Routine… Uni… The Cycle

It’s all a bit overwhelming at the moment…

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

R.I.P

Well sadly this morning – was a terrible morning… Worst one in a while..
Yes.. I left my scarf on the train, simply by accident of course and not a single person (the 4 people sitting around me) decided to let me know it was behind me as I stood up to leave.. By the time I had reached the second platform, I had realised I had been separated with my Scarf. Sad, Sad, Sad it was… A lot of you are probably thinking… DUDE IT IS A SCARF.. well no! Its not just any ordinary scarf, its my favourite scarf, a scarf full of moments, adventures and memories…

But there is hope yet! I have contacted the Lost property Service Team of Metro, and they will hopefully be keeping an eye out, if an AMAZING person decides to hand it in… or if they stumble across it whilst they do their nightly train sweep.

So who knows, this may be just another adventure of my scarf… and hopefully it will be back where it belongs! Around my neck!

Long story short – as I travelled to Uni in despair and sadness, I decided to lighten my spirits with an amazing bacon N egg 6inch Sub from Subway, with an OJ to go. These put a smile on my dial!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Check It Twice…

“Even a broken clock is right two times a day.”

Just a quick, simple quote – yet the context behind reveals the reality of perspective. Something broken can be noted for useless, when in another perspective the clock isn’t really broken, but rather hindered to its full potential. It is still handy – but for only 2 times a day.

Not everything is what it seems…

Quick and Sharp – Keeping it Simple Stupid!

Night xo

A Slice Of Pizza…

Today was the day that – puzzles, jigsaws, pieces, questions and concerns all seemed to come together. No it wasn’t the freshness in the air, the gentle breeze of clarity nor the gentle rhythms of natures way, but it was something more… something different.

I’ve realised that – through a review and a vision of my rear view mirror,  the mistakes I’ve made, the regrets I’ve carried and maybe even the guilt I have pulled have had there moments in pulling me down. They have made me think, made me question the many things in life – but of course I have always trusted the Lord and will continue to do so – but what was it other than my trust in the Lord and his help to get me here?

It was the very matter of change – not the change of dramatic details or a new episode, but rather Me, Myself and I. I have changed. I have become someone I wasn't before, someone more confident, more intent to the things around me and stronger both physically and emotionally through thick and thin – I have gained enough wisdom to know that who I was a year ago was great but now I am even better.

Now don't get me wrong – what I have become isn't bad, and isn't always good either – I may have changed one thing, gained another, but lost two on the way! But at the end of the day I feel different…

But there's more to come, there is more moulding to continue and this sculpture has plenty to carve. That’s just it guys and girls.. its not about what you can do, or how you look, or how special you are – but rather who you are on the inside! The inside is that true beauty which should be shown on the outside and NO – I haven’t found it yet but I am on my way!

Now it takes a bit to get here…
Firstly it took the stepping over my proudness to admit things needed to be handled by the Lord God Almighty, it also took my stubbornness to know that some things I needed to change – small things, little things, things which lacked confidence, how I approached things, and my adaptability to things… But these little things shine in the big things, they glow and seem to beam out who you are in snippets at a time…

I guess we could think of it like a PIZZA, yes a PIZZA!
A common, normal pizza has what, like 8 slices? So say if there were 8 parts to ones life, 8 chapters of creativity, chapters of becoming who you are, defining your character and realizing we all make mistakes, go on some trials and bumpy roads, along with the encounters of the world, decisions, disappointments, excitements, joy, let downs and so on and so fourth. In the end we have 8 slices in which we become who we are… I guess what we need to make sure is, that we take the time, the effort and the commitment along with that piece of HUMBLE PIE to make a stand and fix yourself, build confidence, and journey on with the plans God has for you.

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. – Proverbs 4:18

Some commentary to follow -

In a world that wants instant results, the Bible tells us that our growth comes slowly, but consistently. Maybe you are discouraged today because you don’t feel like your life is going anywhere. But how were things a year ago? Five years ago? Ten years ago? Many times it takes a long range perspective to remind ourselves that even though we have not gone as far as we want to, when we look back, we see that we’ve come a long way from what we used to be. We are getting brighter and brighter! - Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

The Wisdom Of The Wise…

Knowing is wise,
Wisdom is knowledge,

Pray and he will listen,
Look and you’ll find,

The future holds hope,
But hope comes through a plan,

The best advise or kind,
Is to follow the path,

That God has in mind.

