The Prodigal Returns (Luke 15:11-32)

Lost and Found

2010-12-16T20:17:00.002+08:00

Hi peeps,

i will officially launched my new evangelistic blog latest by my birthday, for those who are interested, please go visit, and email me your feedback..

God bless!

Lost and Found

2010-12-15T21:16:00.003+08:00

Working on a new evangelistic blog to go along with my evangelistic name cards... Hang on people!!

Evangelism

2010-12-05T20:50:00.003+08:00

Matthew 28:19-20

¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

So.. what does a girl like me, who's shy about sharing gospel gonna do lei??

I will go.......... into the ........... CYBER WORLD!!

Yes.. It's been awhile since i uploaded my songs to youtube (username: darthrennis), on facebook.. And now, i am praying to take it up to another level.

Evangelism name cards.. Seriously praying about it.. I will show my previous emo-depress-suicidal blog, in contrast to this blog.. Oh, for those who wants to read the previous one, its www.xanga.com/cs8_3...

If you still think i was cool then... er... well, i got nothing to say.. I prefer who i am now..

So....... praying about it.... Seeking counsel... Quite excited about Sunday School Camp, more like blur about the things i need to do.... stressss.. haha..

Praying for strength.. and physical health, praying to last everyday.... Ashton is back to camp, and Hanna's coming! hee..

Dead Women Walking

2010-11-28T01:55:00.002+08:00

Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I know i had used this verse many times.. But this is the verse that reminds me of Jesus' love, personal comfort..

I know i haven blogged for a long time.. i do more personal journey entries with my journal partners.. But it's this book i read, that makes me want to share.

If you guys are free, pick up this book call "Dead women walking"

If you ever want to know how i was brought up, what kind of environment i was in, read this book.. Besides the prostituion part, the book says everything else..

It makes me burden more for my family's salvation..

Yes, times were hard.. God seen us through..

Reading the book, my past flashes by like a bullet train. I knew why i couldnt connect to most of the young adults in church, or most of the people in church.

Sometimes, i feel really lonely, and i ended up enjoying the solitude more, disliking companies of fellow christians..

I know i am eccentric at times.. But hey, you wanna know me.. Read the book..

I am thankful to God for calling me back, for not giving up on me..

Now my heart's weighing heavier for my family.. i dont want to go heaven without them...

Resting in His love

2010-10-04T19:37:00.003+08:00

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 04 Oct 2010

People who are trying to be friendly sometimes ask, “Are you keeping busy?” The question seems harmless, but in my mind it carries a subtle message. Beneath the surface is a test of personal value. If I can’t rattle off a list of things I have to do, I feel as if I’m admitting that I’m not worth much.

But does God determine our value by how busy we are? Does He calculate our worth by how much we accomplish? Does He reward us for living on the edge of exhaustion and not taking care of ourselves?

One of the first verses I learned as a child was Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” It didn’t mean much to me at the time because I didn’t understand weariness. But now that I’m older, I feel the temptation to keep pace with the world so I won’t be left behind.

But followers of Jesus don’t have to live like that. Not only has He released us from slavery to sin but also from the bondage of having to prove our worth.

Accomplishing a lot for God may make us feel important, but what makes us important to God is what we allow Him to accomplish in us—conforming us into the image of His Son (Rom. 8:28-30). —Julie Ackerman Link

Christ never asks of us such busy labor
As leaves no time for resting at His feet;
The waiting attitude of expectation He often counts as service most complete. —Anon.

Our value is not measured by what we do for God but by what He has done in us.

Wow.. I liked this devotion today.

It encourages me a lot. Especially these 6 months, while i was falling sick all the time, i felt super useless.. Like i cant even do the simple things.. Felt really down.. But well, like the sentence said, our value is not measured by what we do for God, but by what He has done in us.

For as much as i feel some people look at me in a different light, because i am weaker now and i cant do more things then i use to, i dont think i should care how they look at me, i am in God's hands..

Dont know how will all these end, but i know it's gonna be beautiful.

Lord's Supper

2010-10-03T19:58:00.002+08:00

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. —1 Cor. 11:26

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 3 Oct 2010

Many churches celebrate the first Sunday in October as World Communion Sunday. It is a time to observe the Lord’s Supper with a special awareness of celebrating together with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe. On this day, being with a community of believers has become very meaningful to me.

One year, however, I found myself in an airport with a long flight ahead and no opportunity to attend church on that day. Sitting alone, I read the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper, along with the passages describing Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Then from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, I pondered the words so often read at communion services: “The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread . . .” (v.23). With some common elements to represent the bread and the cup, I observed the Lord’s death for us, feeling a deep kinship with those followers of Christ in many places who are unable or forbidden to gather with others in worship.

Whatever your location and circumstances today, may you find joy and strength in remembering the Lord’s sacrifice on the cross. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (v.26). —David McCasland

When Christians join in blessed fellowship
Commemorating Jesus’ sacrifice,
They sense a common bond of unity
Because for every race He paid the price. —Hess

Celebrating Christ together brings strength and joy.

The reason why i like Holy Communion is because of the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. Today Pastor made a good point, while the Lord was focus on what He needs to do later on, the disciples were kinda thinking selfish thoughts, thinking of who's the greatest.

I wont say that this is not present in our churches today, but i thank God for a good reminder, that all of us are bond slaves.

In our kindergarten vision, i cant remember everything but the last paragraph says that we teachers aim to be a lighthouse to all our children, and that, is a major mega responsibility to begin with.

New week is starting, and the theme is transportation. Looking forward to meet my children, praying really hard that i wont keep falling sick.

So much to do, so little time.. =)

Personal God-phone

2010-10-02T20:38:00.002+08:00

Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge. —Proverbs 23:12

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 2nd Oct 2010

Remember when phones were for making phone calls? With the advent of the smart phone, what was once a way to talk to someone has become a storehouse of data. Add cell-phone applications (computer programs) to that, and you can read sports reports, play games, plan trips, find an apartment—or any of well over 100,000 other tasks available with an “app.”

That’s pretty amazing, but the “apps” for phones are nothing compared with the kind of “apps” Scripture gives us. The “applications” of the Bible are direct notes from God telling us how to apply the truth of His Word to all of life.

Take Philippians 2, for instance: The unity app (2:2), the humility app (2:3), the no-grumbling app (2:14), the shine-as-lights app (2:15). Or look at the apps of Ephesians 5: The imitate-God app (5:1), the walk-in-love app (5:2), the purity app (5:3), the tongue app (5:4). And the book of Proverbs? It’s teeming with applications.

You don’t have to wait for someone to offer these on the Internet. Just open the Bible and see the hundreds of ways to apply Scripture in your life. Got a question about the Christian life? Search the Bible. The answers are there, waiting to be discovered. —Dave Branon

Cling to the Bible; this jewel and treasure
Brings life eternal and saves fallen man;
Surely its value no mortal can measure;
Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can. —Smith

The Bible has treasures of wisdom for you—read it and apply it!

As much as i think Iphones are a bit overrated and overused, i thought this article was a pretty good reminder not to get stuck to using iphone or whatever electronic devises we have all the time.

Had a hearty chat with Joc, haven done that in a while. She told me each morning while traveling to work, she would take time to appreciate the beautiful creation of the Lord. She noticed though, tons of people are so focused on the little gadgets in their hands, they are missing the beauty surrounding them.. I think maybe this way, lesser people have the chance to notice their potential life partners right beside them too. Haha.. Just a random thought.

Haven blogged in a while... Body's getting sick again.. Just still very thankful to God that I am alive, another day to praise Him, to study His words. Yes, i am very discouraged by the fact that i cannot even push heavy things around, or roll newspaper, or sew simple things for long.. But well, i know for sure God dont make mistakes.. so....

Till next time, God blesses and loves everyone!

Saved to Serve

2010-09-26T00:41:00.002+08:00

Matthew 24:45
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Today we went to Life BPC to sing for their 60th anniversary. I think we did quite well =) i was quite blown away by other churches' choir, i think our choir can achieve that!

Rev Charles Seet gave quite a good message, i didnt bring my pen and paper, so whatever i wrote here is solely based on my migrained-memory..

"Saved to serve, Jesus is coming" based on Matthew 24:45 - 51..

I was reminded to be faithful and wise. There were 3 points.

The verse to focus on was verse 45

1) Servant
- is not greater than the Master. So if Jesus washes the feet of his disciples as an act of love, what more can we do to give to others?

2) Faithful
- consistency on service

3) Wise
- choices we made that shows we love God more than other.

It was a really short message but awakening one.. I hope it speaks to everyone who is reading this, and remember we are to be the light and salt that Jesus calls for.

In the wilderness....

2010-09-14T21:43:00.002+08:00

Exodus 3
5 “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.
6I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.

Woah... Just realised how long i didnt blogged here..
Kinda been in my desert, doing things i should not be doing,
closing my eyes to blessings which i took for granted.

Been using the daily devotional from Evangel. I kinda liked it coz it's continuous. Everyday i learn something new.

Today's reading is from Exodus 3:1-12.

The question asked based on verse 5 and 6 was, how do i meet God? Is it with reverence, or just whatever, whenever i want to..

Quite a sharp reminder for me.

Longing to get out of the desert.. I hate it when im feeling down and low.. grr

Hanging on.......

2010-09-01T15:26:00.001+08:00

John 14:6
I am the Way, the Truth and The Life.

Just based on this, i am doing whatever emotionally possible way to hang on...

Time to grow up!!

2010-08-21T14:26:00.005+08:00

I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. —1 Corinthians 3:1

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 20 August 2010

While browsing through some birthday cards in a gift shop, I found one that made me laugh. Its message read: “You are only young once, but you can be immature forever.” That card tickled my funny bone. There is something winsome about never having to grow up, as any fan of Peter Pan can attest.

But we all know that perpetual immaturity is not only inappropriate, it’s also unacceptable. For the Christian, it’s vital that we mature. After we are born again and become followers of Christ, we are not expected to stay spiritual babies. The Scriptures challenge us to grow to be more like Him.

When writing to the church at Corinth—a church with many problems—Paul said that their issues were rooted in a lack of spiritual development. In 1 Corinthians 3:1, he said, “I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”

How do we grow beyond being just spiritual babes? Peter urged, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We do this by meditating on the Word of God and devoting ourselves to prayer (Ps. 119:97-104; Acts 1:14). Like the troubled church of Corinth, it may be time for us to grow up. —Bill Crowder

More like the Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be. —Gabriel

Spiritual growth occurs when faith is cultivated.
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The passage that i had to read for this post was from 1 Cor 3:1-17.. There's one part which stuck me, making me think if I had really mature in Christ.

1 Cor 3:4
for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?

*slaps myself*

I had definitely made that kind or felt like that before.. Not just jealousy, but other sins, esp sexual.. URGH..

Thank God He's not giving up on me, so much to learn.. So little time...

Time to grow up!!

2010-08-21T14:26:00.001+08:00

Love one another

2010-08-18T15:36:00.002+08:00

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. —John 13:35

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 16 August 2010

You have to work hard to offend Christians. By nature, Christians are the most forgiving, understanding, and thoughtful group of people I’ve ever dealt with. They never assume the worst. They appreciate the importance of having different perspectives. They’re slow to anger, quick to forgive, and almost never make rash judgments or act in anything less than a spirit of total love. . . . No, wait—I’m thinking of golden retrievers!

I laughed when I read this in an e-mail. But having had experience with goldens—and fellow Christians—I think it’s true that sometimes believers are just too easily offended! “The choir director always gives her the solos.” “The pastor didn’t even look at me when he shook my hand.” “I do a lot around here—people ought to appreciate me a little more.”

Anger. Resentment. Pride. Sure, issues between believers do sometimes need to be addressed. But what if we always tried to treat others the way we want to be treated (Matt. 7:12), weren’t quick to judge others but forgave them (Luke 6:37), and demonstrated a little humility? (Phil. 2:3).

And what if the world could actually recognize that we are followers of Jesus by the love we have “for one another”? (John 13:35). Is this true of us? —Cindy Hess Kasper

Lord, let me be a shining light
In all I say and do,
That Your great love displayed in me
May lead someone to You. —Sper

Sometimes the best witness is love.

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I know i haven been updating... my apologies.. this post had been on my mind since i saw it two days ago.. thank God for strength, for sustaining me through the past weeks.. Amazingly tired, i just want to rest all the time.. The rest of my energies were given to Kindergarten, teaching as well as for the concert.

The hours of sound editing simply fried my brain cells i guess.. But thank God for the gift He's given me.. Hee.. I love music.. One of my colleague asked me today, would i give up teaching to play music? well, thats my heart's desire, but not what God wants me to do.. Anyway, please keep praying for me whoever's there. I get so tired, i woke up exactly on time to bathe, and rush to school. Breakfast's eaten as i walk to school. I miss my QT with God.. Having QT after school or at the end of the day, doesnt really make any sense to me, or should i say, i'll have more regrets about not doing it in the morning...

Anyway, as i mentioned.. I read the post two days ago after school. And i thought to myself.. Hmm, how true is that? We DO get easily offended... Just yesterday, was trying to buy dinner, the uncle was quite rude to me when i decided i wanted something else. It was not like i took 5 minutes later to tell him that, but like immediately after i made my first order.. So i told him, er, i want this now can?

And he was like, ok la ok la, go sit. Just now want this, now want that.. And grumbled and grumbled.. so on so on..

I was so angry i wanted to tell him to forget it, and there was this aunty looking at the both of us. Then i realised i'm wearing the cross Jasmine bought for me. And immediately i went and sat at a table while i waited for my orders. In a way, I'm glad i didnt do what i wanted to do. I would have been a bad witness to the uncle as well as the aunty. and i didnt know if they were believers or not.. Whatever I did, i thank God for signalling me yesterday to just stay back, and stay cool.

On monday, i shared with WIP and my journey partners what I've learnt from John Macarthur, i kinda modify the thought and this was what i shared.

"The Word of God is like our conscience security update.. Each time we're close to sinning, the more updated our conscience is, the more alert and vigilant it will be to warn us.
Psalm 1:2"

I miss Joc, worst still, I miss going to Kenya.. I miss my QT. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! DONT CARE AR!!!!!!!!!! MUST DO TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!

*rolls around*

i wanna bring my terappin home..

Copy not cat but Christ

2010-08-12T06:24:00.003+08:00

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. —1 Corinthians 11:1

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 11 Aug 2010

As we sat at the table one day last week, my oldest son began protesting about his little sister “always” copying him. When she imitates his laugh or eats her French fries before her burger like he does, it annoys him. My wife and I tried to get him to realize that he has an opportunity to influence her by setting a good example.

Unlike my son, Paul invited others to copy his example (1 Cor. 11:1). In this verse, he concluded his discussion from chapter 10 about the Corinthians loving others enough to limit their freedom. He said that when they were invited to a nonbeliever’s home for dinner, they were free to eat what was set before them (v.27). But if their freedom to eat the meat offered to idols caused another believer to question whether or not what they were doing was right, they were to limit their freedom for the good of the “weaker” believer (v.28).

Paul encouraged the people to follow his example in this matter, in the same way he followed Christ’s example. Paul did not seek his own good, but the good of others by imitating Jesus’ example of love, unity, acceptance, and sacrifice.

In the same way, we are to follow Jesus’ example so closely that we can say with confidence to our brothers and sisters, “Copy me as I copy Christ.” —Marvin Williams

Show me the way, Lord, let my light shine
As an example of good to mankind.
Help them to see the patterns of Thee,
Shining in beauty, lived out in me. —Neuer

Live a life worth imitating by imitating Christ.
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Phew.. Thank God for the strength and sustenance during my 3 hour recording yesterday for the kindergarten concert... Mum dragged me to this massage bed thingy, which is quite cool.. And relaxing... My chest aches are minimizing, I can sleep throughout the night without waking up.. I think it's coolness and great.. It's free to use as long as you want, as long as your conscience allows.. haha, anyway, its a cool way to publisize, by word of mouth.. And for people who cant afford, well, health maintenance is for everyone.

Today will be my 3rd day of treatment.. According to mum, it should start taking effect which includes losing weight, health conditions improving.. And body achings.. Coz too much problems = many part of body aching after massage.. You guys should check it out, www.ceragem.net..

Ahhh.. Zoo trip cancelled.. Which means i get to rest more =) Thank God.. Need to pray for children in all kindergartens.. HFMD seemed to be coming around again.. And for people who got it before, like moi, has to watch our health..

I seemed to enjoy cooking more.. Feels weird eating out, and all the money used to buy food floods my head... hur hur.. Why i waste so much money????anyway, realised i hate saba fish... So many bones -_-...

Thought about today's devotions. I realised when i "scold" my children, i often asked them, do you see Ms Cynthia doing this or that? And im so glad they say no.. Phew, dont want to be stumbling them.

I love my kiddos... Im so gonna cry when they leave kindergarten to go primary.. hur hur... Think too much... Gotta go get breakfast cooked and eaten...

It's a great day to praise the Lord!

Humility =)

2010-08-10T11:58:00.001+08:00

Remember those . . . who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose faith follow. —Hebrews 13:7

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 9 August 2010

Isaac Hann was a little-known pastor who served a small church in Loughwood, England, in the mid-18th century. At the close of his ministry, the membership of the church numbered 26 women and 7 men. And only 4 of the men attended with any regularity.

In this age of mass media and mega-churches, who would consider this a successful work? In our world today, Isaac Hann would be considered one of those pastors who never quite “made it.” He certainly wouldn’t have been invited to speak at pastors’ conferences, nor would he have written articles on church growth.

Yet, when he died at 88 his parishioners placed a plaque on the wall of their meeting house that remains to this day. It reads in part:

Few ministers so humble were, yet few so much admired: Ripened for heaven by grace divine, like autumn fruit he fell;

Reader think not to live so long, but seek to live as well.

First Peter 5:5-6 comes to mind: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” Reverend Isaac Hann “made it big” in a way that matters—humility before God and a reward in heaven. We can too. —David Roper

True greatness does not come to those
Who strive for worldly fame,
It lies instead with those who choose
To serve in Jesus’ name. —D. De Haan

Humility is the recipe for success
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Well, this is one of the lesson where we'll go, oh thats simple, but in actual fact its so hard to do!

May God help us all!

Hearts of flesh, not stones

2010-08-09T08:45:00.002+08:00

Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. —Hebrews 3:8

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 08 August 2010

During one of my daily walks, I inadvertently walked through a small tornado of little insects. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but later on I found all kinds of bites on my ankles and arms. It seems I had walked through a swarm of gnats, whose bites led to uncomfortable itching and sores.

This experience gave me a new perspective on the plague of gnats that God visited upon Egypt when Phar-aoh would not free the Israelites. The Hebrew word translated “lice” in Exodus 8:16-18 can also mean “gnats” or “mosquitoes.” Because the insects are compared to the sand of the desert, a swarm of gnats seems the most likely. The pagan priests of Pharaoh who prided themselves in their frequent washings and shavings were now covered with numerous insect bites. God had designed this plague to get Pharaoh to repent and let Israel go, but instead he hardened his heart.

Is God trying to get your attention through some circumstances in your life? Is He trying to persuade you to get back in step with Him? (Gal. 5:25). We should resist the urge to harden our hearts. But let’s instead submit to God (James 4:6-8) and ask Him what spiritual lessons He wants us to learn. —Dennis Fisher

The sun that hardens clay to brick
Can soften wax to shape and mold;
So too life’s trials will harden some,
While others purify as gold. —Sper

God makes us miserable through conviction to make us joyful through confession.

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First thing first, HAPPY 45th BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!

Wow, cant believe so many years had past! I still remembered I was trying to enter a competition when Singapore was 25 years old.. Hur hur..

Anyway, thank God for peace and harmony. Which leads to safety. .But still so many unsaved people out there, gotta pray, gonna commit them into hands of God, and give tracts to whoever, whenever I can!

I prayed and urged my dear friends who are not saved, is there something i can clarify? Please feel free to email me and ask...

I spent the night over at my aunt's place.. Was in pain and all, but thank God for providing a doctor in the house.. My aunt's friend's a doctor.. And so lungs fine, heart's fine, just muscle and skeletor strained.. ERGHHH.. Cynthia Sim, stop straining yourself!!

Yay, gotta go have my macdonald breakfast now!!

Distractions...

2010-08-05T18:07:00.003+08:00

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. —Psalm 63:1

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 4 August 2010

I still find it amazing that we can launch probes into deep space. But think of how wasteful it would be if on the way to Mars our probe got caught in the gravitational pull of a lesser, insignificant object. Beware! That might be happening in our lives.

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, He meant for them to begin a journey to passionately pursue Him. Followers of Christ have been launched into a trajectory that is defined by drawing closer and closer to Him. But in the process, we are often distracted and succumb to the gravitational pull of lesser, alluring things. When that happens, we cease our pursuit of Him and go into orbit around stuff that in the end is empty and unsatisfying.

Psalm 63 is the cure for lives stuck in orbit. David pursued God, knowing that He alone could satisfy his inner longings because His “lovingkindness is better than life” (v.3). The joy of God’s presence consumed every moment: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (v.6). David understood that true joy and purpose come not in admiring God from a safe distance, but from chasing hard after Him.

Let’s get back on track and pursue an increasingly closer walk with God! —Joe Stowell

To walk in fellowship with Christ
And sense His love so deep and true
Brings to the soul its highest joy
As nothing in this world can do. —D. De Haan

The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between.

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Oh, i love today's devotion...

Lately I've been so distracted... By my physical pains, and whatever's causing my emotional pains.....

-_- just in pain all the time... It's so not fun.. And trying to work at the same time...........

*rolls around in pain*

I love my kiddos, they're so cute..... hahhaha....

World's Deadly Virus

2010-08-04T20:17:00.001+08:00

Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. —Romans 6:18

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 3 August 2010

The H1N1 pandemic focused the world’s attention on viruses. Viruses are living organisms that need a host to survive and wreak their havoc. In some cases, a virus can be present for many years before the host is even aware of it. During that time, the virus can inflict widespread and untold damage. Take it away from the host, and it remains dormant or dies.

In a similar way, sin needs a host to stay alive. By themselves, sins such as pride, greed, anger, and selfishness are mere words. But when sin overpowers a human host, it works to destroy it for as long as the host is alive.

Thankfully, because of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, Christians have been positionally “set free from sin” (Rom. 6:18). Even though we still sin, the Holy Spirit who lives in us helps us to resist that “sin virus,” the lust of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). The apostle John tells us: “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them” (1 John 3:9 NLT). Now we walk in dependence upon the Spirit, and one day we will stand “faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).

