Marriage is a 3nity

Deck the halls, it is November

2011-11-09T01:38:00.001+08:00

It always is a shock to see the lights and baubles being put up along Orchard road & hearing the baritone voice of Jim Reeves telling us about how he dreamt of a white Christmas.

Hello November.

We are just inches away from singing Silent Night and Aud Lang Syne. A year has gone by- just like that.

I want to take the next couple of posts to look back at the blessings of 2011, to give thanksgiving to a good God, a wonderful Father, a caring shepherd and the holy spirit who is the best teacher ever.

There is the Nanowrimo event happening this month plus Christmas Advent calendars going on sale and I guess this is my Thanksgiving Advent Calendar being started in Novemer.

Falalalalala. :)

A 5.24am thought

2011-08-23T05:24:00.001+08:00

It's tomorrow
But I have not slept yesterday away
It's tomorrow
And He has already gone ahead
With blessings
With favour
For one day to the next
I rest
I'm blessed
Amen

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It's been awhile

2011-04-04T03:26:00.001+08:00

I haven't been blogging much in a while. One reason is because I am beginning to feel social networking has complicated and perhaps killed some v treasured friendships that were ironically made online... another is because I have been busy being mummy to two boys.

Yup. I have a second little one now and his name is a reflection of my current season- restful laughter. :) Baby Noah Isaac Wee joined our family in mid-Feb this year.

Being a second time mum has brought with it new lessons as every child is different. I am learning how not to compare my children and to lean more on the HS- a very gentle teacher- as I parent two kids in two very different stages of their lives.

I miss the mentorship of an older sister in Christ who perhaps has cut me out of her life, but I am thankful also for other friends and sisters that God has blessed me with. Esp thankful for those who have stood by me through the years... You know who you are. :)

It was a season of growth through the hurts last year and I believe this season is one of rest and laughter as I lean on Daddy God and laugh through the blessings He has showered out family with. :)

I endeavour to write more soon. I abandoned this of for my Tumblr but the latter has its buggy days which threw me off my writing for quite a bit. :) Prob will parallel post. ^.^

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

12/12/2010 NCC Sermon Notes (Ps Lian was preaching)

2010-12-12T23:11:00.001+08:00

What a blessing to be in a church where Jesus is beautifully unveiled.

Christmas Jokes - Ps Lian

1) What does a mosquito do during the cold winter? - They give u a frost bite. Lol. XD

2) What is the fear of Santa called? - Santaclaustrophobia. XD

Rock kid's testimony:

Ps Lian shared briefly abt a boy with physical condition whose mum was worried for him. He shared with his mum about how Jesus is a healer and shared a Wigglesworth testimony that their teacher told them. The boy was full of faith.

Gabriel- in April this year boy complained of a bruise. Did not go away after a few wks so saw doc n referred to children's clinic at NUH. CTC and MRI scan done and found a tumor right above his brain. Lesion in bone. Shocked. Neuro surgeon asked them to seek second opinion and adviced removal asap. The parents saw Ps Henry who prayed over the boy. Trusted God. Spiritual overdrive and told to rest, go for a movie. Since believed for healing and miracle, decided to go for second scan. But it was still there. Gabriel continued to encourage his parents about testimonies from bible and would remind his mum that Jesus' finished work had healed him. For someone usually very hyper, he related w detail and accuracy what he learned on church. Made apt for 3rd MRI after exams, allowed Gabriel to continue swimming and learning wave board before scan. Gabriel confessed before scan that there will be no tumour and that the LORD l completely heal his skull and that his healing will be a testimony to others. Doc scanned and told them there was gd news. Lesion had regressed significantly. No sign of tumour anymore except for shadows to show shrinking of lesions had coz some scars. Bone restored just as he had prayed. Shared with doc they were Christians and that Christ had healed him. Gab shared w rock kid's teachers he was so thankful he wasn't the son of the doc or else would have been operated on the next day after first scan. Lol.

Christmas is such a special time where we can be used to share with people about Jesus coz they are open to learns out the LORD. Ps Prince first realised there is a God who loves him when he was young and he heard Christmas carols at a church.

Jesus not born on 25/12 but doesn't mean we don't celebrate Christmas, becoz we celebrate anything that glorifies Jesus. Blv Jesus born during feast of tabernacles.

Word was made flesh and DWELLED amongst us- dwelled = tabernacled.

John the baptist born six mths ahead of Jesus. When angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she went to visit Elizabeth- Elizabeth was 6 mths preg then.

Luke 1:5 -Zachariah from division of Abijah.

V8-9... Serving in the order of his division.

King David had divided priests into 24 divisions. Schedule- One week for each of the divisions. Custom of his time. During May or June, Zac was serving. Count nine months- March or April, John was born. Passover. Count another six mths, discover Jesus born during feast of tabernacles.

Look at feast and have deeper revelation of what God did for us.

The first thing abt feast of tabernacles

Lev 23:39 KJV

15th day of 7th mth (grace and perfection)
1st and 8th day= Sabbath (REST)

Our life will start and end with rest in Jesus.

Hear the Word of Rest today and we shall start and end with Rest and increase.

In the City of David, born to us a Saviour- we dun have to strain and stress out because we have a savior.

When the children of Israel didn't rest- can learn from their mistake.

Ps95:7-11

Trial in the wilderness --- Exo 17:1-7

V1 commanded them to camp in Rephidim (resting and refreshing). They went, but in resting and refreshing, there was no water. So the people contended with Moses. Worried and anxious- followed and obeyed but upset with God becoz felt that they kenah tiok pian (cheated).

It is ne'er His fault and He won't be angry if we question Him during our ordeals. But the Herews here rejected that God was their provider- they wanted to give up on God and return to Egypt.

Testimony that a couple in Australia, Leon and Gerladine, had a baby called Ka'el prematurely. Both took communion in proxy for their child and next day, hospital told them of baby's extraordinary art improvement. Had single handedly ripped out the feeding tube from his stomach. Then he began to feed on his own- ie. He could start to suck the milk on his own. Shocked docs and nurses giving him 24/7 care. Nicknamed him Superman baby. Parents knew right away that Jesus had answered their prayer. What healed him? Jesus and His finished work through the communion. Hole in baby's heart was closed, appetite improved tremendously and baby is growing very well.

Sometimes when we think we rest, then we will see everything happen. Rest is just leaning and believing on Him.

V5-7... When we are unable to rest, we must look to the Cross. Look at how Jesus was struck. Jesus is the rock of our salvation. He was struck and water- rest and refreshing- gushed out.

Do not look at the circumstances. Do not judge me by the circumstances. Believe in what my Son has already done and stand on that.

U can tell him u feel discouraged and anxious BUT don't say God I don't believe, it won't happen.

Despite all the negative thoughts and emotion, speak faith over the situation.

They rested and went to Church camp an hour's drive away although baby was in hospital. Didn't go to the hospital to fret over baby, but trusted in the LORD.

Their eyes were on their Saviour and rested on the body that was broken and the blood that was shed. Believed that His Word is truth- that is rock.

And when u rest, u will surely receive. Amen.

Lev 23:39-43 NIV
See emphasis on celebration:

CELEBRATE the festival for 7 days

REJOICE before the LORD for 7 days

CELEBRATE this for 7 days each year

CELEBRATE it in the 7th mth.

7 feast days
Passover
Unleavened Bread (cruxifiction)
First fruit (resurrection)
Pentecost- marks birth of the church
Tabernacle (Jesus- birth)... Only feast where people asked to celebrate and rejoice.

Day of Atonement- NKJV say celebrate but means "observe" not "celebrate" if u check Hebrew.

Rejoicing is a choice that I make. God wants us to choose to keep our joy everyday becoz there are many things out there trying to rob our joy from us.

Isaiah 12:3- read on feast of tabernacles.

Many wells - how do we draw from these wells? With joy.

Many opportunities to lose our joy but don't let them rob u of ur joy. Joy is like the bucket u use to draw from the many wells. No joy. No bucket. Left with wounded spirit, bitter and angry.

It doesn't matter what the person said a out u even though it is untrue or malicious, let it go.

It is ok to give away my parking lot, but not ok to give away my joy. Although these things are small, but one of many foxes that come to spoil your vine.

So even if ur teacher said something about u, whether true or untrue, don't let it rob u of ur joy.

If u have been criticized, u have attempted something of worth and greatness.

If Satan cannot steal ur joy, he cannot steal ur goods. - Jerry Seville

Cheated of 3k during early years of preaching. Let go of the bitterness and released the guy in Bis getting. Went to the LORD. A few mths later, someone blessed him with 7x3000- 21k perfect restoration.

Gen 26:19-22

Isaac's servants dug the well. Laughter/ Joy's servant dug the well. Other people came to quarrel with him again. What did Isaac/Joy do? Joy let go off the quarrel and strife. Dug another well. Again quarrel erupted so Joy let go of "enmity"- didn't hold on. Third time, dug another well and they did not quarrel over it. Isaac named it "The LORD has made room for us". Rehoboam- spaciousness. When we let go of enmity and strife, the LORD GIVES US SPACIOUSNESS- a place of fruitfulness.

Jesus makes it easy for us to rest and rejoice.
Matt 11:28-30

His Yoke- under OT... see ACTS 15:10. Yoke was the yoke of the law under old cov. Yoke in new cov is yoke of the spirit of grace. We are now in Christ reconciled to our Father and the HS in us, the Spirit of grace, cries out Abba, Father.

The Yoke is easy becoz when u need help, the Spirit cries out to God- Abba Daddy!

John 7:37-38

Hoshanah Rabah- last day of the feast.

Priests will pour water from Siloam and mix with wine- symbolises Jesus the Living Word and the Spirit of God. Water libation ceremony- celebration of life. Rabbis say when u see the water and light ceremony u will know what joy is. But when u know Who He is, joy flows out.

V37- Jesus spells out to them if they have a need to go to Him and DRINK.

V38- he who believes in Me as the scripture has said (that I am ur redeemer, ur all in all), out of his belly will come out rivers of living water(- HS will come forth. "He who supplies the Spirit to u and works miracles among u..."- gal 3:5 He who supplies the Spirt, the Spirit works miracles - miracles will be supplied to u- simply by the hearing of faith.

Jn 9:1-7

Jesus- light.
Siloam- sent. Jesus is the sent one, the savior who was born. The pool.

When blind man went to Siloam to wash, light came and scattered the darkness and it is no more. True restoration and rest.

Inmate from Changi prison came across Solid Rock magazine that someone had brought in. Wrote to NCC to ask for more materials- Ps sent him "Destined to Reign". Read it 4x. Heart moved by Jesus. Had boils and didn't want medicine. After shower in the evening, sat in the presence of the LORD, fellowshipped with Him. Need to see doc pls see doc, but this guy saw the true substance and touched the light. Next morning and issued bread n tea for breakfast, partook it as holy communion. Boils take time to heal but that very same day, all his boils were miraculously healed. Hallelujah.

Our true joy, true light is Jesus.

Nesting Instinct continues...

2010-12-10T23:28:00.002+08:00

Well, hubby is now away and about to arrive in Gold Coast, Australia. =) Kae is at my parent's for the weekend.

It's just Noah and me... and a ton of laundry to do hahaha.

Just washed a bag I intend to use as a diaper bag, 12 white cotton nappies and am waiting for a laundry load to be done. Phew! I think when the baby comes, I will lose weight very naturally and very quickly from all that breastfeeding and from all the household chores that need to be done- more clothes to wash with a new addition to the family. Lol. Lots more cleaning too coz the house needs to be much cleaner with the baby around the place.

Bought the white cotton nappies because I decided Bum Wear was $$$, takes longer to dry and I am gonna be using both cotton nappies and disposables (Drypers probably- altho' I love Mammy Poko). I am not the "green" sort of mummy- sorry folks! ^.^" Gonna use disposables at night and we head out. Nappies are for day use in the home.

I also bought the nappy liners, breast pads ("Lilypads"- silicon ones) and disposable breast pads (stand by and also to use when we go out... I will be using little cotton towels, folded and tucked into my nursing bra when I am at home. Need to go to the market to get those one of these days hahaha). I got a compact powder by Pigeon meant for baby's butt- compact powder means there will not be loose talcum powder flying all over the place. It's portable and very practical to use. I also have a Kodomo liquid talcum powder that I've been using. This product comes in liquid form which later dries to become powdery to the touch. Cons? It take ages to dry and can be annoying until then. =p Mental note- I have to go get my Drapolene - nappy rash/barrier cream to standby as well.

Hmm... I think we are otherwise pretty much done with our smaller ticket purchases. We are counting on our friends to give us diapers of assorted sizes during the baby shower OR vouchers to help us with our future diaper purchases. Hint hint dear ones! =) Help us out here? =)

For the larger ticket items- we might get a changing table from Kiddy Palace or Ikea (Plastic vs Wood... $140 vs $59). We also need to pick up the baby cot(s) and purchase the mattresses for them- gonna get those breathable/ porous latex ones. =p They cost a bit though. God will provide. Amen.

Hospital bag's all packed and ready to go- baby's receiving blanket and romper (just washed them a few days ago), my clothes, my lingerie, S.napkins, toiletries, documents (i/c and a copy of our marriage cert), breastpads, spare NB diapers in case... I just need to add in the birth plan, the phone, ipod, camera, plus their respective chargers when the time comes.

Just 10 more weeks or so before Noah arrives!

I am sooooo excited and at the same time, I feel overwhelmed by all the cleaning and packing that still needs to be done. This week's gonna be a quieter week though as hubby is away. Gonna wait for him to return before I continue cleaning/storing etc. Really hard to do cleaning all on my own. =p

Resting my way through my nesting instincts. =)

Articles on Motherhood and Parenting that I wrote

2010-12-08T13:13:00.000+08:00

http://www.mummysg.com/forums/content/54-how-avoid-war-your-toddler.html

http://www.mummysg.com/forums/content/55-overcoming-miscarriage-personal-journey-shared.html

http://www.mummysg.com/forums/content/33-separation-anxiety-when-your-kid-starts-pre-school.html

http://www.mummysg.com/forums/content/32-i-breastfed-3-years-loved.html

Third Trimester- by grace alone =)

2010-12-08T12:45:00.003+08:00

Well, here we are in the third trimester of my pregnancy =) I've been blogging at "http://bygracealone.tumblr.com/" pretty regularly but as tumblr is down- still- here I am at my trusty good ol' blogger blog again.

I am now 30 weeks preggers and Noah's been really active. He has been doing his regular kickboxing exercises in there with stronger punches and kicks. =) I am going to miss all of that when he comes out into this world, but then I will get to smell his sweet baby smell and watch him gurgle, coo and smile. Warm and fuzzy feelings here. =D

Ian will be going off on a work trip to Australia in 2 days time for about a week. I praise God that it is just for a week because he was orig scheduled to be there for longer, but the team finished the shoot earlier so he is able to go there earlier and return faster after packing up all the stereoscopic equipment. I will miss his help getting out of bed and doing stuff around the house when he is away. I am about 83kg or so right now and I have days where I feel like a beached whale hahaha... but I know all this weight will melt away when baby arrives and I start breastfeeding & caring after our little guy.

We will be going for our gynae appointment later on and we believe that the baby and the placenta are both in a good position for me to have natural delivery without epidural. =) Always expecting only the best from Daddy God because He is faithful to deliver. ^.^ <3

24/10/10 Sermon by Ps Prince on Bible Hope- how it never fails

2010-10-25T02:12:00.001+08:00

Testimony:

Pics of a totally turtled and totaled car. Driver and passenger from NCC. Mavis Ong n her son.

725am sending kid to school in Woodlands. They were on the Seletar expressway. Listening to sermon about how God saved Noah and his family. Someone suddenly hit their car from the back and their car spun and turn-turtled. She screamed JESUS at least five times. Couldn't hold her son and he kept very quiet and the seat belt clung onto him. Her kid's limbs didn't fling about even as car spun in midair- Jesus held on to them. The car that knocked them hit another car and truck. Neither her nor her son were hurt or whiplashed. The sermon was still playing in the car that was now a wreck. She let it keep playing to fill the situation with His Word. Whoever came to their aid, she told them about Jesus and Rom10:13. The guy who hit them was in a worse state although her car was more wrecked than his was. Her hubby was going to wk around that time and felt impressed to turn off radio and pray in tongues for them. Power of marrying a believing spouse. Later found out that all the doors were jammed and only driver's door wasn't jammed so she could get out n help her
son get out. Jesus was behind it. No Amt of safe driving could have helped them but Jesus. A lady who stopped to help them called to thank them. She was moved by sermon playing from car wreck and by what she witnessed. She said her hubby and her were having problems and what she witnessed in Mavis' accident has strengthened her belief in Christ. :) Devil meant to harm them but many blessings came from this incident. No one was scratched but Mavis's son's new water bottle. Lol.

God's deliverance system- by the foolishness of preaching to sozo us. Keep on speaking forth the water. Sozo- save, heal and deliver. We are going back go better circumstances and better financial situation and better family relationships and better health.

Ppl of the world think they are broad minded but investing time and energy in what is temporal, empty. We are pursuing things that are eternal, with true substance. So who is truly broadminded? It takes greater stupid faith to look at all these things & believe there is no god.
Our earth is precisely where it should be. A little closer... Just a few miles... And the Sun would burn us up. A little further and we would freeze. And they say there is no God.

Jesus said if u speak to the mountain and the mountain will move. We will have whatever we say. Ur expectation must be in the right place. U must speak what u want and expect what u speak. Don't doubt it. Mountain = insurmountable problem. Speak to the mountain. Not to Him. There is a place to speak to Him also. Jesus never prayed for ppl to be healed. He spoke over the illness of the ppl. "Women you are loosed from your infirmity."

