Ezekiel 36:9-11 these verses were given to me on 12/7/05. After my morning prayer today when I open the bible it appear to me again. I was delighted, I perceived that the Lord will prosper me in His ways and in His time. I am very encouraged despite of my aches on my neck and shoulders which sometimes effect my head too.
Just running through "Experiencing God book" there was a statement by the author that reminded me,
To be loved by God is the highest relationship, the highest achievement, and the highest position in life.
That doesn't mean we don't care about our studies, works, family needs, our responsbilities for others and ourselves, etc. It is through all these that God works out our relationship with Him. There will be a proper balance in our life and not extremes.
Experiencing God book is a skill and guide book to me, it is not a bible. It helps enlighten me and gives me good understanding just like someone learning how to play a piano. A teacher and music score is important to produce the tune or music piece. If not it will be only noise that we are be producing.
I am so glad to hear from my sis Reb, Shanghai is snowing badly and many transports are delayed. So glad they are flying home tomorrow (Sat 3pm), hope to have a good time with each of them before they go back. Strengthen and be encourage in the Lord.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Discovery Weekend 26/1/08
Today, I was given the opportunity to sit in Discovery Weekend for Dating Couples which Galvin n Charmaine had attended. Each time after attending something special in Covenant, I am often touch by Covenanters passion for the Lord and the love for others.
Four topics was covered 1) Spiritual foundations 2) Communication and Conflict Management 3) Dating Principles 4) Family Background.
Relatively, they are very well covered in such short time, practical and down to earth yet pleasing God. I am enlightened by speaker No 3, he gave me understanding over some past stuff that I am now no longer feeling guilty about. At the same time, I realised that as parents is my responsiblity to teach my girls about dating values and their responsiblity as a partner.
I was invited by the last speaker to sit, a month ago. He called me one night out of the blue. I have never met him before but was very surprised that he had attended my first church before for a year plus and he knows a handful of my old friends. At his young age of 34, I am very impressed by his maturity, having the wisdom of God. He is able to express his thoughts fluently and clearly to the 15 couples about families background which effects couples relationships and what they have to work on.
It is the first time to see my dream on display. I am waiting and learning to be equip by God before I take my place in God's purposes in my life journey. Each time I attended something in Covenant, each time I am being affirmed by the Lord that my family has come to the right place to learn. This is the place to build our faith and journey with God.
Last Sunday 20/1, I attended the newcomers tea session at 2.30 to 4.30pm. There were about 20 newcomers but they had about 8 helpers and was so well organised. Their heart to connect with us touches me. I like one of the pastor shared on the 3Gs n 4C n more. He gave a very clear understanding before I commit myself in the church.
A young lady was asigned to connect with me and I simply enjoy meeting her. We have a good time Chatting. And almost 80% of the people I met, I ended up working with them . Somehow they were special ppl that God wants me to meet. They are a handful of 10 of 3500 ppl there. As if the Lord has make plan for me, I am very aware of God's moving hand until this day. Isn't this amazing. He made me meet up the ppl that He wants me to, so they can direct me where God wants me to be. My heart rejoice and I know it will mean serving Him in His time and for His purposes.
Four topics was covered 1) Spiritual foundations 2) Communication and Conflict Management 3) Dating Principles 4) Family Background.
Relatively, they are very well covered in such short time, practical and down to earth yet pleasing God. I am enlightened by speaker No 3, he gave me understanding over some past stuff that I am now no longer feeling guilty about. At the same time, I realised that as parents is my responsiblity to teach my girls about dating values and their responsiblity as a partner.
I was invited by the last speaker to sit, a month ago. He called me one night out of the blue. I have never met him before but was very surprised that he had attended my first church before for a year plus and he knows a handful of my old friends. At his young age of 34, I am very impressed by his maturity, having the wisdom of God. He is able to express his thoughts fluently and clearly to the 15 couples about families background which effects couples relationships and what they have to work on.
It is the first time to see my dream on display. I am waiting and learning to be equip by God before I take my place in God's purposes in my life journey. Each time I attended something in Covenant, each time I am being affirmed by the Lord that my family has come to the right place to learn. This is the place to build our faith and journey with God.
Last Sunday 20/1, I attended the newcomers tea session at 2.30 to 4.30pm. There were about 20 newcomers but they had about 8 helpers and was so well organised. Their heart to connect with us touches me. I like one of the pastor shared on the 3Gs n 4C n more. He gave a very clear understanding before I commit myself in the church.