Isn’t that a great comfort for you as you step out today into a world infected by the “virus” of sin? —C. P. Hia

The Great Physician holds the cure
That kills the virus of our sin;
It’s by His own atoning blood
That we’re made whole and pure within. —D. De Haan

Sin is the disease, Christ is the cure.
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This is a good reminder for me..
Lately I've been having odd, naughty dreams.. And for the past 3 days, I've not been keeping to my usual QT time.

Not being able to wake up on time due to chest pains, is not an excuse.
Not being able to function well in the morning, is not an excuse.

K, onset back to my QT time tomorrow and proper breakfast. Praying hard the nights are easy for me to rest, and mornings easy for me to breathe.

I'm already a host for the flu virus, not gonna be one for the "sin" virus.

God please help me....

He knows! =)

2010-08-03T07:16:00.000+08:00

Do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. —Matthew 6:8

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 2 August 2010

A friend who is a commercial pilot told me about a flight in which he encountered a serious mechanical issue—a problem with dangerous implications. When the situation occurred, the warning lights in the cockpit informed him of the problem and he monitored it all the way to the destination, ultimately landing safely.

Once on the ground, the pilot immediately went to the maintenance staff and reported it. To his surprise, the mechanics responded, “We already know about the problem and are ready to fix it. When you got the cockpit warning, we automatically got an electronic warning as well.”

As he shared that incident, I couldn’t help but compare it to Jesus’ words about our heavenly Father: “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matt. 6:8). He said this in contrast to people who believe that they must “use vain repetitions . . . . For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (v.7). Jesus presupposes God’s knowledge of and concern for His children.

Even though God knows our needs, He still wants us to share our hearts with Him. He stands ready to hear our prayer and to repair our brokenness by His grace. —Bill Crowder

Although God knows our every need,
His work He wants to share;
He takes us into partnership
By calling us to prayer. —D. De Haan

Prayer is the voice of faith, trusting that God knows and cares.
*****************************************************

I remember the days, when im still staying with my mum, some days were terrible days. And i would not really share what happen, but mum knew something's up, and she would ask me, what happen?? Why you not happy?

And this always make me quite happy.

What more when our Father knows exactly our burden and our prayers, and He's just waiting patiently for us to open up to Him and share.

It always blows my mind away, to know the Mighty Creator of the Universe, waiting to hear from me.......

~Who are we, that You should be mindful of us?
What did we do, to have You look in our way?~ You Reign by Mercy Me

Going Green =)

2010-07-31T09:54:00.000+08:00

The waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. —Genesis 1:10

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 30 July 2010

The other day I ran across a troubling report about people who think it is acceptable to use the ocean as a giant garbage dump. Here is an excerpt: “If you should see this amazing floating pile of plastic in the Pacific Ocean, it’s called ‘The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.’ It features three million tons of plastic debris floating in an area larger than Texas. An eye-popping 46,000 pieces of plastic float on every square mile of ocean!” Other sources estimate the amount of garbage is even bigger. Plastic is especially bad because it does not dissolve.

During our sojourn on earth, we have been charged, like Adam, with taking care of the earth and its creatures that God has given us. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” God delights in what He has made and this extends to the sea and all that live in it (1:10,20-21).

This world should remind us of the greatness of our Creator and serve as a springboard of praise to Him. Indifferently using it as a garbage dump mars its beauty and threatens the creatures that live here. Showing respect and caring for the land, the ocean, and the air is our duty as believers in Christ. —Dennis Fisher

For Further Study
To learn about our responsibility to care for the world God has created, read Celebrating The Wonders Of Creation online at www.discoveryseries.org/q1108

Caring for God’s creation is the believer’s duty.
*******************************************************

Woah!! I hope my sis will see today's sharing. They're go green gals! Heee

La la la la la la.. I lost a KG!! hahahah..

~True Colours shininnnnnnnnng~

2010-07-30T06:30:00.000+08:00

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. —Romans 1:16

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 29 July 2010

I was excited about going to the baseball park to watch the Detroit Tigers play the Chicago White Sox. I proudly put on my Tigers T-shirt that morning before going to the opposing team’s stadium. But I had to wear a sweatshirt over my team’s shirt because it was cool outside. So I was disappointed that no one at U.S. Cellular Field could see which team I was there to cheer for. No one knew I was a Tigers’ fan. After a 3-hour rain delay, the game finally started and I could cheer for my team and get my loyalty out in the open.

The apostle Paul had a loyalty that was most definitely out in the open—a loyalty to Jesus Christ. He wrote to the believers in Rome, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16). He knew that the gospel was “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” because Jesus had dramatically changed his life and its direction. In his preaching and witnessing, he proclaimed Jesus, the One to whom he had given his whole life (Acts 9).

The believers in Rome were also known for their allegiance to Christ. Paul said of them: “Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world” (Rom. 1:8).

Is your loyalty to Jesus out in the open? —Anne Cetas

God put us in this darkened world
To shine as sons of light,
So, let us always teach the truth
And keep our colors bright. —D. De Haan

Our loyalty to Jesus should be seen and heard in our lives.
**************************************************

Lately, been reading on a few subjects and it all voice down to this.. How Jesus should be reflected in our lives.

I think for me, healthwise, I've not been a good witness.. URGH!!!

So.. I really long to go back to my walks around Pandan Reseroir.. Just strolling first, so friends, please dont panic..

When I have totally recover from the chest pains and all, I'll brisk walk..

I still wanna run my marathon..

Anyway, URGH stands for U R in God's Hands.. haha. I so lame.. I know...

PANDAN RESERVOIR i will see you after school!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHEEEEEEEEEEE

The Expert Repair

2010-07-29T12:24:00.000+08:00

Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. —Jeremiah 6:16

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 28 July 2010

If you’ve ever tried to fix something and failed, you’ll appreciate the sign I saw outside an automotive repair shop: We Will Fix What Your Husband Fixed. Whether the problem is the car, the plumbing, or an appliance, it’s usually better off in the hands of someone who is skilled and trustworthy.

So it is with the sin and the struggles within us that resist our efforts to mend them.

Jeremiah denounced the greedy prophets and priests of his day who “healed the hurt of [God’s] people slightly, saying ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14). They could neither change themselves nor lead the people to spiritual transformation. So the Lord called the people to follow His way: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls” (v.16).

Centuries later, Jesus, the Son of God, said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

The parts of our lives that we have tried and failed to repair can be restored by the hand of God. Through faith in Christ, we can be made whole. —David McCasland

Life’s fractures can be mended
By faith in Christ the Lord—
At first the pain but then the gain
And usefulness restored. —Hess

When God forgives, He removes the sin and restores the soul.
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From my childhood till now, my heart's been pounded and broken many times. I thank God for the reason why i am still alive, Coz He fixed me =)

Lord, please make me better physically, i miss my kiddos and i want to exercise my flabby fats.

Grant me the peace and patience and You answer my prayer in Your timing.
In Jesus' name i pray, Amen..

你乖吗？

2010-07-28T07:04:00.001+08:00

This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. —1 John 5:3

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 27 July 2010

When young Kofi came home after Sunday school, his mother asked him what he had learned that morning. His quick reply spoke volumes: “Obedience . . . again!”

Although I’m many years older than Kofi, I agree that obedience to God is a lesson that we must, sometimes reluctantly, learn over and over again.

Oswald Chambers wrote: “The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says . . . . If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.”

When we are obedient, we show God that we love Him and have more faith in Him than we do in ourselves. Arthur W. Pink said that love is “a principle of action, and it expresses itself . . . by deeds which please the object loved.” To obey God means to relinquish what we want and to choose to do what He asks.

God requires the obedience of His followers, and Jesus placed great importance on it. He asked, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). And He issued this challenge: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). —Cindy Hess Kasper

To say we follow Jesus Christ

Without attempting to obey

Reveals our lack of faith that He

Will lead us right in every way. —Sper

Obedience to God is an expression of our love for God.

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I think this message speaks for itself.. Easy to say, hard to do.

Everyone's a Teacher

2010-07-27T11:25:00.002+08:00

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. —Psalm 145:8

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 26 July 2010

Erin’s life was so different from that of most 8-year-olds. While other kids were running and playing and eating ice cream, Erin was lying in a bed being fed through a tube—able to see only the brightest lights and hear only the loudest sounds. Her life consisted of needles and nurses and hospital visits as she battled ongoing illnesses and profound disabilities.

Surrounded by a remarkable family who cared for her with compassion and filled her life with love, Erin died before reaching her ninth birthday.

What can be learned from a precious child like Erin—one who never spoke a word or colored a picture or sang a song? A friend of Erin’s family put it best: “We are all better for having had Erin in our lives. She taught us compassion, unconditional love, and appreciation for the little things.”

Children such as Erin also remind us that this world is not reserved for the perfect, the wealthy, or the athletic. Each person, no matter their physical, mental, or emotional condition, is created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27) and is of equal value and significance. Our Lord has compassion for the weak, the broken, and all He has made (Ps. 145:8-9), and we should mirror that concern (Eph. 5:1-2). Is there an “Erin” in your life you can learn from? —Dave Branon

People in whom the world sees no value,

But only as burdens to bear,

Teach us great lessons of God’s sovereign power—

He loves them as treasures so rare. —Carbaugh

Never underestimate the value of one soul.

**************************************

YF retreat's just over during the weekend, through games, i guessed the youth learnt about having one another in the body of Christ is important..

I wont be blogging much more today

Turn your eyes Upon Jesus

2010-07-26T09:55:00.004+08:00

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. —Hebrews 12:1-2

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 25 July 2010

Over and over again, my driver’s education instructor said these two words: “Drive ahead.” This was his way of telling me to focus on the horizon, not just on my immediate surroundings. Drivers who continually look to the right or to the left may well go into the ditch.

Satan is good at causing “roadside distractions” that tempt us to look at him rather than at Jesus. If he can get our attention, he may be able to get us off track and delay our spiritual progress. He even tried this with Jesus Himself!

After Jesus was baptized, Satan tried to deter Him by suggesting “better” ways to accomplish His work. Satan told Jesus that He could prove He was the Son of God by throwing Himself from the temple (Luke 4:9-11). But Jesus knew that proving He was God’s Son would come by submitting Himself to the cross, not by flinging Himself from a high building. He responded, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (v.12). Jesus had His eyes on our redemption, and He knew He couldn’t accomplish it by taking a detour around the cross.

The way to stay out of spiritual ditches is to fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2) and refuse to even glance at Satan’s distractions. —Julie Ackerman Link

The only way to overcome
Temptations that we face,
Is to be focused on the Lord,
Who strengthens by His grace. —Sper

Satan ought not be in our line of vision, but behind us.

*********************************************************************

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful grace/ face" Cant remember, but this is one of the songs that got me loving Jesus over and over again..

Prays hard that my eyes are superglued to Him...

Confidence

2010-07-24T08:30:00.004+08:00

Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. —1 Corinthians 10:12

While walking through a home-improvement store, I saw a man wearing a bright red T-shirt bearing this melancholy message: “Confidence: The feeling you have just before you understand the situation.”

I laughed at this humorous concept, but I also realized that the shirt carried a sane and sound warning. It’s a reminder to all of us who try to get things done through confidence in our own ability or credentials but without consciously trusting in the strength of God. If we think we can accomplish life’s tasks in our own strength, that false confidence will inevitably become our undoing—and we’ll collapse under the weight of our own failings.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians about this by recalling ancient Israel’s penchant for self-confidence and self-sufficiency. He described everything the Israelites thought they had going for them; then he told how they had turned those benefits into a license to sin and an almost arrogant confidence that would prove to be their undoing.

Paul said their self-confidence should warn us. His conclusion? “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Psalm 118:8 shows us the best way: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man,” or in ourselves. Where is your confidence? —Bill Crowder

Let all who think that they can stand
Take heed lest they should fall;
These words remind us of the truth
That God is Lord of all. —Branon

Confidence in Christ is the right kind of confidence.

*******************************************************************

Just thinking about the number of times i failed to rely on God even for the simplest thing..

Hmmm, reminds me of Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me. So i guess.. That's a verse to remind us about having confidence in Christ.

We all know who's the Man for any jobs in the world =)

Nothing but sand and dust....

2010-07-22T18:32:00.002+08:00

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. —John 1:14

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 22 July 2010

When my kids were young, I thought they would be impressed with what few accomplishments I may have had—that they would read my books and be impressed by my speaking engagements. But then I discovered that they hadn’t read any of my books and had no idea where I had been on a speaking gig. When my oldest son finally read one of my books, he told me that the only reason he read it was so that I would stop telling people that my children have never read my books!

Let’s face it—for the most part, kids are not impressed with our accomplishments. So the only way to bridge the gap is to meet them where they are, to get into their world—like getting into a game of Chutes and Ladders or playing catch in the backyard.

Jesus did this with us. John said of Jesus, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory” (John 1:14). In other words, He stooped down to our level when He came to this earth, which led to His greatest accomplishment of all: bridging the gap between His world and ours once and for all. Only then could we begin to understand how worthy He is of our utmost adoration and praise! —Joe Stowell

Our Lord is worthy all our days
Of all our love and highest praise;
He died to take our sin and shame—
Oh, bless the Savior’s holy name! —Egner

Jesus bridged the gap between the infinite God and finite man.

**********************************************************************************

Just yesterday, was hanging out with Jocelyn and while we were talking.. I shared with her what i wrote yesterday. And both of us were like, "God is so Awesome.... And coool =)"

And at one point in time, both of us were thinking about the same thing.

We are nothing, but sand and dust.

Er, and yes, both of us squeaked excitedly like two overgrowth girls in the middle of a cafe. Well its not the first time we did, so yaa, warning to all who wants to hang out with us in the future.

For those thinking that you are great coz of what you have done and accomplished, well, if its not for God, its nothing.

Yet, He is willing to die for us......

Sigh.............................. I am so in love with Him...

LA LA LA LA LA LAAAAAAAAAAAAA........... *whinces* yup.. chest still hurts.. but...........

MY HEART IS FLYING!!!!!!!!!!!!

You did the same too

2010-07-21T20:54:00.003+08:00

John 14:15

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Today was Racial Harmony Day. And it was an exciting day!

Early in the morning i went to the market to get pratas, dosas, nasi lemak. Ok ok, dont panic, its not for me. Those are for the children to try!

And coolness! My friend had an extra (and XL) punjabi top, so i manage to dress enthically after all.. Haha!

And all my kiddos came in their beautiful clothes, SO CUTE!!!!!!!!! hahahahaha.. And one of my boys got so disorientated, coz i think he didnt know its another school day.. awww..

Anyway, as school was ending, one of my lil girl misbehave again. And i told her to sit in her corner (time-out) while the rest was packing up. And when I had the chance to talk to her, i reminded her of what happen the day before.

********************************************************************

Yesterday, she disobeyed me when i asked her not to climb on top of what of the furniture in class. As I called out to her, she looked at me and continued doing what she was doing. Inside me, i was burning up as my patience fuse ran shorter and shorter. Immediately i got up, a dead silence fell over the rest of the class. I walked to her, helped her down from the furniture, point to her, the obvious safe way and asked, "Is that a safer way to walk?"

I then turned to the others and started the lecture on why you shouldnt climb furniture.

As it was near to dismissal, i asked my girl to sit down first, while i do the closing songs. Then as the rest started moving out, I ask her to stay behind. While doing so, I prayed to God for patience and wisdom on how to teach the child.

As i was near to my writing board, i felt prompted to ask her to start drawing lines on the board and I did exactly that. And I told her, "Stop when i ask you to". So she drew and i said stop. And she did. I asked her what happen,

and she said, "You told me to draw lines. And when you said stop, i stop"

I commended her for listening and encouraged her that obedience is listening and responding correctly. I then hugged her and reassured her, that I loved her, God loves her and Jesus loves her.

**********************************************************

So my girl do remember what happen, and i asked her to use her finger to draw a line on the table, and i did the same thing, I asked her to stop and she did.

So i asked her again, and she remembered what was taught, she apologized, and i hugged her, and reassured her, and said I love you, God loves you and Jesus loves you.

As i dismissed them, and went on to help my colleague prepare for her afternoon class, in my heart i was thanking God for the day. Though I was in terrible pain, i was thankful to God for letting me run around and for sustaining me. As i reached to the part when I said, thank You Lord for showing me wisdom, patience and love towards my girl.

God said, "you did the same too Cynthia. "

Honestly, I was shocked.. I was like.. Excuse me?

And He said, "sometimes, I asked you to stop, and you didnt. You heard Me calling you, but you didnt stop. But I was merciful, and I gave you the time out, I gave you reminders of what You have learnt. And then, I will reassure you, that I love you, that's why Jesus died for you."

I am telling you honestly, as i was cutting the pratas up in slices, my spirit was lifted up, and i was close to tears..

i couldnt be more appreciative of how God has revealed once more, to me, so much of His existence and His glory.

And by comparison, my girl would be much more holy and righteous compared to me, yet by God's grace and love, He used me to teach her and the others. I am nothing, i have done nothing to deserve His wonderful grace, mercy and love.

Yet here I am, standing justified by faith, made righteous through Christ. What did I do to deserve this??

Oh man... I love my God, and the job He has given me..

Dying Wish.......

2010-07-20T07:18:00.002+08:00

I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. —2 Timothy 4:6

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 18 July 2010

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, 47-year-old Randy Pausch returned to Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a final lecture to colleagues, students, and friends. The professor of computer science thought that perhaps 150 people might show up. Instead the 400-seat auditorium was packed. For an hour, Randy opened his heart to them in a humorous, insightful, and moving farewell that was focused more on living than dying. Within weeks, the videotaped lecture had been seen by millions on the Internet and later became the seed of a bestselling book. Those facing death often have an unusually clear perspective on what is truly important in life.

The apostle Paul’s last farewell has inspired countless followers of Christ through the centuries. “The time of my departure is at hand,” wrote Paul. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-7). Paul’s instruction to Timothy spans the ages to challenge us as well. The letter begins and ends with God’s grace (1:2; 4:22) and in between is a celebration of the unceasing faithfulness of God.

A message from the dying can give purpose to the living. Paul’s triumphant finale, “To Him be glory forever and ever” (4:18), is a message we can all live by. —David McCasland

Do we live our lives for what will last
Or for what will fade away?
Are we striving for the world’s praise
Or for Christ’s “well done” one day? —Sper

If we are ready to die, we are ready to live.

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Ok, thinking of death or how I would die is, what i think about most of the time. NOOOO, not that i am thinking of killing myself whatsoever, just more like, what would people say after I die.

Would my life ever be a testimony to Christ? Would people get save on my funeral? hmm.. Just thinking out loud.

I've been so encouraged by someone, whose life's by the edge, yet, she continued to be a mother, a wife and a friend.

I'm gonna share what i learnt from my QT today (which will be shared tomorrow),

"Hope for the Christian is a certainty - because it's basis is Christ"

Whether I live or die, is for Christ.

I just pray that

- my heart will learn to honour God,

- my head will remember to praise God,

- my hands will do the work given by God,

- my feet will walk the way as God wants,

- my mouth will say what pleases God.

I'm so inspired by the movie "August Rush"!! Even if i play the piano, i pray it will be glory to God..

Food to keep away from...

2010-07-19T15:35:00.003+08:00

Abstain from every form of evil. —1 Thessalonians 5:22

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 17 July 2010

One of our grandchildren is allergic to several kinds of foods. Milk, cheese, eggs, and ice cream are among the items she has to avoid. Even a small amount of these things is detrimental to her health.

She’s not alone in being required to avoid certain things in life. While her allergies are related to her physical well-being, each of us as believers in Jesus has dangers we need to stay away from to maintain spiritual health. Scripture gives us a clear indication of what we are “allergic to” spiritually.

Every kind of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). This should cause us to think about the choices we make, because taking part in what is clearly evil is not good for our spiritual vitality.

Foolish disputes and arguments (2 Tim. 2:23; Titus 3:9). This takes discernment, for some arguments have merit in defending the faith. But those for which there is no answer or which have no bearing on truth only cause dissension.

Sexual immorality (1 Thess. 4:3). The Bible says that any sexual activity outside the boundaries of a marriage between a man and a woman is immoral (Gen. 2:24; Ex. 20:14; 1 Cor. 7:2; Heb. 13:4).

Are we willing to make the effort to steer clear of things we are spiritually “allergic to”? —Dave Branon

Today avoid sin’s tempting lures
And evil thoughts subdue,
Or sinful things may take control
And someday master you! —Bosch

To avoid sin, nip it in the bud of temptation.

**********************************************************

Ahhh... This is just a great reminder of what condition I am in. With the chest pains coming back, and my diabetic conditions, already so many food and fruits i have to keep away from.

It's really frustrating, and so many times, while walking home from school, and with the financial ability, i often try to talk myself into buying treats. And there, the head and the heart starting fighting.. Well, sometimes the head wins, and I will walk home feeling quite empty, but at the end of the day, I feel happy i did not succumbed to the temptation..

Once or twice, haiz okie, sometimes more than 3 times, my heart wins.. And i end up buying my treats. Most of it actually not as unhealthy, it just causes me die-rear.. Like milk and cheese.. And yup, i feel guilty and on top of that, i have to pay the consequences of spending squatting with my toilet.. Feels miserable too.

I am so thankful I am fragile, a fragile human. With so much wrong that I alone cannot pay for, that so many things I cannot do. I have a wonderful Saviour that paid all, and I have become the righteousness through Christ.

一只手指指别人，四只手指指自己

2010-07-18T10:14:00.002+08:00

Judge not, that you be not judged. —Matthew 7:1

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 16 July 2010

When Jesus commanded, “Judge not,” He was not implying that we should be naïve or imprudent. Of course we need to think critically and analytically in this world where we are often confronted with error and wrongdoing. Instead, He meant that we should not be condemning or accusing, a point Paul made eloquently: “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts” (1 Cor. 4:5).

Poet Robert Burns made a similar point, writing of those whose actions are in doubt: “One point must still be greatly dark—the [motive]. Why they do it.” No one knows another’s motives. God alone can bring to light what is hidden in darkness; He alone can expose the intentions of the heart.

Jesus knows the latent forces that motivate others: the cruel beginnings, the fear, the disappointment, the broken heart, the sin that is resisted. Moreover, He is working in every submissive heart to bring it to maturity. Thus in the end—quite often contrary to our expectations—He will bring praise to those He has brought to completion.

