SpOrTs - Sports has been a really good teaching tool for me all these years. I have experienced the highs and lows in sports, from the harsh training and discipline to the joy of winning a game or event. It's funny that I would be far more nervous before a sprint in a competition than before a written exam. Sometimes the nervousness kicks in the night before a game or competition. As I lie on my bed, I could feel my legs totally go jelly  (fight/flight/fright response). On the other hand, sports also gave me opportunities to clear my mind when I need to, to build up a relationship with my dad, as well as my heavenly Daddy, and to use the talents that I am born with.

Recently, I have been going through some injury blues.  My left knee (area) is aching. My right hand has a bump. And the pain is becaming chronic and bothering... Even before I got injured this time, I was comtemplating (and was almost ready) to give up certain sports. After this injury, I am pretty sure that I am done with this stage of physical training and am ready to move on. I can't afford to bare the risks that comes along with those sports anymore. I don't really have a choice - in hope of gaining something better, I let go.

And then something interesting happens... I have walked a little further down my journey of the 4Rs, and picked up some treasure and blessings elsewhere because I am willing to step out of the sports realm (for now, at least). 

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

~*1 Timothy 4:8*~

CiTy - I am never really fond of the city I grew up in. There seems to be an endless list of the things I dislike about this city. Perhaps there are many good things in this city that I take for granted, yet to me they are not enough to outweigh the bad ones. But regardless of what I think of this city, You are still ...

THE
God of This City
(by Bluetree)

You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

For there is no one like our God
There is no one like You God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city

You're the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You're the King above all Kings
You Are

You're the strength in our weakness
You're the love to the broken
You're the joy in the sadness
You Are

For there is no one like our God
There is no one like You God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for you and love for you in this city

Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here

I have been here. I am back here. I will be here - at least for a little longer.

"God is not a man, that he should lie.

He is not a human, that he should change his mind.

Has he ever spoken and failed to act?

Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"

~*Numbers 23:19*~

CaR - Last year, I felt like I was driving one car. This year, I feel like I am driving three cars - all at the same time. Things are lined up waiting for me to do. For once, I wish that the traffic light would stay red for a bit longer. I have been moaning quite a bit, complaining here and there, because I am truly exhuauted. At times, I feel like I am at the verge of running out of fuel.

"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak.

Even youths will become exhuasted, and young men will give up.

But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.

They will fly high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint."

~Isaiah 40:29-31 - NLT~

It's one thing to read these verses, but it's an other thing to actually cling onto these Words and claim the Promise in the verse.