Blessed brothers

Had a really good evening tonight.  After Bible study I went to dinner with Vince and Gary.  The dinner was unplanned.  Initial idea was to go to Rumours, then we checked out La Tasca, a Turkish grill place, Mussel Inn and then finally we settled for Pulcinella on Hope Street.

The dinner was was quite impromptu, but I was glad we chose the Italian restaurant because we had good seats with lighting through the window and the glass entrance.  Red and white large checked table cloth and light wooden chairs gave it a nice Italian "homely" feel (reminds me of the Dolmio pasta sauce adverts).  The waitresses Italian accented English also completed the authentic Italian feel.  Haha!  Enough of these descriptions as I am not here to review the restaurant nor the food.  =P

We had a three course meal, and over the sharing of food we shared about our lives and how great God has been to us individually.  Besides being Chinese and roughly the same age, the biggest thing the three of us had in common was the fact that we were at a crossroad of our lives and God is leading us into new adventures.  We all had good news to share!

The good news

Vince will be going to China to teach English.  After months of praying to God for direction and not knowing where to go.  After facing a numbers of disappointments when doors closed on him, God has finally showed Vince where He wants him to be and provided this great opportunity for him uproot and move to the land of the unknown.  Obviously this is an exciting time for Vince, but also a very big move and one which really needs God's guidance and His presence.  I remember just a few months back Vince was saying how he felt quite lost at the crossroads of his life and was seeking God's will.  Aaron reminded him to "enjoy this time of sabbatical" and during this time God could be preparing something great for Vince.  Now here we are and we now know where it is God is leading him to.  =)

Gary was praying and seeking God's will regarding his career.  His heart's desire was to be a chef and he had applied for various jobs as a commis chef.  Also met with a few disappointing responses from applications Gary did not give up in applying nor in prayer.  Eventually last Friday he was given the opportunity of a work trial in a high class restaurant about ten minutes drive away from his house.  Although there was a slight mix up with the time of his arrival to the trial.  Although there were two other people doing the same work trial too.  Although Gary was asked to perform certain tasks he had not done before.  Despite all these things, he was offered the job over the other candidates!!  How amazing is that!  In today's world when it is so hard to find a job.  It's such a competitive market where sometimes qualifications and work experience could mean nothing because of job cuts everywhere.  But that did not stop Gary from getting the job.  When God is for you, nothing will be against you!  This is another story of God's awesomeness and a display of His amazing love and providence for Gary!  =)

It was a great evening of sharing about God's greatness and generally it was a very happy time at the table.  The restaurant wasn't too busy either so noise level was minimal and we managed to have good conversations.  I felt really at peace over dinner and felt God's amazingness.  The three of us at the table were at the crossroads stage of our lives.  We were all heading into new directions with God as our compass.

As for me, well I am coming to the end of my franchise with the national driving school AA.  I have been with them since day one, trained and qualified with them and then took a franchise from November 2009.  This will end on the 30th of March 2011 (this coming Wednesday).  During this time I have met a lot of fantastic people through the training and also as a qualified instructor.  God has been with me throughout the whole process: the theory test, the extended driving test and the most dreaded test of instructional ability.  When I felt at my lowest, when I struggled with things the most, God provided me with people who would give me encouragement, give me inspiration to fire me back up.  These included family, friends, Christians and non-Christians.  Throughout it all I was reminded that God has a plan to prosper me, a plan not to harm me but give me hope and a future.  On the day I qualified I knew I had nothing to boast but to boast in the grace and love of God for me and my future.  It was strongly affirmed that this was a path God wanted me to be in.

