joshua 1:9

perspectives

2011-11-08T23:52:00.001+08:00

This is part of the introduction from the book 'The Jesus Storybook Bible' by Sally Lloyd-Jones:

Now, some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should do and shouldn't do. The Bible certainly does have some rules in it. They show you how life works best. But the Bible isn't mainly about you and what you should be doing. It's about God and what He has done.
Other people think the Bible is a book of heroes, showing you people you should copy. The Bible does have some heroes in it, but (as you'll soon find out) most of the people in the Bible aren't heroes at all. They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose). They get afraid and run away. At times they are downright mean.
No, the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne-- everything-- to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!
You see, the best thing about the Story is-- it's true.
There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.
It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle-- the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.

Isn't it startling to think of God's word in such a perspective? All these while, I must admit, I have been thinking that the Bible is about me and what I should be doing. But that's not the way it is. The Bible is about God and what He has done.

Try reading the Bible in this perspective. It might change how we understand the word and how we see God's hands in our lives.

a hypocritical message

2011-09-28T20:39:00.001+08:00

I met a friend today. And I came to a realisation. That really, being a Christian is not just about professing your faith. It is what you do and how you have changed lives because your life has been changed.

Stepping out of school has forced me to grow up. In fact, everyday of our lives we are being forced to grow up. We can choose to ignore that nudge, we can choose to procrastinate. But when we are placed in a situation where we can no longer play ignorance or procrastinate, you know it is REALLY time to grow up.

Some people are not strong enough. They are unable to cross that barrier. Some manage to overcome and they emerge stronger than before. Encouragement and support from loved ones play a major role, but strength and courage from God should be the main power source.

I am facing an obstacle now. So often, I feel helpless and unsure. This loneliness and aimlessness drive me to tears. I find it so difficult to stand up and walk on my own because I suddenly realise, that all this while, I have not been walking on my own. I am still stuck at the crawling stage. The temptation to give up is overwhelming and self pity drops by so frequently that it probably became my buddy without even me knowing it.

But today, my friend reminded me that I'm not alone. How many out there go through worse trials than I do? How many out there face similar situations as I do? I ought to be thankful that what I'm going through is only a little pinch. I ought to be thankful that I'm given this opportunity to learn and grow. Because after this, I will emerge stronger. I will learn an experience that I can in turn, share with others. I can offer help and encouragement to others going through the same thing I've been through, which is really, what life should be about-- to help one another and to be able to be a part of a hope that rebuilds another life.

My friend is part of that hope. He finds great satisfaction in knowing that he has been a part of building up someone else's life. If an unbeliever can do that and find contentment in it, shouldn't it all the more be the case for believers? It is probably, the blessing that God is trying to pour over us. It is probably, the purpose we are seeking so hard for.

Pray, believe, and act.

I am a hypocrite writing this. But I hope this will not be a permanent fact. I hope soon, I can proudly proclaim that what I have written here is a proven truth.

carry on

2011-06-19T22:20:00.002+08:00

For the first time, I felt real rejection. The working world is practical. I guess everything is about gains and benefits. Once I lose value to them, I dont get even the chance to speak. Im out.

But luckily I regained composure the next day. And I continue to strive. With His strength and encouragement.

And today, my hopes and confidence are crushed once more. Im still standing, still able to go on. Im just wondering, how long can I last like that? Having my hopes, confidence and motivation crushed and then persuading myself to look forward again. This cycle. I know it's not going to end anytime soon. It may even last forever.

Thank God. He reminded me, that I have Him to lean on. He will not let me go through things I cannot take. And a close friend's prayer today reminded me too, that God will always provide a way for me. Indeed, rough times make me realise how much I need to rely on God's faithfulness, grace and mercy.

Im unhappy. But I know this will pass and things will get better soon. Just cry my heart out to Him now. Tomorrow will be a better day.

so weightless

2011-05-26T00:17:00.003+08:00

And so im back. After quite some time.

No doubt everyone comes to a crossroad at different points of their lives. Somehow I feel that each crossroad gets one into a deeper dilemma than the last. And if one is not careful, I suppose it is that easy to get lost in the mulitudes of paths.

I try to be positive when I write here. I try to be encouraging. After all, the choice of words can bring about a twist to anything you may mean to say. But sometimes, it's just difficult to stay positive all the time. I may be all smiles, but honestly, I think im one of the most pessimistic person ever. So forgive me. Let me rant in this post. I need some avenue to vent my frustrations.

I am lost. For now, at least. Why cant I seem to figure out what I want? Each path I take, some may indeed be my own choice. But others, they are just choices im forced to make either because of circumstances or because... I dont know. It just happened. It happened, and I know that is not the choice I want for myself, but I dont know how it happened.

Im getting more and more unhappy as I grow up, as I enter one phase into another. It's like im following the motions. I may not be ready to move, but there're no other alternatives. Something is nudging me, pushing me. I cant figure out why im so unhappy. And im getting less and less familiar with the current me. Who am I? I dont think I was like that. And im so afraid that people important to me will feel disappointed with me. Im afraid that they will start to get impatient with me.

Sometimes, running away seems enticing. Sometimes, giving up seems easier.

I kind of have an idea why things have come to this. And I may know the solution to this. But like I said earlier, let me just rant in this post.

I wish I can be up in the sky, amongst the clouds. Till when? Im not too sure when I'll like to come down either.
But even in the beautiful, peaceful skies, storms can occur.

So Weightless-- David Choi

I only know, not everyone sees
Something there beyond the breeze
A lioness stare, blond wavy hair
Beautiful, so hard not to care

Every move I make, gets closer to you
Reach your hand out
Should I grab or should I go

Im feeling so weightless
I dont know what
I dont know how
I ended up in this cloud
Im feeling so helpless
I dont know when
I dont know how
Im ever gonna get down

I got a question can I stay for a while?
Im liking it here but am I on file?
I just want to talk, but you seem so far
Fading away, just like a star

Just before you could answer
You've drifted away
Left me here alone, but right now im feeling ok

Im feeling so weightless
I dont know what
I dont know how
I ended up in this cloud
Im feeling so helpless
I dont know when
I dont know how
Im ever gonna get down

Before I know it I cant help but wonder
My friends are waiting for me but if I could just stay here
So caught up in bliss, where is my answer?

Im feeling so weightless
I dont know what
I dont know how
I ended up in this cloud
Im feeling so helpless
I dont know when
I dont know how
Im ever gonna get down

Feeling so weightless... feeling so weightless...

forgive, forgiven

2011-02-13T18:18:00.005+08:00

Have you ever wondered why people who do wrong keep repeating their mistakes? And from another point of view, have you ever wondered why you keep repeating the same mistakes even though you know the guilt and consequences it brings you?

I used to wonder about the first question (not that I have never done wrong).

Until when I decided to really repent (meaning to turn away from that wrong and turn to the right direction), and I found myself committing the same mistake.

Now the second question haunts my mind.

A sudden realisation hit upon me. I found myself standing in the shoes of criminals and people who have done wrong. Sometimes, indeed they themselves hate the fact that they repeated their mistakes. It is not intentional, but, it just happened. And if you were ever in this position before, I am sure you understand the burden of guilt, and the disappointment or anger that the 'angel' side of you feel. When I say "if you were ever in this position before", I dont mean everyone, though none of us have committed zero faults. I mean people who really knew and regretted what they did, and have made up their mind to quit that mistake forever. Because there are times when we say," ok, that will not happen again!" , but we do not really mean it.

The point is, God just reminded me of two truths:

1. God says to forgive because we have been forgiven.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

- Ephesians 4:32

"Leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

- Matthew 5:24

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

- Matthew 5:44-45

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

- Mark 11:25

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

- Colossians 3:13

2. we cannot rely on our own strength.

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."

- 1 Chronicles 16:11

"Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

- Isaiah 41:10

"This is what the Lord says, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord." "

- Jeremiah 17:5

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

- Philippians 4:13

Finally, if you are feeling condemned and too ashamed to face your loved ones, much less God, I pray God helps us to embrace this truth:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

- 1 John 1:9-10

not so bad after all

2011-01-15T01:48:00.001+08:00

I got a taste of what they meant by 'something good out of a seemingly bad circumstance'.

Just few days back, I suffered from indigestion. It was quite bad. I could not eat much because any inputs led to nausea, and eventually I would throw up.

And so coincidentally, it hit me on my birthday. Oddly, instead of feeling grumpy about it, I actually felt (for lack of a better word) excited. Don't get me wrong, I'm neither insane nor sadistic. My stomach did feel awful. It's just, it was my first such experience and I thought, "Not bad. My 22nd is gonna be memorable."

Despite that, I actually enjoyed myself very much. Truly, the joy comes from appreciating that you are loved and remembered. (:

On top of that! I actually learnt to enjoy my food better! Even simple dishes like duck rice. Suddenly they taste awesome. Which is something I really want to thank God for, that 能吃真的是件幸福的事! (:

Just remember, there is something to be thankful for in any circumstance.

