The Mind of the Melancholeric Man: Musings on Life and Ministry by Patrick Tan
Day in the Life
Netty went to her ortho class today at Gateway. While waiting for her I stayed at Starbucks with a Signature Hot Chocolate on one side and Dark Chocolate Macadamia cookie on another and watch season one of Glee. Finished watching season one today. Overall, it was intriguing, but not as engaging as Heroes. Still feels bloated from the Christmas and holiday feastings, especially this early this week as we stay in my parents' house. I seriously need to lose some weight and the tummy.
Christmas 2010
January - After three years of being together we finally got married! Honeymoon at Baguio and Coron.
March - Patrick begins to work for ICI and APMedia (www.iciphilippines.org & www.apmedia.org) as resident web and graphic artist.
June - National Chi Alpha Student Ministry becomes our primary ministry focus where Patrick serves as National Coordinator. For the rest of the year, we have been to places such as Palawan, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Cebu training churches and students for campus ministry. (www.chialphaph.blogspot.com)
August - Antonette takes Orthodontics classes and certification.
November - Patrick returns to ASCM to finish his MDiv (www.ascm.net)
Home Inside Your Praise
Some have built You great cathedrals
An awesome sight for all to see
A temple made of wood and stone
Dedicated as Your own
Although my place is smaller
I hope you feel at home inside my praise
The earth is filled with all Your wonders
Canyons, mountains and the seas
Trees so tall, grass so green
Amazing views, so breathtaking
Although my place is smaller
I hope you feel at home inside my praise
When I lift my hands
I give You all I am
A heartwarming tender
My door is open
You're always welcome here
The heavens are filled with all Your glory
The place where You chose to set Your throne
Colors that have been seen
So beautiful, the angels sing
Although my place is smaller
I hope You feel at home inside my praise
When I lift my voice
I give You all I have
A heartwarming tender
My door is open
Through the praise of children
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foes and the avenger. / Psalm 8:2
Lord let it be so that from mouths of children and young people come forth praises that declare Your worth and Your works. That just as Joshua led the army with a shout, so lead your chosen ones to shout Your fame and break down walls that keep our generation from worshipping You. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. / Luke 18:17
Once again Lord, help me believe You like a child, love You like a child. Unashamed, unapologetic. For through them you call forth your praise to shame the strong. Theirs is the Kingdom.
Lord let it be so that from mouths of children and young people come forth praises that declare Your worth and Your works. That just as Joshua led the army with a shout, so lead your chosen ones to shout Your fame and break down walls that keep our generation from worshipping You. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. / Luke 18:17
Once again Lord, help me believe You like a child, love You like a child. Unashamed, unapologetic. For through them you call forth your praise to shame the strong. Theirs is the Kingdom.
Day in the Life
Today was one of my office's (www.apmedia.org) party. By 11AM we left for office to go to Serendra for an eat all you can lunch at Brazil Brazil. Before going there I met Netty at Market Market. Looking lovely as ever. We arrived with everyone already eating. After lunch we had games. All of them mental games: Guess the Christmas song, Memory Game similar to what you play in the old Nokias, and Pinoy Henyo. Then came the giving of gifts. It was a fun time out of the office and fellowship with my officemates out of the office. After which we spent a few more hours in Market Market before going home.
Day in the Life
Through Oli's eyes.
Meet Oholiab or Oli for short (Ex. 31:6). Born December 3, 2010.
Day in the Life: Baguio
I'm here now in APTS Baguio City. Left Manila at 1AM and arrived 6AM in Baguio which is pretty quick. I didn't notice the drag because I was asleep most of the time. Anyway I'm here in Baguio for our district convention. It's been like two-three years since I attended one. I will be promoting Chi Alpha ministry tomorrow night. It's good also to be in fellowship with friends and co-ministers once again.
Day in the Life
It's been busy lately especially with Christmas drawing near. Some thoughts:
- Everything's like a giant tangled clutter right now, need some time to untangle things and order them in my head.
- Raving on my new MacBook Pro. Finally after much sulking.
- Tonight I will be going to Baguio for our district convention. And will go down Wednesday night for school.
- School is dragging but on my head I know there's a lot to be done, especially my internship programs.
- Chi Alpha is doing great. Recent projects include Batangas City and UP Diliman.
- Missing my parents because we haven't gone to visit now for two weeks.
The Secret Disciple
Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. / John 19:38 NLT
Once he followed Jesus from a distance. Joseph indeed followed Jesus in secrecy because he was never made known to us until this moment. But it was a remarkable moment nonetheless. For in the four gospels he is painted as one emerging from his place of secrecy into broad daylight. "Joseph ... asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body." For Joseph, what Jesus did on the cross for him now outshone his hesitation to be associated with Him. For Joseph, it was better late than never, to announce his allegiance before the world. Love, once again and ever shall, conquer Fear.
What could it mean to be a secret disciple? But in fact we all share his reluctance to be seen with Jesus. In our infantile regard for ourselves we are much concerned of what people will say have they known our association with this Carpenter's Son. And moreover, our own weaknesses and struggles betray us of our so called allegiance. But in our betrayal, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Who could ever resist His unconditional love? When we spat at Him, He called us friends. Such extravagant Love is too beautiful to just be hidden. And once more He says, "You are the Light of the world."
Let it be known to you that your resistance only makes Him pursue you even more. May you surrender once more to this Love. May you let this Love drown out your fears. May you stand shoulder to shoulder, never ashamed, with the One whose hands are pierced.
Once he followed Jesus from a distance. Joseph indeed followed Jesus in secrecy because he was never made known to us until this moment. But it was a remarkable moment nonetheless. For in the four gospels he is painted as one emerging from his place of secrecy into broad daylight. "Joseph ... asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body." For Joseph, what Jesus did on the cross for him now outshone his hesitation to be associated with Him. For Joseph, it was better late than never, to announce his allegiance before the world. Love, once again and ever shall, conquer Fear.
What could it mean to be a secret disciple? But in fact we all share his reluctance to be seen with Jesus. In our infantile regard for ourselves we are much concerned of what people will say have they known our association with this Carpenter's Son. And moreover, our own weaknesses and struggles betray us of our so called allegiance. But in our betrayal, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Who could ever resist His unconditional love? When we spat at Him, He called us friends. Such extravagant Love is too beautiful to just be hidden. And once more He says, "You are the Light of the world."
Let it be known to you that your resistance only makes Him pursue you even more. May you surrender once more to this Love. May you let this Love drown out your fears. May you stand shoulder to shoulder, never ashamed, with the One whose hands are pierced.
Where God is at work
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." (Jn 5:18). Mission then is not bringing God where He is not, it is merely recognizing Him where He is already at work. So wherever you find God at work in a person's life, grab the privilege of co-laboring with God in changing a person's life.
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