Warning Sign.

This post was made for somebody special.


It will have taken roughly 2 hours to complete this post I reckon, seeing as though I just started and I will have erased a lot of my words because I can't begin to bring my feelings any justice by what I say.

It is currently 11:58 PM so forgive me if this doesn't make any sense.

I just can't begin to comprehend how much of a friend you are to me.
You are one of the few people who ever wanted to talk to me and just that made me feel special, but you just kept showing further kindness.
Every time I was feeling really down or whenever I was feeling bored you would courteously chat to me. You would show concern to my problems, smile or laugh at my stupid humour, spend time with me when I felt left out.

One thing I've noticed with people is that they look at who they are with a negative light, and don't give themselves anywhere near enough credit as they deserve.
I've listened to some of the things you said you were never good at; public speaking being one of them. I've always been that guy who sort of keeps an eye on things from a distance and doesn't give feedback to anybody, but I'm here to let you know I am proud of you and how much growth I have seen in you; especially when it comes to public speaking. You are a real, genuine person and no matter how good/bad you are at speaking it shows itself through your emotion. Not only do you give people details or words, you give them a feeling of what you say, and believe me I haven't seen that many times from anybody else. Anyway, the gist of what I'm saying is that you are really good a speaking in front of crowds or speaking in general, I can see you do it.

You are a strong person with a big future ahead of them.
I understand you have gone through a lot of pain in your life, especially in mid high-school times. You've made many hard, unpopular decisions which have lead to much pain in relationships with some people. If you can responsibly deal with those tough situations in life you can brave so much more.
You are strong.
Your best friend knows this more than I ever would.
May I reiterate that you are extremely blessed to have such a friendship, or should I say "sister-ship" with a girl who loves who so much and who has never left you.
I so wish I could have that. A friend who has been there all of my life.
That's another way you both have inspired me. A pair of women who love the Lord with all their hearts. That sort of friendship that is sewn together by the love of Christ. It honestly makes me envious at times, but more often makes me happy for you. I feel proud to know people like you two.
But how you could ever separate that relationship is ridiculous. I'm not saying that it was a bad decision to move away, but a ridiculously brave one. Even though I've never had that sort of relationship with somebody I understand how empty and lonely you feel. It makes me sadder than anything else.
When you left that day I was so sad. *massive understatement*. But a majority of myself cried because I understood how painful it was to leave a best friend such as Cassie. Don't think I won't miss you, I wept like a baby after you left, I miss you. So much. I just hated seeing that separation, knowing how much you love each other.

It is currently 12:58 AM so I am feeling ridiculously tired.

Keep smiling. Pretty please?
That was one reason I love being your friend.
You have the happiest smile I have ever seen. Really.
I loved making you laugh, not just to get feedback for myself, but I loved to see you smile.
Creepy...? I hope not :S
But your upbeat attitude and expression is rather infectious.

I loved spending time with you.
That time is very valuable to me, and I will never forget it.
Especially when we hung out all the time in 2009-2010.
I still have all the photos that were taken on my camera and I love them.

Another thing...
I really admire your heart for people in poverty. When you shared about your time in Vietnam on Summer Camp I cried hardcore. You have such a heart for missions and seeing people come to Christ internationally.
I remember one day after school in 2009 or 2010 when we both walked up a street and talked. You were the first person to help me understand that life isn't supposed to be a constant cycle. How you wanted to travel and make a difference in peoples lives by witnessing Christ.
You are so wise 'n' stuff. Especially from somebody who was 15 at the time.

I was so happy when I found out you were coming to the Philippines. I was very blessed to be able to spend that time with you overseas. I will never forget it and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I just really loved spending time with you.
I loved all of our little inside jokes while we were there.
"I'm hungry for babes."
"I just can't get babes off my mind."
"My babes are so hot they are melting."

One thing I didn't enjoy though was "spon-sanni"... IN MY MOUTH.
The worst taste in the world. It was documented on photos.

I have so many photos and videos of the time we spent together over the last several years.
I love them.


