Restarting my fencing classes

Today, I restarted my fencing classes again. I was already falling into inertia, so it was a good jolt, as I did a "refresher" course. Believe it or not, I was the only adult taking classes! The rest were secondary school kids! My colleagues were not continuing (some only next year).

However, this time round I tried épée for the 1st time. This is different from foil; epee's target area is any part of the body. So I had to remember that I can poke anywhere, and must be quick & swift. The épée, descendant of the duelling sword is heavier than foil with a larger guard. Yes, got an injury on my fencing arm (won't "show it off" this time around). Will need to wear some bandage on my left arm next time for better protection.

On the whole, it was quite exhilarating! Though I need to build up my stamina 1st and train myself to be fitter. Need to train my thrusts too, so that I can hit target accurately.

Marley & Me

I've finally finished reading Marley & Me ~ "The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life".

This is a must read for all dog lovers! I learned a lot more about labradors. It takes a lot of responsibility. I didn't know dogs grey too when they get old!

The book records the life of Marley from the time of his "adoption" as a puppy till his death. You get to know this dog as he journeys with the writer & his family, from the time they were newly married to having kids, like a personal friend & you feel you're a part of the life of the dog, endearing him to you. You'll find yourself laughing & crying as you read along. I nearly choked on my tears as the book went into its last few chapters when Marley was reaching the end of life's journey.

Don't you just love dogs? Unfortunately, I don't own one.

Unequally yoked & infidelity

Today, attended another event and there was some talk about why a Christian must marry a Christian. Surprisingly, not all Christians seem to agree...or rather they don't agree that you can't date a non-Christian, but the person can eventually be converted (it seems that mostly guys think this way, but an occasional female did say the same). Also, a lady friend of mine commented that it seems that it is "easier" for guys to get gals to convert rather than the other way. 1 person even said he had "no preference". It seems to be like some people think that "well, if the other party is a Christian it will be better, but we can settle for a non-Christian & they will eventually come around".
Huh?! Forgive me, I'm really sometimes very surprised/puzzled when fellow Christians think this way & I myself never considered such an alternative once I became a believer. Maybe it is the way of the world that changes people's perspective on such a matter as the relationship dynamics in society change.

Anyway, that's beside the point. I believed I mentioned earlier that if that's the case, you're more motivated for self-interest and there might be repercussions in future.

Ok, back to the chat. During the conversation, I seemed to have a sudden revelation or rather a light bulb went on in me to ponder if being unequally-yoked is actually like infidelity towards GOD. I am someone who cannot stand infidelity (as do many others). And seeking someone not of the same faith is like side-stepping the path which leads to GOD and succumbing to temptation outside the body of Christ. It's hard for me to explain why I suddenly had this in mind or felt this way, but it's like you're committing "adultery".

For me, I strongly believe in finding a Christian to be my bf and husband. Hence, I hope/expect the other party to share this same value as me, that he will only look for Christians to be his future partner. Although I don't wish to be judgmental, but it might reflect on how he looks at his faith. For me, leaving your options "more open" for people of other faiths is like opening a door to step into darkness or a host of temptations & danger. Why risk it?
It's perfectly fine to be friends with people of other faiths, but boundaries have to be put in place if there is a risk of going further incautiously. It's like walking on thin ice and as the ice melts (like the other person melts you :P), you can drop in anytime in places that are more vulnerable than others to be swallowed underwater. (Maybe that's why ladies are more prone to "melt away"?)
Ok, it sounds bleak but i'm pretty serious about it.

It's not about settling for something that you can have right now (even when you know it's against His will), but GOD honours those who are patient and willing to wait.

Do I sound very 专制？ I believe there are those who share this belief with me.

A Season for Everything

It seems GOD has been repeating stuff (at least to me) lately. From my earlier entry about his faithfulness, this time, He's emphasizing about patience.

This week's network meeting mentioned about "A Time for Everything" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8); about the chronos, kairos & pleroo times of life.

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace"

Then, this morning as I was reading a section of a chapter of a book, the same verses came out. After that, as I was reading "Our Daily Bread" The same verses again!

Guess as from the previous message, I have to be patient & let GOD do his work at His timing; He's saying "wait a while lah".

Amazing how GOD repeats His message to us...maybe He knows I'm those brooding kind, so needs more?

Putting your "Isaac" on the Altar

I believe some have heard the biblical account of Abraham commanded by GOD to "sacrifice" his only GOD-given son, Isaac, who was born to him when he was 100 yrs old (GOD had promised Abraham that He will make him the father of nations).
Abraham, being the obedient servant of GOD obeyed & brought Isaac to the designated area & built an altar, placing Isaac on it. Just as he was about to carry out the deed, an angel of the LORD stopped him and said that the LORD has provided something else (Genesis 22).

Anyway, what I'm trying to write here is that at this week's network meeting, our pastor mentioned about putting her "Isaac" on the altar.
For me, are there any "Isaac"s that need to be put on the altar? I believe I have and the LORD seemed to be telling me to leave it in His hands and He has his timing. I should let go & let GOD and not keep thinking & fretting over something I know I can't control.
I'm trying to do that & keep praying, though I still tend to want to know & am anxious to know.