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for He has been good to me. "
- Psalm 13:5-6

it's not the end

2010-12-05T00:46:00.002+08:00

Because when life's rocks start piling one by one, two by two, multiples by multiples on you;
And you start to pant, you start to sag, the air starts to feel tight;
You feel your own life draining out of you.
You slowly stop struggling.
Your vision blurs and darkens.

Just before you blackout,
A hand grabs hold of you.
He pulls you up.
He pumps a tank of oxygen into you.
He gives you a good, hard shake.
It's as if there's light at the end of the tunnel.
It's not the end.
You start breathing once again.
And you slowly regain consciousness.

It's a cycle.
So when the air gets thin again,
Remember,
There's light at the end of the tunnel;
Darling, it's not the end.

祷告

2010-11-27T22:01:00.002+08:00

祷告--赞美之泉

祷告，因为我渺小；
祷告，因为我知道我需要；
明了，你心意对我重要。

祷告，已假装不了；
祷告，因为你的爱我需要；
你关怀，我走过的你都明白。

有些事我只想要对你说，
因你比任何人都爱我；
痛苦从眼中流下，我知道你为我擦。
在早晨我也要来对你说，
主耶稣今天我为你活；
所需要的力量你天天赐给我，
你恩典够我用。

"and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
- Psalm 50:15

hello mister!

2010-11-19T02:00:00.004+08:00

Hello mister!

You are a deep one.

I have never really known you, though I used to try very hard to.

You hide yourself pretty well;

Disguising yourself with that wide smile and pearl white straight teeth.

You are armoured behind those witty, well structured sentences of yours.

Your efforts have paid off.

It is indeed, a tight wall of defense you have there, mister.

Perhaps, she is the only human being who knows you a tad more that the rest.

And yes, I can see you have very special feelings for her.

Amidst all these 'gadgets' you have built around you, I am glad that at least you have someone to talk to.

But I figure that is not enough.

Pardon me, please. Call me a smart aleck if you wish.

Somehow I am under the impression that you are lost.

How much tears have you cried?

How many smiles have you held back?

The secrets well kept deep within you, and the hurts you buried in well dug holes.

The lofty ambitions you dream of, are of course, a reflection of who you think you are, and what you are capable of achieving.

You know it yourself, that you, are made special. You, are made unique.

But, are these ambitions, also a cover up?

To conceal your weaknesses, your fears, your pain, your regrets.

What are you trying to prove?

Who are you trying to impress?

The world do not really matter.

You are trying to overdo yourself.

Because you are insecure.

You have lost yourself.

Where is the real mister?

You desperately want something to grab hold of.

A direction. A goal. A purpose.

Like so many others, you live a life, that of a masquerade.

I have a solution. One you have rejected countless times.

That stubbornness, I do not know why.

He. He is the answer.

Yes, you know who I am talking about.

The inner peace you long for, the purpose and direction you seek.

It all lies in the hands of the great I Am-- He.

You have heard stories. So many I believe.

Love, hope, healings...

Call it cheesy. Call it religious. Call it whatever you want.

Deep down in that chamber, do you not too, long to know the truth?

Have those stories really stirred nothing in you?

Are you truly strong enough to be on your own?

Most importantly, do you, not want to find back the real mister?

I am speaking to...

Not you, iron mister.

Nor you, plastic smile mister.

But you, lost and helpless mister.

The solution is not far. Just one step away.

With love,

Your friend in the background

small enough

2010-11-06T00:56:00.003+08:00

Small Enough- Nichole Nordeman

oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now
there were times when i was crying
in the dark of Daniel's den
and i have asked you once or twice
if you would part the sea again
but tonight i do not need a fiery pillar in the sky
just wanna know you're gonna hold me if i start to cry
oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now

oh, great God, be close enough to feel you now
there have been moments when i could not
face goliath on my own
and how could i forget we've marched around
our share of jerichos
but i will not be setting out a fleece for you tonight
just wanna know that everything will be alright
oh, great God, be close enough to feel you now

all praise and all honour be
to the God of ancient mysteries
whose every sign and wonder turn the pages of our history
but tonight my heart is heavy
and i cannot keep from whispering this prayer
"are you there?"

and i know you could leave writing on the wall
that's just for me
or send wisdom while im sleeping
like in Soloman's sweet dreams
but i don't need the strength of Samson
or a chariot in the end
just want to know that you still know how many hairs
are on my head
oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now

spark

2010-10-02T02:37:00.001+08:00

One little spark can lead to a fire. It could be small and an extinguisher would suffice. It could be huge and the fire engine would be needed. Or it could be unstoppable.

No matter the size, a mark is left behind.

我想一个人

2010-09-09T22:20:00.002+08:00

亲爱的主，

有的时候我真的想要一个人。。。

我感谢您让我被这么多爱我的人围绕着。但有的时候我真的觉得自己不懂得珍惜他们。我想要他们开心但我又会不小心伤害他们。他们对我越好，我就感到越有压力，觉得自己更不值得他们关心。因为我不懂得怎么好好爱他们，也不懂得怎么保护他们。最后，我只是伤害了彼此。或许我太过贪心，又或许我不够成熟。

有的时候，我真想逃避。自己跑到远远的地方，不让任何人找到我。但我不行。因为我没有能力，也有太多人会但心。我太懦弱，不知道怎么处理事情的时候就想逃跑。我认为大概没有人知道我真正的感受，因为连我自己也不太清楚自己心里在想什么。我只能向您倾诉，因为只有您知道我在想什么，知道我真正要什么。也因为这样，我相信只有您知道怎么解决我的心结，只有您能引导我。

亲爱的主，请您教我，倒底我该怎么做。请您让他们开心。他们应该拥有更好的。

谢谢您。

奉主耶稣的名祷告，阿门。

Him and me

2010-08-05T20:53:00.012+08:00

I asked, "Why doesn't the joy last? What is the joy of the Lord? Do I know it? How do I keep it? " He answered, "The devil comes to steal, to kill and to destroy. You know yourself whether you've experienced the joy. Stay close to me and I'll refill the joy continuously. "

I saw the train door opened. I hope I'll catch the train. I told myself if I'm lucky I'll catch the train. And then I saw the train leave. I guessed I wasn't lucky. He said, "You aren't lucky because you don't live for Lucifer. You live on God's blessings. "

Wow, (:

inception

2010-07-26T00:18:00.003+08:00

It all begins in the mind.

One little seed of thought can blossom into something beautiful. Or something disastrous.

Are we cautious in the things we put in our minds? Satan has a way of manipulating our minds. Such that we are deceived into believing his lies. Such that we fall into his cunning trap. Such that we steer away from God.

How do we prevent Satan from incepting our minds?

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

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philipians 4:7

Turn your eyes upon Jesus -- Helen H. Lemmel

Verse 1
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Chorus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Verse 2
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Verse 3
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

only in You

2010-07-11T21:24:00.001+08:00

Because...

Only in You I can trust.
Only in You there is security.
Only in You there is certainty.
Only in You love can endure.
Only in You, only in You...

(:

aplenty

2010-06-24T00:54:00.001+08:00

Kids without education.
Patients battered with illnesses.
Social unrest.
Hungry, homeless vagrants.
...

Never too little avenues, only too little willingness.

silent screams 2

2010-06-03T00:06:00.004+08:00

A sudden clearance of clouds.
An immediate change of climate.
A gentle breeze.
A faint whiff of fragrance.

The screams subside,
Giving way to a peaceful silence.
Chains fall to the ground.
The atmosphere lightens.
A sense of relieve seeps through.

silent screams

2010-06-03T00:00:00.002+08:00

What lies beneath the plastered smiles?
What hides behind the "his" and "byes"?
What swims through the winding minds?
What goes on in the churning hearts?

A deafening silence amidst the noisy world.
Silent screams.
Do you hear the silent screams?
Clanking cuffs, painful groans.
Feel the goosebumps as the terrible silence ripples through your skin.

just what I need

2010-05-19T23:01:00.002+08:00

The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

the process

2010-05-16T01:19:00.001+08:00

And finally I hear Him speak again. (:

I was playing this game on the itouch with my mum. We were supposed to shift the cars so that the red car can move through. At a point, I just found all the surrounding cars obscuring my view and I felt claustrophobic amongst those cars. Suddenly it dawned on me that though certain moves make the whole picture seem more messy, they are necessary to clear the path for the red car.

The revelation I got was that sometimes in certain situations/problems that we are faced with, the process may be tough and we may feel that we are getting ourselves into a stickier fix, but when the whole saga blows over, we look back and realise what happened had to happen so that the problem can be resolved.

It's probably the same with our walk of faith. Sometimes God leads us into things which we may feel, at that point of time, unexplainable and illogical. But if we were to just simply trust Him, we finally see why He did what He did. We may learn a lesson, we may see things in a clearer picture, we may understand ourselves or others better... Whatever it is, God can never go wrong. Which is why, as followers of Christ, we can always be assured.