Speak to Ur body in Jesus's name. :)

I curse this growth in Jesus's name. I curse this financial problem in Jesus's name.

Keep on speaking and speaking. Keep speaking the word of God in faith.

Heb3:1

Christ is the HP of our confessions.

Homologio- confession not of sin. It means keep speaking the same.

See heb4:14. U cannot hold fast to a confession of sin.

Heb10:21-23. Once u know Jesus Christ died for Ur sins. Cleansed in Greek means cleansed once and for all. Evil conscience- keep feeling condemned, guilty. We should have a righteous consciousness. To have sin on our consciousness is to insult the one who paid for it.

V23- HOLD ON TO THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE (Elpis- bible hope. Not faith.) BECAUSE THE GOD WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL.

There is a teaching that u must have faith and not hope. But that's not true, when u hold fast to confession of bible hope, the faith is released.

Elpis- joyful and confident expectation of good.

This is bible hope. It is not a maybe hope or wishful thinking. Bible hope is a CERTAIN expectation of good. U know and are confident it will happen.

Woman with issue of blood. She had issue of blood and had hope that if she touches His garment she SHALL be healthy. Was able to visualize that she could be healed. No healed yet but had a confident expectation of good.

Bible hope has to do with salvation. Because Christ has died for us, we are confident that Jesus will always come through for us.

Heb 11:1

Before there is faith, there is hope. Faith is the SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR. Heb 11:1

No hope = nothing for faith to build upon on.

Have confident expectation and prepare for the good to come through.

We can say WE WILL HAVE DOUBLE RESTORATION even when we face trouble.

Not human hope- "Maybe lor." or "See how lah."

God has promised and He is FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES.

The world likes to say don't raise people's hope because that is human hope. It always disappoints.

But bible hope ne'er disappoints.

Romans 5:1-8

Justified by faith leads to 5 results.

Righteousness is right standing before God is not bases on our performance but through the finished work of Christ. It is a gift.

1) PEACE with God through Christ. Peace with the one who really matters. Doesn't matter what ppl say abt u. God sings over us (see Zephaniah).

2) ACCESS into FAVOUR ground. Grace = favour. Personal access to His grace and all the favor of God that u have read about. The favor on Noah and Ruth and Abraham... U have access to this FAVOUR. Ppl dunno why but wants to work with u. Ppl who have demonic influences can treat u badly still though because the demonic influence in them are afraid that u have favor. Love that person as it causes His light to fall upon the darkness & releases the favour.

3) Confident God's glory will manifest in Ur life. There is a glory that envelopes us. Man was created to have dominion over circumstances through his words. Adam forfeited it when he sinned. Lost the glory. But Christ came and showed how man is supposed to function. He spoke and the wind and waves listened; He spoke and illness had to flee. Curse is speaking negative. Don't speak what people speak over u. Don't speak negative over Ur family.

4) We also glory in our troubles. Nothing happens that doesn't go through the filter of God. All things will work for your good to showcase His glory. See Joseph's life. The things that happened to him wasn't funny. But the chain of negative circumstances that happened to him were stepping stones to His glory. He can take everything negative the devil throws at u and turns it into double restoration. He will cause all your troubles to work for u, not against u.

Troubles produce character and that in turns produce perseverance. Soldiers made in the furnace of affliction, not through lying down and playing dead.

Steel- made into horse shoe is $30, made into small springs for Rolex watches $1000. Same steel but one more refined and crafted than the other.

Some ppl always angry with their circumstances. But see that sometimes these troubles are food for Ur character. Proven character is confident expectation of God's goodness. Raise Ur bible hope. Bible hope will never put u to shame. Amen!!!!!

** WHEN DOES HOPE NOT DISAPPOINT?
Whenever we feel God loves us. See Rom5:5.

Father I know this day will be a good day. Ur favor will surround me. Ur goodness has gone ahead of me. Because U love me.

Call out for the results u want, even though haven't manifested, because God loves u. U are the child of God.

Because YOU love me, Daddy God, I am greatly blessed, no evil can come upon me.

When u have a sense that God loves u, good things happen to u.

Sometimes before u even pray, He brings the answer. :)

"Before they call, I will answer" says God.

U are God's beloved- primary role of HS is to show us we are God's beloved.

He that endures to the end will be saved. :)

Bible tells us God wants us to be prisoners of hope- to blv the best in the worst of situations.

Eg of this? Abraham!

Roman 4:17-22

Sometimes God's promise goes beyond our understanding. He sees the end from the beginning. God calla those things that haven't exist as though they are. He spoke light when He saw darkness and there was light. U must speak first then u will see. If u see first then speak, will not see it.

Abraham, who contrary to hope, in hope, believed. He had confident expectation of God's goodness.

Hope comes first then faith happens.

Abraham, against hope, believed in hope.

Zechariah 9:11-12

The blood of Jesus is powerful. It is God's righteousness. Frees us from waterless pit.

Even when we do wrong, God sees us right. Not encouraging us to do wrong. It embolds us to keep doing right because He sees us right.

I am a hopeless prisoner of hope. Lol. U are a prisoner of hope whether u like it or not. He will restore double to us. Restoration is coming our way. Haven't happened yet but SMILE because Ur future is bright. U are His object of love and care. Double means what? PLENTY. MORE THAN ENOUGH.

Eph 6 says out on His armour. The devil can't tell who is inside when u are inside. Helmet of Salvation= 1 Thess 5:8... Helmet that protects Ur mind from stinking thinking.

Morning woke up happy. By night time feel blah. Not circumstances that happened to u. Ur thinking changed. No one can make u angry. U have to know it and think about it. If God didn't put glory into the criticism they say, forget it... because God can make every word of theirs to fall to the ground. Don't bother about the naysayers.

Ppl talk bad about us all the time. Dunno dun affect us. When we know, then we think and react and we choose how we want to react.

It's more important to be at peace than to be right. If u fight to be right, U can lose Ur peace and Ur joy and Ur health. If God defends who can attack?

We are all in charge of our emotions. Guard Ur mind with the helmet of positive expectation of GOOD.

Jesus loves me so bad things will not happen to me.

Don't let the devils move u out of that personal revelation of God's love with thoughts like "This can happen to u. No one knows." Speak and say "Jesus, thank you that you are the high priest of my confession and this bad thing will never happen to us."

Ps60:7- Ephraim is the helmet for My head.

Who is Ephraim? Key is in hebrew - "Double fruitfulness."

God thinks MORE THAN ENOUGH... put on that helmet. Not the world's helmet of negative thoughts.

NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME. TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION. FAVOUR EXISTS IN THR REALM OF NOW. I AM THAT I AM. NOT I WILL BE IF I WILL BE.

Live in His NOW not in the "what if"...

Luke -

Opens up with Zechariah, John the Baptist's dad. The Priest will come out to bless the people from the temple. Nothing more tragic to Israel than a dumb/ mute priest.

Zechariah- God remembers.
Elizabeth- God's promise
John- God's Grace

God remembers His promise to give grace.

Angel appears to Mary and she asks HOW it will happen. Didn't doubt but marvelled. Gabriel appeared to Zechariah but he questioned HOW CAN THAT BE? He doubted. So God shut his mouth to prevent him from speaking against the blessing.

So Luke opens with a dumb priest that cannot bless. How did Luke end? See Lk24:50- He opened up His hands and blessed (eulogio) them. The last pic of Jesus - a High Priest that blesses.
He was parted from them: He was unwilling to stop blessing them. He did not depart. He was parted from them.

And we say what He says. He says u are blessed, so u say u are blessed. Homologio.

The prayer of Apostle Paul Rom15:13- prayer for abounding hope.

GOD IS THE GOD OF HOPE.

Keep on rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. If u are in trouble, u also rejoice becoz Ur hope will not disappoint. Jesus loves u and u are coming out of trouble. And it came to pass. Ur troubles may seem forever but it will pass. Joseph and David had seasons of trouble but season are not forever. Rejoice in tribulation. Character being moulded so He can trust u with more and more. God is a present help. Don't allow yourself to regret yesterday or worry about tomorrow. His grace will swallow up Ur mistakes and Ur worries and Ur troubles.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch.

Like an aircon that needs regular maintainence

2010-07-29T15:34:00.001+08:00

The aircon maintainence guys came by earlier to service our three aircons and our bedroom aircon will require chemical cleaning soon.

The person explained that as it was getting choked inside, the normal maintainence cannot get at the dirt lodged deep inside the coil. It can only clear the surface parts. We will need chemical cleaning to resolve the intermittent bursts of aircon (it should be a constant flow) and the longer duration requires to cool our room down. Thereafter, we should have a regular maintainence schedule to keep the aircon in tip top shape.

I couldn't help but think it was a metaphor for maintaining our spiritual life too. Sometimes we get so caught up in our day to day tasks/ chores, we have barely anytime to spend with the HS, in the Word.

Over time, we start being more easily affected by external circumstances or people. Our emotions feel the strain and we might feel down, angsty or emo. It takes longer to cool off or to shake off our frustration.

Things that we know have no power over us in Christ also seem to be able to get to us because we have become dusty from what the world says. We forget His truth is The truth and it overcomes what doctors say, what people around us tell us, and what is printed or represented in the media.

Like my aircon, I realise the constant need to maintain my inner man's health by spending quiet time each day.

Reading His Word clears up my fears, anxieties and worries. Why wait until something bad occurs before we hit rock bottom and run to Jesus? Keep walking with Him, by Him, listen to the HS's gentle leading each day and nothing can faze us.

As we let His promises and His truth wash over us, the dustiness of this world is cleansed away and we can see afresh with spirit eyes what our inheritance is as heirs to the promises in Christ Jesus. :)

Perfect love casts off all fear, all anxiety. How lovely to bask in it as often as possible. :))

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch.

A reflection on that which is transient n that which is forever

2010-07-28T11:24:00.004+08:00

I haven't been writing much quiet time reflections in the recent months, not so much because I have nothing to reflect on, but there are so many personal moments of quiet repose and resting with Daddy God.

There are some sadness that cannot be put into words, and other happiness that I decided to keep private with my family at first. There were moments of thoughtfulness as I rested from writing and took in His Word that comforts and recharges as well.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine what tomorrow may bring. Friendships that feel like they can last forever find themselves faded over time, worries and cares that seemed so real in the past are brushed off today because of the firm foundation I have in His wonderful victory, kids grow and blossom, parents age gracefully... So I endeavour this day to enjoy today as it is. Every today I have, I rejoice for this is the day that the LORD has made. =)

There are some days that I sit here, on my bed, and muse about how far I have come from despair and despondency (which I have blogged about before). That probably is my greatest comfort- that as bittersweet some of life's experiences can be, I have learned to take my emotions and thoughts captive in Christ so that no matter how my feathers are ruffled, the Holy Spirit is never far to comfort, to teach, to whisper about my covenant friend, my LORD and Saviour, to heal wounds that only He can heal. In Him, I have a peace and calm I never knew before.

I count my blessings and there are plenty. Praise Jesus. And in counting these blessings, I discount the losses for I will always have life and life more abundantly in Christ ^.^!! What I lose or am robbed of, He always gives back in abundance. ^.^

Grass withers and flowers fade but the Word of our God stands forever. How wonderful to always hold that truth close to our hearts.

What is His Word on love?

1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us."

Without His love, we cannot love unconditionally. 1 John 3:14 further speaks of how when we have no love, we are dead. John probably means that when we find it hard to love from His love, we have yet to fully die to our flesh and rise to our new life as believers. We are breathing but somewhere inside, something is still not alive.

What does this all mean?

If there is a brother or sister we feel has fallen from grace, we love them back to Him.

If there is a brother or sister who no longer feels lovely to our flesh, we love them from His love.

If there is a brother or sister who is doing wrong, we pray for their victory because He first loved.

If there is someone (believer or not) who hates us or speaks ill of us, we continue to love them with His love no matter how it cuts because hate, despair, condemnation only grows bitterness in the heart.

And it is this love that He pours out in us, in me, that helps me get through the darkest days because His Son-shine always casts a light where I sit, stand and walk- a pillar of passionate love in the deepest night, a cloud that shelters me from the blistering heat of this world.

It is this love that makes it possible for me to wake up every morning to say a heartfelt and thankful Hallelujah where I once used to wake up and bemoan that I had another 24 hours to try to get through.

Thank God for that which is forever because this forever love makes it easier to exhale the transient and draw from His grace that is available for every moment of our lives- the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly.

In Memory of Friends Lost

2010-07-28T11:11:00.002+08:00

When mortal friendship fades
Weeping petals in its wake
It is a clear reminder
That only one friend
Truly is full of grace
Truly is full of love
Truly befriends with no condition
Truly cares with no expiry date
One name comes to mind
Jesus

Possible Names for Sticky Bean

2010-07-28T09:43:00.003+08:00

Lol. Just saw my friend from UK has named her kid Sofia.

Ok, just to clarify, I've been meaning to name my first daughter (which will be sticky bean if sticky bean is a girl) Sophia Charis (or Chanya) Wee En Xi for a looooong time (years already since I thought her name out... just like I thought of the name Kaelen when I was in my teens hahaha).

Initially, I wanted to name her En Hui which is the direct Chinese translation for her English name (Wisdom= Sophia, Hui & Grace= Charis/Chanya, En)... but a CG member named her daughter that so I was like aiya... then I thought it'd be nice to change my daughter's mandarin name to En Xi (Grace Rejoice) instead. I want her to be wise, grace-filled and joyful! =)

If our sticky bean is a boy, I will prob name him Noah Isaac Wee Zhong Feng (Noah= Restful (and the story of Noah was also the first time Grace appeared in the bible if I recall correctly), Isaac= Laughter, Zhong= Loyal (same first half as Kae's mandarin name), Kai= Generous (from the mandarin term "kang kai").

As you can see I want my kids to be joyful and cheerful, grace-filled, conquerors in Christ.

We are expecting =)

2010-07-26T23:12:00.003+08:00

Well, I am about 2 weeks away to my next gynae appointment and am very excited. Sticky Bean is now 9 fetal weeks old (which is 10 gestational weeks). According to my app on iPod Touch, he or she is the size of a prune (3.81cm). When we last saw Sticky Bean, he or she was 2.21cm (see attached picture). =)

The gynae gave the EDD (est due date) as 21/2/2011.

All glory to God =)

Having plenty of cravings with this little Sticky Bean. Kwei Pie Tee, Kimchi Ramen, Ginseng Chicken Soup, North Indian Chaads... =))

Also feeling plenty of nausea but barely puking (I generally refuse to puke no matter how much I feel like it). The doc says it is a good thing because it means my preg hormones are strong. Hurrah!

I am not sure if it is gas in my stomach or Sticky Bean's somersaults I am feeling, but I have been experience flutterings. As this is not my first preg, the flutterings will come early, but I am not sure if it does THIS early. Lol. If it is hurrah! If it isn't, my stomach is sending out morse code signals to me.

Avoiding Singapore Motherhood Forums as I honestly feel that people scare each other on those forums. All this negative talk is fear inducing and faith shaking. I'm happier reading my Bible, tucking into Nerida Walker book and sermons, as well as gobbling up "Supernatural Childbirth" by Terry Mize. These are needful spiritual food. =)

Checking out some websites with real nice maternity clothes, but they must be purchased online. As tech saavy as I am, I still prefer trying out clothes before I buy them. Jap, Taiwanese designs are so kawaii. I really am not fond of those aunty aunty European Angmor designs. Someone bring cuter maternity clothes to Singapore already!!! =ppp

Ok gonna go take my vitamins and snooze. Feeling very sleepy (generally feeling sleepy ALL the time these days... Hahaha)

Zzzzz with love,
Geri

Agreeing to Disagree

2010-06-19T15:25:00.001+08:00

Was reading the ST Forum earlier and saw this letter (insert) from Dr Tan Soo In:
--------
Jun 18, 2010

On evangelists and religious convictions

I REFER to Wednesday's editorial, "Points to ponder when sermons chafe".

I believe there are a number of issues here. First, is the call to speakers of all religions, and indeed secularists, not to ridicule and run down other religions and belief systems in their sermons and talks. This is right and timely. In an increasingly global and interconnected world, we must be vigilant to protect the religious harmony we enjoy.

However, the same editorial also calls on evangelists to study anthropology and comparative religions so that they would not "fail to notice a difference between an ethnic cultural practice with no religious overtones and an overtly religious ritual".

The truth is many Christian seminaries have had anthropology and comparative religions on their curriculum for a long time now. It is possible that after having the benefit of studying them, I will still arrive at convictions about my religious practices, and the practices of others, and still believe that what might be considered cultural by others is still religious to me.

Dr Tan Soo Inn

----- end quote

Honestly, I agree with the writer. I grew up experiencing myriad religions from Taoism, Buddhism to Roman Catholicism and each are so distinctively different. I also had Muslim housemates from Syria & Nigeria when I studied abroad. My Syrian housemate and I would also sit down after dinner to discuss our beliefs and our family, our countries of origin and our perception of God and the middle eastern situation. We shared our differences with open minds and hearts. He would sit there with his Koran and I with my Bible. We knew our beliefs differed greatly but we shared about it and about hope and about our lives back home. He shared about his wife not being allowed out of Syria along with him for fear that they would escape from Syria, how he couldn't study medicine and be a doc as the govt quota had been acheived, so he had to study something else and he ran a factory making clothes. My eyes were opened to a whole new world. Those were the days. Muneeb was like an elder brother to me and I wish we were still in touch. I wonder often about his family and hope they are doing fine.

I digress.

I would call myself a pretty open-minded person but I draw a line with regards to agreeing to agree that I think that all cultural practices draw parallels and similarities to my faith. It just isn't this way.

