The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers

Am I a person who cares of the horizontal self or the vertical self? This question got stuck with me as I read The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers. This is a book which explains in a light 'n' easy tone on the identities given by the world to the individuals living in it, and how all these are linked together causing one to lose oneself even more because of the horizontal self image. Aside to that, Mark Sayers also carefully orchestrated the three types of social self in the life of young people especially. However, this is not meant to be dwelt upon forever, as he also proposed a future self to these people who had been living the identity of horizontal self - yes, the vertical self. Looking into how God wants a relationship with us, and how personal holiness is possible in our modern life.

Personally, I like the way Mark Sayers written the book - it connects to our daily life as a young person. As a young working adult living in an Asian country, I saw that the Western culture is seeping into the lives of young people in Asia, and issues described in the book somewhat is already in Asia. So it helps me, when he recommended in the book to share this vertical self concept to others. However, as a Catholic, I would suggest that he requires more in depth research on the lives of the saints. Like what the book says, holiness is for everyone living on earth. Yet, I find that the book did not really point out directly on how Christianity and personal holiness can aid a person whose identity had been based on horizontal self.

I will still recommend my friends reading this book, and yeah, I do have people asking me to borrow them the book already.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

My Story @ Starbucks

Recently I attended this My Story - Tales of Local Talent event in Starbucks, 1 Borneo. It was a night of fun and laugh and definitely good music from local talents. This round we had Meteor Crates, JADE Sisters, Atama and Moses De Silva featuring Alvin MY. It was a blast for the crowd. And the atmosphere and temperature in the 2nd floor of Starbucks that night, just one word - HOT!!!

A talented writer, Joanna Funk, has done a writeup on this event on Bandwidth Street Press, and the funny part is I never thought some of the photos I took using my Casio Exilim 1.2 mp could be used as a part of her writeup. Smiles...

Here's the link to her article ("My Story #5" at Starbucks in 1Borneo is a massive HIT (also in Bandwidth Street Press online edition, March 2010)
Note: Pictures #3 and #5

Do check it out. Have fun!!

Lenten Reflection

I had been engaging this particular Lenten Reflection from 66 Love Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb and I find it is an exceptionally good one today.

Lent Day 25: The Book of John

God says, in the world you now inhabit, communion with Me is not defined by an experience of Me. Nor does it depend on blessings from Me.

To really live is to release My Son's life through yours, in any circumstance, no matter what you feel; to relate as He related, giving when no one gives back, loving when no one returns love, forgiving when no one deserves forgiveness, suffering in the place of those who should suffer.

Understand this: to commune with Me in this life is to live like My Son with His life alive in you.

Believe this: communion with Me leads to an eternal experience of Me and unimaginable blessings from Me. You will get a taste of them now—as My Spirit chooses—and you will enjoy the banquet later when you see My Son.

Know this: heaven's reality has invaded yours. Prepare to live a new way.

Real life, the surprising route to joy, is within reach.

(from 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God that Invites You into His Story by Dr. Larry Crabb, ©2009.)

I Fell, What About You?

Many people said "I failed" and never succeed in climbing out of the failure. How many of us will say "I fell" and stand up again?

Since the Fall of Adam and Eve, men have been conquered by sins. Well, perhaps, "conquer" isn't the exact word to be used, as we know, shortly after that (we have to look into the eternity in God's time), God sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem us from sins and to break the Fall. He (Jesus) is the new Adam. Agree?

So, why then, do we still fall? Simple explanation is devil is still lurking around, grappling at any opportunity he gets to make us stumble and fall. Worse still, we are giving him chances by not giving up all to Him who comes to save us, and died for us when we're still sinners.

I have to admit that I fall, all the times, and I feel bad about it. Confession in Sacred Heart Cathedral, KK is in this week. Time to prepare myself to face the music, and receive His abundant mercy and grace.

Like what Archbishop John Lee said, prayer, fasting and penance are important as preparation for Holy Week. I'm lacking, I finally realize it, and I have to work on it. How about you?

You can fall a million times, but if you're willing to stand up and return to God, all in heavens rejoice for your homecoming.

God bless!

Inspiration Zero

These days I'm suffering from a weird disease of "inspiration zero", hence the inability to pen down anything which makes sense.

Gotta recharge myself this holiday season and will come back strong.

HUGS!

Ironic!

I'm ANGRY and I have to cool down because I felt humiliated by a fellow colleague in front of OUR students.

Messed Up and Confused?

I have to admit that I am rather messed up these few days. Badly lacking of rest for my brain, I started having difficulty to sleep when it is time to sleep and difficulty to wake up when it is time to wake up.

And my emotions... Haha! Erupted like a volcano - wrong time, wrong venue, wrong person. And then, I had to remember the teaching on meekness of Jesus and apologised to the person, though it was only half my fault that emotions eruption occurred. Well, who wouldn't, if being shouted like a child being scolded by an abusive father in a working environment? Talking about professionalism. Maybe I should post an entry on professionalism soon!!

I was so tired mentally that my emotional health, spiritual health and physical health seemed to be giving way. Almost paid deposit for a property which could be troublesome to solve the legal issue. Then suddenly, a voice reminded me what my coach told me before - "Never make any decision when you're down." This is so true, and thank God for the reminder. And always consult God on any decision, big and small ones. He will lead us to the right people, right situation, right time. I finally am appreciating the amount of professional friends I have around me, with a sound mind, wise judgement. Definitely better than my "dumb bimbo" mind on certain areas. Thank and praise God for the gift of friendship!

I guess everybody has a "dumb bimbo" area and it is ALRIGHT to be. Well, that's how and why we need different people in our lives. Like how the Body of Christ consists of different members with different giftings.

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it."

~ 1 Corinthians 12:27 ~

Time to go home. It is almost 5pm. It was a long day outside of the comfort of airconded environment. Phew! Hope the puppies will cheer me up more.