The simple faith can actually lift tons of burdens and uncertainties off your shoulders. (:

more than meets the eye

2010-04-15T01:24:00.002+08:00

It is written in John 14:6, that Jesus said this, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

One of the most common interpretation for this verse is that salvation is through Christ, and Christ alone. Only through Jesus, may we be reconciled with the Heavenly Father, and only through Jesus, may we enter the gates of heaven.

True as that interpretation may be, I believe Jesus meant something more than just us securing a room/house in heaven through Him.

When Jesus said what He said, I believe He meant two other things as well-- that we present our prayers and requests through Him to our Father in heaven, and that He is the only way to the place of solace.

Feeling troubled on a certain day, I came to Jesus in tears. And His reply to me was the above. Whatever we may be burdened with, we can always be assured that we can hand the burdens to Jesus. He will bring our prayers to the Father. Whenever we feel helpless, and perhaps, a little wanting in hope, Jesus provides us the way to the place of solace, where we can seek comfort, healing, and that bit of hope we need.

Finally, Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)

Need I say more? (:

He did it again!

2010-03-31T10:23:00.001+08:00

Praise God! He's done it again! He has shown me that He is Jehovah Jireh, and now He has shown me that He is Jehovah Rapha.

I have been burdened by this persistent backache since Chinese New Year. I went to the doctor. It was better for a while but the pain came back with a worse hit. I decided to seek God for help.

Now two weeks after praying, I have been healed! (: Now I don't hurt when I sneeze and I can bathe my feet with greater ease.

Thank God, really for His grace and faithfulness. He not just healed me. He answered my prayer for replacing my doubts with faith. (:

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord!

Proverbs 31:30

2010-03-26T20:44:00.002+08:00

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. "

His reply

2010-03-18T00:44:00.002+08:00

God tests our faith so that we may trust His faithfulness.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. "
-psalm 46:10

(:

confession

2010-03-14T02:21:00.002+08:00

Dear God,

I think I'm shrinking further and further from You. To be honest, it is a struggle walking this journey. Sometimes I just feel so weary. It is like what they call 'the spirit is willing but the flesh is not'.

Every battle seems tougher than the previous one. And there are just times when I feel so inadequate, so disappointed with myself, because I can't live up to Your standards. In every down and dry period, I'm always so tempted to just give up. I think to myself, "when are all these going to end?" I know I simply can't go through the obstacles by my own strength. I know I need Your help so badly. Yet all these are just head knowledge. No doubt, I've experienced Your grace and power, and each experience leaves me amazed, but why do I always forget? I sing songs declaring my love and awe for You, and yet what I do and say simply doesn't reflect what I sing. It leaves me feeling hypocritical.

I feel listless and empty each time I stray from Your side. I'm sure You know better than I do, how I miss being so close to You.

It is a promise, a commitment I made to You, on that day when I decided to grab Your hands. I don't want to let go. Really. So dear God, will You help me? Will You promise me, that even when i loosen my grip, even when I give up, You will never give up on me? Please keep me going until the day I see You.

Thank you, Lord.

Love, Yvonne

"To each his own". We all have the responsibility to finish our race.

what's your thorn?

2010-03-05T02:40:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday, we had a sermon about the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9). There were 4 types of soil-- hard soil, shallow soil, thorny soil and good soil. In short, hard soil represents people who listen to the truth but refuse to believe in the truth; shallow soil represents people who are not deeply rooted in the truth; thorny soil represents people who want both God and the world; and good soil represent people who listens to the truth and follows it.

After the sermon, I feel that I probably belong to the third group-- thorny soil. I told my brother what I thought and he asked me, "What is your thorn? It is easier to rid the thorn if you can recognise what it is exactly."

And I agree with him. Isnt it always the case? That we recognise where the problem lies and we resolve the problem from there? I believe many christians are on thorny soil as well. We are always torn between the alluring lights of the world and God. Money, career, social life... So many things out there that are just waiting to distract us, lure us away and devour us.

As mentioned in Ephesians 5:15, "Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise", and in Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Every decision we make and every choice we take will have their own consequences. Once careless, it is so easy for us to jump the boat and fall away from our faith.

So, what is your thorn?

to Him alone

2010-02-15T02:22:00.002+08:00

"Does the ax raise itself above the one who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it? As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish one who is not wood! "
-Isaiah 10:15

Like the ax and the saw, I am, but a tool. Who, am I to boast? In what position, am I to be complacent? Like the rod and the club, I am, but a vessel. Who, am I to claim the credit?

Without Him, I can do nothing. If ever, I am to accomplish anything, all glory should go to Him, and Him alone.

Hossana by Hillsong

Verse 1
I see the king of glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Chorus
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a new revival
Staring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

Bridge
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what is yours
Everything I am for your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

What is it to be hungry..?
What is it to be thirsty..?
What is it to carry a burden..?

(:

2010-01-29T00:35:00.001+08:00

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
-Philippians 4:13

"Focus on your giants and you'll stumble. Focus on God and your giants will tumble!"

(:

what an amazing race!

2010-01-12T00:25:00.003+08:00

My friends planned an amazing race for my birthday. And though i had to do some stuff that im really reluctant to, im thankful for the whole thing. It was really sweet and thoughtful. (: Of course im thankful to everyone who wished me well and who celebrated with me. I am blessed. (:

I realised amazing races are always tiring and there is always something to do at each station. And somehow God showed me the link between going through amazing races and walking the narrow path.

Every station represents the different stages and lessons we go through in our journey with God. In each station we learn something new. We may have to do things we dislike. We may have to do things we feel uncomfortable with. And we may get to do things we like. Each station brings us closer to the final destination. And with help and support from our teammates, we find the strength and courage to move on. Our friends and family are our teammates. We have to work together to help each other finish the race.

Let us cheer one another on in this race because we will celebrate together at the end destination! (:

serving

2010-01-05T01:54:00.003+08:00

Serving. I learnt, it means making sacrifices, self denial and giving commitment.

Im taking baby steps now. I have to, because that's the standard procedure. There's never a shortcut.

I have to trust God to lead me where im blind to see where im going.

Go Yvonne!

what do you think?

2009-12-23T00:38:00.002+08:00

He brought my attention to this verse today.

"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
-Luke 11:11-13

How does this speak to you? (:

because..

2009-12-18T02:42:00.002+08:00

Because He loves us, we too, are able to love.
Because He overflows in us.
Because His joy is in us, we too, are able to spread joy.
Because He overflows in us.

(:

definition of sin

2009-12-04T00:16:00.005+08:00

Im reading this book called 'Chasing the Dragon' and there is this guy who, when asked what he knows from the word 'sin' , answered, "Sin is walking your own path."

And this is from someone who did not receive much education and was a drug addict. God never fails to amaze me because He gives revelation and wisdom to anyone. And i really mean anyone. God does not practise favoritism and He uses anyone who is willing to avail himself. As it is from 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- and the things that are not-- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."

Anyway, back to the definition. Isnt it just so apt to describe sin that way? In other words, sin is not walking in God's given path. Simple and comprises the full meaning of the word. I like. (:

He whispered, "From me to you."

2009-11-30T23:37:00.002+08:00

Have you heard the story of Tatty Teddy a.k.a Me to You bear? It's about this little brown bear who got thrown out along with the unwanted stuff from a house. Through the cold winter, this brown little bear, feeling so cold, so unloved and so unwanted, turned into a bear with grey fur and blue nose. One day, a girl playing near the heap of unwanted things, spotted this little bear. The girl picked up the little bear. Its stitches were coming off and its fillings were falling out. The girl fell in love with this little bear despite it looking so strange and haggard. She ran home with it and asked her grandma to patch up this little grey bear with the blue nose. Then she kissed the bear on its nose and whispered, "From me to you."

It was during worship from last Sunday's service that i was reminded of this story. God reminded me of how He is like that little girl and we, like the little bear. There are times when we feel so unworthy. Yet, instead of seeing us as a lump of broken stitches, God saw us as a special individual. He sewed the stitches and patched us back. He made us new again. He loved us beyond our imagination. He whispered, "from me to you" when He picked us up and embraced us in His arms.

In His hands, i know i am safe. I feel secure because im in the hands of Love.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
-Romans 5:8

a letter from hell

2009-11-21T02:04:00.001+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Echgat2uFU8&feature=player_embedded

This is simply too scary. I feel compelled to share it. I hope it speaks to all of us.

it is not too late

2009-11-15T22:46:00.003+08:00

I think the movie 2012 is a reminder of the Lord's coming. It hit upon me how real it is. Aside from the selfishness and cruelty of humanity, i saw the desperation and helplessness of the people in the face of such a disaster. Of course i witnessed the compassion and selfless love displayed as well.

The movie sparked in me a new burden for the unsaved. Indeed that is what is going to happen when the end of the world comes-- people will start to panic, anxieties will flood across nations. The natural instinct will be to run, to escape from the calamities, to survive. But where do we run to? Can we really survive? Are we able to escape what is destined to happen? In John 11:25-26, Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." And in Isaiah 57:2, it says that those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

Those who walk with the Lord will be assured. They will have in them, a kind of peace that the world does not give. And even in circumstances like the end of the world, they will not worry or panic, for they keep the faith and the promise of the Lord that He will bring them away into eternal life.