When I look at the woman of God you are, I am glad in knowing that you would never turn away from God for any reason. I know it. I've seen it. You've been through lots of pain before, but God was your victory.
After seeing many people leaving Christ for themselves, I felt worried for so many people. I rejoice in knowing you wouldn't give up God for anything in this world.
You inspire me in so many ways, Steph.
Especially spiritually.

"Steph. A woman after God's own heart."

Yeah. That sounds good :D
Keep trusting Jesus. I MEAN it. 

Gosh, I miss you.
The tears in my eyes right now are either from being tired, or actually missing you incredibly much.
I think it's a bit of both.

Please visit me soon. (or vice versa) :)


I better finish up by saying I loved the time we had together. I loved talking to you.
You are an amazing, inspiring, beautiful person.
You are somebody who has makes me feel accepted and respected.
I feel special for having a friend like you.
It won't be the same without you here.


I love you, Steph.
I miss you.

Good bye. (for now)
God bless you. (always)

Love Tom.



P.S.

I will NEVER forget you.



P.P.S.

This took 5 hours. Haha. :P

Fool's Gold.

I miss this.
Talking about utter nonsense and a life with Jesus.
(Two separate catergories)
I should be studying.
I have a 1,800 word assessment due by 5pm tomorrow. It's currently 9:15pm.
You may or may not have noticed, but I haven't submitted a blog in a few months. I've felt a little discouraged in my walk with Jesus. I've made idols. Messed up. Become slave to the toys and materialistic jargon of the world. All the while I've been a good little church boy. Where did my passion escape to? I ask myself at various stages of life, every now and then, "I am I sure I have a real, rock-solid relationship with Jesus?" I am completely aware of what's going on, yet I do nothing about it. It's like my spirit is the audience in the downfall of my faith. Sounds like strong words doesn't it? They are. Nevertheless, it is true. I've been living for the desires of my flesh. Where am I with Jesus? I don't know. I am lost on an island of confusion and regret. Help me, Jesus. I will conquer.
I feel like I'm adjourning to the wide path, or, I've already stepped on it.
I know what happened too. I was worried about how a person, whom I hardly know, thought about me and my walk with Jesus. I was trying to make them impressed, make them like what they saw. From there my motives changed. My identity was in who they called me. I still don't know what they think. I am glad.
I didn't ask them about it. How cool and Christianly does that sound? Not very. Now, I'm stuck in this arena of dismay, where there is a battle between me and my ego.
I thought I had a REAL relationship with Christ? I did. I do still.
I'm stuck in this arena of laziness and self deceitment. Procrastination. Procrastinating my own relationship with God? I never used to be like this. Like I said in my testimony. I reached out to God with EV-ERY-THING. Not just a tiny portion of my heart, but with all of it. I was in need. Am I not anymore? Am I over God? Over meaning? Over purpose? Have I found my foundation, my identity in what the world calls me? I used to be so much smarter! I knew abundantly more about scripture when I was younger. It brings me to tears knowing that I've forgotten (more likely confused) some of the key aspects of God's character.
I'm now a slave. To the internet. To technology, period. If it comes to it, I will have to be rid of my laptop.
I've heard it said, "The change starts now." I've seen people, some of my own brothers and sisters in Christ become annoyed, and even frustrated at that line. "The change has already started!" They tell themselves bluntly, over and over. They are confused. If only the understood.
That should be a line that we should say and commit to more often. Are we satisfied with who we are? More importantly, are we pleasing God? Are we settling for who we are now? Building foundation and fort in a place that was meant for temporary accommodation?
Go further, I ask. No, I PLEAD. Go further, don't listen to that voice in your head telling you you're pathetic and you should stop. I listened. That was a bad choice. People say to people like me, "walk the talk", I say, "don't do what I did." It will take time.
I sometimes settle for okay. It disappoints me that I do. I weep at my own actions to the moon, then when the sun rises, I'm exactly the person I hate.
I could sound that I'm being hard on myself. But frankly, I'm just not satisfied. Brothers and sisters in Christ, journey further, jump higher, run faster.
I understand now, "The change starts here", it does. For me. And for you? I don't know. It all starts with prayer. But I can't do this on my own.
Challenge your reasoning.
Talk about what nobody else wants to talk about. Be the ice-breaker.
There is so much on my mind right now.
 If you're reading this, I probably love you. Even if I hardly know you. I do. I can't help it, sorry.
 I just had a fantastic talk with my family. Unless, you're unaware, I do not get along well with them. It wasn't the "Oh, I love you forever" type of talk, but the "Wake up, and get your butt into gear" type.
It was very enlightening. I am lazy. I don't do much around the house.
I hate being lazy. It hurts to see myself being lazy.
The change starts here. Through the strength and determination that Christ gives me. Not myself.