Working as a driving instructor has it's many ups and downs.  I found myself at the mercy of the weather on numerous occasions and it was mighty frustrating.  I ranted and moaned but ultimately I know God was still in control.  After being with the franchise for sixteen months I have learnt enough about the industry to become confident enough to start up my own business, my own driving school where I give tuition in my private vehicle and no longer rely on the franchise brand to help me attract potential pupils.  Truth be told, I have not had any AA-introduced pupils for at least six to seven months now.  Every pupil whom I've met have come through word of mouth, which again I put down to God's providence.  He has provided enough for me to sustain myself and I rely on that rather than rely on a national franchise.  "Going independent" has it's risks and I had carefully considered my options before deciding on sending the letter of termination to the franchise.  I then had to look for a suitable vehicle to give tuition in, install dual controls, find driving instructor insurance, order a roof sign and order accessories for the vehicle.  This is finally all complete after a hectic four weeks and I am now only awaiting my roof sign to arrive and everything will be all set for my to start my first day of a new business on Friday 1st April.

A new adventure

I am so looking forward to starting this new adventure as well.  God has been there throughout this setting up process too and helped me find the right car, getting a good deal, helped me find the right insurance at the right price.  He blessed me with instructor friends who'd offer lots of help and advice as I was setting up and when I was most frustrated recently and occasional self-doubt, He once again blessed me with reassurance that I can do it, that I have a good car, that everything will be ok!  :)

I am very thankful to God for His wonderful self and I am forever grateful.  Not one day goes by without me thinking of how amazing He is to me and I look up to the sky and smile.  I want to venture into this new journey with God and I look forward to the road ahead, wherever it might take me.  I won't have to worry because I know God will be with me every step of the way =)

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Three years ago

Three years ago I was on holiday in Hong Kong with my mum.  It was exactly three years to date that I had my last crisp!  The crisps were a tube of Pringles, French consome flavour.

It was not my intention not to eat crisps anymore.  In fact, if I knew I'd end up not eating crisps for that long I might have finished the Pringles!  Haha!  The French Consome flavour was nothing special to be honest.  Even now I can't remember anything distinctive about the taste.  I only bought it because it was a flavour that I had not seen in the UK.  And it had Japanese writing on it too which made it more exotic!  Haha!  When I got back from Hong Kong in 2008 I wanted to make it "special" by not having anymore crisps until I go back to Hong Kong.  When I first came back I was very excited to go back again you see.  And had spoken to mum about possibly revisiting within two years (this was backed up by our friends Jack and Avis).  However, lots happened from that time on and three years later we still haven't been back to Hong Kong!  The only holiday I've been on was to Dublin, which I tried alcohol there, not crisps!  Haha!

So, yes, a blogpost dedicated to celebrating three years of abstaining from crisps, poppadoms, prawn crackers etc etc.  One less snack means less oil in body and less 'heatiness' which causes things like spots and sore throats etc.  Also less grease on fingers which is good for my phone, my computer keyboard etc.  Haha!!  Peace out!!  =D

Hate the sin, love the sinner

The above phrase "Hate the sin, love the sinner" replayed in my head a few times yesterday and today.  I think I started thinking about some stuff after a conversation on last night in fact.  Was quite random but still thought-provoking.  Then I realised why I've been feeling the way I've been feeling recently.  And a wee voice reminded me of the above phrase, telling me to live it out, not just to recite it.  Yes, Lord, I will.  I will make changes with Your help =)

Then tonight an unplanned visit to cell group had me join the group as they studied the Beatitudes taken from Matthew's gospel chapter 5 verses 3 through to 11.  We looked at verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

So we discussed what being a peacemaker is like, where does the peace come from?  Many people see peace as absence of conflict, absence of war etc.  Jesus gave us the peace, the Shalom.  With this peace we should become peacemakers.  In order to do this we i) need to find peace within ourselves.  Some of us have issues with self worth and/or we blame ourselves for things.  ii) we need to sort out bitterness with each other.  iii) we need peace with God.  Through Christ Jesus we are peace with God so we should strive to maintain a healthy relationship and walk with God.