Wearing red for luck is a Chinese superstition that I cannot agree with for example. I don't agree with superstitions basically and many of these are perceived to be cultural. But a lot of them have religious roots. Even Qing Ming Jie where the Chinese pay homage to ancestors through ancestral worship is part cultural and part religious. We practice visiting the graves with the older generation as part of our culture, but we do not make offerings to them aka ancestral worship. I guess as more of my older generation become Christian, I would rather spend Qing Ming as a day to remember them fondly over a meal and to keep memories alive. Talk about all those times together with them and all the fond or funny instances durin our interactions with them. The grave to me is not where they are at. That's an empty shell left behind. I celebrate their life and not their death. I don't believe in afterlife; I believe in more life. :) I believe we are truly alive with God the Father when we wake up from our sleep (Christians don't die. They sleep.)

It's unreasonable and narrow minded to say that Christians have the freedom to worship God but must compromise by agreeing to agree. Again, I say, I draw the line at agreeing to disagree with other religions. I don't go around telling people that their religion is wrong regardless of what I believe in, so I don't expect people to tell me my faith is wrong, or that it is wrong for me to disagree with other religious theology simply because I live in Singapore. It is unreasonable and we are naive if we claim that all of us can be on the same page with regards to religion. It's just so personal at the end of the day.

If I really wanted to pick bones, I would question MOE- why do our local Chinese textbooks feature Chinese mythologies in them that talk about Taoist deities? I would ask them why kids of differing religions have to study these mythologies as part of their curriculum. Can't we have more neutral stories in the textbooks? And why must kids learn the name Fo (Buddha) when they learn the "or" sound in Chinese? Why not use the more neutral Bo (uncle) or Po (grandmother) instead?

This is a subject that has no end if we want to pick at it. Sometimes it is best to acknowledge that we can never be the same in one area, and then choose to let go and refuse to not to be offended. After all being offended or not boils down to a personal choice. Instead, let us bond over the many other areas we find similarites in- football, food, movies, Korean dramas (hehe), concerns about our children and the well-being of the elderly and disabled, YOG, etc etc.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch.

What is the Christian message?

2010-06-15T19:19:00.000+08:00

Over the years, the church has forgotten what it means to be a Christian.

It doesn't mean we go around telling people "my God is better than yours", or "my church is better than your church, my church is more right than your church."

Being a Christian is about going out there and telling people- "There is a God out there and He came and died on the Cross because He loves you. He died to free you from the bondage and disappointments of your past, the anxieties and grievances of today, and the myriad uncertainties of tomorrow. There is a God up there who calls you beloved; Who loves you even before you know of Him or even come to love Him. His door is open even before you knock. His name means covenant friend because He has made a promise to redeem you, to raise you up if you choose to call on His name. His name is Jesus."

Our central message is about how Jesus loves the people in this world so much... How He never had an unkind word to say to the lost, the abandoned, the sick, the destitute and those who feel their lives are condemned beyond salvation or hope.

Our central message is how He came to take our place of sinfulness on the Cross despite being without sin, so that we can have a new identity in Him.

Our central message isn't about making fun of another person's belief or telling them they got it wrong. We should show them graciousness and a god who died for us whilst we were all sinners, we should be telling them it is ok even though they are imperfect before coming to Jesus, becoz it is His love that will perfect and complete their brokeness within & without.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch.

An apology from our church that I wholeheartedly agree with and commend

2010-06-15T14:49:00.000+08:00

Response To Recent Circulation Of Audio Clips Of A Sermon Preached By Pastor Mark Ng In August 2008

New Creation Church (NCC) would like to express our deepest apologies to any person who may have been offended by the remarks made by Pastor Mark Ng during a sermon delivered in August 2008. Pastor Mark has explained to us that his intention was to highlight what he viewed as some inconsistencies in the local Chinese practices, and not meant to cause disrespect to any race or religion.
Following the widely covered media reports in February 2010 of another incident not related to NCC, we initiated an internal review of all past and ongoing sermons. In the course of this review, we realised that Pastor Mark had in this sermon, inadvertently spoken in a manner that could be regarded as slighting these practices.
Arising from this review, we immediately stopped the circulation and sale of this and several other sermons that were deemed insensitive. We also strongly emphasised to all our pastors that sermons of this nature are not acceptable and should not be repeated.
We recognise our responsibility in this major oversight in allowing this sermon not only to be preached, but also, as a usual practice, to be made available as a resource for sale. It is unfortunate that while we have endeavoured in every way to stop the circulation of this sermon, its recent appearance on the Internet continues to possibly cause offence when it was never Pastor Mark’s intention to do so. We assure the public that NCC has no part in the current surfacing of this sermon.
Pastor Mark offers his unreserved and unmitigated apology to the public for his insensitive comments and for failing to observe the basic tenet of Christianity, which is founded on love for one and all. He humbly appeals to those whom he has offended to forgive him of this serious indiscretion.
NCC takes this opportunity to affirm our commitment to the public that we place a high premium on the value of both racial and religious harmony in our multi-faceted society. This is evidenced by our years of consistent support for the many nation-wide programmes on racial and religious harmony.

New Creation Church Council
13 June 2010

13/6/2010 Sermon Notes NCC “True Joy” (Pastor Lian)

2010-06-15T13:52:00.001+08:00

Filled from lunch, but are u ready to eat the food that lasts, that gives real life? :)

Today’s sermon inspired by what Rick Godwin told Darlene Zschech

Two significant moments in a person’s life 1) day of our birth 2) when we find out WHY we were born

We all are born, but 2nd point is so impt- discovering the reason why we are here.

U think most ppl know why they are here, but not true.

A guy did a study on what is the meaning of life and sent it to 250 of the finest minds in America-philosophers, scholars, etc. They wrote back to him- first 2 grps: we never thought about meaning in life hut made up our own, 3rd grp: honestly dunno, 4th grp: really dunno too but would like a reply if he discovers the answer.

It’s not a surprise actually becoz a faith oreaher said that he blv 80% of charismatcs have no idea why they are here on earth.

God wants us to know the reason so we have focus in life and focus is power.

He gave Abraham a destiny and purpose.

Gen 12:1-2 God called Abraham out of darkness and told him His destiny and purpose for Abraham- bless him to be a blessing. Didn’t tell him what to do.

When God called His ppl out to be holy- diff from the world, special, set apart. Not a people who has to strive, but a people He will bless and turn into a blessing. And what God promised, He is always able and faithful to perform.

In the world, largest number of Jews in US & followed by Israel, France, Russia, etc. There are 13-14m Jews in the world. When God called Abraham, Sarah was barren and they were very old and aged. So that they have 13-14m descendants today, that’s pretty good.

What God promises no one can stop Him for performing it. No dictator, no enemy.

Jews are made by Him to be special people. Wow a blessed people they are becoz God promised Abraham and performed His promise. Not about them being good but about how God is good and faithful.

Ps Lian shows a list of famous Jews in Sc and Meds. From coining the term medicine and discovering blood types, discovering adrenal hormones, discovered first live virus vaccine for polio, performed first heart transplant, vaccines for hepB….

Jews in IT Michael Dell Dell Computers, Benjamin Rosen Compaq, Andrew Grove Intel, Larry Ellison…

Famous Jewish brands levis, estee lauder, sears, calvin klein, Hagen daas, etc etc

God blessed the Jews and made them a blessing. Not that they are a good people but that God is faithful to perform.

Stan Lee, Jerry Siegel, Joe Achuster, Max Fleisher… A Jew created Porky Pig.

Singers- Carol King, Billy Joel, Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamknd, Bob Dylan, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Conelly.

ALL the studios in Hollywood founded by Jews as well.

He made an uncommon people with a disproportionate amount of favour and blessings. This is their destiny and God’s plan for them.

What about us?

See Gal3:13-14 “… That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles through Christ Jesus…”

Our destiny is to blessed and to be a blessing. God has ordained us to be a special and uncommon people.

We too will be a people called out of darkness not to do this and do that or strive or pursue wealth… He asked us to come and be blessed. Great difference. In that blessing there is financial blessing but we dun pursue the wealth on purpose. We just come to God to receive blessings and be a blessing.

Deacon Matthew Kang:

Got to know wife in 1979 and married in 1988. First came to NCC in 1991. Wife was abt to divorce him. He was in debt and a wild gambler. Remembered when try got married, it was tough for him. Ps P counselled him and expc restoration in their marriage. Had to go around house looking for coins Amt $2 to take bus to go to work. Came from a family of 15 and they ate food from dumping ground. Eat expired can food. His wife earned more than him and one day she got retrenched. He went to PP for prayer and PP spoke over him- dun worry, God will take care of his family and one day raise him up to be the sole breadwinner. Asked God did He know what he was going through or not? Within 5 mins, got a page from a leader who called to say God knows what u are king through.
The things he held on to over the years is the Word of God. Made the Word personal for himself. Claimed off the word of God. Today blessed beyond his wildest imagination. A revelation he had was whatever u want, speak it out. God likens our tongue to be the rudder of the ship. Where we want our future to be, speak it out. Not about the house we stay or whatcar we drive, but about who our God is how faithful And good He is. They have 3 kids today ranging from 8 to 21years old. Happily married to his wife.

God is faithful to his promises. Amen. Deacon Matthew just kept believing and speaking and it manifested.

Deacon Matthew and his wife, June, appeared in papers becoz they sponsored the wedding of their domestic helper who met a man and was going to get married. They are blessed to be a blessing.

We are a consecrated and set apart people. Consecrated- in the OT… Consecrated = fill your hands…. Priests filled their hands with sacrifice. When your hands are filled with Jesus, God will fill your hands.

He will cause that Word to be a reality in your spirit man. Not about memorizing but catching and receiving the revelation that He is an awesome God.

Ps Lian visited a few homes in Malaysia that ministered to sick and destitute. Met thw guy who set these 30 homes up. He told Ps Lian that he was a drug addict and at lowest point wanted to commit suicide. Heard voice inside saying it’s okay just jump. Know now it is devil. He resisted. Finally, he cried out to God and He said if u dun want your life, dun end it, give it to Me. Went to his brother’s place in JB and went cold turkey. In 5-6 days, the addiction broke. Went to church with his brother. He worked as a cleaner and earned close to nothing at first for a while, but was so happy. That is being rich. Said it was like heaven come down on him.

U can have a lot of money but be poor. We are rich and blessed people becoz God has called us out of darkness because we are blessed to be a blessing. That is our destiny.

God doesn’t want us to pursue His Will. We don’t have to chase after it. Some ppl chase this will going meetig after meeting, begging pastor after pastor to tell them what is God’s specific will for their lives.

Don’t pursue the will. That is not how God means for us to live even though He has a specific will for us.

Fill your heart with Him and He will fill your hand with every good thing

So how to walk in His will? Ps37:4-9… Instead of chasing your tail, delight yourself in the LORD and HE SHALL GIVE U THE DESIRES OF UR HEART. Commit your way to the Lord and trust in Him and He shall bring it to pass…. Note psalm says REST in the Lord and not run after him… When we WAIT on the LORD we shall inhert earth.

Rest, not run.

When Samuel came to anoint one of Jesse’s son to be king…. But none of the 7 present were the one. Jesse forgot abt David.

Our parents might forget, our bosses might forget but God does not forget. He who promised is faithful to do what He has promised.

When u are blessed, u will be a blessing.

When Darlene wrote “Shout to the LORD”, she never thought she would write a hit Christian song. She wrote it in her darkest moment. She just turned to Jesus and delighted in Him- she turned to find comfort and strength in Him. She was so embarrassed about the song when she first played it for her music directors and asked them to face the wall as she sang it. And God took that song and made it a blessing throughtot the nations because she delighted herself in Him.

Whatever u are called to, just pursue Him, and delight yourself in Him.

Just delight ourselves in Him and He (not us) will bring the blessings to pass. God’s way - dun chase ur tail, delight yoursf in Him. World’s way is stressful and about striving.

Everday just commit what is in your hand to the LORD… don’t be quick to throw it away. Commit what is in your hand to Him.

See Col 1:9 When u have the knowledge of His will- you will also have wisdom and spirtual understanding.

What is wisdom from above like? James 3:17

God’s will for our life- to bless us.

Don’t need to do big things, every day dreaming big. Don’t pursue those. Pursue Him an let Him bring it to past. Dream but let Him do it. Don’t run after the big things. He just wants us to do great things everyday… What’s diff btw great things and big things? Big thing is being a superstar, having a lot of money. Great thing is having an excellent spirit, as in the one that Daniel has, a spirit that DEPENDS ON GOD. No amount of intelligence that can shut the lion’s mouth. Depending on God causes great things to happen.

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here yet, we only have today.- Mother Teresa Ps 118- this is the day the Lord has made

Just focus on today. Rejoice. Depend on Him today. Dun regret yesterday or worry about tomorrow. Focus on today. Just rejoice in what He has put in your hands today and He will take what’s in your hand and make it big. U dont have to make it big yourself.

John Osteen came from poor and non believing bckgrd. Go to school hungry and had holes in shoes. His mum washed clothes and paid 10cents per hour. John had a classmate called Sam who wrote scripture on the blackboard altho mocked by other classmates. John never forget Sam. John was so poor in the heart and his hands were thus empty. Went drinking a lot and felt so empty. Questioned the meaning of life and who God is. Looked for Sam and asked Sam for answers. Sam invited him to church and at church, John gave his life to God. And that day, God took the family out of the realm of the curse and put them in the realm of blessing. That is what happened to us too. John pastored a big church and Sam too pastored a church, smaller one. Sam wrote a book and the title was “I Touched One And He Touched Millions”.

Mothers are called to greatness- supportive of hubby and raise champions in our kids.

What is the secret of a life like Apostle Paul?

Phil1:21 - For me to live is Christ

Christ is on the throne of His life; not his job or anything else. Christ is Paul’s focus.

That is the secret of a life like Apostle’s Paul.

When u put Jesus first on the throne of ur life, it means ur fears and worries and problems are not first, and everything will be alright.

When god says I am a jealous God, it means He is jealous for our welfare, jealous that we should be blessed.

When we are on the throne, it is painful. When we are on the throne, we are full of self and our anxieities.

Lady told Ps Lian she discovered hubby had affair and had lost her will to live. Ps Lian sat her down and counselled that this is becoz she out her hubby on the throne. So when he went, her life crashed and burned. Still love hubby and dress up for him but as unto the Lord, because if u do it for hubby u will be disappointed when he doesn’t appreciate it. Put Jesus on the throne of ur life. Met lady some time later and she was happy because she now understands how putting Christ first has freed her from unhappiness.

Men out works on throne mostly. Kids tend to out games, entertainment and pleasures on the throne. See Solomon’s reflection after putting pleasures of life first- Ecc2:17.

Parents don’t put your kid on the throne of your life.

Ps Lian shares letter from a couple who wrote about how they introduce kids to Jesus and entrust them to Him. Tell kids to look to God first, not parents first. Tell Him and ask Him to fix it before looking him up. Sometimes they can’t answer the phone because in meetings. Only depend on His love for them, because God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Great is His faithfulness. Parents are not perfect and have moods and ups and downs. Inconsistent.

“We outsource our children to the best 24h care in the whole universe, Jesus. :D” AMEN!!

Life is not difficult. It is impossible. A life lived by our own strength is impossible. It may not feel so at first but as u keep pressing on alone without God, without His blessings will burn out.

This is the true joy of life: the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one… Etc… That the world will not devote itself to making u happy. - George Bernard Shaw

The joy of life- when we know our destiny is that God has taken us out of the realm of curse and placed us in the realm of blessing.

—— end sermon

(God loves everyone, not just Christians.)

2 years make a difference

2010-06-05T23:12:00.004+08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to any believers of other religions if they feel aggrieved about posts from 2 years back. I guess I have grown much more since then and temper my articles, I hope, with greater sensitivity, love, and grace.

I would also like to express that this blog was created not with any intention to hit out any particular religion. I might have said some stronger things 2 years back when I was a little more brash, and as this is my personal space to share with my other Christian friends, I did not consider that people of other faiths might actually find their way here through google or some random search, and feel hurt about anything I wrote.

For this, I am truly sorry. As this is also a reflection of a journey of growth and discovery in the walk, I hope this blog shows how Christ truly is able to change and transform us.

I cannot deny my beliefs; but I have come to understand that religion is a deeply personal choice and I hope to agree to disagree with others. I hope that as you ask for tolerance for your views, that you too can tolerate my view. If not tolerance becomes a meaningless fad word that we toss out...

Logaically speaking how can I call myself a Christian if I agree with the theology of another religion? =) Similarly, I have grown to see that belief comes with seasons passed and experiences one meets. I will not expect everyone to agree with my faith, and I do not look for you to agree with me. BUT let's truly agree that we disagree for this is an area so individual that we can't force an agreement on any one person at all.

I ask for your kind understanding to see the growth from 2 years ago till today... of a Christian who might have been less understanding, to a Christian who hopefully now deals with wisdom and the unconditional love of Jesus.

I have no agenda but to encourage and to tell everyone that Jesus loves you. But you have the right to receive or reject it. I am not here to force any one view down your throats.

The Jesus I believe in loves you regardless of your religion, the door is always open. But I also cannot deny my belief that one needs to receive Him in order to receive eternal salvation. In that same breath, I am not condemning any non-Christian to Hell. I cannot judge nor can I condemn. It is not for me to say. =) It is between you and the maker. I walk my path and this blog has moved to being one meant to encourage and instil HOPE through the Word of the LORD vs one that hopes to criticise and incite negative feelings.

Shalom- which means Peace, Wholeness, Health and Prosperity- to you and your loved ones...

Wigglesworth in "ONLY BELIEVE"

2010-02-18T02:41:00.000+08:00

A woman came to me one day and said, "My husband is such a trial to me. The first salary he gets, he spends on drink. Then he cannot do his work & comes home. I love him very much. What can be done?" I said, "If I were you, I would take a handkerchief and would place it under his head when he goes to sleep at night, saying nothing to him but having a living faith." We anointed a handkerchief in the name of Jesus, and she put it under His head. Oh, beloved, there is a way to reach these wayward ones.

