— Neil Gaiman, American Gods
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my first time reading Neil Gaiman's works, but i think i'm in love. American Gods is literally one of the best books i've ever read.
Saturday 30 May 2015
unconventional company
"Soon afterwards it began to rain: huge, pelting drops that rattled against the windows and blurred the world into grey and greens. Deep rumbles of thunder accompanied Shadow on his journey south: the storm grumbled, the wind howled and the lightning made huge shadows across the sky, and in their company Shadow slowly began to feel less alone."
Sunday 24 May 2015
keep. pressing. on.
After Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, was killed, all Jesus wanted was to take a break. It says in the Word that he withdrew privately to a solitary place, telling the disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Yet in his departure, need arose.
When the people saw that he was leaving, they ran on foot, coming from different towns, arriving before Jesus did, and waited on him. Jesus saw the needs in the people, and was moved with compassion for them. He put aside his own emotions and tiredness, not out of obligation, but out of compassion, and began to minister to them. Then, he performed a miracle and fed all five thousand of them. Jesus did all this right after his cousin was killed. Beheaded, to be exact.
He had every right to call it a day, but he didn't.
I am overwhelmed. Here I am, feeling so tired, constantly murmuring and complaining, just feeling like giving up and letting go of every responsibility and running off elsewhere, even for just a while. Then I compare my situation to his, and I think to myself, "Geez Nick, and you have the heart to complain?"
Jesus, make me more like you, whatever the cost.
Yet in his departure, need arose.
When the people saw that he was leaving, they ran on foot, coming from different towns, arriving before Jesus did, and waited on him. Jesus saw the needs in the people, and was moved with compassion for them. He put aside his own emotions and tiredness, not out of obligation, but out of compassion, and began to minister to them. Then, he performed a miracle and fed all five thousand of them. Jesus did all this right after his cousin was killed. Beheaded, to be exact.
He had every right to call it a day, but he didn't.
I am overwhelmed. Here I am, feeling so tired, constantly murmuring and complaining, just feeling like giving up and letting go of every responsibility and running off elsewhere, even for just a while. Then I compare my situation to his, and I think to myself, "Geez Nick, and you have the heart to complain?"
Jesus, make me more like you, whatever the cost.
Sunday 17 May 2015
slumber
Some call him a wanderer. Others, a soulless outcast.
In the desert, you can find him. At times, wandering aimlessly, as if in a stupor, and sometimes, pitching his tent for the night. Everyday as he roves around, he sets up camp at a different site than the day before, something alike a new discovery to him. O how the boy became so easily contented. Thinking that each new part of the desert brings a breath of fresh air, when in reality, he remains in the same dreary desert.
Parched. Arid. Barren. Dry.
His Father was the one who tasked him to journey through the desert. The point was to birth a new hunger. To instill a different perspective in His son. Because hey, maybe it's true, absence does make the heart grow fonder.
But His effort failed. The boy grew contented where he was supposed to grow hungry.
In the desert, you can find him. At times, wandering aimlessly, as if in a stupor, and sometimes, pitching his tent for the night. Everyday as he roves around, he sets up camp at a different site than the day before, something alike a new discovery to him. O how the boy became so easily contented. Thinking that each new part of the desert brings a breath of fresh air, when in reality, he remains in the same dreary desert.
Parched. Arid. Barren. Dry.
His Father was the one who tasked him to journey through the desert. The point was to birth a new hunger. To instill a different perspective in His son. Because hey, maybe it's true, absence does make the heart grow fonder.
But His effort failed. The boy grew contented where he was supposed to grow hungry.
Monday 11 May 2015
a conversation
"Stay strong!"
I can't. I really can't. Sigh.
"That's what I love about you. You're genuine about how you feel even when you know you have the ability to fake it. That's good because you're real when you come before Him. And that's what He wants. I may not know the season you're in, but I've learned something in my own walk. He's looking for the ones who are desperate and are weak.
How can He display His power in someone who is already strong in their own strength? Sometimes we think we only offer sacrifice when we worship or serve Him. Psalms 51:17 says the sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
Maybe I was wrong to say stay strong, rather, ask Him to show you His strength."
I can't. I really can't. Sigh.
"That's what I love about you. You're genuine about how you feel even when you know you have the ability to fake it. That's good because you're real when you come before Him. And that's what He wants. I may not know the season you're in, but I've learned something in my own walk. He's looking for the ones who are desperate and are weak.
How can He display His power in someone who is already strong in their own strength? Sometimes we think we only offer sacrifice when we worship or serve Him. Psalms 51:17 says the sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
Maybe I was wrong to say stay strong, rather, ask Him to show you His strength."
Friday 8 May 2015
incandescent
i was watching the sunset today.
i was watching the sunset today, when i realized how beautiful this country is; how blessed i am to be able to admire such a view, and how perhaps i never quite paid enough attention to the vistas before my eyes.
i was watching the sunset today, when i figured that God's hobbies must include painting, judging by the stunning amber hues that adorned the sky.
i was watching the sunset today accompanied by the gleams of traffic lights and taillights — a light show of sorts — when i thought that maybe it is somehow possible for nature and technology to get along.
i was watching the sunset today, when i realized how much i would have loved to have you by my side admiring the scenery, though you probably are a prettier sight than any sunset this world could offer.
i was watching the sunset today, and then it was gone, when i realized, holy crap, time passes by way too quickly for my liking.
i was watching the sunset today, when i realized how beautiful this country is; how blessed i am to be able to admire such a view, and how perhaps i never quite paid enough attention to the vistas before my eyes.
i was watching the sunset today, when i figured that God's hobbies must include painting, judging by the stunning amber hues that adorned the sky.
i was watching the sunset today accompanied by the gleams of traffic lights and taillights — a light show of sorts — when i thought that maybe it is somehow possible for nature and technology to get along.
i was watching the sunset today, when i realized how much i would have loved to have you by my side admiring the scenery, though you probably are a prettier sight than any sunset this world could offer.
i was watching the sunset today, and then it was gone, when i realized, holy crap, time passes by way too quickly for my liking.
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