Another thing i observed from the movie is that, innately, everyone probably knows that there is a God and He is real and almighty. In preparation for the end of the world, people start building huge arks. They also prepared animals of all kinds to bring with them into the ark. All these just go to reflect the story of Noah and the ark God asked him to build. Why do people do all these? I believe it is because there is a certain level of faith in the bible and in God.

It is better to be late than never. Furthermore it is not too late now. Will we share? Will you come?

footprints in the sand

2009-10-25T00:08:00.004+08:00

Ever heard of the poem "Footprints in the Sand" ? Well this is a song version of it. Enjoy! (:

Footprints in the Sand-- Leona Lewis

You walked with me, footprints in the sand
And helped me understand where im going
You walked with me when i was all alone
With so much i know along the way
Then i heard you say

I promise you, im always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

I see my life flash across the sky
So many times have i been so afraid
And just when i have thought i lost my way
You give me strength to carry on
That's when i heard you say

I promise you, im always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

When im weary, well, i know you'll be there
And i can feel you when you say

I promise you, im always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

I promise you, im always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=1d0fc8ce5bcd3059fc40

the desert blossoms

2009-10-23T02:02:00.002+08:00

My brother told me that he saw from the documentaries, that deserts are covered with tiny seeds from all sorts of plants through the different ways they spread their seeds. These seeds remain buried in the sands, unable to blossom, unable to take root. All because the deserts are so parched. But once in a while, rain comes. And the seeds blossom. The seeds take root. And you see the splendid sight of flowers and greens of all sorts springing up in that parched land.

My brother then told me, it's just like sharing about God. The seeds are sown. Some take a few days to sprout. Some take a few months. And some, a few years. But no matter how long, God's rain will shower with patient and persevering intercessions. The seeds will sprout.

Im so amazed at how God speaks to us through so many different ways! That's why it never gets boring to hear God speak and to see how He works. What my brother told me is an encouragement to me. I hope it is an encouragement to you too. (:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. "
-Matthew 28:19-20

out-of-this-world annuity plan

2009-10-20T00:28:00.005+08:00

It's been quite a while since i last posted something. All thanks to exams. And well i dont really know what to write as well.

There is this new CPF policy called the CPF LIFE. It is an annuity plan that will commence in 2013 and it is designed for all singaporeans in preparation for their retirement. Honestly, i would not have known or bothered about this thing if not for the course im studying in. So i guess, despite all my complains about finance, i have to thank God i got myself into this. It forces me to at least take note of some things that is happening in Singapore.

Why did i mention this CPF LIFE thing? I just read the entry from ODB and it is about how you can spend your retirement-- either live for yourself or for God. Of course the obvious choice, or rather, the TYS answer will be the latter; but it takes tremendous self denial and willpower to steer yourself away from what you want to pursue what He wants.

Matthew 16:25 says whoever loses his life for Christ's sake will find it. And so it is. CPF LIFE gives us support during our retirement years through monthly payouts. God gives us support thoughout our lives through the fulfilment of a purposeful life by carrying out His plans for us. In fact, God has already started giving us "annuities" since the day we chose to follow Him. It is a good deal, really. We dont even have to pay premiums for this annuity plan!

So quoting from ODB, "Work for the Lord-- His retirement plan is out of this world." (:

wisdom

2009-09-27T23:49:00.002+08:00

Proverbs 3:19-20 (TNIV)

19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations,
>> Wisdom should be laid as our foundation.

by understanding he set the heavens in place;
>> Through understanding, we are able to set the wisdom gained firmly in us.

20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
>> With wisdom, we are able to differentiate and discern between what is right and what is wrong.

and the clouds let drop the dew.
>> And through our words and actions, others can witness God's wisdom and power.

blessed be Your name

2009-09-22T23:55:00.003+08:00

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=6571ddfb4455ddfffb63&utm_source=newsletter0922&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideos

So many out there face all sorts of problems. We all have our own worries and struggles, but thank God, our mighty King, that He is there to help us in these battles. The problems do not go away just because we say, "Lord, i believe in you. " But they do become so much more manageable when we face them with the strength He gives, when we face them with the confidence that He will tide us through.

Praises to the Lord and blessed be His name! (:

Do not let the seemingly huge obstacle in front of you block your view of the one who is so much bigger, because He overshadows everything.

come save-- sarah reeves

2009-09-04T22:40:00.000+08:00

Time is running out,
Come save.
Death is creeping in,
Come save.
We humble ourselves and seek Your face.
Pour out Your mercy like rain.

Your sons and Your daughters
Cry for You.
The waves of the waters
Reach for You.
And all of creation rises up
And screams out Your name.
Oh, Lord come save.

Addicted to our pride,
Come save.
Consumed in self delight,
Come save.
Break us and free us,
From these chains.
We desperately need Your grace.

Your sons and Your daughters
Cry for You.
The waves of the waters
Reach for You.
And all of creation rises up
And screams out Your name.
Oh, Lord come awaken us from our sleep.
Come bring us to our needs.
Come whisper truth in our ears.
Come save, yea.

Your sons and Your daughters
Cry for You.
The waves of the waters
Reach for You.
And all of creation rises up
And screams out Your name.
Oh, Lord,
Your sons and Your daughters
Cry for You.
The waves of the waters
Reach for You.
And all of creation rises up
And screams out Your name.
Oh, Lord come save.
Come save.

i am not afraid

2009-09-03T01:56:00.001+08:00

Something Mary Southerland (from Girlfriends in God) said...
"We can stop telling God how big our storm is and start telling the storm just how big our God is."

What a way to see things! As i look back, i realised no matter how rough a patch we may have been through, we still manage to overcome it. We continue walking our paths. And if those storms didnt kill you, they just made you stronger. I have to admit those slashes may leave permanent scars, and certain mistakes lead to inevitable consequences that we have to bear. But we're really stronger than we think we are, especially when we have Him to back us up.

She has found a direction in life. He is endeavouring into a new phase of life. They are settling down in their new home. We all experienced and we learned. We realise that the earth doesnt stop spinning because our world stopped working. We realise that there are so many other things that require our attention. We realise that grief can only last that long.

Thank God that He is so faithful. Thank God that He is there to comfort us. Thank God that He is there to open our eyes and our hearts to something bigger. Thank God that He is there to steady our steps. Thank God that He gives us courage and strength to continue.

So why dont we shout out loud to the storms that we face, just how big our God is! (:

unfailing Him

2009-08-30T02:15:00.004+08:00

His love never fails to touch even the hardest hearts.
His peace never fails to calm even the most anxious minds.
His patience and gentleness, the strongest stabilisers.
His grace and faithfulness, the greatest gifts.

dear friend

2009-08-21T23:50:00.001+08:00

Dear Friend,
I thank God for bringing you into my life. Thank you for all the tears and smiles we shared. I just want you to know that you matter to me. I want to share this wonderful truth with you. I want to share this awesome gift with you. But i dont know how.
Sometimes you are resistant. Sometimes you say you are not ready. Sometimes you tell me straight in the face you just cant accept it. And i really wonder. How can you not want such a great gift? Are you afraid?
Sometimes i feel like giving up. I dont want to be a nuisance to you. I dont want to impose it upon you. But then again, i dont want to live with this regret. I think about it and i decide i cannot give up.
I need Him, so do you. I know one day you'll see. (:

Prayer for a Friend-- Casting Crowns

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.
Complicated circumstances
have clouded his view.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

I fear that I won’t have the words
that he needs to hear.
I pray for Your wisdom , oh God.
And a heart that's sincere.
And Lord I lift my friend up
to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
My best friend in the
world, I know he means much
more to You.
I want so much to help him, but
this is something he has to do.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

There's a way that seems so right to him.
But You know where that leads.
He's becoming a puppet of the world.
Too blind to see the strings.
And Lord I lift my friend up to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.

ultimate builder

2009-08-07T01:03:00.002+08:00

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders build in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. "
-Psalm 127:1

And this is what He has taught me.