I must cry my heart out, seek forgiveness, desire change and transformation, long for God's calling.

"Like the prospector finding fulfillment in fool's gold, the sinner finds fulfillment in the desires of their flesh."

God bless you. I pray you understand me, and I pray you can overcome the barriers stopping you from connecting with Christ.

If you have anything that you'd like to say; critique, advice, thanks whatever.
Please comment.

"When all I want, meets all I need."

"People want the truth, but never want the scars." After the Devil Beats his Wife - Emery

"When the world is falling down from under me, I'll be found in You, still standing." Shadowfeet - Brooke Fraser

"Don't excuse yourself from life today on the pretense of your past." Existence - August Burns Red

"You've opened my eyes, so I can see You're all around me." Light Up the Sky - The Afters

"Oh, God be my everything, be my delight. Be, Jesus my glory, my soul satisfied" Be Thou My Vision - Ascend the Hill

"Everyone here can be sure of one thing, we're all in need." Hearts Open - Ivoryline

"The final time I close eyes, I will open them in paradise." Made From Dust - Ivoryline

"You are worth more than riches or gold to me." To the Service - I Am Terrified

"God above kings and queens, every idol will bend and break." Rise - Hillsong

"Doubt your doubts, and believe your beliefs." Ode To Chin - Switchfoot

Post any more in the comments :)

All three subscribers I have.

100 + 100 = 100...?

Jesus was 100% God and 100% man.
That hurts.
How can that be possible?
You can't be 200% anything.
Well... it hurts to think about this apparent "contradiction" doesn't it?
But the good news is I know how to solve it!
The answer is... Just don't think about it!
As humans, we are limited in knowledge, so trying to wrap our head around this is pain.
Same thing with the Trinity too.
Here's a Bible verse from Phillippians 2:5-8

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, 
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing 
by taking the very nature of a servant, 
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, 
he humbled himself 
by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross." 


Anyway... the point I'm trying to make is that lots of Christians usually forget about the 100% man part.
Jesus was like us.
He had a sense of humour.
He sneezed (just imagine that)
He went through everything we did.
Yet He was perfect.

Watch this if you can be bothered!

Blessings-a-many.

We meet again... for the last time.

Not really the last time...

Just getting your attention is all.

Ramble-fest?

Of course....

You know me too well ;)

Well, not really.

The only thing you should be worried about now is...

So I left my computer for 20 minutes and I forgot what I was gonna say.

I'm applying for a job today.

Mum will throw a ferret at me if I don't get one eventually.

Something I enjoy is thinking about God.

I don't wanna sound super spiritual about it either.

I am only a leaf in the wind.

And God caught me.

Blessings-a-many! :3

Serving Jesus ALL my life?

Retirement.
I'm not expecting to do it anytime soon.
I'm not expecting to do it my whole life.
I don't even know if I'll reach the age to retire before Jesus comes again.
What I'm getting at is, Jesus didn't call us to serve Him for half our lives.
When we give our lives to Jesus, are we really giving our whole life to Jesus?
Or only half?
It's a popular idea that when it seems we've had our fair share of what God has in store for us, we retire, lay back & relax.

I hope this video from Mark Driscoll can elaborate my point.

Blessings-a-many.

Tough topic... tough crowd.

Well, hi there!

You might be either be here because I told you to read it, you are bored and have nothing else to do, or you might feel sorry for me and are reading this out of sympathy :P

Joking. But whoever you are, I feel obliged to elaborate about the following:

Why I have never, and never will drink.

"WOAH!" You scream, "IS HE BEING SERIOUS?"

Yes, I am.