A young lady was asigned to connect with me and I simply enjoy meeting her. We have a good time Chatting. And almost 80% of the people I met, I ended up working with them . Somehow they were special ppl that God wants me to meet. They are a handful of 10 of 3500 ppl there. As if the Lord has make plan for me, I am very aware of God's moving hand until this day. Isn't this amazing. He made me meet up the ppl that He wants me to, so they can direct me where God wants me to be. My heart rejoice and I know it will mean serving Him in His time and for His purposes.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Pastor's E on The Art of Gratitude
This was printed on Sunday bullentin. I find this great so decided to type it out.
The Art of Gratitude
Introduction
True gratitude is an act. A decisive act. The inner spirit that is truly thankful expresses itself spontaneously. It comes forth eloquently in varied ways.
A thoughtful gift, A note of thanks. A genuine smile. A helping hand.
And even a forgiving graciousness - one that overlooks the times when these acts are not likewise reciprocated - for true gratitude, like true love, doesn't keep score of wrongs.
Yet more than an act, true gratitude is an art. It is the art of a tutored soul. It is the art of a noble mind. It is the art of an indebted heart.
For many, however, gratitude is a lost art. There are more gripes than gratefulness. There is a restless dissatisfaction within the soul. Lehman once wrote:
It was Spring, but it was Summer I wanted -
The warm days and the great outdoors
It was Summer, but it was Autumn I wanted -
The colourful leaves and the cool dry air.
It was Autumn, but it was Winter I wanted -
The beautiful snow and the joy of the holiday season.
It was Winter, but it was spring I wanted -
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted -
The freedom and the respect
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted -
To be matured and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted -
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted -
The presence of mind, without limitations.
Then my life was over, and I never got what I wanted.
Never enough. Never satisfied. Never happy. Never truly grateful.
We miss a fundamental truth. True happiness in life is not about getting what we want but rather, it's about wanting what we get. And being grateful for it. ( This means be thankful for what we have right now, what is presented to us, we ought to thankfully accept it from the Lord)
As the curtain comes down upon 2007, let's look back meaningfully on what we have been blessed with. We can choose to gripe about what we don't have or to be grateful for what we have already been blessed with.
What are you truly thankful for? Let's cultivate the art of gratitude. And act on it!
I only realised how to be grateful to the Lord at the age of 40. It took a great trial to help me see God's hand upon me. The past five years I learned to see things in God's perspective, this make the difference. I learned to be thankful for all that I have, my heart's desire is to be a person of influence in the Lord and see lifes change.
The Art of Gratitude
Introduction
True gratitude is an act. A decisive act. The inner spirit that is truly thankful expresses itself spontaneously. It comes forth eloquently in varied ways.
A thoughtful gift, A note of thanks. A genuine smile. A helping hand.
And even a forgiving graciousness - one that overlooks the times when these acts are not likewise reciprocated - for true gratitude, like true love, doesn't keep score of wrongs.
Yet more than an act, true gratitude is an art. It is the art of a tutored soul. It is the art of a noble mind. It is the art of an indebted heart.
For many, however, gratitude is a lost art. There are more gripes than gratefulness. There is a restless dissatisfaction within the soul. Lehman once wrote:
It was Spring, but it was Summer I wanted -
The warm days and the great outdoors
It was Summer, but it was Autumn I wanted -
The colourful leaves and the cool dry air.
It was Autumn, but it was Winter I wanted -
The beautiful snow and the joy of the holiday season.
It was Winter, but it was spring I wanted -
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted -
The freedom and the respect
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted -
To be matured and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted -
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted -
The presence of mind, without limitations.
Then my life was over, and I never got what I wanted.
Never enough. Never satisfied. Never happy. Never truly grateful.
We miss a fundamental truth. True happiness in life is not about getting what we want but rather, it's about wanting what we get. And being grateful for it. ( This means be thankful for what we have right now, what is presented to us, we ought to thankfully accept it from the Lord)
As the curtain comes down upon 2007, let's look back meaningfully on what we have been blessed with. We can choose to gripe about what we don't have or to be grateful for what we have already been blessed with.
What are you truly thankful for? Let's cultivate the art of gratitude. And act on it!
I only realised how to be grateful to the Lord at the age of 40. It took a great trial to help me see God's hand upon me. The past five years I learned to see things in God's perspective, this make the difference. I learned to be thankful for all that I have, my heart's desire is to be a person of influence in the Lord and see lifes change.
Encouragement at dawn prayer
One the 1/1/08, I went for dawn prayer at Covenant 6am-7.30am. It was very mind renewing spiritually. I have not attended dawn prayer since my early 20s, it was my first time after 2 decades, it was really encouraging.