1. God builds the church
God doesnt just build the physical building, He builds the people in the building too. He is our cornerstone and if He is not in our midst, even the strongest tower will fall. So we, as the little stones, should stand united. In His love. (:

2. God builds our relationships
God brings people into our lives and He brings us into people's lives. Families and friends are His wonderful gifts to us. Since He is the author of every part of our life stories, He should be the centre and the focus in every one of our relationships. That is, we should follow His storyline. Because all of God's endings are happy endings. (:

3. God builds our work
God gives each of us a role to play. He gives each of us a place to be in. Wherever we are, whatever we need to do, we need His guidance and His protection. He is wise and His directions are never wrong. Let us turn to Him and drive according to His handsigns. (:

Him to us

2009-07-31T00:18:00.003+08:00

A heart warming letter from Him to us (especially for those who have forgotten to pass Him the burden and are trying to drag your own baggage). (:

http://www.inspiration-inbox.com/2009/07/listen-to-me-jesus-crist-message.html

Perhaps you are feeling a little lost. Perhaps you are struggling with certain issues. Perhaps you are feeling stagnant. Whatever it is, remember Him. He's our Counsellor, our Friend, our Teacher, our Prince of peace. (:

"Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. "
-Psalm 73:21-26

take the narrow path

2009-07-15T01:49:00.006+08:00

My cousin showed me this video yesterday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9vINvMb4R8

It makes God seem intimidating and scary, but truth is, He has given us ample grace. If we choose to turn our backs against the world, if we seek after Him and repent before Him, He will be gracious and faithful in forgiving us and helping us overcome our sins. God is a loving God, but so is He a just God. This video jolted me. I pray that it will not be just a passing reminder, but that the Holy Spirit will continually nudge us and remind us. Let us not take any chances. Let us not be half-hearted christians. Let us run this race, keeping our eyes on the prize.

"Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
"Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"
"And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"
-Matthew 7:21-23

my mum is better than your mum!

2009-07-03T00:35:00.002+08:00

And at that moment, as i looked at her, all i could feel was her love for me. All she wanted was to give me the best that she could give. She thought nothing for herself.

In the reality show "My Dad is better than your Dad", four father-child teams compete to go through each round to get to the final round. The five rounds include "My Dad is faster", "My Dad is stronger", "My Dad is smarter", "My Dad is braver" and "My Dad knows me better". Apart from the entertainment factor, this programme depicts how children look up to their dads as their heroes. To each child, his/her dad is the best and none can compare to their dads. Similarly, to me, none can compare to my mum or my dad. (:

I must say i am greatly blessed, because be it mum or dad, God has given me the two best people in the world! (:
Not that i love my dad any less but i just want to really say that i love my mum super lots. She has been by my side in my ups and my downs. She always knows when something is troubling me. She always supports my decisions even though she may not always be agreeable. She always wants the best for me and she will give all that she has got to provide me with the best. My mum is one of the best gifts God can ever shower upon me because her presence is so comforting, her presence makes me feel secured and protected. I know i can always trust and rely on her.

If our earthly parents can give us so selflessly, how much more will our Father in heaven bless us with everything good! If we can trust and rely on our earthly parents so implicitly, all the more we can do that with our Heavenly Father!

Want to know how to love God? Start by loving your parents. (:

the way the truth and the life

2009-06-26T01:58:00.004+08:00

As i read today's entry from ODB (http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml), i cant help but agree. That sometimes, sin seems so much more alluring, so much more appealing. Sometimes, sin seems to provide a way out for us. And i often fall into this pithole.

Isnt that always the case? The enemy likes to paint a beautiful picture for us. To lure us in, and then trap us. But God knows better. And if we were to just trust in Him, He will lead us to the place flowing with milk and honey. (:

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
-Hebrews 3:13

You are the way the truth and the life
We live by faith and not by sight for you
We're living all for you

draw them to Him

2009-06-17T23:51:00.003+08:00

Death is such a surreal thing. And truly, the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). He has passed on, i have seen his body and his ashes, but why is it that i dont feel like he has gone? He still seems to be around. Maybe i dont speak to him often. Maybe i dont see him often. What is left of him are the ashes in the urn. It is sad. And i do miss him quite a bit.

Grandpa's death has taught me a few things:
1. Treasure the people around you, especially the ones you love (family and friends). Spend more time with them when you can. Dont stay mad at them for too long. Always end the day with every unhappiness you have with anyone cleared up.
2. Pray and try to bring people, especially the ones you love (family and friends), to God, as best as you can. I really want to reunite with them in heaven. I dont want to see them burning in hell, especially so after a tough journey on earth. The best way to evangelise, i feel, is through our own lives. The way we live is such a powerful witness for God because actions speak louder than words.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. "
-Matthew 5:13-16

Really. You dont want to regret not sharing about God and not putting in any effort in bringing the ones you love to Christ. Cherish the time you have left. Do what you can and leave the rest to God.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. "
-John 15:7

"And receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. "
-1 John 3:22

For Ah-gong...

2009-06-13T01:07:00.004+08:00

Dear Grandpa,

I know you cant read English, but im hoping that where you are now, a translater is there to read you this message. And if you are where im hoping you are now, are you reading the prayers all of us have prayed for you on the prayer wall (I kind of thought there might be a prayer wall in heaven. Lol..)? Are you hand in hand with Jesus and Grandma, smiling and looking down at us right now?

Mum talks alot about you. She says you have a very strong character. You are wise and you are a strong-willed person who doesnt give up easily. That is why i always have the impression that you are a remarkable man. And im really proud that im your granddaughter. (:

Im tempted to say all the sorries for not spending more time with you, for not holding your hand more often and for not having hugged you before, but grandpa, i think i will rather say thankyou. Mum told me before of how you used to hold my hands, bring me downstairs for short little walks and buying food for me when i was little. Though i have no recollection of it, and though many might just wave it off as something insignificant; these stories serve as a sort of memory for me, of how you have loved me. Just something between you and me. And i want to say thankyou, for the exemplary life you have led and for how fiercely you fought your illness. Yes dear grandpa, i think you fought really well. Your courage was plain for all to see. And to me, you have won a beautiful victory.

Thank God you are free from the suffering now. Thank God that you are peaceful and happy now. I pray that when i finally get to see you once again, i will be able to earn back those lost time and lost hugs. Finally dear grandpa, something i have never told you before... I love you. (:

Truckloads of love, hugs and kisses,
Yvonne

a cliched message

2009-06-12T11:57:00.002+08:00

"I thought.. I didnt know..."
"You thought, you thought.. You always thought..."

Does the above strike anything? So often we take things for granted, we take people for granted. And we regret afterwards for what we have done or have not done. This message has been emphasised umpteen times. We say, "Yes, we know." But do we really?

All i can say is that God is gracious. (:

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

through it all

2009-06-01T01:57:00.003+08:00

I'll sing to you Lord
a hymn of love
for your faithfulness to me
Im carried in everlasting arms
you never let me go
through it all

I was speaking to a friend few days back. Our conversation reminded me that this world is warped and it has shaped many of us into defensive people. We dare not open up ourselves, we dare not trust, we dare not be ourselves; because we have learnt, and we have grown from past experiences. In the midst of all these 'dare nots', perhaps most of us have forgotten who we truly are meant to be. We may look very strong and independent on the surface, but are we really like that deep inside? Personally, i believe everyone has their times of weaknesses, weariness and fear. God didnt create us to be perfect. Neither did He create us to be iron men/women or to be lone rangers. We CAN actually afford to make mistakes, to be less independent. Because His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Arent you tired of all the ladened burdens you have carried on your shoulders all this while?

Most of us are also afraid of facing our hurts. We hide these hurts in the deepest, darkest part of us. We do not dare to confront them. Because it is so sore and tender, the slightest poke stirs up groans of pain. But this wound is inflamed. It needs to be treated lest complications occur. God is our healer. Be it through divine means or through His unthinkable ways, God always has a way to heal. And believe me, He is undisputedly the best doctor in town. It is only a question of whether we are willing to accept His treatment.

No doubt we all face heartaches and disappointments as we level through different phases. I am thankful that through it all, His mighty hands will never let me go. Are you willing to sum up the courage to be who you are meant to be? Will you take His outreached hands?

And He is good. He has led me to the answer i thought i will never find out. Thankyou. (:

im in love...

2009-05-22T00:02:00.004+08:00

I am in love. Yes. In love.
With my King.
I understand how i am 'the apple of His eye' now. (:

An excerpt from Captivating (authored by John and Stasi Eldredge):

Take My Hand

There is a scene near the end of the film Anna and the King I wish I could play for you. Let me describe it.
The setting is nineteenth-century Siam, a tiny but beautiful Asian country still in the grips of its ancient past. Anna, an English woman living in Siam as a tutor to the king's many offspring, has helped King Mangkut prepare for a state dinner. He wants to show the British that his country is ready to enter into the affairs of the world, so the dinner is given in the English style-- silverware, tablecloths, candlelight, and, at the end of the meal, ballroom dancing.
When the feast is over and it comes time for the first dance, the king stands and extends his hand to Anna. He invites her to dance with him. He fixes his gaze upon her and is distracted by nothing and no one else. He waits for her response. She is clearly surprised, taken aback, but has the grace to respond and stand. As they walk past the long table, the king's eyes never stray from hers, a smile playing on his lips. Others are upset that he has chosen her. Some watch with contempt, others with pleasure. It is of no consequence to the king or to Anna.
Anna came to the ball prepared. She was beautiful in a striking gown that shimmered like starlight. She spent hours getting herself ready-- her hair, her dress, her heart. As they reach the dance floor, Anna expresses her fear of dancing with the King before the eyes of others. "We wouldn't want to end up in a heap," she says. His answer to her questioning heart? "I am King. I will lead."
Jesus is extending his hand to you. He is inviting you to dance with him. He asks, "May I have this dance... every day of your life?" His gaze is fixed on you. He is captivated by your beauty. He is smiling. He cares nothing of the opinion of others. He is standing. He will lead. He waits for your response.