The next morning, on his way to work, he ordered a glass of beer. He lifted it up to his lips, but he thought there was something wrong with it, and he put it down and left. He went to another saloon, and another, and another, and did the same thing. He came home sober. His wife was gladly surprised, and he told her the story of how he had been affected. That was the turning point in his life; it meant not only giving up drink, but it meant his salvation.

God wants to change our faith today. He wants us to see that it is not obtained by struggling and working and longing. "The Father Himself loves you." (John 16:27). "He Himself took our infirmities and bore out sicknesses." (Matt 8:17). "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28)

Don't think there is magic power in the handkerchief, or you will miss the power. It is the LIVING FAITH within the man who lays the handkerchief on his body, and the power of God through that faith. Praise God, we may lay hold of this living faith today. The blood has never lost it's power.

As we get in touch with Jesus, wonderful things will take place.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch

My 5 cents worth on the Pastor Rony Tan fiasco

2010-02-12T05:46:00.001+08:00

All u have to do is to reflect the love of Christ for souls to be touched. Christ doesn't need us to pelt stones at people to give Him an edge. He clearly commanded us to love our neighbours back to Him, not promote eye for an eye mentality.

We are to do things in a way naysayers won't have ammo to defame Christ with.

All this talk of "no apologies" remind me of Peter's cutting off the enemy soldier's ears. Jesus healed that ear back in place! And that gesture of love prob spoke more to those there about who Christ is than Peter's impulsive action!!

And when John asked Christ if they should pray for fire to rain down on a village that didn't welcome Him, Christ rebuked them saying they know what Spirit they are of.

Let us have the grace and wisdom to admit one of our own had unwisely acted in a manner that misrepresents Christ's true heart. And let's, as a body, apologise graciously and move on to sow seeds of unconditional love and grace to reflect the heart of Jesus in our lives and those of the lives around us.

Make no mistake, I do not compromise on my belief but I don't agree with the manner the leader in question carried out matters. The end does not justify the means.

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Blessed Proportion by Spurgeon

2010-02-12T03:47:00.000+08:00

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:5

There is a blessed proportion.

The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales-in this side he puts his people's trials, and in that he puts their consolations. When the scale of trial is nearly empty, you will always find the scale of consolation in nearly the same condition; and when the scale of trials is full, you will find the scale of consolation just as heavy.

When the black clouds gather most, the light is the more brightly revealed to us. When the night lowers and the tempest is coming on, the Heavenly Captain is always closest to his crew. It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit. One reason is, because trials make more room for consolation.

Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. God comes into our heart-he finds it full-he begins to break our comforts and to make it empty; then there is more room for grace.

The humbler a man lies, the more comfort he will always have, because he will be more fitted to receive it. Another reason why we are often most happy in our troubles, is this-then we have the closest dealings with God.

When the barn is full, man can live without God: when the purse is bursting with gold, we try to do without so much prayer. But once take our gourds away, and we want our God; once cleanse the idols out of the house, then we are compelled to honour Jehovah.

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.

There is no cry so good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains; no prayer half so hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions. Hence they bring us to God, and we are happier; for nearness to God is happiness. Come, troubled believer, fret not over your heavy troubles, for they are the heralds of weighty mercies.

- CHARLES SPURGEON

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Spidey, Newton, Grace & Rest

2010-02-12T02:31:00.000+08:00

I was reading Strazynski's AMAZING SPIDER MAN earlier on and well, although the comic has a sucky ending, I found something really awesome to think about.

I haven't thought about Physics in a long while (sorry teachers) but well, thanks to Peter Parker's musing, I was brought to look at this good old Physics principle-

"An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by a force."

How does this apply to my life?

Well I believe in life, things are propelled forward either by the light of Christ or by the darkness of the fallen world. These are the two forces that drive people forward in their lives either to eventual victory or eventual destruction based on their person decisions.

Before Christ, I was this ball of mess (think seriously tangled ball of yarn) propelled forward by depression, anger, fear, disappointments...

I was definitely an object in motion alright- think runaway train, breakneck speed hurtling towards a brick wall. And I was staying in motion with the same destructive speed and in the same destructive direction.

Then Christ entered my life again when I became a single, unwed mum. That was the force that Life and life more abundantly that propelled me off that path.

It was my Damascus moment. Paul became blind to see. Geri became a mum to have back her child-like faith.

Now most people like to call an unplanned pregnancy an accident. As much as I did not plan getting preggers out of wedlock, I see my son as more of a planned blessing from above than an accidental bomb. I made decisions that I am not proud of that led me there, but God is so gracious to take what is meant to stumble and turn it into a blessing. :)

I had become an angsty, jaded monster inside struggling to be something else outside. I wanted love and I sought it in all the wrong places. I wanted to belong to someone, anyone. I had a blackhole inside that wanted go be filled. However, nothing on Earth can fill a God-sized void.

Having an extraordinary 7 year old has helped me to see faith in a childlike way. He has a way of putting to words his understanding of what faith, grace, trust and the battlefield of the mind is. (Please see my older notes or blogs for past shadings.)

Being a mum has stopped me from being full of self. I was full of self-pity, self-destruction, selfish notions. I suddenly had to place a little life big with joy above all my old fears, suicidal thoughts, anger towards life. I stopped cussing like a sailor, I became more responsible, I stopped mulling. I experienced a change in the way I looked at the future.

When Ian entered my life- first as a friend and then as a boyfriend- I had already begun to let go and let God. Ian's presence opened a new chapter in my life as I came to lose religion to gain new relationships- with Christ, as well as with him. I came to see the Word not as printed text but living, breathing Word. I came to see the truth of what it means to be in Christ. This new sight propelled me even more into a deeper relationship and closer walk with Christ.

Sure, there were struggles within and without at first as the old had to give way to the new, as I became a new wineskon filled with new wine. I poured away the old wine as I came to know what I have become in Jesus.

All these new forces that guided me towards the right direction in my life stemmed from one source- Grace.

So what am I now?

I am an object at rest. Having come to know grace, I have come to know a shalom that the world cannot give... a shalom wholeness, contentment, health, prosperity and peace I have never known before. My mind is sound, my heart refreshed, my soul is whole and my spirit is filled with so much Life!

An object at rest tends to stay at rest.

Sure the devil tries to apply external forces to get me to go off track, but this new wineskin and new wine is light with joy yet firmly founded and filled with unconditional love. And these keep me from going off course because no force can be greater than the pull of His love, His grace, and His shalom.

I am at rest physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And I am going to remain at rest because I stand on a firm foundation- my Christ Jesus, my Yeshua, my Saviour King.

Praise the LORD God ALL-mighty!! Amen.

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A pic of Kae & I :)

2010-02-11T08:17:00.000+08:00

Taken during one of our crazy Photobooth moments. Grins. :)

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Updating both Tumblr n Blogger blogs

2010-02-11T08:10:00.001+08:00

Recently, I found out that there is an Internet firm that can be paid to print out people's blogs for them. Their services have yet to extend to Tumblr & hence, I will be trying to parallel park my reflections on both Blogger & Tumblr. :)

The tumblr site is at http://hungribunni.tumblr.com :)

Shalom!
Geri

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Precious moments with Kae (7y 9m)

2010-02-11T08:03:00.001+08:00

A fav part of the day is when I get to walk Kae to school. He spouts the most interesting stuff, and we have the most heartfelt mummy-son talks then (& at night again, before he sleeps).

Talking to him gas really blessed me with a 7 year old's untainted perspective on life, love, positivity n relationship with people, and more importantly, with God.

At 3, Kae told me not to worry for his dad who was overseas directing a docu. Bird flu was rampant then- "We can pray to Jesus and God is everywhere."

Half a year later, at 4, he told us that "people look for God because they want to be healed."

At 5, he told me that "the devil and Jesus fight in our minds."

At 7, he told me I score a 9/10 because no one is perfect. Only God is 10/10. :)

Kaelen is now 7 yrs 9 mths old and you can see from our recent conversations (see 3 earlier posts) with him, that his insights are still amazing windows to what I can only assume is the Holy Spirit's teachings. Some of these things he says are thoughts and views beyond his years.

Of coz he has his 7yo moments of Ben10 and Transformers talk. XD He is also quite the joker when he wants to be.

I must admit that Motherhood is an amazing journey, and hardly a day goes by that I don't stop to praise God for giving me the wisdom, courage and support I needed at 21 to make the right decision to bring Kae into this world. How has he touched the hearts of the people in his life! :)

I am so blessed that our son is blessed to be a blessing. :D

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K enjoys his reward :)

2009-11-18T20:41:00.001+08:00

K redeems his complimentary fish and chips for his good grades at Botak Jones @TPY.

NOTIFICATION OF BLOG MIGRATION! =D

2009-10-30T14:23:00.004+08:00

I have decided to migrate my blog to http://hungribunni.tumblr.com.

It still is about my walk with Christ and my marriage remains and always will remain a 3nity btw Christ, Ian and me.

I apologise for any inconvenience caused to anyone because of this "migration" exercise. ^^"

It's just... well... I really like the layout of this new blogging tool hahaha. I can also blog directly from a widget on my Mac's desktop.

Do make adjustments to your blog's link to my blog and I hope you will still check out my online quiet time reflections and thoughts about our Awesome Daddy God! =D

Shalom!
Geri aka Hungribunni (always hungri for His Word =D)

What are we demonstrating to our kids about the priorities of life?

2009-10-28T15:13:00.002+08:00

This first appeared in a comment I made on Blog Pastor's Page about 5 mins ago =D I edited it further as I had more reflections to add on hahaha.

When I first watched this (video by Yasmin Ahmad for Petronas) 2 years back, I loved it so much.

All these adorable Ah Mas remind me of the old women my maternal mama used to chill with when I was a kiddo. =) <>

Watching this video, this thought strikes me- At the end of the day, what matters is the value our kids grow up with, and not so much the tutors, extra lessons, exam stress, comparisons, and maids.

Children need to be shown what the priorities of life should be- it's not about the paper chase, not about the salary. They watch and observe their parents to decide what are the things that decide their self-worth/ value. They listen to what we say to measure their success. So what are the things that mater most? Are we sharing with them what they are, guiding them to see what the important things in life are?

I really felt sad after reading how a local parent described her kid's feelings after the PSLE papers this year - CONDEMNED.

See this excerpt from CNA's news report-

The first thing her son did when he came out from the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Maths paper on Thursday this week was to gesture as if he was "slitting his throat".

"One look at his face and I thought ’oh no’. I could see that he felt he was condemned," said Mrs Karen Sng.

Condemnation is one key way Satan robs our kid. The joy of the LORD is our strength- that is what scripture says. When we feel guilty or condemned, we naturally feel sad, demoralized, depressed- the opposite of being full of joy and hope.

As parents, we must make sure we are not one of the factors leading to this condemnation, but that we are their source of encouragement and motivation, and that we point them to always turn their eyes upon Jesus and not just on the report card.

Of course it is good and wonderful if they do well, but what matters most is that they gave it their best shot. As they do the natural, God will do the supernatural! Our kids have the grace and favour of our LORD Jesus Christ- that cannot be earned. Looking back at what a basket case I was, and where He has carried me to despite all of my past, I know I can have the shalom that my kids too will come out great.

Why? Because Jer 29:11 promises that His thoughts to us are of GOOD not evil, and that He will keep us in His Shalom and bring us to an expected end. Our expected end is VICTORY because we are more than conquerors in Christ. So instead of tearing our kids down before and after an exam, let us build them up no matter what we see in the natural, we keep building and speaking over them and loving them so that His perfect will for them will manifest as our kids see what they are heirs to.

So that our children will prosper as their soul prospers... and that, I believe, is the shalom that the world cannot give! Shalom is that beautiful grace-filled revelation of His perfect love for us that will drive away every shred of fear and doubt and anxiety in their lives! Amen?

How to Succeed at BEING YOURSELF - Joyce Meyer

2009-10-24T12:42:00.001+08:00

t’s tough to enjoy life when you don’t like yourself. People who haven’t learned to accept and get along with themselves tend to have more difficulty accepting and getting along with others. Yet, the Bible repeatedly tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” I personally spent years having a hard time getting along with people, until I finally realized through the Word of God how my difficulty with other people was actually “rooted” in my difficulties with myself.

The Bible says a good tree will bear good fruit, and a rotten tree will bear rotten fruit. Likewise, the “fruit” of our lives comes from the “root” within us. If you're rooted in shame, guilt, inferiority, rejection, lack of love and acceptance, etc., the fruit of your relationships will suffer. However, once you have a revelation of God’s unconditional love for you and begin to accept yourself and others, eventually these new roots will produce good fruit, and your relationships will thrive.

Here are a few tips I believe will help you succeed at being yourself.

1. Never say or think negative things about yourself, such as, "I never do anything right." “I'll never change.” “I'm ugly.” “I look terrible.” “I'm dumb.” “Who could ever love me?” Matthew 12:37 says, ...by your words you will be justified..., and by your words you will be condemned…. Proverbs 23:7 says, …as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he. (KJV). In other words, the way we talk and think about ourselves reveals how we feel about ourselves.

2. Speak good things about yourself (as private confessions) in line with what the Word says about you. For example: "I am the righteousness of God in Christ.” “I am made acceptable in the Beloved.” “God created me and formed me with His own hands, and God doesn't make mistakes." I like starting the day making good confessions. Perhaps you can do this while you're driving to work or cleaning house. I also encourage you to look in the mirror and say out loud, "God loves and accepts you, and so do I." You may even try hugging yourself. This is beneficial to people who have lacked love and acceptance in their lives.

3. Never compare yourself with other people. God must love variety or He wouldn't have created us all differently—even down to our fingerprints. You'll never succeed at being yourself if you're trying to be like someone else. Other people can be a good example to you, but duplicating even their good traits will manifest differently through your individual personality.

4. Focus on your potential instead of your limitations. Actress Helen Hayes was told early in her career that if she were four inches taller she’d be the greatest actress of her time. Her coaches tried various methods of stretching her, but nothing increased her height. She refused to concentrate on the supposed limitation of being five feet tall and decided to concentrate on her potential. As a result, she was eventually cast as Mary, Queen of Scotland—one of the tallest queens who ever lived.

5. Find something you like to do that you do well, and do it over and over. If you spend your time doing things you're not good at, it’ll frustrate you and cause you to feel defeated and unsuccessful.

6. Have the courage to be different and deal with criticism. Be a God-pleaser, not a man-pleaser (see Galatians 1:10). If you dare to be different, you’ll have to expect some criticism. Going along with the crowd—when you know in your heart God’s leading you a different way—is one reason people don't succeed at being themselves. You won't like yourself very much if you go against your own convictions.

7. Don't let the way another person treats you determine your worth.

8. Keep your flaws in perspective. People with a high level of confidence have just as many weaknesses as people without confidence, but they concentrate on their strengths—not their flaws or weaknesses.

In conclusion, let me remind you of my opening statement: It’s tough to enjoy life when you don’t like yourself. When you learn to succeed at being yourself, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying life more fully.

Internet Identity Theft- one girl, many masks

2009-10-24T12:18:00.003+08:00

Welcome to the freaky world of identity theft.

I was randomly surfing on Cozy Cot about the latest Liese Bubble Hair Colour when I stepped into the rabbit hole and surfaced to see so many articles about this young 19yo girl who "chain identity thefts". Freaky.

Her name is Jowenn Yeo.

What she's done is created multiple personas online with other people's photos. Try to keep up:

- She pretends to be this happily married young mum with one kid and expecting another one soon (Belle Ng - her profile pic is of another blogger called "J" - to keep her privacy, using initials).

- As Belle Ng, she stole pics off V's blog and claims V's daughter is her own! She then set up Twitter acc for herself, her "hubby Ervin" and her "kid"! She names her "kid" Elssa Tan Le Xuan. The little girl's real name is Wen Xuan. =pp

- She starts up another blog as Evabelle with diff profile pic and uses V's daughter's photo again to claim as her own. She also claims to be married to E's friend (see below) Dowell Lim (who doesnt know her) in this blog.

- She stalked this other blogger called E for 4 years, copied her dressing (very "Single White Female", if you know the movie) and even uses personal photos E takes for her Twitpic!! =p As her true (subjective hor) self, she creates some social networking/blogging acc in Hi5 copying E's first name and adopting it as her own!! She even claims on this website that she is 21, but she is 19.

- She took E's niece's photo and twitpic as her own niece's pics or something. And as Evabelle, I think she also used the same girl's photo and claim it as pics of the same "fake kid" of hers.

This girl just can't live her life as herself! E and V recently did an expose of what she's been up to. V said that Jowenn apparently bought some clothes from her, and recently asked for a refund claiming she is going overseas. V did so but E told her according to Jowenn's Twitpic, Jowenn was enjoying some Mac Delivery makan on the same day refund took place, on the same day that she claimed she was leaving SG. =pp

Perhaps Jowenn is

1) Schizo - then she really needs medical help

2) Insecure about her life or looks (adoi)

3) Has huge crushes on both Ervin and Dowell for afar, enough to pretend to have a "real" life of "wedded bliss" with both guys (still a bit creepy dun u think to pretend online and create facebook/ blog/ twitter accounts and a whole "universe" for the game of pretence?!?!)

4) Is desperate to have kids (at 19???)

