A random question:

Does one's brain structure pre-determine one's thought patterns or makes one pre-disposed towards certain thought patterns?

2 very good reads on the power of media and the effects of over-simplication.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/12/business/media/kony-2012-video-illustrates-the-power-of-simplicity.html?_r=1&ref=noamcohen

http://www.ethanzuckerman.com/blog/2012/03/08/unpacking-kony-2012/

Hi blog,

I have not been here for a while. Had been busy with lotsa things. Well, I know. We all are busy. And thats why it takes great intentionality to pay attention once in a while to ourselves, to check our health and how we're doing. However, as it is, intentionality doesn't get you to the best place either. Direction does. Having a clear direction is so key, especially when one gets older, one looks further ahead and plans for the long term. As for me, I am really still exploring. What do I want? Where am I headed? What do I need to do? As I go through this year, its no surprise that my goals and resolutions change and evolve as well. I'm looking into the area of counseling as a possible career in the future. But I am also scared of the challenges ahead. My social life will really need more effort to maintain, my time with my family and friends, time-out for myself and spiritual habits. I guess its funny and yet amazing at how God desires to use us in things we feel that we are weakest at. I am at a stage where I really do have many things to consider about. Being holistic and having a balanced life is what I keep hearing. But sometimes, I think of Paul and Jesus, did they lead this 'holistic' or 'balanced' life? Is it really that necessary? Well, I'm not for extremes. But I am for serving God with my life. and Whatever that implies.

Right now, I pretty sure that I would want to move into the area of counseling. Not sure as a profession or as a volunteer yet. And I really do enjoy just listening to people and mentoring them if I'm able to, especially the younger generation. Thats probably where I'm headed.

-Jem.

God, vet through this for me. And speak to me, guide me.

If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, and all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?

Soon and very soon
My King is coming
Robed in righteousness
And crowned with love
When I see Him, I shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
I'll be going to the place He has prepared for me
There my sin erased, my shame forgotten
Soon and very soon

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul will be satisfied
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
See the procession
The angels and the elders round the throne
At His feet I'll lay
My crowns, my worship
Soon and very soon

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul will be satisfied
Soon and very soon

Though I have not seen Him
My heart knows Him well
Jesus Christ the Lamb, the Lord of heaven

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul will be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon

you read of a mindless shooting during christmas.
and after that, you move on to watch entertainment on mindless shooting in order to distract and mask the sense of injustice and grief.

is it any wonder that, people continually crave chaos and anarchy, albeit while remaining in the comfort of their lives, just for the fun of it?

all this just to deceive and distract themselves that life is still worth living. even if just for the fun of it.

i outreach not because i'm selfless. far from it, in fact.
i outreach cos Jesus is selfless. and He will help me.
and i know its good for my heart.
especially in a world of selfish living.

so i finished 42.

if anything, the one thing it taught me was this:

no shortcuts. just endure and persevere.

you know, that kinda made a whole lot more sense in the run.

many times in life, i guess i'm so impatient. i want this and i want that. and i want it now.
instant gratification.
no wonder many times i feel that God is slow. but He does not take shortcuts. He works at His own pace.

so i guess i really need to keep pace with Him.