My lover spoke and said to me,
"Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me." (Song 2:10)

dont let it sink

2009-05-18T02:10:00.002+08:00

Is it just me, or am i rocking on a damaged boat? The boat seems to be defected and it feels like we're sinking. Helpless. That is just the word to depict how i feel now. We are in need of someone to repair the sinking boat before it is too late. Desperately in need.

We all know just who to look for. Him.

We are familiar with the story of how Jesus calmed the storm in Mark 4:35-41.

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" "
-Mark 4:39-40

Here is the catch. We are to be in a partnership with Him. Be it handing Him the spanner, or wiping sweat from His brows, there is work for everyone. He has the expertise. He knows exactly what to do. All we have to do, is to listen, obey, and most importantly, believe.

Will we do that? Will we wake up? Will we sweep away the fear and get down to work? Will we partner Him?

what is beauty?

2009-05-13T01:24:00.003+08:00

beauty - a combination of qualities that give pleasure to the senses (esp to the eye or ear) or to the mind

That was the definition given by the Oxford dictionary.

What is beauty when seen through
(i) the world's perspective?
(ii) God's perspective?

What is your definition of beauty?

Beautiful

I want to be beautiful

And make you stand in awe

Look inside my heart

And be amazed

I want to hear you say

Who i am is quite enough

I just want to be worthy of love

And beautiful.

-- Bethany Dillon

the big picture

2009-05-08T01:56:00.002+08:00

Imagine you are on a boat that is rocking in the middle of a storm. Or that you are on the roller coaster with sharp bends on the tracks and steep downslopes. You feel so feeble, so vulnerable. You feel as if you may be flung overboard anytime. You want to cling on tightly to something. Anything. Just to keep yourself on board. Oh, the insecurity! How you long to cast it away!

There are probably times like that in life. When you feel so confused and messed up. Temptations, inferiority, self pity, crossroads...etc. Everything that comes at you all at once, making you feel at a loss. In these times, you just want to toss away everything and cling unto Him. Because you trust Him, you know He will sort out the chaos.

That was what i thought when i feel like im lost in the whirl of the tornados-- that im the one clinging on tightly to Him. But a small voice nudged me. The voice told me that in fact, He is the one who is holding on to me so very tightly. I dont realise it because i couldnt see the big picture. I can only see my hands clutching on to Him, so tightly my knuckles are turning white. Zooming out, i see it. I see that i am in His embrace. And it looks impossible for me to be flung out into the storm because He is so strong, and i am so sheltered in those protective arms. (:

None but Jesus

In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call i won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope
All of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forever more

i got my answer, have you?

2009-04-27T22:39:00.002+08:00

The article from Our Daily Bread spoke to me today. Quoting from the article, " The lesson is: to get everything in the jar, you must always put the big things in first."

I've been feeling pretty overwhelmed recently. Remember the previous post about not having everything i want and looking forward to so many things? Well in fact, i am looking forward to too many things. After schooling for 13 years at least, i have more than enough experience of how my holidays are going to be like. Wasted. This time round, im so sure i will not let it go wasted again. That is why, i have many things in mind. All planned so that i make full use of my holidays. But i realised, that i cant handle so many things at one go. Which is probably why, God decided to slow me down. He decided to knock some sense into me.

" But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
-Matthew 6:33

Indeed, sometimes we bustle around, wearing ourselves down. But at the end of it all, what are we actually bustling about? Isnt it more important that we do everything for God's kingdom's sake? Thank God for reminding us from time to time and for helping us differentiate between the temporal and the eternal. (:

glad because i do not have

2009-04-24T02:19:00.003+08:00

I saw this quote from "Inspirations" on TV Mobile today, " Be thankful you dont have everything you want. Because if you do, what else will there be for you to look forward to?"

Think about it. Isnt it so true? And as i think about my holiday plans, all the things i can do, all the things i want to do.. I feel so excited! So many things to look forward to! I always grumble about the things i dont have, the things i cant do, etc. But today i realise that these are the things that make me look forward to tomorrow. No wonder teachers always make us write down our targets for the year.

Im thankful because God didnt give me everything all at once. He must have wanted me to enjoy the process of working for the things i want, and in the process, teach me lessons He wants me to learn. For once, i know what it means to be contented with what you have and what it means to rejoice in what you do not have. I feel blessed because He knows me so well. He wants the best for me, and He has the best for me. Do you feel the same way too? (:

daddies' protection

2009-04-10T00:04:00.003+08:00

Still remember the story of the Sleeping Beauty? A wicked fairy casted an enchantment on princess Aurora at the celebration of the princess's birth that she'll prick her finger on a spindle upon adulthood and die. A kind fairy, though unable to reverse the spell, twitched the wicked enchantment such that princess Aurora would fall into a deep sleep instead. Upon the kiss of a prince, she will then wake up from the deep slumber. To protect his beloved daughter, the king ordered all spindles in the kingdom to be destroyed.

Just like the king, all fathers want to protect their daughters. Many of us are like the girl who thinks she's grown up enough to know what she's doing and who wants to try everything, but in fact, does not know the danger and the peril that lurks in that world out there. The daddies, in their attempts to protect their little girls, forbid them to even go near any of these 'dangers'; some daddies, to the extent of being overprotective.

Daddies, i feel, are God's protection for us. A certain authority who sets boundaries for us so that we are kept from the seemingly fresher fields acoss the fence. Thank God for daddies. (:

Just a thought though, would princess Aurora still fall prey to the spindle; would she still prick her finger on the spindle, had she been taught what a spindle looks like and what a spindle actually is?

Sweet, Sweet Sound-- Sarah Reeves

2009-04-09T21:35:00.002+08:00

I am an instrument of the living God
My life a melody to His name
More than the songs I sing
Worship is everything
I live to glorify my King

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

Through all the mire and clay
You're washing me with grace
You carry me, oh Lord, through it all
So I will testify even in the fire
I live to praise my Savior

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

Let everything that has breath
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord
And all creation will sing Hallelujah

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

counting on Him

2009-04-07T01:07:00.003+08:00

I've been MIA for a while cos im so afraid of the computer during exam periods. I tell myself," Just half an hour, yvonne. Just half an hour." But it always ends up being at least 2 hours. >.< So what am i doing here now, you ask. I gave in to temptation. Lol.. I cant help it. The wordy comm law textbook is too much for me to bear. Words are swimming in front of my eyes. I need a break. And i went to Our Daily Bread. The devotional for today is so apt for me now! Thank God. Exam periods always feel so overwhelming and tortuous. Not to mention, they make the gluttony in me shine like neon lights. Well anyway, here's the verse from ODB:

"... This is what the Lord says to you," Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." "
-2 Chronicles 20:15

And a song from Desperation Band...! (:

Counting on God

Im in a fight not physical,

Im in a war but not with this world,

You are the light that is beautiful,

And i want more,

I want all that is yours

Joy unspeakable that wont go away,

And just enough strength to live for today,

So I never have to worry what tomorrow will bring

Cuz my faith is on solid rock,

I am counting on God,

I am counting on, I am counting on God

In the miracle of christ in me,

Is the mystery that sets me free,

Im nothing like i use to be,

Just open up your eyes,

You'll see In the miracle of christ in me

When all you have is God, you have all you need.

CHRISTian

2009-03-23T02:00:00.002+08:00

To be a christian, is to acknowledge the fact that,
CHRIST is everything. And I Am Nothing.

"...for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
-Luke 18:14

physics in a different light

2009-03-21T23:17:00.002+08:00

I used to really dislike Physics cos i cant handle it for nuts. I still dont really like it but i just found out recently that God can speak through Physics as well! It's so cool!

#1: Without light, there will not be colours.
All the seven colours-- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet make up white light. If i remember correctly, if you take a prism and shine the normal/white light through it, you will see the light being refracted and the seven colours will become visible. That is how rainbows are formed and you have got to admit it-- rainbows are one of the most beautiful things we witness in this world. Right right??
God is light. He shines into the darkness that most or all of us are in, whether we are aware of it or not. He brings colours into our lives. He lights up our otherwise, monochromatic lives and bring us joy!

#2: Potential elastic energy = 1/2 kx^2 where k is the elasticity constant.

#3: Energy = mgh where m is the mass, g is the gravity constant and h is the height of the mass from ground level.

I cant remember exactly what #2 and #3 stands for. They were actually mentioned to us by a youth pastor, Jonathan, during last Saturday's service. The gist of it is that God created us all the same. He gave each of us something, be it one gift or multiple gifts. We all have the potential (potential elastic energy) to do great things for God. Since k is constant, PE increases as x increases. So the question is, are we willing to be stretched by Him and, how much are we willing to be stretched (x)?
I cant remember what the formula E=mgh represents. Argh! But oh well.. If anyone gets a revelation from it let me know alright? Haha..