5) Comes from a broken family, lacks attention

Whatever it is, she needs help. =pp

It is very sad but it seems the internet is rife with such cases and they are mostly teenage girls who are "copying" popular bloggers or something. ^.^""

Removing the Question Mark releases FAITH - Charles Capps

2009-10-24T11:51:00.001+08:00

When it comes to receiving from God, the will of God must be known before faith can be released. Everything hinges on knowing what we believe and believing what we know is the will of God. In Matthew 21, Jesus gave us valuable information about receiving through faith.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:21-22)

When it comes to the prayer of petition, if a person doesn’t know the will of God concerning their request, they can’t possibly pray the prayer of faith concerning that matter. Faith comes from hearing and knowing the will of God. If there is a question concerning God’s will, your faith will always stop at the question mark. There are several instances in Jesus’ ministry where everyone in the multitude who touched Jesus was healed. Then in other places everyone that Jesus touched received their healing. But in Mark chapter 1:40-42, we have a classic example of how faith stops at the question mark.

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

The leper had great faith that Jesus could make him clean. But the phrase, If thou wilt reveals that he had a question as to whether He would or not. Jesus being moved with compassion, laid His hands on him, but nothing happened. The lepers’ faith could go no further than his knowledge of this matter. But as soon as Jesus revealed His will concerning the matter the leper received his healing. So you can see how important it is to know the will of God. Sometimes it is a matter of life or death. Sometimes, especially in the Old Testament, you find statements which are somewhat confusing. When the scribes copied the scriptures, they would often write their own ideas and thoughts in the margins. Sometimes these were put into the scripture, but most of the time they were in italics.

Old Testament Mentality

Dr. Robert Young’s Analytical Concordance states; The active voice in the Hebrew many times only gives permission. There are places in the Old Testament where it was translated in a causative sense when God only permitted certain events to happen. For instance I Samuel 16:14-- But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. Why did God permit it an evil spirit to come upon King Saul? Because Saul permitted it to happen. Don’t blame God, because He doesn’t have an evil spirit. Some say that God allowed Adam to sin. But actually He did everything he could do to stop him when he told him not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of blessing and calamity. The day thou eatest thereof, thou shall surely die (Genesis 2:17). God had given man authority over the earth and by acting on his own will he disobeyed God. There is a great difference in what God permits and what he commits. But in the Old Testament, the Hebrew mind didn’t see it that way. In their way of thinking, If God permitted, he committed it and they were not interested in secondary causes. It was not God’s will for David to number Israel by counting the number of fighting men. Yet, in 2 Samuel the scripture seems to say that God moved him to number Israel. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel and he moved David against them to say, Go number Israel and Judah. (2 Samuel 24:1) If God told him not to do it and then God moved him to do it, there is something wrong with this picture. The way that sentence is written it sounds like God did it. But, it wasn’t God at all. 1 Chronicles 21 plainly states that Satan moved David to go number Israel. Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel. (1 Chronicles 21:1) The writer’s reasoning seemed to be if God permitted David to do it, then God did it.But God is always consistent with His Word for it makes up His will. In Isaiah we have another classic example of this attitude or mentality.

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. (Isaiah 6:9-10)

This is a hard saying. Is it really saying God closed their eyes so they couldn’t see, and their ears so they couldn’t hear to be converted and healed? We must remember how this is expressed in the way they perceived God’s dealing with Israel. It could be that they understood what they were saying, but so many times the reader doesn’t and it brings confusion and questions. You will get a distorted image of God if you don’t understand these statements. How do we know what’s right? What should we do when we find a scripture like this which is contrary to what we know about God and is inconsistent with His character? The first thing we should do is go to the New Testament and read the Red Print. Jesus said he that hath seen me hath seen the Father”. We know that He only spoke what the Father told him to say (John 12:49). So, to find the absolute final
authority of the matter, we should find out what Jesus said about it. There are a few places where even New Testament writers quote from the Old Testament causing this mentality to bleed over into the gospels. An example is found in John 12 where the writer quotes Isaiah.

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. (John 12:39-40)

John is quoting Isaiah 6:9-10. It sounds like he is convinced that God blinded their eyes because that’s the way it reads in Isaiah. However, the truth comes out in Matthew 13, after Jesus had given the parable of the sower. The disciples asked why He spoke to them in parables? The answer is given in verses 11-14:

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they
hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

The King James renders Isaiah 6:9 make the heart of this people fat, make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes. But Jesus said the people’s heart is waxed gross (stupid), their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed. (Matthew 13:15) They didn’t want to know the truth. The reason he was speaking in parables was because they had already closed their eyes to the truth and didn’t have ears that were willing to hear. Notice the compassion in Jesus’ statement (allow me to paraphrase): If they would just open their eyes to the truth and listen with their ears; the truth would change their hearts, then they would understand and be converted, and I would heal them. He was willing to heal them but couldn’t because their eyes were closed to the truth and their
rebellious hearts were against God’s Word.

Look for the Intent of God's Word

The message in Isaiah 6 was written in a way that doesn’t convey to us the real intent of God’s message. But in Matthew 13, Jesus removed any question about the true intent of the words of Isaiah 6:9. Now let’s look at another confirmation concerning this matter by examining a few of
Paul’s statements concerning the gospel he preached.

I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12)

It is then a reasonable assumption that if he received his revelation from Jesus, he should have been preaching the same message Jesus preached concerning these prophetic utterances found in Isaiah 6:9. Paul alludes to this same scripture in Acts 28:25-27:

Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

This is almost word for word what Jesus said. There is no doubt they both conveyed the true intent of God’s message to Israel. Many things in the Old Testament are misunderstood because they were expressed in a causative sense, which does not make clear the intent of the message. In I Samuel 16:14 we find another difficult passage:

But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.

Here again we must take into account the Old Testament mentality: (If God permits it, He commits it.) But we know God doesn’t have an evil spirit. Verse 21 reveals that the evil spirit was driven out by the anointing of God. This is proof enough that the evil spirit wasn’t from God. The Hebrew says that it was a melancholy spirit. Many times when people are under conviction, they rebel against the work of the Holy Spirit and they get worse. The Holy Spirit was dealing with Saul and being rebellious, he yielded to an evil spirit. Here again we have an example of something God allowed because Saul himself allowed the evil spirit to affect him. It was expressed in a way that does not reveal the true intent of the meaning for us today. A thorough study of God’s Word will reveal that God does not have and never has had an evil spirit. Yet He will allow you to have one, if you are in rebellion and choose to yield to an evil spirit. It seems that God has no choice but to allow what you allow (see Genesis 1:26-28).

Did God Create Darkness?

Many have asked, What about Isaiah 45:7, ‘I form the light, and create darkness’? The truth is that God created the earth to rotate on its axis so that it is dark on the other side of the earth and light on this side, but He did not create evil darkness. How do we know that he didn’t? I John 1:5 reveals that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. Since God is light, how could He create darkness? We know that darkness is the absence of light. To create darkness God would have to put Himself out. Where the ultimate light source exists there can be no darkness. Isaiah 45:7 also says, I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these [things]. Several things could have been involved here. Remember the mentality: If God permits it, he commits it. God permits evil only in the sense that He doesn’t always keep it from happening. He has to allow it because of man’s choice in the Garden of Eden. Adam chose the knowledge of blessing and calamity. He even had a legal right (yet not a moral right) to make the wrong choice because God had given him dominion.

In Genesis 1:31, God saw everything that He had made, and it was very good revealing that He made nothing evil. Sometimes the scriptures refer to punishment or judgment as evil. You will notice in the Bible before the days of grace, God did at times bring severe judgment on His people. The writers sometimes alluded to that judgment as evil from the Lord, when it was actually a just recompense of reward. It was called evil because it certainly wasn’t good news to the wicked (see Jeremiah 18:8-11). God didn’t create evil, but He had to allow it because man joined up with it
when he sinned. There is a scripture in Isaiah 3 which alludes to the recompense of reward which will come to both the wicked and the righteous.

The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! For they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! It shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. (Isaiah 3:9-11)

James 1:13 says: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. If God created evil, then He in effect has tempted every man. But the scripture states: But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed. If there was no evil, no one could lust after it because it would be non-existent.

James 1:17 gives more insight about God’s character. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Notice that God is not called the Father of darkness, but the Father of lights. If he created darkness, why isn’t he referred to as the Father of light and darkness? The answer is obvious. IN HIM IS NO VARIABLENESS NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING FROM THAT WHICH IS GOOD AND PERFECT. God did not create evil, but rather permitted it only because Adam and Eve chose it in the garden. They chose the knowledge of blessing and calamity and evil is what brings calamity.

The good news is that Jesus gives us the dividing line of the Bible in John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have (it) more abundantly. John said that the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth was given by Jesus Christ, (John 1:17). Jesus was full of grace and truth. God’s Word is truth. So, when questions surface in your study of the Bible which seems to be inconsistent with other parts of God’s Word, don’t be so quick to accept what it seems to imply without a thorough search for the true intent of the scripture. Remember Jesus said: If ye continue in my word, (then) are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

Here is the bottom line of this whole matter. The knowledge of the true intent of God’s Word will remove question marks which has hindered your faith in days past. The knowledge of that truth will cause you to rise up in faith and possess what God has provided for you through His exceedingly great precious promises.

Quote:
If there is a question concerning God’s will, your faith will always stop at the question mark.

The Power of Decision - Annette Capps (Charles Capps' daughter)

2009-10-24T11:42:00.000+08:00

Life is full of choices.

Everyday we encounter countless opportunities to make small decisions and sometimes very important decisions. Occasionally, what may seem like a very insignificant choice makes the difference between tragedy and a life fulfilled. Your life today is the sum total of all the decisions you have made in your lifetime. Large and small, these decisions make up your beliefs, attitudes, and values. A decision to quit your job out of anger may have left you struggling to feed yourself. The decision to continue your education may have led to opportunities to secure a wonderful, well paying career.

Most of the time, we place great emphasis on those Big Decisions, when in reality it is the day to day choices of being steadfast in values that has led you to where you are today.

In Deuteronomy 30:19 (Amp) the Lord said, I call Heaven and earth to witness this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live;

Choosing life and blessing is not a one time choice; it is a choice you encounter in every decision. With every circumstance, there is a choice that leads to life. Even though you may not be able to discern which path leads to life, the Holy Spirit has been given to guide you into all truth. Every time you feel an impression of the Holy Spirit, you have the choice to act or not act on that impression.

Faith or Fear

Every decision you make is made either out of faith or out of fear. Now you may doubt this, but if you look at it a little closer, I believe you will agree. I have made many decisions in my life based upon avoidance. In other words, I chose to do something because it was the safest route. My motivation for deciding for one path was because I was afraid of the consequences of the other path. It was based upon what might happen. I was not fully persuaded that I was taking the path God wanted or even what I wanted, but the path that was reasonably the least likely to be problematic. Imagine what would have happened if Caleb and Joshua had used that logic! The other spies had decided it would be better for the children of Israel to stay where they were than to go after the blessing. It would take faith and hard work, but Caleb and Joshua’s motivation was faith that God was well able to go before them and prepare the way.

It is so very important to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, to pay attention to the promptings you feel in your spirit. Even if you make a mistake in your logic or reasoning, a decision made out of faith will lead to life and blessing! I like the confession my father makes based on Psalm 1:3, I am like a tree planted by the rivers of living water. I bring forth fruit in my season, my leaf shall not wither and whatever I do will prosper. God makes even my mistakes to prosper!

There is no decision that you have made that cannot be turned around by repenting and making choices in faith with the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are always consequences to any decision, but choosing life and blessing leads in the way of righteousness, peace, and joy.

Practical Decision Making

How do you make a good decision? If you are at a crossroads and are having difficulty seeing the right way or identifying the leading of the Holy Spirit, consider these two issues.

(1) You may not have enough information.
(2) There is a delay in the timing.

If possible, always gather as much information as possible about your choices. The quality of decision you make is tied to the amount of knowledge you have at the time, so arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can about the situation. Let’s say you are considering buying a house. You would want information about the price, the neighborhood, the structure of the house, if the title is clear and you might want to talk to the neighbors themselves. Very important is that you actually go on the property and see what it feels like. Do you have peace about it? If it seems that this is your dream house, but you feel somewhat uncomfortable about something, then dig for more information and wait.

Several years ago, I was in the process of leasing office space. It seemed like an ideal situation, but I didn’t feel totally peaceful about it. I waited and kept asking questions and after a week I found out that if I signed the sublease I would be responsible to pay for repairs made by the previous tenant. Those repairs amounted to several thousand dollars.

Timing is often something that must be considered. When I purchased my first home, the realtor was pushing for me to get financing secured immediately. I didn’t have peace about the process, so I delayed for a few days and the Holy Spirit directed me to someone who financed the house for 4% less than the current rate.

Examining Previous Decisions

We can all learn from our mistakes and it is often profitable to examine decisions that we made that resulted in unwanted results. A lesson for all of us, so called bad decisions can be helpful when we sincerely question what caused us to make that choice. Hopefully, we learn from our bad decisions and don’t make the same mistakes when we are 50 that we did when we were 20. Life experiences educate us with a wealth of knowledge about how the world works. When knowledge, wisdom, and experience have been added to your life, there will be great advantage in decision making.

You can re-evaluate and ask yourself, Why did I do that? As opposed to beating yourself over the head, ask:

Did I make that decision out of faith or fear?
What motivated me to choose this?
Is this a pattern I have repeated?

Cut yourself some slack if you are looking at a decision made years ago. Based on what you knew at the time, did you do the best you could? Would things have turned out differently if you had waited a little longer?

The wisdom of God can manifest in our lives many different ways, through the Word, by the Holy Spirit, a word spoken by a friend. It can also manifest by asking God to show us our mistakes clearly so that we can focus on making powerful decisions for our future. A continual series of small choosings shape our life daily. Through the guidance of the Spirit, we can make quality decisions based on the integrity of the Word of God.

Quotes:

Your life today is the sum total of all the decisions you have made in your lifetime.

Every decision you make is made either out of faith or out of fear.

The quality of decision you make is tied to the amount of knowledge you have at the time.

Thoughts on Legend of the Seeker

2009-10-24T02:39:00.002+08:00

Hmmm watching it with the hubby now and going "Eh?!?!?!"

Is it just me and hubby, or does the story borrow symbolisms etc from the bible and some Christian/Catholic elements?

Sword of Truth (aka Bible)
Seeker (Seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto ye)
Confessor (very RC... hubby and I LOL-ed and went NUNS?! at the same time)

In fact how the first born kids were slain etc was very reminiscent of the birth of Christ. =p

I am not saying it is a Christian story, I am just bemused how RPG stories love to borrow from The Word itself.

"He's got the sword and the book!" - Kahlan (Aiya her name's pronounced the exact same way as Kaelen's name!!! Grumble, grumble...)

Ah well, I also got the sword and the book mah... and I too am a Seeker... a Seeker of His Word =)

The Favour Minded Christian =)

2009-10-24T02:26:00.000+08:00

This article "The Favour Minded Mum" is by Joel Osteen and is from his book "Your Best Life Now for Moms". I found it to be such a enjoyable read and very encouraging. =D

I hope you enjoy the reading of the write up and I look forward to your sharing on this post.

On Spiritual Reality (reflections on Watchman Nee excerpt)

2009-10-19T02:44:00.000+08:00

(If the youtube embed doesn't appear, the vlog can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-zXShN0zaw)

Once more seeing His truth in the Mandarin language

2009-10-19T01:58:00.006+08:00

I was looking at my blog today when the Mandarin deciphered box showed this word- 忿, or anger. It sparked my curiosity once more to look at my Mother tongue to know my LORD and King better.

I find it interesting that the word for "anger 忿" in mandarin is made of the two elements that are “divided 分” and “heart 心”.

Do you notice how when you are angry your heart feels kinda messy? Like it's here but not exactly here, there but not exactly there either. For eg. You had a bad day at work and you get home. The kid is rambling excitedly about his day in school. You're mulling over work problems and his very loud and excited chatter gets on your already frayed nerves, so you scold the child and then you regret almost instantly.

A person who is angry is not focused on the love of Daddy God. One is focused on his/her problems and as a result he/she is stuck in the past whilst living out the moment. He/she is neither focused on the victory ahead, or the present and how one can make a change to the future still by living out the present to the best of his/her abilities.

This inability to let go and let God, and live out the now without regretting yesterday nor worrying about tomorrow causes more problems to surface.

That is why the bible tells us to be single minded.

When we are split in our thinking we can't have faith too. Our mind is divided between faith and the temptation to doubt - esp when things do not seem to get better.

Let's look at another word that is the antithesis of anger, which imho is peace.

The word for peace (安静) is formed of two "pictures". The first, 安, is the pictograph of a kneeling woman (女) under a roof. The second, 静, is the pictograph of two elements that, according to zhongwen.com, are basically to think vividly and pull at the truth. =)

When we are faced with circumstances that are upsetting, the best thing to do is to go into a room to spend some quiet time with the LORD (to abide in Him), and to think vividly about His goodness, and to pull at His truth (seek His Word). =D

Another word similar to peace is calm or 沉静. The second word is the same as the second half of the word above, so let's look at the first word. 沉 is formed with the water 水 element and means to be submerged. When we are calm, we are submerged in the Holy Spirit (which is biblicaly represented by water). So to be calm is to be submerged in the Holy Spirit and to think vividly about His goodness, and to pull at His truth. =)

Over the recent months I've looked back at my responses to certain events in my life and realised that I've started to react differently to things. In comparison to a K-drama emo-mama reaction, I've become calmer. My boat rocks still, but I am not turning blue from motion sickness. And it's all because I know Christ is my all in all. Now, established on His unconditional love for me, I have no more fear or anxiety. I know I can trust in His perfect time, His perfect happening, and His perfect plan for me. I know, even when I feel alone, that I am not. I know, even when I am down, that I am in the midst of the storm, but that the path of the righteous can only get brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. ^.^

I no longer focus on things I want but on Him, as my provider. And it is when I focus on Christ, my provider, that everything falls into place. This has happened time and time again. Every time when things are harder than usual, I lean on Him and it all works out fine.

