easter and retreat

it's tuesday night as i write this. on sunday, i attended easter service first at anglican church i regulary attend. and the japanese church in the afternoon. the morning service was just something i needed. a boost to my spirit. at the service i met a friend whom i haven't seem for awhile. it was good to see him. next, the afternoon service. the service was filled with worship songs and with testimonies. it was a nice change from the usual service the church has had in the past. i enjoyed the fellowship and supper after the service. here as well, i met a friend i haven't seem for awhile. one thing i could say is that i needed to talk to more ppl. after the supper, i and other friends went to my married couple's place. it was a relaxing time. however, i had to leave early for i had an early morning.

yesterday, monday, i went on a personal retreat. i didn't go far. just a place in the city for the day and night. there i started and finished, "blankets" by craig thompson, an illustrated novel. it really touched me. i won't go on what i did, but to say it was a fulfilling time. now i'm back home from work and getting ready to face tomorrow.

maundy thursday

tonight i went to a maundy thursday service. it started with a parish supper. a simple meal of breads,cheeses,deli meats and fruits. then came the first portion of the service. it was at the basement and the scripture verses were read. the rector reflected about the breaking of the bread. and how Jesus used simple food, things that were there. how simple yet spiritually and religiously significant. then came the foot washing, the first time i took part in it. i had my hand washed, next time i'll have courage to have my feet washed. after this was finished. it was to upstairs for the eucharist. how meaningful after the readings from 1 corinthians and john on the last supper. after the eucharist, came the stripping and washing of the altars. i never knew how many objects are taken away. the picture of Jesus on the left side of the church was taken off. a simple washing of the altar and the lights came off. while the altar was been stripped off, the choir sang psalm 22. i got lost in the listening and was fixated on the altar becoming bare. to me it was solemn and yet profound, that i encourage many to participate in this maundy thursday service. especially at an anglican church that includes the washing of the feet. tomorrow is good friday, and i am anxious of it, as well to easter.

palm sunday

tell zion's daughter,
"look,your king's on his way,
poised and ready, mounted
on a donkey, on a colt,
foal of a pack animal."
and this is the way Jesus entered jerusalem leading to his death. from the donkey to the cross. this week is holy week, a week that starts with shouts of hosanna. and continuing with voices of "crucify him." to Jesus' resurection. this is a full week and a week i hope to attend many services throughout the week. may i reflect on what Jesus is this week.

gou

college basketball

march madness has began. i have to admit,i'm interested in watching as well interested in playing sports. this year, a friend got me hooked back unto basketball. and i've been trying to follow with it. i'm looking foward to ncaa basketball championship. i know some hate sports because of the players, getting paid millions of money. i do believe that some are getting overpaid. however, the weeks to come will be interesting, as usa gets into college basketball fever. so, if you ask, what team will i be cheering for? my answer lsu and north carolina.

the future

another new week has began. the weather is okay. however i'm still thinking of my future. ripped apart of what i should do. do i follow my dream. or get into something practical. so much to do. i'm still wanting to go to japan. yet, i'm not done with my resume. so hopefully sometime this week i get it done. the future, what lies ahead. so i plan and pray, hoping i know what to do.
speaking of future. this year, easter comes early. it's at the end of the month. next week is palm sunday. and i plan to do a private retreat next monday. the weather doesn't seem good, but i'm planning to go ahead anyways. i just hope to be blogging more this week. anyways, to those reading i hope for a good week for you.

walk in the light

this monday marks a new week. on sunday i attended the 1030 service at an anglican church i attend. the scripture verses on this 4th day of lent surrounded around light,darkness and seeing. first with first samuel 16. God tells samuel, "looks aren't everything.don't be impressed with his looks and stature." (from the message)God looks at the person's heart. we too need to look not only the outward but of the inward. psalm 23, a famous psalm has a verse which reads, "even when the way goes through death valley, i'm not afraid when you walk at my side" (from the message)even in darkness, God is with us. third scripture verses comes from paul's letter to the ephesians. in the letter paul writes, "for once you were in darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. live as children of light." this challenge, i bring myself. to be the light in times and place of darkness.
and finally we come to the long passage from john 9. the story is of one man who was blind from birth. after the man is able to see, there are ppl who ask about the man who made him see. never do they ask, what he can see. we too at times can be like the pharisses and get caught up by appearance. as the lenten season comes to end and we move onto the holy week leading to easter; my prayer is that we too could see the light. and for those who have not yet seen the light, i hope you too will be able to see that light.

happy birthday mother

today marks the day my mother was born xxyears ago. i want to thank my mother for bringing me up. for those who know my mother, next year will mark an important year for her. anyways, i just wanted to write to express my gratitude to my mother. happy birthday mother. may you live long.