#30before30 #8 done. Attend a life Christian concert.

Summary: Jeremy Camp opened his home to the internet community in a 90 minute concert on May 9 8pm (American time).https://apps.facebook.com/jeremycampconcert/
He played some of my favourite songs including: Overcome, There will be a day. Jeremy kicked off with Understand: You are there when I fall, when I call, you understand it all.
Right here: Isaiah 43 fear not for I have redeemed you. He talked about his tough experiences that he was going through when he wrote this song. It doesn't matter what challenges are before us, where we go because God not far away, he is here, right here.
This man: took 10 years to write. Jesus paid the price.
There will be a day: about a day when Jesus comes again and it will all be ok. I want to be known as a man that lived just for Christ.
Take you back: ah, he high fived his wife, love it! But God takes us back despite the things we do.
Stay
Soon and very soon: by Jeremy's wife. His wife talks about how she dedicated her life to the lord at 21 and Jeremy talks about going to youth camp at 16. he saw kids who were completely into the lord, they had the intimate relationship with God. Be brave for God. When you are in a dark place and you stick you head up, more lights will follow.
Let it fade. Are we truly giving everything to Christ? What if God came back tomorrow? If we live in the anticipation when we don't know when the Lord is coming... we need to be ready. It purifies the church. The band went to the Philippines and 2000 people committed their lives to Christ. He also talked about his wife's cancer experience. She was smiling and she realised that after she dies she would be with Jesus and if she could bring one other person to Christ, then it would be worth it. He talks about how his daughter is crying ... through listening to the song and sharing, Give me Jesus.
I still believe: in your faithfulness, your truth
The way: Shine, bright, let you glory fill this land, lift high, the king of kings and great i am. You are the way
Overcome: By the blood of the lamb. Understand the power of the blood and the word of our testimony.
And then he leads us in a series of prayers

My thoughts: This was a well advertised event throughout the christian community- e.g. klove, twitter. It was frustrating at first because I could not access the concert on google chrome, once I loaded up another browser it was smooth sailing. Overall, the sound quality and video quality was pretty good. The show was managed well live with few hiccups (problems with initial sound quality, the beginning speech by the global team dragged on for a bit). Excellent job by the productive team who made it look very professional. It was a fresh experience and I'm looking forward to a series of other concerts by global sounds :)
What I loved about concerts rather than listening to cds is that there is testimonies, sharings, and you can see live responses from other people. Thank you for opening up your home to the world. Indeed, God calls us to follow completely. Go completely. Do completely.

I pledged $5 to support, but you can do your part too: https://apps.facebook.com/jeremycampconcert/

Thanks Jeremy!

This is not from the live concert but it was the last song in the concert
Guitar tabs

Overcome Jeremy   Camp
Key =  G     Tempo 49 
Intro  (6/8)
C  D/C   | C / |Em7 / | Dsus4   D   G   /  |  /  :||

Verse 1
G         C2
Seated above, enthroned in the Father's love
Em7              Dsus4 G
Destined to die, poured out for all mankind

Verse 2
G            C2
God's only Son, perfect and spotless one
Em7   Dsus4 D G
He never sinned but suffered as if He did

Pre-Chorus 
                 C   D/C    D
All  au- thor –i –   ty
Em7   Dsus4  G  D
Every victo – ry  is  Yours X2
Gsus4
Savior on High

Chorus 
G             Em
Savior, worthy of honor and glory
   D      C
Worthy of all our praise, 
       G
You over- came

G         Em7
Jesus, awesome in power forever
                        D      C
Awesome and great is  Your name, 
       G
You overcame

Instrumental
G   /  | C   D/C | C  / |Em7 / | Dsus4  D  G  /  |  /  

Verse 3
G             C2
Power in hand speaking the Father's plan
Em7                Dsus4     D            G
You're sending us out, light in this broken land



Pre-Chorus 2
                C      D/C    D
All  au- thor  –i –    ty
         Em7   Dsus4  G  D
Every victo – ry is  Yours  

Chorus

Bridge 
 C          G
We will o - vercome 
Em7
By the blood of the Lamb
       D       C
And the word of our tes - timony, 
      G      Dsus4
Ev’-  ryone over - come 
(repeat X4)

Chorus

Tag
              Em7
You over- came, You over- came
          G/D     Am/D
You over- came
          G
You over- came

Ending 
         Gsus4   G
You over- came
         Gsus4
You over- came
 Em7  Dsus4
    Je – sus
 C2        Gsus4
    You over- came

Another Hallmark movie.