Perhaps it is revealing when we look at the Mandarin word for anxiety- 急. The word is formed of two elements heart and attain. Now when our heart is on attaining things all the time, we tend to feel anxious and stressed out.

Thus, it is crucial to be peaceful. This can be represented by another word 平. It is formed of the elements exhale and separate. Pastor Prince has told us that grace is represented by the Hebrew word "Heh" which is like when you exhale. When we exhale, we let go and let Grace take control, we abide and stay set apart in Him.

Isn't it interesting how all the words mentioned here, in the Mandarin language and that are related to peace and being calm, all point back to the Cross, to Christ? =D

Shalom! Have a blessed week ahead!

Love this song

2009-10-19T00:07:00.002+08:00

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
And what I know of love

We've done what we've done and we can't erase it
We are what we are and it's more than enough
We have what we have but it's no substitution

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm made of
And what I know of love

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Ooohhh...
Your dreams inspire
Ooohhh...
Your face a memory
Ooohhh...
Your hope a fire
Ooohhh...

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
Your courage asks me what I am made of
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
And what I know of God,
And what I know of God.

- Sara Groves

An exercise in standing on the Joy of the LORD. =)

2009-10-17T18:35:00.003+08:00

Saturday seems to be streaking by too fast- like Flash on a double shot of expresso. I have 2 concept papers to write for 2 drama series, a kid to tutor before his impending exams, and it doesn't help my "Da Yi Ma" has chosen this time to visit me. I have a throbbing headache and feel so lethargic. And the hubby and I had a little talk about teaching the kid bike riding. =p

Outside, the weather is the complete opposite of my slate grey mood- clear blue skies, golden sunshine...

Today is what we all know as "one of those days". Some people call it being "under the weather".

On such days, I just want to metaphorically throw myself on the floor like a tired, little kid and whine and kick up a fuss. On such days I feel I can't manage a smile because it feels hard.

And you know this is the best time to actually give praises to Daddy God! =)

"Siao ah (Are you nuts?)! What is there to praise God for lor?"

Well, everything! The fact that I have 2 concept papers to write, a kid to tutor, a husband to walk this journey with, a perfect laundry weather- hey, weren't these the same things I griped about earlier?

You see, you don't need to look hard to find things to praise God for- you just need to go ahead and praise Him and you'll see them- plain as day. But usually it is the unpleasant things in life that try to steal the limelight with their brash, rude and painful characteristics.

It is when you are down that you need to offer up a sacrifice of praise. As you praise Him, as you sing that praise and worship song, He reminds you of all the goodness in your life outside of your problems. He shows you the true nature of your problems - that it is this really super, duper, teeny, weeny little issue versus the HUGE, GIGANTUM OBSTACLE it looked like from the wrong perspective. As you praise, perhaps a little begrudgingly at first if you are being a grumpy smurf, your heart fills with helium-like lightness. It fills with joy and folks, if you don't know this by now, remember it well - the joy of the LORD is your strength!

Precisely when we are weak, that we praise that He is strong and He is strong for us. We rejoice in our weakness because as we rejoice we become stronger- not by our might, or our strength, but by His Spirit!

Yes, as I blog I can see the grey clouds lift a little and still a little bit more and more and more! =)

Sure, I have writer's block right now but I fear not for I have the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit is my inspiration. I have a creative Daddy in Heaven and I have His creative genes! =D

Gonna just let go for a moment and let Him instruct me. See you all later. I am heading downstairs to watch the kid learn cycling and bringing some beverages to the hubby and him. No point sulking in my room like the girl with a little curl in the middle of her forehead. No bah humbugs for me. =)

Christ is my all in all, so I am more than abundantly prosperous in every area of my life.

WOOHOO! =D

I have praised myself happy. Daddy God is an awesome God! =D

Praise God for perfect timing and the safety of His protection

2009-10-17T13:27:00.002+08:00

The place we were at, when Ian was hospitalised last month, was really shaken by yesterday's tremors. I praise God from the depths of my heart that when we were there, and the first one amongst the recent string of quakes happened, it was far away from us. I recall watching the news with Ian and feeling so sorry for the villagers whose lives were deeply affected by the quake.

After we left Indon, the quakes have been shaking the area we were at more intensively. Yesterday a massive quake rocked West Java where we were at.

Cilegon was the place where Ian was hospitalised. And we were shooting along the Sunda Straits. Abba Daddy God really has us hedged in in His protection. =) See the news article below?

Be encouraged dear ones! God is for you so who can be against you? =) Nothing in the natural can overwrite the supernatural power of our Abba Father that is in you, over you, surrounding you. Not even a ring of fire. =) Amen? All glory to Christ Jesus! =D

Strong 6.4-magnitude quake rocks Indonesia
Posted: 16 October 2009 1810 hrs

CILEGON, Indonesia - A powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Java island on Friday, shaking office buildings in Jakarta and sparking panic closer to the epicentre, officials said.

The quake struck off the coast near Ujung Kulon, about 260 kilometres (162 miles) west of the capital Jakarta, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, Indonesian officials said.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was of 6.5-magnitude and only 187 kilometres west-southwest of Jakarta, at a depth of 55.6 kilometres in the Sunda Strait.

Office towers in Jakarta bounced and swayed for about two minutes and people were seen moving calmly into the streets as a precaution.

In Cilegon on the west Java coast, residents said the earth shook powerfully and some people ran from their homes, but there was no evidence of major damage.

"There was strong shaking for less than a minute. There was a lot of panic," said 38-year-old teacher Warca Dinata, who lives in a coastal village near Ujung Kulon.

"We all ran out of our homes but now everything is OK."

Geophysics Agency technical chief Suharjono told AFP the quake was the result of movement in the same plate that triggered a 7.6-magnitude quake on September 30, killing more than 1,000 people on Sumatra island.

But he said it was impossible to say whether the two events were related.

"We're not sure if the recent quake in West Sumatra and the current one are related. But the epicentres are in the same block... due to a clash between the Indo-Australian and Euro-Asian plates," he said.

Indonesia lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity that produces hundreds of earthquakes a year.

A Special Evening

2009-10-15T21:56:00.001+08:00

My dear ones enjoying dinner together... It's mum's birthday. :)

Ever youthful Mum

2009-10-15T21:43:00.001+08:00

Our birthday girl. My mum's 59 but you can't tell, can you? ;)

Happy birthday, Mummy! :)

2009-10-15T21:37:00.001+08:00

Mummy and I on her birthday. First time we've done this handphone photo thing. :) She looks so young right?

K tries new makan

2009-10-13T20:17:00.001+08:00

K discovers satay. Initially he protested, but now he is just whacking it. Lol.

Blessings in a bag...

2009-10-13T08:38:00.001+08:00

Check this website out. Location of photo? Next to the Youth Park. It's near Taka and Cineleisure.

Learning how to help

2009-10-13T08:19:00.002+08:00

I've come to learn, over the years, that when we counsel and provide a listening ear, we must always lean on Christ for the wisdom to let Him take over when we cannot.

We just have to trust that He knows how to help the person. He is the Creator after all, and we must not feel like it is our duty to solve someone's problem or get them to see things exactly the way we do- right now, right here.

There are indeed times of such breakthrough; other times, our purpose, perhaps is more to plant a seed that might take root and blossom later on when someone else, or someoneS else, water it with an insight, action or sharing.

As gardeners in His field, we all take turns sowing, watering, fertilizing, weeding, harvesting; and it's very important to remember that only He can help the flower blossom in its perfect season- ie. in His perfect time.

Don't lose heart if someone you help doesn't get your point, or is thinking of giving up. It's not your fault... It's easy, right then, for the devil to cause you to feel guilt and condemnation. So you must stand on Daddy God's Word- there is now no condemnation in Christ.

The best thing to do then, imho, is to just listen and pray victory over their situation. Don't feel you must trouble shoot. It's not by your strength or might. Precisely then you must lean on His Spirit and guidance.

Discern if the person is open to prayer, if not pray in your personal space, then let go and let God. You're not doing your loved one a favour if you too cling to the problem and the negative emotion.

I will not trust my arm of flesh, upon Your Word I stand

2009-10-12T18:25:00.001+08:00

As a believer, I find one of the challenges I used to face is that of learning to trust Daddy God and what He can do supernaturally, and not so much what I can bring to the table base on my own strength. I worry less these days, but there are times when the good old panic rises a little bit before I quell it with a simple spoken Word- His Word, not mine.

When finances dip low, Wee (pardon the pun) do the natural - I write scripts, Ian does his work, Kaelen does his best in school, we go on holidays, we worship and we believe - and we trust that He will do the supernatural. And you know what? He has never failed to pull us through. Never, not once, has he failed us.

But it was not always like that. I remember times we used to worry, and I am sure we were not alone.

How many of us still tend of panic?

When we panic, we start to play the blame game.

How long, LORD?

Why not yet, LORD?

When will this end, LORD?

We hold Him accountable to our concept of time, our perception of a solution, instead of giving Him the freedom (for He had given us the gift of free will to decide if we will control the steering wheel, or allow Him to steer) to free us from the things that bind us in His perfect time, in His perfect way.

The bible says His blessings bring with them NO SORROW.
And it is true.

Here's an example from my life-

When I found out I was pregnant out of wedlock, I felt scared.

The devil immediately used my fear against me, playing the cards of guilt, condemnation and anxiety. These then led me to think stupid thoughts like abortion, suicide... thoughts of hopelessness.

I did not once stop to think that my Daddy God was mighty to save; that He could take this situation that meant to stumble me and turn it into an amazing blessing. Even though my friend's mum tried to calm me down, all I said was "I have no choice."

Of course I did, but I refused to acknowledge that there was an option other than fear.

I had blinders on. I couldn't see anything else but doom. I was like a spooked horse, running from what I could not see but feared regardless.

It was only when He made me stop to think that I realised what I had was a life in me- Not an object, not an obstacle.

And when I saw Kaelen - that adorable bump on the wall of my womb- I fell into grace.

I fell into the arms of grace, into the arms of His unconditional love.

And I knew, in me, was a seed that could blossom into a beautiful blessing. Even though I was afraid, He had planted a hope in me and an understanding of His love for me.

And today, I look at Kae and shudder to think of what could have happened had I trusted my arm of flesh to pluck that seed out from my heart soil, my womb. I would have lost more than myself.

Today, when I sing the praise and worship song in Church, I truly understand what it means-
"I will not trust my arm of flesh, upon Your Word I stand."

His Word promises that His blessings will bring with them no sorrow; His Word promises that He knows His plans for me and He has declared them to be plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. And His Word also promises that they will never return to Him void.

Indeed, upon His Word- not my word, not my feelings, not my strength- I stand; for it is the ONLY unfailing love and unwavering promise that I can rely on yesterday, today and forever.

Lyrics from "The Perfect Offering"

2009-10-12T17:00:00.003+08:00

The Perfect Offering

Your single sacrifice
Removed my sins forever
Boldly I draw near to worship You
Your selfless act of love
Perfected me forever
Justified I rise to honour You

Now with unveiled eyes
I behold Your glory
The beauty of Your face is all I see

I worship You, I worship You
Hallelujah, exalted, risen King
I worship You, I worship You
Hallelujah, You're the perfect offering.

- Words and music by Karen Lim

Speak Peace

Though I go through waters and I walk through fire
I'll not be dismayed nor will I be afraid
For You will deliver, You will provide
Your arm is mighty to save

Though I walk through moments of weakness and pain
Your faithfulness rises as sure as the Sun
You are my shepherd, and know me by name
You carry me in Your arms

I'm not my own, I am bought with a price
Hidden in you I know victory is mine

I will give thanks Jesus, I'll guard my heart
As you fight my battles, speak peace to the storm

Hallelujah (x5)

You will deliver, You will provide
Your arm is mighty to save

- Words and music by Karen Lim

You Are

You are the Word that heals
Restore the broken in heart
My comfort's found at Your cross
Youyr love has paid the cost

You are the One I praise
Your love's the anthem I raise
Through blood that flowed once for all
You broke the power of death

You are the Lamb of God
In You salvation is found
Let every tongue now confess
That Jesus, You are LORD

Let everything within me, LORD
Lift up Your name forevermore
Saviour, You reign with grace and power
Your finished work has conquered all

- Words and music by Sean Goh

Covenant

Surely You were broken
So that I may be whole
Surely You were beaten
So that grace may unfold
As I look at the Cross
I remember You
How my healing was brought
At the price of Your wounds

Surely You were wounded
Precious blood was spilled
Surely You were forsaken
For my sake You endured
Tears from heaven fell
As You were whipped and scourged
My forgiveness was sealed
By this covenant in blood

I thank You LORD, I thank the LORD
You are the Lamb of God
Who takes away my sin
No longer I but you live in me
As You are so am I in this world

As I eat of Your body
I remember You
As I drink of Your blood
I see my life removed

- Words and music by Karen Lim

My Abba

You know the plans You have for me
You will complete Your work in me
My name's engraved upon Your heart

You sacrificed Your Son for me
Atoning blood has pardoned me
Because of Christ, I am Your child

I'll be still, know that You are God
By Your Spirit I cry

My Abba, My father
You'll love me forever
My future's secure in Your hands
You're crowned me with glory to worship You only
To none else will I bow my heart
For You are my Abba, my God

- Words and music by Karen Lim

My King

The heavens stood still at Calvary's hill
You shed Your blood as my ransom price
You took my place, my sin and disgrace
Upon the cross where You became

The Lamb that was slain
Now risen, You reign

You are my King, Your praises I sing
Your love has rescued me from the grave
I lift up Your name, declare it again
You are forever worthy, Lord

Jesus, You reign
Forever King of all

- Words and music by Sean Goh

Name Above All Names

Just as I am I come before You
With no pretence I draw near
You made a way through the Cross
My redemption's secure
My Saviour

If not for Your grace, how can I stand
To worship You with my heart and strength

Yours is the name above all names
Every knee shall bow, every tongue proclaim
Yours is the name I live to praie
Jesus, worthy is Your name
Jesus, worthy is Your name

Name above all names (x4)

Jesus, worthy is Your name (x4)

- Word and music by Karen Lim

Because of Your Blood

At the cross You bore
My frailty and shame
You who knew no sin
Consumed God's wrath for man

At the cross You wept
The God of heaven veiled His face
So that I could rest
In Your righteousness and grace

From the grave you rose
Knowing it is done
Death has been defied
Grace and mercy won

Because of Your blood
And Your finished work
There is therefore now no condemnation

- Words and music by Karen Lim

Saviour of Undeserving

Saviour of the undeserving
You have beckoned me with love
You designed all heaven's glory
Yet you came, restored my worth

Majesty stripped of all honour
Man of sorrows on that tree
The God who fashioned nature's wonders
Yet you stooped to rescue me

This is love, spoken through Your brokeness
This is grace, crowning me with righteousness

You are the God who loves
You are the God who gives
Salvation, favour, victory as I stand and see
You are the God I love
You are the God I give
All honour, glory, adoration for eternity

- Words and music by Karen Lim

Living Word

Living Word, You came
Speaking hope into my world
You change me
Living truth, You are
Light and glory to my soul
You fill me

I will not trust my arm of flesh
Upon Your Word I stand

Jesus, Your grace has raised me up
Jesus, Your truth has set me free
To worship and adore You, Lord
For all You are to me

I trust in You, abide in You
My hope, my strength

- Words and music by Karen Lim

Always

I will live my every day
Knowing I'm forever saved
Because I have been justified
When for me, Lord, You came
You shed Your blood for all my sins
Died for me and rose again

For You have set me free
To lift my voice and sing Your praises, Lord

I shout out loud
Make a joyful sound
For everything that You've done for me
Lord, I give You praise
For Your unending love
Let everything in me bless Your name
Always!

- Words and music by Sean Goh

Lord Of All My Days

You are the truth, the light, the way
My trust is in the power of Your name
And if Your promises so true
It's not about all that I am
But all to do with who You are to me
And all that You have done

You saved me 'cos You loved me
Your grace gave me the highest way
Now I live by Your life in me
I am found in You always
LIfting my voice to give You praise
To You and You alone
The LORD of all my days

- Words and music by Sean Goh

I See Grace (studio recording)

Jesus my help, I call on Your name
I cast my cares on You
Jesus, my hope, my tower of strength
My faith is found in You

Bearer of sin, afflicted, and tried
You paid redepmption's price
Bearing my curse, You've set me on high
Your death has brought me life

I see You pierced, wounded for me
When I look to the Cross I see

I see grace, sealed by Your sacrifice
I see love reaching for me
Precious blood washes and sanctifies
Healing flows, setting me free
I see grace

- Words and music by Karen Lim

Check out ROC Pizza

2009-10-11T18:08:00.001+08:00

01-109 Beach Road Market, otherwise known as Army Market, houses ROC Pizza or Relax One Corner Pizza. The Pizza is delightful- thin baked crusts, flavourful sauce and herbs, generous ingredients- it's everything good Italian Pizza should be. Really recommend it. The price is v.reasonable for its quality. Prices start from five bucks for an eight inch pizza and goes up to ten bucks max for a twelve inch-er. Prices vary according to the flavour but it's really yummy. :)

More Roc Pizza at Beach Road Market

2009-10-11T17:59:00.001+08:00

My delightful seafood pizza. Full of flavour, generously topped with fresh bits of squid and prawns.

Roc Pizza

2009-10-11T17:57:00.001+08:00

K enjoys the Hawaiian Pizza from Roc Pizza. Very delicious.

Good Food 1

2009-10-11T17:28:00.001+08:00

This pizza place at Beach Road market - ie. army market- serves pretty good italian pizza. The crust is nice and thin, and the topping's pretty generous. One thing i like is they peel the prawns for their seafood pizzas. :)

Good food 2

2009-10-11T17:27:00.001+08:00

Freshly made Belgium waffles also from the army market at Beach Road. Very yummy!

