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Communion has always been special to me since I was baptized at our church long ago. It never fails to draw a picture in my mind of what Jesus did for me. I picture his pain and suffering and I can visualize him still hanging in there and not letting go of the wooden cross despite the tremendous shame and agony.
Yet today as I come into communion, the partaking of the bread and wine, I am invited once again to renew my commitment to Him that I will live for Him just as He came to save sinners just like me.
Here is a song by Matt Maher and Matt Redman about remembering what Christ did for us.
Here are the lyrics to the song:
Verse 1: Oh, how could it be That my God would welcome me Into this mystery. Say 'eat this bread, take this wine' Now the simple made divine For any to receive.
Bridge: By your mercy, we come to your table, By your grace you are making us faithful
Chorus: Lord, we remember You, And remembrance leads us to worship, And as we worship You, Our worship leads to communion; We respond to your invitation. We remember You.
Verse 2: See his body, his blood, Know that he has overcome Every trial we will face. None too lost to be found, None too broken or ashamed, All are welcomed in this place.
Here's the mp3 version:
Here's the Youtube version:
Let us continue to remember him everyday of our God-given lives!
A friend of mine posted in her blog about this contest by KTO (Korean Tourism Organization) and Korean Air.
I have never been an avid fan of travel before, but as my resolution this year... I've decided to travel the world as much as I can given the oportunity! :) (Like this one)
But wait there's a problem... I have never been to Korea and therefore I don't know what to expect. All I know about Korea are bits and pieces of their fashion sense, their great food and music and their koreanovelas (Korean series which are a hit here in the Philippines!)
I want to know more so I asked friends and family to help me compile a list of things to do in Korea. I hope you enjoy my list as I have enjoyed understanding more about Korea, it's culture and history and it's people. (I have shortened the list to 5 to be realistically achievable and to be simple yet straight forward)
TOP 5 THINGS to DO:
1. Visit famous landmarks
Based from what I've gathered, I definitely want to go to a mixture of traditional and modern landmarks.
Changdeokgung Palace, Injeongjeon
On top of my traditional landmarks to go is the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was build in harmony with nature. A prominent structure that was integrated with its natural settings that is why it is surrounded by several gardens.
N Seoul Tower
The top pick for the modern landmark to go is the N. Seoul Tower. I am excited just thinking I could ride the cable car to get over to the tower. I imagine being on the observation deck then going down to eat at the revolving restaurant.
Banpo Bridge rainbow fountain over the Han River
Last but not least, the Hangang River. I want to have cruise here while enjoying the scenic routes in Seoul though that might not be possible due to conflicts. But still it is a great place to visit especially seeing the rainbow fountain of Banpo Bridge.
Such awesome spectacles that will leave an indelible mark in me!
2. Immerse myself in Jeju Island
I want to experience how it is to live in this island. I imagine myself going on a morning hikes, or visiting the Manjang cave and the Manjanggul lava tube, or even just stroll through the peaceful and calm forest that is sanctuary to various flora and fauna. I also want to visit it's famous Jeju statue park and have lots and lots of pictures with these statues!
The fresh air, the magnificent scenic views, relaxing environment and rich cultural heritage are just a few perks to this place. That's JEJU for YOU!
3. Try out being a K-Pop star
Being a singer in church has often challenged me especially writing original lyrics and composing new melodies. I have this gut feel that maybe a change in environment will greatly help me in writing new and more meaningful songs after interacting with different people and surroundings.
I have heard several K-Pop songs here in the Philippines from groups like Super Junior and the like, but I am more of a melodramtic Korean drama song-type of guy. I really, really loved Winter Sonata and the 49 Days and the music was so beautiful... it just enhanced the whole story line. (It made me even cry at certain points in the story)
If given a chance, I would definitely go for the K-Pop challange even though I have not a single clue about the language (of course with proper guidance hehe). As a singer, it is a challenge worth trying! (Aja!)
Here's a link to a post here in my blog regarding 49 OST song Scarecrow: 허수아비
4. Eat, eat and eat some more!
Jap chae
Bibimbap
Ah, Korean food! Being a Chinese in the Philippines, my family and I are very particular when it comes to food. We are picky eaters but when it comes to Korean food, somehow we all get along fine.