So you see, isnt God just amazing?Even the most technical thing can become so alive and interesting when we manage to even get a little peek of God's perspectives. (:

a message by George Carlin

2009-03-10T23:56:00.002+08:00

I received an email from a friend and i thought it was quite meaningful so i decided to share it. (:

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

beyond the well

2009-02-27T02:42:00.007+08:00

Once upon a time, there lived a frog who grew up in a well. Its only visible view was the circle of sky from the well's opening. Everyday, it looked at the clouds that drift past the circle of view. It was happy with the simplicity of what it had. But something stirred deep within the frog. Somehow it knew that there was more to just that circle of view. It longed to see more.

One fine day, it so happened that the frog managed to jump out of the well. It was filled with exuberance as it took in what everything outside the well had to offer. The greens of the field and trees, the gush of the river, the colours of the flowers, the smell of nature. The frog was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. And it began its adventure in this new found paradise.

As the frog hopped its way through the forest path, it began to see the remnants of trees chopped down, it began to witness the cruelty of small animals ensnared by traps laid down by hunters, it began to encounter the foul smell of the waters as dead fishes are washed up the banks. Tears began to flow down the face of the frog. It was utterly disappointed and upset with what was before its eyes.

In desperation, the frog hopped back to where it used to be. The well. Safe and simple. It wanted to escape from the darkness it had seen. But things have changed. The frog had forgotten the happiness and contentment of the simplicity of the well. It was stuck. Helpless. Miserable.

How often are we like the frog? Hurt, disappointed, discouraged. Yet, we know we cannot go back to the past. At this point of time, we have a choice to make. Are we going to let whatever we're facing make us or break us? We can choose to face up to it or choose to wallow in self-pity. God gave us all the right to choose. What will you choose?

let my lifesong sing to you

2009-02-21T23:45:00.007+08:00

I look at pictures of others on facebook, i think of what others are doing, i see and hear what others are doing. And i cant help but think to myself," Yvonne, what exactly are you doing? What exactly are you up to? Is this it?"

Sometimes it just feels that life is too long-winded. Im only about a quarter through my life and already, im starting to feel bored. I know i shouldnt feel that way. There're so many other things in this world i havent seen, havent heard about, havent experienced. But im restricted by many things and many factors. I cant just do as i wish. Well sometimes i wish there arent so many restrictions, so many rules. I wish i can do what i want without thinking of consequences, without giving a care to what others may think. But God made this world such that every action has its effect and somehow other people get affected.

.................................................................................................

It's weird but, i had a sudden mood switch. Lol.. I was feeling kinda emo whilst writing the above two paragraphs cos i felt so sick of my life being so mundane and purposeless. And then i came across this website http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=60769488
This person, Kari Jobe, she's a singer for God. She's an international worship leader and songwriter out of Dallas, Texas. I just heard her songs and i just watched her videos. Suddenly, i think perhaps, things arent that bad. God is still in control and He's gonna reveal His purpose for me here on earth bit by bit. There's just a sudden uplift of my mood. Thank God for music and singing cos it really ministers. (: So it is written

" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
-Philippians 4:4

and

" Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."
-Psalm 42:5

Good or bad, happy or sad; place your hope in Him and let His joy flow through you! (:

Lifesong

Empty hands held high

Such small sacrifice

If not joined with my life

I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say

And the things I do

Make my lifesong sing

Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You

I want to sign your name to the end of this day

Knowing that my heart was true

Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord, I give my life

A living sacrifice

To reach a world in need

To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say

And the things I do make my lifesong sing

Bring a smile to you

Hallelujah

Let my lifesong sing to You

thankyou teacher

2009-02-10T18:58:00.004+08:00

I was chatting with a friend yesterday and we reminisced about our jc days. One thing, or rather, one person that really left an impression on me was my chemistry teacher. I was his subject rep and well, my chemistry was never good in school. I used to find him naggy cos he likes to nag at me about reading his mindmaps, about doing my tutorials, about revising those equations etc. He said i was his subject rep so i had to do well for his subject. And i used to always smoke him through when he asked me questions. I didnt understand why he kept asking me for answers to equations which he obviously knew i had no answers to. There was even a period of time when i was angry with him. I didnt want to talk to him, didnt want to look at him, didnt want to go to his lessons. I felt that he was forcing me to do something i couldnt do. I felt that he was pushing me to a corner. But now i realised. He wasnt forcing me or suffocating me. He was believing in me. The last few struggling days before A levels i decided to put down my pride to look for him for consultation. I must say, i really have to thank this teacher for his patience and for his faith in me. He didnt give up on me. Thank you Mr Alvin Yeong. (:

Perhaps the Holy Spirit is like that too. A teacher who has undying faith in his student. A teacher who never gives up on his student, even when the student gives up on himself. (:

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. "
-1 Corinthians 10:13

The Way I Am-- Ingrid Michaelson

2009-02-04T01:45:00.004+08:00

If you were falling,
then I would catch you.
You need a light,
I'd find a match.

Cos I love the way you say good morning.
And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly,
here take my sweater.
Your head is aching,
I'll make it better.

Cos I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.

I'd buy you Rogaine
when you start losing all your hair.
Sew on patches
to all you tear.

Cos I love you more than I could ever promise.
And you take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.

random

2009-01-31T23:49:00.004+08:00

A little late but HAPPY CNY to all!! Haha.. We went to Hanshen's, Singhwa's and Joel's places today. Joy (Joel's dog) is so so adorable! She has this innocent look. Her eyes especially. She's so playful and her fur is so soft. She's super huggable. I wish she's mine. Imagine hugging her to sleep. Haha.. >.< I love Joy! :D

Actually this post is sort of contentless. Haha.. I just felt like writing something. But what i wrote about Joy is really how i feel. No wonder they say dogs are a man's best friend. They might not be able to communicate but i believe they can feel what you're feeling. And they'll just stay there by your side. Sometimes certain things you simply cant tell anyone, certain feelings you just dont know how to express it. Well of course God is the exception cos whether or not you tell Him, He already knows. And when you feel like there's no one else you can talk to, there it is-- your dog will be there to listen. So thank God for dogs! (:

I once had it. Or i thought i had it. But it was a dream. And now it is time to wake up. It's ok. At least it was a sweet dream. (:

more of you

2009-01-28T03:18:00.002+08:00

The stars are dim tonight. The clouds are covering them. But we know the stars are always there, whether they are visible or not. We just have to wait for the clouds to go away.

God is so amazing. He created something so pretty. Looking at the stars in the sky and the things around me, just enjoying His presence and all the things He has made, i feel peaceful. Spending time with God and talking to Him makes me feel so much better. I can cry in front of Him. i dont have to put on a mask before Him. Sometimes i wish He can just take me away, away from this complicated world; to a place where things are simple, where there's only Him and me. He's the only one who truly understands. It gets tiring to have to fight the battles day after day. Thank God He is always there and He will give me all the strength and courage that i need. (:

God is good all the time

He put a song of praise in this heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

" As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God."

-Psalm 42:1

this thing called EMOTIONS

2009-01-25T16:41:00.003+08:00

Sometimes i think this thing called emotions has a tremendous effect on us. It is actually considered God's gift to us. If not for it, this world will be so boring, void of feelings. Emotions add colour to all the mundane things we go through each day. But emotions is such a complicated thing. Sometimes i feel i dont know how to handle my own emotions. Sometimes i find it difficult to hide how i feel, difficult to control how i feel. Sometimes i feel this thing called emotions takes control over me and i cant think properly. It overtakes me, overrides my senses and my rationality. And i wonder why God gave me this gift and not teach me how to use it properly. But i know the answer. The key lies in something called self-control-- one of the fruit of the Spirit.

" But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. "
-2 Corinthians 5:22-23

But self-control is so hard. Temptations are everywhere. All around. I may win this battle but my defence falls short and i lose the next battle. The fall is always painful. Some more painful than others, but still painful. It's like our parents will ask us not to do this not to do that cos they wanna protect us. But the forbidden always attracts. And only after the fall that we realise our parents were right. After the fall then will we run back to our parents for comfort. I always run back to God when i fall. He chides but He comforts too. I tell myself the next time i'll only listen to God, I'll not fall for another temptation. But it happens again. Haha.. What to do? We're weak. He's strong. Im just glad im not alone in this long and tough journey.

Despite the negativities of this thing called emotions, i thank God for it. Can you imagine a world without emotions? It'll be just black and white. So no life. He's giving us lessons everyday. I'll just learn slowly. One day i'll master this thing called emotions. One day i'll be the one controlling it. One day...