Anyone know what's this all about?

2009-10-10T23:31:00.001+08:00

We were heading to Cineleisure when we saw a mysterious sight.

Unlearning to learn

2009-10-10T11:48:00.003+08:00

Grasping our freedom in Christ involves as much un-learning as learning. - Andrew Farley

When I first came face to face with grace, I was shocked. Here was a message so very different from what I'd been told all my life as a Roman Catholic (that was not very convinced anyway that the Vatican was absolutely right, though like most RC-ers I had this inborn defensive nature to defend my religion even though I did not know completely what it was about at one stage).

Anyway, let me first make a disclaimer here before some folks misunderstand my writings in this post- I am not against the RC Church, the Anglican Church, the Methodist Church, or any denomination. I am simply for Christ. I just want people to know how much they are loved by their heavenly Father and how much good He wants to pour out on their lives through His unconditional love for them. I just want people to know that they are loved more than they think they are, that God is not a jealous, petty and angry dude who rains lightning down on His people.

In RC church I was told I had to make confessions for my sins and do penance for them, that I am still a sinner; face to face with His grace through His Word (reading the bible), He tells me that I am the righteousness of God in Christ, that I am forgiven and that He freed me the moment I called Him my Saviour. God no longer sees Geraldine-in-sin, He sees Geraldine-in-Christ; He sees Christ's righteousness over us. It is not about us obtaining our own righteousness. Andrew Farley speaks about how we confess a thousand sins but maybe there is a million we forget to confess, that's why forgiveness depends on His blood, not our words.

In RC church, the priest speaks about how he is offering a holy and living sacrifice at the altar he presides over in the church; face to face with His grace in His Word, I came to see that His Word says that He offered a perfect sacrifice once and for all when He died on the cross for us. No more sacrifices, He did it once and that was that.

It took a lot of unlearning of past rules and regulations and stuff to do for God (like the rosary - man when I read what Christ had to say about repetitive prayers, I stopped and thought about it hard)... and learning how to call God DADDY (some people think it is disrespectful but we call Him Abba and to the Jews, that is as endearing a term as Papa), learning how to be intimate with Daddy God, learning how much He loves us, learning what Christ's victory on the Cross truly obtained for us, learning Whose I am, Who I am because of Jesus's amazing grace.

It was tough for me all those years back, and I know it is not easy for a lot of us to understand the true, unadulterated message of grace that is written in the Word. If we would just ask the HS to reveal to us the truth and be open to receive it even if it is different from what a human being's been telling us all our lives, we might come to see the perfection His death has obtained.

It no longer requires us to do something, it requires us to surrender that Martha-spirit and be like her sister, Mary, who sat at His feet and received His Word.

I used to be like Martha, all worked up and angry, when I came face to face with someone who realised the truth before me- that all that's required is His grace, not my doing. Maybe it is human nature that we must be the do-er, maybe it is human nature that we find it awkward to receive without having to give anything in exchange for the good that is being bestowed on to us. That was my struggle, I had been told all my life that I had to be good, I had to stop sinning, I had to say my rosary, I had to do penance, I had to earn my brownie points to get pass the pearly gates. No one told me that first I needed to receive His grace, and through His grace I am given the ability, the wisdom and strength to live my life the right way. I was doing it the opposite way- I was trying to be good so I could have grace. But it is when we have grace, that we are able to believe right and thus live right.

Grace no longer requires us to punish ourselves with guilt, condemnation and works because He has already paid above and beyond what is required for our sins past, present and future. Grace helps us forgive people we can't, look past hurts we can't look past on our own. Grace helps us receive blessings without wondering if it is too good to be true. It is too good and it is true and you'd better believe it! =D

It is about no longer living the old way, but living a new way - as a new creation (this is a term mentioned in the bible for which my church was named after) in Christ Jesus, as new wine in new wineskin, not new wine in old wineskin. It is about a new revelation about the new covenant.

It is about throwing out all the stuff people's said to you about Jesus, and coming to see Him face to face on His terms, in His Word, in His unconditional love.

There is nothing conditional about His love for us, it is humans who added in the terms and conditions and fine prints, it is humans who make it difficult for themselves to receive amazing grace.

There is a reason it is called Amazing Grace - it is a goodness, a love, a redemption beyond what we can humanly imagine. And His name is Christ Jesus.

For those who would like to know what salvation in Christ really means, check this website out: http://www.thenakedgospel.com/home

Happy Meal

2009-10-10T10:49:00.004+08:00

Mcdonald's has this thing called a Happy Meal; each meal comprises of a very small quantity of food (a miserable burger and some fries), a drink and, of course, an inexpensive toy.

It doesn't take a lot to make kids happy.

Today, we as the children of God have a Happy Meal that we can partake in everyday too. It is called Communion.

It consists of the body of Christ (by His stripes we are healed, we are made whole- body, mind, spirit and soul. We are victorious and death has no hold over us because we are the resurrected ones in Christ), and the blood of Christ (our sins once scarlet are now white as snow because of His perfect and single sacrifice on the Cross. Today we can say we have the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We are, as a result of this shedding of blood, the heirs to the promises of Abraham and all the blessings of Heaven and Earth are ours, and these blessings bring with them no sorrow. We are above not beneath, kings and priests, more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We are in this world but not of this world.).

And usually after our delightful partaking in the LORD's gift of Bread and Wine, our family enjoy the anointing of fresh oil over us which brings our Happy Meal to completion. We have His bountiful blessings, great favour and unconditional love. =)

"You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."- Hebrews 1:9

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." - Isaiah 6:1-3

Who needs happiness (an emotion) when one can have everlasting joy (in Christ)? The joy of the LORD is my strength! AMEN! And THAT is my Happy Meal. =D

Who sent what?!?!

2009-10-10T03:14:00.002+08:00

"For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you." (Jeremiah 27:15).

Don't listen to the lying prophecies of those who try to convince you that God's not all that He's made out to be- that He's a petty, jealous and vengeful God. Believing and speaking those lies allow the devil to continue robbing you blind.

Those sort of prophecies are meant to trick you from receiving your rightful inheritance as an heir to the promises of Abraham. It is meant to lead you away from the promised land that's been set apart for you and your generations. Don't fall prey to your emotions and wrong believing: keep having an unwavering good opinion of your Daddy God. He's got no desire to hand you stones when what you need is bread.

Hanging on

2009-10-09T21:45:00.001+08:00

K holds on to his Daddy in the train. :)

Posers

2009-10-09T21:36:00.001+08:00

Off to see Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs! Haiya!

Footsteps

2009-10-09T16:10:00.002+08:00

You know as children we follow in our parent's footsteps. But today i reflect on how I want to follow in my Heavenly Daddy's footsteps.

Watching Jon and Kate slug it out on telly, i heard Jon say, "We'll just not talk to each other just like my parents did when they were divorced."

My hubby went, hmm that's so telling.

And it is!

It would seem as if Jon's walking in his earthly parent's footsteps; one fraught with mistakes, anger, grief. He's seeing it's ok to be like that since my folks were like that too. But it isn't.

My thought today- Let's keep our eyes on Jesus and follow Daddy God's leading. It'll get us through the wilderness, something we can't accomplish through the natural.

My Choice

2009-10-08T16:44:00.002+08:00

Today's a day i choose not to let the little things ruffle my feathers.

I choose to see each bump as being little not large. This is because i choose to see it through His eyes not mine. :)

I choose to understand each thing through His mind, not mine. Then, everything falls in place; every anxiety is quelled, every frown ironed out.

Instead of rain, i see watering leading to growth and blossoms.

Instead of fire, I see refinement taking place.

I see the coming harvest, not the currently tilled earth beneath my feet.

I see His plenty overflow into my life.

I lack nothing because He is my everything and my ALL in ALL.

And if that is so, i can never have nothing because in Him I'm enriched, victorious, whole.

Unruffled

2009-10-08T08:30:00.001+08:00

Breakfast with K and a golden sunset- reminders that He is wonderful. I'm unfazed by today's trials. God's on my side, so the only possibility is victory. ;)

We are the Champion

2009-09-30T18:01:00.001+08:00

K showing off the bronze medal he got today for Sports day. Team event called Hoppity Hop. There were eight teams with ages varying from 7 to 9. :)

Watching Fann & Chris's wedding on Channel 8

2009-09-29T20:28:00.003+08:00

They've finally gotten married! I am not a huge fan but I am happy for the two of them. It is not easy for relationships to last in the Media Circus, but they have done so well.

It is always really nice to watch people getting married. Makes me feel teary haha. Yup I am the sentimental sort.

Also it makes me think of my wedding with Ian. Sure it was not as glam lah but hey it was OUR special day and there were so many wonderful moments because of our friends and loved ones & their presence on that day.

I remember sitting on my bed waiting for Ian to arrive and grinning to myself coz I could hear all the commotion outside. And the LOL that escaped from me when Charmaine came in to express a disatisfaction with his Ang Bao. Giggles.

I recall how we camped it up in the London Cab - we posed like Fann Wong and Mark Lee in their movie where she was this gangster bride and he was this effeminate groom. We had so much fun.

I recall the wedding dinners we had - how each of them was filled with laughter, well-wishes and love. I loved the dinner with our family and the dinner with our friends.

I really enjoyed our breakfast after our first night as a wedded couple. The view at the top of the Concorde was wonderful and we made a promise to have more meals there.

I recall our honeymoon in Korea and I really enjoyed watching the cherry blossoms with my dear heart. I treasure that honeymoon because Daddy God really gave us the provision for it, just as He had perfectly provide abundantly and above for our Wedding Day.

I wake up every morning feeling so happy that I am waking up next to my husband. I am no Xiao Long Nu and he is no Yang Guo but we are both super happy and extremely blessed and anointed in Christ to be married to our best friend and dearest precious heart. =D

Here's to many, many more happy memories to be crafted by our Daddy God in our lives. =)

I LOVE YOU HUBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grace is the key

2009-09-29T17:57:00.003+08:00

"I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest." - Jesus to His disciples in Chapt 4:38

Reading that verse, I suddenly felt the HS inside me tell me - UNDESERVED FAVOUR. =)

I really praise God for this wonderful gift of GRACE through Christ Jesus. It means that today, it is not for me to labour to enjoy my life. What is needed of me is to have an attitude of Praise and Worship, and to receive His gift of Grace, knowing that it is ALL of Him and none of me.

I am wondering how to apply this in the way I teach Kae though. I am first to admit that it gets tough because on one hand, I dun wan to bark at him the way my parents did - "You better study HARD or else your exams how???" I have sadly said similar things in recent days as his exams draw nearer.

I want to tell him to rest, Daddy God has gone ahead and conquered it all for you. But then I am concerned he will take it to mean - just play, dun need to study. Lol.

So I've been reminding him to just study his best so that God can do wonders through him.

Hmmm... HS just taught me this as I was blogging... how to phrase it to him. Share with you:

"Kae, I am not saying if you don't study hard, that's it for you. I am saying you must do what you have to do in the natural and be responsible, and Daddy God will do the supernatural for you in every area of your life. I am not trying to be legalistic when I say you must study harder... I know it sounds like 'doing', but I am trying to tell you that this is your area of responsibility and you need to do your best to give glory to Christ so that His glory can shine through you. No matter what we love you and we are proud of you because we know you will always try your best. You are our beloved son and we are very blessed to have a little boy like you."

Don't you love Daddy God? He teaches you exactly what to say and when to say and how to say it. AMEN!

Gonna tell this to Kae when he wakes up from his sleep.

Satu National Monument

2009-09-27T17:27:00.001+08:00

The national stadium. Wonder when it will disappear from our skyline.

Megan!

2009-09-27T14:58:00.003+08:00

Megan- Beauty, brains and quick reflexes.

M&M and Kae

2009-09-27T14:58:00.001+08:00

K and his twin cousins, Matthew and Megan.

Matthew! :)

2009-09-27T14:40:00.001+08:00

Matthew, my cute nephew...Megan's twin, does his best CHEESE pose.:)

Pretty Close

2009-09-26T21:22:00.001+08:00

My cousin, Imelda, and I. ;) She's a lean, mean, running machine. :)

Happy poses :)

2009-09-26T21:21:00.001+08:00

Kae and his cousin, Megan. :)

Like father, like son

2009-09-25T21:31:00.001+08:00

Matching Parent-Kiddo wear. Lol.

Knowing you have resurrection power!

2009-09-25T08:13:00.001+08:00

It is quite easy for people to enter into death, but it is impossible for them to come out of it. People may reject life but they cannot reject death. But there is one man who came out of death- Christ Jesus. HE IS LIFE, thus all who believe in Him shall never die. There is a power which can enter death and come out of it and that power is the power of God. Satan on one hand works through darkness and, on the other hand, through death. Yet there is a power which comes from God- it IS able to pass through death and NOT be held by death. The power of the devil can't overcome it, neither can the power of Hades swallow it. It IS called resurrection. That which can pass through death and not be affected by it is called resurrection. And the power that is in us is this very power! This power also made Him to sit on God's right hand in heavenly places (see EPH 11: 20-22.) -- Watchman Nee

Take heart. No matter how dead circumstances may seem right now, you'll pass through it victoriously and not be adversely affected by it because you have already entered into resurrection life so live it out. ;)

Don't pray or approach issues from the place of defeat anymore; you must know that you are in Christ, so you come from the throne of glory every time. :)

Be blessed be at rest- Daddy God's got it under control.

(We pray) that you may be invigorated an

2009-09-24T09:31:00.001+08:00

(We pray) that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, (to exercise) every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy. - Col 1:11

Joy enables us to enjoy the journey. That's why Paul prayed for the Colossians to endure with joy.

Joy, and the expression of it, is a weapon of spiritual warfare, as well as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Thess 1:6).

If we remain filled with the Holy Spirit, He will inspire or energize us to be joyful, in spite of our outward circumstances.

The lack of joy is why many times we give up when we should endure. The presence of joy gives us the endurance to outlast the devil, overcome our negative circumstances, and inherit the land.

In John 16:33. Jesus said BE OF GOOD CHEER...! One definition of the Greek verb translated as "cheer" in this verse is "to be of good courage". When the Lord was giving Joshua direction, see Joshua 1:6, He repeatedly told him to be of good cheer.

Without the good courage aka cheerful attitude that God encouraged Joshua to walk in, he would have given up when the enemy repeatedly came against him, and the Children of Israel would never have reached the Promised Land to inherit it.

The same is true of us in our daily walk. Joy and cheer give us the strength to carry on toward the goal that the LORD has set for us in life.

- Joyce Meyer

Mis-spelt

2009-09-22T07:08:00.001+08:00

Seen outside a PAP opposite K's school- from the people who say "I Rove You" and "Orcerd Load". It's "Chan Mali Chan" by the way. ;)

My thoughts on K's query...

2009-09-21T00:45:00.001+08:00

I take heart that no matter how dead our circumstances are and how we might have spoken wrong words over them, Daddy God still has grace for it all and our dead circumstances still come to life in Him. Amen.

On Believing and Speaking and K's query

2009-09-21T00:35:00.001+08:00

"Yes," the woman told Gehazi, "everything is fine."
- 2 Kings 4:26

I've always loved this account in the bible about Elisha and the Shunemite woman. If you read the earlier part of the chapter you'll know that this lady showed kindness and courtesy to Elisha. Elisha spoke over her barren condition and she got pregnant and had a son as Elisha had said. Note, power of believing and speaking.

She must have seen the power of the tongue and what we speak over ourselves and others, for when her son fell ill and died, she went to Elisha and take special note of what she speaks over the tragedy.

The first thing she said to her hubby was- "It will be alright." She didn't even tell him that their child was dead! And when Gehazi asked her if everything was okay with her hubby and her son, she didn't speak the situation. She spoke the result.

She didn't whine and say, "No, nothing is fine. Everything sucks. My husband doesn't understand grace, my kid died. God obviously doesn't care about me. He probably hates me and cursed my life. Why does He hate me? What did I do to deserve this? Why me?"

Instead, I can see her bridle her tongue and quietly say, "Yes. Everything is alright." She remembers what miracle God's done for her before. She understands the principle of speaking the results she wants into the situation.

Even when she is brought to the man of God. She shows her despair but keeps silent about her feelings about the situation. She does not even say her son is dead. All she does is ask a question of reminding, not accusing or grumbling or mumbling, to Elisha so he understands the situation. She doesn't speak over it.

Notice the only time we hear the boy's dead is when Gehazi speaks over it. Prob he saw the situation, and had no faith even as he held the staff, think this represents Christ, over the boy.

Upon Elisha's arrival, the child was as dead as the servant declared him to be. But Elisha did not stand on what the servant said. He stood on God's Word, and laid God's Grace on the boy.

The faith, aka the believing and speaking, of the boy's mother was what raised him from the circumstance he was in.

Today how we speak over our situation, and how we perceive God's power and goodness and love, determines how we rise up from them.

NB. Sharing with K and Ian earlier what I wrote above. K raised a good question- did the woman's earlier remark of disbelief allow the devil an opportunity to rob her of her son's life? Stan, Malcolm, Angie, Jeff, Angela, Kat, Joshen, Maurice, Candace, Mia, Andrea, Aloy, etc. - what are your opinions on this matter? :)

Zany Duo

2009-09-20T22:27:00.001+08:00

Cousins enjoying Champagne grapes! :)

Zany Duo

2009-09-20T22:06:00.001+08:00

Cousins enjoying Champagne grapes! :)

Wee Bears

2009-09-18T14:16:00.001+08:00

My bear family...

Wee are family!

