Movie Review: Date night 2010

Movie summary: A couple married with children are used to the same routine. They go on these date nights which are also very routine. One night, they decide to do something different and they head to a chic restaurant in a city. They couldn't get a reservation and assumed the identity of a couple who did not show up in order to dine. And that is where the adventure starts as the mob and police all get involved. As they are running away, they "discuss" issues that have come up in their relationship, from the annoying habits each of them have to issues of trust and love.


My thoughts: As long as you don't expect a cinema masterpiece, you will enjoy a nice night in with Steve Carell. It's slapstick humour combined with the recognition of the daily struggles of a couple in an insane situation. I'm going to say I enjoyed it because the film touched on issues that are really real. It's a film geared at parents more than children.

Couples, once they get married, may loose the excitement and wild life in which they courted. But behind the mundane, the key to a successful relationship is a foundation on love.




My cousin passed on a website which reminds me of this movie. Love, as cliche as it sounds is essential to a relationship. http://theresurgence.com/2012/03/19/for-the-gals-8-principles-for-dating


I recently came across a 20-year-old photo of Phil and me when we were dating. I started thinking about how very little I knew about relationships, men, and marriage then.
Formulating a list of what I would tell myself back then, my advice began with a stern warning to stay away from any man with a mullet . . . but then again, it was the ’90s—every man had a mullet!
On a more serious note, these are eight principles that would have taken much confusion and heartbreak out of those tumultuous dating years. I hope they help you:

1. REPEAT AFTER ME: “YOU ARE LOVED.” 

I am not kidding. Repeat. After. Me. Out loud, often, with conviction. These are such simple words to say, but they have the most deep and resounding impact on our souls if we would just believe.
God says to his daughters in Jeremiah: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." Until you have tasted God’s eternal, steadfast, redeeming love, hold off on looking for a man. You may just end up settling for a quick love that cannot fill your core heart’s longing. Even if you are not currently being pursued by a man, you are constantly being pursued by Jesus.

2. YOU ARE LESS BEAUTIFUL THAN YOU THINK AND MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN YOU BELIEVE.

Our sin makes us ugly. No amount of makeup, clothing, or confident, flirtatious façade can change that fact. It takes a humble, redeemed woman changed by God to admit the ugliness of her sin and rest in her beauty in Christ. We must repent of our pride, our shame, our obsession with our looks. We must believe and embrace who God made us to be: beautiful in his image.
True beauty emanates from a woman who boldly and unabashedly knows who she is in Christ.

3. CONSIDER WHAT CONTROLS YOU.

Is it fear, loneliness, demand for a man, seeking approval, career, money?
Let the love of Christ control you. Pay attention to what is controlling your heart as you wait for a date, are in a dating relationship, or even into marriage. We settle for lesser gods than the one who died for us and love us unconditionally.
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who might live no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

4. ADDRESS YOUR DADDY ISSUES.

Most of us have them—wounds on our hearts from our earthly fathers and their shortcomings. Whether yours was absent and uninvolved or abusive and abandoning, don’t let him define who you believe your heavenly Father to be. Even if you have a godly and protective father, he is not God.
You are not looking for a dad-duplicate or a dad-replacement in a man. You have a perfect heavenly Father.
Let Scripture reveal to you who God is as Dad and what kind of care he gives his daughters.
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13

5. CHARM AND BEAUTY ARE NOT A GOOD DATING PLAN.

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30
Often, our grand scheme for how to snag a date goes only skin-deep. We put massive pressure on ourselves to pour on the charm and look cute wherever we go, not realizing that a godly man will also be concerned about inner beauty. God certainly is.
"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:4
A woman who fears the Lord is one who, despite her desire for a date, fears being far away from God more than she does missing out on a man who is easily fooled by her exterior.

6. REALIZE YOU ARE ALREADY SUBMITTING—OR ARE YOU?

Submission is not only for wives. God asks for a submitted heart now, one that trusts in his provision and plan for your life, including dating. Ultimately, dating, and all of life, is about submission—waiting and trusting God and saying as Jesus does, “Not my will but yours be done.”
This does not, however, leave you helpless, hopeless, and hamstrung in the relationship department. A godly woman can express friendly interest in a brother in Christ. 
  • It is OK to mingle—but don’t manipulate.
  • Peruse—but don’t pursue. Let him initiate.
  • Take notice of the godly men serving Jesus around you—but never stalk. It’s creepy.
  • Cross paths with a man who interests you—but don’t tackle him.

7. DRESS TO KILL . . .

. . . your evil desires and his. We all know what it’s like to be noticed for what we wear. Your desire to draw attention to yourself is vanity. Do not falsely advertise what is not available to anyone but your future husband. Don’t open the door for men to make assumptions about you by what you wear. Help your brothers in Christ by dressing modestly and appropriately (and by all means, neatly, cleanly, and fashionably!) Check your heart for your motives when you dress.

