Yoshi’s Noteboard 2.0
Write About NowArchive for Devotions
Simplicity
The Christian walk consists of simple faith. Obedience sums up the entire experience. If we do not know how to walk with Him, if we are careless, we miss the Way and then wonder why our lives end up the way they do. If you don’t want that happening, choose faith. Seek to obey the little things that you are called to do. Its not easy, but it is not as hard as we think either.
And whatever happens, though He slay us, let us still praise Him.
Entering a New Phase
I’ve never trained formally as a basketball player, although sometimes I wish I had. I find I still fumble at my fundamentals, after all these years. Sometimes I get to play, sometimes not… especially when the conditions are not right. And since my early days, when my many efforts saw missed shots and devastating disappointments, I have since honed my skills and developed accuracy, confidence and team awareness.
But, I realize a yawning lack still, and try as I might, I know there are many things that I still have not trained for. My footwork is erroneous and my passing too predictable. I get too tense under pressure. My game style is too boring.
I am super gung ho for the game right now, but I have also learnt not to be too hung up on it either, and risk fouling out the joy. When my fear of failure makes another pass at me, I freeze. So I’m learning to relax and take the plays as they come, although I’m still missing baskets, losing games.
But today, I will reach for the ball again and begin anew.
[ps. This post isn't about basketball.]
Tree Quote
“Train up a fig tree in the way it should go, and when you are old sit under the shade of it.” Charles Dickens.
The heart’s desire for anyone/everyone involved with molding lives and shaping character.
Smitten
Only one word comes to mind... the calm before the storm.
The cries of ‘Holy, Holy’ remind me of the cherubim encircling the Great Throne, and my spirit quickens. My hairs are standing on edge.
My being resonates with the worship resounding in the heavens, where lightning and thunder arc to glory and majesty incomparable.
As the storm begins to swirl on this boat of simple makeup, I look past the rain that will flood my tear-dried face. Everything will fade- my dryness, my anger, my anxiety and my petty worries. My boat will fill with water from the waves and will probably sink.
But how can I refuse the voice, “Come…” ?
Belligerence Begins Again
During devotions yesterday, among many things learnt was: “The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgement.” (Prov 18:1, NRSV) Which struck a chord, since I like being alone, and realized that many a recluse was self-indulgent, myself included.
Another verse which got me was, “Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.” (Prov 19:2, NRSV) Resonated because I was just nursing a defeat at basketball where I lost the game because I was too nervous- couldn’t get my shots right- and also the considerations of leadership and moving through unchartered waters. More knowledge and insight is needed.
Israel votes today... pic courtesy of Rina Castelnuovo for The New York Times
Interesting article written by an Israeli on the recent war in Gaza, and how Israel will vote in their elections this afternoon. Click on picture for news report on the elections.
Khairy at an UMNO meeting in 2007. He required that all UMNO Youth do the same at such meetings, or be riskedbeing labelled as traitors to their race. Click on image for news article.
Even in Perak, a timely reminder that Khairy is still stoking racial sentiments, as the Little Napoleons begin to strut their plummage afresh.