I will provide you 3 reasons for why this choice has come to be.

First off,

Drinking is not a sin, nowhere in the Bible does it claim drinking of alcohol is a sin.
For those who say, "Jesus didn't turn water into wine! He turned it into grape juice."
Go sit in the corner and think about that.
What the Bible ACTUALLY says about the consuming of alcohol is,
Ephesians 5:17 "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
The Bible certainly does not oppose drinking, as some uninformed Christians say.

Reason 1:
My family.
I have a grandparent who is well known in the family for getting drunk, even on family get-togethers.
This has caused many dramas and conflict between their children, one child being my parent.
Because of my grandparent's addiction, they are frowned upon in the family.
Because of this addiction it has lead to Parkinsons disease and my grandparent shakes like a leaf.
It hurts to see such family conflict literally every time my parent and grandparent see each other.
This is one reason why I don't drink alcohol.

You may be asking yourself, "Why be so against it, even having not one drink on a rare occasion?
Well, hopefully I can clarify that.

Reason 2:
Addiction.
I have seen way too many people leave the church and leave Christ all together because of alcohol.
It cuts me deeply to see my old best friends from my youth group partying and getting drunk on a Friday night, remembering that they used to be so committed to Christ.
I have heard too many stories that addiction comes from the first drink, even though they might not want it to. They can't help it.
These days, turning 18 means two things, getting your P's, and going out to pubs and bars.
Too many people have I seen get distracted from Jesus. All from that one drink.

Are you skeptical of my reasoning? Please do be.
Think for yourself. Don't you dare give in to peer pressuring. (contradictory statement?)
Think of the consequences of everything you do.
Main word for this post is think.

Reason 3:
Pre-suppositions.

pre·sup·pose [pree-suh-pohz] verb (used with object), -posed, -pos·ing.

1.  to suppose or assume beforehand; take for granted in advance.

If you saw a man walking down the street with a long black trenchcoat, emo fringe, 30 facial piercings, skinny frame, pale skin, tons of chains, and all black clothing, what would your instant judgement about that man be?
Emo?
As much as I disagree with pre-suppositions, it's a hard thing to avoid.
So imagine if you saw somebody's picture on Facebook with that person holding a beer bottle in their hand, what would you think?

"Oh wow, looks like that person had a 'good night' last night."

No.

"Oh wow, I wouldn't expect them to get drunk."

That might not be the first thing you think, but it would come to mind.

If I'm going to be working for Christ's Kingdom and for His church, I can't let these pre-suppositions occur.
I hate 'cred'. It ruins everything, as soon as you hear about somebody you wouldn't expect to get drunk do so. It's a hard thing for their status not to be lowered. In your mind anyway.
So if I'm at a party, I make sure no one will attempt to take a photo of me.
People are very pre-suppositional.
Even me. I'm not perfect.

I hope what I've said can help you understand.

Cheers for reading.

Blessings-a-many.

Orange sort of rhymes with lozenge. SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH.

SOME call me Billy.
SOME MORE call me Tom.
BUT NOBODY calls me Joseph.
For instance... take a chicken, put it in the blender and what do you have?
Little baby mangoes :3 Naaawwww.
HELP.
I need a medic!
I need a doctor, doctor. A pancake is what I need. Hey, hey.

Thinking hurts, people some say. Believe but I think don't that's true.
I met a bloke from Japan and we exchanged gifts. I gave him a soccer.
Curry. Is. On. My. Home. Work.
One day, that'll be the day, when that day will be a day away.
OUCH. Sore nostrils. I won't be able to eat my fried rice.
Sometimes, I dream about cheesesticks.

Are this that right type of way them to can be talking much?
I don't remember.
Don't ask me, melon man.
You're a melon instead of a human being. Your birth certificate lies.
Ya is not a choo choo train!
This  is climax-ing.
Goo'bah!
You just tuned in to a special episode of face punch, where we punch you in the nostrils!!! HA HA.

Ooooooh I get it now :3
Trevor is apparently my name... filthy pixies.
I pass on my sincere condolences from my fist towards your butter chicken. BAM.