The Lord alone can try the heart. Until He returns, let’s ask Him to help us examine our own. —David Roper

“Condemn not, judge not”—not to man
Is given his brother’s faults to scan;
One task is yours, and one alone—
To search out and subdue your own. —Elliott

Be slow to judge others, but quick to judge yourself.

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The direct translation of the title is what my mum always says "one finger point to other people, four fingers to yourself."

It's funny how some life principles my mum taught me are reinforce in the bible. And the cool thing I love about mandarin, is what others uses maybe 100 words to say, we can say it in 16, 8 or even 4 words.. Hahah..

Well, chest pains are coming back to haunt me.. Gotta resist carrying my cute little kiddos...

Growing Up (Part 5)

2010-07-17T12:04:00.004+08:00

When I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation. —Psalm 71:18

Source: My Daily Bread Email Subscription 15 July 2010

On a recent flight, I got ready to do some work. Spread out on my tray were my laptop computer, backup hard drive, iPod, and other gadgets that are part of being a 21st-century “road warrior.” As I worked, a young man seated beside me asked if he could make a comment. He told me how inspirational it was for him, a young man, to see someone my age so enthusiastically embracing modern technology. In spite of his intention to compliment me, I suddenly felt about 120 years old. What did he mean by “someone my age?”? I wondered. After all, I was “only” 57.

Then I remembered Psalm 71, the psalm for folks “my age” and beyond. It reminds us of the value of a life well lived and of the worth of lessons learned: Lessons are not just for our benefit but also for us to pass along to the next generations. The psalmist wrote, “When I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (v.18).

So, maybe being “someone my age” isn’t such a bad gig. It is the privilege of “veteran” Christ-followers to declare the strength and power of God to the younger generations. That’s how we can truly be inspirational to them. —Bill Crowder

The older saints who trust God’s Word
Have trod where younger ones now walk;
They’ve fought the battles they will fight—
Their wisdom teaches truth and right. —Branon

The best gift for the younger generation is a good example from the older generation.

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K, I'm not so old yet.. But i am and will be getting there.. Definitely a good reminder to all who are growing up, if you are discipling or mentoring someone, hey, please pray that you'll be a good example.

I am honestly always scared I will stumble younger ones, i do. So if i did, please tell me, of course i will cry and apologize, thats for sure, but please tell me.

Thank God that one of my best bud told me, we're humans, bound to make mistakes, but it's up to the discipler or mentor to have the initiative to apologize.

Ahh.. So much to learn..

Continuing on from the last lesson of John Macarthur, lesson 5 was on obedience, prayer and proclaiming God's Word.

Again, the master key to Spiritual Growth is giving glory to God. And how we continue to do that?

7) By Obedience

- Is having a spirit of obedience. A lot of people obeyed on the outside, but in their hearts, they are still defiant..

8) Prayer John 14:13

- God answers prayers, asked in the name of Christ, align with the will of God, in order that God's name be glorified.

- How to know God's will, it's all written in the bible. God's will will happen, even if you dont pray. Praying let you be part of it. When the prayer is answered, you can be part of the praise team! And God is again glorified.

9) Proclaiming the Word 2 Thess 3:1

Gal 1:23, 24 and Acts 13:48

We cant grow without food, so must do it daily. More glory is given to God when you give more than you feed.

The Word has to intergrate into your life.

10) By bringing others to Him

2 Cor 4:15

Remember, our goal of growth is to mature into Christlikeness.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH............. Difficult.. Definitely need God's help =) so glad He's my Dad.. La la la la

Growing Up (Part 3.5 continued)

2010-07-16T18:56:00.002+08:00

I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. —Luke 15:19

If you’re like me, you love a good deal. Not just bargain shopping, but when you manage to cut a great deal for yourself without giving anything up in return. So if you can identify with these kinds of deals, you’ll understand the prodigal son’s scheme when he decided to return home.

There were three kinds of servants in those days: day workers who were paid on a day-to-day basis; hired servants who worked long hours on the estate but lived in town with their independence intact; or bond servants who lived on the estate and gave all of themselves to serving the family.

When the prodigal son hit rock bottom, it’s interesting that his planned apology involved asking if he could be like a hired servant. Why not a grateful bond servant? Some commentators suggest that perhaps he was trying to negotiate a deal—a way to get a paycheck and keep his independence as well.

Often we approach God like, “I’ll serve You but You can’t take away my freedom.” It may seem like a good deal at the time, but God’s deal is so much better. Just like the boy’s father, His arms are ready and willing to receive repentant sinners as part of His family. There could be no better deal and no better way to serve Him! —Joe Stowell

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender, Lord—in me abide. —Orr

True freedom is found in surrender to Christ.

*********************************************************

I continued with John Macarthur's audio bible lessons. and he talked about sixth point of how we can glorify God. And that is by praising God (Ps 91:1, 2 and Nehemiah 8:6)

What does it means and how do we praise the Lord?

1) Recite God's attributes

- The Old testaments reveals a lot about God.

2) Recite His works

- The book of Psalms contains lots of records of what God had did, exalting Him.

3) By saying thanks to "who He is" (point 1) and "what He has done" (point 2)

- 1 Cor 15:10, 1 Peter 4:11

When we learnt to remember God's attributes,

it gives us courage to face our problems.

When we remember what God has done,

we will know the reality of how small our problems are.

We will grow definitely when our lives are filled with praise.

Are you willing to be a bond servant?

Growing Up (Part 3)

2010-07-15T06:58:00.002+08:00

If there is among you a poor man of your brethren . . . you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand. —Deuteronomy 15:7

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 13 July 2010

Francis Chan, in his book Crazy Love, tells of a family with an interesting Christmas tradition. On Christmas morning, the Robynson family doesn’t focus on opening presents under the Christmas tree. Instead, they make pancakes and coffee, and serve the breakfast to the homeless. This is a small but creative way to show God’s love and generosity to the poor.

God expected this kind of generosity from His people. In Deuteronomy 15, Moses emphasized the reality of poverty and how the more affluent must deal with it. They were warned of four dangers:

A hard heart, ignoring the needs of the poor (v.7).

A closed hand, withholding what the poor lacked (v.7).

An evil thought, hesitating or refusing to loan money to the poor because the year of canceling debts was nearing (v.9).

A grudging spirit, a reluctance to satisfy the needs of the poor among them (v.10). Not only were they warned about selfishness, but more important, they were encouraged to be spontaneously generous (vv.8,10,11).

Among God’s people, there must always be a spirit of generosity toward the poor. Let’s open our hearts and our hands. —Marvin Williams

One grace each child of God can show
Is giving from a willing heart;
Yet, if we wait till riches grow,
It well may be we’ll never start. —D. De Haan

Generosity stems from the heart that has experienced God’s grace.

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Indeed, I have been blessed by many kind aunties, sisters and uncles in church. It's so awkward when they give love gifts to me, but I do appreciate it, just that i feel extremely awkward. I guess it is just the way we are brought up in the family. Everyone sees everyone else as a liability.. It's quite painful and sad, ah, but well, as long as God sees me as His child, nothing else matters now.

I continued to listen to John Macarthur's the ABC's of Christian Living, and here are the other sub points of ways we glorify God.

Points 1) and 2) are covered in previous 2 blog entries.

3) Confessing sins (Joshua 7:19)

4) By trusting in Him (Romans 4:19-20, 1 John 5:10)

5) By fruitfulness (John 15:8)

5a) Action Fruit involves

- winning souls (Romans 1:13)

- giving (Phil 4:17)

- good works (Col 1:10)

5b) Attitude Fruits (Gal 5:22)

If have actions but no right attitude, that's legalism, like the pharisees.

If you have the right attitudes, automatically, the right actions will follow.

Productive Christians are growing Christians.

Ahhhhh.. So much to do... So little time, God help me be a Christian You want me to be.

Growing Up (Part 2)

2010-07-13T10:35:00.002+08:00

Philippians 2:9-11

9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name if Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Confessing Jesus as Lord and glorify God

(Source: Back to Basic: ABC's of Christian Living by John Macarthur)

Spiritual growth is becoming more and more like Christ.

As we focus on giving God glory, it pulls us to maturity.

Since glorifying God is the masterkey, what are the other keys that makes up this master key?

1)Confessing Jesus is Lord

In Philippians, every tongue should confess.... to the glory of God the Father..

We confess, because if glorifies God.

Why do we share the gospel?

- "To let people avoid hell" is a valid reason but not the main reason

- "To tell of Jesus' love" is a valid reason but not the main one.

- "We are commanded to do so" is also a valid reason but not the main reason either.

The major reason why we share Jesus, is for the glory of God.

To live without salvation is to deny Christ.

Greatest sin a man can commit is the failure to believe. Because that is to say that Jesus is not

- Saviour

- Lord

- to be worshipped

Therefore dishonouring God.

We cannot glorify God if we dont glorify Jesus.

Salvation means confessing Lordship of Jesus (Romans 10: 9,10)

No on e can glorify God unless they confess Jesus. So, we preached and shared the gospel so that Jesus can rule others' lives. 3 John 7, we preached the gospel for Jesus' sake.

2) By aiming our lives to obey His Lordship

1 Cor 10:31

Whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God.

In the verse, it stated the most minimal, mundane level of life, which is eating and drinking.

So therefore, EVERYTHING we do, do it for the glory of God.

John 8:49,50. Jesus was here for God's glory. Men seek to steal glory from God.

Matt 6:1 giving alms, give in private. Those giving in public gain glory from the public.

What stands in giving glory to God is us, men, seeking glory. Be aware of self worship.

a) You will glorify God no matter what the cost

Like Jesus before the cross.

John 21 talks about Peter waiting for the Lord.

Before this, Peter had failed at a lot of tests, even though he has been with Jesus at very important events of His life, but God still see him as important.

In verse 3, he gone back fishing with some others. And of course, there was no fish, until someone called them to fish and they caught many. And Peter recognises Jesus.

In verse 18-19, Jesus told Peter, how he is going to glorify God by his death. At that point when it happens, He will pay any price to obey God's will.

As Paul says in Philippians, live or die, I'm the Lord.

Many missionaries has died for the Lord's sake.

If you are not willing to pay any price, you will not grow spiritually because not focus on giving God glory.

I have to be content.

b) Consumed with how things affected God

I hurt when God is dishonoured.

Psalm 69:9, David's heart broke when Israelites dishonoured God.

When you identify with God, things that break His heart, breaks ours.

Like in Revelation, the Church of Ephesus, cannot stand evil.

c) When you are content to be outdone by others

When you can rejoice when somebody can do better whatever you can do, you are glorifying God.

In Philippians 1

Background info: Paul's well loved. Now Paul's in prison, and there are new preachers who are doing better than Paul.

In verse 14, some preached bolder.

In verse 15, some preached out of envy, and created strive.

In verse 16, some preached contentiously.

But in verse 18, Paul dont care how they preached, or what they say about him, as long as Christ is preached. Paul rejoices at this fact that Christ is preached is a level of maturity.

Begin with a life of obedient and submission.

1 Peter 4:14 When got insulted for being a Christian, its a blessing.

It means that Christ is visible enough in your life, to be reproached. Because you are obviously living to the glory of God.

Not suffering as evildoers, but as Christians.

If you live a Christ-like life, you'll suffer reproach.

Others wants cheap grace, but the bible makes it hard.

So... Who says being a Christian is easy again?

Growing Up

2010-07-12T14:53:00.000+08:00

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Since the chest pains started 3 months ago, i've stopped all my bible classes.. And i've been feeling quite unequipped. Though i am doing my QT regularly, it seems my sword is more like a dagger.. So, thank God for people like John Macarthur who has website with audio bible studies uploaded. Yesterday i downloaded a few, and started with Back to Basic: The ABC's of Christian Living.

I think it is beneficial and i can do this while resting at home =) Here are some things i learnt through the notes i've taken.

- Spiritual growth is basic to believers

- God commands us to grow.

How to grow in grace, how to mature?

Spiritual growth has nothing to do with

1) Position in Christ.

Which is an instant miracle, being elected by God. It is not a process. It may be a process involved exposed t the gospel. Actual point of salvation is a miraculous moment from death to life. Therefore, position is Christ at moment of faith, we become a new creation.

2) Gaining of God's favor.

In Romans 5, God already loved us while we're still sinners.

3) Time.

Doesnt mean a believer for a long time = to maturity in faith, or believer in a short time = immaturity. It's the commitment to growth that made the different.

4) Knowledge only.

It's what you do with what you know. Bible says "Knowledge has the tendancy to puff up" And pride's a state.

When believer get into that state, spiritual growth is retarded.

Having knowledge of facts cannot = spiritual maturity.

Only when facts conformed us into image of Christ, does our knowledge relate to our growth.

5) Activity

Being busy serving in church does not equal to growing up. The pharisees are always busy too..

6) Prosperity

Being blessed does not equals to maturity.

Spiritual growth is not a mystical thing, nor a formula. It is matching my practice with my position in Christ, which is perfect. Living up to the standard.

Therefore, growing in grace --> giving God glory. The masterkey then, is to understand what it means to glorify God.

Glorify God and He'll give you glory. Universe (Psalm) and beast of the field (Isaiah) and Angels (Luke) gives glory to God.

As we glorify God, we will grow to maturity 2 Cor 3:18.

The power behind spiritual growth is the Holy Spirit. It's the Spirit that gives life and life is growth. He will caused us to grow into image of Christ, as we focus on God's glory.

Ultimate confemnation --> man dont give God glory. Like in Romans 1:19-21, everyone knew God by conscious, creation. But they change the glory of God to detestable things.

Throughout the bible, God wants men to see God's glory. His prescence in the garden of Eden with Adam and Eve before they sinned. Exodus, pillar of cloud and fire. When the temple was built, and God's glory filled the the temple.

And in John 1:14, the embodied shikina glory is Jesus. And now, the glory of God is in the church, may the glory of God shined through each of us believers.

There are 3 levels of spiritual growth

1 John 2:12-14

1) Little children --> Parental Recognition. Knowing we belong to God

2) Young Men --> overcoming the evil one. Knowing the Word of God

3) Fathers --> Knowing God.

To understand and know God intimately is our goal of life, it is a magnet that will pull us to grow.

As you focus on glory of God, begin to give glory, you are being change to grow into maturity.

To God be the glory!

Action speaks louder than words...

2010-07-11T21:02:00.001+08:00

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father. —Matthew 5:16

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 9 July 2010

There was a time when a certain West Coast city may have been one of the most hostile places to the gospel in America. Posters in coffee shops advertised witchcraft meetings where you could learn to cast a spell on your enemies.

It was such a challenging environment for churches that they struggled to get building permits from the city council. And there was a lot of “woe is me” talk among church leaders. Until a group of pastors began to meet to pray regularly and then decided to take the love of Jesus into their city. They started a ministry to the homeless, to those suffering with AIDS, to teens at risk. Faithfully and intentionally they brought the love of Jesus to the needs of hurting people. Before long, the city agencies started calling on them for help. Better yet, the churches started growing as people responded to the gospel in action.

Which proves the point: Sometimes you’ve got to “show up” before you speak up. No one really wants to hear what we have to say about the love of Jesus until they’ve seen it in our lives (Matt. 5:16). Then even the most ardent opponents to the gospel may just be glad you’re in their town, their office, or their neighborhood. And then you just might be able to tell them about Jesus. —Joe Stowell

Let us go forth, as called of God,

Redeemed by Jesus’ precious blood;

His love to show, His life to live,

His message speak, His mercy give. —Whittle

When you share the gospel, make sure you live the gospel.

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I think this applies to many of us.. So...

I'm gonna watch my own step...

False Predictions

2010-07-10T11:15:00.002+08:00

Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age? —Matthew 24:3

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 8 July 2010

News that a solar eclipse would take place on July 22, 2009, brought an alarming prediction. It was predicted that the eclipse would sufficiently affect gravitational pull, causing tectonic plates to “pop a seam,” resulting in a sizable earthquake and a subsequent devastating tsunami in Japan. The US Geological Survey responded that no scientists “have ever predicted a major earthquake. They do not know how, and they do not expect to know how, anytime in the foreseeable future.”

There have also been many false predictions about the date of Christ’s second coming—despite our Lord’s emphatic words: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matt. 24:36). Christ told His followers that instead of trying to predict the date of His return, they should “watch” (v.42) and “be ready” (v.44).

Peter warned, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief.” Then he added: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:10-11 niv).

Striving to live for God—that’s what Jesus wants us to focus our energy on while we wait for that “blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). —C. P. Hia

When someone says, “I can discern
Exactly when Christ will return,”
Don’t be deceived or led astray—
The Lord said we can’t know the day. —Sper

Look for Christ’s return, and you’ll live for Christ’s glory.

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One thing i like to do occasionally..

shouts: "rapture now" *close eyes, snap fingers, open eyes*

"still here..."

But i think that few seconds is better spent praising God's name =)

The world's in a huge mess right now, I hope everyone out there's been making right choices..

No. 10

2010-07-09T07:19:00.003+08:00

You shall not covet. —Exodus 20:17

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 07 July 2010

Sometimes I wonder why God didn’t list the Ten Commandments in reverse order, since the 10th commandment correlates to the first sin—desire. Eve’s sin wasn’t simply her desire for a piece of fruit; it was the desire for knowledge that Satan told her would make her like God (Gen. 3:5). Eve’s covetousness caused her to violate both the first and tenth commands that God later gave to Moses.

When we don’t covet, we pretty much eliminate our reasons to disobey the other commands. Wanting what isn’t ours causes us to lie, steal, commit adultery, murder, and refuse to honor our parents. We refuse to rest because we can’t get what we want in 6 days of work. We misuse God’s name when we use it to justify something that we want to do. We make gods out of wealth and relationships because we don’t want to have to put all our trust in God.

I have a hard time coming up with sins that don’t involve some form of covetousness. Yet because it’s the last in the list, we tend to think of it as being the least important. But it’s not. When we stop sin while it is still in our hearts and heads, we avoid making others the victim of our sin, and we avoid many of the serious consequences of sin. —Julie Ackerman Link

When you covet someone else’s things,
Thinking that they’re better than your own,
Just remember that God’s gifts to you
Were designed for you and you alone. —Hess

Contentment is realizing that God has already given me all I need.

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I think the passage speaks for itself.. Being the Tenth commandment, does not make it any less importance.. Scary.....

Gotta keep that in mind.. Be content.. =)

加油！加油！

2010-07-08T11:13:00.003+08:00

All these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise. —Hebrews 11:39

Source: Our Daily Bread Daily Email Subscription

Abel doesn’t seem to fit in the first half of Hebrews 11. He’s the first “ancient” listed, but his story isn’t like the others mentioned there. Enoch went to heaven without dying. Noah saved mankind. Abraham started a people group. Isaac was a noted patriarch. Joseph rose to the top in Egypt. Moses led the greatest exodus ever.

Clearly, their faith was rewarded. By faith, they did what God asked, and He poured out blessings on them. They saw God’s promises fulfilled before their eyes.

But Abel? The second son of Adam and Eve had faith, and what did he get for it? Murdered. That sounds more like the folks in verses 35-38, who found that trusting God doesn’t always lead to immediate blessing. They faced “mockings,” “imprisonment,” and being “sawn in two.” “Thanks, but no thanks,” we might say. We would all prefer to be heroic Abraham instead of someone “destitute, afflicted, tormented” (v.37). Yet in God’s plan, there are no guarantees of ease and fame even for the devout.

While we might experience some blessings in this life, we may also have to wait until “something better” (v.40) comes along—the completion of God’s promises in Glory. Until then, let’s keep living “by faith.” —Dave Branon

Press on in your service for Jesus,
Spurred on by your love for the Lord;
He promised that if you are faithful,
One day you’ll receive your reward. —Fasick

What is done for Christ right now will be rewarded in eternity.

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Suffering because of something right you stand up for?
Being mocked for your faith?
Cried because Your Lord was blasphemed against?

Well, I hope you get the same comfort as I do from the passage above.

Just one act of faith, it has already been noted in Jesus' book.. =)

He knows, my friend. Keep up the goose work!!

Retreating Forward

2010-07-07T07:32:00.002+08:00

When He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. —Matthew 14:23

Source: Our Daily Bread email subscription 5 July 2010

A friend told me about his church’s leadership retreat. For 2 days, church leaders pulled away for a time of prayer, planning, and worship. My friend was not only refreshed but also energized. He told me, “This retreat is really going to help us move forward as a church ministry.”

It sounded funny to me—this notion of retreating in order to move forward. But it is true. Sometimes you have to pull back and regroup before you can make meaningful forward progress. This is particularly true in our relationship with God.

Jesus Himself practiced “retreating forward.” After a busy day of ministry in the region of the Sea of Galilee, He retreated. Matthew 14:23 tells us that “when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” Alone in the presence of the Father.

In this fast-paced, get-ahead world, it’s easy to wear ourselves down—pressing ahead and moving forward at all costs. But even in our desire to be effective Christians, we must consistently be willing to retreat into God’s presence. Only in the refreshing of His strength can we find the resources to move forward in our service for Him. Retreat in Jesus before moving forward. —Bill Crowder

To face life’s many challenges
And overcome each test,
The Lord tells us to take the time
To stop. To pray. To rest. —Sper

Alone with the Father is the only place to find the strength to press on.

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I cant stress on how important Quiet Time is.. But if you are still not regular, i suggest, maybe just make it a point to blog what you've learnt, so you'll, eventually have regular quiet time.

I will feel like i am missing a part of me, if i leave home without doing my quiet time, or prayer in the morning...

我自由了！！！

2010-07-06T07:23:00.002+08:00

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free. —Galatians 5:1

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 4 July 2010

In 1776, the 13 British colonies in North America protested the limitations placed on them by the king of England and engaged in a struggle that gave birth to a brand-new republic. The infant nation soon adopted that now-famous document known as the Declaration of Independence.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Lord Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished,” proclaiming the believer’s “declaration of independence.” All of humanity was under the tyranny of sin and death. But Christ, the sinless One, took our place on Calvary and died for our sins. Having satisfied God’s righteous demands, He now sets free for eternity all who trust in Him.

Paul wrote, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). Romans 8 assures us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus . . . . For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (vv.1-2). Galatians 5:1 urges all who have been redeemed to “stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.”