Movie summary: Elevator Girl (2010) is another guy meets girl romance. Boring, successful lawyer (Johnathan) meets the free-spirited Liberty when they get stuck in an elevator together. The attraction is instant, but then reality sinks in. Liberty doesn't fit into the boring corporate dinners that Johnathan brings her to. He doesn't fit into her work-class lifestyle where she has multiple jobs (receptionist, dj, chef, - basically, jack of all trades because she doesn't finish anything). Johnathan starts finding it hard to concentrate at work and makes some mistakes before breaking it up with Liberty.

The two find that they miss each other like crazy when they break up and make changes in themselves - compromise, before getting back together. And true to the theme they get married (in the same elevator) and it's assumed they live happily ever after.

My thoughts: Ok, if you are looking for Oscar winning acting, this is not where you would find it. But this film tackles an age-old issue. Do opposites attract? And when opposites attract, does it work?

According to these films, it does. But commonalities in these films and books suggest that both individuals have to make compromises, they have to learn to adjust to each other's lifestyles. Whenever two individuals come together, whether they are from different races, different religions, different family backgrounds, different age ranges... they have to adapt to the views, habits, etc of the other individual.

One of the exercises I get my clients to do in couples therapy is to reflect on their own family of origin experiences. What it was like for them growing up, what kind of role models they had. It's also about understanding the family of origin of your partner and why their behavior is the way it is. And then to decide together, what needs to change.

Now, as a Christian, the bible has a few guidelines as to what type of partner we should choose. The most important is that we should not be yoked with unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

But this guy/girl has christian morals! But this person has better behavior than those christian guys/girls at church! But there are no christian girls/guys at church in my age range! But there are problems even in christian couples, But But But... There are a million come backs. Then there is the obvious, what if he/she becomes a Christian later because of my influence.... well, perhaps that can be the case. After all, relationships is about forming unified visions, directions and goals right? That's the problem, we too can be influenced by our partner, even if we would like to think we are the stronger of the two. The bible doesn't even say, should not... the bible says DO NOT.

Yeah, opposites can attract, and you can meet a non-believer someone and fall in love with them. BUT is there happily ever after? BUT is this what God desires for your life? BUT who will compromise in the end?

#1 finish my PhD/masters
#2 get down to goal weight
#3 finish half marathon
#4 fall in love, get married and start a family
#5 go to Europe
#6 visit Ice Sculpture festival in Northern China
#7 See a meteor shower
#8 have a real job
#9 have a wardrobe I am proud of
#10 learn how to take good pictures
#11 improve cooking skills
#12 swim with the dolphins
#13 watch my best friends get baptized
#14 10km run in 30 mins
#15 white water rafting
#16 shower in a waterfall
#17 be in a flash mob
#18 be confident in a bikini/ singlet
#19 clear up my skin
#20 learn to parallel park
#21 learn the guitar
#22 eat at a hatted restaurant
#23 help with microfinancing
#24 forgive
#25 go on a mission trip
#26 sponsor a child
#27 buy a house
#28 see the Northern Lights
#29 visit Disneyland
~~#30 Save a life-~~ done.

Healing hand of God - Jeremy Camp

Guitar tabs

Intro 
C#m     B       A x2

Verse 1
C#m
I have seen the many faces,
B         A
of fear and of pain.
C#m
I have watched the tears fall plenty,
B                   A
From heart ache and strain.
C#m
So if life's journey,
B                A      
Has you weary and afraid.
F#m                               A     
There's rest in the shadow of his wings.
        
