fourletterstory

Haven't asked him yet on the rationale behind this name. Could very well be random! But then again, it's been some time since we last met; and much has changed.

Though from the same hometown, we only clicked in college, when we passed each other by and went, "Wait a minute, I know that face..." Then the next 2+ years were of cafeteria dinners, CF meetings, sidewalk chats, band-wannabe-ing in the music room (Pink Panther! Sweet Child of Mine!), singing in the middle of the field (and that irritating frisbee), even a doomed-to-fail "group study" before exams... (Oh I wish Alice could see this and reminisce...)

You were always the joker, Joel. And you've not lost that streak. Finding emo and fourletterstory SO reeks of you la.

But we grew up huh. GREAT. Okay okay. Seriously, great :) It's about time. And I look forward not just to your EP, but also to see how much more we can grow in Him and bless His people with that which He has entrusted to us. I'm sure you'll do fine. Bit emo, maybe, but hey, there's only one way to live life.

FULLY.

And if that includes some emo episodes, SO BE IT. I dare say it makes us better musicians.

See you soon, maybe! Til then! Stay you!

What we learnt from Moulin Rouge

Suddenly I recalled the online chat with my best friend from high school. It must have taken place about... 6, maybe 7 years ago (or more, even).

Frogz: So what movies have you watched lately?
Jules: Moulin Rouge!! Have you seen it yet? You absolutely have to!!
Frogz: Yeah... seen that... Nicole Kidman is so hot!! Shorty, you gotta do the makeup thing la...
Jules: Hahaha.... yeah right, watch me start....NOT!!
Frogz: What is the moral of the story, in your opinion?
Jules: Ummm... that true love ultimately prevails.
Frogz: Wanna know what my take-away was?
Jules: What?
Frogz: Even courtesans find love.

-- That's right. Even courtesans find love.

Come what may.

Livewire's First Poll!

Hello folks!

Now for some interactivity! The idea sprung into mind last night - and so I'll ask you, dear readers - what is your favourite Livewire post of 2007? Take part in the poll on the right-column, and yes, you are allowed multiple votes... The ones listed are some of the more notable ones, and if you've others, do let me know which ones in the comment section yeah?

The poll is only valid for 15 days from now! So let me know!

Oh yes, this poll only "regular-type" posts, and not poems/prose/verse... that'll probably be the next poll subject... if there are enough entries, that is...

Love,
Jules

Begging, Bargaining, Pleading

... for an ounce of faith, the size of a mustard seed, so that I will believe in Your promises made available through Your word.

... for You to intervene, according to Your nature: God of mercy, God of grace, God of love. The Jehovah Jireh - provider of immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. The Jehovah Rapha - the God who heals. The Jehovah Shamma - the manifest God, present with us to the very end of age.

... for You to be my strength; to be the One I cling on to when my faith threatens to be badly shaken... for You to guide me by Your word, Your spirit, Your people.

... for my eyes to see beyond the current circumstances and wait on You for that miracle of deliverance only You can bring... for my voice to learn to ever praise You, in the good times and bad, even if I'm choking up inside. Help me dear Lord, help me to live to please You.

2007: Personal Development

Whoever who came up with the term "growing pains" is a genius. I find no other phrase so concise to typify what 2007 was like for me.

I learned about thresholds: discovering how much I could cope with, and knowing when I should give up. I learned what was bottom-line important to me in friendships and relationships. I learned to appreciate those who were my true friends, and who loved me enough to tell me what I was doing right and where I was going wrong.

I had one of my dreams come true when I was sent to the Hillsong Conference in Sydney. It was one of Australia's coldest winters but it didn't dampen my heart for a second. Even now, when the "blow-wind-blow" chilly wind no longer bites my cheeks, my heart is filled with gratitude for this opportunity. Singing along with Steven Curtis Chapman was a joy, watching Brooke Fraser for the first time was inspiring, and seeing 20,000 people lifting up their hands and praising God as one voice was truly truly truly something to remember for the rest of my life.

I learned about blessing people, and about praising God for the little and big things in my life; the dewdrops and the rainbows. I learned about participating in His wonderful works of art; creating music that would enable others to see Him a little bit clearer in their lives. I learned about perfection, and how, in many ways, I was not. And I learned, from the Master Forgiver, how to extend grace.

Turning a quarter of a century old certainly had some effect on making me reflect how much I'd achieved; not just in my 25 years, but more specifically in my 5 years in the working world. Did I have much to show? What did I want to show, anyhow? Material gain? You know me better than that.

Growing pains indeed. My Lord saw every tear I shed when I was upset, hurt, misunderstood. He heard my every word; pained, harsh, whispered in silent anguish. But it was all good. I grew up. I well and truly grew up. May I never forget these lessons.

You who stood by me every day of last year, I thank you. You who stopped to sit beside me and gather my tears, my deepest gratitude. I will always cherish all we've shared.

Jesus, please walk with me into 2008, that I may do as You will, walk as You lead, and love as You would love. Thank You for all that You are to me.