I thanked God that He took me there, it was not in my plan but due to some unforeseen circumstances. I only plan to attend this Saturday 5/1/08, 2.30-6pm for the day of prayers.
Pastor E shared a few important points - Embrace God's purposes, God's promises and God's power.
And all these comes from - obedient in the Lord, reading the word of God and prayers.
Having the intimate relationship with God through true worship lead to existing missons and ministries because our hearts make right and our desire change to seek God's ways.
Pastor E said, "Our first call is to worship God and not witnessing for Him. We can't make Him (God's son Jesus Christ) known FOR God the Father unless we know Him. Whatever He tells us to do, just follow."
I feel it so true that when we are so zealous for God, we have the tendency to speak for Him instead of allowing Him to speak through us.
When your walk with God is so close, you will know what He wants you to do for Him when the Holy Spirit speaks in you because we are His temple. His Spirit lives within us. Whatever He wants to tell us will be very clear.
I am glad that this message is a reminder right from the first day of 2008 for me. And what the Lord has begun in me, He will complete it til the day of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord all ye people. Amen.
I thanked God that He took me there, it was not in my plan but due to some unforeseen circumstances. I only plan to attend this Saturday 5/1/08, 2.30-6pm for the day of prayers.
Pastor E shared a few important points - Embrace God's purposes, God's promises and God's power.
And all these comes from - obedient in the Lord, reading the word of God and prayers.
Having the intimate relationship with God through true worship lead to existing missons and ministries because our hearts make right and our desire change to seek God's ways.
Pastor E said, "Our first call is to worship God and not witnessing for Him. We can't make Him (God's son Jesus Christ) known FOR God the Father unless we know Him. Whatever He tells us to do, just follow."
I feel it so true that when we are so zealous for God, we have the tendency to speak for Him instead of allowing Him to speak through us.
When your walk with God is so close, you will know what He wants you to do for Him when the Holy Spirit speaks in you because we are His temple. His Spirit lives within us. Whatever He wants to tell us will be very clear.
I am glad that this message is a reminder right from the first day of 2008 for me. And what the Lord has begun in me, He will complete it til the day of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord all ye people. Amen.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A blessed year
The year has come to an end. This year is definitely much more challenging than previous year but each year the Lord gives me special strength. It just so amazing and my heart simply rejoice because of who He is.
I believe next year is another new challenge ahead. I really look forward to what God has bestow for me. The last message from Pastor E is very spirit lifting. It has lots of wisdom from God.
As I looked back, although I have many trying times but each time the Lord is there for me. When I was so discourage after each event, I would tell the Lord, I couldn't take it anymore and I simply need a break. He would tell me, "My child just follow my foot prints and and don't turn back and don't stop for I am with you always."
He would take me to another challenge which I never think I could make it through but He showed me that I was wrong because He is the one who is giving me the strength at all times and I need not give any thought to what will happen ahead of me, for what He wants is simply obedience. I would take the challenge in obedient but many time fears crowd round my heart that I would fail the task but I was wrong because He is altogether powerful and His will is perfect.
As the Lord took me through the journey with Him, my confidence build up as I am assured of His presence always and my understanding is renewed.
I thank God for I have found favour in His sight because He heard me in my many prayers.
And I thank God for the many blessings that He blesses me with, which I do not deserve and because He is worthy that I am worthy in Him. And what the Lord has began in me, He will complete it in the day of Jesus Christ. This is the confident I have in Christ Jesus.
And I also want to praise God that He reveals to me my spiritual gifts of wisdom, faith, etc. I want to thank the Lord that all my 7 PSLE students pass their subjects although 2 actually couldn't make it but it was unusually amazing due to the T-score in PSLE calculation that they somehow pass their English and Maths.
And also to give thanks to God for Racheal - who actually failed her Chinese and Maths during CA2 in Sept. and due to streaming for Sec 2, she couldn't afford to fail in the final year-end paper again. While I was struggling to teach her Chinese and Rebecca helped coach her Maths and also I was trying to cope with my PSLE students during that period, my mum passed away before her last Math paper 2.
My two dear sisters who fly back to attend my mum's funeral help me coach Racheal with Maths the whole afternoon while at the wake. With that, she scores 65 marks for maths and just enough to pass her chinese to enter the stream she desires. Racheal knew her result and make her choices after the Thai mission trip. That was just so amazing, isn't it because the Lord is faithful.
I believe next year is another new challenge ahead. I really look forward to what God has bestow for me. The last message from Pastor E is very spirit lifting. It has lots of wisdom from God.