C#m
I have walked through the valleys,
B                 A
The mountains and plains.
C#m
I have held the hand of freedom,
B                A
That washes all my stains.
                          E
If you feel the weight of many trials,
B                   C#m
And burdens from this world.
        F#m            E             A
There's freedom in the shelter of the Lord.

Chorus:
C#m     A       
I have seen,
E                     B
The healing hand of God,
C#m       A         E             B
Reaching out and mending broken hearts.
C#m       A             E           B
Taste and see the fullness of His peace,
       F#m       E             A
And hold on to what's being held out.
                       C#m  B  A  (x2)
The healing hand of God.




Verse 2
         C#m
I have touched the scars upon His hands,
B                  A
To see if they were real.
C#m
He has walked the road before me,
B                 A
He knows just how I feel.
         A                     E        
When you feel that there’s not anyone,
B                  C#m
Who understands your pain,
        F#m                E         A
Just remember all of Jesus' suffering.

(Chorus)

Bsus4             B
Cast all your cares on Him,
A
For He cares for you.
Bsus4              B             A
He's near to the broken and confused.
Bsus4       B
By His stripes,
      C#m
Our spirit is renewed.
A                               B
So enter in the joy prepared for you.

(Chorus)
A                       E   B
The healing hand of God (x2)
E    F#m        E                A
And hold on to what's being held out (x2)
      B     C#m      A   E   B
The healing hand of God
C#m     A               E       B
Oh      Oh              Oh      Oh

Bible study notes:

Ephesians 4

My summary:

We have been made new in Christ. We are part of God's family and each of us has been given gifts to further his kingdom. Therefore, we should live as new beings. We should get rid of the negative old ways of our past (bitterness, rage, brawling, etc). Then we can represent Christ, and not be stumbling block unto others.

Outline of chapter
Unity and growth (Ephesians 4: 1-16)

· Qualities: humble, gentle, patient, live in unity, speak truth,

· Live in unity: one body, one spirit, one hope, one faith, one baptism, one God

· We each have been given gifts to further his kingdom.

· Supporting each other’s growth.

Instructions for Christian living (Ephesians 4:17-32)

· No longer as Gentiles.

· Do not give into all sensuality, impurity, greed

· Made new in Christ

· Truthful, get rid of slander, and every form of malice

· Do not stay angry. Rid bitterness, rage, brawling

· Build up others, not be a stumbling block

· Be compassionate

Questions for discussion

1. What is our new identity?

2. Because we have this new identity, what should we do?

3. What 5 moral qualities are described?

4. Why are these 5 qualities important to maintain unity among members of the body of Christ? (Application question)

5. Why is unity important in church?

6. What are different gifts from God useful for?

7. How have you been encouraged to discover, develop and exercise the unique gift given to you from Christ at church? (Application question)

8. What does an immature believer look like?

9. Why should we no longer live like gentiles?

10. Share some experiences about your conversion. Was it instantaneous? Are you still changing?(Application)

11. How should a new person in Christ live?

12. What does Paul say about immorality, impurity and greed?

13. We may meet non-believers who embrace immorality, impurity and greed. What should we do?

Detailed notes/ guide for discussion

1. New identity

a. Part of the new promise, citizens of God’s kingdom

2. What should we do?

a. Live a life worthy of our calling- new relationship with God through Jesus Christ + new community with other believers

b. Change our behaviours

3. What 5 moral qualities are described?

a. Humility (Humble recognition of worth, that others are not less capable or intelligent than us) Christ himself was willing to be a servant to others (e.g. washing feet)

b. Gentleness (Conscious exercise of self-control, exhibiting gentleness instead of power, self-advancement) see Galatians 6:1

c. Patience (Cautious endurance that does not abandon hope even when the results aren’t immediate) see Galatians 5:22- 23, 1 Corinthians 13:4

d. Bearing with one another (mutual tolerance of differences )

e. Love (agape, unconditional, seeking the highest good and will of God in the one loved).

f. ALL of these are necessary to the maintenance of the unity of the body of Christ. And not possible by our willpower alone. Only accomplished through the power of the spirit which lives in believers individually (3:16) and corporately (2:22)

