i woke up feeling like the world around me spun a thousand times.

nausea. and fatigue.

and i slept for 10 hours already!

why is it still so bad.

low blood pressure?

i need to gulp water now.

last lap for the final assignment of uni. then final-year proj presentation. then uni's done. mind's a lil' boggled with how to put all the stuff into writing. but guess its praying for His wisdom and just do my best. partnership with Him.

and,

so surreal. it's almost a year.

tlp loaded some pics on facebook, and yeah, looking back, i've never really wrote about the peeps in cg much. time zooms here flies there. hahas.

freshman orientation in uni. :) at the back from left, eric- our 'boss' the darebin church coordinator, anth- the president of Campus christian movement, logan- the boss of student group hahas.. and in the front: tlp- the '19-year-old' housemate, maggie- the sacrificial and encouraging sister, suet- the 'sleeps-little-but-always-so-energetic housemate', and lastly me.

dinner after caregroup. :) guy in black with blue stripes on his arms- that's danny, the big guy who's a great cook.
and here's some more missing peeps. Simon right in the front- the faithful bro who can walk miles and miles. in clockwise, Carl- the new bro who's into looking at who got longer toes. Agnes in pink- a new sis in christ too, and an ever cheery energetic lady whose laughter is infectious. Chris- need not say more-she's awesome. and the guy between Anth and Eric, that's Leo, a new bro in Christ too who is doing his best to know the Lord. and will forever remember the classic deed he did when we asked for his prayer needs before he knew God. :"just help me say hello to God." :)

that's my family in student group. more to come of the church. :)

now, back to work. :)

muffin-top;

thank-you.

sacrificial and selfless.

learnt a great deal.

looking forward to what's ahead.

ahead, and ahead.

thank-you, and many more thank-yous.

just ate a mandarin orange that christine gave me randomly on wed.

as i ate, i was touched and reminded of the many things that she has done so far, that has greatly blessed my life.

thanks chris, you are a blessing to CCM, and your overcoming spirit in Christ, amazes me.

the prayer with you gripped my heart. the heartbeat for your people was so strong. and am so awed by your humility to surrender everything to God's hands.

and just like the orange, the fruits that you bear in your life are always so sweet, so peace-filled. :)

thank you chris.

"Dear Lord, please make my words sweet and gentle because tomorrow I may have to eat them"

- from a Business Comms textbk. :)


Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.- 1 Timothy 4:12

bought a good book at op shop at sunshine coast ytd for the flight back to melb.

'Not in the Common Mould'- about the life of a man David Lithgow, who went to empower people in Papua New Guinea.

was truly encouraged, cos firstly, Papua New Guinea is Hope Melb's inheritance; and secondly, his life possess so much that i can learn from. Diligence and single-mindedness were his mantra, and his humility and strength in Christ allowed God to use him wherever he went. Although circumstances were difficult, he was often blessed, cos he loved and he gave whatever he had.

anw, back fr the bris trip, and photos up when i get them! :) twas a great time shared with what God has created. Was reminded when i saw a church banner down at Gold Coast- Look Around, God is EVERYWHERE! it really shouted out to me, to give the nature around me a closer look, cos that's how God shouts His love and His presence to me.

3 weeks to home. :) am definitely upbeat, yet i have lots to leave behind for a moment during the time when i will be away. but it will be all good.

cos, absence always makes the heart fonder. :)

Heart's Heaven

Dear love- like velvet to my tired head,
Soft evening-tinted fragrant garden grove,
Soul, spirit thrown into the sweet still air,
To love and satisfy my own, Dear Love!
Cold earthy me, by call of love awoke,
I come, I take; nor yet not give to thee
Thine own, and mine; our spirits blended, one;
In warm, rich peace, my arid questing slaked.

-David Lithgow

count-down to gold coast;

a good time for a 'restoration' break (before we face what's ahead in the weeks to come); haha though its really unwise of us to plan it plonk in the middle of the craziness of school work.

but, thank God, it didn't clash with any of our major dates too. awesome.

am not so much looking forward to the worlds though, but really upbeat about the snorkelling at great barrier reef.

and just be away fr the cold melb and enjoy the warmth of sunny brissie.

flu, flu go away.

and all you in exams; i pledge to pray as i play.

saw this off a blog; check out this wedding dance.

bride in converse.

fun. ;)

at least, this made my night a lil' brighter. :)

be strong.

be stronger.

it will not be numbness i promise. it will just be a higher tolerance for the pain.

will get there. will get there.