My family has often gone to Ye Dang (a Korean restaurant here in the Philippines) to satisfy our Korean food cravings. Imagine if I were able to smell the aroma and taste authentic Korean dishes like kimchi and bibimbap. Oh the sumptuous seafood pajeon that I really like (sometimes I order two because one is just not enough!) Give me some of that Korean bulgogi and Jap chae.
Kimchi
Seafood pajeon
Ok, I am literally hungry right now. :) Imagine if I can learn how to make these then everyday, my family and I can enjoy a bit of Korean cuisine whenever we feel like it.
5. S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G!!!
Dongdaemun Market
Shopping and souvenirs... I am not a shop-a-holic but once in a while I splurge on things especially things that I deem necessary or worth it. I value memories and relationships that is why I am not forgetful of people who are close to me.
I've heard that Korea has great markets where I can buy souvenirs. The Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets have a great selection from traditional souvenirs to the newer ones. Maybe I can try out traditional Korean clothes here too!
I simply and will not leave Korea without contributing to their economy hehe. Just another way of saying, I need to buy pasalubong (souvenirs) for family and friends. I guess, in a way, that's what tourism is all about - being able to showcase a country through its tourist destinations and culture (fashion, heritage, music, food, etc.) and bringing in business that will help the economy of the country. And that's basically the job of KTO - promoting Korea to people around the world.
KOREA. I believe this is an experience worth investing it... an experience worth writing about! Wow! Without even visiting and just researching about it, I am slowly but surely falling it love with you! What more if I am able to personally experience and document my adventures there in your country! ;)
Give me this opportunity to be part of promoting your country!
I made this acronym to always remind me of my inspiration.... KOREA being inspired. (Keep on remembering everyday about being inspired!)
Hah. Another classic from my generation. This is what my "research" from Wikipedia led me to discover...
"More Than Words" is a ballad written and originally performed by the rock band Extreme. It is built around acoustic guitar work by Nuno Bettencourt and the vocals of Gary Cherone (with harmony vocals from Bettencourt). Released in 1990 on the album Extreme II: Pornograffiti, the song marked a departure from the funk metal that had permeated the band's style previous to its release.
The song was described by Bettencourt as a song warning that the phrase "I love you" was becoming meaningless: "People use it so easily and so lightly that they think you can say that and fix everything, or you can say that and everything's OK. Sometimes you have to do more and you have to show it – there's other ways to say 'I love you.'"
From my childhood days since it was released and popularized by many artist like Westlife, I find this version very amusing since it has adapted a classical background to the song. Hey you know what... this is a classic for me so join me in singing this song if you were born during the late 80's or 90's. :)
That "cellotar" was a great addition to the collboration of two great artists and to great genre of music.
Here are the lyrics:
Saying that I love you Is not the words I want to hear from you It's not that I want you Not to say, but if you only knew How easy it would be to show me how you feel More than words is all you have to do to make it real Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me 'Coz I'd already know
What would you do if my heart was torn in two More than words to show you feel that your love for me is real What would you say if I took those words away Then you couldn't make things new just by saying I love you More than words
Now I've tried to talk to you and make you understand All you have to do is close your eyes And reach out your hands and touch me Hold me close don't ever let me go More than words is all I ever needed you to show Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me 'Coz I'd already know More than words More than words
Here is the mp3 version:
Here is the Youtube version:
Another amazing video featuring the song and some artistic drawing :)
Hope your "I luv u's" are more than just words coming out of your mouths, but words coming out of your hearts! Don't just say it! Do it!
Last Holy Week, I was rummaging my song books to find a song to sing at our family retreat. I didn't know there were so many good songs that I wasn't listening to. So what I did was to find the song in Youtube to hear the generally feel and melody (since I have the pieces anyway.) One of the songs that I heard was this song "Pour Out My Love On You." I immediately developed a love for this song since it talks about loving our God to the extent of our abilities.
I recall in the book of Matthew the story of the woman who had a precious and expensive perfume in her possession. And yet when she had an encounter with Jesus, she was willing to break the perfume bottle and pour out the contents on Him. Other people saw her action as very rash and not prudent. They thought why waste such a good and perfect bottle of perfume when it could buy food to feed the poor. But Jesus replied, "She has done a good thing for me... and wherever this gospel is preached, what this woman had done will be spoken in memory of her."