 

 

Another quick poem it was…

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

Contextual Friendship

The ingredients of a friend:

Respectful
Maturity
Fun
Serious
Trustful
Loyal
Comforting
Uplifting
Realistic
Understanding
Responsible
Knowing
Accountable
Supportive

These are just a few!

Context – the very understanding in which we can interpret meaning.
I wish people would understand the context of communicating effectively!

Proverbs 18:13 ‘The one who gives an answer before he listens – that is his folly and his shame.’

James 1:19 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

A Little Poetry

Ok so I thought I would try do something a little odd and little different… that's right some good old poetry.. now be nice and take it easy cos’ this is my first time! Also remember to read poetry it follows a rhythm, so just take you time and take it in…

Travel the world, beneath the sky,
Oh how long till it will be mine?,
The Sun will rise on the dawn of day,
It takes a chance to follow a dream,
Or make a choice and blow a goal,

Life is full of joy and full splendour,
But if your a fool – its a lot to remember,
Watch a bird, fly, fly away,
It’s a wonder their not swept away,

I never knew it, but I would have to say,
Knowing the truth, can be quite the pain,
If i had a chance to take it away,
I wouldn't hesitate to make that change,

Tomorrow always comes,
But its never the same,
Yesterday is gone,
But the present is now,

Silence is loud and a pierce to the ear,
As they say, as soft as concrete,
Sarcasm is blunt and tough,
But crude is like a roughened stab,

The betrayal of mate is a stab,
But a broken heart is more like a,
STAB, STAB, STAB,
A wound left to bleed,

People talk, it’s society's gossip,
What we make of it? A mistake,
It takes two to tango, but one to drive,
Three to change a light bulb, when fours a crowd,

Common is constant and
Constant can change,
Time will tell and tick, tick, tick,
Time will also change,

Blink, blink, we close our eyes,
Like knock, knock – someone's there,
Chase all you want,
But they will be sure to hide,

What’s to know and what’s to say,
We all grow each day,
But character is who you are,
The best you can be,

We search and search,
And try and try – ironically. 
Insane is repeating these steps,
That's human in the plain,

Wait all you can, hope all you want,
but without a step or two,
Life wont make a move,
Only your day in age,

Just keep swimming – as it goes,
Left and right, to and fro,
1,2,3 – a, b, c,
The rhythms of life,

Tap Tap Clickedy Clack,
As the words begin to wrap,
And the mouse seems to flick,
A PC – Personal Computer

On and on, is it ever going to end,
Some say 2012, others are lost,
While some seek faith,
And others seek the cross,

The decision is yours,
Opinions are ours,
But in the end,
What do you make of it all,

Music the rhythmic moods of life,
The acoustics of emotions,
Like an arithmetic equation,
It flows from one end to the other,

Memories are left behind,
But last forever,
And can be put on rewind,
Play, pause or maybe even fast forward,

Sorry wont cut it,
Wont fix it, wont make it better,
But forgiveness will break it,
And make it whole,

I guess it could go on,
But for a first this seems enough,
Maybe next time it be tough,
But for now lets say BRING IT ON!

- Hope it was bearable….

The Truth Behind Trust?

TRUST

Taking Risk Using Someone's Trueness

“Trust is taking a risk, through the use of someone's trueness”
Chris Furlong

How true are you?
True of:
-Integrity or Corruption-

Should probably elaborate.. but to tired!

