New Horizons

Check out the view! It's been three weeks since we moved to the new space. We're settling well but I'm still getting used to the distance. Cycling is no easy feat and the frequency of trams traversing the docks is scarce. But it's all just a matter of getting the timing right and building stronger legs and buttocks! Hmm.. getting the timing right will be much easier (and less painful). 

Uni - I'm loving my 3 day, 13 hour week this semester. To make things sweeter, I have great lecturers and the units are much more stimulating, in contrast to last semester (dry and boring). Currently taking Alternative Animation as a elective. A much needed outlet to explore and expand my artistic side. With all the extra time at hand, I'm planning to make it a habit to revise and keep on top of my uni work. Praying for wisdom to use my time wisely.

I pray for spiritual growth this semester. With all that's been happening, I've finally come to the point where I can say, "yea, this is important and this is what I want". It's no coincidence that I got dragged into a discussion about spiritual growth with Pastor Tim and a few others. Oh, the random things I get into. Love it!

Spiritual growth. Let the adventure begin.

~ anyone lovin' the new header? i know i am! ~

Worship - A Drummer's Perspective

Had the chance to share last Sunday. Have you guys felt the same way before? Yes? No? Maybe? I don't care? Hopefully this sharing will inspire and challenge you.

Today I'll be talking about worship - worship from a prespective of a drummer.

What is worship?

Why do we worship?

How is playing the drums worship?

Is worship just 2 fast songs, 3 slow ones?

Is worship how fast or how loud u can play the drums?

Is worship coming to church early to practice for Sunday mornings?

If worship is just doing that, I reckon I do worship very well.

I've been serving in the worship team for the past 2.5 years. Each time I'm scheduled to play, it's definitely something worth getting excited about. I'm excited to play the drums. I'm excited to play together with friends. I'm excited to try out that new song. I'm excited to worship.

Two Sundays ago, I reached a listening point. This was after playing the drums for 8 Sundays in a row.

"I'm tired".

Tired meaning i was lazy, i wasn't excited, i wasn't worshipping. This is where things get dangerous, so listen up!

When u begin to worry more about how good u sound, rather than being sensitive to the spirit, beware. When u begin to think that u're just putting on a *show*, beware. And when u become good enough to rock up on stage and just wing it, beware. *Cause u're gonna end up tired*

So it was good that I realised this sooner than later. And when i did, i had to ask myself, "Jules, why do u play the drums?" and ultimately, "How is playing the drums worship?" I find it easier to worship by singing cause u're using words. But with the drums, all u're using is *beats*

I remember Sam telling me once. Everytime he hits the 'snare', he pictures hitting the devil in the face. Pretty cool right? And that got me thinking about what it meant to worship drumming.

This is what i got.

I think that by playing the drums i'm ushering in the holy spirit. Pushing back the demons that encages us. Lifting up the spirits of those who are downcasted with worries and regrets. Creating a space for people to lift up their hands and proclaim:

"You are stronger, you are stronger"

"The same power that conquered the grave lives in me!"

And if i can do all that just by hitting a few drums, i will gladly use this talent to glorify God.

Today i want to encourage and challenge you guys to find out for urself what it means to worship a God we call father, saviour, the almighty. Doesn't matter how u express it or if u're up on stage or not, ask urself, "Why do u worship?"

If you're not sure where to start, just picture hitting the devil in the face. Thanks for listening and don't get tired.

Love,

Jules

~ discovering worship in the norm ~

See You Soon. Young.

It's hard to describe what I'm feeling right now. Excited? Not really. Nostalgic? Maybe. Worried? A little. Results are coming out next Monday. I've yet to receive any email from school saying that I've failed. So that's a good sign yea? It's funny how easily my faith waver over such matters. I've worked the best I could, now all I've gotta do is have a little faith. Pray with me, I need it.

BIG changes up ahead! We're packing our bags and moving out once again. New beginning, new neighbourhood. But as always, I'll adapt - we'll adapt. It's been fun playing house with Winston. Alas, all good things must come to an end. Thanks for all the meals, late night conversations and the lulz. Be good. God's watching you.

~ off to the docks ~

My Thoughts You Can't Decode

Had the privilege of filming and editing JoshuaPuiMusic new music video. Was having difficulty synching the video with the music because of a fatal mistake. I forgot to have the music playing while we were filming. Lyrics were wrong and the tempo was off but that's where the magic of editing comes in. All in all, I think it turned out ok. Lesson learnt - the next one will be better!

~ Woohoo! Holiday well spent. ~