4. Share some of the prioritized efforts which you have made to maintain unity in our church lately. Why has it worked? Why hasn’t it? (Application question)

5. Why is unity important in church?

a. Because we are one

i. One body (universal church unified by the body of Christ)

ii. One spirit (Holy spirit which incorporates us to each other and gives us access to God)

iii. One hope (That everything is brought together in harmony through which God has done in Christ)

iv. One Lord (No other “lords” in our lives)

v. One faith (1- sinners 2- separate from God/eternal life by our sins 3- Christ died for our sins making us right with God)

vi. One baptism (Internal: Identification with Jesus. External: Outward ritual of water baptism)

vii. One God “Shema” Deuteronomy 6:4 and father

b. If we work as one, in unity, then we can complete our calling.

c. We each are given different gifts. Gifts are diverse. So we need to ALL work together

d. To defeat our enemies (satan, sin and death. See Psalms 68:18) Because Christ has already shown us he is victorious.

6. What are different gifts from God useful for?

a. Equipping of the saints (to prepare/train up each one of the body)

b. Service/ministry (Ministering to one another- each believer)

c. Building up the body of Christ (before reaching out to non-believers)

Note: emphasis on gift, not position.

d. Gifts :

i. Apostle: proclaiming the authority of the message of God. Establishing and building up churches

ii. Prophet: Understand and communicate the mysteries and revelation of God to the church (1 Corinthians 14: 1,3)

iii. Evangelist: Make the gospel plain and relevant to non-believers/ effective personal witnessing (Acts 21: 8, 2 Timothy 4:5)

iv. Pastor : tend, feed, protect “flock”

v. Teacher: give instruction and explanation to the members of the body of Christ of things already revealed by scripture/ by prophets. Make believers become disciples of the Lord according to the great commission.

7. How have you been encouraged to discover, develop and exercise the unique gift given to you from Christ at church?

a. Brainstorm

b. Chloe will cover this in depth in a later session

8. What does an immature believer look like?

a. Children, infants

b. Instability. Easy swayed.

c. Self-indulgent. A baby only demands and wants. When we grow up we learn to be more accommodating, live according to a purpose, etc.

9. Why should we no longer live like gentiles?

a. Gentiles: people who don’t honor God, indulgent.

b. We have been made new in Christ- renewed in the spirit of their minds

c. We have been taught to put off the old person.

d. Taught to be more like God, more righteous, more holy.

10. Share some experiences about your conversion. Was it instantaneous? Are you still changing?(Application)

a. Brainstorm

b. Are there still things yet to change?

11. How should a new person in Christ live?

a. Each has three sections. Negative command (do not) àpositive command (do this instead) and why.

b. Do not use falsehood (John 8:44, Psalms 5:6) àSpeak the truth (Zechariah 8:16). No room for poisonous communication, need to build trust so the body functions properly

c. Do not sin in anger (Psalms 4:4)àAct gently. Do not harbour resentment as it gives opportunities for the devil.

d. Do not steal (Exodus 20:15)à Work hard with own hands. So they can share with others in need (Acts 2:45)

e. Do not let corrupt talk come out of their mouthà Use encouraging/helpful words. Helpful in building up others. Convey Grace to others. Not grieve the spirit.

f. Put away bitterness, rage, anger, shouting, abusive speech, all maliceà be kind to one another/ tenderhearted/ forgiving. Because God forgave us.

12. What does Paul say about immorality, impurity and greed? Obscenity, foolish talk?

a. We should be imitators of God/ Christ.

b. Christ was self-less and loving

c. Don’t let sexual immorality (any sexual activity outside of a committed marriage relationship), impurity (an form of sexual impropriety) or greed (assume that someone else exists for your gratification)

d. No obscenity (include lewd gestures, inappropriate touching, disgusting kinds of practical jokes, etc) foolish talk (dirty jokes, degrading jest) because it does not edify other people.

e. We are set apart

13. We may meet non-believers who embrace immorality, impurity and greed. What should we do?

a. Brainstorm

Source: heidistock.blogspot.com via Karen on Pinterest

My thoughts on http://runningthrutwenty12.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/just-do-it.html

I agree with this:

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Karen on Pinterest

And this from legendary miler Sir Roger Bannister:

"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help

ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find

some outlet for this craving for freedom."