The Mountain of Hope

Well today wasn’t to bad I guess, I had a nice cruise in to Uni, with the fresh Sun and a cool breeze, however this moment of enjoyment was soon ruined when rocking up to Uni to find the parking facility was closed… so parking was found elsewhere…

No – I am not blogging about car parks or parking… just thought I would mention it…

Hope – the very reminder in which we base our goals on…
I have come to realise that Hope, is of course a great thing, something which can create a joy and life in someone like none before, it also however, can seem to place false acquisitions or possibilities in which we think will occur, yet they never seem to come to pass or simply they, keep dangling in front of us just out of reach…

Usually we realise this and move on and refocus the priorities in our life… BUT BAM, they seem to pop up over and over again… those constant reminders, the confusion in which we cant seem to weigh up – if this hope is for the real or just another.. potentiality in which may never happen…

And that's ok – we all have dreams and things we wish to see – and hope whether it does seems all drawn out or simply something we can rely on… I think we all should have it because it gives us something to work for – or look forward too…

I guess the main let down is the people who seem to give false hope – speak too soon, mention something which probably was a little early to know or at the wrong time… these tend to then play at our emotions, thoughts and hope in which we have accumulated already…

Then again maybe this is all me…

“Let hope keep you walking, but let your faith set your path”   Chris Furlong

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Sleep Sweet Sleep

Just got home – had a awesome night… but sadly bit late to fully blog and my mind isn't really in BLOG mode.. but rather craving a little something called Sleep…

Night and Rock On!

”But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

The Open Road of Bumps and Adventure

BAM! That's right welcome to Technically Sentimental 2.0 – The more new and improved layout in which seems to be more relative to my blogging.

Today was fresh – I started the morning with a Grande’ Hot Chocolate at Starbucks Coffee, I had already purchased a bottle of OJ for the lecture and a banana. These are the mornings I love… although I didn't do much thinking or pondering.. that was all tonight.

I'm just going to cut to the chase… Tonight lets just say the unexpected happened, I mean don't get me wrong I have been having this vibe for a while now and that it was bound to happen… (the unexpected to jump out at me…

Any who! You are probably thinking what is hew on about..

In life as I have blogged before – it is full of choices, decisions and crossroads.. We will come to forks in the road in which, we will have to decide which path, looks the most realistic road to travel down… My roads have had their moments, their bumps and river crossings, but I’m just not sure if I am ready for another fork in the road, another river crossing or another bog in a muddy track…

Then again I am here now and I have gained so much experience, so much more to character and to offer… My life seems to be on cruise control with all the things coming and going as they need to be. I have had to change a tire or two but who doesn't… I have also had my moments of spinning out of control.. but I guess the reality of it all is… I have come this far why back out now. Why back down from the open road now?

The road will be rough, but I think I am tough enough to do it… and who knows maybe in the end that goal I set out to achieve in the first place may just seem to be at the end of the line…

“A rough road has many bumps, but a plain and simple road is linear, what will mould you?” – Chris Furlong

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

Todays Tough But What About Tomorrow…

I have come to realise that in life some things will be tough, but tough enough to make you who are to become – help mould into your true character. Once we meet that character, become that character… does that mean things wont be tough? NO!

The tough will come back for sure, but this time you will be ready, ready to take on the fight. The only thing is… getting to this character may require you to face the tough again before taking on the fight!

How would I handle the tough… that is a good question because honestly we don't usually plan for the tough, but rather for the day – but if we looked at each day as day closer to the tough, then there isn't much time at all… as yesterdays planning, was todays plan for tomorrow…

“Yesterdays planning was todays plan for tomorrow”
 – Chris Furlong

Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Psalm 25: 6-7

A Sophisticated World In An Everyday Container….

Being back at Uni for the last 2 weeks has finally made me realise the definition of routine again and is slowing becoming easier to adjust to…

Surprisingly there wasn't much entertainment today on my train trip… Although there was this one guy who decided to give some lady his number when the doors were closing and with no consideration for others decided to force the doors open 6 times.. yes people 6 times..  and boy did he get some faces!

What I have come to realise is the train is just a container full of even more containers – containers in which we box ourselves into our own realities, into our own worlds, looking and observing the ones around us without simply saying a word or making contact. Its rather ironic if you think about it – I mean a train full of people no one talks to others unless they need to. We live in a sophisticated world yet we cant figure out how to communicate to someone else on the train..

Some don't want to, some like to have some time to themselves but seriously we are all thinking it, why doesn't some one just do it? I probably wont but that's not my point.

