Probably my last post for a while, as I see how my reverse sabbath pans out. I was watching with Anna something on the God channel (which is something I don’t normally do). The speaker was speaking about dreaming big, and giving all these examples of people that did great things, made their businesses go global, go from teacher to school board member, or give world changing speaches.

I understand his point, that we shouldn’t limit ourselves or God, and that there maybe a much bigger plan for you life than you have. But the truth is maybe the plan isn’t bigger…

And that’s not to place limits on anyone or just be realistic, but its to be truthful. Maybe instead of dreaming big, we should dream impossible. The calling on your life may in the world’s or prosperity gospel wielding preacher’s eyes, small. But that makes it no less noble, impossible or true.

Paul traveled all over eastern Europe, very big indeed, but Stephen was stoned and a martyr in the early beginnings of the church, and let us not forget the widow’s might.

And so for me dreaming impossible in truth, I dream to be a faithful husband, who loves his wife like Christ loves the church, and to be a father that does not pass his wounds on to his children, is involved in their lives and loves them unconditionally.

Part of the reason for the reverse sabbath is a lack of being inspired by my dreams for the future, and along with some other discussions with Janakan, was my reason for publishing them at 43 Things.

Ok, really random, but I’ve been back into Lost (and Prison Break) recently, and I really liked this summary that was on the Season 4 DVDs:

Those of you that know me know I’ve talked a lot about sabbath recently. I definitely feel its an important part to the rhythm of life, and something a persistent achiever like me can forget in favour of getting stuff done.

Recent events (lack of joy, tiredness, a hurt neck) have led me to believe that I really need a proper holiday, which apart from a week last year I probably haven’t had in 4 years. I guess some might call it a “sabbatical”, but I’m calling it a reverse sabbath. I intend to only work or use my computer once a week, and take a complete break the other days for the whole of July, instead of the other way around.

It will be really good because my mum and sister are visiting and Anna is on holiday AND I’m going our church mission trip from 20th to the 30th :-) So I’ll be much less frequent at replying to emails and you guys can all keep a check on me, although if its an emergency I might just have to :-P

I have a couple more blog posts tonight, and then I’m signed off for July.

I recently attended this fundraiser for North Korea. They screen the full length version of this video and was struck by how bad things were, or maybe I always knew, but hid it back there somewhere. But now I more than know, I am aware. Aware of starvation, aware of the fear of death and punishment, aware of the blind worship of their supreme leader.

And with awareness, we must do something. Along with the video they screened I also found this on google video:

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

If you do insist on you using internet explorer instead of a real browser you might as well upgrade to internet explorer 8 and get a standards compliant browser:

http://www.upgradeie.com

Recently found this on the Ravi Zacharias DVD store and then realised it could be streamed and downloaded for free at google video.

Little side note, at 13:10 Richard Dawkins checks his iPhone, he can’t be all bad :-P

When I was 18 I got a beautiful ES-175 Reissue jazz guitar, intending to use it at Jazz gigs. As it turns out its the one guitar I’ve never gigged with, oh I played a couple of weddings! Anyway as part of wanting to live on less so that others can simply live I’m going to sell it.

Money from the sale will go towards the Shatin Anglican Church Solar Lighting project in Duncalan, Philippines. Leave a comment on this post with your email if you’re interested.

1) As new condition with case
2) Pickups changed to the amazing sounding Bendetto B-6s
3) Original pickups included
4) Beautiful flame maple top
5) HK$15,000

Sabbath is a day to remember that I am loved just because I exist.

Sabbath is taking a day a week to remind myself that I did not make the world and that it will continue to exist without my effort.

Sabbath is a day when my work is done, even if it isn’t.

Sabbath is a day when my job is to enjoy. Period.

Sabbath is a day when I am fully available to myself and those I love most.

Sabbath is a day when I remember that when God made the world, he saw that it was good.

Sabbath is a day when I produce nothing.

Sabbath is a day when I remind myself that I am not a machine.

Sabbath is a day when at the end I say, “I didn’t do anything today,” and I don’t add, “And I feel so guilty.”

Sabbath is a day when my phone is turned off, I don’t check my email, and you can’t get ahold of me.

Rob Bell on Shabbat or Sabbath (Hebrew: שַׁבָּת) in Velvet Elvis

Just some random things, some screen shots showing that the MTR isn’t doing very well running windows on its displays, and one showing Pret’s new $10 sandwiches :-)