I feel sorry for every human being who transformed into a melon whilst attempting to read this.
If you didn't...
You're a mushroom.
NOM.
Actually I hate mushrooms D:
Yuck.

Goo'bye until the near distant future my friend.

Blessings-a-many, for I am not a robot.

General humourous occurences.

How do I know where the limit is when it comes to comedy with Christianity?
These guys are treating Christianity with respect and humour at the same time.
Which I like.
They're from Andy Stanley's church.

Introducing,

Godz Bodz.

Have a laugh :)

Blessings-a-many.

The Jesus I know.

I'm honestly incredibly sick of people saying Jesus didn't even exist.
Um.... yeah.
Honestly.
If Jesus never existed, Christianity wouldn't be alive today.
It is historically proven Jesus existed.
Some say Jesus' bones were dug up by archaeologists.
Wrong.
Some people say that Jesus' character has been disputed by 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Even wronger.
Some people even go as far as saying Jesus was a homosexual who frolicked in fields with lambs.
I'm not even gonna go there!

This is what history and personal experience tells me.

Blessings-a-many.

Why I oppose the prosperity gospel.

You might think Joel Osteen is an inspiring preacher, with his cheerful and happy attitude.
But I disagree with his teaching.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to abuse him, but to critique his teaching.
I hope you'll understand, as Pastor of Mars Hill Church, Seattle, explains,
"A relationship with God is not all lollipops, skipping while singing hymns."

Blessings-a-many.

Be skeptical...

MUSIC :D

I love it...
BUT...
Yes, it's a big BUT...
Lol...

BUTT...
^purposely spelt incorrectly for giggles.

BUT...

When it comes to music, be critical.
Even if you're at church worshipping, look at what the words actually SAY.
I can't stand songs that say, "I WILL praise You." Or, "I am so in love with You."
Sometimes I get too caught up in raising my hands and singing to God, I don't notice what I'm singing.
The song, 'Go' from Hillsongs latest album, I cannot stand.
It starts off singing this great song then when it comes to the instrumental build up they sing,
"OLAY, OLAY-OLAY-OLAY, OLAY, OLAY!"
Y'know, the SOCCER CHANT.
This song goes from praising Jesus, to soccer-chanting!
If Hillsong are trying to appeal more towards the audience, rather than God. Well. They will lose alot of my respect.
Planetshakers already have :P

My final message is, be critical, and mean the words you sing. (Unless it's a soccer chant -.-)

Blessings-a-many.

Confirming the Christmas spirit!!

I'm posting my first links about apologetics on the topic of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.
But first you must take this advice:
It's important not to be affected by critics of Christianity.
The media is the only place where it seems that secularism is on the rise in todays society, but that's all.
92% of the world population believe in a creator of some sort.
People are plain sick of hearing about the Bible's stories, so aren't terribly interested in any books by Christian authors.
But when a book comes out critiquing the historicity of the Bible, people are interested. Oblivious to any intelligent Christian response.
There are always good responses to arguements against Christianity.
So without further ado:

Jesus' Bethlehem birthplace outside of Matthew & Luke:
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2009/11/bethlehem-birthplace-outside-of-matthew.html
Is Luke's account of the census historically reliable? (Bonus links in article for further study)
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2010/08/is-lukes-census-historical.html

Enjoy :)

Blessings-a-many

Fresh start.

For the small number of those people who followed my last blog, 'tomisnewagain.blogspot.com', would understand that a majority of my posts were extremely amateur and uninformed.
I mean gimme a break, I was only a noob back then.
Over the time since my last post I have grown wiser and more knowledgable in the Christian faith (running 4-5 years strong now!)
I've studied the area of 'apologetics' (defense of the Christian faith) for about 1.5 years, which has really built my faith to a high ground of historical and scientific knowledge. Read '1 Peter 3:15'. Cos I can't be bothered posting it :3
Anyways, ignore that jibba-jabba.
I'm here to party!
No.
Not really.
I'm here in this life for alot more than partyin'.
In this new and more informed blog, I promise to bring you...
The Gospel, science, philosophy, history. All focused around the historical doctrine of the Bible.

Oh... and if you're lucky, you might hear a bit about me! :)

Blessings-a-many!