2009-09-18T14:05:00.001+08:00

So happy to be altogether again. :)

Creative Cooking

2009-09-18T13:01:00.001+08:00

Agar Agar mooncake by my Aunt Pat aka Coco. :) Red Bean filling and custard "egg" makes it look realistic.

Same flight as mine!

2009-09-18T12:45:00.001+08:00

Ian's flight vf506... :) Same flight, same stewardesses... Same thankfulness upon touching down. It's good to be home.

Welcome Home!

2009-09-18T12:42:00.001+08:00

Ian, relieved to be home & looking very sleepy, and an overjoyed K!

By faith...

2009-09-18T12:40:00.001+08:00

Then He touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen."- Matt 9:29

A lot of times, people think that when they have a need, if God wanted to, He could just automatically meet it. But Jesus didn't say, "Because of your need, it will happen"; He said, "Because of your faith." That's why it's so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to constantly and continually approach each day filled with faith and hope.

The Word tells us in Romans, that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow, and the more you will see Him working on your behalf. How do you know when you have God's Word in your life? Because you will find yourself thinking His thoughts and saying His Words, not your own or your feelings, regardless of your circumstances.

K @ Coffee Bean

2009-09-18T00:01:00.001+08:00

K studying in Coffee Bean pamphlets he picked up on tea leaves and coffee beans.

On our way to welcome Ian home!

2009-09-17T23:35:00.001+08:00

On our way to welcome Ian home!

2009-09-17T23:24:00.000+08:00

My little Champion, K

2009-09-17T23:12:00.001+08:00

K's CA2 score sheet. ;)

In Christ Alone

2009-09-17T23:09:00.001+08:00

I'm not anti-Catholic. I'm pro-Christ. I don't hate Catholics. I just don't agree with the Vatican's doctrines.

I respect that Mary, like many of the apostles, are worthy of our respect for their loyalty to God's finished work in Christ. However, I do not agree that Mary's a co-redemptrix nor do I agree that she is the Queen of Heaven or the Mother of God. These titles given to Mary as well as her vatican declared appointment to these positions can't even be found in the bible. Neither did she remain a virgin after Christ She's had other kids. The vatican will have us think they are actually Jesus's apostles or cousins. I'll touch on that in my next post.

The only times the phrase Queen of Heaven is mentioned in Scriptures, it's not in a pretty way.

"The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger." (Jeremiah 7:18).

"But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine." (Jeremiah 44:18).

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying; Ye and your wives have both spoken with your mouths, and fulfilled with your hand, saying, We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her: ye will surely accomplish your vows, and surely perform your vows. Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt; Behold, I have sworn by my great name, saith the LORD, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, The Lord GOD liveth. Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them. Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs." (Jeremiah 44:25-28).

Have you seen the music dedicated to Mary?

Hail Queen of Heaven, the Ocean Star, Regina Coeli... Just two of many Marian Hymns calling her that.

The songs suggest that Jesus needs reminding of His finished work- that's not glorifying Christ at all. He needs no reminder. The only ones who need reminding are us.

Jesus has also told us that He is that one mediator between God and man. He never asked us to pray through Mary. She is not a mediator. In fact there isn't any mention of her beyond the gospels. If she were as important as the vatican has raised her up to be, why is there nothing about her? Even Peter, whom the vatican claims the church is built on, said nothing about her. The apostles only declared one thing-

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
　
"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:15).

"And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12:24).

In the words of Christ-

"And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ASK IN MY NAME: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God." (John 16:23-27). Jesus is not saying He won't pray for us, but explaining that it is done. When we ask in His name, we receive. But if we don't, it's simply because what we pray for is not in line with His desire to bless with blessings that bring with them no sorrow, or to give us life and life more abundantly... A life that overflows... through Christ's finished work on the Cross. He did not say, I'm almost done or, I finished most of it but the rest is up to you. He said very clearly, it is finished. The curses are done for through Him, the broken are made whole, the sick are healed, the lack is now plenty... All because He has declared His work of redemption complete. And we have the authority in Him, to speak blessings and victory over every area of our lives today!

Vlog: Changing the Seen & Shaping the Unseen Pt1-4

2009-09-16T23:59:00.001+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk1Rh1eAgtQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff3i2Idl9Mc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDgmK1qJtGU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwIrU979St8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuaTOvBnsIY

The house is messy but the heart is not =)

2009-09-16T23:37:00.001+08:00

From: Geraldine Tan <>
To: Ian Wee <>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 September 2009 10:51:01
Subject: The house is messy but the heart is not =)

Dearest YummyHubby,

I am so sorry our house never looks like a perfect show flat. (T.T) I try but maybe not hard enuf? Lol. There is a 7 year old with his Lego and drawings sprawled all over the house and I am a bookworm that has books everywhere too. Oh dear. Clutter throwing time!! =))

I am sorry it won't look like a grand hotel suite when you get back, but I can promise you lots of cuddles, warm food cooked with love and the sounds of laughter. =)

You know how far we've come?

This used to be me:

"If I were thinking clearly, Leonard, I would tell you that I wrestle alone in the dark, in the deep dark, and that only I can know. Only I can understand my condition. You live with the threat, you tell me you live with the threat of my extinction. Leonard, I live with it too." - Virginia Woolf to her husband in The Hours (yea that show hahaha)

Now this is me:

I love you Ian Wee and I praise God for you everyday. I praise God that I can wake up to you every morning and go to sleep by your side each night- even when you are not physically near by, I feel your heart beating in time with mine. I praise God that we have life and life more abundantly in Him, with Him... with each other as a couple, a family. I bask in the light of His glory with you and feel His SHALOM pulsating through our soul, His love surrounding us, His resurrection coursing through our blood. =)

I love you.... I no longer wrestle with powers that are only for Christ to wrestle with- that He already has and has already the victory. I understand WHOSE I am, WHO I am and I live with no threat (cept for the occasional frustration with dust bunnies).

Love and Shalom,

Geri =)

"This is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins....No fear exists where His love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn't have perfect love."
- 1 John 4:10 & 18

==========================

from Ian Wee <>
to Geraldine Tan <>
date 16 September 2009 11:56
subject Re: The house is messy but the heart is not =)

Hey My Love,

I don't need a show flat. =)

I just want my beautiful wife and my wonderful son in our cozy, blessed home. =D

I thank the Lord for how far you've come. And I know you'll only grow from strength to strength through Christ.

And the home -- it will only get larger, and better, and more blessed as we grow in Him. He will bless us with abundance, and wealth, and prosperity. I know it for a fact. =)

love,
the Hubby

Dear Heart & me. =)

Thoughts on a Tuesday night, sitting at my dining table

2009-09-15T23:22:00.003+08:00

I have to admit I have a problem keeping the home spick and span, show flat like, whilst juggling writing assignments, teaching the kids in Kae's school, housework and being a DMW (Daughter Mother Wife lol).

Like right now, I am looking around my house and thinking - I really should just take a huge box and just throw more things away without taking a second look.

I admit I am a hoarder. Lol. I used to collect postcards like crazy - those free ones. People take one or two cards but I'd take a ton. I've since stopped coz I realise I have no one to send them too haha and no, they are not going to be collector's items some day (yea... i was partly deluded right??? Lol.)

The good thing is I dun hoard up on my emotions. I used to as well.

I used to hoard up on my sadness, my anger because I thought that they were 1) harmless 2) fed my creative energy as a writer.

As a result, I suffered from depression and well-ed up so much pent up anger, grief and other dark emotions inside. It was an internal self-mutilation. I'd "cut" my heart to see if it still felt anything. Foolish. I know now. But then, fueled by the songs on the radio, feeding on Tori Amos lyrics and breathing in the darkness, I was well and truly a lost soul (and man did I cuss and swear like a sailor. Now I feel awkward even saying the s-word, not to mention the f-word lol.)

Today, I look at the darkness from the outside, no longer trapped inside of it. And it feels good... man does it feel good. =)

Yea my house is messy at the moment (T.T) but it is a HOME filled with laughter, love, joy and shalom. As for the room in my soul and heart, it is filled with a light that I never thought possible just 8 years ago.

And you know I used to be all smiles, many acquaintances but a loner with a death wish inside, but now I share my heart room with Ian (and of coz K-bear!) and our hearts are anchored on Christ, and all I long for is to abide in Him always. =)

Cilegon and Carita in brief

2009-09-11T11:12:00.003+08:00

In Rumah Sakit Krakatau Medika, they are still using mercury filled thermometers as well as hand pumped blood pressure measuring devices. The facilities are not as modern but it is the best hospital in the area. They had brought him to another medical facility initially but the meds were not helping. Interestingly, the same medication was administered to Ian and it was only 2 days later that they switched to stronger meds. It took 2 days for them to diagnose acute tonsilitis- something my neighbourhood GP could have done in 5 minutes or less.

I slept on the sofa bed in Ian's room and helped him about because he was on a drip and it was very inconvenient to use the loo, bath and to do anything at all. There was nothing much to do really and we'd listen to Joel Osteen sermons on our phones. TV was mostly in Bahasa Indonesia with only the evening movie being in English. =) We had great fun trying to make sense of the ads and programmes. Sometimes we'd even come up with fake dialogue to go with what is on telly for a laugh. =D

As it is the fasting month for the muslim populace, the hospital canteen was shut for most of the day and I had to head out to the mall to grab bites for lunch. The canteen opened at 6pm though and after a siren is played throughout the hospital, and the muslim prayer is done, people flocked to the canteen for bites. Food sold out really fast.

Cilegon felt pretty backward at first but it does have its modern convenience like the Hypermart (a bit like Carrefour), Pizza Hut, A & W, Hoka Hoka Bento (where I got my lunch mostly) and all these are contained in Mayofield Mall which feels like an old Chinatown mall.

I'd take a cab from the hospital to Mayofield and back. It was hard at first to book a cab because the operators speak Bahasa and my first attempt drove me literally to tears as they couldn't understand me and vice versa. I was tired, hungry (for some reason the shops would not allow eat-ins that day and we are not allowed to eat in view of the muslims) and I really wanted to get back to the hospital that day. A kind stranger stopped to help make sense of the madness. Phew!
======================

We left Cilegon for Carita on Saturday after a lot of confusion over paperwork for the insurance company. The drive took an hour and a half.

We went past industrial factories then passed some desolate roads before we started traversing across Anyer, where they were initially supposed to be located at. I had my first glimpse of the azure sea, a lighthouse and several resorts. We went past what is their town centre - really very kampung in feel, then more quiet roads before we hit Carita.

The resorts in Carita were more run down, more quiet and the town centre here was really just some quiet stores, a few push carts of street food and the most modern structure of it all - a small convenience store not unlike 7-11 or Cheers, but it does not stay open for 24 hours.

The hotel we are in requires us to go through a pretty long, winding gravel path shaded by bamboo plants. Upon entering the resort through the security guard post, we are greeted by cottages that are falling apart. There are 2-3 "streets" of these and later on at night, it looks really spooky - like an abandoned village.

Ian's suite overlooks a small pond but we generally keep the curtains shut for privacy sake. The room is well furnished and looks quite romantic. Our only gripe? The lack of a blanket. All that was provided was a bedsheet to be used as a blanket. After we kept our things, we headed to the restaurant for bites.

The restaurant faces the swimming pool and the sea. Rusty fans are only turned on when there are patrons, and only the fan closest to the customer is switched on. Buffet tables and containers are empty, the restaurant is empty and the set-up looks very cheesy. A cement oyster with a cement pearl sit at a mini waterfall. An ugly seaside mural graces the wall. Flies buzz about and swarm over to the food when they are laid on the table.

We bravely decided to check the food carts outside for dinner. It is really a very dark walk outside - long, dusty, dark and one can hear the wails of the muslim prayer call. It is almost a fruitless walk but for the trip to the Indomaret convenience store, and a purchase of satay from a store that had attracted my nose with its delicious aroma. The couple tending the store are really nice, friendly people.
======================

The production set is called the Jermal. It is an impressive kelong-like structure. The video village sits nearby on the breakwaters- this is where all the monitors and other equipment is located in. The Production Office is where the internet access is and the first time I enter it, I almost choked as I struggled to breathe. The air in here is thick with cigarette smoke and smells like a British pub in England. Crew chain smoke as they work. (In fact, 5 days of this later, I notice my eye whites are a little yellow. I believe that it has no other effects on me whatsoever though and both Ian & I are more than healthy in Christ! =D )

Food is served at a makeshift "canteen" and there are so many flies and mosquitoes here. To be honest, I expected more after what Ian said. There is a lot but not quite as many as the flies I saw at a Cambodian market a decade ago. When the food looks less than appealing or has become cold, I choose to order bites from the hotel that the production office is located at. Nasi Goreng Sunset with Telur Ceplok is my favourite thing to order.

The set is a challenging one to shoot at. The structural integrity of the Jermal is always a concern and the equipment is heavy. Many people squeeze on to the Jermal and there are times we have to spread out for fear that a platform might give way. Sawing and hammering are always going on at the Jermal as people prepare the set for a scene or reinforce the floor boards for the equipment. When it rains, the shoot has to stop as rain water leaks all over the place in the Jermal. It makes one appreciate the solid roof we have over our heads in Singapore.

Work starts with a 6.30am call time and we wrap around 11pm at night. The Indonesian crew party almost every night till 2-3am in the morning at the Cottage (think chalet) they are located in. For the Singaporeans, sleep is more of a priority than singing, dancing and barbecues. We never head down because by the time we get back, all we want to do is SHOWER (we come back to the hotel room dusty, sweaty, salty) , change into our PJs and SLEEP!

======================
Well, I will be bidding Carita farewell tomorrow. I've not been blogging regularly in Indonesia as the internet access is on and off and on again. We experienced a black out yesterday that took 5 tries to get the electricity going again- and at a lower voltage than before.

Ian is merrily counting down the shoot days. They have 4 more days of shoot to go here before they pack up and (finally) return to Singapore on the 17th of Sept! Woohoo! =D Can't wait for all 3 members of the Bear Family to be together again- watch a movie together, teach Kae how to cycle together...

Carita has been an interesting experience so far and I just can't wait to be home again. =)

Photos from Ian's shoot @ Carita

2009-09-07T22:09:00.000+08:00

Carita, West Java, Indonesia.

Updates from Carita Part 1

2009-09-06T22:10:00.006+08:00

I have not been blogging much because I am in Indonesia and today is the first time I am able to properly blog on a computer with Wifi access.

Ian had been hospitalised a week ago because of Acute Tonsilitis. I heard the news on midnight Sunday and took a plane in the evening (earliest flight I could get) to join him by nightfall at the hospital he had been brought to - Rumah Sakit Krakatau Medika- which is in Cilegon, West Java. It was a 3 hour plus bumpy drive from the airport in Jakarta to the hospital. I was very calm throughout the call from Kah Hui. I know it can ONLY be the shalom peace, grace, contentment of Christ.

The hospital is an international hospital but reminds me of the now-defunct Toa Payoh Hospital. It is a single storey facility joined by walkways. Ian was housed in the "flamboyant" ward ie their first class ward. It was a simple set up and I only realised how "flamboyan" his ward was after checking out the rest of the hospital some days later. That'll come later.

When I arrived at the hospital, Ian looked really weak and tired. His fever was within the range of mid to high 39s and he had been suffering from the chills. It was good to be there with him because it must really suck to be overseas and be ill & I wanted to be there for him.

(I will continue blogging tomorrow as we are leaving the set office. Shoot day ends for now.)

My precioussssssss...

2009-08-29T10:26:00.001+08:00

Durian chips! Discovered only at the last trip that Jakarta has it too and for cheaper! Regret that i didn't know from the first trip!

This is the problem...

2009-08-27T16:05:00.001+08:00

Met a P3 boy I helped out with in the first term in school. He's been dropped from our pilot scheme since then. I asked him how he fared for the recent CA2 and he said he failed every subject. He explained that he was unable to read and to understand the questions in all his papers.

My concern is how did he get to Primary 3 and whether he will fall through the cracks of our education system. Is there a safety net for students like him? At the end of the day, he has to want to try harder at his schoolwork, but what will motivate him to do so?

Do keep him in prayer? His name is Samuel. :)

One more tear

2009-08-26T15:48:00.001+08:00

Another Wednesday Class, another story.

My student wasn't being attentive in class today. Despite going through the words with her, she was able to get it wrong straight after my correction. After Class was dismissed, I sat her down for a chat.

The last time she told me her brother hits her a lot. This time it seems things are worse- he has been hitting her mum and grandfather too.

I feel sorry that she's got to deal with this at home, but reminded her that this has nothing to do with her decision not to pay attention in Class, that this should spur her to try harder at her work so she won't have to fear her brother. Also told her that her mummy works hard as a nurse and it must be hard to face the issues at home, that she has to try her best so her mum has one less worry.

Apparently she enjoys my Class so her mum allowed her to continue with it. Her mum rushes all over the place to make it happen.

Please keep my student and her family in your prayers. Thanks!

Victory from our King

2009-08-25T09:20:00.001+08:00

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the lord is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with SHALOM. - Psalm 29:10-11

Does it feel like the floodwaters are rising in your life? Do your trials feel heavy? Know that the Daddy God is King over the flood- not just this one, but every flood. What this means is that though you are in battle now, the outcome is a guaranteed victory- victory comes faster when we have maintain that good opinion of Him and continually praise Him through the storm. The flood was not caused by Him but He will scoop you out of the waters that threaten to drown you.

Each new day there is more than enough grace to help us cope with the day's tribulations. So tap into that grace through right belief. You see He gives us strength to conquer and also gifts us with His Shalom- wholeness, peace, prosperity or victory, provision,contentment. To have them we need only do one thing- receive.

Overcoming another fear...

2009-08-23T20:35:00.001+08:00

K tries out the fireman's pole after much cajoling. He's scared of heights. :) Bravo for trying!