When I run, I find that I can process ideas, pray, meditate on God's word. I often recommend that clients do some form of exercise to alleviate symptoms of depression or anxiety. And there is this feel of community when you wave to fellow runners in the morning, you don't have to say much but it's as if you know each other.

And too right there is a sense of accomplishment. Especially when we are getting older and we aren't getting as much feedback as if we were children. We don't get weekly report cards, we don't constantly have tests are work. But when we cross our finish line, and look at the stopwatch, it's a sense of accomplishment.

Running isn't a way of life. Running is about training the body and the mind. It's about endurance. It's about taking extra steps even when our body wants to stop.

Our God calls us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. You can draw a parallel between running and doing God's work. At the start, you may want to start out sprinting because you feel the passion and energy. But then, it gets tough and many people drop down to a walk or may even stop. For those that keep going, despite the challenges? They reap the rewards at the end of the race!

So I say, Just do it! Run hard, work hard, preach hard. Just do it!

Hebrews 12

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

__________________________

Please support my efforts in the Gold Coast Marathon 10km run. This year I will be running for Compassion.

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/hoi_yan_li

________________________________________________________

Snipit from original article http://runningthrutwenty12.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/just-do-it.html

Just do it!

Running is not life. I'm not even sure that we were born to run. If early humans were vegans, then they didn't need to hunt. Only gather. And, apples and berries don't require chasing. Doesn't it seem reasonable that the earliest humans ate fruits, nuts, and grains? Raw meat isn't very appetizing and fire requires an inventor. How soon did that happen? Just saying.

Anyway, enthusiasts of all sorts seem to go overboard in assaying the object of their enthusiasm. I once had a t-shirt that announced "Baseball Is Life." Runners are no different. Check out this quotation from Roger Robinson in the April 2012 Running Times referring to John J. Kelley, an early winner of the Boston Marathon:

   "He was way before his time in perceiving that running is part of the greater movement of world
     environmentalism and a return to pre-industrial, non-materialistic values."

You think? Running is part of an environmentally-conscious, pre-industrial, non-materialistic culture? Why do I see so many iPods and $400 Garmin watches at the starting line of races? Not to mention expensive hi-tech shoes, shirts, sports bras, and shorts? Why are 5K entry fees $30? Marathon entry fees $100? Why are the race parking lots filled with expensive, gas-guzzling SUV's?

How about this gem from Oprah Winfrey:
   "Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."

The problem here is that you can substitute all sorts of activities for running and the rest of the quotation would still be true. How about "playing the piano"? Oprah likely said running because she was a runner at the time. As far as I know, she's never played the piano.

And this from legendary miler Sir Roger Bannister:
      "We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help
      ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find
some outlet for this craving for freedom."

It damn well better be doing me some good! I guess that it's either running or therapy for Sir Roger. And, running is cheaper. Anyway, when I think of people craving for freedom, I think of Syrians, not some stockbroker with a BMW and $120 running shoes.

And, here's Patti Sue Plummer on racing:

     "The gun goes off and everything changes... the world changes... and nothing else really matters."

Maybe it works that way in the temporary bubble that envelopes the competitors. Otherwise, the world goes on its merry way. Even for the runners, the illusion is ephemeral. All the old problems and worries that existed before the gun went off are still there once you've crossed the finish line.

All running quotations aren't pretentious, hyperbolic, or silly. Some are modest, measured, or wise. Here are a few:

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."--Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it come down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes."--Don Kardong, marathoner

"Maybe I shouldn't have had breakfast at Denny's."--Jordan Kent, runner

KIKOPRINCESS: Faith as small as a mustard seed

Review: Jeremy camp live facebook concert (2012)

Movie review: Elevator Girl (2010)

30 before 30- final list