Wait

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate
And the Master so gently said, “Child, you must wait.”

“Wait? You say, wait!” my indignant reply.
“Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have You not heard?
By Faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and YOU tell me to WAIT?
I’m needing a ‘yes’, a go-ahead sign,
Or even a ‘no’ to which I can resign.

And Lord, You promised that if we believe
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord, I’ve been asking, and this is my cry:
I’m weary of asking! I need a reply!”

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, “You must wait.”

So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And grumbled to God, “So, I’m waiting… for what?”

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, “I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want – But, you wouldn’t know Me.

You’d not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You’d not know the power that I give to the faint;
You’d not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there.

You’d not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see.
You’d never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You’d know that I give and I save… (for a start),
But you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that’s beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

You’d never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that ‘My grace is sufficient for Thee.’
Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,
But, Oh, the Loss! If I lost what I’m doing in you!

So, be silent, My child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft’ may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still, ‘WAIT.’”

~Author unknown

beautiful. stumbled upon this and it hit me. especially the part: All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be. You would have what you want – But, you wouldn’t know Me...

and the final bit of all..:My most precious answer of all is still, ‘WAIT.’”

i thank You Lord for the stretching my heart, to experience Your love in pain; power when i was faint; and seeing You work despite times of despair; and trusting You during my down times and knowing You are there.

in my eyes, perhaps, the waiting has been over. and its great relief and joy. but somehow it just stirred within me and i had this impression, to continue to work hard and pray even harder to understand His heart- it's not over yet. wait, and the best is yet to be.

Praise God. and i rejoice in this!

thank-you Lord for this timely reminder to continue to do everything with You.

amen.

A devotional;


INCLINE YOUR EAR TO ME, AND COME TO ME. HEAR, AND
YOUR SOUL SHALL LIVE; AND I WILL MAKE AN EVER-
LASTING COVENANT WITH YOU.
( ISAIAH 55:3 *NKJV )

Dear Mingxiu,
Our Heavenly Father appears to us in many different ways, and
often we may not even notice.

Now it is written; WHEN HE UTTERS HIS VOICE--THERE IS
A MULTITUDE OF WATERS IN THE HEAVENS: "HE CAUSES
THE VAPORS TO ASCEND FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH;
HE MAKES LIGHTNING'S FOR THE RAIN; HE BRINGS THE
WIND OUT OF HIS TREASURIES." For; THE VOICE OF THE
LORD IS OVER THE WATERS; THE GOD OF GLORY
THUNDERS. ( Jer 51:16 ) & ( Ps 29:3 )

Now, Today's Message...

The man whispered, "God, speak to me," and a meadowlark
sang.

But, the man did not hear. So the man yelled, "God, speak to
me" and the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man did not listen. The man looked around and said,
"God let me see you." And a star shined brightly.

But the man did not see. And, the man shouted, "God show
me a miracle." And, a life was born.

But, the man did not notice. So, the man cried out in despair,
"Touch me God, and let me know you are here." Whereupon,
God reached down and touched the man. But, the man brushed
the butterfly away ...and walked on.

The man cried, "God, I need your help!" And an e-mail arrived
reaching out with good news and encouragement. But, the man
deleted it and continued crying.

I have found this to be a great reminder that God is always
around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted
.... even in our electronic age ...

So don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the
way that you expect.

My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God
to bless and I picked you, Mingxiu. Please pass this to
people you want to be blessed as well.

Expect the unexpected...and Have A Happy Day!
---Author Unknown

Child Dementia.

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/helthrpt/stories/s37727.htm


"..As time goes on and the brain begins to fail more and more seriously, it's possible for a child to be alive, but no longer to relate. And this is a very sad part, one of the tragedies of dementia is that you lose the child emotionally, and in your relationship with them, before you actually lose them physically. There are the four things that I think parents have to face. The first thing is they have to face that pervasive uncertainty, all the things that are so hard to understand, to know, because we know so little about it, even though we've known for a long time many of these different diseases.