8. GUARD YOUR HEART.

Guarding one’s heart is still an issue even if no one is overtly vying for it.  Watch out for the “might be” snare, as in, "He 'might be' flirting with me and so I’m going to get carried away thinking about every possible place [read: marriage] that could lead."
It is entirely possible to honor God, yourself, and a brother in Christ on a date. Don’t elevate him or the relationship to the place that God alone should hold in your heart. Enjoy, don’t idolize . . . and for goodness sake, relax! A cup of coffee does not necessarily mean a diamond ring is soon to follow.
As a single woman, give your heart fully, wholly, unabashedly, and devotedly to Christ alone.
Be active, vigilant, and careful about how much of your heart you give to a man. Be able to walk away from a dating relationship with your whole heart intact so that your future husband is not robbed of part of it down the road. Prayerfully consider what, when, how much to give away.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
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Movie review: 流浪漢世界盃 We will rock you team of miracles

Movie Summary: The story follows a christian social worker as he cares for the disadvantaged on the streets of Hong Kong. He trains them and makes them into a team of soccer players.

My thoughts: You can't rate a christian gospel film the same way as a blockbuster. I think it would be unfair to compare it to Shaolin soccer or any cinema hits. The actors (although some professionals) were not entirely convincing but the storyline made up for it. I first watched this film in a cinema (in a foreign country) filled with hundreds of Asias. I laughed, I tried. I thought, I loved. I really recommend this film for youth groups and for adult fellowships.

Not long ago, I found myself in a really underprivileged part of vancouver. So I've seen homeless people before- on street corners and in asia. While unfortunate in their circumstances, they looked unthreatening. But this particular time, I felt like I was in serious danger. Many of them were not of sane mind, intoxicated or both. They were talking to themselves, their clothes were smelly, they had visible dental issues and the spoke with a gruff and threatening tone. They lugged with them all their belongings- cardboard boxes, clothes, plastic bottles. I wanted to avoid eye contact and run as far as possible.

I am really ashamed of my response to these people in need. And I have a high appreciation for those who work in social work and charity settings who help these people everyday. In fact, Jesus, when he was on Earth hangout with those we wouldn't be caught dead around. He ate with prostitutes, was friends with tax collectors, touched the dirty and diseased.

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

Resounding the song... forgiveness, matthew west
Show me how to love, the unloveable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
To do the impossible, forgiveness....
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Sign language

When travelling, you don't only look to the sights and sounds, you also people-watch. Sometimes its sitting in a popular coffee house, on the street or even on public transport.

Today, I was sitting on the bus when a family got on. The mother was mute and she proceeded to have an argument with her child in sign language. The child was frustrated and wanted to tell her mother something, but her mother refused to look at her to see the signs. Finally, the mother looked and then they began to play games and converse in a loving way = all without a sound. It was a beautiful sight, and bought a smile to my face.

Sometimes we may ask for guidance from God and hear nothing. We want him to tell us via phone, text, facebook messages- we want clear guidance about what to do. Sure, God may sometimes be silent, but he's always there. Sure he may be angry, but he loves us. We need to do our part too- we must turn our face towards him, in order to see the signs he shows us.

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.


We too are signs for others. We should be bright shinning, flashing lights to others leading them to Jesus!



guitar tabs

                              SHOW JESUS                  JAMIE GRACE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tabbed by:hurricaneherman
Tuning:Standard

A very cool song, yet simple.

~INTRO~

E  B  C#m  A           E        B     C#m   A
           La la la la la la la la la yeah

~VERSE~

E                            B            C#m                 A
Your smile's always shinning out and they know what it's all about
         E                       B                    C#m     A
It's not hard for them to figure out the way you show Jesus
    E                      B             C#m               A
You know love is what they heard and you didn't even say a word
         E                       B                   C#m   A
Ain't it funny that's the way it works when you know Jesus


~PRE CHORUS~

E B          C#m                        A                              E    B
Oh it's like flipping on a light switch when you're walking in to this room
        A      B
It's so undeniable


~CHORUS~

        E                        B      C#m               A
I gotta tell you that I like the way anytime anywhere any place
     E                     B                     C#m      A
It's written all over your face the way you love Jesus
       E                B           C#m                 A
And it always speaks to me a little joy with a touch of peace
     E        B                    C#m    A
It's so inspiring the way you show Jesus
   E                    B    C#m                       A
So gimme that gimme that and show me that show me that
   E                    B                 C#m          A
Oh gimme that gimme that the way you show Jesus


~VERSE~

         E                  B         C#m                       A
When I'm feeling down on my luck when life's hard and times get tough
       E                      B                 C#m             A
You're right there to pick me up when you bring Jesus
      E             B           C#m                        A
Cause every now and then we all need a really good friend
       E             B                  C#m        A
You're always one of them when you show Jesus

