Rooftop Reflections

  

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,

   silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them

-Psalm 8:1-4

I mentioned wanting to spend more time on my rooftop.  Here I am now, writing this post.  I am blessed to live in a 25-story condominium.  I often joke that I have a lovely view of the Pasig River (a heavily polluted river that runs through the city).  All kidding aside, my rooftop does provide a unique perspective of the city: lights, cars, and buildings as far as you can see.   It really is something to behold.

Coming up here helps me put things in perspective:

*Lizards scampering on the walls make me think of a previous post.

*I’m reminded of my own insignificance in the grand scheme of things, which helps me not to take myself too seriously.

*I’m reminded to view life with a certain of awe and wonder as our Creator intended.

*I get a tiny glimpse of the greatness of God, which deepens my sense of reference for Him.

*I fathom the size of God’s heart—a heart big enough to individually love everyone in this sea of humanity below me.

*I think about the awesome task of reaching the multitudes with the gospel.

*I consider how meaningless all the busyness, commotion and “progress” is if life is lived without God.

It’s now almost 1:00 a.m.   Yesterday’s Baguio adventure (and bus rides) has altered my biorhythms to a more nocturnal schedule.  But I think I can get to sleep soon, so I’ll go back to my apartment.  I’m glad I decided to come up here tonight.  I’ll be back soon.

Lifechangers, Baguio

Here are some pictures from the Baguio Lifechangers event. 

I met Paul Wrenn, a world champion powerlifter.  I really enjoyed talking with him and getting some weightlifting tips.  Paul used impressive feats of strength as part of an evangelistic presentation, such as lifting me off the floor using a neck harness (no hands).  My 200lb body wasn’t much of a challenge for him.  I’ve posted more of his pictures over at strongandfit.net. 

Book signing with new friends.

You can see I’m wearing a sweatshirt here.  This is the first time I’ve ever experienced cold weather in the Philippines.  

 
Erwin and the Psalm 23 band.   

I had an awesome time and made several new friends.  I even had the opportunity to counsel with a few young men who wanted relationship advice.  God is raising up a generation that is passionate about serving Him!