The second thing is the disintegration of their humanity. When you've got a young child who you've come to love and know, and their personality, and then you watch that personality being dismantled, piece by piece, that disintegration process, and one parent said to me very clearly, she said, 'I feel like I'm falling apart, piece by piece.'

The third thing is that over all of this is the prolonged sense of the Damocles Sword hanging over the child. That is, everyone knows at some stage they're going to lose this child.

And the fourth thing is that many of these conditions are genetic. And so you may have more than one child affected. So you've gone through all this tragedy, and often you've already had your children by the time the first one's diagnosed, only to know, 'I've got to face this again.' From the moment that there is some certainty, many of the parents begin to prepare for the loss within. They have to be able to play with their child, love their child, they have to be able to nurture their child's education, knowing that within a period of time, that education will probably be completely lost..."

today's JG (joshua generation) was refreshing. about praise and worship. we had a study on 2 Chronicles 5 :1-14.

sing a new song to the Lord everyday, every moment!

Psalms 33:3
Psalms 40:3
Isaiah 42:10
Ephesians 5:19
Psalms 96:1
Psalms 98:1
Revelations 5:9
Psalms 144:9
Psalms 149:1
Revelations 14:3

it brought to me a greater boldness, and freedom, to sing unto the Lord your heart, your here-and-now.

i have heaps to give thanks for. i know its bad of me to give thanks only when i see it. i pray i can grow to give thanks in all circumstances. give thanks.

thanks ma and pa and sis. thou i dont think you will ever see this.

and thanks to my churchies who have been supportive in prayers.

and thanks to a dear friend who has been ever assuring.

and all thanks to Him who made it possible.


i pray that i may not take everything for granted, but to continually keep my eyes on you, and my being in prayers and praise.

help me to know that this is the beginning of all hardwork that's ahead, and you will have your perfect plan for me, to fulfill Your will.

there's really freedom in surrendering, and it feels so good. praise the Lord.

the shows at 11.30am have been increasingly great. :)

i enjoyed ytd's: Yesterday's Children. it was talking about a lady from US who had recurrent dreams about this Irish lady of the 1930s, and she knew every single detail of their lives. She finally unites the children of the Irish lady, who were seperated after their mum's death. When they finally united, they were already well into their eighties.

Today's: Mom at Sixteen. a great educational show about teenage pregnancy. it portrayed the struggles of a teenage mum, Jacie, and how the world's media lies that premarital sex is not a huge responsibility and doesnt hold much consequences.

great company for school work in the cold morning.

"It’s a sweet little reminder of God’s care and what’s happening in our lives too....I’m learning that His will isn’t always easy or simple, and the journey may not be what we expect, but we can trust His heart..."

Sweet testimony i gotten from Dayspring. enjoy. :)

baby's so adorable! his hair! :)))

reminds me of little rhema- a ball of joy!

http://store.dayspring-store.com/julie.html

her testimony spoke to me. :)

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING,
BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT
YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD.
( PHILIPPIANS 4:6 *NIV )

Dear Mingxiu,
I ask you wouldn't it be wonderful not to have any worries
at all! That is hard to imagine isn't it, for it seems like worry is
part of this life. The part of life that causes us to lose sleep,
damages our health, controls our thoughts, and causes us to
lose faith in God.

Jesus Christ asked: "WHO OF YOU BY WORRYING CAN
ADD A SINGLE HOUR TO HIS LIFE?" (MATTHEW 6:27). The
answer is simple, no one! Jesus also said: "DO NOT WORRY
ABOUT TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW WILL WORRY
ABOUT ITSELF." ( MATTHEW 6:34 ).

So why not turn your worries into prayers, after all God
promises to supply all of our needs anyway! Therefore
there is also an added benefit when we turn our worries into
prayers, for God also promises us that: WHEN YOU LIE
DOWN, YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID: WHEN YOU LIE DOWN
YOUR SLEEP WILL BE SWEET. (PROVERBS 3:24)

Therefore Mingxiu, turn your worries into prayers and
you will have sweet dreams, instead of sleepless nights! Also
then you may even start to count your blessings instead of
sheep as well! Amen.

