we find it odd that stuff we like always gets discontinued. are we just into weird? the moments of hesitation in acquiring seem to be devious triggers for goodbyes. and oh, the after-pain of disappointment. and maybe worse, the after-misery of finding or fashioning to replace at high cost. where is the line drawn between instant indulgence and gratification vs. sensible practicality? or shall we just cultivate different taste? nah.
last weekend found us many places with a spectrum of characters.
it's funny how everyone's suddenly getting a mac now. couldn't possibly have convinced some even a year or two ago. all in the perception and image. anyway, more power to apple. we've always loved you... for you. not for the fad you've become. :P so, the long awaited iphone debut hovers near. as in tomorrow. will we or will we not? an agonizing debate it's been for the ong's. ha. such angst. in this case, though, shortage will be the story (vs. discontinuation).
just had dinner with one of yuee's aunts from singapore who's doing amazing work to empower women. and grace's cousin from taiwan is in town. took a 3-month leave of absence for texas. and another reason. :) welcome, relatives.
"the good God always lets me long for what he wants to give me."
psalm 37:4 comes to mind. such sweetness when our delight in Him flows in desires that are one with His.
the quote is attributed to saint therese of lisieux who is known as the saint of missions but interestingly, never went on a single missions trip. and yet, she is known for that because of her abiding support for so many in the field through letters, prayers, love, encouragement.
is a good reminder for us as we return support letters....
dma re-visits always spawn reminiscence. went to late night last friday eve. yuee for coffee and eats, grace for societe anonyme exhibit. both of us not really for the badu concert. :P got to also join the private party @ 1717 a la buffet cocktails and dainty bites. fine dining for simple folk in a very ... ethnic ... atmosphere was a pleasant change. but yet more meaningful was talking again to some of the museum service crew from 11.11. we were surprised they remembered. they were surprised we remembered. the balcony view was fairly scenic.... met up w/ some friends for more complimentary starbucks. total yuee consumption (in cups): 4. bedtime: 4 am. not sure if it was the caffeine or the fact that the valet dude somehow cracked his car key that kept him up. :\
didn't get to see either dad yester-father's-day. celebrated early w/ local dad kao @ a new japanese buffet in mckinney (w/ a very unexpected appearance that can only be told in person). dad ong was suddenly in sri lanka for a conference of sorts. weren't too impressed that we couldn't have anything delivered to his room without him having to pay for it himself. :P anyway, we love you both much. how much you influence us. to this day still.
missions trip season. sadly, no go this year for the two of us... but am blessed to be able to send. and pray.
the rains still cometh.
commercialism also cometh. business is building, sprouting all around our 'hood. is good, is bad. what can we say.
frequent reflection is freeing. His goodness He continues to pour as we humbly drink.
home. our home. it's nice coming home together.
so, camp? ... just can't be summed in a word or two ... God moved. prayerfully, we hope, among every single one of the almost 300 youth that went. for us, too, it was a time of worship, retreat, conviction. not of this world. no, we are not.
it was an unspeakable blessing that both of us got to see two kids in our small groups that we had been praying for some time come to receive Christ. both had been coming regularly to sg, seeking, looking for something. providence put them in our cabins and groups at camp. the sat. night of dedication, they gave their all to Him. we laid hands on them as they boldly stepped forward -- yuee with his guy, and grace with her gal -- and prayed, tearfully overjoyed, deeply to our sacred King, mighty Saviour, awesome Lord. it's indescribable. we are also much encouraged by the many re-dedications and recommitments, kneeling with them before our Father, giving Him everything, be it hurts, regrets, requests, pain, sin.