As I looked back, although I have many trying times but each time the Lord is there for me. When I was so discourage after each event, I would tell the Lord, I couldn't take it anymore and I simply need a break. He would tell me, "My child just follow my foot prints and and don't turn back and don't stop for I am with you always."
He would take me to another challenge which I never think I could make it through but He showed me that I was wrong because He is the one who is giving me the strength at all times and I need not give any thought to what will happen ahead of me, for what He wants is simply obedience. I would take the challenge in obedient but many time fears crowd round my heart that I would fail the task but I was wrong because He is altogether powerful and His will is perfect.
As the Lord took me through the journey with Him, my confidence build up as I am assured of His presence always and my understanding is renewed.
I thank God for I have found favour in His sight because He heard me in my many prayers.
And I thank God for the many blessings that He blesses me with, which I do not deserve and because He is worthy that I am worthy in Him. And what the Lord has began in me, He will complete it in the day of Jesus Christ. This is the confident I have in Christ Jesus.
And I also want to praise God that He reveals to me my spiritual gifts of wisdom, faith, etc. I want to thank the Lord that all my 7 PSLE students pass their subjects although 2 actually couldn't make it but it was unusually amazing due to the T-score in PSLE calculation that they somehow pass their English and Maths.
And also to give thanks to God for Racheal - who actually failed her Chinese and Maths during CA2 in Sept. and due to streaming for Sec 2, she couldn't afford to fail in the final year-end paper again. While I was struggling to teach her Chinese and Rebecca helped coach her Maths and also I was trying to cope with my PSLE students during that period, my mum passed away before her last Math paper 2.
My two dear sisters who fly back to attend my mum's funeral help me coach Racheal with Maths the whole afternoon while at the wake. With that, she scores 65 marks for maths and just enough to pass her chinese to enter the stream she desires. Racheal knew her result and make her choices after the Thai mission trip. That was just so amazing, isn't it because the Lord is faithful.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Christmas dinner gathering 25 Dec 07
The gathering was unimaginably amazing, although a handful of them didn't turn up. I always believe that when I entrust God with my plan and leave it to Him to adjust whatever way He wants, the turn out was so breathtaking.
I felt so bless to hear the sharing from every individuals and my heart still bubbling so hard that I rejoice myself to sleep. It was like a dream came true and all my wishes fulfill just in one gathering.
Can't imagine myself sleeping for one hour and still have strength for the day. I stay up to 3am just to pick Reb and Rach home from carolling but they were not done yet. I decided to go home and sleep then went back to pick them up again.
It was really madness but the Lord gave me special strength, the strength of rejoicing in giving thanks to God for ppl that growing in the Lord, for ppl I burden in my heart and for ppl who were serious about the things of God and yet confused.
I want to confess that the Lord has made everything beautiful in His time. I am not worthy but He is worthy and because His is worthy, I am worthy in Him.
A few amazing things took place, Luke waited for Daniel when he wasn't coming and at the same time he had my address wrong. Amazingly, he still manage to come by 6pm although we started at 3.45pm. I saw him passing by the corridor and went to open the door for him. His sharing of his love to serve God was so great that touches my heart. I will remember him prayer.
As for Jared special encounter with God was extremely amazing, especially at his young age. And I always felt that God has a divine calling for him through out this year. And because of this impression in my heart I pray for him often but never have I thought that I will have any chance to meet up with him again after we finished the work at Ju Eng home, until I visited him at the hospital.
Charmaine and Galvin had to leave early for a BBQ gathering but they turn back because the BBQ was over. I got Galvin to share on how God has guided them to meet each other. It was my dream plan and was fulfilled not within my control but the Lord has allowed it. Just so wonderful.
Everyone had a wonderful time singing and sharing our hearts out. I thanked God that everything worked beautifully in His time.
I felt so bless to hear the sharing from every individuals and my heart still bubbling so hard that I rejoice myself to sleep. It was like a dream came true and all my wishes fulfill just in one gathering.
Can't imagine myself sleeping for one hour and still have strength for the day. I stay up to 3am just to pick Reb and Rach home from carolling but they were not done yet. I decided to go home and sleep then went back to pick them up again.
It was really madness but the Lord gave me special strength, the strength of rejoicing in giving thanks to God for ppl that growing in the Lord, for ppl I burden in my heart and for ppl who were serious about the things of God and yet confused.
I want to confess that the Lord has made everything beautiful in His time. I am not worthy but He is worthy and because His is worthy, I am worthy in Him.
A few amazing things took place, Luke waited for Daniel when he wasn't coming and at the same time he had my address wrong. Amazingly, he still manage to come by 6pm although we started at 3.45pm. I saw him passing by the corridor and went to open the door for him. His sharing of his love to serve God was so great that touches my heart. I will remember him prayer.
