EADotCom

Special Oil

2011-07-30T21:33:00.000+08:00

Four in a row. I was given two. Then another one. And yet another one.
Is there a message in all this?

The God of More Than

2011-07-25T17:26:00.006+08:00

Can it be that more than half the year has already gone? Certainly the past one month has been eventful. The most significant was the development of pain in my knee. It was hard to walk and on some days, the entire right leg swelled up beyond recognition!

I got myself a knee guard.
But what really helped was having Arrow #1 back home for holidays and he put to good use what physiotherapy he had learned (He's second of a four-year degree course) I learned some pretty good exercises which strengthened the area around my knee. I also trimmed up, got good cardio workout and felt overall much better.

So good that I went for the 7K Charity Run!
Yes, I did the entire 7K, unlike some folks who took shortcuts! Of course the next day was pretty bad.... but inside me I felt good! Haha!

Then the next significant thing was the second event in the church's 10th anniversary celebrations. (The Run was the first of three)

We had a banquet!
It was a pretty grand affair - 99 tables in a 5-star hotel.

But the heart of the church remains with the special, the torn, the oppressed, the poor (called the STOP people)

So the ultimate celebration will take place this weekend, where in one morning, everything we give will go towards specific projects/organizations. Each year (except for the 7th) the elders set a target and inform the church. Each year (except for the 7th because it was taken from savings instead, giving the church a rest) the church has given in one morning, by God's grace, amounts that exceeded the set target. Called the Anniversary Gift Day, this is our past record. Blue is the target. Green is the actual.
So what is our target this year?

More than a million... Because He is the God of the more than...

Stock-take

2011-06-23T00:09:00.000+08:00

Where did time go?

Is it half the year already?

What have I done?

What have I not done?

Suddenly, it is stock-take time.

And I fear to be found wanting.

Lord, where can I run?

Where can I hide?

If I were to go to the highest place, you are there.

The deepest gulley cannot shield me.

I fear to be found wanting.

Lord, let me not be found wanting, fallen short.

Ministry is not a call to lead, but to die

2011-05-07T22:26:00.003+08:00

Read an old article that I had saved. So glad I saved it. Francis Frangipane writes

When I first came to Christ, the Lord gave me a dream about my future. I thought that everything the Lord said was supposed to occur immediately; I didn't know of the work of preparation and dying to self, of learning patience and maintaining vision through testing, that would occur before God's promise would find fulfillment. Consequently, I was filled with ambition. Ambition is the first motive that arises in the spiritually immature. I was like the disciples who, a few days after Jesus' resurrection, were already asking, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom?" (Acts 1:6).

Ambition is very deceptive. It can seem just like obedience, yet because we don't truly know the Lord, the voice we find ourselves obeying is not God's, but our own. Our vision can actually be from God, but our motive be self. Consequently, where there is ambition, James tells us there will soon emerge "disorder and every evil thing" (James 3:16). Why? Because we begin thinking we can accomplish the will of God through the strength of man. We are seeking a breakthrough; God wants to give us brokenness.

The spiritually immature do not recognize their immaturity because they are immature. Thus, they become impatient, fearful and demanding. Because pride blinds the ambitious, we presume we are ready for greater assignments in God. In fact, we become a harder assignment for those who work with us, for our actions continually generate strife.

Ambition seeks to put to death what stands between it and spiritual fulfillment. Yet, it is ambition itself that must die to reach fulfillment. Webster's tells us that ambition is "an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as wealth or fame, and the willingness to strive for it." The word translated "ambition" in the NAS is rendered "strife" in the King James. Truly, ambition is a major cause for strife, church splits and conflicts within the church.

I thought having a promise from God was the same thing as receiving a commandment from God. I did not understand what I personally lacked in character or what I needed to attain concerning faithfulness, becoming a bond-servant, and possessing a grateful heart. These things needed to be worked in me before God would truly begin to fulfill His larger promises and opportunities. What I became for God was more important than what I did for Him.

Today, I am living in the spiritual substance of what was just a dream thirty-eight years ago. My ambitions have suffered greatly, yet my dreams are being fulfilled. While I have not yet arrived at the greatest aspects of my calling, I understand the difference between ambition and true leadership and it is this: Ministry is not a call to lead, but to die.

Every advance that I have made spiritually was preceded by an opportunity to die to self. The power in my life comes from where I have died to self and now live unto Christ.

Do you want to advance spiritually? The gateway to resurrection power is crucifixion. God will arrange opportunities for you to die to self. You must discern them. Dying to self and its ambition is the means of reaching true spiritual fulfillment. If you react to the opportunity to die with fleshly anger or resentment, you will fail to reach fulfillment. However, if you can maintain your vision even while your ambition dies, you will succeed.

Breaking my Heart

2011-04-27T08:20:00.005+08:00

A song has been reverberating in me.

Or rather, a phrase "Break my heart for what breaks Yours...."

Then I was given a list. It was entitled "Am I a Proud or Broken Person?"

There were checklists about attitudes. Attitudes to self, others, etc.

I found myself checking myself on the list.

And left wanting.

Take for instance

ATTITUDE about THEMSELVES

PROUD PEOPLE feel confident in how much they know
BROKEN PEOPLE are humbled by how very much they have to learn

PROUD PEOPLE are self-conscious; they worry about what others think of them
BROKEN PEOPLE are not preoccupied with what others think of them.

PROUD PEOPLE are concerned about appearing respectable; they are driven to protect their image and reputation.
BROKEN PEOPLE are concerned with being real; they care less about what others think than about what God knows – they are willing to die to their own reputation

PROUD PEOPLE can’t bear to fail or for anyone to think they are less than perfect. This can drive them to extremes – workaholic tendencies, perfectionism, and the tendency to drive to drive others or to place unrealistic expectations on themselves or others.
BROKEN PEOPLE can recognize and live within God-given limitations

So yes, I try to sing the next line, "Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause"

The Continuation

2011-02-03T22:03:00.003+08:00

Since my last post, I have battled with ill health. It's not a nice feeling. I find it hard to think, to even find God. I make mistakes, I tire easily, I get breathless and I am functioning below par.

All I can do is to hold on to this.

2 Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

More at a later date.

Out of Sorts

2010-12-20T23:24:00.000+08:00

Feeling out of sorts.
Not had time to have extended nights of prayer as I used to.
Not enough digging into the Word.
Not much free time.
Not even sleep.

In danger of running on empty.
In danger of depending on self.

Need to watch out. Lord, thank You for times of refreshing, revisiting, reviving, rejuvenating....

Antidote to Tension

2010-12-13T19:39:00.002+08:00

Someone sent me a poem about "Solution for Tension" but the English was pretty awful. So I edited it.

But that means I can't be sure if the person this was credited to was really the writer. I doubt it because of the standard of English presented. So I am going to remove the name at the end and be honest - I didn't write this - merely edited it!

The moment you are in tension
You lose your attention
Then in total confusion
You will feel irritation
And spoil personal relation
Ultimately you won't get cooperation
And things get full of complication
Your blood pressure might raise caution
And you might have to take medication!

so, instead,

Understand the situation
And try to think of the solution
Many problems can be solved by discussion
And works out better in your profession
Don't take it as my free suggestion
It's really for your prevention
And when you understand my intention
You will never come again to tension

A Story of Forgiveness, Hope and Love

2010-12-06T21:58:00.001+08:00

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. What a musical. What an inspiring true tale from Genesis.
God is so amazingly good. We embarked on the musical because the Senior Pastor felt that the Lord asked us to. So he told us.

And the church responded.

Over 170 people involved in one way or another for the days of the performances. This doesn't include those who helped out before the performances. That's a lot when you think the church is only 600 strong.
And what an amazing five-performance-over-over-four-nights it has been!