We are thankful to God for any freedom we enjoy in a nation. But above all, believers everywhere can praise Him for the freedom that is found in Christ! —Richard De Haan

Now are we free—there’s no condemnation!
Jesus provides a perfect salvation;
“Come unto Me,” O hear His sweet call!
Come—and He saves us once for all. —Bliss

Our greatest freedom is freedom from sin.

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I think i cant say anymore to add to the above.

I'm free, and i think the way to appreciate my freedom is to serve the One who saves me.

And what better way to serve Him, than in the ministry He has called you for.

AHHHH!! GONNA BE LATE!!!!!!!!!!! *runs to work*

Slowly.... Slowly...

2010-07-05T14:39:00.004+08:00

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. —Romans 5:3-4

Source: Our Daily Bread Daily Email Subscription 04 July 2010

One of my earliest childhood memories was watching snails in our backyard flower garden. I was fascinated by this little creature with a shell, a slimy little tummy, and tiny eyes that turned like periscopes. But what really seemed unusual was how slowly a snail travels.

How slow does a snail go? One study clocked a snail at 0.00758 miles per hour—or 40 feet in one hour. No wonder we use the phrase moving at a snail’s pace to mean “slow.”

Although a snail does move at a “sluggish” pace, one virtue it does possess is perseverance. The great 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon wryly observed, “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

According to the apostle Paul, perseverance is a key component in character development. He explained that “tribulation produces perseverance” (Rom. 5:3). And upon that building block go character and hope (v.4). The original Greek word translated “perseverance” means “steadfastness, constancy, and endurance.” It was used of believers who endured in their walk of faith despite many painful trials.

Have setbacks slowed you down to a snail’s pace? Be encouraged. God doesn’t ask for a fast finish. He expects persevering progress. —Dennis Fisher

When trials intrude to slow down your life,
It would be easy for you to give in;
But by perseverance you’ll overcome strife,
So just keep on plodding—with Christ you can win. —Branon

Great achievement requires great perseverance.

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Yesterday marks the 10 year death anniversary of my beloved cousin, Joseph Wong. Later that day, it marks the death of my lil terappin, oyster.

It was quite a crappy day, i dont think anyone else remembered that yesterday was my cousin's death anniversary..

Haiz.... And today didnt start right either, with atm and online booking failing me... In a bit of a bad mood now...

*breathes breathes* I shall pray and ask God for strength and wisdom for today..

Please, if you have anything immature or nonsense things to talk about today, please dont tell me first. Sorry, i apologize first.. My mood's really bad.. I'll try to smile for you..

Chest pains coming back.......... AHH.. God help help!

Little Christ

2010-07-04T07:44:00.004+08:00

The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. —Acts 11:26

Source: Our Daily Bread Daily Email Subscription 2 July 2010

Hans Geiger, Marie Curie, Rudolf Diesel, Samuel Morse, and Louis Braille share something in common. They all invented or discovered something significant that bears their name. Their names, along with many others, appear in the “Encyclopedia Britannica’s Greatest Inventions,” a list of “325 innovations that have had profound effects on human life.”

We who follow Christ bear His name. In Luke’s record of the early church, he said: “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Later, Peter urged the early believers not to be ashamed of suffering as “a Christian” (1 Peter 4:16). The term Christian, once directed at Jesus’ followers in scorn, was embraced by them as a badge of honor, a mark of allegiance to Him.

E. M. Blaiklock, former Chair of Classics at the University of Auckland, wrote that in the first century the term Christian had “a certain appropriateness, for it implied loyalty and acceptance of a person, and that person, the Messiah (Christ). . . . The true modern use of the word follows the same tradition. . . . The Christian is one who accepts, with all its implications, the lordship of Jesus Christ.”

As followers of Christ today, we gladly bear His name as our Savior, Lord, and Friend. —David McCasland

Just what do Christians look like?
What sets their lives apart?
They’re ordinary people
Who love God from the heart. —D. De Haan

Don’t be a Christian in name only.

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Being a Christian, is like wearing your school uniform.

I remembered when i was young, mum always says, dont misbehave outside school. Later ar, you bring bad reputation to your school and family's name.

Simple logic, yet so hard to do...

A worry list

2010-07-03T12:49:00.002+08:00

Do not worry about tomorrow. —Matthew 6:34

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 1 July 2010

I was worrying about a few things as I sat in my car under a shade tree at lunchtime. Then a robin, with a fat worm dangling from its mouth, landed near my door and looked up at me. The robin was a vivid reminder to me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-26, “Do not worry about your life . . . . Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Years ago, in an article in the Denver Seminary magazine Focal Point, Paul Borden gave some helpful suggestions for worriers:

Start a worry list. Write down what you’re worried about. The bills. Your job. Your children or grandchildren. Your health. The future.

Turn your worry list into a prayer list. Ask the Lord to work in those situations you’re concerned about. Pray specifically for your needs and depend on Him.

Turn your prayer list into an action list. If you have any insight that there’s something you can do about your cares, do it. As we turn our worries into prayer and action, Borden says, “Paralyzing anxiety can be replaced by concern for the responsibilities of life.”

Why not start your list right now? —Anne Cetas

Don’t fret about the future
Or be consumed by cares;
Instead take all your worries
And turn them into prayers. —Sper

What you have made a matter of prayer should cease to be a matter of care.

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Oh yeah!!! Finally, a ODB on my fave verse.. I remember reading in for the first time, and imagined an ah beng Christian telling me this verse in his singlish cannot make it version.

Thank God for sustaining me through this week in school.

It's definitely great to be back in school with the kiddos. And great to still know that they love to learn. Some still give me headaches here and there, but hey, i dont believe teaching without encountering problems.

Ahhh.. Weather's been really good, waking up at 6am everyday is such a challenge! And then when i arrive in school, i see the number of children having the same problem.. Cannot wake up.. Hee, and so cute to see them feeling sad and sian in the morning. But thank God, usually after their first lesson, they are awake!

OO!! Thank God for new cooking sets and toys at our learning corner, yippie, now we have more things to play with.

Ahhhhh.. School's fun! I think my worry list is quite minimal.. la la la la la

Appreciation

2010-07-02T07:01:00.002+08:00

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. —Colossians 1:13

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 30 June 2010

A South African man surprised nine men robbing his home. Seven of the robbers ran away, but the homeowner managed to shove two into his backyard pool. After realizing that one of the robbers couldn’t swim, the homeowner jumped in to save him. The Cape Times reports that once out of the pool, the wet thief called to his friends to come back. Then he pulled a knife and threatened the man who had just rescued him. The homeowner said, “We were still standing near the pool, and when I saw the knife I just threw him back in. But he was gasping for air and was drowning. So I rescued him again.”

In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul wrote of another rescue:God the Father had saved them from the domain of darkness. This rescue occurred at the death of Christ, but also at the Colossians’ conversion. The imagery Paul used (1:12-13) suggests that believers have been rescued from the dark reign of Satan by being transferred as free people into the peaceable rule of Christ. By Jesus’ death, believers become free citizens in the kingdom of light.

The appropriate response to such amazing grace is to show joyous gratitude by offering God acceptable service with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28). —Marvin Williams

Your love, O God, would spare no pain
To conquer death and win;
You sent Your only Son to die
To rescue us from sin. —M. Gustafson

Through the cross, Jesus rescued and redeemed the rebellious.

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Well, i haven got much to say... I think we should just take the time and reflect on how appreciative we've lived our lives so far..

Referral Letter

2010-07-01T17:36:00.002+08:00

With all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. —Philippians 1:20

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 29 June 2010

According to a long-held Christian tradition, the apostle Paul was beheaded and buried in Rome around ad 67. In 2009, scientists conducted carbon dating tests on what many believe to be his remains. While these tests on the bone fragments confirmed that they date from the first or second century, positive identification re-mains in question. But no matter where Paul’s bones rest, his heart lives on through his letters in the New Testament.

While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Philippi about his purpose in life. He spoke of his “earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-21).

As we read Paul’s words today, they challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we as passionate as he was about Jesus Christ? Is it our goal to honor Him in our everyday life?

Long after we’re gone, those who knew us will remember our hearts. May we, like Paul, create a legacy of hope and encouragement centered around Jesus Christ. —David McCasland

Lord, I would serve You day by day,
Doing Your will, let come what may;
Keep my heart faithful, strong, and true,
Always to trust and honor You. —Hess

We are Christ’s “letters of recommendation” to all who read our lives.

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I remembered being "wow"ed by one of the lessons in precept, by Kay Arthur.

"What is the legacy you'll leave behind?"

Honestly, what will people remember us for?

If everyone only remembers me as the fat one, er... I think even till death, that's not a nice thing to remember about me.

If everyone only remembers me as the funny one, er... So?

If everyone only remembers me as someone with theatre/ stage experience, er... So?

All the above, at least to me, is not at all impactful to any lives.

I wish to be remembered as the kindergarten teacher.

I wish to be remembered as the prodigal who returned.

I wish people will remember my testimony, of how Jesus turned and saved me.

I wish people will remember and appreciate what Jesus has done for the whole wide world.

I want people to remember all these, and know Christ.

That's the only purpose i should be driven for, that's my purpose in life.

Everyday, YES, there are moments i fell... By God's grace, I can get up again.

Everyday, YES, there are moments i am weaken... By God's strength, I can walk.

Everyday, YES, there are moments i am sad.. By God's gift of His only Son, I have peace, joy and above all, loved by Him.

What is the happiness you are relying in your life?

Isn't it tiring with all the efforts you have to put in, to maintain that happiness?

Don't you want someone who can offer you everlasting joy, peace, life?

Don't you want someone who won't fail nor disappoint you?

hey, hey, i found that someone. I wish you could too.

And yes, i am very preachy, naggy..

At least, if that's how you're going to remember me after i am gone,

that'll be my greatest achievement I have ever attain in my whole life.

For as long as I shall live,
I will testify to love
~Testify to Love, Avalon~

Spiritual Pollution

2010-06-30T07:18:00.002+08:00

Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord.” —1 Samuel 13:13

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 28 June 2010

Picher, Oklahoma, is no more. In mid-2009, this once-bustling town of 20,000 went out of business. In the first quarter of the 1900s, Picher was a boomtown because of its abundant lead and zinc. Workers extracted the ore, which was used to help arm the US during both World Wars.

The town faded as the ore began to run out—but the biggest problem was that while the lead and zinc brought wealth, they also brought pollution. Because nothing was done to deal with the pollution, Picher became a toxic wasteland, and the government condemned the land.

What happened to Picher can happen to people. Prosperity can look so good that it’s hard to think about possible downsides. Actions that are detrimental to long-term spiritual health are accepted, and unless the problem is corrected, destruction follows. It happened to King Saul. He began as a good king, but in seeking success he failed to see the damage he was doing. Turning his back on God’s commands, he acted “foolishly” (1 Sam. 13:13) and lost his kingdom (v.14).

In our attempts to find success, we need to watch out for spiritual pollution that comes when we fail to follow God’s clear scriptural guidelines. Godly living always beats toxic living. —Dave Branon

The Lord has given us commands
And told us to obey;
Our own designs are sure to fail
If we neglect His way! —Bosch

No one can be a real success without God.

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What is success?

How do you want to be successful?

So many times, a few has been called to serve God in their own ministry, a few has been supported by parents. I think in this case, parents played an important role too.

If parents are being influenced by how the world runs, being dictated by successes they see in high ranking job holders, and stresses that's how their children should be. It's really sad. Coz this will never end. Their children will grow up, have their own children, and do the same thing to them.

Let's pray for wisdom, patience, guidance and above all love from God. Ask Him to show you what God wants your child to do. Or even pray together with Your children, then they will learn how to live a Christ centered life..

At the end of the day, when you face God as a parent, you can say, "I did the job You gave me well"

Thirsty?

2010-06-29T06:52:00.004+08:00

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. —Psalm 42:1

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

Have you ever been really thirsty? Years ago, I visited my sister Kathy in Mali, West Africa. During an afternoon of seeing the sights, the temperature had risen far above 100ºF. Parched, I told her, “Hey, I need something to drink.” When Kathy told me she had forgotten to bring along a supply of filtered water, I began to get a bit desperate. The longer we drove, the more I wondered what it was like to truly die of thirst.

Finally, Kathy said, “I know where we can go,” as she drove up to the gate of an embassy. Inside I beheld the most beautiful sight—a water cooler! I grabbed one of the tiny paper cups and filled it again and again. My body had been deprived too long and now required lots of liquid to reverse the effects of dehydration.

The psalmist compared physical thirst with spiritual thirst: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God” (Ps. 42:1). His thirst was that of a desperate longing for God—the one and only living God (v.2).

Do you long for something this world can’t provide? This dissatisfaction is a thirst of the soul for God. Run to the One who alone can quench that thirst. “He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” (Ps. 107:9). —Cindy Hess Kasper

My hunger for the truth He satisfies;
Upon the Word, the Living Bread, I feed:
No parching thirst I know, because His grace,
A pool of endless depth, supplies my need. —Sanders

Only Jesus, the Living Water, can satisfy the thirsty soul.

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In John 4:13-14, Jesus declared Himself as the Living Water.. And i am glad my spiritual thirst is forever satisfied.

As a diabetic, thirst attacks can be quick common at night. I could drink tons and tons of water, till my stomach bloated, yet i still feel the thirst.

I wondered how many of us have tried everything, and anything else to satisfy the empty spot in our hearts. No matter what we did, smoking, drinking, partying, excessive eating, slashing, the problem never gets solved. The empty spot is still there.

It will still be there unless you invite Jesus into your heart. He's the only one big enough to fill up the entire universe.

Reminds me of my fave songs:

My God is so big,
so strong and so mighty
There's nothing my God cannot do

The mountains are His,
The rivers are His
The stars are His handiworks too.

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What a privilege to carry,
everything to God in prayer. =)

Free GIFT!! FREE GIFT!!

2010-06-28T07:08:00.002+08:00

The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant. —1 Timothy 1:14

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

A man was filling out a job application when he came to the question “Have you ever been arrested?” He wrote, “No.” ?The next question, intended for people who had answered “Yes” to the previous question, was “Why?” The applicant answered it anyway: “I never got caught.” He evidently knew he was guilty of plenty!

So was the apostle Paul. He knew he had personally done wrong and sinned against God. He wrote, “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man” (1 Tim. 1:13). He even called himself the “chief?” of sinners (v.15).

We too were once separated from the Lord because of our sin and were considered His enemies (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21). But when we confessed our sin and acknowledged our need for His forgiveness, He cleansed us and made us new.

Those of us who have known the Lord for many years may have the tendency to forget what we’ve been rescued from and forgiven of. Sharing about our past and current failures and giving praise to God for forgiveness will help us not to come across as “holier-than-thou” to people who don’t yet know the Lord.

The truth is we’ve all been guilty of plenty, and God deserves the glory for His mercy toward us. —Anne Cetas

All that we were—our sins, our guilt,
Our death—was all our own;
All that we are we owe to Thee,
Thou God of grace, alone. —Bonar

Grace is everything for those who deserve nothing.

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AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Today's first day of school, im pretty excited and lazy at the same time..

Lord teach me to be gracious, loving and long suffering to my kiddos.. Just as much as You are to me every single day.

Nobody is nothing

2010-06-27T19:37:00.002+08:00

God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. —1 Corinthians 12:18

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

The film Miracle tells the true story of the 1980 US Olympic ice hockey team as it marches to an improbable gold medal. At the outset of the story, coach Herb Brooks is shown selecting the players for his team. When he gives assistant coach Craig Patrick a list of names he has chosen, Craig says in surprise, “You’re missing some of the best players.” Brooks responds, “I’m not looking for the best players, Craig—just the right ones.”

Brooks knew that individual talent would take the team only so far. A willingness to fit into his style of selfless play would be far more important than talent. Clearly, team success, not individual glory, was the priority.

The biblical call to service has a similar emphasis. In God’s purposes, each believer does his or her part, but the results are team-oriented. After explaining the wide differences in the spiritual gifts of believers, Paul says, “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Cor. 12:7). When we use the skills God gives us, His purposes are accomplished, and He gets the glory. In God’s service, it’s not about being the best, the most talented, or the most gifted. It’s about being the right people—the ones God “set . . . in the body” (v.18)—joining together to serve the same team. —Bill Crowder

Christ builds His church with different stones

And makes each one secure;

All shapes and sizes fit in place To make His church endure. —Anon.

There are no unimportant people in the body of Christ.

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Amen to all that..

If you think you are very unimportant, well, you are not.

You've been bought with precious blood of Jesus.

If you think you are great, well, you are not.

No way you are greater than Jesus.

We're all somebody when God chose us when we're nobody....

Giving is not only about money..

2010-06-26T15:56:00.001+08:00

God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

When the Los Angeles Times covered a 2008 conference championship soccer match between two Christian schools, Azusa Pacific University and Westmont College, it was about far more than winning the game. Three days earlier, a wildfire had swept through the Westmont campus, destroying several academic buildings, faculty homes, and student rooms. Unable to host the game, the rules required Westmont to forfeit. Instead, Azusa invited their opponents to play at their campus where they welcomed Westmont fans with free admission and lunch.

On the field, Westmont won an emotional 2-0 victory, while Azusa Pacific won admiration for their good will. LA Times reporter Bill Plaschke wrote: “Rarely in Southern California sports has there been a better show of sportsmanship than this, Azusa Pacific sacrificing its chance at a title defense to give Westmont a fair shot at taking it. As impressive as the resilience of the conquerors was the kindness of the conquered.”

So often we think only of money when the Bible calls us to give willingly and bountifully, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Giving others a chance and offering hospitality to those who hurt is generosity that makes winners of everyone involved. —David McCasland

The gifts that we may give,

The deeds that we may do,

Most truly honor Christ

When self is given too. —D. De Haan

The manner of giving shows the character of the giver more than the gift itself.

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Thank God i could always give my time. And i think that's my top love gift, be it receiving and giving.

Makes me wonder what some kids are doing nowadays? Some kids have wonderful parents, but they willing to spend their time with nonsense company.

Some kids have parents whose lives' hanging by the thread, but they spent their time listening to "wise" people and not spend time with their parents.

Hmmm.. How smart and God glorifying is that i wonder....

Was talking to mum yesterday. She told me how a few 13 and 14 years old girls got into trouble, coz they were misbehaving.. Like this 13/14 year old girl whom ran away from home with this NS guy, in the end, they got caught, and the guy got put in jail for the many charges he commited. This girl said she'll willingly wait for him to come out and marry him when she turns 18.

And in another case, this couple was having *that-thing" in school. The cleaner uncle found the room to be locked, and keep trying to open, when he finally did, this two were nude and enjoying it. The guy even punched the uncle....

Got me thinking.... Geeesh.. what this world is coming into? It's getting weirder and weirder. And it's definitely getting harder and harder for Christians to stand their ground..

Then i told mum about some silly kids who are so dreamy about fakers, so spell bounded by them, that they are real men. I told my mum, if i had the chance to sit with them. My first advice to them about finding a partner is, see how they are treating their parents.

Oh sure, they will flatter you, buy you nice things, etc. But it's only for now.. So please people, pray to God for wisdom, open your big eyes and see for yourself.

We're to be light and salt of the world. Not be of the world.

Looking forward...

2010-06-25T12:41:00.003+08:00

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

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

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. =)

No One Remembered... =(

2010-06-24T13:24:00.000+08:00

He by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. —Ecclesiastes 9:15

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

In a commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:15, Martin Luther cites the story of Themistocles, the soldier and statesman who commanded the Athenian squadron. Through his strategy, he won the Battle of Salamis, drove the Persian army from Greek soil, and saved his city. A few years later, he fell out of favor, was ostracized by his countrymen, and was banished from Athens. Thus, Luther concludes, “Themistocles did much good for his city, but received much ingratitude.”

The crowd, for some reason, seems to ignore or quickly forget the good that the poor and humble man accomplishes through his wisdom. No matter. “Wisdom is [still] better than strength” even if “the poor man’s wisdom is despised” (v.16). It’s better to be a quiet, honest sage who, though forgotten, leaves much good behind, than a swaggering, strident fool who, though many applaud him, “destroys much good” (v.18).

Accordingly, what matters in the end is not the recognition and gratitude we receive for the work we’ve done, but the souls of those gentle folk in whom we’ve sown the seeds of righteousness. Put another way: “Wisdom is justified by all her children” (Luke 7:35). Whom have you influenced through your wise and godly wisdom? —David Roper

Help me to walk so close to Thee
That those who know me best can see
I live as godly as I pray,
And Christ is real from day to day. —Ryberg

A wise person sets his earthly goals on heavenly gains.

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*raises hand* plead guilty of wanting others to appreciate what i did..

I love the last line, and i do think it's a great reminder to us all..

Whom have you influenced through your wise and godly wisdom?

An Imaginary Threat

2010-06-23T14:00:00.003+08:00

Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him. —Genesis 33:4

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

Last spring the window to one of the rooms in our house was repeatedly attacked by a robin. The bird would perch at the base of the window, ruffle its feathers, chirp loudly, and then fly headfirst into the glass.

I did some research and learned that robins are territorial. While nesting, they drive out any competing robins. This bird apparently saw its reflection in our window and thought it was another robin. The threat was not real; it was only an illusion.

In the Old Testament, we see an instance when Jacob imagined a threat that wasn’t really there. Years earlier, Jacob had stolen his brother Esau’s blessing by their father. Now, after many years of separation, they were going to meet again. Jacob thought Esau would harm him, so he sent gifts ahead as a peace offering of sorts. Then, when he saw Esau approaching with 400 men, Jacob panicked. Yet what Jacob thought was an attack force turned out to be a welcoming committee. “Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept” (Gen. 33:4).

In interpersonal relationships, we sometimes misinterpret a situation. We must ask the Lord for discernment so we don’t miss a friendship because of an imaginary threat. —Dennis Fisher

I went outside to find a friend
But could not find one there;
I went outside to be a friend,
And friends were everywhere! —Payne

Don’t be afraid of a presumed enemy, but trust in the Lord to make a new friend.

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Oooo. This reminded me of how scared I was of some colleagues.. Coz they quite fierce. Everyday at school, i would actually try to avoid as much contact as I can, but still, they would advice coz i AM inexperience.

As the new school term starts, this reminded me to not only looking forward to meeting my lovely children, but also another term of working and learning from my colleagues. =)

Fathers' Day....

2010-06-22T06:52:00.004+08:00

We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children. —1 Thess. 2:11

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

In the US, more long distance calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day. But on Father’s Day, the most collect calls are made. It seems that children still depend on their fathers to provide, even when they are far away from home.

Fathers are needed and wanted for much more than financial help. While 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 is primarily directed toward church leaders, Paul talks about how their role is similar to a father’s. He states: “You know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.”

Exhorted is “to call near.” It is easy for fathers to think that all that’s required of them is to bring home a paycheck. But children need their close encouragement.

The word comforted is “to console.” Nothing is more valuable to a child than the time given by a father to listen and talk. Without constant relating, relationships turn cold.

Charged is “to affirm.” Fathers challenge their children by affirming the truth of God’s Word as they live it out in front of them. And even in failings, they affirm what is right through the asking of forgiveness.

How thankful we can be for fathers who help their children “walk worthy of God” (v.12). —Albert Lee

We’re thankful for our fathers, Lord,
They’re special gifts from You;
Help us to show we honor them
By what we say and do. —Sper

Good fathers reflect the heavenly Father.

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First of all, i didnt get to celebrate Fathers' day, i dont know where he is. Mum wouldn't let me know where he is. And last I heard, he's not with the company he worked with (which i have the telephone number), and he dropped his phone into toilet.. So... All numbers erased.

I do forgive my dad, and I do love him. I know how to show my love to him, but i know too, i am not capable of doing so. So, in other words.. It's my fault too. Sorry dad..

Well, he definitely didn't do whatever was mentioned as above, coz my dad's not christian. I hope he is, i wanna see my whole family in heaven, that's my future hope. My current dream is to see my whole family worshipping in the same church as me.

I realised i still tend to tear whenever i share this dream with someone.

AHHH! Anyway, i thank God for church leaders who played the roles of fathers in all areas mentioned above. I think in one way or another, all the pastors had heart to heart conversations with me, and I thank God for their shepherd hearts. Thank God that i got be part of the flock =)

The leaders in church are striving to do their best for the Lord too. Some i knew personally, with problems at home, did not let it distract them in their areas of services, which i find encouraging. Coz being me, sometimes i let too much things affect my areas of service..

So yaaa, last sunday was Fathers' Day which completely slipped off my head, till i had a group meeting and my members were like:

"We never sing lei"

I was like "huh?"

"Today Fathers' Day"

"HUH?!"

And of course, as usual, most of our presentations are always done a week before, so this one is no surprise either. Thank God for willing group members, Jocelyn, Jasmine, Rachel and Shaun who took the time, sacrifice lunch, to choose songs and brainstorm on the way of presenting it..

urgh.. We got to stop being so last minute!! haha.. Maybe it'll be a tradition. Thank God for great team work =)

Saturday and Sunday faster come!

The Brevity of Life

2010-06-21T12:28:00.002+08:00

The days of our lives are seventy years; . . . yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. —Psalm 90:10

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

On October 19, 2008, I heard the news that Levi Stubbs, lead singer for Motown’s vocal group The Four Tops, had died at age 72. As a boy, I enjoyed the Four Tops, especially Stubbs’ emotion-filled, passionate voice. I had never met him or heard the group in concert, yet his passing affected me at an unexpected level.

Behind my sadness, I think, was the reminder that I too am getting older. The death of someone I listened to when I was young reminded me that time isn’t marching on—it’s running out!

In the only psalm attributed to Moses, he wrote, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (90:10). Those aren’t words we want to hear. We want to remain forever young, but Scripture reminds us that the years pass and death will one day arrive.

That leaves us to wrestle with two essential questions: Am I ready to “fly away” at life’s end, having trusted Christ as my Savior? And am I using my fleeting days to please the One who loves me eternally?

How are you doing—no matter what your age—with the challenges raised by the brevity of life? —Bill Crowder

Our vigor is fleeting, our best years are brief,
Our youth passes quickly—time’s ever a thief;
But hope yet becomes us—death’s sting holds no power;
We have a Redeemer—an unfailing Tower. —Gustafson

You can’t control the length of your life, but you can control its depth.

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This was what i shared with the group today, and with some others. Someone i've been closed to is somewhat near the edges, almost close to Home as our weak mind can imagine.

As much as in our knowledge, we know who God is, what God is capable of doing, we still let fear rule us out. We still worry for people, ourselves, whatever.

Yes, so human to do that, so human to be weak.

I admire this aunty who persevered on and served even when her body was weak. Her testimony is to live for Christ everyday.

What most us, the so called healthy ones.. Are we really healthy?

In Christ Alone

2010-06-20T07:54:00.002+08:00

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. —1 Timothy 6:17

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription

During the worldwide financial crisis of 2008, a widow lost a third of her income when her bank stocks no longer paid dividends after her trusted bank failed. The Wall Street Journal quoted her tearful response as an example of the feelings of many people who were similarly affected: “You just think, ‘This can’t be happening.’ What is secure anymore?”

Tragedy and hard times always jolt our thinking. Our best plans and hopes can be shattered by events beyond our control. We are reminded that there is only one source of true security in a changing world. With new appreciation, we consider Paul’s words: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

When our resources diminish, we can grow richer in good works, generosity, and sharing with others. If financial stability returns, we can hold more loosely what we are given, trusting solely in God.

We are secure in Him alone. —David McCasland

Though troubles assail, and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide:
The Scripture assures us, “The Lord will provide.” —Newton

In uncertain times, our security is in God alone.

**************************************************

I think these are times i thank God i dont have much to begin with =)

In fact, it's more fun and emotional for me to see God providing in the most weird way (to me i mean), and at the exact right timing.

He has never fail once, not provided for my needs. Even when i didnt ask for it =)

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeee!!!!!

Why Suffer?

2010-06-19T12:20:00.002+08:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit. —Matthew 5:3

Source: Our Daily Bread email subscription...

Jesus taught that the world seen from God’s viewpoint is tilted in favor of the oppressed. This teaching emerges in the Sermon on the Mount and other statements of Jesus: the first will be last (Matt. 19:30; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30), and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11; 18:14). But why would God single out the oppressed for special attention?

1. Suffering helps us realize our urgent need for redemption.

2. Suffering helps us experience our dependence on God and our interdependence with one another.

3. Suffering helps us distinguish between necessities and luxuries.

4. Suffering helps us respond to the call of the gospel because we may have become so desperate that we cry out to God.

The poor, the hungry, the mourners, and those who suffer are blessed (Matt. 5:3-6) because their lack of self-sufficiency is obvious to them every day. They must turn somewhere for strength. People who are rich, successful, and beautiful may go through life relying on their natural gifts. But people who are needy, dependent, and dissatisfied with life are more likely to welcome God’s free gift of love.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Why? Because “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). —Philip Yancey

The hardships we experience,
The trials that we face,
Will teach us that we’re strongest when
We’re trusting in God’s grace. —Sper

The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God.

************************************************

With a world going crazy all the time, and with people values changing from bad to worst. It's not going to be easy holding on to what you believe.

Even dreams that lifted you up, could be heartbreaking. Well, truth hurts.

Just the other day, while at my mum's, we started talking about my childhood again. Growing up in my family wasn't easy. Well, even though being the youngest was already taking it easy, still, life was tough.

As much as i could remember, my childhood days were violent. either I witness my parents fighting, my sisters being beaten or myself being whacked.

Mum was thankful that Dad didn't kill me on several occassions. She was sharing with me how my 2nd sis witness a father hitting a child so badly, that the child couldn't stop bleeding. Soon ambulance came.

So that's when i shared what happened when i was about 10 or 11. Dad was mad at me coz i was home late. I was at my friend's home preparing a gift for my 2nd sis. I recalled he asked me to bathe, and thereafter, hang up the laundry.

While doing the laundry, i somehow accidentally broke a chopstick. Dad stormed into the kitchen, grabbed my face, and slapped me to and fro. Kinda like most of the Stephen Chow movies, where he slaps the ugly woman that way.

In the end, my left cheek was bruised and swollen, coz his back hand was heavier. He put my sis's whitening solution or whatsoever on it, and ask me to take money from my mum, and to lie that i fell down if she asked. At that time, mum was working as a cashier in a nearby gas station.

So i went and asked. Mum saw my swollen cheek and asked what happen.

So i said, "I fell down lor"

I thank God for mum, coz she knew me so so well.

Mum replied," If you really fell down, that'll be the first thing you say to me once you step thru the door!"

And of course dad got his share of scolding and mum comforted me =) And i did give my 2nd sis the jotter book filled with activities, which afterwards either she or me, felt it was too childish. Ah well..

Looking back, even through my adolescent years as I was working. I would say, God has His hand holding on to me all the time =)

Thank You Lord.

ps. In case you're wondering, yes I still forgave my dad =)

2010-06-18T10:53:00.002+08:00

Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? —Luke 6:41

Source: Our Daily Bread email subscription

It was just a speck, a tiny foreign object flying through the air on a windy day while I was cutting the grass. Somehow that speck made its way into my left eye.

For the next few hours that little speck caused quite a bit of irritation. I tried washing it out. My wife, Sue, a nurse, tried everything she could think of. Finally, we went to a Med Center, where the medical personnel on duty couldn’t get it out either. Only after applying some ointment and waiting several more annoying hours did I get relief from the speck.

This tiny, nagging irritant made me think anew about Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7 about criticizing others. My first thought was to be impressed with the practicality of Jesus’ illustration. Using the effective literary tool of hyperbole, or exaggeration, He explained for His listeners how foolish it is for a person to criticize someone without seeing that he or she is also guilty of error. If you can find someone else’s little speck while ignoring the hunk of wood in your own eye, something’s wrong. It should be unthinkable to ignore our own faults while pointing out someone else’s.

An attitude of self-righteousness has no place in the Christian life. That should be plain to see. —Dave Branon

A Prayer: Lord, help me not to get caught up in pointing out the “little” sins in others’ lives, while ignoring my own glaring sin. I’m thankful that with repentance comes forgiveness. Amen.

Inspect your own life before you look for specks in others.

***********************************************************

Wow, as much as the speck sounded really really really irritating. Cant imagine having a log in my own eyes. I think i would have screamed and roll around in pain, begging for help to pull it out.

Hmm, but in reality, i guess sometimes, i just chose to be quiet about it. Weird huh? Goes to show how imperfect i am. So yup, recently i've began to share with my closest friends, what's really been bothering me. And i think and i hope they do pray for me.

It seems like this particular sin of mine is just one big log in my eye.

OUCCCCCCCCCHHHHH!!!! Yes, its irritating, coz each time i dwell in it, Jesus gets hurt.

URGH.. HELP ME!!!

The only way to go cold turkey on this one is to dig my heart out, or just get amnesia, long term..

But in any of the way stated above, I'll die physically, or I'll forget my salvation and friends. So..... haiz.... I'll just go with the heartache.

Thank God for friend who constantly remind me, not to let my dream control me.. That's a good one.. Darn, why can't i come up with something smart like this... Grr.

haha.. anyway, got hook on one of the jubilee song! Jesus is alive! wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee

"Jesus" flows in you

2010-06-17T10:17:00.003+08:00

. . . that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. —1 Peter 2:9

Source: Our Daily Bread email subscription

In the spring of 2009, Susan Boyle took the stage of Britain’s Got Talent. Compared to the other contestants, she was plain-looking. No one expected much when she raised the microphone to her lips. But then she began to sing. Spellbound, the judges were clearly taken with the beauty and power of the voice that filled the auditorium as the audience stood to their feet cheering with delight. All were surprised that such a rivetingly beautiful song came from such an unlikely source.

All of us can be unlikely sources when it comes to the beauty of Jesus flowing out of us. But that is how He planned it. Common folk like you and me take turns on the stage of life in front of the world’s skeptical audience so that our friends, family, and all who fill the arena of our lives will see and hear the love and grace of Jesus Christ emerging from our lives.

I love Peter’s reminder that we are “a people for His own possession, that [we] may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 esv). You might think you’re an unlikely source, but when you allow the Lord to flow through you, the watching world will stand up and take notice. —Joe Stowell

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me—
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. —Orsborn

The beauty of Jesus may come from the most unlikely sources.

*raises hand up* Me! Me! Me! Pick me Lord!

Hmm, i wonder if anyone ever done that? Pick me to glorify You. And that might lead to some scary trials. Heh, but still amidst the trials, God never never never leaves you. Isn't that wonderful?

Each of us is a specially made tool by God, and we should not feel unloved at all! In fact, we should pray more, study His word more. Lives will be transformed.

Sometimes you'll say things or write songs at the right time, without knowing why, and the next thing you know, God used you to bless others!

Well, that happened to me, and yes, most of the time it freaked me out, but i thank God for that, coz it just proves how alive this relationship is =)

The Best News

2010-06-16T12:04:00.003+08:00

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. —Luke 24:2-3

Source from: Our Daily Bread Daily Email Subscription

People tend to remember negative images more than they do positive ones, according to an experiment conducted at the University of Chicago. While people claim that they want to turn away from the barrage of bad news in the media—reports on tragedies, diseases, economic downturns—this study suggests that their minds are drawn to the stories.

Catherine Hankey (1834–1911) was more interested in the “good news.” She had a great desire to see young women come to know Christ. In 1866, she became very ill. As she lay in bed, she thought about all those with whom she had shared the story of Jesus’ redemption, and she wished that someone would visit and comfort her with “the old, old story.” That’s when she wrote the poem that later became a hymn, “Tell Me the Old, Old Story”:

Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in—

That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.

Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.

We never tire of hearing the story that because of His great love God sent His one and only Son to this earth (John 3:16). He lived a perfect life, took our sin upon Himself when He was crucified, and 3 days later rose again (Luke 23:44–24:3). When we receive Him as our Savior, we are given eternal life and become His children (John 1:12).

Tell someone the old, old story of Jesus and His love. They need some good news. —Anne Cetas

The good news of Christ is the best news in the world.

Alright! I am loving the daily devotions im getting from Our Daily Bread. Indeed, the above post is such a great reminder of the great and wonderful Good news we already know. But what exactly are we doing to tell others, others who are in this world filled with all the other lies?

I am not exactly strong in evangelising. But God has given me a gift in music, which i so passionately loved. It seems though from young, i've never been trained. I thank God for the many other trained people God put in my way, coz that's where i crash course here and there. Hee.. I think my greatest joy is to be having mental blocks over songs of praise to God. And then, when i am finally done, in my heart, its just filled with thanksgiving, then i'll share it online and pray really hard, that the billions of people surfing internet will get to see.

Sometimes, we get so caught up with our own problems, so focus on ourselves, we totally forgot how cool God is. Well, come on, just think of it, the Mighty Creator of the Universe, the giver of life coming to earth, to dwell with us. And He didnt just appear like *poof* on earth, He had to go through what all humans had to. From a fetus, to a new born, a toddler, a child, a teen, a young adult, to adulthood. God lei!! Going through all these? Just for us??? waaaahh...

Not to mention all the great miracles He did.

I think for me, my fave part of the story is while Jesus was at the cross. He definitely experienced what sometimes most of us are going through. Having your loved ones turning away from you. Jesus had such a perfect relationship with God, the Heavenly Father. Yet, because of the sins of the world, EVERY SINGLE SIN, PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE, on my Saviour Jesus, who had been spat on, whipped beyond recognition, tired from the whole day of trial and mockery....

Sometimes we have such shity days outside, all we look forward to, is a warm home to go home to. Someone who you know will be waiting for you at home, dinner all cooked, and all you want is a great time with the family before retiring to bed.

Yet sometimes, we go home, facing worst problems. And we really have no one to turn to. Yet, God will still put someone you can always speak to.

For Jesus, he was alone. I really cant imagine, or understand the pain He is going through. Physical, emotional. Who am I that God Almighty would do such thing for me?

You do realise, nothing we do can gain His favor. Its only through His love, His grace, through Jesus, that we are make righteous in God's eyes.

So basically, God did it, simply because He loves us.

Wooo.. It's so mind boggling, the fact is so simple, yet people find it hard to believe...

Well, complications are by melo-dramatic people.

God loves you, and i think you should at least be clear about that.

Are you frustrated with life? Everyday, it seems like there's no purpose, there's nothing to look forward to?

Maybe some have some illness, life's not getting better.

Yes, my life's still filled with heartaches, and most of the time, rejection from my own mum, but i thank God, she recognizes i am someone still able to depend on.

But i know at the end of my life, when its time to go, i have a wonderful home to go to, someone waiting to receive me, someone there to tell me how i have spent my life (so i am definately not gonna waste it on nonsense things), and most of all, to do my fave thing. PRAISE AND WORSHIP!

what are you waiting for?

Keep RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-15T10:37:00.002+08:00

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

(From RBC ministry, Our Daily Bread daily email subscription)

In the award-winning film Chariots of Fire, one of the characters is legendary British sprinter Harold Abrahams. He is obsessed with winning, but in a preliminary 100-meter dash leading up to the 1924 Olympics, he is soundly beaten by his rival, Eric Liddell. Abrahams’ response is deep despair. When his girlfriend, Sybil, tries to encourage him, Harold angrily declares, “I run to win. If I can’t win, I won’t run!” Sybil responds wisely, “If you don’t run, you can’t win.”

Life is full of reversals, and we as Christians are not excluded from disappointments that make us want to give up. But in the race that is the Christian life, Paul challenges us to keep running. He told the Corinthians, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Cor. 9:24). We are to run faithfully, Paul is saying, spurred on by the knowledge that we run to honor our King and to receive from Him an eternal crown.

If we falter in our running—if we quit serving God or give in to sin because of our difficulties—we risk losing a rich reward we could have received had we run our best.

Sybil was right. “If you don’t run, you can’t win.” —Bill Crowder

While running with patience the race for the King,
With obstacles taking their toll,
We slow down to look up for help from our Lord;
He keeps us aware of our goal. —Branon

Greater than winning any medal will be hearing the Master say, “Well done!”

Woo! Thank God for doing quiet time this way.. Just thought i should share it here.. YAY!! I can feel songs are coming up!

Thank God for letting me have some money yesterday, coz mummy was in such a bad sad mood yesterday, thank God i could really spend some time with her, and treat her to yummy food.
Phew, God definately knows when i need the money.

Yesterday was such a daze, coz i went to send P'Apple and Parn off.. It still doesnt feel like an official goodbye, more like a see you later..
Then i came home and slept till about 12 plus.. Then pulled myself off bed, and started on my quiet time, and that's when i found the above. Wow.. I shared it with my mcg, and WIP. I guess its timely coz everyone seemed to be going through rough patches.

so then i went to Jurong Polyclinic for the diabetics small groupie thingy. And found out.. WOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i really eat a lot.. heh.. and of course quite sad.. so many things cannot eat..... or cant eat so often.. *rolls around* ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.. *breathe breathe* nair mind... once in a while works for me..

WEll, and i put on 3 kg. First i lost 6kg, and then i put on 3kg. Still lost 3 kg.. So hmm, im expected to lose around 3-6kg before my next group meeting.. Doc wants me to lose 10 kg.. Ahh.. with the "balance" a.k.a "sadly restricted" meal im suppose to have, i think that's not a problem..

Thank God, my chest pains are quite minimal, though i still feel my left chest hurts when i dont rest properly. So thank God for sustaining me too yesterday..

Been wanting to shoot hoops, but then ar.......... the basketball court always got people use!!! *rolls around* whyyyyy.. hahah..

Since doc says my heart is fine, im fine, just muscle strain and stuff, i feel so sian not exercising for the past 2 months, ARGH! dont care, just gonna start off light, like small walk around the reservoir and shooting hoops... la la la la laaaaaaa....

So glad my buddies are back.. Great to see them around on Sunday.. I didnt really express, or know how to express how much i misses them.. heeh..

I'm such a vocab-limit person.

Anyway, been so lagging in my bible reading.. AHhhh!! Not good!! I want to read through my bible at least 6 times a year, only completed 3 times.. MORE MORE MORE!!!!!!! i want to be obese with God's food.. YUMMY!! *smack lips* nom nom nom nom nom *burp*

Mental block

2010-06-10T22:00:00.000+08:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a first stanza.. and now im stuck.. ahh, this is frustrating.. So weird to have mental block, when i have the tune..

Anyway, my buddies from camp are coming back tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!! YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

SO EXCITING!

I'm gonna like be at church at 5pm tomorrow and wait for them.. HAHA! Just to say hi and gave them all a big big big warm cynthia hug..

I think the 7th lunar month has started.. there's dramatic hokkien and mandarin songs being sung downstairs.

woah....

and im trying to write song here.. hmm..

La la la la la... MY buddies' coming back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessed 50th Jubilee

2010-06-09T18:29:00.003+08:00

2 Samuel 22:50

Therefore I will give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises to unto Thy name.

WOO HOO!

The jubilee celebration is over! WOO HOO!!

Oops, am I suppose to be solem about it being over...................

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I "WOO HOO" coz i literally can rest without constantly being worried for things not done, or things not told to me (which happens constantly).

Anyway, about info not being told to me. I honestly dont understand sometimes.

ok, here's the actual reenactment

- You need me to do things

- You hide info from me

- You want me to do things

- then i 0o o0 0o huh??

- then kena scolding..........

so.......... OR

- I need to do something

- things already done

- then i still dont know

- still doing

- done

- then tell me,

- oh finish.

faints................

anyway, i thank God for great friends and mentor that open up their listening ears, bearing with my fury whining. Yes. It's call fury whining coz i am angry, and being whiny at the same time. Such complicated emotion can only be invented by MOI.

eg. "URGHHHHH.. WHY they everytime like that?!"

00 --> friend stared..

"aiyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee... whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?"

o0 --> friend confused.......

*rolls around* "why why why why why why why why why?"

*friend in toilet puking coz Cynthia is too gross*

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha... Just kidding la..

But seriously, i thank God for great friends, like Rachel, Jasmine, Gwyn, etc.. The trio actually came my house and do cleaning.. Even my laundry.. Even though I am really quite uncomfortable about people touching my things, and that includes laundry.

I AM TRULY GRATEFUL!

And then ar, Jas and Rach are like my younger (literally) sisters in Christ.. hahahah, but they do more nagging than my mum.. NOTHING OFFENSIVE!! DONT take it the bad way!!

I do enjoy their nags, and whenever they do that, i keep imaging them with their own family next time. I think I'll be the godma that spoils their children. hur hur..

Whoever boy is interested in any of them, if your motive is bad, you better watch yourself coz if you ever ever ever ever ever hurt them, you gonna talk to my bottom..

And even when they are in camp, all the way up in the mountains of Genting, they actually can remind me to vaccum my room! HAHA! I love them so much.. and yesh...