****

an e-devotional that i receive daily.

i love the way how God choose to speak sometimes. :)

i was having a sleepless night ytd. and this came. praise the Lord.

my sleep will be sweet sweet sweet!

I will say of the LORD; He is my refuge, my fortress; my God; in Him will I trust. Psalms 91:1-2

*****

Father, You are ever-faithful.

Thank you for opening up the eyes of my heart, to get me to pray for others apart for myself.

Forgive me Lord, for the times that I have failed to see the needs of my family and friends.

Forgive me Lord, for the times that I have failed to understand Your heart for the nations that have turned away from You.

Forgive me Lord, for the times that I thought my problems, sorrows and challenges were the most important, and nothing else matters on Your agenda.

Prune me Lord. Prepare me Lord. Empower me Lord.

I can do all things through Him, who gives me strength.

And the joy of the Lord, IS my strength.

Amen.

Acts 17:26-27
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.

****

I desire inspirations from Him. for moments in my life, i have had the sense i have been far from His voice, and there were moments too, that I know He was audible and i could hear Him clearly.

then what comes closely is to act on what you hear.

i know it when i am far; i feel strangely "off-form", irritable and hopeless.

i know it when i am near; i feel "on-form", peacefilled, and confident despite circumstances.

even as a Christian for coming 6 years, it has been a feat to find that perfect balance within myself many times, to always be able to commit everything to Him.

reading "In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart" by Ruth Graham currently. There was no special reason why i bought this book, except to make steps in making sense of the prophecy in my life- restoration ministry.

God works through your ruins, restores it, so that you may be a restorer for others in time to come. His big picture, His great plans.

Lamentations 3:22-24

Thirty Ways to Praise God!

1. God the creator (Nehemiah 9:6)
2. The only God (Isaiah 45:4)
3. The Almighty God (Psalms 89:8)
4. The Everlasting Father (Daniel 7:9; Isaiah 9:6)
5. A Loving God (1 John 4:16)
6. A God of Justice (Romans 3:26)
7. The Trustworthy God (Deuteronomy 7:9)
8. A Merciful God (Nehemiah 9:11)
9. God my refuge, my fortress (Psalms 62:7)
10. A longsuffering, persevering God (2 Peter 3:9)
11. The only wise God (Jude 1:25)
12. The holy one (Revelations 4:8)
13. A personal God (Matthew 8:11)
14. A giving God (John 3:16)
15. The provider God (2 Corinthians 9:7)
16. The shepherd God (Psalms 23:1-3)
17. God my victory (2 Corinthians 2:14)
18. God my peace (Romans 16:20)
19. The God who heals (Exodus 15:26)
20. The God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3)
21. The God of miracles (Psalms 77:14)
22. A forgiving God (Nehemiah 9:17)
23. The Burden bearer (Psalms 68:19)
24. A faithful God (Psalms 36:5; Lamentations 3:23)
25. God the King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15)
26. God the Liberator (Psalms 70:5)
27. The Lifter of my head (Psalms 3:3)
28. A God of light (Psalms 27:1; Daniel 2:22)
29. A God of joy (Psalms 21:6)
30. The God who answers prayers (Isaiah 65:24)
31. The God of all the Earth (Isaiah 54:5)

miss xiu; ming u

:)

am happy, and at peace with how things are now. :)

thank you Lord.

brrrrrr. freezing cold.

wondering, if autumn's so cold, what's winter going to be like?

this seasons thing, reminds me of the spiritual seasons of growth.

a time to harvest, a time to rest. a time of preparation.

know which season are you in now? :))

it's been 10 months in aus. and i am amazed at how far we have all went in this 10 months.

ministry, friendships, everything.

thank you Lord for the things that You've made it to be.

know it's a tad too late..
but late is better than never yea!

haha, anyway...

BLESSED BIRTHDAY ACE! You deserve a space on my blog! haha.

Darebin Advance at Portarlington over the ANZAC weekend! :)

Body of Christ.

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/