"May our dreams always be bigger than our memories." ~ S.W.

Surf's Up!

Despite all the encouragements, I decided to opt out of the annual summer retreat in UCSD, and instead spend the last weekend of summer just relaxing at home. Ironically, there isn't much rest at a church-wide retreat (or at least, I know I wouldn't!). =) In addition, I still needed to gather some my thoughts on the summer and gather energy for the exciting year ahead. Since it was scorching hot, I thought it would be a good idea to hit the waves once more yesterday with my friend Garth.

We went to Manhattan Beach (conveniently right next to his place in El Segundo), and found a good spot in the midst of the Labor Day weekend crowds. I definitely felt more confident my second time around in the ocean, and caught some pretty good waves that late morning. I even came close to standing on my board for about 4 seconds (before wiping out)!

Such a fun water sport and a good ride onto the beach. I just might have to get a wet suit and my own board to do this during the off-season months. =) Cowabunga, dude!