~PRE CHORUS~

E B          C#m                        A                              E    B
Oh it's like flipping on a light switch when you're walking in to this room
        A         B
It's so unmistakeable


~CHORUS~

        E                        B      C#m               A
I gotta tell you that I like the way anytime anywhere any place
     E                     B                     C#m      A
It's written all over your face the way you love Jesus
       E                B           C#m                 A
And it always speaks to me a little joy with a touch of peace
     E        B                    C#m    A
It's so inspiring the way you show Jesus
   E                    B    C#m                       A
So gimme that gimme that and show me that show me that
   E                    B                 C#m          A
Oh gimme that gimme that the way you show Jesus


~BRIDGE~

B C#m        A                                                         B  C#m
Oh it's like flipping on a light switch when you're walking in to this room
        A
It's so unmistakeable
   B C#m       A                                            B C#m        
And oh show up any time of day you could never get here too soon
          A                      A        B
You're so unbelievable you're so unbelievable


~CHORUS~

        E                        B      C#m               A
I gotta tell you that I like the way anytime anywhere any place
     E                     B                     C#m      A
It's written all over your face the way you love Jesus
       E                B           C#m                 A
And it always speaks to me a little joy with a touch of peace
     E        B                    C#m    A
It's so inspiring the way you show Jesus
   E                    B    C#m                       A
So gimme that gimme that and show me that show me that
   E                    B                 C#m          A
Oh gimme that gimme that the way you show Jesus


~OUTRO~

   E                    B    C#m                       A
So gimme that gimme that and show me that show me that
   E                    B                 C#m         
Oh gimme that gimme that the way you show Jesus
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God gave me You for the ups and downs

Besides nature, one of my favourite things to capture in photos are couple shots. There is something beautiful about taking pictures of two people who belong together.

Young couples who think that they along exist in the world, or old couples who still love each other.

Relationships can be gifts from God. When we seek God's will in finding our significant other, we will find that Two are better than One. As I view the couples in my new church family, I can see how God can draw upon the strengths of both people to further their personal growth and further God's kingdom. On the other hand, I know how long these relationships will last on earth. While some naturally dissolve, others are faced with physical separate due to distance or death. Let us treasure those who are around us while they are still here. They are a gift from God, let us know demand to get our needs met but really try to love the other person and meet their needs and help them grow.

I don't know if my other half is out there somewhere, but for now, I am thankful that I can see love around me. And I hope that I can be a strength for other single people out there, and pick them up when they are down.

Finally, Happy birthday daddy. Always treasured, never forgotten.


Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

New International Version (NIV)
9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.



http://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/d/dave_barnes/god_gave_me_you_crd.htm


"God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes
From "What We Want, What We Get" (2010)
Tabbed by Wessley Mitchell and Kevin Dorth

Tuning:  Standard
Capo:  None
(Dave Barnes plays with a capo on the
first fret in concert, but the song
sounds fine without one when playing
with the studio version.)

   Aadd9    E     C#m*    B*    F#m*
e|---0------0------0------0------0---|
B|---0------0------0------0------0---|
G|---2------1------6------4------2---|
D|---2------2------6------4------4---|
A|---0------2------4------2------4---|
E|---X------0------X------X------0---|

Intro:  Aadd9  E  C#m*  B*

Verse 1:
Aadd9       E
I've been a walking heartache,
C#m*        B*
I've made a mess of me.
Aadd9           E
The person that I've been lately
C#m*        B*
Ain't who I wanna be.
Aadd9         E
You stay here right beside me,
C#m*         B*
Watch as the storm blows through,
F#m*             Aadd9  B*
And I need you.

Chorus:
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the ups and downs.
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the days of doubt.
           Aadd9              E
For when I think I've lost my way,
             C#m*               B*
There are no words here left to say.
     F#m*   Aadd9
It's true:
    B*
God gave me you.

Aadd9  E  C#m*  B*
Aadd9  E  C#m*  B*

Verse 2:
Aadd9                  E
There's more here than what were seeing,
C#m*     B*
A divine conspiracy,
Aadd9        E
That you, an angel lovely
C#m*          B*
Could somehow fall for me.
Aadd9            E
You'll always be love's great martyr,
C#m*        B*
I'll be the flattered fool.
F#m*             Aadd9  B*
And I need you.

Chorus:
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the ups and downs.
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the days of doubt.
           Aadd9              E
For when I think I've lost my way,
             C#m*               B*
There are no words here left to say.
     F#m*   Aadd9
It's true:
    B*
God gave me you.

Bridge:
C#m*                Aadd9
On my own I'm only
                         E
Half of what I could be--I
                 B*   C#m*
Can't do without you.
                           Aadd9
We are stitched together,
                            E
And what love has tethered--I
                B*
Pray we never undo.