Here's the lyrics of the song:
Verse:
I don't know how to say exactly how I feel And I can't begin to tell you what your love has meant I'm lost for words Is there a way to show the passion in my heart Can I express how truly great I think you are My dearest friend Lord this is my desire To pour my love on you
Chorus:
Like oil upon your feet Like wine for you to drink Like water from my heart I pour my love on you With praises like the perfume I lavish mine on you Till every drop is gone I pour my love on you Is there a way to show the passion in my heart Can I express how truly great I think you are My dearest friend
Lord this is my desire To pour my love on you Repeat Chorus
Here's the mp3 version:
:
Here's the Youtube version:
Hope you can show your love for God in your own way!
I was pondering what song to do for prelude last Sunday when it hit me... right there and then Amy Sand's song played in my iPhone. The song's title is 就在這裡 (Right Here). I was really listening to the music... not only the tune and melody but also the lyrics and the realness of the singer.
Anyway as a priase leader, we were required to show an example on how to quiet down before the worship service starts... so the congregation can go back to their seats and quiet down in preparation for worship. As I prepare to go up the stage and sing the prelude, I felt nervousness in my stomach. I remember how my good friend Rev. Harg Ang would say "Here you go God" before going up the pulpit everytime he gave his sermon. So I did the same.
I can't really explain what I felt when I sang this song... it was as if the peace of God came upon me! I started to close my eyes and sing very quietly the verse and chorus. I now understood what my friend meant by that statement. When we shift our focus from ourselves to God, all things work together for them. In this case, I felt calm and more confident to come boldly before the throne of grace.
Afterwhich, the piano played an interlude and visions of imagery filled my mind. I imagined God smiling on this little church and very well pleased that we came there to seek him and praise him.
After the interlude, I sang again the verse and the chorus to which I sang differently because I know that it is not about me, it is about God. People did not come here to see me or hear me sing, they came here to worship God and be blessed by the sermon.
Right here, right now, we want to worship God!
Here's a link to a free piano sheet from claymusic.org: 就在這裡.pdf
Here are the lyrics to the song:
最好的時刻, 最美的地方, (The best moment, the best place...) 就是現在, 就在這裡. (Is now... Is right here...) 因這裡有祢, 有祢的同在, (Because your presence is here) 吸引我, 不願離開. (It draws me to never leave)
就在這裡, 我要尋求祢, (Right here, I will seek you) 懇求聖靈, 翩然地降臨, (O Holy Spirit, lightly come down) 如波浪洪濤漫過我身, (Like big waves flowing over my body) 無比榮耀, 充滿全地. (Your incomparable glory fills the earth) 在這裡, 我要敬拜祢, (Right here, I will worship you) 全心全意, 歸榮耀給祢. (With all my heart and will, all glory to you) 這一刻, 在地如在天. (In this moment, it's like heaven on earth) 這裡有祢, 勝過萬有, (You are here, surpassing all things) 別無所求. (I ask for nothing else)
This song is very personal as it seeks to evaluate a person's life. At the start of the song, the person is acknowledging that He can only live because God allows it and that he'll try to live for Him. At the end, he's saying that hopefully, all his actions, thoughts, words - life - brought God the glory and pleased Him.
Verse 1:
Another day is here, another day brand new. So I praise You for the work that I’ll do. Another day is dawning, another day to live. Whatever You choose to give me I’ll gladly receive.
Chorus:
And may I live my life according to Your will. And may my thoughts be pleasing Lord to You. And may my words reflect the beauty of Your presence. May my actions bring glory to You.
Verse 2:
Another day is through, another day is gone. And I thank You Lord for what You have done. Another day is over, another day has passed. Only what is done for Christ will truly last.
Ending:
O have I lived my life according to Your will? And are my thoughts all pleasing Lord to You? And do my words reflect the beauty of Your presence? Did my actions bring glory to You? Do my words bring glory to You? Are my thoughts all pleasing to You, O Lord? Is my life bringing glory to You?
Definitely one of the most loved games of all time... the Final Fantasy Series. And out of all the Final Fantasy series, I would still say that FFVIII definitely was the most memorable... not only due to the characters and the plot and the summons (or what they call GFs) at that time, but also because of the music that accompanied the FFVIII story line.
One such song is the theme song of the game... it is called "Eyes On Me" sung by Faye Wong. This song is very nostalgic to me since I remember the scenes playing in my mind as if I was there in the game with the characters. Laguna Loire was a soldier who had trouble approaching the ladies. He had a crush on one particular lounge singer named Julia Heartilly. This was the song sang by Julia on that fateful night when they first met and talked with each other.