Its amazing how amongst the thickness of thorns and bushes the Rose always stands out – but what one defines a Rose is another question…
So many decisions in life, so many choices, so many opportunities, so many what could have been’s, so many chances, yet so many of these are missed.

“Time lost can never be recovered but time given can be controlled.” – Chris Furlong

Don't ask me what all this was about, because I simply wouldn't be able to tell you – maybe you should take an adventure on the train and see the many environments, contexts and analogies you can find.

Mornings of a Scarf, a Smell and Beauty

Well currently I am missing the morning dawns of a winter morning – filled with a coffee to go or warm hot chocolate, a peaceful walk to uni with music dancing through my mind – These are the moments I can think, the moments I seem to find it all.

A year ago that was an escape from reality… An escape in which created something more than just a routine and the morning train adventures. It helped eliminate the endless thoughts in my mind and allowed me to ponder the morning and all that it contained…

One thing that has always amazed me is the potentiality of a scarf. As I like to say Scarves seem to be full of secrecy and full of so much more… I mean if there was a swap a scarf day it would be full of endless smiles, joy and illumination of fun and freedom!

Smell – the sensation in which drives emotion to run wild or initiate action. This amazing sensation seems to be so captured within the morning freshness and sunshiny days. The smell of the sun lighting the richness of the land – what more could you want?

One amazing thing this morning was being woken by the perfect reflection/magnification of the suns glare right through my window, through the small space beneath my curtain, which then perfectly glared into my glass of water reflecting into my eye sight – in which woke me. All I can say is what a beautiful way to rise. Beauty can be hidden – but also found at the most unexpected times!

“Analogies seem to be ones way of creating context through reality and making it something it isn't – but maybe what it should be.” – Chris Furlong

The Unfair Innocence

How is it that the innocence of being yourself, tends to be the common mistake in causing an issue, a problem or something which makes situations complex.

I have found that by being myself has always helped me get through life and make friends etc, however potentially by being myself to others this can cause rather unknown consequences or surprises… which I am unaware of.

As I blogged a little bit back about “Not So Mr Nice Guy” – not using that particular context or example but rather the theory behind it – How is it that the innocence of someone who has always been loyal, been of integrity and kept to guidelines and the rules of life – yet I seem to have to fight it out more or seem to have to watch what I say, do, or be…

Seems unfair if you ask me.

“Being yourself will make you real to the ones around you, but it never said it would be easy” – Chris Furlong

Snot and What!

Ok so I was thinking on my drive home this evening and I had this amazing idea of this awesome blog I could do. I got home – did some things before I could sit down and write it.. and bam! It was gone…

So now I don't have my amazing blog, but simply a quick complaint of my inconvenient blankness…

So sorry for this but I got nothing.. other than nose full of snot and a flemmy throat.. that's all I got!

Oh I did get 2 new songs!

Rolling In The Deep – Adele

Letters from the Sky – Civil Twilight

“Check Em and Get Em!”

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

Sanity Takes Time…

Ok Ok Ok.. some would say it was quick, some would say hurry up all ready or some wouldn't have a clue – but on thing for sure is time will tell.
Today I was reminded of the very thing I am trying to forget and it makes me realize that maybe it isn't about trying to push it away, trying to fill it with something else… but to let it leave when it is ready…

But I was sure it was gone… But then we have the constant reminders from other people who are yet to analytically understand the consequence, the real thought behind what they say… Yes this brings a whole new meaning to “to think before you speak” but seriously.. some things should be left unsaid and I don't need to know or hear…

Then there is the FEAR of confrontation… we all struggle with confrontation at different levels but the confrontation I am talking about is the awkward type.. What if was to happen…

If only we could cut and paste and reshuffle our minds, our sanity would be so much easier, and our problems could be erased like.. like.. like they never even happened. As it was famously said – “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” The more we try to get rid of something, remove a memory, or simply move on will only cause an insanity to the brain…

Therefore it will be time which takes control and takes it away!
Have a problem with it? How about you manage your time, you sanity and walk in your shoes!

Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)

PS: You probably wont have understood that.. but that's ok !