Final Chorus:
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the ups and downs.
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the days of doubt.
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the ups and downs.
Aadd9                   E               C#m*  B*
God gave me you for the days of doubt.
           Aadd9              E
For when I think I've lost my way,
             C#m*               B*
There are no words here left to say.
     F#m*   Aadd9
It's true:
    B*
God gave me you.

Outro:
Aadd9  E  C#m*  B*  (Repeat to End)
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Movie Review: Hugo (2011)

Movie summary: Hugo lives with his dad. His dad has a fascination of fixing things and works in a museum. He takes home a human-shaped broken robot. He and his son try to fix it but before they succeed, he dies. Hugo's custody then lies with his drunken uncle who works to keep the clocks running at a railway station. He mysteriously vanishes from the scene and Hugo is left to survive and run the clocks alone. He befriends a girl and shares with her his vision- that the world is like a machine and there are no extra parts. Each part has it's own worth and purpose. The story follows how Hugo tries to fix the machine against all odds and finds his purpose in life. In the process, the pair go on an adventure that fixes the lives of others.

My thoughts: The film is a marvel. It's beautifully shot. And attention to the detail in the film is breathtaking. It made laugh, shocked, cry. It bought out the themes of love, lost and discovery.
God also doesn't make extra parts. Each part has a purpose. We each have a purpose. I'm in the process of discovering mine.

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?
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the short leash

As part of my American experience, i walk the dog when I come home from work. Mandy is the cutest little thing.
Now although she is tiny, she is really strong. So I keep her on a short leash and we negotiate whether we are going straight or turning or back home.
On the first day, she got the better of me and I picked her up and changed her direction. The second day, she flat out refused to let me lead, she was leading me. I was worried that if I ever had children what kind of mother I would be. Would I be a helicopter mother who won't let their kids explore.
Now, after a week with Mandy, I'm comfortable with letting Mandy explore the world around her and come back to me. I let the leash out a little further. A me who is a constant. She knows now that I get changed after work and will take her for a walk. She knows how far she can go before she has to turn back with me.
I wonder if God is like that? He has given us incredible freedom to explore the world around us. He is always there even if we forget him in our busyness. He calls us to come back to his side so that he can guide us and lead us to green pastures. Our owner loves us and knows the best for us, if only we follow by his side.
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Review: I kissed Dating Goodbye IV

Review: I kissed Dating Goodbye IV: Looking ahead

Summary: In the first section Harris reminds us that worldly dating is defective. In the second second, he explains how we should love others. In the third section he teaches us how to make it work.

Having realistic expectations about marriage
- marriage doesn't end at the ceremony
- Marriage should be held in honor: Bible equates Jesus relationship with the church as a marriage. 
- Marriage is a refining process. Marriage is giving and forgiving.

Looking for true character
- looking for things that last.
- True character is defined by the decisions and choices that people make each and everyday.
- How a person relates to God.Looking for a man or woman who as a single, seeks God wholeheartedly, putting Him before anything else.
- How a person relates to authorities.
- How a person relates to parents
- How a person relates to the opposite sex
- How a person relates to companions
- Personal discipline. How a person uses time, money, care for own body.

Attitudes:
- An attitude of willing obedience to God
- An attitude of humility
- Attitude of industriousness
- Attitude of contenment

From friendship to marriage?
- Casual friendship-> deeper friendship -> courtship -> engagement
- responsible for relationship with that person, with family/friends, with church and God
- friendship deepening activities with family and friends
- avoid doing things that express romantic love.
- watch and pray before moving past friendship.
- greenlights: God's word, are you ready for marriage? Approval and support from parents. God's peace.
- guys take the lead for the bible ordains a guy to be the spiritual leader.  Girls be really honest in your responses.

Someday I'll have a story to tell.

My thoughts: I found this section very helpful. I mean, it's much of the same things we would talk to couples about who go through couples therapy. Irrelevant of your belief, its important to be clear on expectations on a relationship. It is also important to really observe whether the person fits into your expectations of a partner and visa versa.

Over many meals, the topic of what to look for in a potential partner is often thrown around. Many times, I have had to defend my "checklist" to christians and non-christians alike. Now my list isn't huge, but it's probably hard to achieve. Someone who loves God, loves me and loves others. And likewise, I am hoping that I can be that person too- someone who strives to please God, serve and Honor God with all that I do. Someone who truly loves those around me.

Having taken this different attitude- of saying goodbye to dating, I have been challenged. Just when I am not dating, suddenly many many eligible guys come to the centre of the stage. But thanks to my commitment with some people I know- who will keep me accountable, I will treat these guys as nothing but friends. This is truly a refreshing way to get to know others without expectations of a relationship. I feel like I am growing stronger relationships without compromising emotionally. And until I get God's green light I look forward to meeting many more male and female friends!
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