It was the second point that really struck me.  It really tied in with the phrase at the start of this post.  I think there has been some bitterness inside me from recent events.  A grudge of some sort.  And these negative things actually get in the way between us and God.  Between me and God.  And you know what?  Right at this very moment I recall my devotional time with God this morning.  It talked about the Lord's prayer where Jesus taught us to say "Lead us not to temptation but deliver us from evil." (Matt. 6:13)  The devotional sharing extract I read:

"Keep in mind too that the devil will take full advantage of any bitterness in us.  That is why total forgiveness is essential if we are to be delivered from his [devil's] power.  Satan exploits bitterness and grudges.  Paul said, 'I have forgiven in the sight of Christ... in order that Satan might not outwit us.  For we are not unaware of his schemes' (2 Corinthians 2: 10-11).  As the New Living Bible puts it, 'A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan.'" - from "The Excellent Way", R.T. Kendall, 9 March 2011.

It's amazing how God can speak to us through so many different channels.  For me it was a phone conversation that kicked it off and had me thinking about stuff inside.  Then it was my personal time with God, again reminding me about bitterness.  And then in a group setting where I study God's Word with fellow brothers and sisters in cell group.  How amazing is that!

My prayer

The message is loud and clear God!  Submit the bitterness and negativity over to You and let You take them all away.  Forgive me Lord for holding anything back and letting these things get in the way between me and You and between me and others.  Please help others to also forgive me and not feel bitterness towards me either, nor block me from Facebook.  Yes, Lord, you know this is something that hurts me and I know I have done wrong and sinned against You too.  I should not view such thing as important or more important than the security inside of me knowing I have been forgiven by You and that's what matters most.  I should not care about other people's opinions of me but care about what You think of me the most.  Thank You, Lord for Your love, grace and mercy.  I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

By His grace

It was nice to spend time with God.  A time of worship to Him and looking through my guitar chords and playing some old yet so meaningful songs.  The songs that stir up nostalgia of the days of "young adults" group in the church.  The young faces who used to be around.  Most of them are gone these days.  Moved on to 'bigger and better things'.  Only a few of us are still here.  I'm one of them.  God has been so faithful to me all these years.  There is nothing negative I can say about God.  He is just so gracious and generous with His mercy.  The best companion I will ever have.  Though He is a close friend, I must not forget his Sovereignty and His power over us all.  His omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent self overshadows all things in this world.  =)

Hurdles

An update on the business plan.  The car was sorted out last Sunday.  I pick it up this Thursday!  Oooh!! Excitement indeed!  That was the biggest hurdle to overcome.  No more leasing at least!  Next biggest thing is car insurance.  That has been taking slightly longer than expected and with limited free time during office hours it does resort to looking at stuff and applying online in the evening, like this evening.  Getting the cheapest quote for the right cover will be coming to an end soon.  Found the cheapest price so far tonight, something similar to my personal insurance premium when I was with elephant.co.uk before becoming an instructor. It's good as a consumer we get to compare prices and inform prospective companies of a cheaper quote you got elsewhere, therefore kicking off a price bidding war!  Haha!  Hoping for some great results like on Price-Drop TV!  Lol!  Once insurance is sorted out I'll most likely be looking at getting the accessories for the car like L-plates, possible roof box, decals/signs, and later sorting out my new stationery for the stuff I will be using and keeping.  Will no longer be allowed to us franchise related stuff you see!  Haha!

'Breasts'

It has just gone midnight and I will be going to bed right after this.  Gym is on the menu early morning again.  Tomorrow will be back and shoulders because I left out shoulders this morning whilst working on chest.  Now my pecs are worn out.  Haha!  I remember Nick used to call them his 'breasts'.  LOL!  So yeah, I had a pretty good 'breast workout' this morning!  =P

Going to bed tired but with a smile on my face.  I thank God that when one has gone, another comes along.  Must keep praying and seeking =)

Abstract thoughts

Thoughts as and when they appear in my head:

~ Pretty glad decision has been made on which car to get.  The biggest hurdle overcome, just have to sort out car insurance.

~ Have to look at getting accessories like L-plates etc.

~ Create new pupil records.  Cannot use anything related to AA once franchise is terminated.

~ Must not forget to spend time with God and spend time in worship too.  Busy-ness is too often an 'excuse' for us not spending time with Him.  He is my Creator, my vine.  I must draw strength and power from Him.