He knows everything

2009-01-20T01:03:00.004+08:00

The past week or so has been.. wow! Haha.. I mean things happened. All i can say is God has been so good, so faithful and He never fails to amaze me. You know what? God is involved. He's always poking His nose in our businesses. Every little detail, every dark corners. He knows and He's interested. You find it hard to believe that, cos you think He has so much to do, so many people to attend, to He may have missed you out? I understand that feeling. I felt that way too. But trust me. God knows. And He's totally interested in you. I can't explain how i feel in words. God always makes me feel so overwhelmed cos He's so big and im so small. Im just so glad that i have someone so great and sovereign to cover me, protect me, lead me, counsel me, everything.. When you realise how tiny you are and how huge He is, you know how honoured we are that He cares so much, that we matter so much to Him.

" For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end."
-Psalm 48:14

From the Inside Out

A thousand times i failed

Still your mercy remains

Should i stumble again

Still im caught in your grace

Everlasting

Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending

Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else

My purpose remains

The art of losing myself

In bringing you praise

In my heart, in my soul

I give your control

Consume me from the inside out, Lord

Let justice and praise

Become my embrace

To love you from the inside out

Everlasting

Your light will shine when all else fades

Never ending

Your glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart

Is to bring you praise

From the inside out

Lord my soul cries out

Is to bring you praise

From the inside out

Lord my soul cries out

From the inside out

Lord my soul cries out

Honestly, i think other than the seven wonders of the world, many many other eighth, nineth, tenth wonders are happening around us. Haha.. But, God is still the best wonder. (:

God is love

2009-01-09T00:51:00.002+08:00

" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
-1 Corinthians 13:4-7

What more can i say? The bible says it all about love. I hope to honour God and protect those i love at the same time. Pray that these verses speak to different individuals accordingly. (:

You are headed in the right direction when you walk with God.

patience is what i need

2009-01-06T22:30:00.004+08:00

Hello! It's been a few days. Haha.. Well my christmas and new year was a blast! Spent time with the people i love though plans were last minute and things dont always go according to plans. Lol. But well, thank God for the wonderful time! (: It was my brother's birthday yesterday and church people came to our house for the celebration on sunday. I think God is so good cos i really enjoy myself with this big family that He has given me. I think i sound super incoherent but i dont care. Haha..

School's started and well.. It's still going alright. Just that i have a difficult time paying attention in class. :p And i really hate the timing for this week cos the schedule for this first week is like 1530 to 1830. It's like peak hour and traffic is so slow! It feels forever for me to reach home and when i finally do reach home im already starved like no one's business. Oh well, lessons will be back to 1400 to 1700 from next week so.. Yays! :D

Anyway, i came across this verse while doing qt on Saturday (3/1/09):

" Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble."
-Psalm 41:1

I was kind of convicted by this verse cos i thought of Sr when i read it. It feels like God is asking me to show her more christian love. But it's so so super duper difficult! >.< Uncle Edward once mentioned that christian love is an action, not a feeling. I find the feeling part tough but the action part is as tough! Im trying trying trying.. Just that sometimes i really cant help myself. Pray that God help us all to love one another as He called us to in this verse:

" My command is this: Love each other as i have loved you."
-John 15:12

Another thing is, I know that God has great and amazing plans for all of us. Wonder why sometimes we still feel so terrible? True, sometimes it might be the trials that God set for us to go through so that we learn something and grow, but sometimes i think it is because of our lack of discipline and obedience that we are not able to taste the blessings He wants us to have. I think all of us have to make a marked effort to draw closer to Him and to listen to Him. Now what i need is really patience, patience and more patience! I may want something really badly now but i know it's not God's timing yet. I must wait wait wait and see His exciting plan for me unfold. >.<

" " For i know the plans i have for you," declared the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." "
-Jeremiah 29:11

Joy joy joy... Joy to the world, the Lord has come... (:

thanksgiving

2008-12-30T00:59:00.003+08:00

2008 is coming to an end and 2009 is on its way. What a year it has been. Time passed so quickly i didnt even realise a new year is coming. I have no idea what i've really done this year. Many things seemed to have happened, but at the same time, it feels as if nothing much has happened. The release of A level results, university applications, the church saga.. Everything. It has been a weird year. Many people gave their testimonies and most said they had a bad year. I find my year neutral actually. Perhaps it wasnt so good in the beginning because i was a little lost and directionless. But towards the end it wasnt that bad. Whatever happened, i thank God for everything in this year.

Firstly, my A level results. I didnt do very well and for a while i was quite depressed. Im not trying to boast here but seriously i have never ever thought i'll end up in SIM. I mean i have been doing relatively well since primary school. My teachers, parents, uncles and aunties had high expectations for me. I had high expectations for myself. But i was too complacent. I played too much. I wasnt motivated. I thought i could still do it with last minute work. Apparently i was wrong. A levels was a nightmare, and if not for God and the encouragement from my teachers and friends, i suppose i would have given up completely. Though my results werent good enough for local universities to accept me, i thank God for His grace. For the entire 2 years in JC, i was wasting my time. I slept in lectures and tutorials, i dont do my tutorials, i simply couldnt care less. Yet in the final lap, God gave me the motivation and strength and my teachers pushed me really hard with all the consultations and little talks. I managed to pass with improved grades for all my subjects for the very first time in my JC life.

Secondly, my university applications. Though my grades for A levels improved compared to that in my schools exams, they werent good enough for me to get into a local university due to the high level of competition among my peers. I was devastated when all the local universities rejected me and when all my appeals werent successful. I had many other options and i asked God for His opinion. His answer for me was SIM. I couldnt accept it at first but i trusted Him eventually. Though occasionally i still feel pangs of regret for not making full use of my two years in JC, im happy with where i am now. I met good friends there and i did quite well for my first semester. God knows me best and this is the place for me.

Finally, the church saga. I was disheartened initially when it happened. I thought," What's happening to our church? Has God left us? Has He abandoned us?" Many pessimistic thoughts flooded my mind and i didnt even feel like going to church because suddenly the whole place felt so empty. But i thank God because He let me know that He hasnt left and He has and always will be there. He will never abandon His children. I thank Him for people who continued to keep their faith in Him, who encouraged all others who were like me, who spread the hope of the Lord to those disheartened. And now, things are getting back on track. We are now closer to each other. Personally, i believe that God is trying to unite us.

Indeed, praise and glory be to God! There's just one thing. Things may be on track now, but i feel that my walk with God is becoming stagnant. I havent done much for Him this year. I feel that i haven drawn closer to Him this year. And sometimes i wonder, is it just me? Or is it the case for many others in church too? We may know each other better now with more outings and all, but have we forgotten to include God in our gatherings? Are we having too much fun and missing the point of fellowship? Are we being too comfortable? I feel the poke of the thorns amidst the roses, a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit perhaps. I wonder...

My new year wish for 2009 is that God will show me the calling He has for me, a long term ministry that He wants me to serve Him in. I also wish that all of us in church will draw closer to God, be more willing to give and be prepared to fulfil whatever purpose He has for each of us. All in all, i thank God for His providence and sustenance through 2008 and i look forward to an exciting 2009 with Him! (:

the King

2008-12-26T00:33:00.002+08:00

This is the thing about blogging. I just finished typing a relatively long post and before i know it, it's GONE! Gone..gone..gone.. >.< Oh well, im not going to retype everything.

What i want to say is, christmas is about remembering how Jesus came, how He died and spilt His blood so that all of us may be reconciled with God. You can get the story from Luke 2:1-40. This christmas, i am reminded of how i have been taking Jesus's sacrifice for granted. Indeed, He is the only King worthy of all praise and glory. Which king would be humble enough to become one of the commoners and be humiliated by His own people, the people He loves so much? Which king would be so gracious as to forgive lower beings like us who have sinned against Him, who have killed Him? Only Jesus. He is the only King. The only worthy King. (:

p.s. I love the decorations in church this year. They're so pretty and christmassy! Haha.. Blessed Christmas' 08 everyone! :D

rudolph, the red nose reindeer

2008-12-22T17:52:00.000+08:00

A new blog! I hope this time this blog will last. haha..

A few of us went to joel's place yesterday. Joy and j'wee are so cute! The thing is they're so active they keep jumping on you. I need time to warm up to them you see. And i was trembling, not daring to move when j'wee kept jumping on me. I think dogs are super cute and i adore them. I just wish im not so scared of the more active dogs. When we were in joel's room, lester was using his laptop and we saw joel's msn nick. "Rudolph, the red nose reindeer...shiny shiny shiny nose..."It's supposed to be "...has a very shiny nose..." Lol.. That's just joel.

Anyway it got me thinking about rudolph. He's a special reindeer because of his red shiny nose, different from the other reindeers. Everyone laughed at him but santa took him in. The reason? His red shiny nose was able to light up the way in the cold dark night when santa's supposed to deliver the presents to all the little children around the world.

We are like rudolph. Or at least, some of us. We may have traits that are different from others but we are all special in our own ways. That is the amazing thing about God. He made each one of us different. He is a creative maker. Everything about us, from the most obvious feature, right down to the tiniest mole has been designed by Him. And everything has its own cause. So before you start doubting about yourself, why not sit down and think? Your strengths, your weaknesses.. We are all santa's rudolphs, designer products, God's one and only. (: