just listening to this song now once again after being shelved for months.

it's refreshing, the lyrics speaks loads.

rest assured, i am not going through some storm now. haha :) but putting it here, to encourage anyone who may be going thru storms. Jesus is just a prayer, and hand away.

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."- James 1:4

I'll Move On- Olivia Ong

This road that I’m taking
Twists and turns
My life my chance turning dreams into reality.

Down this path Faced with so many things
Sometimes I feel like giving up and turn away

Can’t seem to go on. And I’ve been thru’ this before.
Now where am I? Where do I stand?
A little lost here.
But I'll remember. All those times you’ve bought me thru’.
I’d be a fool to give up cos’ the goal is near I'll move on I'll go on.
Lord I will take your hand.
And you will guide me along.
Survive thru’ this storm.
So I say, come what may.

I'll hold on to my hope.
Yes, I will walk down this road.
And my passion drive will lead me on

Here I am Once again Caught in the rain.
Looking back I’ve come sofar And I want to carry on

Take a step At a time It’s alright.
Even thru’ this rain, I want to smile again

Don’t hold back now. And i’ve been thru’ this before.
Now where am I? Where do I stand? A little lost here.
But I'll remember. All those times you’ve bought me thru’.
I can feel the sun shining down on me

Here I am, Here I am.
Lord I will take your hand.
And you will guide me along. Survive thru’ this storm.
So I say, come what may.

I'll hold on to my hope.
Yes, I will walk down this road.
And my passion drive will lead me on.

so much within me that i don't really know how to express. :) ah.

just took some time to re-listen to the recordings of the prophecy. and no matter how many times i listen to it, it feels so close to heart.

but of course, cos its His voice. His words. to you.

it was apt that the cd came at this time. serves as a source of encouragement, comfort and strength in Him. the past week has been heavy for my soul personally. not in a bad sense, but heavy in the sense of i really got to step up more in my life, to think through life.

so much of mixed feelings. but 1 relief, that i have at least one that can understand me completely and knows me full well. thats you, God. my prayer is for continuous anointing, and wisdom, and contrite spirit with willingness to act according to Your will.

don't you think, living a life seems like going for a run. sometimes you are all ready to go for the sprints; sometimes, you struggle to run through the rocky terrains. sometimes, you have to make decisions to run to the left or to the right; sometimes, you got to stop running cos of the rain. sometimes, the run is a breeze with the aplenty fresh air; sometimes, you are choked by the exhaust fumes. sometimes, there is so much of scenery to admire; sometimes, you run on plain long roads that never seems to end. sometimes...

but there are things that are worth being thankful for still: for Him being the cheerleader of the run, and secondly, knowing you are being strengthened by the run.

run run run.

Lord I offer my life to You
Everything I've been through
Use it for Your glory

Lord I offer my days to You
Lifting my praise to You
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer You my life.

strangely, listening to the long-shelved chinese songs at this cold weather, warms me within. :))

you know, knowing myself, i think i am very knotted within.

sometimes, all i desire for myself, is growth in simplicity. just simplicity.

simple love for HIM, His Word, His voice.

Amen.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 2 Pet 1:2

Do you see what He sees? :)

1 thing that struck me hard from Ps John Jack's sharing was, in the supernatural realm, the word 'time' is totally irrelevant. God sees your past, present and future all at once; whereas our limited human understanding can only understand what's past, and probably a little insight of what's at the present.

there is only 1 reason why we are put on Earth: Matthew 28; and to fulfill the destiny that He has in store for us from past till future.

and He promise a future that is certain and hope-filled, as you set apart for His will. :)

countdown: 1 day to Oceania Convention!

and so glad, mag's coming along too! :) praise God for her young heart of faith, and her willingness to give to Him to go for it. am sure she will be richly blessed for her obedience!

so, a few more hours to brisbane.

renewal, refresher, revival.

met an aj schoolmate at easter party yesterday. :) seem to meet a lot of people in melb. also, got to know that another visitor, Tuna is a friend of lolli! all singaporean nepalese. :) am always excited when i get to talk to new people, cos you really never know what's in store!

like, when i went for oceania choir pracs and met my fav pri school teacher's daughter. :) we talked a lot more this time round, and am so glad within me that her mom-mrs ong rems me, and asked how's everything getting along. i remember mrs ong giving out handmade towel rabbits during easter, and some homemade chocolates too. you know, when i am young, she always sends postcards to some of us whenever she goes on trips. she's one reason why i really treasure snail mails. like now i send back home postcards or cards from places i go.

i am so glad that ivy is doing so well too, with her serving God so fervently at waverly and frankston despite her busy schedule treating patients in the country. i thank God for His hand on this family.

and this time round, and the opportunity is here, i hope i can do the same deed back to my teacher as well. :) to allow her to experience the similar joy upon receiving a card from afar. :)

o, am so glad always, when you see how God works in the lives of the others.

blessed easter!

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Psalms 73:25-26.

Acts 17:26-28

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being'...

a time for everything.

What's in store for you this Easter? :)



looking forward to the Easter break. Oceania Convention 2008 in brisbane! housemates and churchies are going tog, and believe it will be a great time to come together to be blessed by the Word of God and the presence of the Hope community in Australia.

school has just started not too long ago. the stuff taught feels heavy for me. research statistics. i don't like numbers. literally felt as if my brain shrunk after the summer break. but well, i guess i will just try my best to digest the readings, and with Him providing the Wisdom, there's nothing to fear. :)

and many people are falling sick in this erratic weather. to pray for health and healing over the churchies, so as to serve Him with whole heart and whole being!

i am looking forward to the choir in OC. and one song that we practised is stuck in my head, and it replays itself in my head for the past few days.

"I went to the enemy's camp, and I, took back what he stole from me!
took back what he stole from me!
took back what he stole from me!

He's under my feet
He's under my feet
He's under my feet
He's under my feet
Satan, is under my feet!"

and each time i sing this song, i feel so victorious in fighting against the elements that wage against our Father in heaven. sometimes, its easy to lose joy, to lose perserverance, to lose courage in serving Him, hence, the song reminds me, that we should step up, and take back the joy, perserverance, courage etc. from the enemy's camp!

prayers in unity add strength! :)

just a thought as i prayed.

often times, i was trying to rationalise that we get hurt the most by things/people that we treasure most. was figuring that it may be the deception of the devil to plant discouraging thoughts and disappointments within your life, as well as to sow discord.

and i was pretty satisfied with that 'rationalisation', cos in that way, the devil takes all the blame. in a way, its a passive agreement to that.

i was just very reminded of the word 'active'. to be a Christ-follower, it implied an active faith. to actively allow myself to be renewed. and actively partnering with Him for growth in our walk.

even for the lack of joy, the Scripture reminds, "You shall rejoice before the Lord Your God.."- Lev 23:40. How can we not rejoice before the One who gladdens life? it is an active step of ours. we need to partner with God.

"You shall have no other gods before me..." -Deut 5:6. i do have many such gods in my life, and i really want to work on changing. The little gods that i have been serving are especially worry and disappointment. i need to rid of and cast out these little idols!

I shall love the Lord my God with all my heart. -Deut 6:5. Let's say no to keeping corners of the heart reserved for the other little 'g's! a heart that is 100% for Him is always 100% joy-filled! that's my desire, and my commitment to actively grow in this area! be clear minded and simple hearted for Jesus! :)

and this verse touched my heart.
Psalms 116:6-7-
The Lord protects the simplehearted: when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

heavens rejoice!

-maggie for the step of faith and her obedience to Christ in water baptism! Praise the Lord!

-agnes for opening her heart to receive Jesus into her life! Praise the Lord!

-CCM-ers for sowing hard on-campus and Lisa coming to visit us for service! Praise the Lord!

-young adults fervently praying and having new friends and believers for the gathering! Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

'object of comfort'.

i am not sure why, but i was reminded of this term a while ago. immediately i thought of my little red furry blanket that i had since kinder, and i had it all the way till secondary school i think. that's almost 10 years. i remember pulling it behind me wherever i went in the house, and it will always, always be with me during bedtime. it is the thing that made me enjoyed good sleeps.

it was interesting, cos when that red blanket was thrown away, i recalled being really upset, and i cried about it. and my mum rationally said that it was just a blanket, why did it evoke such emotions. and i realised, it was cos my source of comfort then was placed on an object, and when its taken away from me, i felt vulnerable, and a little lost.

similarly, as i grew up, i quickly replaced the red blanket with a cardigan that has furry insides. it was a gift from a friend when i was in college. it is still with me now, and pretty much, had a role in provision of comfort as well.

however, i thank God that the difference now, is that Jesus found me, and He is my source of comfort and strength in all times. placing my hope in Him has helped me understand how easy it is to 'misplace' or 'transfer' our hopes of deriving comfort from an object, or even from a person. and I am grateful that through various circumstances, it always brings me to remember that Jesus is the ultimate Comforter and Strength. He never gets discarded; He never gets weary; He bears with me in all grace; and He understands me fully well; and importantly, He desires to communicate with me at all times despite all situations, even when i fail Him. i am thankful for Him.

thank you Jesus, for being my 'friend of comfort' at all times.

read this in juli's blog. and so true.

" I prayed: the answer long deferred
Brought not the thing I sought;
He answered better than my plea,
Yes, better than my thought. "

The purpose of prayer is not to get what we want, but to become what God wants.

power of prayer!

there are several keys to effective prayers.

Key #1—Pray Sincerely to the True God

It is absolutely vital that you pray to the very real God of the Bible if you expect genuine answers to your prayers. He reveals Himself to mankind in many ways—in creation, in the Bible, in His foretelling specific divine intervention in world affairs and in direct ANSWERS to those who seek and obey Him.
The Apostle Paul was inspired to describe the true God in this way: "For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live" (1 Corinthians 8:5-6).
In our modern, ecumenical approach to religion, we may think that praying to some vague "blob" off in the sky or to an idol is just the same as praying to the CREATOR—the God of Abraham, Isaac, Israel and Jesus Christ. But it is not the same at all!
The true God was revealed by Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:27). To one of His disciples, He said: "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me…? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me" (John 14:9-11).
We read of Jesus Christ acknowledging that God was a loving, divine Person—a "Father." And we see the Father acting through Christ to heal the sick, to comfort the downcast and to teach those whom He calls to keep the Ten Commandments as a way of life (Matthew 19:17). This should certainly help us to better understand God's character and His desire for us.
Christ also set an example for us in praying to the Father: "Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: 'Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You'" (John 17:1). Again, when He taught His disciples the outline—the proper approach to prayer—He said: "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" (Matthew 6:9-13).
So once again, Jesus revealed that the God to whom we should pray is a Father. And what does Christ reveal about Him? He is "in heaven." He has a Kingdom or Government that will be set up on this earth. He—as our Father—is One who can give us daily bread, forgive our sins, deliver us from Satan and bring us into that everlasting Kingdom.
In describing this true God, whom so very few even today are acquainted with, the Apostle Paul stated: "Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 'God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings'" (Acts 17:23-26).
We learn more about the true God from the Old Testament. The great Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, was told that he would be driven from his kingdom "until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses" (Daniel 4:32). And this God will not share preeminence with any other. He inspired Isaiah to write: "Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath" (Isaiah 45:22-23).
This is an awesome God, with limitless power and glory! When you get down on both knees and lift up your hands in prayer to the great CREATOR of the universe, you should think of to whom you are praying, and "hallow" or praise His name, as Jesus instructed. Remember that He is not only the Creator, but the active GOVERNOR of the entire universe—guiding the rise and fall of nations according to His will. He is the One in charge of the weather—sending "rain in due season" (cf. Deuteronomy 28:12)—or at times drought and destruction upon those nations that must be punished (vv. 24-25).
Yet, if you surrender to Him, obey Him and serve Him, God will become your loving Father, your Protector, your Healer, the Giver of "every good and perfect gift" (James 1:17) and the One who has abounding love and mercy. "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:11-14).
Be sure you always pray specifically to this God—the true God—and to no other. As you begin your prayer, think about whom you are praying to and consciously worship this Great God who gives you life and breath.

From http://www.tomorrowsworld.org/cgi-bin/tw/booklets/tw-bk.cgi?category=Booklets1&item=1104095186&gclid=COiy7NTB7I8CFR4cTAod6DarHw

received this cool thing from my friend. enjoy. :)

When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing 'dance' at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw 'G: I thought of God, followed by 'u' and 'i'.
'God, 'u' and 'i' dance.'
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life,
please share this message with someone else,
for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
so let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance

since today's valentine's, let's talk a little bit about Love.

:) from 1 Corinthians 13.

Love

1If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1. Only Love Counts (as shown in Verse 1-3)

Paul deals with the Corinthians' elevation of spiritual gifts

• miraculous gifts (1)
• spiritual endowments (2)
• personal sacrifice (3)

"without love", it all sums up to nothing.

2. Only Love Triumphs (as shown in Verse 4-7)

Paul deals with the Corinthians' spirit of division. What they were -

• prideful and arrogant- (1 Corinthians 4:6) (1 Corinthians 13:18-19) (1 Corinthians 5:2)
  
• self-centred (1 Corinthians 10:24)

Hence, Paul reminded us what true love entails.

3. Only Love Endures (as shown in Verse 8-13)

Paul deals with the Corinthians' claims to spiritual superiority

• Love lasts, while gifts and knowledge pass away (verse 8-10)
• Maturity is our aim (verse 11)
• Perfection awaits the world to come (verse 12-13) which is characterised by love.

i love verse 4-7. it often reminds me the purity of love. how it is unconditional and there's absolutely no expectation of returns. how it reminds us to give even though it may be difficult.

1 John 3:16-
This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us.

today, had a good time doing some reading in Borders.

was spoken to many times, through the Holy Spirit.

"no matter where you are in your faith journey- whether you are just testing waters to see if there is anything out there worth believing in or you are a long time believer desiring a richer, more fulfilling relationship with the Creator of the Universe- the starting point is always the same. Seek. This is where it all begins. Seek, and you will find..."

- The Secrets of God.

Jeremiah 29:13-14

Seek.

what comes to your mind when you think of Jacob? (Genesis 32)

must say, for the many people that i have talked to before, not many holds jacob as someone that they want to model after from the old testament. however, there's something special about him that God adores, and God admires. :)

Jacob held onto God, and would not let Him go, until God blessed him.

what struck me from the teaching was that, there's no time which we can say, "there's nothing else that i can do; i've already done all that i can.".

cos, we can always do one thing, and that is to hold on, hang on. we can be down, but with God, we are never out. we also need to trust God, and have a biblical understanding of blessings. (Psalms 67:1-2).

so, be a Jacob today! hold onto God, for His faithfulness and love endureths forever!

ever wondered:

how are beautiful pearls made?

:)

Spirit Touch Your Church

some people requested for this song to be sent to them after sunday, so that they could hear it again. this is one of the closest. :) enjoy.

http://curtis-curtis.imeem.com/music/xusRfyDm/praise_and_worship_spirit_touch_your_church/

Spirit Touch Your Church
(Psalm 51:12)

Verse 1:
D/E A2
Lord we need

E/G# Bm/F# F#m F#m/E
Your grace and mer - cy

D
We need to pray

D/E E A
Like nev - er before

E/G# F#m
We need the pow - er

F#m/E E/D D - A/C#
Of Your Ho - ly Spir - it

Bm7 AM7/C# DM7 E7sus - E
To open Heav - en’s door

Chorus:
A/C# D E/D
Spirit touch Your church

C#m7 F#m - F#m/E
Stir the hearts of men

D E/D
Revive us Lord

C#m7
With Your passion

F#m - F#m/E
Once again

D E
I want to care for others

C#sus/G# C#/F F#m
Like Je - sus cares for me

F#m/E D D/E D - F#m
Let Your rain fall upon me

F#m/E D D/E E D ( D/E )
Let Your rain fall upon me

Verse 2:
A2
And Lord we humbly

E/G# Bm/F# F#m F#m/E
Come be - fore You

D
We don’t deserve

D/E A
Of You what we ask

E/G# F#m
But we yearn

F#m/E E/D D - A/C#
To see Your glo - ry

Bm7 AM7/C# DM7 E7sus - E
Restore this dy - ing land

(Repeat chorus twice)

F#m/E D D/E A - F#m
Let Your rain fall upon me

F#m/E D D/E A - F#m
Let Your rain fall upon me

F#m/E D D/E A - F#m
Let your rain fall upon me

F#m/E D D/E Asus - A
Let Your rain fall upon me

about worship!

GIVE TO THE LORD THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME; AND COME BEFORE HIM. OH, WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS! ( 1 CHRONICLES 16:29 )

SING TO THE LORD, ALL THE EARTH; PROCLAIM HIS SALVATION DAY AFTER DAY. ( 1 CHRONICLES 16:23 )

So, COME, LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN; LET US KNEEL BEFORE THE LORD OUR MAKER. FOR HE IS OUR GOD, AND WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF HIS PASTURE, AND THE SHEEP OF HIS HAND. ( PSALM 95:6-7 )

Therefore, let us also: PRAISE GOD IN HIS SANCTUARY; PRAISE HIM WITH THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET; PRAISE HIM WITH THE LUTE AND HARP! PRAISE HIM WITH THE TIMBREL AND DANCE; PRAISE HIM WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS AND FLUTES! PRAISE HIM WITH CLASHING CYMBALS! LET EVERY- THING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD. (PSALM 150:1, 3-6 )

COME LET US SING TO THE LORD! LET US SHOUT JOYFULLY TO THE ROCK OUR SALVATION. ( PSALM 95:1 )

i thank God for His blessings, and how He impress His plans upon my heart through prayers, through His word, as well as through chats with friends. slowly, but surely, His assurance and arms of security holds me.

was encouraged by something a friend shared.

God will never shut the doors, when He has placed burden in your heart.

simple yet true.

hence, align our lives with His will, and He will lead you through it all. :)


worship and prayers.

"You have as much laughter as you have faith."- Martin Luther.

joy within = faith within.

"For to believe, is not to experience... the Word must be believed even when we feel and experience what differs entirely from the Word." - M. L.

feeling must follow, but faith, apart from all feeling, must be there first.

"Hear God's Word often; do not go to bed, do not get up, without having spoken a beautiful passage two, three or four of them to your heart."- M.L

Jesus said, we know the Truth, and the truth will set us free. (John 8:32).

ah-men. (:

God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful World as it is,
Not as I would have it;
Trusting that You will make all things right
If I surrender to Your will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You
Forever in the next.  Amen.
- Reinhold Niebuh

colossians 3:15.

God is good, all the time.

and most importantly, He hears me even when i thought He didn't.

just when i felt a little lost at what to do next, and all prepared to close my eyes and sleep, i was so glad to be prompted to just tell God what's within. though my thoughts were all over the place, i need not worry about how it will sound to Him, cos He already knew what's within me.

it was a short prayer. prayed for peace that transcends all understanding. prayed for things to fall into place, and finally, encourage me to walk in the way that brings Him delight. to be my cheerleader.

"do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.".

felt that my prayers didn't make sense, even to myself. but He understood me.

heard my phone just at this moment. it was 2am in the morning. it was a private number. beyond my imagination, it was jean ong huiling who called!

it really cracked me up on how she said she bought the phoenix calling card and thought of calling me last night. and blessed i was when she shared about how she too, is fasting for where God is going to lead her. blessed i was by God when we exchanged prayer needs. :) though we have no idea what's exactly on our mind at that moment, but i know He is the connector, and it felt really good to know that someone is praying for me too.

slept well, and rose early. couldnt sleep anymore and i thought it must be 10am. but i was well and alert at 7am in the morning. washed up and said a little prayer. turned on the comp and had Queen REGINA NG msn-ing me! :)

mind was just floooded with the scenes of how we went on friday nights to teach the hearing-impaired kids. updated me keenly about how the other volunteers were doing, and how our friends got together in her church recently after all the things that happened. and how hannah our coordinator is getting married this march. how she enrolled into bible college, and how my cousin replaced the position.

so blessed to see that all those who have perservered in their walk have received fruits of blessings. praise Him!

from God's Minute devotional today.

18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.

19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul
-Psalms 94:18-19.

just like what the poem in the devotional, there will be times in our Earthly life, when we are filled with doubts and fear, but always go to Him in prayer, and know that He is near..

i want to have a simple heart, of faith and peace, for His matters all over again.

:)

where He wants me to be, there i will be. amen.

the people that i've spent time with for the past month. :) the perthians and the sydneyian (?). is that how we call people from sydney? i dont know. haha.

ah, and how lee rui rui set new records of finishing the butter and the strawberry jam bottles in our house. and oh how she terrorise suetty ho with her strawberry jam plus peanut butter combi. hahas.

good time. relive of old days. :)) and till we meet again, ur different combinations for spreads on toasted bread will remain well-received in this house. :)

to give a brief summary of the day. (:

today, there were 2 types of challenges, but exciting challenges for me.

had a time of evax at preston library, to invite the people in the neighbourhood for tomorrow's service. yes, thou evax is not unfamiliar, but i guess i am still feeling raw in sharing to locals. i am really glad that today i have an opportunity to see how logan share to one, and how the ice was broken fast and how readily she engaged in the conversation.

hence, #1 challenge for the day, was gearing myself up to be confident about my position in Christ beyond all barriers and share. it felt much more relaxing along the way thru the day, and i hope that one day, it becomes part of my blood to share readily to the locals. (:

and now for the second challenge. (: i have officially become tlp's understudy on how to take care of her pet chickens when they are all back in sing. and honestly, i can take care of them when they are in the coop. but... when they are out and roaming, man, i was telling suet i need to speak in tongues as i chase after them to catch them back in the coop.

and so today, i followed tlp, and had her giving me step by step tips in catching the chicken. ah, once again, its all about rapport, and the confident physical cues that you give the chicken as you hold them.

and praise the Lord, it was not that difficult afterall. in fact, it was pretty therapeutic squatting there to wait for an opportunity to stroke them. and interestingly too, squat at the chicken's level so that they may know you are wanting an interaction with them.

so #2 challenge for the day. catch the chickens. and it was mission accomplished, though it was a time of breathing tongues under my breath. hahaha.

indeed, what is deem easy task by some, may be difficult for some others. just like how natural tlp is with the chickens, it wasnt so for me. similarly, for striking decent conversations with strangers is not something i am naturally good at. but i guess the good stuff about everything is, Perfect Love drives out fear, and if He is made your motivation, nothing is too big to overcome.

so, these challenges shall remain in my prayers. practice makes perfect. (: just like with catching the chickens, i am sure sharing to anyone from any background will soon be so too. with the first baby steps taken today, i am positive it will only get better. (:

i know all He desires of me, is just willingness. like what "Use Me" by planetshakers sang, if He can use anything, He can use me. (:

"take my hands Lord, and my feet, Touch my heart Lord, speak through me. If you can use anything Lord, You can use me..." -"Use Me"

trust and believe. amen.

From shuyi's blog.

"12:02 pm - Essentials of Prayer (E.M. Bounds)

Prayer and God's Work
If Jacob's desire had been given him in time for him to get a good night's sleep, he might never have become the prince of prayers we know today. If Hannah's prayer for a son had been answered at the time she set for herself, the nation might never have known the mighty man of God it found in Samuel. Hannah wanted only a son, but God wanted more. He wanted a prophet, and a savior, and a ruler for His people. Someone said that "God has to get a woman before He could get a man." This woman He got in Hannah precisely by those weeks and months and years there came a woman with a vision like God's, with tempered soul and gentle spirit and a seasoned will, prepared to be the kind of a mother for the kind of a man God knew the nation needed.- W.E. Biederwolf

I like this passage. It speaks of the training in character and faith one undergoes in his or her search for answers. It hints of the process going on in who one doesn't loses hope in the face of apparently unanswered prayer. People like quick answers, but God is less concern with maintaining His image, through people-pleasing antics, but more interested in making us who we can become and helping us attain Christ-likeness. I thank Him for that..."

i thank Him for that too.

thanks xuan for sending me a christmas card. it was indeed a pleasant surprise, and i wish you well too when you are going away from home soon. like u say, shall meet u up again when we both reach sg in jul.

07 came and went me by. a year of transitions and challenges. physically, spiritually and emotionally.

a year that demands trust of Him. of unseen faith. hence, a deeper relationship with Him.

07 started off with a sprint that left me breathless. the fyp things were sapping my energy and how delighted we were when we had the end product. it marked the end of my 3 yrs in OT school as well, and it finished off pleasantly with a clinicals in the beautiful island with wonderful children in pulau pinang.

the sprint slowed down and i caught breather. thereafter was a period of time of strengthening friendships and time with family. appreciate presence and time. spent time like never before with many and was a time i was making decisions of furthering my studies. trusted God in providence, and having Him to direct me in ministry and decisions in life. many times when foolishness overtakes my heart, i thank God for His Word, and shepherds to lead me to walk in line with His plans.

melbourne was a faith journey as well. start to see the possibilities of serving God in different dimensions. away from friends and family. but made new friends and new spiritual familiy. in all areas of my life, i felt stretched, in a different way. it was a time i became less mechanical and more of the heart.

i thank God for the preparation i have had in sg. it was all to prepare for what has in store for me when i came over. God knew.

not merely about skills, but about the sharpening of the mind, and about the heart as well. i thank God for what He has placed before me and around me. i want to continue to trust in Him, with greater hope and greater strength in His plans for me.

sometimes, i liken the current circumstances in my life to the erratic weather in melbourne. ever-changing, or a better word, it is dynamic. many times, i felt as though i have succumbed to the changing weather, the wrong gear for the weather. but i hope to think as well, it has helped me to work towards being aclimatised to the weather. being prepared in season and out of season. to be all ready in feeling, thinking and experiencing good regardless of what is out there. afterall, if He is in control within, why should i even bother to control what's out of me?

honestly, i feel helpless many times in many situations. mind and heart, sometimes, it felt as though it doesnt belong to me at all. and i guess, i have grieved God by this lack of discipline of the mind. i have learnt, and i will do better in this coming year. :)

i know i cant be a perfect person who can love all and be loved by all, but i have learnt from Him that i can be an imperfect sinner who is consumed by a perfect Love that loved all, and is loving all. and hence, even though imperfect, i have the potential to be a reflector of what is perfect. by His grace, amen.

08.

Each Day

A new year just beginning,
Each day a fresh, new start,
To fulfill your hopes
And pursue the dreams
Sustained within your heart.

Put God in charge;
He'll plant the seeds
Of affection, love and care.
Like a garden, your life will grow
With kindness flowering there.

And as you face the wonder
Of each day's mysteries,
You'll see God's hand
Unfolding, daily, possibilities!

And as each day comes to a close,
Dream a dream or two,
Then with a prayer thank dear God
For each day given to you.

-Poet, Gael Phaneuf

sprint. stretch. jump.

leaps for 08.

penguins on philip island are seriously adorable little things. (:

just really want to pick one up and give them a tight squeeeezeeeee.

the perthrians have arrived a few days ago. it was good reunion after we parted in sing. (:

so, had a belated christmas dinner over at our place, and it was a good fellowship and food. veggies overload thou. hahas.

suddenly, it feels like singapore all over again.

i guess, God has been revealing to me about myself. and certainly, i was reminded of the teaching in the past, about C.H.A.R.I.S.M.A. Being a charismatic child for God, etc.

what struck me most was about C- Care, and A-Availability. caring for people, and being there physically for them and spending time with them. these, i hope to grow in.

and the Source must be from Him, the pure and flawless source of Love and Strength for each new day.

its really exciting, cos am approaching 2008. time to review resolutions and make some new ones. (:

Jesus and Santa


Santa lives at the North Pole...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...
JESUS has a heart full of love

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree...the cross.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

with Him, I am more than blessed.

O Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

many stars tonight. apt when this song came on 89.9 too. beautiful song on a beautiful night. christmas countdown.

good night.

The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).

So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.

-2 Peter 1:5-9 (The Message)

sinner that is dearly loved; imperfect man that is redeemed by a perfect Father.

much thanksgiving.

keep on at it with joy. don't lose another minute. :)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

-Galatians 5:22-25

just learnt that sheng teng and peiru are recently married after reading jasmine's blog! woooo, praise the Lord!

i give thanks for this couple, and was pleasantly surprised about their marriage. :)

still remember the times when i was serving in the pre-tertiary ministry as a young believer; how all of us were in student ministry; how they transited from leading the student ministry to serving in young adults together; how i attended the Word-for-life classes conducted by sheng teng, and sang with peiru in the anniversary choir. the times spent serving in their midst was, and will remain a blessed time.

thank God and believe that God will continue to strengthen this union! :)

A time to celebrate the abounding Love of Jesus as a Church family!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation:

Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.

- 1 Corinthians 13:13 [The Message]

sometimes.

i don't understand.

and leave myself feeling bothered.

sometimes.

it feels that, my thoughts are wrong.

and probably, i should have taken a step back.

or probably, shouldn't have taken the step forward.

God, please guide me.

arcade-playing. vcd-watching. prayer-meeting. all-you-can-eat@sofias. praise and worship prac. CDS on basic doctrines. cherry-picking w church and friends. got a haircut. learning AboutHOPE. meeting elain. dumplings feast after cg. golfball hitting. some of the happenings for the past 2 weeks. those were the ups. :)

had some downs too. but am glad and relieved, that all is straightened out now. from the experiences, i've learnt much about my personal comfort zones and threshold of things. and i was reminded of an entry from dawn's blog before. and i went to read it again. thought that some parts of that particular entry spoke to me. indeed, some i've learnt, some, learning in process.

i thank God that He is a gracious God. and i thank God for Christ-loving people who gave me grace as well, during times that i was undeserving.

so, a partial excerpt from the blog goes like this:

I've learned that-:

you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do. but to the best you can do.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice.

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that true friendship continues grow even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find strength to help.

so, what have you learned?

they got me to go into this thing after prayer meet, while waiting for the train.

yeah, all famous in melb even before i arrive. haha! Melbourne eXpress. jus like Singapore's TODAY newspaper.

and the tag-line of MX?

pick me up.

Indulgence says, "Drink your way out."

Philosophy says, "Think your way out."

Science says , "Invent your way out."

Communism says, "Strike your way out."

Militarism says, "Fight your way out."

Christ says, "I AM THE WAY OUT!"

-Unknown

TO YOU- Hillsong

Here I stand
Forever in Your mighty hand
Living with Your promise
Written on my heart
I am Yours
Surrendered wholly to You
You set in Your family
Calling me Your own

Now I, I belong to You
Lord I need
Your Spirit, Your word, Your truth
Hear my cry
My deep desire
To know You more

In Your name
I will lift my hands
To the King
This anthem of praise I bring
Heaven knows
I long to love You
With all I am
I belong to You

all belongs to You, Father.

"If you were with Jesus, if you were one of his disciples when he was on Earth, what would you ask him?"

:)

anyway, as i googled upon power of intercessory prayer, chanced upon this interesting blog of a grandmom. blog posts that were enlightening to the heart.

http://pearlsinanutshell.blogspot.com/

why?

today's prayer meeting was ushering in the new theme for the church: "Abounding Love".

and of cos, as ps mark and angela shared about what does abounding love entail, i asked myself what does abounding love means to me as well.

still thinking. :))

all in all, i know for sure, that Love=God and vice versa. pure and perfect love. and through Christ, His children learns how to show love as well.

and as i think back, i thank God for people who graciously showered me with love with the power of Christ, and how i really taste the goodness of the Lord, and the sweetness of love through their lives, their acts of service.

and i heard something interesting from 89.9 as well, that it takes Strength to love; it takes Courage to be loved.

and it dawned upon me that it can be pretty true at times. often talked about are on how to love people more, how to show and express love, how to demonstrate unconditional love et cetera et cetera.

however, to give love, we must first know our identity in Christ, and boldly receive Love from the true Source, and that is Jesus.

many times, we feel unworthy of His love and grace, and we hide away from His loving kindness. to replace that feeling of condemnation, we try to do the 'right' things by attempting to show others love, and trying to bring Christ's love to others in the midst of dryness within our hearts and souls. and just like a car that stops refilling its tank, a car without fuel is obselete. hence, a vessel without Love grows dry, weary and discouraged.

Hence, only when we allow Jesus to add upon us with the abundance of love, can we freely give, and not only do we have enough to give away, we have more than enough left for us within our souls. it will be overflowing!

also, only when we have the courage to be loved, can we know how to love others personally, deeply and wholeheartedly.

Teach me how to love, and be loved, Lord.

amen. :)

today, i had various 'conditions' of the heart again. and, indeed, it felt very real, and very intense.

it had its very ups, as well as moments where i almost felt my heart wrenching. this week had been a very emotional week. and i wonder why.

and i thank God, for being God, for being the One that i can seek after anytime, anywhere. i thank Him for His encouragement, assurance, and comfort.

today, a few verses spoke to me very much, when i was praying thru the day. many times, i was reminded that my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the STRENGTH of my heart, and my PORTION forever (Psa 73). and i know fully well, that obedience to His ways, and trusting Him and not myself, will always lead to blessings.

just like this morning. i really thank God for a divine meet-up. and this taught me that God really takes your prayers seriously. i recall praying for the Lord to give me another chance to talk to the 2 columbian girls which i have missed exchanging numbers few weeks back when we were on the same bus back from preston market. i remembered asking from God to add an extra dosage of desire and love in me to want to share lives with people that i meet with, and to go in His name with no fear, cos perfect love drives out fear. and i remembered talking to God that, when the opportunity comes to meet them again, help me to obey the Spirit's promptings.

and true enough, today, was the day. as i boarded the bus and settled down, there were 2 last passengers who boarded the bus before the bus sets off. and i saw someone waving at me. it was luz and caro, the 2 columbian girls! :) honestly, i was fearful, and really wanted to disobey the Spirit by just smiling and waving back, that's it. but i was reminded again and again, that this MUST be the divine appointment that i was asking God for, and i cant miss it!

i walked forward to where they were sitting and attempt to chat casually, which i must admit that i am not the best at this. but i thank God that Luz was responsive and shared that she is getting tired from her assignments and exams. God is amazing in the way He works, and i knew that He wanted me to attempt to the best of my abilities, to encourage this new friend that i have in her studies. and it was nice as she said to call her after her exams to catch up. obedience to the Spirit brings blessings.

many times, my weaknesses are revealed when i do something that i am uncomfortable with, but the beautiful thing about Christ is, that thru Him and in Him, all flaws are made beautiful and perfect when you obey Him, so that you may boast of your weaknesses, that it is only through Christ all things are possible.

besides this, personally, i know God is challenging me in some areas. and i know i cant do it by my own flesh, my own effort. although it is against my heart's wishes many times, i know, once again, trusting Him and not myself, will only lead to blessings, for myself, for others. wait on the Lord for the blessings to come. this, i truly believe. :)

God counts every tear shed. for His will. and in obedience to Him.

i can't help but re-read the notes on Prayers that i prepared for caregroup earlier this week. there are few keys to experiencing breakthroughs in prayer life. and one particular key that hit me today was about total surrender. Through the prophet Isaiah, God tells us; "But on this one will i look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word. (66:2). just like when Jacob literally wrestled with God, i felt like i was wrestling with Him today too. many thoughts, many uncertainties, only He can understand. the time of communing with Him at the soccer field tonight was one that i truly treasured.

many are the plans in one's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that will prevail (prov 19:21). a man's steps are directed by the Lord, how then can anyone understand his own way? (prov 20:24). all a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart (prov 21:2).

ah. only YOU know best.

:)

God knows what's in your heart
and what you need before you ask
Even when you don't know for sure, God knows
because He knows you.
He knows the outcome of every situation,
and He's guiding you
even when you might feel
that you have lost your way.
He knows how much you can bear,
and He will give you strength
and fill you will His grace and blessings
as He walks with you
every step of the way.
He is surrounding you with His love
and holding you gently
in the palm
of His hand.

-Sharon Valleau.


random: expectations. it makes, and sometimes, it breaks.

hence God is far-sighted, He has spoken to us through His Word always.
that is, to please Him, and Him alone. this requires faith too, cos without faith, it is impossible to please God.

and through that, you will receive joy, and much blessings.

attempt to see it from His lenses. no matter how hard, try.

amen.

(:

Product Testing
by Os Hillman, November 17, 2007

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:21

Testing allows one to discover how well a product is made when placed under extreme stress. Increasing the pulling pressure between two objects reveals the amount of tension that can be withstood in a chain link. Eventually, the "choking" point occurs. In sports, we ascertain the "choking" point for athletes by putting them into a pressure situation. At what point will the athlete lose concentration and collapse under the pressure? It is under these stressful times that we discover how well we have been trained to withstand the pressure and make right decisions regardless of outside influences.

In my younger days I played sports. I came to observe that we fail under pressure usually because we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

In life, we see giving in to pressure in the form of compulsive behavior, withdrawal, anger, abuse, moral failure, and dishonesty, to name just a few manifestations.

Jesus never yielded to pressure. He never made decisions based on outcome. He always made the right decision. He always performed the same no matter what the circumstance. He lived a life based on absolutes, not circumstances. He never gave in to "situational ethics."

As God entrusts us with more and more responsibility, He brings more and more pressures into our lives to "test the product," to make sure that He can give even more responsibility to us. This process helps us see where we are in our maturity and determines our level of future responsibility.

Are you a product that can withstand the product test? Will you perform as the Maker designed no matter what outside pressures come? Know that you cannot perform well unless you are continually in relationship with and obedient to the one who made you. Trust the product developer today. He has made you to perform well under pressure.

"I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together. "
-Psalms 135:1-3

in this Psalms, King David said "I will".

He did not say, I can, I know I got to, I think I will, I need to..

He said "I will"

its already 3.30am. but yet, i know its not the coffee i had that kept me so awake at this hour.

really, really had a blessed time with the Lord.

it's the time spent singing, worshipping, listening to the worship teaching, to the songs, to the testimonies, playing the 3 chords learnt on guitar again and again with the strumming i used to learn.

and, i know these are my humble offering to my Lord Jesus Christ.

now, i can fully understand the feeling of, having being pumped up with the adrenaline of just dwelling in His presence.

its really sweetly amazing. how i desire such kind of surrender from myself to you everyday Lord. and i know, how easy it is to just walk away tomorrow and forget the whole experience with You tonight Lord. forgive me for that Father, for being forgetful of tonight, for the times in future where there are times that i am stingy with my praise, my worship to You.

Teach me dear Lord, to lift up my life, as holy and pleasing sacrifice to You. etch Romans 12 into me. i can only do it with Your grace.

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
-Romans 12:1-2

I pray all these, in Your most precious and exalted name.

came across this blog from Joshua Harris' blog. (:



http://www.worshipmatters.com/: a resource for leading worship by Bob Kauflin.



the past 2 weeks had been great fun and fruitfulness. had a bbq over at eric's; went melbourne cup and look at the horses, as well as the fascinators on the heads of the ladies, hahas. ; spent some time sending my laptop for fixing among the bamboos and coconuts; went to preston market with suetty to help lorena in marketing for sunday church's dinner (o the dinner taste so goood.); and had become one-day angels going down to uni and city to bless our caregroup friends for their exams (although now we know some people hear the phone but don't pick it up eh); 2-hr train journey to bendigo for a whole-day placement look-around which was interesting to me; mini-celebration for beeee; cg dinner over @ maggie's! played the famous mafia game among the chinese which got them so into it, know maggie's housemate through the dinner; went outreach- which was an experience cos we met with people of diverse cultures and thoughts about God; played monopoly @maggie's (again, haha!) which was good fun and fellowship; practise praise and worship @ dr's office (where we were interrupted by his playful retiring colleague who knocked and came in to say hi and bye).

and today, off to somewhere near airport to walk around with M driving all of us there; and later for shepherding with atom. :)

holidays had been good. and hope it can get better in my walk with Him as well.

and praying to walk strong and be disciplined in my spiritual life during this holidays.

thank GOD i found my blue sticker to change the date of my flight. :) now i can do it FOC. yay-ness.

and want to try coaching for children in tabletennis over summer. their summer holidays prog. :) i look forward to their positive reply if its beneficial for both them and me. :) all to Him.

and deeply blessed by how God has been moving darebin centre for the past 1 and half months. :) i thank God for protecting this baby and its been exciting to move with His hands! heard from sengwai we have our own equipment now, and have been seeing new faces during services. and although this is simple, i thank God for the presence of people like juthama (and her family) as well, who i see every sunday morning service and afternoon service. i adore her simple faith and her desire to bring her husband to come to know the Lord. each time spent with her, it will always be sharing of her hope and progress of her husband coming nearer to the Lord! :) continue to pray for this family!

o, how i love this life i share with You! :))

happen to chance upon this link through a hopemelbourne sister's blog.

http://rrabbi.blogspot.com/2007/11/20071111-look-what-god-has-done-1tim112.html

it is a blog of the sermons preached in HopeSg. wonder who is the faithful one to write these down on blog everyweek. wow. :)

guess i really need to update myself with news of sg a lil' bit more.

a little overdue, but heard fr a friend that sg has opened part of a new expressway. KPE- Kallang paya-lebar expressway. :))

it is a tunnel all the way, and prolly the longest tunnel in south-east asia as yet.

http://www.kpeunderground.sg/

looks cool. they even had songs to go with the opening. haha.

check it out. :))

about Prayer. :)

word impressed upon me today- 'secret'


5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven, (Presence)
hallowed be your name, (Praise)
10your kingdom come, (Purpose)
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread. (Providence)
12Forgive us our debts, (Pardon)
as we also have forgiven our debtors. (People)
13And lead us not into temptation, (Purification)
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' (Protection)

14For if you forgive men when they sin against you,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15But if you do not forgive men their sins,
your Father will not forgive your sins.

-Matthew 6:5-15

amen.

today's devotion- Hebrews 1:4-5

was listening to:

Call Your Name -Planet shakers
When darkness closes in
And I'm on my knees again

I call Your Name
Cause it's the sweetest Name i know,
Jesus.

When my soul begins to soar,
And my heart it longs for more..

I call on Your Name
Jesus.

There's power in the Name
above all other names,
Jesus.

There's freedom in the Name
above all other names,
Jesus!

called upon Him with this song. it was amazing, how i took such little notice of this song, but just when the devotionals was meditating about calling upon the Name of Jesus, this song came on from my laptop, and the lyrics ministered.

and so i prayed, and uplifted my heart to Him.

Praise the Lord. He didn't just stop at the worship song alone. As i petition to Him, He sent an sg sheep online almost immediately as i ended my prayers with an amen. she had a nice nick. and cool enough, it was something i prayed to the Lord about too. about vision.

and so i asked her and wanted to learn from her sharings, what is the vision that is clear in her life? (:

she shared about HopeKids, and how she has been serving in various areas, and how God has used her in new areas such as hosting and praise and worship for the children. (:

so glad for this girl.

and the convo ended with much encouragement, thou simple, it brought delight to my heart.

hallelujah, He surely knows how to cheer us on.

Jesus, you are really awesome!


xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
(: anyway hannah,

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
its grreat to be able to talk to u online tonight

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
am greatly refreshed

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
hahas

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
i gtg now.

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
and i pray that ur ministry will bear much fruits as well!

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
let's serve the Lord with all our hearts soul mind and strength

Vision is clear to me! says:
Hey...

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
(:

Vision is clear to me! says:
before u go...

Vision is clear to me! says:
Just wanna let u know smth...

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
yes?

Vision is clear to me! says:
Be a BLESSING to the pple ard u...

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
amen

Vision is clear to me! says:
Wherever u go, just keep on impacting ur spirit & touching many lives

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
thanks loads hannah. i will take that to heart.

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
you too. impact the children with your infectious joy and spirit!

Vision is clear to me! says:
Welcome

Vision is clear to me! says:
amen...

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
take care of the rest ok! all the best to u girl! i catch u around!

Vision is clear to me! says:
really miss u...

Vision is clear to me! says:
Good night!

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
me too! i know u guys are doing great. jiayou! good nights!

xiu:: everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. says:
(:

Vision is clear to me! says:
:)

GO HANNAH GO! ! :))

today's devotion- Hebrews 1:1-3.

The Son Superior to Angels

1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

• Jesus is the heir of all things
• He is the Maker of the Universe.
• He is the radiance of God's glory.
• He is the exact representation of God.
• *He sustained all things by His powerful Word.
• He purifies us from our sins, by dying on the cross.
• He is risen Christ.

what spoke to me most, was He sustained all things, by His powerful Word. Indeed, how many times have we experienced the feeling of "near collapse" in our lives. Many times. and even as we look around, how many times, the world seems to threaten to end on its own. How these impact on our daily trust, and faith in God. But God promised that in Him, He endures forever. His love, and strength and embrace endures forever.

As humans, we fatigue. Along the way, things may not be the same as it started out. But one thing for sure, His Word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Its the most consistent source that we can ever get. Without the Word to live by, all things will just steer away from His intent.

I remember Eric using the word "tangent" in his sharing once. The discrepancy in angle may start small initially, but slowly, yet surely, the angle will reveal larger and larger in our walk, when we dont yearn to get the accurate angle right from the starting point. And the difference in gradient gets larger and larger.

and the difference in the future, is determined by what was started in the first place. it occur to me, how important it is, to live by His Word, to take His Words to heart, to have a daily cleaning within. To face the dirty spots and stains. To confess our imperfections. To ask for a chance to do it right again.

prior reading the Word, song 'From the Inside Out' was an apt encouragement to me.

"Many times I've failed, still Your mercy remains

And should i stumble again, still I'm caught in Your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades

Neverending, Your glory goes beyond all fame.

In my heart and my soul, I give You control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Let justice and praise, become my embrace

To love You, from the inside out.

Your will above all else

My purpose remains

The art of losing myself in bringing You praise.

From the inside out, my soul cries out..."