*sob sob sob* i miss you guys... i wanna go cammmppppp......... *rolls around again*

And of course, Sis Charissa's constantly looking out for me.. which is good, coz the diff between her and my mum is....

*asks mummy*

me holding niece's packet of full cream milk "我可以喝吗？”

mummy goes "喝啦！喝啦！”

*me escapes smiling*

*ask Sis Charissa*

me on the phone "Hi Cher, can i buy low fat meiji milk and drink?"

Sis Charissa, "Are you kidding? You're lactose intolerant!"

me "errrrr... so can i buy?"

Sis Charissa “....... i think better not.. later you die-rear badly again.."

me "=( k.. thanks Cher"

*me still smiles*

yup whole lots of other examples but too much to put it up at one go..

Woooo, and throughout these 3 weeks, my dinner has been provided for by the whole greatest chef-mummies. Mrs Heng (pastor's wife) and Mrs Teo (principal a.k.a church best bud's mummy).

and not to mention the church aunties, haha.. so cute.. I'm either their cuddly bear or cushion. I dont know which one gives a better picture.. But im constantly being hugged by them.

And of course the lil ones who are always so cute. and I HUG THEM.. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.. o0 0o o0 0o

anyway.. these --> 0o o0 0o o0 are called my shifty eyes

I think on the whole. Everyone did well on the actual day. Even though, they had little mistakes here and there, but hey, if professionals can make mistakes, what more them. And i think God is really proud of all of us.

and i can distinctively hear the diff between having instrumentalists and just plain piano.. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.. I LIKE! ha!

Hmm, my thoughts are so scattered..

I am thankful to God for Sis Charissa, who so calmly hears my fury whinning, and still gives me advices. and ask me questions which i will, "eh......." nothing to say..

I NEED TO LEARN THAT.. hahaha.. Well, i think her advices are super practical, and it definately helped me have a better perspective not only on situation but also on myself.

WOOOO HOOO!

too many things going through my brain.. ahh.. needs to rest..

i miss my buddies... =(

Sigh...........

2010-05-21T12:05:00.002+08:00

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

I feel so handicapped..

And tired all the time..

Maybe this is a humbling experience for me.. But Father, could you possibly grant me people who can help?

Asking for help is one thing. Asking for help and seeing things not done is another thing.
Asking for help and seeing things not done, and getting frustrated about it is another thing.

how lei..............

I eat like a mouse, i sleep like a mouse.. Soon my size will be like a mouse.... My clothes are getting baggier (if there's such a word) haha..

The most amazing thing is.. some people actually dont know i've been unwell for the past month and currently.. DIAO..

Weird.... If people from all the way of the Land of Smiles knows im been in a bad shape, how come people around me, who claims to know me dont..

OOOOOOOO.. i think my "youngest" sister habit is coming out.. *points to self* attention seeker!!!!!

All i know is, when my chest aches i need to sit down..
If we are conversing halfway, and frown, its not coz you said something wrong, its coz the pain came round and said hi.

If i talk to you halfway, and pause suddenly, its coz i need to breathe, and yes, the pain came round to said hi again.

If i just not talking, please dont talk to me. YES, pain said hi.

If im sitting down with eyes close, i am sleeping...

Thank you =)

Thank God for friends who ran around with me, brought me to check ups, brought dinner with me, which i struggle to finish, so sorry, it really tasted good, but i just cant eat...

Thank God for provision.. Hated the hospital visits, cost so much, and still have to face irritating doctors who made my condition worst.. URGH.. Anyway, thank God..

Please make the pain bearable...

A small note....

2010-05-13T20:23:00.002+08:00

Proverbs 30:7-10

7Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
10Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

I find it equally weird that health probs starts piling up when i started to diet and exercise last year...

But, it's not, no wait, it's never coz im vain...

I know....

2010-05-11T21:53:00.002+08:00

And when you are tried, and purified,

you shall come forth as gold.

.. that God never makes mistakes.

i have officially embarked on another phase of my journey.

Down with inflammed ribs first, then damaged chest muscles,

now with type 2 diebetics, and main concerned, weird heart problem.

Apparently the left side of my heart is bigger than normal, which is at risk of lots of things.

And the next time i visit the doc, it'll be a and e.

Well, just when i thought there's nothing else God can do to me.

He chose the thing i depended on most. Physical strength.

And i didnt realized how strong i was, till i lost it.

Now, my one job needs few people to do it. And it's causing more of a heartache for me.

I dont know what God wants to do.

I cant stand crying, coz my chest and heart literally hurts like i just ran 4.2 click.

As much as i asked for help, its the people i love that disappoints me.

I am looking forward to the day when i get the revelation why God allows me to go through this.

And above all that i know,

God's grace is sufficient for me..

Journey(ing)

2010-05-07T21:03:00.002+08:00

Colossian 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

I remembered my instructor, Beng, telling me about how most artists start their life work. Its usually a constant theme. I thought, hmm, how true. Well, he gave me tons of example then, now i cant remember any, but i do recall, happily returning home, and starting a series of poems (so call ones la).

It used to be "Same Time, same places". I always end up being at a certain place, at a certain time, and so many feelings, different thoughts felt during these times. So much was penned down, blogged. But now, as i look back (www.xanga.com/cs8_3) , most of the entries were suicidal, blasphemy, selfish and vulgar thoughts.

Made me wondered. Does all my friends (so called) really missed the old me?

HELLLLLLLOOOOOO?!

ahem..

Anyway, well, now my photo entries in facebook, as well as here. I guess the common theme is "Journey-ing".

Yup, life's been up, and down, sometimes sub zero.. dragging my fat body, burning my fats. Anyway, enough of the vivid picture, don't want to be spoiling your appetite, haha.

I loved the new me, coz God found me. I have no idea how my friends loved the old me, but hey, sorry, this is it. The new me. Yes! Many many many times, I am still making mistakes, pissing people off, crying when people bully me, sometimes i thought of the worst thoughts. I hated it when i made the mistake, or i chose to sin.

I know I hurt Jesus, each time i did all that. and so! I try and try, not by my own might, but by the Spirit of God. =)

I sincerely hope you get to know the new me, i love you all. I really do. Even though, for some for you, life's ticking minute by minute, second by second, i still love you.

Goes the same for me, i have no idea when God will call me home, but i sure want to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

If im working for the US president, I am sure you guys are dying to know me, contact me, asking me how it is like working for him, telling all your other friends, HEY, I know HER LEI!!!!! Well..

I am working for someone much more better than that.

He's the King of kings, Lord of Lords.
He's the Alpha and the Omega,
the Beginning and the End,
Best of all, He's my best Friend.

Now, will you be dying to contact me, asking me how it is like to be working for Him, will you even include me in your conversations?

I just scare most of you away again, didn't I? That's weird, you're willing to spend more time when it's someone of high status on the earth, and runs away when it's Someone of universal status.

How insignificant is that focus?

If i told you, hey, the PM of Singapore knows your name, has been thinking about you everyday, wanting to dine with you at every meal, wanting to always facebook you,
will you feel honoured?

If I told you, hey, Jesus knows your name, thinking about you everyday, wanting to be with you ALWAYS, and above all, He did the most sacrifical thing, He died for you,
will you still feel honoured?

It's seldom nowadays, thinking about thoughts like these.

With the first light shinning through,
You held my hand,
walked with me, guiding me.
Watched me stumble, again
And again. Sometimes, You cried.
You forgave, You love.
You picked me up,
Lifted me, grant me strength.
Watched me fall, again.
Disciplined me
Oh Lord, yes i do,
I do enjoy my endless journeys with You.

Sick ack ack ack

2010-04-21T19:25:00.004+08:00

Jeremiah 33:3

³Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Ahh.. nothing new.. So far, just been falling sick.. Virus happily moving here and there, doc thinks its ok. So i guess its ok?

Anyway, nothing new. Just happy to be alive each moment, thinking about new songs, thinking about my little kiddos.

Quite obsessed with playing River Flows in You by Yiruma, I learnt the first page!!!

So excited.. Not perfect but at least i got it. Wahahahah!

I wished i am as excited as i sound. I'm with my sian face, and bbq ribs..

La la la la... GOD help me get well!!!!!!!!!

Here's another song i wrote =)

2010-04-04T22:38:00.002+08:00

耶稣复活了！！！

没什么好说的。。　写了一首新歌。　希望您们喜欢。

好开心啊。可是，有点累。因为今天，我去了easter sunrise service. 哈哈，不会用华文说。

常常喜乐

2010-03-24T22:34:00.004+08:00

腓立比書 4:4

⁴ 你们要靠主常常喜乐。我再说，你们要喜乐。

今天，我去了王福气牧师的查经班。他也用了腓立比书。

本来，上了课之后，心情还好，可是，跟某人谈了话之后，心情又差了。

我实在搞不懂，我不想再搞艺术了，为什么没人明白？

神以叫我在儿童里侍奉他，我不是说过了吗？你也同意啦。

每当想起身边的人，一点也不明白我的时候，我感到非常伤心。

我说过的话，您到底有没有听？

很多人一定以为基督徒疯了，因为，圣经教导我们，要常常喜乐，甚至遇到困难时。

我在试，很努力的在试。

我叫沈施慧，我是一名幼稚园老师。

心灰意冷

2010-03-21T23:50:00.004+08:00

腓立比書 4:8

⁸ 弟兄们，我还有未尽的话：凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的，若有甚麽德行，若有甚麽称赞，这些事你们都要思念。

今天，我撒谎了。

平时的我，是不会道歉的。可是今天，做了灵修过后，上帝提醒我，我做错了。

我对不起爱我的姐妹们。

为什么，可以让一个人，弄得我心灰意冷，连教堂都可以不去。

结果，我变成了别人的绊脚石。

是的，虽然我的心，麻木了，可是，明明还醒着，头脑还会想，绝作出这么一个决定。

我非常感谢主，应为我的姐妹们都原谅我。

我希望能早日做回以前拿个很爱上帝的女孩，很爱姐妹们的朋友。

我的名叫沈施慧，我是一名基督徒。我知道上帝在帮助我，

好好的看住吧，那天赞美主的一天快来了。

Clining to the Cross

2010-02-14T21:35:00.002+08:00

Psalm 46:10-11
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

My soul is weak, my heart is numb,
I cannot feel,
yet my hope is found in You,
Jesus You will never fail..

I remembered how these lyrics struck a chord in my heart when Jasmine first showed lent me the cd. Immediately i fell in love with the song.

Yes, often times, a lot of times, i always feel like that..
Is it because I stay alone?

Lately i just dont feel like doing anything in church, i feel so stretched and strained. I feel like im being forced to do things, to feel things I dont want to..

I know, who can forced me if i dont want.

The prob is, who hears my "no" at all..

Argh.. God... Help.. I dont want to spend less time with You.. Yet, its getting more and more harder to wake up early to meet You, to worship You, to know You..

I love You Lord.. And I know You wont let me bear things beyond what I can bear..

I really feel so tired....

Help me Jesus... Help...

Why create festive seasons for family to reunite when there's no reunion?

Is it Your will to be done that my family cannot reunite,
I dont understand now Lord, but I know You are in control for sure.

I just dislike festive seasons. Even my own birthday.

Yes, I know.. Most of you would just think i'm indulging in my self pity.
Honestly, I dont care what you think. I just need your prayers.

I know You came as a two edged sword, whoever loves You, will be set apart.
Yes I know, i just didnt realise its so painful to bear...

Lord, help me.. Two more days before school starts, before everything gets going.. I need strength from You. Teach me to be discipline, to be appreciative.

I tired... Why do i have so much tears to shed? If only tears were made of oil, i would be super slim by now..

Help me, Daddy.. Please

Keep Singing..

2010-02-06T22:46:00.002+08:00

Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
And all I feel is pain
And all I wanna do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck and I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through

I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
You're the one that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing

And can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
Oh You're everything I need
And I gotta keep singing

Mercy Me, Keep Singing

Somehow.. I know God's always looking out for me, He places things exactly where they belong. And this song was right on time. was just sharing with Rachel on Monday, how this song is so interesting and meaningful.

And on wednesday, started experiencing some bumps at work.. No, no, not with the children. Never the children, no matter how they are, they'll never be the bumps. It's fellow teachers whom i respected. Never thought that such comments could come out from their mouth.
Its funny just thinking about it..

How can someone who knew me only 5 weeks, assume that I dont take bible study, i dont read my bible, i dont do quiet time, i dont spend time praying for my students, esp asking Father Lord for wisdom, patience and love to teach? And what exactly does she mean by "用多点爱心去教"????

Answering the call of God, is really tough.
I dont know what kind of image they have crafted in their mind about me. Apparently i seemed wild, rackless. Do they even bother finding out why i stay alone in the first place?

Anyway, the bible said, Children are like the Kingdom of Heaven, indeed they are.
Coz they never fail to brighten up my day, though sometimes they really made me angry, i thank God for their innocent and sincere hugs, their cute and honest replies..
I thank God for wisdom and patience and love for knowing how to teach them, for using the bible stories to reach out to them.

The most amazing reply still stuck in my mind.
I remembered telling them about Adam and Eve sinning, because they disobeyed God. The point is simple, God loves them, they didnt listen, God very sad, and cannot be their friend.
I asked them if they want a friend to hold their hand when they walk, to make them laugh when they're sad, to wipe away their tear when they cry. And they said Yes. I took the chance to share the gospel, i said Jesus came, so we can be friends with God again. And God wont be angry with us anymore.

When i ask if they liked the story at the end of the day, they frowned and replied, "no. i want friend"..

This, simply shows how intelligent God has made them to be.

I may not be trained, in any school,
But God's training me, with His word.
And He called me to this ministry,
I am very sure,
He knows what He's doing.

For me, I just got to keep singing =)

Which one do I lack??

2010-01-23T22:40:00.003+08:00

Galatians 5

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

²³Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

²⁴And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

²⁵If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

As i wait patiently for my cafe world to load on facebook, and chatting with Jasmine online, a thought ran through my head.

I was ranting to her, how someone whom i loved and respected has actually stumbled me so many times, i began to wonder which fruit of the Spirit is really in her.

And then i thought, eh, me lei... And i thought, geesh, so many lacking too.. And I prayed, Father Lord, please forgive me if i ever stumbled anyone in their faith.

So much to learn.. SO little time. No wonder its tough...

Follow Close to me

2010-01-19T01:06:00.002+08:00

I traveled on a lonely road and no one seemed to care.
The burden on my weary back had bowed me to despair;
I oft complained to Jesus how folks were treating me,
And then I heard Him say so tenderly,
"My feet were also weary, upon the Calvary road;
The cross became so heavy, I fell beneath the load,
Be faithful weary pilgrim the morning I can see,
Just lift your cross and follow close to me."

"I work so hard for Jesus" I often boast and say
"I've sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune, I'm worth a lot to Thee"
And then I hear Him gently say to me,
"I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross,
But now we'll make the journey with your hand safe in mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to me.

Oh Jesus if I die upon a foreign field someday,
'Twould be no more than love demands, no less could I repay,
"No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die"
These are the words He gently spoke to me,
"If just a cup of water I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water is all that I demand.
But if by death to living they can Thy glory see,
I'll take my cross and follow close to Thee.

The lyrics above is good enough to state what and how i felt now.. None of my problems seemed to matter when i heard this song again.

Today, God spoke to me twice..
This song was ringing at the back of my head for the longest time.. Just was lazy to look for it. I finally got down to look for it, after God spoke to me tonight.

"You forgot the Shortness of Time, and length of Eternity" Kay Arthur, on Revelations.

It was like a gentle poke on the side, suddenly i felt so awake. Again, and again, I am so ashamed of my non stop complain of certain someone, of certain something.

Again, i might have stumbled some peeps along the way.. Argh.. Seemed like i have my stupid pms too.. But I know God's in control.

I refuse to speak of it anymore..

I'll take up my cross and follow close to Thee, my Lord, my Savour, my Shepherd..

Bring The Rain

2010-01-10T22:03:00.003+08:00

Psalm 37:4

⁴Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

When someone gave me this verse, I was thinking to myself...

"How????"

Honestly, i've never wanted anything as much as this, just to sing...

I cant hide the disappointment, i cant hide the sadness.

Yes, maybe to a lot of people, it's just O'Cynthia dwelling in her self pity.

I still cant see God's purpose on this, but I'll wait.

There are many disappointments i had face, this.. This is the greatest.

I thank God for friends who reminded me, i have a band ongoing, maybe God wants me to focus there.

Though I cant do my bday presentation on 17 Jan, coz its dedication Sunday, well, post pone to Song Service lor.. :)

And as I was chatting with my friend, the song "Bring the Rain" came on.

And i thank God for the timely reminder, when I chose to sing this song in the first place.

I hope you guys like it :)

Bring me anything that beings You glory,

Jesus, Bring the rain

Bye 2009, Hi 2010

2010-01-06T23:21:00.004+08:00

Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Ok ok, I know i didnt block for the longest time.. Since Nov 09 in fact!! So, just bear with me.. It'll be a super long blog i guess..

Nov 09

Went to Chiangmai, met some awesome brothers and sisters in Christ, not only Thais, but Singaporeans :)

As I reflected back on the trip, I thank God for being the Sovereign God, always in control, and His perfect timings.

The Thais were quite tired from their various commitments, and ministries. Being the pioneer batch of Lighthouse BP, and that few of them, it must have really been tough for them.
Even when we were there, i thank God for their thoughtfulness, heart warming and lovely reception they provided.

In many ways, friendships blossomed. I thank God for the many falls I had in S'pore, because over there, they experienced similar situations. And just like Paul said in Corinthians, Comfort from God to comfort others. I could used the verses and songs to encourage them.

I thank God, that love for music is widely expressed in Thailand as well. I could serve temporaily with the Thai during Sunday service. Served in Sunday School. Guess I'm quite a teacher wherever i go.. Haha..

At the work site, its never easy. Under the hot sun, you get tired easily. I thank God for the workers He had provided, and the hardworking contractor/ designer/ accountant/ secretary that's always prayerful and working so hard for this church.

I thank God for the many hearts He has moved to give. No matter, in monies or strength, God has provided.

Dec 09
As the date drew nearer to going home, my feet seemed to be more heavy with each step i took. I thank God for good health, despite the fact that the weather turned cold a week before, my asthma didnt really act up.

Thank God for the time spent visiting the King's Park, Hot Springs (oh ya.. a lot of eggs eaten)

And i could sustain taking all the spicy food and all, only till last 3 days, my die-rear started.

Leaving there was quite painful, learnt a few thai words, made a few good friends, had a few good cups of coffee, taste a few fried bugs, dropped a few tears, it all adds up to tons of wonderful memories..

*********************************************************************
While back in Singapore.. SO WARM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha. The first few nights i slept with 2 fans blowing at me..

Was very heavily involved with Church activities, especially choir.
In fact, the next day i went to help around Sunday School.. Then was told Isaac had heart attack coz of the flu virus. A few of us prayed, and there was peace in my heart, and i felt God's telling me, everything's gonna be ok.

Then i went to help the Youth Camp.. Haha. I felt like, so aunty.. Stayed in the kitchen..
Even though, there were many times, i wanted to say that a little thoughtfulness and appreciation wont die, i just kept quiet and let God does the work.

Coz sometimes, I am not too sure if i showed my appreciation and thoughtfulness to others too..

Oh yaa.. Must talk about this weird sunday morning.. Went to sleep at about 12am, and after what i thought was a long nice sleep, i woke up!

At 2 am.............................

And as much as i read the bible, toss around, i couldnt sleep! So i prayed, i asked God to guide me on what He wants me to do..

And then i realised..

I have been thinking about family situation, mum not saved and stuff like that. I usually think of such things whenever its christmas, and my bday..

And as i was reading the bible, suddenly, a thought flash by my mind..

"You're not lacking at all"

And with that, i was quite convinced that was the message God is reminding me about. And again, i thought of how He brought me back to Him. Those tough and breathless nights, how He sustained me.

I could only thank God, for being patient in teaching and moulding me.

So anyway, it was Sunday, and i went to church..
As the day went by, i began to feel the tiredness.. Then...
BOMBS started dropping..

"Cynthia, can you do this"

Cynthia can you do that?

Ok, fine, i cant say no direct. So i said, i dont think i can cope, working and studying.
And the person gave me another reason, well, win lor..
And was told i could sing, then now, i have been called to do something else.

Ok, maybe i should not look forward to this chance of singing, but i WAS looking forward to it..
And i was really upset..

It's just like giving a child, a new toy to play, but before the child could even start playing, it's been taken away. yaaa... and the child will,

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!"

But anyway, am past that stage already so.. yaa.. haha.. its k.. Anyway, i've spent 7 years in theatre doing all these stage managing stuff.. so..

And, we went carolling at a shipyard.. I joined carolling this year.. Manage to pull people in, who doesnt want to come anymore.. haha..

Celebrated mummy's bday at a jap restaurant.. Wah... First time i bought her such an expensive treat.. Hur hur.. Spent the whole day together.. Mummy's like that, she enjoys the quality time and me holding her hand :)

And before i know it, its almost new year! Our band performed the first time.. YES!! I zao sia!!!! hahahahahaaha.. So panicky.. hahah. .Anyway, im happy that we could share the song :) Teared at the few testimonies shared by Elder, Pastors, aunties and uncles.. :)

Mummy came after watchnight service, and went out with the bunch of us. The church aunties were nice enough to entertain her and talked to her. Thank God that mummy knows my friends now. :)

And the next morning, i went to celebrate her bday (part 2) with a movie.. Then i saw the trailer for Legion.. Was super piss with it.. Think mummy sensed it.. Kept passing the pop corn and drink to me.. Haha. Anyway, bodyguards and assassins was a super good movie. :) Makes me appreciate the chinese revolution more :)

And also.. Spent the last week of Dec in school decorating the classrooms, was freaking out.. Coz
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank God for my fellow nursery teacher Mrs Mavis, she always to patient and always reassuring that I'll be ok :) She helped me with the lessons plans, all ten weeks of it. And shared resources with me.

*******************************************************************************
Jan 2010

YESSS!!!!!!!! Reached already!!!! So weird.. Was quite scared the night before, and as I prepared the materials, tons of fear flooded my minds.. Esp pictures of screaming and crying kids..

The moment of truth.....

MY CLASS VERY KUAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahhahahaa.. PRAISE THE LORD...

Ok la.. One or two teared, but it's ok!!!!!!!! within 10 minutes, they're already joining their friends and waiting for classes to start..

Yes! I enjoyed and loved my job!!! hahaha..