You could say that this truly was love at first sight. But who saw who first? Did Julia ever shyly looked at Laguna when she was performing this song? Or did Laguna take those long and meaningful looks at her? Irregardless, we know that this song is a manifestation of feelings that have been kept for so long. It is just sad that though they were probably meant for each other, they didn't end up together.
Well here's Eyes On Me:
Whenever sang my songs On the stage, on my own Whenever said my words Wishing they would be heard I saw you smiling at me Was is it real or just my fantasy You'd always be there in the corner Of this tiny little bar
My last night here for you Same old songs, just once more My last night here for you Maybe yes, maybe no I kind of liked it your way How you shyly placed your eyes on me Oh, did you ever know That I had mine on you
Darling, so there you are With that look on your face As if you're never hurt As if you're never down Shall I be the one for you Who pinches you softly but sure If frown is shown then I will know that you are no dreamer
So let me come to you Close as I want to be Close enough for me To feel your heart beating fast And stay there as I whisper How I loved your peaceful eyes on me Did you ever know That I had mine on you.
Darling, so share with me Your love if you have enough Your tears if you're holding back Or pain if that's what it is How can I let you know I'm more than the dress and the voice Just reach me out then You will know that you're not dreaming
Darling, so there you are With that look on your face As if you're never hurt As if you're never down Shall I be the one for you Who pinches you softly but sure If frown is shown then I will know that you are no dreamer
Here's the mp3 version:
Here's the live version:
Here is a more direct kind of "Eyes on Me" by Angela Aki:
The story didn't end in tradegy coz' Julia's daughter (Rinoa) and Laguna's son (Squall) eventually ended up together :)
Hello once again. Late last year, a Praise and Worship leader in our church introduced this song. At first I couldn't get into it since it is not the typical 讚美之泉 (Stream of Praise) song. I've left it off until we sang it again this year. Bugged by my curiosity, I finally researched about the song and the group that sang it. It is a group called 泥土音樂 (Clay Music). I copied their story from their website below:
Clay Music is a non-profit organization incorporated in California, in January 2004. Our mission is to preach the love of Jesus through music.
When I needed to pick a name for this ministry, I felt clueless for a few days. The album was merely a response to God’s grace, with no specific vision at the beginning. I remember blaming myself for not understanding exactly what God wanted to use us for, and feeling guilty that I could not come up with a name to tell people about this ministry. Then one day, as I read Jeremiah 18:6, “…Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand….” I immediately found comfort in God’s words and realized what we were…clay in His hands!
This ministry is just a piece of clay in the Potter’s hands. How is clay supposed to know what vessel the Potter will mold it into? Clay has no right to decide for the Potter, only the willingness to obey! So, I gladly named this ministry “Clay Music”. My prayer is very specific: May God’s will be done in Clay Music!
~ Amy Sand, founder of Clay Music ~
Indeed, amen! I agree to their story as I am a songwriter myself. Initially, I write songs for my own, but God used it somehow to touch people and bring them to him. The song talks about walking with God. Although at times it is hard to follow with God's step, he gives us the faith and strength to continue to follow him.
Here is Clay Music's 脚步 (Footsteps)
祢的脚步带着我的脚步 (As I follow in you footsteps) 一步一步都有祝福 (Every step brings its blessings) 每个脚步我要紧紧跟随 (I will follow ever so closely) 走在蒙福的道路 (And walk upon the blessed path)
求给我更多的勇气 (Give me more courage) 给我更多的信心 (Grant me more faith) 让我勇敢踏出 (That I may bravely take the step) 跟随祢的脚步 (To follow where You lead) 跟祢行在水面上 (Be it on water) 跟祢走在旷野地 (Or through a desert path) 曲曲折折我也不在乎 (I will take each step with no regrets)
我只要更多信靠祢 (All I have to do) 只要更多顺服祢 (Is trust and obey You more) 凡是出于祢的 (Everything that comes from You) 我就默然不语 (I willingly accept) 就算经过黑暗谷 (Even the dark valleys) 就算遇到暴风雨 (And the fierce storms) 在祢手中都将变成祝福 (Will turn into blessings in Your hands)
Here's the mp3 version:
Here's the Youtube version:
Here's the live version:
I hope that each footstep you take will lead you closer and closer to God!
The idea of this song came from the Chinese word for righteous (義). Literally speaking, it is the Chinese character for Lamb (羊) on top of the Chinese word for Me (我). This word has a powerful message indeed. Jesus died for us as a Sacrificial Lamb, but He rose again and reigns on high. Now and forever, He will be the one who makes my day, the Lamb over me!