There were many responses received. Now to process them, link them, touch base with them and be a part of introducing them to a closer relationship with the One Who made it all happen....!

Reminiscing a Dream

2010-11-16T00:02:00.001+08:00

For many years my dream had been to be part of a choir singing Handel's Messiah - the Hallelujah Chorus.

Then one Christmas Hubby and I went to All Souls Langham Place. There, amidst people of a various nations, the tears falling down my face, we stood to sing. I made a mistake in one part. But the memory of that incredible moment will always remain. It whets my appetite to want to do it one day with the multitudes in heaven.

Recently a friend sent this to me. Made me recollect and relive those moments. Thanks Dorc.

Ephesians and Group 66

2010-11-01T21:07:00.000+08:00

Started on a study of this book. Out of the blue. Felt inspired.

Dug out the pencils. The coloured pencils. Brought out the pens too. Coloured ones of course.

Then there's lined paper and unlined paper.

Writing things down and typing things down.

Using the printed Word and the electronic one.

Marking, writing, colouring, highlighting underlining, circling. Writing above, under and along the sides of the verses.
Eventually I hope to satisfy my thirst on this book.

Just one book of course. There are others. Sixty-five to be exact.

But this will do for starters.

I joined Group 66.

Time Out

2010-10-21T08:41:00.001+08:00

Taking time out.

On leave for a few days.

Enjoying myself at home.

I was supposed to tidy up my house office area. I was supposed to sort out the mess on the nearby surface. I was supposed to check on the mess in the basement.

Supposed to.

But in the end, I sat, read, and was just being still.

I think this is better.

And I have another day of this.... yippee!

My Hope is in You

2010-10-11T23:43:00.002+08:00

Saw the reference of this verse posted and decided to look it up. I am so glad that I did.
Just what I need.

Rice

2010-09-30T22:30:00.000+08:00

So it's rice.

But it's not any rice.

It was hand carried to my house. And I know the person who planted, nurtured and harvested it.
A lovely, gentle and prayerful woman.
A woman who speaks softly but prays with immense authority.
A woman who chuckles gently, and who chides gently.
A woman whose smile lights up her face and those of people around her.
A woman who knows how to listen and yet speak when needed.
A woman who is able to stand her ground and encourages others to do likewise.

Thank you, SB. It was such a blessing and pleasure to have spent time with you. It was too short and I hope to see you again sometime soon.

Catch 22?

2010-09-20T11:35:00.002+08:00

How can you allow someone to do something when you suspect they might make mistakes along the way?

But if you don't allow them to try, making mistakes as they do, how will they learn?

Line upon line, precept upon precept, grace upon grace.

Humility

2010-09-16T23:50:00.003+08:00

He is one of the leaders of an organization that represents the largest collection of churches. Membership to this organization requires a submission of statement of faith as well as references from other member churches.

He travels extensively, covering not just the churches and organizations in this land, but also in other places. Most times it is overnight stops that he makes.

One such stop was here, just recently. A busy man, he was constantly meeting with others. I did not want to presume that he would remember me. Nor did I want to impose on his time to greet him. He was a busy man, on a short visit. In any case, it was his wife I knew more.Hence it was most unexpected to turn around from packing my things at the end of the huge gathering to see him standing there, with his gentle smile saying, "I saw you earlier but couldn't get to speak with you."

Who am I that you should leave the crowd of leaders and peers to come over and greet me. I am humbled. I have much to learn from you.

Thank you.

The Dawn Awakening Prayer

2010-08-25T23:43:00.000+08:00

We are in the midst of 40 days of prayer and fasting.

On top of that, we are also doing a 21 day early morning prayer. Young and old alike, we gather from 5.30am and pray. The children also come. They stay till around 6.30am and then they are blessed before they leave for their school.

On any morn, we can have 40-60 people coming to pray. Some morns see even more.
Lord, we hunger for more of You.

Making Macau Mission

2010-08-19T00:21:00.005+08:00

Arrow #2 feels that he should go on a mission.

This would be his second overseas one.

Thankful that he has the burden.

So glad that he has the ability to write so well. Like this old article before.
Makes you want to do something!

Oh wait, you can't read it well? Go check this place out then.

Chest Pain

2010-08-14T21:18:00.000+08:00

It's a good way to get a reality check.

How you are doing relationally.

How you fare about heaven and hell.

How you stand about judgment day.

How you think about being mentally alert but physically inert.

How you would cope with a fast going or a slow one.

How you view spiritual and/or physical healing.

Yes, chest pains can be good.

A New Toy

2010-08-05T22:53:00.000+08:00

I have a new toy.

Hubby bought it for me.

And I love it.

It's a music player that plugs into a car, reading from a USB thumb drive.

I forgot to take a photo of it. But I have been enjoying it so much that I just had to blog about it.

I can choose my own music and let it play randomly, selecting from many songs that I like. What joy. I don't have to listen to some of the trash on the radio!

Being Fit

2010-07-11T08:10:00.003+08:00

I set it my heart and mind that despite not being fit, I would attempt to complete at 7K Charity Sunset Run. Not that I would run. But at least complete as close to the 77minutes target as possible.

This event was held yesterday. In aid of thalassaemia (see this for more information) it was the first time I had ever tried this.

This is the scene more than half way round the course.
I have to confess to being glad that I was not too far behind the bulk of finishers even though I had started right at the back! Even though I was just outside the 77minute mark by their timing, by my own reckoning, I might have just made it. Next time (did I say "Next time?") I will be more prepared!

At the end of the day, I must say I felt good to have completed it in the manner that I did. I was concerned that my health was not good enough.

But at the back of my mind has been this phrase, "You must be fit for revival" and I expect revival to come soon. First the spiritual, then the physical..... I consider this a prophetic act of sorts!

Vision

2010-07-07T23:23:00.003+08:00

If you aim at nothing, you will hit it.

Today that phrase came to mind again. It came when I was asked to do something. Something which I didn't think I ought to be doing. Something that smacked of going backwards rather than forwards.

I was reminded of a verse from Philippians 3:14 which says "¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." No, I did not want to move backwards.

Then I remembered my vision statement.

It might not be much of a statement to some of you, but it means a lot to me.

So I made a decision not to go backwards but forwards so that I would be fulfilling my vision statement.

I said "NO"

In Times Like These

2010-07-01T23:35:00.003+08:00

The song goes,

In times like these, you need a Saviour
In times like these, you need an Anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.

This Rock is Jesus,
Yes, He's the One
This Rock is Jesus
The Only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.

Somehow today I am reminded of this.....

My Heart Hurts

2010-06-26T23:17:00.000+08:00

Tonight once again we prayed.

A topic we hadn't touched on for a while.

So much for my resolve not to cry or make a scene. Ha!

To be an Octopus

2010-06-20T23:21:00.003+08:00

Received this in an email.
I promise you I didn't.

Although at one point, I did have a shofar in one hand and the tambourine going in another - that's a first for me!

At another point, I thought about how it would be if I were an octopus worshipping God.

Such then was the anointing this morning.

Deeper in Love

2010-06-16T20:43:00.002+08:00

Deeper In Love Lyrics – Don Moen

Verse 1
There is a longing
only You can fill
A raging tempest
only You can still
My soul is thirsty Lord
to know You as I’m known
Drink from the river
that flows before Your throne

Chorus
Take me deeper
Deeper in love with You
Jesus hold me close in Your embrace
Take me deeper
Deeper than I’ve ever been before
I just want to love You more and more
How I long to be deeper in love

Verse 2
Sunrise to sunrise
I will seek Your face
Drawn by the Spirit
to the promise of Your grace
My heart has found in You
a hope that will abide
Here in Your presence
forever satisfied

Just to Say for Fathers Day

2010-06-15T18:20:00.001+08:00

Putting on the Mind of Christ #2

2010-06-08T00:25:00.002+08:00

In my books,

#2 It is a choice I make to think good of GOD.

Just as GOD thinks good of me.

Putting on the Mind of Christ

2010-05-28T00:33:00.000+08:00

In my books,

#1 It is a choice I make to think good of you.
Just as HE thinks good of me.

Amazing Grace by Lin Yu Chun

2010-05-14T23:08:00.002+08:00

So he sings the wrong lyrics at times.... but you know, English isn't his first language. So I reckon he did well. I just hope that one day he will know the true meaning of what he sang.

He KNOWS

2010-05-10T22:20:00.003+08:00

I was not supposed to go into the office. It was my Day Off after all.

But I could not find the document and thought that I had perhaps accidentally left it in the office amongst my other files.

So I went in.

For what would seem as a fruitless search. I felt strangely at peace though....

Then came the phone call. On my day off. Should I answer?

I did. And chatted awhile. The caller needed some help.

Later it occurred to me that IF I had not gone into the office, IF I have chosen not to answer the phone, IF I had ignored the call, IF IF If,,,,,'So many "IF's"

At the end of the day it is a measure of God's love because HE knows she needed it!

By the way, later on I found the document where I had looked at three times previously! At home!

Infertiltiy and Mothers Day

2010-05-07T22:20:00.004+08:00

I haven't forgotten how it was. My oldest Arrow is going to turn 21 years old and I have been married for over 27 years. But I have not forgotten the difficult times, the awkward years, the months of disappointment.

I was diagnosed with primary infertility with no known cause. How difficult it was to see one of my best friends being pregnant. In her graciousness she asked me to attend the birth of her baby but I found at that time, it seemed like even looking at her caused me to struggle with emotions I never knew existed within me. To say that I didn't like her for being pregnant when I couldn't is putting it mildly.

These years of being barren, empty and feeling of incomplete helps me to understand and empathize those who go through this. I KNOW how they feel.

Of course, the Lord knows best.

But perhaps that is why He let people like me go through that too. So we can be a little extension of Him here. Especially on a day like this one coming up.

Battling Fears

2010-04-28T09:30:00.003+08:00

Such a fear gripped.

The heart almost physically shrunk.

Squashed and squeezed. It felt physical.

Made one feel sick.

Mentally, the thoughts of the fears being irrational did not break through.

Emotionally, that the fears are unfounded did not embalm the heart.

The fears were real and paralyzing.

The only deliverance would be utter and total dependence on the Lord and the receiving of His love because "perfect love casts out fear" and God IS Love!

There then is the crux of the matter.

How many truly know how to receive His love?

Letting Go

2010-04-26T21:27:00.003+08:00

I found myself saying it twice. As if to convince myself? Or was it to affirm?

Whatever it was, I said it twice.

Many years ago, I had aspired for it. Mainly because I felt I was suited for it, was doing it, and it would have helped to have it, especially for some of the ministry I was doing.

But now. Well, perhaps I am also wary.

Yes, perhaps I am also scared.

Or perhaps I have moved on.

Whatever the reason, (which I will not explore here) I no longer aspire to be that. I have let it go....

Onesimus

2010-04-20T20:20:00.002+08:00

Spent more than two hours in worship and prayer.

Then it came.

I guess I knew it. But I didnt expect the form it would take.

I find that I am convicted. The Lord spoke.

I am convicted that I have been running away. Like Onesimus ran away.

But now I aspire to be the meaning of that name -

Onesimus
is the Latinized form of the Greek name Ονησιμος (Onesimos),
which means "beneficial, profitable".

Warms the Heart

2010-04-18T16:04:00.003+08:00

Had lunch earlier with someone I knew from long time ago. He has certainly grown. Not just in size and age, but also in wisdom and stature. I listened to him as he espoused his plans, his hopes, his aspirations, and his wisdom for others.

It made me very thankful to the Lord that He led me to invest in people's lives in that season of my life. I dont look for it, but when it comes, it is heart warming indeed.

Now I wonder whether this will happen again. Will there be another season like that....

I don't know.

But thank You Lord for that little peek at the past, to look into the present and peer into the future.

The Light Has Come

2010-03-30T00:23:00.000+08:00

We went away, all of us expecting breakthroughs.

Many of us with dark areas in our lives, of which some did not even know existed.

The Lord met the hungry hearts. He had compassion on the seeking souls.

Liberty.

Freedom.

Deliverance.

Breakthrough.
It was as if a light came and shone in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Praise God!

Manna

2010-03-22T12:11:00.002+08:00

The ladies in the church are about to leave for a weekend away. It's called a Breakthrough Weekend where we are expecting God to break into our lives so that we can break free as we experience breakthroughs in areas that God highlights.

I have been asked to be a facilitator (despite not having been for one before since I am still fairly new to this church!)

As part of our personal preparations, we are asked to do readings.... a fair bit really.

One of them is a whole chunk of Isaiah.

This morning, I got to the 60th chapter.
To my delight, I found myself re-living a memory 5 years ago where the Lord had promised me something then.... and now, I see it coming to pass. I recall at the time when I received the promise that I didnt think the latter parts would be true for me.

Yet is is. And so I am blessed. I have received fresh manna for the day.... and I think this will last for a while more than a day!

Praise God!

Wisdom and Attitude

2010-03-19T22:42:00.001+08:00

In line with my last post, here's another gem!

The Woodcutter's Wisdom
by Max Lucado

Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.

People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. “This horse is not a horse to me,” he would tell them. “It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?” The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.

One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. “You old fool,” they scoffed, “we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you’ve been cursed with misfortune.”

The old man responded, “Don’t speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I’ve been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?”

The people contested, “Don’t make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse.”

The old man spoke again. “All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don’t know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can’t say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?”

The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn’t, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.

After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn’t been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. “Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us.”

The man responded, “Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don’t judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?

“Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don’t say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don’t.”

“Maybe the old man is right,” they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.

The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments.

“You were right,” they said. “You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever.”

The old man spoke again. “You people are obsessed with judging. Don’t go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments.”

It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.

“You were right, old man,” they wept. “God knows you were right. This proves it. Your son’s accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever.”

The old man spoke again. “It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows.”

The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life’s mishaps and horrors are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conclusions. We must reserve judgment on life’s storms until we know the whole story.

I don’t know where the woodcutter learned his patience. Perhaps from another woodcutter in Galilee. For it was the Carpenter who said it best:

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Mt. 6:34)

He should know. He is the Author of our story. And he has already written the final chapter.

Gratitude

2010-03-15T10:05:00.001+08:00

Gratitude is a somewhat scarce attitude these days. Which is why I love this article. It so ties in with the Project 365 which I am doing in my Facebook!

A Thankful Heart - Part 1

By Francis Frangipane

The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. It is one's attitude that determines whether life unfolds into a place of blessedness or wretchedness. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns come with roses. It all depends on your perspective.

This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much. But the unappreciative soul is always miserable, always complaining. He lives outside the shelter of the Most High God.

Perhaps the worst enemy we have is not the devil but our own tongue. James tells us, "The tongue is set among our members as that which . . . sets on fire the course of our life" (James 3:6). He goes on to say this fire is ignited by hell. Consider: with our own words we can enter the spirit of heaven or the agonies of hell!

It is hell with its punishments, torments and misery that controls the life of the grumbler and complainer! Paul expands this thought in 1 Corinthians 10:10, where he reminds us of the Jews who "grumble[d] . . . and were destroyed by the destroyer." The fact is, every time we open up to grumbling and complaining, the quality of our life is reduced proportionally -- a destroyer is bringing our life to ruin!

People often ask me, "What is the ruling demon over our church or city?" They expect me to answer with the ancient Aramaic or Phoenician name of a fallen angel. What I usually tell them is a lot more practical: one of the most pervasive evil influences over our nation is ingratitude!

Do not minimize the strength and cunning of this enemy! Paul said that the Jews who grumbled and complained during their difficult circumstances were "destroyed by the destroyer." Who was this destroyer? If you insist on discerning an ancient world ruler, one of the most powerful spirits mentioned in the Bible is Abaddon, whose Greek name is Apollyon. It means "destroyer" (Rev. 9:11). Paul said the Jews were destroyed by this spirit. In other words, when we are complaining or unthankful, we open the door to the destroyer, Abaddon, the demon king over the abyss of hell!

In the Presence of God

Multitudes in our nation have become specialists in the "science of misery." They are experts -- moral accountants who can, in a moment, tally all the wrongs society has ever done to them or their group. I have never talked with one of these people who was happy, blessed or content about anything. They expect an imperfect world to treat them perfectly.

Truly, there are people in this wounded country of ours who need special attention. However, most of us simply need to repent of ingratitude, for it is ingratitude itself that is keeping wounds alive! We simply need to forgive the wrongs of the past and become thankful for what we have in the present.

The moment we become grateful, we actually begin to ascend spiritually into the presence of God. The psalmist wrote,

"Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. . . . Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 100:2, 4-5).

It does not matter what your circumstances are; the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key that unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart. Entrance into the courts of God comes as you simply begin to praise the Lord.

Blessed Lord, forgive me for being a complainer. Help me to offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving in all things. Lord, I come this day to covenant with You. By Your grace, I will be thankful regardless of what my life seems to be. Oh God, remember Your covenant pledge and gather me near to Your heart. In Jesus' name. Amen

Slinky Lessons

2010-03-10T00:29:00.000+08:00

When life is all smooth sailing, it is easy to just carry on as if nothing is of concern.

Then when knots appear in our life, hiccups to the flow of events, convolutions to the daily routine, it is easy to get uptight, upset and unhappy.

It takes patience, perseverance and persistence to work at things until we see results.
Sometimes those attributes dont help immediately.

And other times, things do turn out better
But sometimes things dont turn out the way we expect them. Life is not always predictable and outcomes are not determined by our desires

Yet, at the end of the day, what is most important is that we have tried, and we have done our part.

The Tree by the Lake

2010-03-03T22:14:00.000+08:00

This is a tree we saw in Korea when we visited one the famous buildings there. It was right next to a lake that was frozen over.
I could not help but be reminded of the Bible verse about being planted by the river.

Jeremiah 17:8 (New King James Version)

⁸ For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

True Humility

2010-02-22T15:22:00.002+08:00

True humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves, whereas a low self-opinion tends to focus our attention on ourselves. Humility is truth in self-understanding and truth in action. A humble person makes a realistic assessment of himself without illusion or pretense to be something he is not. He regards himself neither smaller nor larger than he truly is. A humble person does not have to wear a mask or put on a facade in order to look good to others who do not know who really is.

I dont know who wrote this, but it's good fodder for the soul

Samuel's Ear Poem

2010-02-21T21:22:00.001+08:00

Saw this. Amazing poem...

(Taken from "Hushed Was the Evening Hymn" by James D. Burns.)

O give me Samuel’s ear
The open ear, O Lord
Alive and quick to hear 
Each whisper of Thy Word 
Like him to answer at Thy call 
And to obey Thee first of all.

Read about it here

Just to Say

2010-02-13T18:20:00.002+08:00

I have been neglecting this blog for a little while I know. Busy has been my middle name. Apologies. Here, have a rose and a teddy!
I will try to be more diligent soon!

A Good Saying

2010-02-05T22:45:00.001+08:00

Saw this in a friend's Facebook profile.

I like it

What If

2010-02-01T23:06:00.001+08:00

We had gone for a bit of shopping. The deals were good.

Then we left to go. Or at least we tried to go.

The car park was jammed.

There were cars behind us.
Cars in front of us.
It would appear that cars were all converging from at least 5 different directions.

To one outlet.

What if there was a fire....?

Anyway it was a good time to pray. I was glad to be stuck in the car (for almost an hour) with my two best friends - my Lord and my Hubby!

2010-01-20T18:13:00.002+08:00

This tale warms the heart indeed.

Miracle of woman, 69, pulled alive from rubble seven days after Haiti earthquake

A woman has been rescued after spending a week buried under a collapsed cathedral in quake-hit Haiti, giving aid workers renewed hope today that more people can be saved.

Dust-covered Anna Zizi was singing as she was pulled free yesterday by Mexican firefighters from the wreckage of the Roman Catholic cathedral in the capital Port-au-Prince.

Christian Aid charity worker Sarah Wilson, who watched the rescue, said: 'It was an amazing thing to witness, no-one could believe she was still alive.

Covered in dust, her arms outstreched, Anna Zizi is gently taken away from the rubble by rescuers

Water of life: Anna takes her first sips of water after being pulled free as Mexican rescuer Oscar Olivia cries with joy and embraces a colleague

The Haitian pensioner was pulled from the city's cathedral a week after the quake struck

'She was singing when she emerged. Everyone clapped and cheered.'

Zizi, aged 69, was put on a drip and taken to hospital on the back of a truck.

Her son, Maxime Janvier, told broadcaster CNN that he never gave up hope that she would be found.
'We were praying a lot for that to happen,' he said.

Year of Miracles!

2010-01-16T21:50:00.003+08:00

I thought I was done for.

Outlook just wouldn't respond. All the tricks I knew didn't make an impact in any way except for the window to pop up saying that whatever I was doing wasn't working.

At times frustrated, I was more concerned about the loss of data. I even tried to find the source files to back up into my little hard disk below.
But even that didn't work too well. It just wasn't happy.

For 24 hours I sweated over this. Then I finally mentioned to the Senior Pastor. He exclaimed, "In Jesus name be healed" and strode out the door.... and then Outlook began to respond.

I don't know about you, but I believe in miracles!

Project 365

2010-01-11T10:38:00.002+08:00

Someone started this project - called Project 365, which involves taking a photo each day for the year. Novel, I thought. It becomes like a Pictodiary.

So I decided I would do likewise. However I am not sharing it with everyone. Just amongst friends.

I thought it would be good to keep track of things that happen. And note where the Lord has been at work... much to thank Him for!

If you want to have a sneak peek, drop me a line....

Yup! The Key to Finding Keys Indeed!

2010-01-07T00:12:00.002+08:00

We have been missing this key with a remote attached to it. It had been over two weeks. Try as they might, the children were unable to locate it. No one could recall where it had last been seen.

Then, inspired by the event in my earlier post, I decided to ask God again.

Before I continue, let me first explain something else.

You see, the last few weeks have been rather hectic. Year end, Christmas, and looking into the New Year, visitors, work, and so forth. At one point, I wondered if I was even hearing God anymore. Do you ever get like that? Perhaps not.

Anyway, I was just thinking about how my mind seemed to be so crowded with so many matters. I really needed to take time out. I even posted that in my Facebook!

(Whilst doing a lot of driving lately, I decided to focus on HIM while the rest of the car slept. I had a glorious hour and half to do that, singing, praying, and just enjoying the privacy and relationship. I needed and enjoyed that!)

So back now to the missing key with remote....

I asked the Lord about where the key was. I had a sense that it was in the front garden. But where. So I waited.

Again, just one word came to mind - BACKWASH.

We have a water filter in the front garden. It needs backwashing to be serviced. We had asked the older ones to do some backwashing a few weeks ago.

So I walked towards the filter, looking in the grass at my feet.

Then my head jerked up and I looked at the table in my garden instead.... and there it was.

I know, I had to laugh. I should go into business with the Holy Spirit on this dont you think?

Hmmm posting this reminds me - the filter is due for backwashing this week!

The Key to Finding Keys?

2010-01-06T00:14:00.006+08:00

Sorry for the silence. Have been away for a bit....

But an interesting thing happened earlier tonight.

After a meeting, I somehow got involved in a conversation which I initiated. Or thought I did.

It was not a topic I would normally be interested in and most times I would not have the audacity to bring up something so sensitive. But talk about it I did. Even to my Hubby's surprise.

But that's not the topic of my post.

Towards the end of the conversation, I noticed a young man walking around, as if looking for something, as indeed he was. Only a handful of people were left and I wanted to lock up. So I asked what it was he was searching for.

"My keys," he replied, "My car keys."

Needless to say I stopped conversing and started to help look!

After a few minutes of futile searching (the place is rather big), asking the young man some questions and moving around with little hope, I asked the Lord where the keys were. Should have done that in the first place, right?

It seemed that the keys are linked to the young man going to the washroom earlier. Well, to be more precise, the word that came to mind was "Toilet". Not the sort of thing you'd expect the Lord to say!

So I told the young man to retrace his steps back to the toilet!

After an initial hesitation, a few more probes and pokes around, he did just that.

Within a few moments, I heard him shout out, "I found them!"

Isn't God good? The young man had stopped to take a call and placed them on a table on the way to the toilet..... Now what if I hadnt started on this conversation... or was it the Lord who initiated it after all...

Results

2009-12-30T00:02:00.002+08:00

You know that if you want to make a place look cheerful and welcoming for children, there is not substitute like having balloons.

What's more if there are lots of balloons.

And very colourful shiny ones too!

Like these ones!
The children ministry of the church did just that - they blew up and hung lots and lots and lots of balloons for the outreach they had on Christmas Day. The folks involved opted to run a simultaneous programme as the Christmas Day adult one.

The result?

More than twenty children made decisions for the Lord. More than twenty others rededicated their lives.

To God be the glory!

Christmas at the Mall

2009-12-23T01:16:00.003+08:00

Christmas can often be so very commercial.

Buying and giving and more buying and lots of giving.

Shopping and sales and bargains and discounts.

Get this product, NO, buy that instead.

And so forth. I think you get the picture.

I get a reaction inside. I dread going to the malls. I get a bad taste when I see some of the advertisements.

This year, however, is a little different.

A non-profit organisation set up to help the poor with no strings attached has done something wonderful to benefit some needy causes.

With more than one thousand bears, shipped in specially for this season, they aim to raise money for these causes.

Buy a bear and get your name put on the tree.

Alternatively, you can also donate your bear to children, orphans, or hospitals. After you have given of course.

During this season, the local church is encouraged to go and sing carols and to highlight this wonderful event.

The response has been tremendous. The smaller bears are totally sold out an entire day in advance.

Christmas at the mall doesnt seem so bad now....

What's it all about

2009-12-18T01:36:00.001+08:00

Thanks for the reminder, Rolita,
of what Christmas is about.

Cheating Death

2009-12-15T01:30:00.002+08:00

"Get rid of it"

"You'll die otherwise"

"Both of you will die"

"Save your wife"

"Don't be so stubborn"

And so the voices went on.

But the couple stood firm. And they kept the pregnancy despite the rising chorus of experts telling them to do otherwise.

Then God used my Hubby and I to visit. At that time, we were unclear about what the condition was. But somehow, we felt led to pray for God to be merciful, to bring about the safe delivery of a healthy baby and that both mother and baby would be safe.

That was four years ago.

We are so glad that the little one is fine.
And here is the answer to prayer, courtesy of her parents. Isn't she gorgeous?

Christmas Decor with a Difference 2

2009-12-10T23:34:00.003+08:00

Here is another kind of Christmas decor - found at the largest hypermall here.
This is taken from the Central Atrium of the 1 Borneo Hypermall. Their decorations are about 90% up at this time of writing.

Kind of commercial.... but wait for more news of how the church is going to touch the community but use this!

Christmas Decor with a Difference

2009-12-07T13:01:00.003+08:00

In some parts of the world, it is customary to not only set up Christmas trees and decorate their homes. Some places go to great lengths to decorate the outside of their house too, often putting lots of lights.

One such home, obviously with a sense of humour and quite fed up with the conventional style of decorations, took this yearly event to new heights. Called the greatest Christmas decoration ever, go check it out and have a laugh!

The Family

2009-12-03T23:48:00.000+08:00

Parents arrived today.

Second arrow will be back in a few weeks time.

First arrow who is assisting at a camp will be around from the weekend.

All the family together.

For Christmas.

It could be a busy time. But it can also be a fun time.

It's what you make of it.

But whatever it is, we do it as a family.

Tips to Setting Up a Tree

2009-11-28T23:08:00.005+08:00

OK, I am not an expert I know, but I must say, I have set up some nice trees. So I have been told! Ahem!

So I am going to share a tip or two with you about how to set up good Christmas trees.

First of all, decide the size of the tree! It is worth spending more on one that will last. It should obviously go with the size of your room. When I first bought a tree, it was only 2feet high as I was renting a one bedroomed flat!

My present one however, is a six-footer bushy thing which I got as payment in kind for a decorative job I did one Christmas for a hotel. That was a good 15 years ago and it is still going strong!

In fact, folks, I have in total, five huge boxes of decorations which I have accumulated since my first Arrow was born 20 years ago! So that's tip number 2 - take care of your decorations and they will last. By the way, every year I set aside a budget to go Christmas decoration shopping!

Let's move on to decorating the tree then.

Have you decided where to place the tree? Does the base need covering? Do you have pretend presents to place underneath? I like to put my tree eventually on a small table, so I will decorate the tree on the floor and then gently ease it up, often enlisting help to do so. Before I decorate, I will have decided which side faces the wall and work accordingly.

The lights should be the first things to go on. But let's talk about the lights themselves first. Do you get the multicoloured ones? I find that once I do that, my colour scheme is limited. I tend to get plain where possible. White goes with many colour schemes. Sometimes I mix whites and colours. Whatever you choose, be wise and get some decent ones.

Back to putting on the lights then. I prefer to place the lights with them turned on. This way, I can see where they fit in. Dont put them too far out. Each tree of a different height should have lights of a certain number. For instance, a 6-footer like mine takes a 200 light bulb set very comfortably - one ring for each row of branches and it will finish at the top comfortably. Oh yes, you should start from the bottom where possible. I also prefer to get two sets and wind them round in opposite directions. By setting the lights slightly back into the tree, you get the effect of stars being hidden amongst the leaves. My personal preference are lights which have combination effects.

Then if you plan to use big ribbons or tinsel, this is the time to put them on. I try to intersperse the lights with the ribbons/tinsel so that the tree looks more fully decorated. Dont let these ribbons/tinsel hide the lights too much. A little here and there is ok.

Some people try to put the ribbons downwards. I find that it can be messy and crowded at the top of the tree so I prefer the old-fashioned way - go round.

I sometimes add other decorative things like long silver coloured beads and string them in scallops. This is especially nice when you intersperse with other beaded things like snowflakes. Again, depending on the size of the tree, you might need to get more than one set.

Then the little decorations go on. Hang them in the spaces, and at the tips. If you only have a few of the same, spread them out. One thing to remember is to keep taking a few steps backwards to see the effect. I find that simple balls of different shapes, sizes and designs are very effective. They also make other special decorations stand out. Poinsettas and ribbons of different colours add to the merry effect.

The crowning touch should be what you put on the top of the tree. I have to say that I dont like stars very much. They tend to be two-dimensional and I am partial to "angels" instead. It took me YEARS to find the exact one I liked. What a find it was! Adjustable hands, ribbons that spread out behind the wings and add to the sense of majesty, gold and cream coloured.... I must get a decent photo!

Finally, before I place the pretend presents under the tree, I like to cover the base with some cloth. Depending on the colour scheme for the year, I have pieces of cloth which I have scrounged from reject trays of fabric shops. This year, the silver, white and gold theme sees a garishly gold hard cloth which no one wanted.... but looks perfect under this tree!

By the way, tree decorating is doubly fun if you have children to assist you. I would put the lights and tinsel on and then let the children loose with the rest of the decorations. Unless they had specific personal preferences, it didnt take long to adjust whatever they had put up once they went to bed. And even if it did, so what! I remember the joy they had, even now... even though they no longer want to help, they still enjoy the end result!

So, how about sending some photos of your tree to share? Any tips to add on?

And in this corner....

2009-11-28T00:19:00.001+08:00

... we have our Christmas tree!!

Setting the Example

2009-11-25T21:22:00.002+08:00

So here I am coughing away. It's tiring business, this coughing is.

What does one do when faced with illness? It's a minor one of course. But our attitude towards it counts.

Should one hibernate and snuggle under the blankets?

Should one hide away and let the world go by?

Personally I dont think that's the right attitude.

Hence laughter comes in. I remind myself and those around me how laughter is good medicine. A merry heart is good medicine. God's joy is our strength! And so forth. I am sure you know even more verses.

Then I have to LIVE IT OUT. Smile, laugh, even though it might bring on another coughing bout. Praise God unceasingly. Pray unceasingly. Meditate on His Word and His Way.

And then I went swimming. Hahahaha! Yes, against the usual old wives tale, I went swimming. Swam 3o laps of a 25 metre pool - did you do your maths fast enough? That makes 750m - a little short of my norm, but I was pressed for time.

The aerobic exercise did me a world of God.

But more importantly, it set an example for the others to see and emulate. After all, these illnesses are small matters and should not hinder us from Him, His joy, His Word and His Way.

My Best Friends

2009-11-22T01:47:00.002+08:00

So my parents will be married for half a century in less than two months time.

Hubby and I would be married for twenty-eight years next year.

It strikes me that unless you are best friends with the person you married, growing old together can be pretty awful.

Hubby and I have always endeavoured to send our children to school together. Then we would go for breakfast together. That was our special time. It was not always easy. One time, we had three children in three different locations. Ah, those were the days.

Later as the children grew older and started having more of their own activities which didnt involve us, we settled to doing things together, just like the days before the children came along.

And we find that we are enjoying it again.

I told him the other day, "Apart from Jesus, you are my best friend," and meant it.
*Best friends always wish the best of you, and he has done so.
*Best friends always look out for you, and he often does.
*Best friends give you the benefit of the doubt, and he gives that a plenty!

I have also told him too, "I feel incomplete without you," and meant it. There are times when I dread having to do something or go somewhere without him beside me. He complements me even as I hope do him. He's my best friend, even as HE's my best FRIEND.

Long Days But!

2009-11-18T00:20:00.002+08:00

Many long days. But they are investments. For time ahead.

For when my parents come. Really looking forward to it too.

Some time ago I gave them a gift to say how much I appreciated them being my parents. I had a simple frame done up and they were thrilled to bits.

I was delighted that they were delighted. This amazing couple have stayed married for nearly 50 years! More posts on them when they get here....!

Dont Expect

2009-11-16T01:03:00.002+08:00

Hearing Right

2009-11-08T00:02:00.000+08:00

For days on and off Hubby and I had been thinking through when was a good time to bring my parents over for a visit. The time span moved from Christmas to new year to after Chinese New Year ... you get the picture. The price of the air tickets kept escalating too. It was rather distressing to keep changing because we couldnt decide.

Then today, I suddenly felt the need to make a decision - for Christmas!

But the house internet was down.

So we decided to take a short trip to the coffeeshop nearby, ordered some snacks and logged on.

To my absolute delight, there were cheap fares!

Not only that, they were for a better airline!

So a quick call to the pater and mater and voila! All done!

Which leads me to my posting now, still at the coffeeshop - I am so glad that I obeyed what the Lord dropped into me.

Thank You LORD!

This Saying is True

2009-11-05T21:28:00.002+08:00

Countdown Already?

2009-11-05T00:28:00.002+08:00

It's beginning.

I just saw it earlier today.

The signs.

Yes, the signs are there...

Starting, as usual, with music.

The Sounds of Christmas.....

It was on the song list!

The Flip Side of Criticism

2009-10-30T21:51:00.003+08:00

I am thinking ahead to my parent's wedding anniversary in a few months' time. They would have been married for half a century!

This reminds me of a story.

A man asked his father-in-law, "Many people praise you for a successful marriage. Please share your secret"

The father-in-law answered with a smile, "Never criticize your wife for her shortcomings or when she does something wrong. Always bear in mind that because of her shortcomings and weaknesses, she could not find a better husband than you."

If we forgive the others, others will ignore our mistake too.

To Keep in Mind Always

2009-10-24T23:44:00.001+08:00

To keep in mind always, yes, but more important, to act upon.
Obedience is not obedience unless it has been acted on correctly.

And, if I might add, with the right attitude.

Leaving a Legacy

2009-10-18T23:21:00.003+08:00

She was the top in her field. Till today, she remains unmatched, unsurpassed.

Yet, she is full of humility, and instead of serving in the court, she now serves the Lord.

I refer to the one and only Margaret Court. The press have been excited over her. The phrase used is "legend".

But her main priority remains to be here for the work and ministry of the Lord first and foremost.

We have been blessed by this messenger of the Lord.

Tears

2009-10-11T18:55:00.002+08:00

Recently I ran a three-part workshop for an outreach arm of the church. The workshop was about personality profiling, communication, teamwork, and understanding yourself and how uniquely God has made us.

Response to the workshop was varied because it was held fortnightly.

But more important was that after the second one, a young lady accepted the Lord. First time believer.

Then after the last one yesterday, another two turned up for Sunday service and went forward to make a decision for the Lord! One was also making a decision for the first time. The other was a rededication.

Salvation belong to the Lord. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, I know. And whilst I know that the hard work was done by the young adults themselves, and their leaders, I felt involved nonetheless. I had worked hard in the preparation for the workshop, putting in extra effort despite my extra workload. Yes, it felt worthwhile. As I had been telling my intentional discipleship training duo, I was hungry for harvest.

So yes, I teared when I saw the young men walk into the service this morning. I knew God was at work.

I cried more when I saw them raise their hands and walk forward when asked to make a decision.

I openly wept when we prayed for them.

God is good. I rejoice with the angels in heaven.

Fasting and Feasting

2009-10-04T21:43:00.003+08:00

This morning, for the final part of our series on prayer, we had a sermon about fasting.

We learned about how fasting is without the E for EGO in feasting.

Then we had lunch....This was my dessert!

TOMORROW
I start preparing for a fast for Tuesday.

Scripture Memory

2009-09-28T21:50:00.002+08:00

It's true.

The best time to do Scripture memory is when you are young, and of school-going age.

It's true.

As you grow older, it gets harder.

It's sadly true.

If you havent been doing it regularly, it is hard to pick it up again.

It's awfully true.

The ones that you try to memorize in latter age dont stick as well as the old ones.

So please pray for me as I embark on this mammoth memory verse exercise.

And do yourself a favour - don't repeat my mistake. Keep those grey cells going and treasure the Word by hiding it in your heart aka memorise it!

September 16th

2009-09-20T00:00:00.003+08:00

It was Malaysia Day - the day the Malaysia was officially formed. Culminating three days of intensive prayer with national Christian leaders, following forty days of prayer and fasting held nationwide, we celebrated.

Youths paraded, danced, played flags and pompoms... did prophetic acts... and much more.
The crowd was not overwhelming, but good nonetheless.
I took part playing the shofar. My daughter was playing the flags. More in The Hinge.

Another PA

2009-09-12T00:22:00.005+08:00

The rare occasion you will see me posting a photo of myself!

You see, the Bondservant came to city. And we were invited to attend a special dinner. It was partly as a result of my work. I interact with a number of them. It is also because of our long friendship with our dear friend - the key person for OM in Sabah.
Went with Hubby and daughter. This is the after dinner shot. The lens must have been smudged for that bit of light burst!

This other picture is of me with my newfound friend - Another PA. She's like me in that neither of us were trained for this particular job. Well, at least, our training for careers were not in this line!
She's been at her new post as PA to the Bondservant's Leader for six months, and I at mine as PA to the Senior Pastor of an English congregation in the city for seven. Made us good friends instantly. Not to mention that we have similar sense of humour!

Somehow when you are in the Body of Christ, the world is smaller and the friendship is faster. We go breakfast together on Monday!

The Audacity!

2009-08-18T18:44:00.004+08:00

The church has been doing a series on prayer lately. We are spending 40 days in prayer and fasting for our land so this series is appropriate.

Yesterday we heard about the overnight and all night prayer.

It had been on my mind to have a personal one. So it seemed timely that I heard this message.

I decided to put it into practice.

Overnight or extended night prayers are not new to me. I have been part of quite a few, often coming away with a sense of not just we have done in the spiritual, but what God has done in my own life. The lessons learned, the passions stirred, the intimacy achieved.... there is no substitute.

Last night, however, was different. It was a personal one. No one else. Just me, my guitar, the Bible, a journal, and my laptop (in case I wanted music). Just meeting with the King of kings.

What audacity! To want to have an audience with the King of Glory! The One Who not only made heaven and earth, but the One Who is holy, powerful and worthy of all praise!

And yet, that is what I sought.

Because I ought.

We ought.

I need to.

So I did.

My fingers had long lost the callouses from years of not picking up the guitar. But I strummed away for over an hour as one song after another leapt out at me from the pages of the old song book. Amazingly, other songs of worship and adoration, confession and profession, came to mind too. And even more amazingly, I didn't need to refer to the songbook - somehow the chords came. It was definitely not me - it was the Holy Spirit's assistance.

Then He laid things upon my heart. First about myself, and then about others.

Four hours went by fast.

At the end, I felt more refreshed than when I had started. How could I not be, sitting in His presence, communing with the Almighty? It was such a privilege. So tender, and yet so awesome. He is, after all, a holy God.

I still feel good today after three and a half hours of sleep.

I think I will have another session - this time, an all night one.

Pleased

2009-08-17T10:48:00.002+08:00

She was a visitor to the church. The Lord had worked mightily and lovingly in the lives of herself and her family, pulling them through extremely difficult and dire times repeatedly. So she shared with the church of His goodness.

There was many a dry eye as she shared.

As she finished, I felt I ought to text her, to encourage her. Actually I wanted to hug her, but she was seated too far in front - it would have been too obvious. So a text would have been the best.

I started the text and deleted what I had started and just wrote, "HE is pleased with you".

Now I don't lnow about you, but to me, that is such a strange thing to say. Or rather, I could think of something else that might have been better.....

But guess what - it was EXACTLY what God wanted her to hear!

That same morning, as she lay in bed, those same words came to mind. She almost dismissed these thoughts, telling them the Lord that if it was Him, then let Him confirm it....

Which is what that text was about!

It was hair-raising moment when she read the text!

God is fun! And yes, He was pleased.

The Two B's

2009-08-11T00:30:00.003+08:00

Yesterday my youngest was baptised. It was a delight to witness and it certainly struck a chord for me.

Today my oldest turns twenty. Well, technically speaking because he was born in England, he turns twenty tomorrow. But who's counting the hours !

We celebrated with dinner last night.Melted choc with vanilla ice cream topped with a cherry.
Called Fantasia de Maria - speciality of the chef's wife!

I miss my second one in that he missed these occasions.

And my foster son.

But it has been a good two days.

Praise God!

Blue, White and Silver

2009-08-09T11:37:00.000+08:00

It was a special occasion. I offered the choice of colours which was accepted. And the effect was super.
Isn't this rich? Well done, EK for taking these photos.
The occasion was to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the church. At such a time, on one Sunday alone, the church gives everything collected that day to the STOP people - the Special, Torn, Oppressed and Poor.

This year, the target was RM400,001, to be fulfilled by the end of August.

To date, we have in pledges, cheques and cash, the excess of RM480,000.

Scientology

2009-08-06T23:46:00.002+08:00

Apparently the Scientology Founder, L Ron Hubbard had been exposed as a fraud by British diplomats as far back as 30 years ago!

British diplomats investigating the qualifications of L Ron Hubbard exposed the Scientology founder as a fraud 30 years ago.

The science-fiction writer, who invented the religion now followed by celebrities including Tom Cruise and John Travolta, awarded himself a PhD from a sham 'diploma mill' college he had acquired in California.

British consulate workers in Los Angeles secretly gathered information on behalf of the government.

Whitehall officials launched the covert investigation after Scientologists threatened to sue over the government's 1968 decision to ban followers from entering the UK to visit the sect's headquarters in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

Fraud: Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard awarded himself a PhD from a sham 'diploma mill' college he had acquired in California

Britain needed to establish whether Hubbard was a charalatan to defend itself against any libel action.

The evidence was gathered during the 1970s and included the claim by a US official that the sect had sent bogus doctors to hypnotise a legal investigator, forcing him to retire 'due to his mental health'.

The Department of Health files, many of which were classified until 2019, were released to The Times by the National Archive following a Freedom of Information request.

Hmmm interesting....

Late

2009-07-31T01:04:00.002+08:00

It's late.

But I need to say something here.

Worth falling alseep over the laptop.

What earth-shaking, ground-moving event am I talking about?

Simple.

Intentional Discipleship Training Phase 2 has begun....

Silence is Not Golden

2009-07-18T19:46:00.000+08:00

Doing it His Way

2009-07-13T14:23:00.001+08:00

This weekend I have taken leave.

Just for one day.

I have to help facilitate a course.

In a language that is not my first. I dream in English. Now I have to speak in my second language.

I hope they understand me.

I hope they can follow.

I hope I will not stumble too much.

Gulp.

Break God's Heart

2009-07-09T00:40:00.001+08:00

Publish Post

Just A Phone Call Away

2009-07-06T17:33:00.003+08:00

I received a phone call today. It was most unexpected. I had not heard from this person for a long time.

The call was from a full-time worker friend. He had a moment to spare and thought to phone me. He had heard about what I was now doing and wanted to hear "from the horse's mouth".

"Was it true?" "What happened?" "When?" "Give me more details."

Being a reasonably good friend, I divulged some answers.

It made me think though. We get too busy sometimes to even make a phone call. That is bad. We should never be too busy to spend time with people. Jesus never did. Drop a line. Send an email. Type out an sms. These things don't take much time.

Memo to self.

As for my friend, we made an appointment to meet up, albeit over an important event. It was good to chat.

Thot 4 2day

2009-07-04T08:34:00.000+08:00

Anointing and Character

2009-06-30T23:54:00.002+08:00

It was a good meeting. Refreshed in the presence of the Lord, worshiping Him together with others who love Him. In a corner, a new dance came about. Towards the end, a new song emerged. The words came out so easily. The tune was His tune - a new song.

Then, still enjoying the refreshing, still brimming over with His joy, I go to put away the shofar and tambourine.

As I emerge from the room, I meet two dear people. They were looking for me. They wanted some of the anointing, they said, as they reached out to touch me. I was stunned. Never before had I been asked of this.

My response?

I should have done something religious I suppose. I should have said, "Let's pray," grabbed their hands and opened my mouth and hold a prayer meeting after the prayer meeting there and then.

Instead, I did something totally shallow.

I did something which probably hurt.

I laughed.

I laughed and jabbered on.

And on.

Later, when I got home, I felt really bad.

So there was anointing. The Lord gave for the blessing of His Body. I just happened to be the vessel.

It was obvious - having anointing does not equal having good character.

And last night, I was an example of that.

O Lord, TUTOR ME.

A Sight to Behold

2009-06-28T00:33:00.002+08:00

On route to the airport, half an hour before saying goodbye to this land.
Good to see you again ole gal.
Had good memories here.

Bringing Love to the City

2009-06-26T22:13:00.005+08:00

When we left London twenty years ago, there was an increasing change in the makeup of the people. More and more, we saw non-English folk making the neighbourhood their home. They added cultural flavour and different culinary smells. Some assaulted the English language, some embraced it with passion, bringing their own translated expressions and phrases to enhance their communication.

Angliophiles abounded. But at the same time, one needed to keep one's own culture. It is not easy to draw the line.

Our recent trip highlighted this.

We attended a local interchurch event. Whilst the majority of the folk were not white, they mostly had English accents. From Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and the African continent, their worship was vibrant, foot tapping, arm raising and hand clapping stuff.
They came together because they wanted to launch a district-wide outreach. A 5,000 seater tent was booked. The publicity was going out. And they had three guest speakers.

This man is one of them. He is playing and singing a Hindi worship song here. A well-known musician amongst the Asian circles, he is also a pastor.
The outreach being planned is to touch those of Asian background. One of the other two speakers is a famous Bollywood actor and comedian called Johnny Lever. He is a committed Christian. The other is a firey evangelist - classic Asian fare. He has a healing ministry.

All this led by a humble Englishman who pastors the anchoring church.

Love transcends all. Love reaches out to all. Love should be shared with all.

God is Love.

Heroes

2009-06-22T10:15:00.003+08:00

Yesterday, for Fathers Day, the topic was Heroes.

I am reminded of one such hero.

Both he and his wife are in their eighties. They were missionaries to Borneo. Now "retired". For as long as I have known them, they have inspired, counseled, trained, admonished, encouraged, and prodded Christians of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.

When we visited them last week, it was humbling and inspiring to see that the fire had not diminished. Once again he had much to share - thoughts to challenge, values to examine and views to change.
For all I know, this might be the last time I see his wife on this side of heaven as she is rather frail and at times her mind wanders and she gets confused. Her battle with Parkinsons' is ongoing.

Her husband, dear man, remains as sprightly and inspiring as ever. It was a delight to spend an hour at his feet. He hopes to visit us yet, when his wife has "changed address" as he puts it.

They are some of my Heroes.

Please Pray for Joe

2009-06-16T23:36:00.002+08:00

We flew 14 hours to another land recently. We meaning my husband and I.

There, on one of our visits to see places and people, we met this man. His name is Joe.

Our friends and we prayed for his bad back. He got upset even though he was glad that we prayed for him. He was upset becaues he lost a child to leukemia and blamed God.
Please pray for Joe. He is a South African on holiday in a sunny land far from home where he was reminded that God will never let him go by some Malaysians on holiday.

Talk about divine appointments.

Please pray for Joe. Here, our friend is giving him a pen which has the contact of the church she worships with.

For more about our trip, visit Metamor4sis, The Hinge and Big Mmmmomma.

Thot for the Day

2009-06-14T15:19:00.002+08:00

Truth alone does not set free.
Truth applied does.

Word Filled Wednesday #2

2009-06-11T04:26:00.004+08:00

"Isn't this wonderful". "Isn't it majestic". "Such wonderful technology". "Amazing skills". "Wonderful designs". "Unique". "Masterpiece". "Majestic".

Such superlatives were used on a man-made creation we were shown recently. I could not help but think of man's pride as I listened to the effusive description.

Then I saw this display of flowers. And I was reminded.

Fellowship with the Saints

2009-06-07T06:01:00.001+08:00

There is something about the gathering of the saints.
We love having guests round. This is my Hubby's men's IDT group and their families. (IDT = Intentional Discipleship Training, and yes, we ARE trained. Memory verses included!)

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-06-03T23:24:00.004+08:00

Found this site. It's cool. I like it. And I am not too late to join if I lived in another time zone! Hahaha!
Got these goodies from Mothers Day. I am not exactly weak, but felt rather overwhelmed by the display of love through these gifts from people who are not exactly well off... They saved their coins all year round - from one Mother's Day to the next....

Be Vigilant

2009-06-01T14:35:00.003+08:00

Be vigilant because your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion... so Peter wrote.

Last night I dreamed I was helping someone who was sick. Seemed like I was in a hospital? I helped the person to make her way to a small room to throw up. There was another person there to take over helping. As I left to go, I found myself cornered. There was a man in white uniform. He sneered as he approached me, intent on doing harm.

Then I woke.

I felt vulnerable, threatened, helpless, and fearful.

When I shared the dream with a friend, he said I needed to be vigilant; to watch my back.

Somehow I feel that a trap has been sprung and I have somehow walked into it.

Have I?

And if so, will I be able to extricate myself? Will the Lord intervene?

Time will tell.

Forget Me Not

2009-05-30T21:32:00.002+08:00

As I prepared to speak for that special Mother's Day, I felt that the Lord wanted to remind the people that He would not forget them.

We often think of God in masculine terms - He, Father, and so forth.

But there is one part of Scripture in which God uses a very motherly language.

Isaiah tells us of the time when mothers lost their children as they were ripped from them into captivity, bondage and slavery. Isaiah speaks of the agony of the Lord as He watched His children go into such dire conditions due to their sin.

Then comes this phrase.

Isaiah 49:15,16
15 “ Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.

What amazing language. Mothers in those days were illiterate. They didn't know how to read and write much. Their children were taken from them. How could they track their children down? How could they find out how they were?

They got people who knew how to read and write to carve the information on their hands.

Not just any part. On the palms of their hands. Try running a finger nail along that part of your anatomy. It's sensitive area. Lots of nerve endings there...

Then these mothers would hold their children in their hands, as if somehow they could shield them, love them despite the physical separation.

Later, at every opportunity, they would open wide those scarred hands and ask, "Have you seen this person? Have you any news about my child?"

Such then, is the language of the Lord - He has the mother's heart for His people. We are not forgotten, no matter what we are going through.

Thanks for praying that day.

The Healing Has Begun

2009-05-24T23:00:00.004+08:00

It had been a time of great difficulty. Subsequently, I discovered chunks of memory loss during that period. I read later that such loss can occur when a person undergoes great pressure. Literally, apparently, parts of the brain dies. I have wondered if that is possible. But then, just a few days ago, my Hubby mentioned an event which I have no recollection of. Perhaps it is old age, I tell myself.

But as Paul said, we need to forget what lies behind and press on forward to the goal. Which is what I strove to do. Seemingly successfully too. I was able to face adversity and adversaries.

For that reason, when circumstances seem to go full circle, I had to wonder why. Then I found I felt fear.

Fear of repeated rejection. Fear of repeated of hurt. Fears that I thought had been dealt with... but obviously hadn't.

I told the Lord that I had no desire to repeat history.

Imagine my delighted surprise then, when I find that when history seemed to repeat itself, the emotions experienced are totally the opposite.

Instead of rejection, there is acceptance.
Instead of pain, there is affirmation.
Instead of feelings of being used and abused, there is relief and understanding.

In such circumstances, these are alien sensations, thereby confirming how deep rooted this is for me. My conditional reaction to this is to try to protect my heart. Only to find that there is no need for this.

The healing has begun.

Looking Up

2009-05-19T15:03:00.002+08:00

This is the ceiling scene last night.
Nice isn't it.

Last night saw a dinner which I helped to organize for newcomers to the church. It was a lovely evening and I thought the venue managers really did a nice job to create a good ambiance. More importantly, the organizing cell and zone did a wonderful job of hosting and running the whole evening. I hope these newcomers will stay and hook into cell groups.