~ Some people make me so happy.  Their very nature and natural self really brings a smile to my face.  Thank God for them.  =)

~ Looking forward to going back to the gym tomorrow!

Took the leap

My first Sunday where I was neither playing in the worship team nor doing PA or transportation for the EM Service.  So instead of wasting this valuable spare time I went to the gym for 9am opening time.  Did a fifteen minutes run on the treadmill before stretching and started my workout with deadlifts.  Managed to reach 100kgs for six reps.  Will tackle it again next time.  Then I did chin ups and dips.  Barbell curls and barbell extensions.  Then ended with kettlebell extensions and rope pulldowns.  Got good pump on my arms  =)  Then jumped down to the steam room and jacuzzi for a while and hung out with a buddy.

After careful consideration, conversations, prayers and deliberation I decided to go for the car I saw on Thursday.  Back then I didn't want to rush into making a decision.  Didn't want the salesman to pressurise me into getting the car just because he wanted to make a sale.  I went to Machargs after church service today and after discussion with the salesman and later the general manager, I felt at peace in my heart and took my hand out for the handshake.  The price tag of the car could not come down but I managed to secure some good discounts and freebies and I thank God for that.  Definitely leeway from both sides.  Obviously the dealership will always come out better off but I was glad I managed to do some calculations as well.  Looking forward to next Thursday.  =)

China Buffet King

Went to China Buffet King for Gary's surprise birthday dinner.  He originally thought it was just a casual hangout in town like what usually happens after service.  But we all managed to keep it quiet and when he found out he was very surprised and seemingly very appreciative.  I haven't been in a buffet place for a looong time.  Can't believe the last time I let myself pig out.  I went for the less 'damaging' foods like chicken, pork and mussels etc from the upstairs buffet.  And the hotpot I mainly went for fish balls, beef slices, pork slices, tofu and salmon etc.  Was quite filling but not over full.  Couldn't eat any more in the end because my Highland Spring still water ran out and I didn't want to buy another bottle!!  Sick!  The place didn't even serve tap water to customers.  I didn't want to break my three months avoidance of fizzy drinks so I asked for water and just still water instead of sparkling.  Lol!  =P

Beauty... has to be admired from afar as always =)

BBM

Five minutes till midnight.  Sunday is the first day of the week I hear quite often.  So I want to start the week off in good manner.  I want to return to my BBM routine.  Bed Before Midnight.  The past week, although I finished work earlier than the previous week, I managed to waste a lot of time online, on Fb and also on MSN.  Even like closing moments before shutting off the PC, I'd get a message from somebody and I'd be tempted to stay and chat for "only five minutes".  But when responses are slow, the "five minutes" can quickly become fifteen, thirty-five or even an hour.  And before you know it, it's already 1am+ and I only had about five hours of sleep as I got up 6am for going to the gym several days last week.

So this coming week I want to be in bed before midnight.  Even if it means I do not log online at all except where necessary for work-related stuff, but just no online communcations after 11pm or something.  It can be so distracting, especially when the person on the other end is someone who takes your attention.  Haha!  [Oh my goodness!!  Have just received an MSN Messenger pop up as I type this! 2359hrs!]

Car hunting update

Been quite busy looking for a car.  Have decided from my initial list of top five interested cars to drop the Hyundai's and stick with my first choice.  Ford Fiesta diesel.  Good rated car and looks good too.  Slightly smaller than the Focus which some of my pupils might be glad about.  I just have to find a diesel powered engine to go with it to make sure I get improved mpg compared to my crappy 30.08mpg!!  Big 1.6 litre petrol engine with unequal acceleration most times of the day, no wonder!  Definitely need something more economical.  Lol!  Whatever car I go for, either buy or lease I must make a decision by Monday so to make sure I have a car for the end of the month!  Lol!!  You can imagine the pressure right now and what's been on my mind constantly!  =P  Need to sort out insurance too of course, but first things first - secure a car!!  =D

Ok better go now.  It's 0007hrs Sunday morning!  Happy Sunday!!  =)