I am blessed that God used this song... that God used someone like me who doesn't even know much about music... to save someone after hearing it during Shalom G2's evangelistic concert. All praise be to God!
Verse 1: Jesus, You are God’s precious Son You came to earth for me Jesus, You are the Sacrifice – Who bore my sins, Who took my place, Who died on the cross for me.
Chorus: You’re the Lamb who paid the price Yet you are holy and without sin You're the Love sent from above To cleanse us wholly within. So I ask you now… be the Lamb over me.
Verse 2: Jesus, You are better than gold Your worth is greater to me. Jesus, You are the morning star – Who brightens my day, Who brings me to say, “I’ll be devoted to You!”
Chorus:
Ending: Jesus, You are God’s precious Son Jesus, You are the Sacrifice Jesus, You are better than gold Jesus, you are the morning star Jesus, You are the Lamb over me.
Here's the mp3 version:
By the way, that's me singing solo with our church's acapella group Shalom G2. This was arranged by our very own Pastor Hensie Reyes. We will be doing a proper recording of this song for our church's 40th anniversary!
My search for the origins of popera (pop opera) drove me to find a group of talented British lads who entered the X Factor talent show in UK. This group called themselves G4 and sang good songs in harmony. They did not win that year's top spot and yet this group moved on to release 3 great albums full of great harmony songs. I could firmly say that before Il Divo was G4 and I'm glad, that although they are now debunked, their songs still remain.
One of such songs is Broken Vow... made famous by Lara Fabian... a song that was used in the Chinovela "Meteor Garden". Anyway, it is a song of release and letting go. I'm in this stage where I am ready to let go and yet time and time again, visions of past blast through dreams and even in reality when I see the person that I had loved. It really is hard to move on but life must go on.
Here's the lyrics:
Tell me his name I want to know The way he looks and where you go I need to see his face; I need to understand Why you and I came to an end
Tell me again I want to hear Who broke my faith in all these years Who lays with you at night when I'm here all alone Remembering when I was your own
[Chorus] I let you go, I let you fly Why do I keep on asking why I let you go now that I found A way to keep somehow More than a broken vow
Tell me the words I never said Show me the tears your never shed Give me the touch that one you promised to be mine Or has it vanished for all time
[Chorus]
[Bridge] I close my eyes and dream of you and I And then I realize There's more to love than only bitterness and lies I close my eyes
I'd give away my soul To hold you once again And never let this promise end
[Modified Chorus] I let you go, I let you fly Now that I know I'm asking why I let you go now that I found A way to keep somehow More than a broken vow
Here's the mp3 version:
Here's the Meteor Garden Youtube version: (sung by Lara Fabian)
Here's the G4 Youtube version: (Can't find a whole song video... only part of it)
We let go and forgive, but we never forget 'cause it is a part of us...
Sorry it me a long time to post here. Anyway here's something new for you guys reading... especially if you are into anime.
The song I'm posting here is called Koigoko meaning Sincere Love. It is sung by Akane Sugazaki. It was also used as the 1st Ending theme song for the Anime Detective Scool Q or Tantei Gakuen Q. I really love crime / detective / mystery themed movies, animes, etc. anything that has crime busting in it, I love it :) I fell in love with this anime when I was still in high school because of how the main characters are five children, but by combining their power of logic, photgraphic memory, analysis, strength and technology... they are able to capture the bad guys!
Here's the lyrics: (Kanji, English translation, Romaji)
遠くまで続いてる 雲の流れをながめては (I continued watching the flow of the clouds) tooku made tsudzuiteru kumo no nagare wo nagamete wa
君の前で泣けなくて 口笛を吹いてる (Unable to cry in front of you, I'm whistling instead) kimi no mae de nakenakute kuchibue wo fuiteru
「いつまでもそばにいて」と ひとことが言えなくて (Saying "I'll always be beside you" without even saying a single word) "Itsumademo soba ni ite" to hitokoto ga ienakute
あふれてく恋ごころよ せつない想いは (My loving heart is overflowing; My sad thoughts...) Afureteku koigokoro yo setsunai omoi wa
気づかれぬように 宙に消えようとして (Are things that fade away unnoticed in midair.) Kidzukarenu you ni chuu ni kieyou to shite
そしてまた ホッとするような せいいっぱいの笑顔で (And again with a mighty smile of relief) Soshite mata hotto suru you na seiippai no egao de
君を見送るよ さよなら アリガトウ (I will see you off; Goodbye and thank you) Kimi wo miokuru yo sayonara arigatou
それぞれのこれからはどんなふうになっていくのかな? (I wonder what our future will be like?) Sorezore no kore kara was= donna fuu ni natte yuku no kana?