As for Jared special encounter with God was extremely amazing, especially at his young age. And I always felt that God has a divine calling for him through out this year. And because of this impression in my heart I pray for him often but never have I thought that I will have any chance to meet up with him again after we finished the work at Ju Eng home, until I visited him at the hospital.
Charmaine and Galvin had to leave early for a BBQ gathering but they turn back because the BBQ was over. I got Galvin to share on how God has guided them to meet each other. It was my dream plan and was fulfilled not within my control but the Lord has allowed it. Just so wonderful.
Everyone had a wonderful time singing and sharing our hearts out. I thanked God that everything worked beautifully in His time.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
14 days in Shanghai
This is a trip that I never plan to take but was an amazing one. Upon my two sisters invitation Racheal and myself landed on Shanghai on 21 Nov o7 10pm.
We had a good time of fellowship, renewing our spirit in the Lord. We were showered with many treats which I have never had in my life time. I would say that it was a good break for me.
Visiting the BP church about an hour's MRT ride and the Shanghai Intl church which is abont 20 mins away was an eye opening for me. The services are all in Mandarin.
I enjoyed preparing dinner for my sisters. Especially, the marketing is interesting because the vegetables are extremely fresh and the meat bone is so tasty in the soup. It is so cheap to do marketing there. I only got to cook for 7 days, most of the time we eat out.
I enjoyed having my hair wash at the salon. Believe it or not it cause only 10 yen which is $2. They wash, massage head to shoulder and hands blow dry then cut your hair if you wish to. Each time it take about one and half hour. The ladies wash and massage but the guys will blow and cuts. It is sort of a standard thing in Shanghai, every salon does that.
My sister Esther treated me to facial, body massage and 5 hair wash and one with treatment.
My two sis treated us to(dolar) special steam boat, Japanese food, Baker's Inn (Pizza) and many more.
We enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful scenery, especially the Shanghai shore and the three storey ship ride was really beautiful. I enjoyed shopping gloves of all sorts, scarfs, shawls and boots. They were really cheap.
The day before we left, we were invited by Esther's neighbour for fellowship. They spotted us during Shanghai intl church service. Moveover, Racheal was amazed by their black dog which is the size of a bear, every morning she would wave to the dog at the balcony. It is really huge and hairy. It was a very special meeting up, Jenny give me a gift which is called the 8 blessings from the book of Matt. I was very touch by their hospitality to us.
I saw the working of God's hand as we fellowship in prayer and sharing our hearts. I thank God for the peace He bestows upon us. I believe as we live for Him, actually He leads every steps of our lives. I entrust my sisters to the Lord as He leads them in every aspect of their lives that they will make right choices in every plan they made.
We had a good time of fellowship, renewing our spirit in the Lord. We were showered with many treats which I have never had in my life time. I would say that it was a good break for me.
Visiting the BP church about an hour's MRT ride and the Shanghai Intl church which is abont 20 mins away was an eye opening for me. The services are all in Mandarin.
I enjoyed preparing dinner for my sisters. Especially, the marketing is interesting because the vegetables are extremely fresh and the meat bone is so tasty in the soup. It is so cheap to do marketing there. I only got to cook for 7 days, most of the time we eat out.
I enjoyed having my hair wash at the salon. Believe it or not it cause only 10 yen which is $2. They wash, massage head to shoulder and hands blow dry then cut your hair if you wish to. Each time it take about one and half hour. The ladies wash and massage but the guys will blow and cuts. It is sort of a standard thing in Shanghai, every salon does that.
My sister Esther treated me to facial, body massage and 5 hair wash and one with treatment.
My two sis treated us to(dolar) special steam boat, Japanese food, Baker's Inn (Pizza) and many more.
We enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful scenery, especially the Shanghai shore and the three storey ship ride was really beautiful. I enjoyed shopping gloves of all sorts, scarfs, shawls and boots. They were really cheap.
The day before we left, we were invited by Esther's neighbour for fellowship. They spotted us during Shanghai intl church service. Moveover, Racheal was amazed by their black dog which is the size of a bear, every morning she would wave to the dog at the balcony. It is really huge and hairy. It was a very special meeting up, Jenny give me a gift which is called the 8 blessings from the book of Matt. I was very touch by their hospitality to us.
I saw the working of God's hand as we fellowship in prayer and sharing our hearts. I thank God for the peace He bestows upon us. I believe as we live for Him, actually He leads every steps of our lives. I entrust my sisters to the Lord as He leads them in every aspect of their lives that they will make right choices in every plan they made.
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