Looking forward to the next lesson.. Hmm, a new week ahead.. Probably the same kiddos will cry again, but it's k, God is with us! :)

Laying Foundation

2009-11-16T21:18:00.002+08:00

Psalm 127: 1a
Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it...

Thank God i could visit the site today.. And started working!! just binding the steel beams together with steel wires is hardwork.. haha.. and im very chao tar!!

Haha.. Looking forward to more building! Hee..

THank God also for our host, Jinn, who has accepted Christ! YAY!!

Let's continue to pray for the LORD's work to be done in Chiangmai.

He will not forsake me

2009-11-14T21:16:00.002+08:00

Psalm 23

¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

It's my first time here.

Everything's quite new. Can't wait to start on the site.. been fun ministering to people. Looking forward to the hard work.

Pray for me.. Sometimes i feel quite alone, maybe the devil's making fun of me. I dont really know.

But then again, haha, who cares!!!! Hur hur hur... i love my new friends, they are always so patient to teach me thai.. Probably will take up Thai when im back in Singapore..

Ahh.. Missing a lot of people back home...

k k.. Shall chill and go watch tv now.. :)

The many lessons in life...

2009-11-09T16:30:00.002+08:00

Matthew 7: 1 - 5
¹Judge not, that ye be not judged.

²For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

³And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

⁴Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

⁵Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

There are many times where a simple lesson, though we knew so well, just pops out and whack you in the face again. Same old topic, yet. it makes so much more sense, when someone says it the way they meant it.

For the weeks i've worked in kindergarten, the principal has always impressed me with her humble and meek attitude of her whole hearted love for the children, for her work. Today, she showed it for the love of her colleague.

She wasn't sure of what to share in the morning for devotion. Apparently one of the teachers called in sick again, and that was when all the other teachers started talking and critisizing about her in one way or another. I dont deny me having doubts about this "sickness" she had, i did not say it out as loud as others did, but that doesnt mean i walk free of the "charges".

That was when she shared the above.

As she read from the devotional material, she teared. I was shocked. Apparently, the lack of love for one another and the situtation of this sick teacher had burdened her so much. She shared about not judging others, but reaching out in love, finding out what happen instead of jumping into conclusion.

Honestly, I felt slapped in the face, I felt remorsed. As much as God has spoken to me about not wasting my time for the past whole week, just that thoughts i had about the "sick" teacher took 2 minutes away from glorifying God.

Throughout this devotion time, my respect for this lady has burst out of its limit. It's not even worth measuring anymore because, the love she had for every single one, everything, is that love i long to model after.

People may deem that she's an easy pushover or whats not, but you know what, i dont think she even care about what "bad things" people may judge of her. What she cares is, how is she doing her best for God..

I have not seen someone so loving, so kind, so humble. I really thank God for this opportunity to witness this before going to Chiangmai.

I thank God for her, for her contribution. I pray for God to sustain her as a principal for as long as God's willing.

Tuesdays With Morrie

2009-11-04T14:19:00.002+08:00

Deuteronomy 34:10-12
10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,
11 In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land,
12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel.

As BSF ends its study on the life of Moses, the lesson on spending my time wisely stuck again. In fact, it was in the lecture.. I'm like, wow... So many times in a week huh. Thank God for His precious reminder. Dont know why it came so strongly, even in the book i read, Tuesdays with Morrie. And I finished reading it on a Tuesday.. Brought tears to my eyes.

Many says that those verses I quoted above was penned by Joshua, moved by the Holy Spirit of course. Just a few simple verses, said so much about this great leader Moses.

What would people say about me i wonder? Would my life be glorifying to God at all?

~When you learn how to die, you learn how to live~
Quote from Tuesdays with Morrie.

Start living, stop lying to yourself.

Stop Wasting Time!!!

2009-11-03T12:16:00.002+08:00

Ephesians 5:15-16
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Yes, yes, i know i put this verse before. But with connection to my previous blog entry, putting this verse up, serves as a reminder.

Yesterday at precept's lecture kinds of summerized what God's been telling me for the past two weeks. HAHA!!! Cant help smiling as i wrote it down. I hope it speaks to everybody else as much as He has spoken to me.

Are you still wasting time on others?

How we spend today, is for our eternal tomorrow.

Be wise, pray hard, think many many times before you comment, critisize, back stab, talk bad about others.

Same goes for me too.

God bless

Bye Bye Self Pity

2009-11-02T00:39:00.002+08:00

1 Corinthians 5:6-8
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Woo! Thank God for overseeing the whole kindergarten Concert! ahh.. All the K2s going Primary 1, it is my prayer that they will still come back to CF/JF and continue to grow in Christ!
Also thank God for the many helpers He sent, if not the teachers would have pulled all their hairs out by now.. Haha..

Just these two weeks working and pulling my own hair over the concert, had learnt so much from the teachers as well as principal. I know she is humble and when I said humble, i meant, REALLY humble. And i know she's always on the move, always helpful. But i didnt know she is THAT helpful, which stunted me a lot of times.

There were a few instances where I asked her if she knew where certain things was, she jumps up from her chair, and brings me exactly to where it is, or even search with me to look for the things. WAHHHH.. I mean, most of us would be like, "er I think its somewhere here or there lor" and just sit there and not move our butts. And it's EVERYTIME when i asked her for help.

The other times were when me and some teachers were discussing either on decorations or doing up head gears, so we needed some materials and stuff, she overheard, and quietly proceeds to find the materials for us.. WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...
My jaw drop on the floor dont know how many times already.
So much to learn from her!

Also, for the past weeks, one thing that finally got through this thick head of mine was,
ENOUGH OF SELF PITY!! Just think of the amount of time i had wasted wallowing on my situations, my circumstances, my heartaches! Such a waste! I could have spent time glorifying God by saying how He has seen me through all these.

Now, i rather spend my heartaches for those who are sick.
Argh, cant believe it.. Takes me so long to realise or even come to realisation about that.
How diff am I from the pagans when I am acting exactly like them?
Paul says, REJOICE!! But i had been reacting so diff.

Just yesterday night, as i was talking to someone, suddenly i said this line,
"The devil only has a few same old tricks, and God has the same old solution. Just look to Him!"

And after saying that, i thought about all the stories in the bible, how Israelites from time to time, time after time, made God really so angry because of all the silly things they had done, which i know, right now at this very era, we as children of God are doing the exact same things!
If I can feel like vomitting blood after following Exodus through Deutronomy ar, i wonder how is God feeling towards me now?

One of my fave past time was wallowing in self pity, but seriously... How is that ever to glorify God at all?

Anyway, Rachel intro me to this write Mitch Albom. Bought "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The five people you meet in heaven"

Am reading Tuesdays now.. So, just came across this part where inspired me to write about the above topic.

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half asleep, even when they are doing things they think are important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things.. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."

~Quote from Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom~

Trust His Heart; My life (Ages 6-10)

2009-10-19T16:57:00.003+08:00

Psalm 73
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou has held me by my right hand
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Place of Residence:
Toa Payoh Lor 1

School:
San Shan Primary School

Memories
-Since grandma left, going to the house in Lor Ah Soo seemed less joyful

- Never seen a grown man (grandpa) crying so much for his wife

- Their house seemed a bit quieter, familiar smell of grandma slowly fades away

- Started primary school as well as TAF club. For those who dont know, it stands for Trim And Fit. flip it the other way round, and you get FAT club

- Couldn't really remember how Pri 1 was like, results are ok

- Not good with homework, mum & sis just thought i was lazy, turns out to be dslyxia. Which i found out like a year ago... Diao...

- Most whacking & head knocking & scolding sessions of my life, yaa, coz homework no good

- Found out Dad has artistic flair too. I still kept his drawing.. Somewhere..

- Drew a picture of Mum & Dad. Got best drawing in class. Don't recall if anyone appreciates it

- More of Mum and Dad's quarrels.
The most severe one was mum not allowing dad to come in. Ok, before i go on, FYI. We install this "knock door" thingy, which was a dragon head, its nose is pretty sharp. So anyway, i recall peeping out of the room, sobbing away whil e my sisters kept pulling me back.
Then at one point, dad pushed mum so hard, her head knocked against the dragon head. I wailed.
Dad was kind of strangling mum, and pushing her against the door, slapping and punching her, well, most of it i couldnt see very well, coz my head was flooded.
All i remembered was I suddenly remembered, mum bought a set of razor sharp jap cutting knives, and hid them in the closet in the room where i was at, just in case dad ever took them.
I immediately went to the closet, pulled out the drawer and took out one of the knives.
All I wanted to do, is to stop this man from hurting my mum.
Make sure he doesnt come back and hurt her anymore.
I think mum saw me, i remembered how she screamed for me to stop, and screamed at my sisters to get rid of the knife in my hand and close the door.
I recalled screaming, "Mummy! Mummy!! Dont make my mummy!"
well, i dont recall how the night end.
All i know is, i hated the man i had to call father.

-Mum's always working. Back then, she worked 18 hours with 3 jobs @ the same place. Housekeeper, waitress, squash club attendent. From not knowing a single word of English, to knowing the whole menu and could converse in English in 3 months. From a pay of $300 to $2,000 plus. Imagine the amount of OT and hardwork she put in?

- Started getting headaches and die-rear. Notice how mum was always concerned for me, so i ended up faking.
Till when i was in primary 3, while mum was napping, it was one of my "fake sick" days. I told mum i didnt want to study anymore.
Maybe most of you know, but i'll still tell.
Anyway, without a single word, mum sprang up from her bed and disappeared.
Sensing something was wrong, i slowly crept out on all fours, advancing to the living room. No sight of her
Then i went to the kitchen. I saw mum standing at the back of the kitchen, with her hands akimbo. Something shined in her hand. DIAO... Her other hand was holding a chopper!!
-WAH, tell you ar, i jumped up and started running.
But seriously, i was just super dumb la, i ran in circles. So in the end, still ran back to her. She grabbed my legs and put the chopper there and said," You dont want to study, then dont need legs lor, no need to walk to school" Then i, no no no no no no no...
Then she grabbed my hands and said "THen i chopped your hands, then dont need to write"
Of course i still say no no no la..
Then she put the chopper on my head, "If not i chop off your brain, no need to think!"
Wah.. Freaked out and then cried like mad.
THen of course, there was the non stop action of caning me on my calves (for the whole universe to see) until i bled slightly.
And then she sent me to detention with the earth god, while she went back to sleep
Not trying to defend myself ar, but i was trying to help and i wanted to spend more time with her..
But i guess, mum's method was never communication last time.

That night, my aunty chris came over, gave me another round of scolding, plus a bit of caning, and made me vowed in front of the goddess of mercy. I think she slapped me too, but that i really cant remember.
Only remembered her calling my mum the next day, and fearfully telling her how my dead grandma scolded her in a dream, saying how can anyhow make me swear?

- School was getting more fun, started staying in school later and later, till mum caught me red-handed, hanging upside down on a monkey bar (last time i small la!!)
So ya... Caning, plus sisters' caning me, detention with earth god

- Detention means they (either mum or sis) make me kneel down in front of the earth god, pull my ears, and the time frame for kneeling will be a joss stick.
Usually i'll spend my time blowing the joss stick so i wont have to kneel so long.

- Then got interested in electric stuff. Started dismantling spoilt radios, stripping wires, and in one case, tried on the phone, until the phone spoilt. haha

- eldest sis had chicken pox, then 2nd sis, then me.

- loved the chinese group grasshopper, little tiger, tommy page

- found out about masturbation

- crush on my 2nd sis girl classmate

- kick a boy's groin for bullying my friend

- wanted to be singer

- once, while dad was sleeping, stole one of his ciggies, went to toilet and smoke. Till he woke up, and i was caught red handed. Of course kena slapped. Mum scolded a bit.

- Started drinking beer bubbles from my mum.
Once my mum told me, dad liked to drink those chinese strong brew wine. So there was once, he left a cup at the edge of the table and went to the toilet. And when he came out of the toilet, he was so shock to find me squatting outside the toilet.
He called my names a few times, and according to him, i was just squatting there, stone.
He picked me up and went to the living room, that's when he realised that the cup was empty.
yes, he scolded me. but i seriously dont remember!!

- When i was 8, grandpa had stroke. Months later, he passed away. Somehow he was having diffculty getting up that morning, tried to get off bed but fell. No one as at home. He tried calling my godma, and my godma called the ambulance. But well, too late..

- Anyway, one thing i missed about grandma and grandpa was, this warm feeling whenever im at their home. They each will sit at their corner, but still.. Warmth feeling.

- When grandpa was young, he came to singapore to work. Shortly after he arrived, singapore was invaded. He was caught, as his hands was too smooth, supposedly to be beheaded. He was the last guy on the line. As the jap soldier struck the guy on his side slightly faster than his own executor, grandpa was pulled down by the other dead body, and thus! the knife missed grandpa's whole head, but bore a deep cut at the back of his head.
He showed me the scar :)

- Since grandpa didnt die, the jap treated him as one of the god who has reincarnated. So they let him go, and even offered him a job in the kitchen after learning that his specialty is to cook!

- I've seen grandpa's pictures when he's a young man, married to my grandma. SO HANDSOME!!! The strange thing was, my grandma wasnt pretty at all. So, grandpa must have seen that big lovely heart of grandma!

- With both of them gone, the house is even colder. The unity of the family started breaking up.

- Life goes on, as usual. Sisters were going through the teen phrase of their lives. Gangsterism, BGR, running away from home.

-While for me, sins of sexuality just kept revolving around me even since the age of 6. I guess, nobody taught me what was wrong and right.

- Mum's drinking every night.

- Incident of the bat that flew into our house that night. Freaked the living lights out of us.

- At the age of 9, going on to 10, dad was accused of wanting to chop my sisters up when actually it's my sisters' fault. Mum knew, and she spoke up, but the police already escorted dad away.

Ahhhh... Well... So drama.. As i went through the thoughts of these parts of my life, i really am thankful to God for sustaining my family. Without His sovereign plans, i wont be sharing this on my blog at all.

Yesterday was music sunday, and that means, it marks my 2nd year returning to Galilee Church. So thankful to God for sustaining me, giving me friends who are so dear to me, giving me even younger ones to look out for, and mostly, a place where my gifts can be used to glorify God and not for self glorification.

I loved the songs we chose. one of it is the title of this post. When we were practising, i had the most difficult weeks. As i was presenting yesterday, I could only smile and marvel at how real and faithful God is. So i will end this long long blog with part of the song below :)

God bless to all!

God is too wise to be mistaken,
God is too good to be unkind.
When you dont understand,
When you dont see His plans,
When you cant see His hands,
Trust His heart.

He alone is faithful and true,
He alone knows what is best for you!

Building an ark (milestone)

2009-10-15T19:00:00.003+08:00

Genesis 6:14
14Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Hmm.. Well, i dont have gopher wood, only have either, plasma tv or washing machine carton boxes. Definately not easy building that ark. Thank God for Jocelyn who had already built most of the ship, now we lack the lil house in that "contains" the animals, as well as the door.. Haha..

Quite a challenge already, trying and thinking of ways not to make the carton boxes topple, makng it child proof and easy to assemble.. Maybe after the children's concert, Jocelyn should come up with a DIY Noah's ark product.. Hee hee.. I hope you guys come to help with the Galilee Kindergarten graduation concert. I could tell by the excitment of the teachers as well as the students. Hee.. And YES!! I am pretty excited, though a itsy bitsy bit of stress, about my new job in the kindergarten if God's willing :)

These 3 weeks, I'll pretty much be the anyone, anyhow and anywhere, my main purpose is to provide as much assistance as I can to the lil kiddos as well as teachers.

Thank God for answered prayer, maybe most have known, wanted to do like a degree, either theology, Pre School or Accountancy.. And right after i left my work place, been praying and asking God, where exactly, or what exactly does He wants to use me for..

Well i thank God for the opportunities that pops up. And the kinder trip to NTUC @ Bukit Timah Plaza couldnt come any time better :) There, while reporting to work on Wed, from a casual chat with the principal, became later, a pretty much "interview" which was also very casual. Im touched by her simple attitude of serving. The kinder is short of teachers, and she took the liberty to be the one doing the health screening.

Also, she seemed even more excited than me about getting me started as a full time teacher.. Haha, that's where the stress comes in!! Haha, i have to take a class or two of nursery students.. Faints... Hur hur. And thereafter, once i get enrolled in Singapore Polytechnic (AGAIN!!!), have to chiong 1 year of 700 hours worth, in order to get the Adv Dip in Kinder Teaching WHILE working FULL TIME. Even more FAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hee.. But its pretty exciting! Im so looking forward to it.. HAve to start praying to God for much more guidance, for my priorities to be sorted out.. Like which bible studies to give up, maybe should only do one.. Hmm.. and pretty much sure which is the first one to go, the most not flexible one.. hee hee hee hee hee..

And also my commitments, be in CF/JF, SS School, christian Band, prayer clinic, Choir, short film, and whats nots. .. Hmm, have to pray hard for focus, GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT, DISCIPLINE!!! Ahhh.. Should start training NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW...

*yawn* tired... Tried waking up at 6:30am for today's outing at 8:30am.. Haha, woke up at 7:15am instead.. diao.... Now its about 7 plus pm, tired...

But it looks promisingly exciting, yup, speed bumps expected, but i know the Lord my God :)

Hmm, i might get use to being called "Ms Cynthia"

Straight from the heart...

2009-10-09T00:00:00.002+08:00

John 6:37
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

I apologized if i had in any ways, for the past two weeks, stumbled anyone in their walk with God.
Please forgive me.

Yes, i am back! And i truly thank God for the youths to be reaching out to someone older their age. Haha.. So malu.....

Really thank God that even though they are so tremendously over driven by the things revolving around their lives, one of them even had time to spare and shed tears with me.

I thank God for Sis Charissa, for always looking out for me, even when she's busy running round the church.

I'm sorry to those whom i had shut off from especially these few days. It's been difficult to be trusting God when people who claimed boldly they spoke on God's behalf actually stumbled them.

Ahh, just need to get into my head that well, they need to answer to God. I need to answer to God too. So i really apologize if i had in any ways at all, stumbled your walk with God.

Yesterday was the worst.. I didnt know how to do quiet time. I just sat there, stared at my bible and started punching stuff.. And cried of course! I always cry anyway, too much water.. Haha..

But thank God for He is always patient, He never never gives up on me. And He would never give up on you.

Would you believe?

Been writing too many songs.. Now my head is just flooding with ideas.. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... Praying hard for God to allow my dream Christian Band to form.. hee hee.. I already invited talented potentials in.. Subway meeting this Sunday.

Oh.. And Sis Charissa just had to remind me again, God controls my life.. Hahahaha.. K k, ahhh, shall remember that.. hee..

Ahhhhh... I am so in love with God..

Our Awesome God gave

2009-10-08T03:57:00.000+08:00

Me friends who cried with me, prayed for me, stood by me

Thank you dear Lord!

*blog's been performed with CPR*

I'M ALIVE!!!!!!!

Depression

2009-10-07T21:06:00.000+08:00

blog probably wont be functional for maybe a week or two.

God is Love

2009-10-05T01:26:00.002+08:00

Had a terrible week.. Quite la... So channeled in into song.. First time played on piano.. YAY!!

PRAise the LORD!!

I was never strong, you thought I am
You never knew how much it hurts
when you said you're tired

If being strong means staying alone
then i guess you're wrong
stop saying we've failed

We're always living in suspicion
the "Who, what, where, when, how & why"
Its all just lies anyway

For 33 years we've been suffering ,
yes, we're never a happy family
but that doesnt mean we stop trying

If you looking for a light
that's always shinning
then I've found it,
if you would just listen

Chorus:
Some days I may feel gloomy
but I know the silver lining
Its God's love for me

Jesus' right there beside me
The Holy Spirit's guiding me
Would you just listen?

Thank God for friends, very dear friends whom He had placed beside me as well. :) *big grins*

Looking straight through the storm

2009-09-28T23:15:00.002+08:00

Matthew 14:30-31

³⁰But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

³¹And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Have i doubted Lord?
Why do my heart cries out in pain?

I am looking right at You. Yet, i cant stop my heart from aching, from breaking.

Why is my family falling apart?
Yes, You are Sovereign.

Please teach me how to wait on You.
I need You so much......
My hands are stretching towards You,
hold me please.

My soul is weak
My heart is numb
I cannot see
But still my hope is found in You
I’ll hold on tightly
You will never let me go
For Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail

Simply to the cross i cling
Letting go of all earthly things
Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as i am free
Jesus, You are all i need
Clinging to the cross

Even darkness is as light to You, my Lord
So light the way and lead me home
To that place where every tear is wiped away
For Jesus, You will never fail
Jesus, You will never fail

Simply to the cross i cling
Letting go of all earthly things
Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as i am free
Jesus, You are all i need
Clinging to the cross

What a Saviour, what a story
You were crucified but now You are alive
So amazing, such a mystery
You were crucified but now You are alive

Simply to the cross i cling
Letting go of all earthly things
Clinging to the cross
Mercy’s found a way for me
Hope is here as i am free
Jesus, You are all i need
Clinging to the cross

(By Tim Hughs; Martin Smith)

Life: Part 1 (Ages 1 - 6)

2009-09-17T11:53:00.002+08:00

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Was having dinner with Jasmine and Rachel yesterday night, in the midst of our random topics, she talked about the idea she learnt from school, for the YF camp, which i thought was pretty cool. So i will start my own on this blog :) The purpose is to review how God had seen me through. And since my life's always been a big hoo ha, i thought, maybe start slow la, and in point form.

So here goes, *warning* content may be disturbing at times, but ya, nobody force you to read, so cannot tahan, er... Go la..

Birth:
- 15 Jan 1983, wee hours in the morning

Place:
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital Pte Ltd

First Person's arms:
- Grandma (Maternal)

Special events:
- when mum was pregnant with me, she had this jade bracelet. She couldn't understand why she always feel so suffocating, until my dad broke her jade, and she felt relieved. and mind you, jade dont break easily, so she tell story halfway, i dont know that's good or bad to superstitious people.

- one week before, my mum struck 4D.

Happy Fact:
I'm born! and my grandma was happy to see me.

Sad Fact:
Not a boy mum had been hoping for 9 months. She told me on my 21st birthday this fact, she thought dad would change for the better if i was a boy.

Known facts:
- weight 4kg
- born by cesarean... C-Section. Dont know correct spelling not.

Places of Residence:
- Bedok Reservoir (Age 0 - 5)
- Toa Payoh North (Age 5 - 10)

Memories:
- Being loved and sayang by many people
- Weekends at Grandma's house (warm feelings of love)
- Playing toys we couldnt afford there
- Being baby sat by a nice macik who stayed closed by. Always curry puff after bath, while she powered me up with the snake power (now you guys know why i like that powder), could converse in malay

Traumatic events (ok, people, if you want to leave now, please do):

@ Bedok Reservoir
- House always feels cold (as in no love) and its always noisy
- Mum and dad always quarreling and fighting
- Sisters hated me, especially the 2nd one..
- Dad held mum at chopper point, mum asking me to call 999, while dad threatening me if i do it she dies kinda thing. Sisters both hiding in the room.
- was part of some sexual activities my sisters came up with, didnt know it was wrong until much much much later when sex ed came to school, dont worry i still virgin..
- always injured myself especially my head, most severe time was i slipped and bump my head on the side of the concrete floor, bled, didnt see doc, didnt tell mum. I shall not say who was bathing me.
- slept with mum all the time, so even when she's doing that thing with dad, yup, i was there right beside them, trying to sleep, again, i dont know what they were doing, all i know is im very tired, and they are creating a lot of disturbance.
- mum told me there were a few times i spotted "ghosts" and without knowing it, i asked mum who these people are. Only remembered one incident, whereby i saw my "dad" outside my room door, and suddenly, "he" came in, and turn and walked into the wardrobe mirror. Next morning, mum said i was searching for my dad inside the mirror, and again, she dragged me to temple and play, oops i mean pray.
- major major major quarrel between mum and dad. Couldnt remember much, only remembered police were involved. My aunts were there, grandpa was scolding dad on mum's behalf (alright!). Again, i dont know where my sisters are, but i remembered my aunty josephine and Aunty Chris looked after me that night :)

@ Toa Payoh
- Shifted to Toa Payoh after the above incident
- A few weeks/ months (?), house was peaceful, coz dad not around. Then i started seeing this man in my house, my mum made me call him uncle. Because I really couldnt remember him as my dad.
- Went to kindergarten, hated school, cant buy uniform or something, i think dont have my size or no money, kids in class laughed at me.
- Hate going to school coz mummy not there, always cried at the gate till i fall asleep at the gate.
- started hating to talk to everyone else except mum. Sisters thought i was spoilt, mum thought i was autistic. I think, a bit of both la..
- Crush on my female kindergarten teached ( I DIDNT KNOW ITS WRONG!!)
- Crush on my cousin's gf (then) now wife.
- during the 7th month, people burn joss paper, joss paper flew, stuck on both my calves, couldnt remove, so both calves chao tar, burnt badly, had to walk like penguin for a month or two i think. Now my calves are showing life! Got one or two strand of hair...
- First saddest moment of my little life, my grandma past away. The woman i loved the most, who showed me love in the simplicity of her understanding. I love you grandma. I am so sad to know where you are now, so sorry if you didnt hear the gospel before.. I miss you a lot..
- Couldnt afford K2 studies, so stayed home almost the whole year.

My story is not for the faint of heart (sorry spiderman!). It is true, though dramatic, but that is how I spent the first 6 years of my life. And these are based on what i can remember, things that affected me for a long time.

Anyway, truly, God has seen me through these years even before I knew Him, so next are the things i want to thank God for:

- keeping me alive, despite the countless times I hurt my head
- giving me my mummy, her hands and heart are crafted by God to function as a working & disciplining dad, a loving and caring mum, a close friend & soulmate.
- my sisters, though they hated me, still, they did all the household chores, looked after me, handling and mishandling me, getting whacked and scolded for the troubles i caused (which i really dont know!!!)
- Dad, well still trying to appreciate and love you. But i had forgiven you. So ... erm... I just thank God for you la, because dont have you where got me..
- Grandparents who loved and protected us
- Cousins who played and bullied me
- Aunties who were always there beside mum for being the sisters I should learn to be to others.

YUP YUP YUP, God is GOOD.

Part 2 would be perhaps 7 to 10. Primary one to three, going on to four.

I love the Lord my God!

2009-09-16T13:05:00.002+08:00

Psalm 116
[1] I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
[2] Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
[3] The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
[4] Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
[5] Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
[6] The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
[7] Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
[8] For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
[9] I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
[10] I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
[11] I said in my haste, All men are liars.
[12] What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
[13] I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
[14] I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
[15] Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
[16] O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
[17] I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
[18] I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,
[19] In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Wooo... One more week, and i will be free from my workplace.. Hmm, now looking for places where i can earn some money for 2 or 3 weeks... La la la la...

Sensing something wrong around me again. Haiz... I hate being sensitive..

Come on la, you got thing just say, dont hide hide..

Sometimes not people dont want to believe in God, or in the redemptive work of Christ, it is us who kept failing to be a good testimony.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be like Christ. AS much as i dont understand why some people can be Christian for so long, still dont know You that well. But thanks for the reminder that i am only accountable to You for myself, and not others.

Yup, lesson learnt. Cynthia Sim will shut her mouth more about other Christian, and start living her life according to how God wants.

Chiangmai!!!! I am coming!!!!!! lai le lai le

*cough cough* haze... urgh...

Go

2009-09-11T10:04:00.000+08:00

Matthew 28:19
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

These two weeks had been tiring and trying.. Just cant believe how strong the opposing spiritual forces are.. But thank God, He is still my Defender, my Fortress.

Thought yesterday was the last straw.. Somehow my bosses got another potential investor, and told him only iceberg tip details of what's happening. So this charismatic guy, tries telling me (as of all the others) what God's will is for me..
DIao....

Suddenly, i am hardworking, efficient worker.. Whatever happens to "idiot, no capacity to think, no initiative"? Nonetheless, I just smiled and said i will pray about it.

But i was angry, angry at the many times people used God's name to do something, to gain something that would benefit themselves. Do these people honestly think they will get away with it????

At the same time, I felt extremely frustrated. So i made myself write it out.. Vent on paper. I end up writing poem!! anyway, here it is la..

So many voices
So many reasons
father help me to only hear Your voice

Only when I'm leaving,
suddenly it seems
I'm no longer an idiot
who cannot think
but someone efficient
and good

The devil's laughing
coz it feels like he's winning
Father teach me to see You,
only You.

You are the Mighty Creator
You are the God who split the Red Sea
The same God dwelling in me.

Even in church
so many thoughts
telling me to focus on my problems instead
of You

Do they mean I'm reading a diff bible,
maybe its just a book on magic.
That's because I dont see God in their life
when they dont live it

The devil's laughing
coz it feels like he's winning
Father teach me to see only you

You are God Most High
You protected Your people even through fire
You're the same God dwelling in me

People I love
People I trust,
there's a gap now

The devil could be laughing
But he forgot,
I know You,
the One and Only

The God who came down in flesh
The God who was spat on
and crucified for my unworthiness
The God, only God will have power
to conquer death

The same God dwelling in me.

Hmm, looking back now, i feel like a small child ranting.. But anyway, i was quite angry la.. I think i scared a few people with my haunting smses.. Haha.. But thank God for them, coz i know they always praying for me! AHhhh.. I want to hug and kiss them all!! hmm, maybe minus the kissing part.. hur hur..

Anyways, was praying before i sleep. God pls pls pls, let me only hear Your voice. And this morning before I did my quiet time, same prayer, but add, i need clear instructions, You want me to go or not...

Then, the quiet time devotion says (from Experiencing God Day by Day)

Go, Matthew 28:19

WAH!! almost fell from my chair.. Haha.. Ahhhhh.. Sweet sweet Jesus, You must have felt the heart aches..

and the devotions includes the "reasons" people gave for not following Jesus. Not that I am saying Jesus is saying avoid all responsibilities, but do you trust Him enough to take care of everything..

I do. And let it be known, I will learn and try and will put God first in my life.

2009-09-09T11:25:00.002+08:00

Psalm 90
[1] LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
[2] Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
[3] Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
[4] For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
[5] Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.
[6] In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.
[7] For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.
[8] Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
[9] For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
[10] The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
[11] Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
[12] So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
[13] Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
[14] O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
[15] Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.
[16] Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.
[17] And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Moses wrote this Psalm when Aaron died (Numbers 20:23 ~ 29).

After having a long talk with Annie last night, was reminded again about my duty as a daughter of an unsaved mum. So again, possible death of my family members started processing in my head, what would I do if they are gone without being saved. She asked me if i were to travel to Chiangmai for 3 months, and mum were to leave during this period of time, how would I feel?

As usual, i didnt say anything, i just nodded my head. Yes, that was exactly my problem. I've prayed so many nights, cried so many times, if God's willing that my mum will be saved, if not, please dont let me turn away from You...

Suddenly all my plans for the next 3 months were just jumbled and messed up. Now i really dont know what to do.

Suddenly it seems that i have been potraying how much i hate my family, when I actually dont! In fact the pains i am feeling is because i loved them!!

I am confused.

It seems that more people want me to stay in Singapore because of what i can do to help them, then going over to Chiangmai to build church.

Would i be like Moses? Losing a brother who had been by your side, leading, praying with you for so many years. Still, Moses focused on the Lord. His psalm was full of praises to the Lord.

Father, help me please. I dont understand Your ways, and my fellow Christians friends had been making me very very confuse. i dont understand them either. Is the devil working in them to tell me to stop?

Why do they assume things which You had taken care of? Please teach me how to respond.. I am very very sian. Show me how You want me to do things. Teach me to have faith like Moses. I want to stay focus on You, but people enjoy pulling my focus off You and make me focus on my problems.

Seriously.. I dont know what they are trying to do.... If You dont know want me to go, please tell me.

Help me to feel the right way, because. I am just simply disappointed with a lot of people. Lord, help me to forgive them the way You had forgiven me so many million times.

Thank You for always enabling me to comfort others. Thank You for bringing me back to Your side. Thank You for Your love, though i cannot comprehend why would You love me. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for Your word.

Thank You, because You were, You are and Is to come.
Thank You for Your reminders, that
You are the same God who created the whole universe in 6 days
You are the same God who spilt open the Red Sea
You are the same God who rained manna from heaven
You are the same God who provided water from rock
You are the same God who protect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnance
You are the same God who kept Daniel safe in the lions' den
You are the same God who came down to earth in flesh
You are the same God who died on the cross for my sins
You are the same God who resurrected on the 3rd day
You are the same God who is the Comforter abiding in me
You are the same God yesterday, today and forever.

Help me Father, give me strength to do the right thing, Your things, Your way, Your timing, Your will.

Lord, You know the desire of my heart. I want to serve You full time. Please help me to be patient. Teach me.

A Servant's Heart

2009-09-07T12:00:00.001+08:00

Matthew 42:42~47
[44] Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
[45] Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
[46] Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
[47] Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

I had a weird Sunday morning. And i DO mean really early in the morning. For no apparent reasons (to me at least), I woke up, wide awake at around 3:30am, replied Rachel's sms.. Ok, so i thought maybe my bowels are screaming to go toilet, so i go lor.. When I came back, i went straight to bed, roll here and there. CANNOT SLEEP!!!! This is super weird, coz normally, I will just lie down, close eyes and back to my la la land...

Hmm.. Anyway, since i cannot sleep, i woke up and started surfing the internet. Watch X men on youtube, surf FAcebook, and then the christmas play i was writing about came to mind, and i went on to search for songs. And thank God, i found a song called "Christmas Makes me cry", its such sweet lyrics and the video was a live recording. And the guy Matthew West (also wrote "Voice of A Saviour") shared the same theme as the play does!! So maybe, God woke me up for a reason. So i sent to the my music director, to have a listen.

Still, I found that i wasted quite a lot of time, just watching youtube, spending time on facebook refreshing the page which doesnt seem to load.. Could have spend the time, praying and writing the play, expanding it. Coz now the play basically just like skin-wrap-bones....

And by time i found the song, my alarm rang. So i washed up and did quiet time. Practise piano. Till about 8am, went opp to eat prata :p... And it was raining quite heavily for at least 1 hour.

It only let up when i finished my breakfast about 8:30am, walked to church. And i saw the most amazing act of love. I saw our church warden Uncle John, squatting by the traffic light just outside the church. At first i thought he lost something. As i walked closer, i realised that, he was clearing the leaves from the drain, so that the puddle of mud water surrounding that area could flow in, and people can walked easily without getting their legs pants or whatsoever wet.

Knowing Uncle John for over these 2 years, he's always doing his duty. ALways. Pastor said he never had to worry if the gates are not open, or places not prepared. For the number of times I spent over night in church, there are times i woke up around 3am plus, he was already awake, sweeping the church, checking the stuff around. So, i know that he is very loyal and responsible to taking care of things INSIDE the church compound.

But outside? There were several thoughts that came to my mind. Either someone, who was there at 7am, realise about the puddle, and called him to solve it. Or, he was on the way to market, and saw it. Well, the 2nd thought seemed more possible because I saw his bicycle, he usually rides it when he's going to the market.

And i came to realise, the largest possibility is, his love for the church and its members. He must have thought how would the members be walking the long way as they try to avoid the church. Or people, maybe not even members, who might get splash as cars turned that corner.

Whatever the case might be, that was the most humbling, practical act of love i had ever seen. All i could ask was, Can i help you? But he just said, no la, no more already. And i thanked him, he just smiled and told me the lunch for today is veggie rice.

Perhaps, he had always been doing this, each time it rains. And i never got a chance to thank him for it.

I remembered how he always will remind us, to keep the areas clean, or stuff like that. I dont think its because he wants to make his job easy, but in his own way, he's telling us to love the church.

I had been observing how people treat this man. Most people treated him like, a servant. Some even paid him extra, so that they dont have to clean up after a big function. The way they talked to him, the attitudes. It made me ashamed of myself, though i had never talked to him that way, but there were times i would think to myself, isn't this Uncle John's job? NO, it should be "isn't this every Christian's job?"

Maybe he sees it as his duty, but this man is serving God with such humility, i am just amazed!

As i watched left behind 2 later that night, i was reminded again, how i dont want to be left behind, i dont know if i have the courage to face the tribulations. I realised time is really running short. I saw the comments of disbelieves in these videos posts.

I got reminded of Uncle John's example again. I dont think he really cares a lot, of how or when the end times are, but all he cares about, is keeping the Church in its proper place, being there when there are troubles.

For those who always had a slightly lower view of him, maybe its time to take a look at our own serving attitude, i think he is a great example to learn from.

Give me love in my heart,
keep me serving, serving, serving
Give me love in my heart I pray.
Give me love in my heart,
keep me serving, serving, serving
keep me serving till the break of day.

The Thorns on my Saviour's Head

2009-09-04T12:32:00.001+08:00

John 19:2~3
And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
And said, Hail, King of Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

I wondered how many of us watched "The Passion of Christ"? Maybe some of us thought it's overly exagerrating. Well, that's where you are wrong.. It's way under rated.. The actor who was acting as Jesus, even though he was wearing some sort of specially made protection, he still got hurt from the whipping, and you imagine someone who went through this, someone who is innocent of ALL sins, going through it like he was a criminal?

I wondered how many of us thought we are ever worthy of Him going through all these humiliation, these pains. When I first watched it when it came out, i couldnt stand it. i want it to stop, because I was so unworthy. As much as I was still experiencing spiritual high after watching, it didnt sink in much.

When I watched it in Kenya again, i had those thoughts again. Suddenly, all the sins that i had and still struggling with, suddenly just seemed so stupid. And the funny thing was, God brought to my mind 2 Cor 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Again, i teared..

No this is not a Good Friday message. But do we really have to wait till Good Friday to reflect?

Yes, indeed He has risen! But let's not take His love for granted. Let's surrender our lives to Him TOTALLY!

Ahhhh.. I feel another song coming through.. Hee... But MercyMe beat me to it!

I surrender All
Nails in your hands
Nail in your feet
tell me how much you love me
thorns in your brow
they tell me how
you bore so much shame to love me

(MY FAVE PART!!!)
and when the heavens pass away
all your scars will still remain
and forever they will say
how much you love me

forever my love
forever my heart
forever my life is yours
it's yours
(Repeats a few times)

The Answer

2009-09-03T13:12:00.000+08:00

Jeremiah 29:11
[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Yes, ah, mummy's in the hospital again. And the hospital so funny, open up her wound to clean, which is like 1 cm wide by 20 cm long, told her can be discharge and go home.. DIAO!!
Why wait until like 8 hours later (minimum) then say only need to wash wound and go home?? A bit retarded la... Should have done it sooner..

Thank God Cindy's gonna be there later.. Haha, doctors you all jia lat.. My this sister super lian, you sure kena big time from her one.. Anyway, thank God la, mummy agreed to be transfered to Alexander. Dont know why she big fan of TTSH.. But at least i am certain the nurses at Alexander can attend to her more..

Haiz.. Anyway, yesterday at prayer meeting, in our small group, a lady shared to pray for her family's salvation. Same like me, wants everyone to go heaven, heart pain if they die without Christ.

Well, mum's still as stubborn as ever, but I believe God will change her. Still, if God's willing. Even if it means for me to die so she can believe in Christ, I would. That's how much i love her, and the only one i ever loved so much. But still! God's in charge.

Thank God for mp3!! haha.. This song just gives me so much strength to move on everyday.
All GLory to God!!

The Answer
Lyrics by Corrinne May Ying Foo
Music by Gustav Holst, ‘Jupiter’ from The Planets Suite
Copyright 2006, Corrinne May Ying Foo

I believe you are the answer to every tear I’ve cried
I believe that you are with me,
My rising and my light.

Give me strength when I am weary
Give me hope when I can’t see
Through the crosses I must carry
Lord, bind my heart to thee

That when all my days are over
and all my chores are done,
I may see your risen Glory
Forever where You are.

ps Rachel taught me how to play "Homesick" (MercyMe) on the piano. YAY!!

Matthew 5:37

2009-09-01T15:56:00.000+08:00

But let your communications be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

I feel something weird going around me lately. People who had always been urging me to quit my job, actually has questions about me quitting my job at this time! and people who knew I want to go to Chiangmai to build church, also have questions about it...

I feel so......... diao..... very very diao......

and they like to relate to.. After i go kenya..........

even more...... diao.......

Excuse me ah, but hor, after Bro Nat told the whole Galilee, while closing for his sermon, he showed a clip and it showed the land they purchased (June 2009) i turned to my right, and sis Pat was sitting right there, and I asked her, "You need people to build church?" I think i know how to tell, when someone so earnestly nodding her head and said "Yes, come come!", means they really need help. And so, FROM THEN ON, i think somehow or rather I have been mentioning I want to go build church.

And recorded in my prayer journal, i started praying for this item together with my Kenya trip on the the 3rd July 2009.

And, in my blog here, i had mentioned at least 3 times, 24th, 28th and 29th July, either i want to build church, i want to go Chiangmai, or I want to go THailand build church.

I even posted on my facebook lil box about going to chiangmai, BEFORE the Kenya trip.

And i remembered the many conversations i had with diff people, all who told me to FOCUS on Kenya first, come back then say.

Then now, i come back liao, then I say, people say I come back from Kenya want to fly here fly there.........

First of all, I not exactly very rich and i even got difficulty paying my $70 rent monthly. But God already burden my heart, I think He will definately give when its time. And God like to do that to me, coz He knows I like to anyhow spend money to spoil people, esp my mum and my lovely babies.

And secondly, you think my boss a.k.a bro in law, will so happily let me go this 3 months, taking unpaid leave and leaving his office filled with paper work? And I explain liao, i prayed (again recorded in my prayer journal) for clear directions specifically after KENYA (everything was put on hold) and next day, God showed me the Ephesian verse, about investing time wisely. So ar... Like that, isnt God answering my prayer? And i mention i want to quit since like May 09, then delay, June, then July, now Aug..

I say, until mouth and pants want to drop together. I AM a VERY direct person. Very very direct person. Not happy also i will say, happy i even more will say. So please please, if you want to comment, say out, if not, dont say in your heart, dont show face face all.. Ok? Maybe most of you dont know, but i am also VERY sensitive, and my sensitivity is not the hormone in process kind, is the really i know what you are thinking kind. So, if you have something to say, SAY IT PLEASE... Coz have to be around most of you, knowing exactly what's going through your head and your mouth is saying other wise is breaking my heart seriously.

I already cried for a long time. Because I knew what was going on. Stop relating all things to Kenya. But start relating all things to God. I think besides thinking why Cynthia like that after coming back from Kenya, maybe you can help me by praying for my mum's salvation, for my family's situation?

I am disappointed. But i know its just human nature, I will forgive, and I will pray. But I am writing this because, I want to stop crying.

God bless all!

The Prodigal Returns (Luke 15:11-32)

Lost and Found

Lost and Found

Evangelism

Dead Women Walking

Resting in His love

Lord's Supper

Personal God-phone

Saved to Serve

In the wilderness....

Hanging on.......

Time to grow up!!

Time to grow up!!

Love one another

Copy not cat but Christ

Humility =)

Hearts of flesh, not stones

Distractions...

World's Deadly Virus

He knows! =)

Going Green =)

~True Colours shininnnnnnnnng~

The Expert Repair

你乖吗？

Everyone's a Teacher

Turn your eyes Upon Jesus

Confidence

Nothing but sand and dust....

You did the same too

Dying Wish.......

Food to keep away from...

一只手指指别人，四只手指指自己

Growing Up (Part 5)

Growing Up (Part 3.5 continued)

Growing Up (Part 3)

Growing Up (Part 2)

Growing Up

Action speaks louder than words...

False Predictions

No. 10

加油！加油！

Retreating Forward

我自由了！！！

Slowly.... Slowly...

Little Christ

A worry list

Appreciation

Referral Letter

Spiritual Pollution

Thirsty?

Free GIFT!! FREE GIFT!!

Nobody is nothing

Giving is not only about money..

Looking forward...

No One Remembered... =(

An Imaginary Threat

Fathers' Day....

The Brevity of Life

In Christ Alone

Why Suffer?

"Jesus" flows in you

The Best News

Keep RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mental block

Blessed 50th Jubilee

Sigh...........

A small note....

I know....

Journey(ing)

Sick *ack ack ack*

常 常 喜 乐

腓 立 比 書 4:4

心灰意冷

腓 立 比 書 4:8

Clining to the Cross

Keep Singing..

Which one do I lack??

Follow Close to me

Bring The Rain

Bye 2009, Hi 2010

Sick ack ack ack

常常喜乐

腓立比書 4:4

腓立比書 4:8