そんなことを考えて 夕暮れを待ってる (I think about these sort of things as I'm waiting for the twilight) Sonna koto wo kangaete yuugure wo matteru
いつかまたきっと会えると 信じてみたいけれど (I want to believe that we'll meet again one day, but...) Itsuka mata kitto aeru to shinjite mitai keredo
ふるえてる恋ごころよ 悲しき別れは (Oh, my trembling love; A sad goodbye was...) furueteru koigokoro yo kanashiki wakare ha
始まりの日から とうに近づいていた (Already close at hand the day we first met) Hajimari no hi kara tou ni chikadzuite ita
君とここにいれることが わかりあうことが (Me, being able to be here with you and us, understanding each other...) Kimi to koko ni ireba koto ga wakariau koto ga
うれしくて こわかったよ (Has made me happy and sad) Ureshikute kowakatta yo
誰にも話せない こんな秘密を (I can't tell this kind of secret to anyone) Dare ni mo hanasenai konna himitsu wo
心の奥に隠したまま 育てていきたくて (It's shut away in my heart; I want to hold it) Kokoro no oku ni kakushita mama sodatete ikitakute
恋ごころよ かなわぬ想いよ (Oh my love, oh this unbearable feeling) Koigokoro yo kanawanu omoi yo
生まれて初めて こうもひとを好きになり (This is the first time to love a person this much since I was born) Umarete hajimete kou mo hito wo suki ni nari
君がまだずっといるような まぼろしを今も (Even now, I feel this illusion in my heart...) Kimi ga mada zutti iru you na maboroshi wo ima mo
胸に感じているよ (That you will be always here) Mune ni kanjite iru yo
La la la... 恋ごころよ 朱くなる空よ (La la la... Oh my love, oh red sky) La la la... koigokoro yo aku naru sora yo
やがて雲は切れ 夕闇につつまれ (At last the clouds part and are enveloped by the twilight) Yagate kumo wa kire yuuyami ni tsutsumare
明日はまたやってくるけど (Tomorrow will come again, but...) Asu wa mata yatte kuru kedo
君がいない町は 少し広すぎるよ (Without you, it's a little vast for me) Kimi ga inai machi wa sukoshi hirosugiru yo
「もう一度あいたい…」 ("I want to see you again...") "Mou ichido aitai..."
Who does not know the name Jackie Chan? He is well known for his action packed movies, his incredible stunts and his charms. But little did we know that he also sings. This is one of my favorite songs of his... not only because of the meaning of the song, but also because he sings this with famous singer Teresa Teng.
Well, by this time, Teresa Teng was already dead, but through technology, the video was made possible, the new arrangement was also done. I think a new verse was also added to be specifically sung by Jackie. Anyway, this is "I Only Care About You."
Here's the lyrics of the song: (Chinese, pin yin and English translation)
鄧麗君 (Teresa Teng) 如果没有遇见你 (If I do not meet you,) rú guǒ méi yǒu yù jiàn nǐ
我将会是在哪里 (Where will I be?) wǒ jiāng huì shì zài nǎ lǐ
日子过得怎么样 (How will I complete my day?) rì zǐ guò dé zěn me yàng
This year, I've decided to take voice lessons from a professional voice teacher and one of her assignments to me is this song. When we we're rehearsing this song, I was dubious of myself. I was thinking if I could really sing out this song as the song requires a big vocal range due to the low notes at the beginning and high notes in the chorus. I didn't really focus on the lyrics till I got home and reviewed the song.
The song is about the story of the prodigal son based on Luke 15:11-32. (I actually wrote a devotional based on the same passage which I will post next time.) But more than the focus on the son, the song focused on the father (God) and how he received his returning son (us) with anticipation, excitement and open arms.
Did you know that it was not customary for men to run in those days? But here is a father, not minding the customs, not minding the eyes of his peers, who is eagerly waiting for his son and ran when he saw his son from afar. This is true love.
Here are the lyrics:
Verse 1
Almighty God, the Great I AM,
Immovabe Rock, Omnipotent, Powerful, Awesome Lord,
Victorious Warrior, Commanding King of Kings,
Mighty Conqueror, and the only time,
The only time I ever saw Him run
Chrous
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest, said "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice, He said,
"Son, do you know I still love you?"
He caught me by surprise when God ran.
Verse 2
The day I left home, I knew I'd broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night, I remembered His love for me.
And down the dusty road, ahead I could see
It was the only time - it was the only time I ever saw Him run.
Chorus
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest, said "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice, He said,
"Son, do you know I still love you?"
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran - I saw Him run to me
Bridge
I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away.
But now I know He's been waiting for this day.
Chorus
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest, said "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice, I felt His love for me again
He ran to me, He took me in His arms,
Held my head to His chest, said "My son's come home again",
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice, He said, "Son", He called me Son
Christian Chinese songs really touch my heart and what a way to start the year (Jan. 1 being a Sunday) to spend time in the Lord's house. Usually, we tend to be overly and eagerly happy because it is New Year. I am one of those who was expecting big song numbers and happy songs, but instead the worship leader chose this to be the first song. At that moment, I wasn't sure if it fit the theme, but looking back, I think it was perfect.
New year. New challenges and problems. New trials. New beginnings and blessings. New endings (at least for me). Everything is unpredictable. Only God knows and He wants us to daily commune with him through prayers and supplications.
I really like the verse because it depicts the attitude of how we should come before our Lord... with humbleness, humility and reverence. I know we can't see God, but He still deserves utmost respect. I also love the promise of God being with us despite the tears flowing out and that His grace is sufficient for our needs. He supplies His daily grace to us when we come to Him.
Here's the Chinese and English lyrics: (both for singing)
禱告，因為我渺小；(I pray, for I am nothing) 禱告，因為我知道我需要 (I pray, for I clearly know I need) 明暸，你心意對我重要。(To seek Your will as it's shown to me) 禱告，已假裝不了；(I pray, for I am searching) 禱告，因為你的愛我需要；(I pray, for Your love is what I need) 你關懷，我走過的你都明白。(On my knees, through the valleys, You walk with me)
有些事我只想要對你說，(Some things I only wanna let You know) 因你比任何人都愛我；('Cause no one loves me like You, my Lord) 痛苦從眼中流下，(Though tears of pain may fall out) 我知道你為我擦。(You're with me I have no doubt) 在早晨我也要來對你說，(As day breaks, Lord I wanna cry to You) 主耶穌今天我為你活；('Cause you so love me, You'll pull me through) 所需要的力量你天天賜給我，(The strength that I need I receive every morning) 你恩典夠我用。(Your grace is all I need)
Here's the mp3 version:
Here's the Youtube version:
Pray to God this start of the year... why pray everyday. Remember, God doesn't need our prayers, it is us who need it more badly.
What: United Evangelical Church of Malabon 10th Winter Camp
When: December 26 - 30, 2011
Where: Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines
Theme: Dominion: The Battle For Your Heart
Who has dominion in your hearts? What / Who has taken a hold in your heart? This question is very important because what is inside your heart will naturally flow out in your life. If worldly things have taken up space in your heart then your focus will definitely not be on God. The Bible says we cannot serve two masters.
These other things are what we call our "idols". The definition of "idols" have changed over the years. In the days of Moses, these things refer to crafted images that were used in pagan worship. But in this age, "idols" refer to something / someone that has your priority and value. In short, these "idols" have taken up most of our time, effort, money, life to the extent that, sometimes, we sin to get it or we sin if we do not get it.
The bottom line is: Because our heart is sinful and deceitful, we cannot trust it. The mind says it is wrong, but the heart tells the mind that we should get what we want. But when we accepted Christ into our life, He gives us a renewed heart - a heart that desires after God. He also gave us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide us in living a life that is pleasing to God.
Theme verse: James 4: 7-8
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Theme song: Lord I Will Bow To You
Lord, I will bow to You
To no other god, but You alone.
Lord, I will worship You
Nothing hands have made, but You alone.
I will lay down my idols,
Thrones I have made,
All that has taken my heart.
Lord, I will bow to You
To no other god, but You alone.
Some pictures from the camp:
Me... giving the opening remarks
My counselling group
All of the campers, officers, counselors and speakers
My Wacky officers
Hope this inspires you to evaluate your life as well!
