Looking forward...

We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. —Acts 14:22

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The buttercups in our backyard were unusually bright and beautiful due to the generous amount of spring rain God sent our way. I wanted to take some pictures of them before they faded, but I had trouble getting close enough because they were growing in a very soggy wetland. One sunny afternoon, I pulled on a pair of boots and trudged through briers and brambles toward buttercup bog. Before I got any pictures, I got muddy feet, multiple scratches, and numerous bug bites. But seeing the buttercups made my temporary discomfort worthwhile.

Much of life is about “getting through” the trials and troubles that are inevitable in our sinful world. One of these trials is persecution. The disciples certainly found this to be true. They knew the good things that Jesus has ready for those who follow Him, but they met harsh resistance when they tried to tell others (Acts 14:5).

Those of us who have chosen God’s way, and who know from experience that it’s “a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31), will persevere even when we have to go through danger and difficulty. By doing so, we show others a beautiful picture of God’s peace, mercy, and forgiveness. The joy that awaits will make our temporary discomfort worthwhile. —Julie Ackerman Link

As sure as night, life’s troubles come,

As sure as day, they’re past;

But surer still that endless joy

When heaven we reach at last. —D. De Haan

Earth—the land of trials; heaven—the land of joys.

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Right now, all i can think about are the comments people usually made about Christians. About us, having life easy.. Woah...... No lor...

It seems anyone who knows us, suddenly has tons of expectations of us, suddenly we seemed to be superheroes. And when we fall, they point and laughed.. hmm...

Well, maybe not all of us has that experience, but my mum does that. And for those who knows me well, i love my mum so deeply, with everything that i am. So when she does that, i feel so disappointed. So sad.. Feels like, I've never achieved anything at all in this life.

When i was sick, Sis Charissa came frequently to visit and to bring me dinner *yummy*! One of the conversations that we have was on this topic. And thank God for her, coz she reminded me the details as follows:

I am a part time kindergarten teacher, so.. That kinda explains the pay part.. =)

- Still, i can survive through each month for the past 6 months.

- Still, i can pay my mum's and my phone bills

- Still, i can pay rent (dear aunty joyce is so sweet to make it so low in the first place)

- Still, i could give my mum whenever she needs to go see doc

- Still, i could give my mum allowance. Without telling her coz she would spend. SO, all i did was transfer to her bank account.. And not tell her.

- Still, i could repay my debt loans.

Waaaa.. Thank God seriously.. When Sis Charissa shared with me, i just marveled at how God quietly sustains me. Like the last 2 months, my pocket was burnt because of my medical fees. I thank God for people like Sis Charissa, Aunty Jeannie, my aunt Sharon and aunt Josephine, whom, even though i never ask directly, would just text me and ask if i needed money. Esp my aunts, they would just open the door and "ask ar, need help ask ar.." And the strangest thing was, God even moved some uncle in my church, whom i usually dont really speak to, to give me love gift too. And that was when i had a total of 0 cents anywhere, ranging from Bank accounts to ez-link card to piggy bank.. I almost fainted when i saw the money.

God knows exactly when to help, coz that day itself, mum needed money. =) again, God made the miracle through someone like me.

I've been brought up in a family, labeled as "a liability" as we grew up. And i was so uncomfortable for the Christian family assistance in the start, yes i still am now.. But it's because of their pure love for me as a sister in Christ. And that is such a precious grace given by God. Coz in God's eyes, everyone that follows Him, is an ASSET, not a liability, Because JESUS PAID ALL!

ahhhhhhhhh....... I am so in love..... with God that is...

I can only imagine what heaven is like...

"Surrounded by Your glory,

what will I feel?

Will i dance for You Jesus,

or in awe of You, be still?

Will i sing hallelujah,

or to my knees will i fall?"

... I can only imagine by Mercy Me

And with what Sis Charissa always reminded me, and with what one of my church aunty is going through in mind, i penned this song. At a really weird timing as usual. =)